Lamp Control Apparatus for Smooth Light Output Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lamps with fast response to energy changes, such as LEDs, exhibit noticeable step-like changes in light output when energy levels are adjusted, causing discomfort to users, especially when multiple steps are changed simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A method and control apparatus that interpolate data values between successive instants to generate smooth control signals, allowing for gradual transitions between light output levels, reducing the perceptibility of step-like changes by distributing additional data values over specific time intervals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If data values are changed in large steps to achieve fast response in lamps with fast response characteristics, then the response speed is improved, but the noticeability of light output changes increases causing user discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidnoticeability of light output changes

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments a large data value change into multiple smaller incremental steps. Instead of applying a single large change to the light output control, the system divides the total change amount into several smaller increments and applies them sequentially over time. This segmentation reduces the perceptibility of each individual change step while maintaining the overall fast response characteristic of LED lamps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by calculating and preparing intermediate data values before actually applying the light output change. The control device determines a plurality of intermediate data values that will be used to gradually transition from the current light output level to the target level, ensuring a smooth and imperceptible transition for users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If 8 bits of data are used to control light output levels, then the communication bandwidth is maintained at efficient levels, but the number of controllable steps is limited to 255 levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication bandwidth efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of controllable light output steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a time dimension to the control process. Instead of increasing the data bit depth (which would consume more bandwidth), the system uses temporal sequencing of intermediate values. By distributing the light output adjustment across multiple time steps with intermediate values, the system achieves fine-grained control within the existing 8-bit communication framework, effectively adding a time dimension to overcome the limitation of discrete 255 levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7667409B2Method for driving a lamp in a lighting system based on a goal energizing level of the lamp and a control apparatus therefor

Publication Date: 2010.02.23 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

AI summary

A method and a control apparatus for driving a lamp (14) in a lighting system, in particular a lamp laving a fast response to a change of an amount of energy supplied through the lamp, in which a device controller 8 is connected with the lamp (14) The device controller (8) receives data values from a system controller (2) to change a light output level of the lamp (14). Upon receiving a data value which is different from a previously received data value the device controller calculates additional data values and distribute the additional data values in a following, time interval to smoothen a transition between different light output levels of the lamp (14).