Dimming Control Device for Continuous LED Fading via Data Interpolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dimming control systems like DMX512 cannot change the dimming level of lighting apparatuses continuously, leading to discontinuous fading due to their limited resolution and lack of time information in dimming signals, especially with high-response light sources like LEDs.
Innovation Solution
A dimming control device that receives and stores dimming input level data at intervals, generating dimming output level data with higher resolution by averaging multiple input levels, allowing for continuous dimming level changes and improved control over light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If DMX512 dimming control is used, then dimming level can be changed instantaneously, but dimming level cannot be changed continuously over a predetermined time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores historical dimming input level data in a memory before generating the output signal. This preliminary storage of past data enables the system to interpolate continuous dimming levels based on historical trends, resolving the contradiction between fast response and continuous change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage between the dimming input signal and the light source control. This intermediary generator creates interpolated dimming output level data that bridges the gap between instantaneous input changes and continuous output requirements.
2Device complexity
If 8-bit dimming signal resolution is used, then dimming control is simple, but dimming level cannot be changed more smoothly than the resolution limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of data resolution by generating 16-bit or higher precision output level data from 8-bit input signals. This parameter transformation enables smooth dimming level changes beyond the original resolution limit while maintaining simple input interface requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension by incorporating historical dimming level data over time into the calculation. This dimensional expansion from spatial resolution to time-resolved precision enables smoother transitions without increasing the instantaneous data width.
3Speed
If high-response light sources like LEDs are used, then response speed is fast, but discontinuity of dimming level change in fading becomes conspicuous
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily stores historical dimming input level data before generating output signals. This enables the fast-response LED to receive pre-calculated interpolated values that maintain smooth fading transitions, compensating for the LED's inherently fast and potentially discontinuous response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses historical dimming input level data as feedback to generate interpolated output values. This feedback mechanism continuously refines the dimming control signal to maintain smooth transitions even when the light source responds rapidly and potentially discontinuously.
Data Source
AI summary
A dimming control device configured to receive dimming input level data updated at intervals, and to control a dimming level of a light source based on the dimming input level data, includes: a memory that stores the dimming input level data received prior to the newest dimming input level data; and a generator that generates dimming output level data as data having higher resolution than the dimming input level data, the dimming output level data being generated as a function of the dimming input level data received and stored in the memory.