LED Luminaire Control via Switch Signal Evaluation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting systems lack the ability to individually adjust the color temperature of LED luminaires using conventional power supply means, limiting user control over lighting ambiance and color reproduction.

Innovation Solution

A method and control unit for LED luminaires that evaluate signals from user-operated switches or dimming switches to vary the color spectrum, color temperature, and brightness, utilizing pulse-width modulation and modulated mains voltage signals to adjust LED operation, allowing for independent control of RGB-LED modules and dye-converted white LEDs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional power supply means with standard switches are used, then the lighting system is simple and easy to operate, but the color temperature cannot be individually adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor temperature adjustmentVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single conventional switch to control multiple lighting parameters including brightness, color temperature, and color spectrum. The control unit interprets different switch operation patterns (single press, double press, hold duration) to achieve various lighting effects, eliminating the need for separate controls for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the duration and pattern of switch activation to control different lighting parameters. By changing the temporal parameters of switch operation (how long to hold, how many times to press), the system adjusts color temperature and brightness without requiring additional physical controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional input devices are added for color temperature control, then individual adjustment capability is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting control flexibilityVSAvoiduser interface simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the conventional switch universal by programming it to perform multiple control functions. A single switch handles brightness adjustment, color temperature variation, and color spectrum control through different operation patterns, eliminating the need for separate input devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically interpreting the user's switch operations and translating them into appropriate lighting adjustments. The control unit autonomously determines which lighting parameter to adjust based on the switch operation pattern, reducing the need for complex user interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If conventional switches are used without additional electronics, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of user intent is insufficient for precise lighting control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser input detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having the control unit continuously monitor the switch state and interpret the user's intentions based on the duration and pattern of activation. The system provides feedback to the user through the lighting output, allowing precise control of color temperature and brightness through interpreted switch patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit performs preliminary action by pre-defining the relationship between switch operation patterns and lighting parameters. Before the user operates the switch, the system is configured to interpret specific patterns (single press, double press, hold duration) as specific control commands, enabling precise lighting adjustment without complex real-time processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables intuitive user control of color temperature and brightness, allowing for discrete or continuous adjustment of lighting ambiance, enhancing user experience by providing customizable lighting settings without requiring additional input devices.

Implementation Method 1

an LED luminaire (1) which has a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LED) as light sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

utilizing pulse-width modulation and modulated mains voltage signals to adjust LED operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulse-width modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS9585220B2Operation of an LED luminaire having a variable spectrum
Publication Date: 2017.02.28 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • US9585220B2 patent drawing
  • US9585220B2 patent drawing
  • US9585220B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of an LED luminaire (1) which has a plurality of LEDs (5, 6) as light sources. The method has the following steps:evaluation, by a control unit (3) for the LED luminaire (1), of an electrical signal which is produced by a switch, pushbutton or dimming switch (10) which can be operated by a user (11) and is connected to the control unit (3) and supplied with voltage via an interface (23) of the LED luminaire (1), andvariation of the color spectrum of the LED luminaire (1) as a function of the evaluated signal.