Integrated Light Sensor with Optical Filters for LED Color Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light sensor devices for LED-based lighting systems are complex, expensive, and large due to the use of multiple discrete sensor elements for different light ranges, making them unsuitable for small LED lamps and requiring extensive wiring, especially when IR sensor capabilities are needed for wireless control signal detection.
Innovation Solution
A compact, cost-effective light sensor device is developed with a single substrate hosting two integrated light sensitive areas, one for visible light and another for non-visible light (preferably IR), using optical filters to separate the respective spectra, reducing wiring and size, and incorporating PIN photodiodes and amplifier stages for improved sensitivity and signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple discrete sensor elements are used for different light ranges, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete sensor elements (visible light sensor and IR sensor) onto a single substrate, integrating what were previously separate components into one unified device. This merging approach maintains the ability to measure different light ranges independently while reducing overall device complexity and eliminating extensive wiring requirements between separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves multiple functions by hosting both visible light sensing and IR sensing capabilities. This multi-functional design allows a single component to perform what previously required multiple specialized elements, thereby improving measurement precision across different light ranges without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple discrete sensor elements are used for different light ranges, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple sensor elements onto a single substrate, the patent reduces the total component count and assembly steps required. This integration approach lowers manufacturing costs despite maintaining multi-range measurement precision, as fewer discrete parts need to be sourced, positioned, and connected separately.
3Adaptability or versatility
If IR sensor capability is added for wireless control signal detection, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The IR sensor is integrated onto the same substrate as the visible light sensor, creating a unified sensing platform. This combination enables wireless control signal detection capability while avoiding the wiring complexity that would result from adding a completely separate IR sensor module, as both sensing functions share common substrate infrastructure and signal paths.
4Measurement precision
If optical filters are used to separate spectra, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical filters for different spectral ranges are integrated onto the single substrate, combining what would traditionally be separate filter assemblies. This approach maintains spectral measurement precision by providing dedicated filters for each sensor element while reducing overall device complexity through shared mounting infrastructure and compact arrangement.
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 solution enables a compact, affordable light sensor capable of sensing visible and IR light, allowing for precise color control and wireless communication, reducing the size and cost of LED lamp systems while improving measurement quality and enabling bidirectional communication between light sources.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical filter device assigned to said first area and adapted to filter the visible light spectrum
Implementation Method 2
a second optical filter device assigned to said second area and adapted to filter the non-visible light spectrum
Implementation Method 3
a first light sensitive area and a second light sensitive area fabricated on the same substrate adjacent to each other to form a single integrated sensor component
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a light sensor device comprising a substrate (18), a first light sensitive area (14, 15), and a second light sensitive area (12, 13). It is characterized in that a first optical filter device (22) assigned to said first area (14) and adapted to filter the visible light spectrum and a second optical filter device (24) assigned to said second area (12) and adapted to filter the non-visible light spectrum, preferably IR light spectrum, are provided, and said first and second light sensitive areas (12, 14) are fabricated on the same substrate (18) adjacent to each other to form a single integrated sensor component (10). The invention also relates to a lamp device (60) comprising such a light sensor device.