Address-less LED Control Module Stream Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing decorative lighting systems require lengthy and error-prone setup times and suffer from unacceptable downtime due to the need for readdressing when a lighting device fails, as they rely on addressing schemes that complicate the replacement and integration of new devices.

Innovation Solution

An address-less LED lighting control system where each lighting module receives a digital instruction stream, extracts a portion for local execution, and passes the remainder to the next module, eliminating the need for addressing information and allowing seamless integration and replacement of modules without reprogramming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If addressing schemes are used to control individual lighting devices, then lighting control precision is improved, but system complexity and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting control precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the digital instruction stream into discrete control blocks, where each block contains control information for a specific lighting device. This segmentation allows precise control of individual devices without requiring complex addressing schemes, as each device simply processes its designated control block from the stream.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the control block for each lighting device from the digital instruction stream and delivers it to the corresponding device. This extraction mechanism eliminates the need for devices to have unique addresses or for the system to perform complex address matching, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining precise control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If addressing schemes are used to control individual lighting devices, then lighting control precision is improved, but setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting control precisionVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control system prepares the digital instruction stream in advance with control blocks pre-organized for each lighting device. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for time-consuming address configuration and device identification during setup, allowing the system to begin operation immediately with precise control already in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If addressing schemes are used, then individual device control is improved, but system reliability decreases due to readdressing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual device controlVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each lighting device autonomously processes its designated control block from the digital instruction stream without requiring system-wide readdressing or configuration. This self-service mechanism ensures that individual device control is maintained while eliminating the reliability issues associated with readdressing requirements, as devices simply execute their pre-assigned control blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of repair

If replacement devices are integrated into the system, then system maintainability is improved, but readdressing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice replacement easeVSAvoidreaddressing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Replacement lighting devices automatically process their control blocks from the digital instruction stream without requiring readdressing or system reconfiguration. This self-service capability allows devices to be replaced and integrated seamlessly, maintaining system operation while eliminating time-consuming readdressing procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 efficient and error-free control of LED lighting systems, allowing for complex visual effects and reducing downtime by eliminating the need for readdressing, as each module can be replaced without reprogramming, and supports various effects like chasing, flashing, and music synchronization.

Implementation Method 1

at least one LED attached to the digital switch, the digital switch providing electrical energy for powering the at least one LED

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The LED driver may control the digital switch via pulse width modulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulse width modulation:

Data Source

PatentUS9572234B2LED control module
Publication Date: 2017.02.14 CROSSROADS LED
  • US9572234B2 patent drawing
  • US9572234B2 patent drawing
  • US9572234B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A lighting system including a lighting module that receives a digital instruction stream containing lighting instructions, extracts a portion of the stream, provides a remainder of the stream to a connected adjacent lighting module, and executes the extracted portion.