Programmable LED Light Engine for Uniform Color and Melanopic Flux
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED lighting technologies face challenges in achieving uniform color points and sufficient melanopic flux, leading to inadequate non-visual stimulus and potential retinal damage from blue light exposure, due to variability in LED manufacturing and spectral power distribution.
Innovation Solution
A programmable LED light engine with integrated color tuning capability, using a combination of white LEDs and monochromatic LEDs such as cyan and hyper-red, to adjust electrical current and produce a target color point, ensuring consistent color temperature and rich melanopic flux, while minimizing blue light hazard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional LED manufacturing methods are used, then production cost and ease of manufacture are improved, but color uniformity and spectral consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the electrical current supplied to individual LEDs with different color temperatures (warm white, neutral white, cool white) to dynamically tune the overall spectral output. By varying current parameters, the system achieves consistent color points and melanopic flux ratios despite manufacturing variations in individual LED components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring the actual spectral output and color points of the LED array, then using this information to adjust the current distribution to each LED type. This closed-loop feedback system compensates for manufacturing variations and maintains consistent color uniformity across different production batches
2Use of energy by moving object
If blue pump LED with phosphor is used, then luminous efficiency is improved, but melanopic flux and non-visual stimulus deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the white light generation into multiple independent LED types (warm white LEDs, neutral white LEDs, cool white LEDs) rather than relying on a single blue pump LED with phosphor. This segmentation allows independent control of spectral components to achieve both efficiency and adequate melanopic flux
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite approach by combining multiple LED types with different color temperatures in a single lighting system. This composite LED array enables the system to achieve high luminous efficiency while simultaneously providing sufficient melanopic flux for non-visual effects by optimizing the contribution of each LED type
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple color LEDs are combined, then spectral customization and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves spectral customization using a limited set of LED types (warm white, neutral white, cool white LEDs) that can be independently controlled. This multi-functional approach allows the same LED array to produce various color temperatures and spectral distributions without requiring complex additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent simplifies device complexity by controlling spectral output through electrical current parameters rather than physical reconfiguration. By adjusting current levels to each LED type, the system achieves spectral customization with simple electronic control rather than mechanical or optical complexity
4Illumination intensity
If LED current is increased, then luminous flux and brightness are improved, but blue light hazard and retinal damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameter distribution by increasing the contribution of warm white and neutral white LEDs while reducing reliance on cool white LEDs with higher blue content. This parameter adjustment allows achieving target brightness levels while maintaining lower overall blue light hazard potential
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 provides visually appealing and uniform illumination with enhanced melanopic-rich flux, reducing oxidative stress and facilitating circadian rhythm entrainment, while maintaining consistent color temperature and minimizing blue light exposure.
Implementation Method 1
Light emitting diode (LED) technology is a maturing technology that continues to show improvements in efficiency, customability and cost reduction
Implementation Method 2
Another method for generating white or near-white light is by using a lumiphor such as a phosphor in conjunction with a blue 'pump' LED
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for improving color accuracy and uniformity in LED illumination systems are disclosed including light engines, switching circuits and methods of adding phosphors or lumiphoric materials for controlling the addition or subtraction of light from one or more color light sources of the light engines to produce light of a uniform and consistent color. Systems and methods of providing LED light engines and associated illumination spectrums that are both visually appealing, rich in melanopic flux and that reduce blue light hazard exposure are also disclosed.