LED Array Proximity Control via Time-of-Flight Ranging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED arrays designed to be compatible with halogen light bulb sockets face challenges in implementing power-saving features like proximity sensors due to space constraints, making it difficult to achieve further energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system that incorporates a light emitting diode array, a time-of-flight ranging system, and a logic circuit, which determines the distance to an object and controls the LED array based on this distance, using a vertical cavity surface emitting laser and a Geiger mode avalanche photodetector to activate or deactivate the LED array and adjust its duty cycle accordingly, while being powered by a standard light bulb socket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LED arrays are designed to be compatible with existing halogen light bulb sockets, then ease of installation and compatibility are improved, but space for power-saving features like proximity sensors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the time-of-flight ranging system components (laser diode, photodetector, signal processing circuitry) with the LED array driver circuitry into a single integrated control module that fits within the existing bulb socket interface. This merging allows proximity sensing functionality to be added without requiring additional separate components that would exceed space constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module performs multiple functions: it drives the LED array for lighting, processes time-of-flight signals for proximity detection, and implements power-saving logic based on detected distance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate proximity sensor modules, saving valuable space while maintaining socket compatibility.
2Loss of energy
If proximity sensors are added to LED arrays for power saving, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or separate electronic proximity sensors with an optical time-of-flight ranging system using laser diodes and photodetectors. This substitution enables proximity detection through light measurement rather than mechanical sensing, reducing the need for additional mechanical components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED array itself serves dual purposes: it provides lighting functionality and acts as part of the optical system for time-of-flight measurement. The control module uses the same power supply and processing resources to manage both lighting and proximity detection, reducing the need for completely separate systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If time-of-flight ranging system is integrated into LED array, then proximity-based control capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control module into functional segments: laser diode assembly for emitting ranging light, photodetector array for receiving reflected light, signal processing circuitry for calculating distance, and LED driver circuitry for controlling illumination. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested separately before final assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the photodetector array is positioned to receive light reflected from objects, the signal processing circuitry is integrated within the control module housing, and the entire assembly is contained within a compact form factor that fits standard bulb sockets. This nested arrangement minimizes the number of external connections and assembly steps required during manufacturing.
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
This solution enables energy-efficient operation of LED arrays by activating or deactivating them based on proximity to an object, maintaining compatibility with existing sockets and enhancing energy savings through smart dimming modes, thereby addressing the space constraints and energy efficiency demands.
Implementation Method 1
The time of flight ranging system may include a vertical cavity surface emitting laser configured to emit ranging light
Implementation Method 2
a Geiger mode avalanche photodetector configured to detect reflected ranging light that has reflected off the object
Implementation Method 3
determine a distance to an object based upon time elapsed between activating the ranging light source and detecting the reflected ranging light
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system includes a light emitting diode array, and a time of flight ranging system. A logic circuit determines a distance to an object using the time of flight ranging system and controls the light emitting diode array based upon the distance to the object. A receptacle is coupled to the logic circuit, and sized and configured to fit within and be powered from a light bulb socket. In some applications, the logic circuit may activate the light emitting diode array when the object is less than a threshold distance away from the lighting system and deactivate the light emitting diode array when the object is greater than the threshold distance away from the lighting system. In further applications, the logic circuit may activate the light emitting diode array at a duty cycle that varies based upon the distance to the object.