General Lighting LED Positioning via Overlapping Wavelengths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for locating moving objects using LEDs are complex and costly, often requiring multiple light sources and sensors to achieve accurate positioning, which can be inefficient and prone to measurement inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing at least three general lighting LEDs that send light signals with transmission time information in overlapping wavelength ranges, combined with a light sensor and evaluation unit to determine the position of a moving object, allowing for precise localization using fluorescence LEDs or RGB LEDs, which can integrate lighting, data transmission, and location functionalities in a single system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple specialized LEDs and sensors are used for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using general lighting LEDs that serve dual purposes: providing illumination and enabling positioning functionality. Instead of requiring specialized positioning LEDs, the system uses commercially available general lighting LEDs with overlapping wavelength ranges, allowing the same light sources to fulfill both lighting and positioning functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges lighting and positioning functions into a single integrated system. By combining general lighting LEDs with positioning capabilities and integrating the light sensor to receive both illumination and positioning signals, the system eliminates the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple specialized LEDs and sensors are used for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive general lighting LEDs instead of costly specialized positioning LEDs. By using commercially available LEDs designed for illumination purposes, the system significantly reduces component costs while maintaining positioning functionality through the overlapping wavelength ranges of these standard LEDs.
Solution Approach 2:
The same general lighting LEDs serve both illumination and positioning functions, eliminating the need to purchase and install separate expensive specialized positioning LEDs. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall system cost while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Device complexity
If general lighting LEDs with overlapping wavelength ranges are used, then system simplicity and cost are reduced, but signal differentiation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning unique wavelength range characteristics to different LEDs within the overlapping spectrum. Each general lighting LED operates in a slightly different wavelength range, creating distinct local spectral signatures that enable the light sensor to differentiate between signals from different LEDs despite the overall overlapping wavelength ranges.
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 approach simplifies and cost-reduces the process of object positioning, enhances precision, and integrates lighting, data transmission, and location functions, providing improved spatial resolution and security through accurate data stream control.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor which is attached to the movable object and is designed to receive the first to third light signals in the overlapping area
Implementation Method 2
LEDs enable fast data transmission by modulating the excitation current of the LED
Implementation Method 3
A technology that works in the visible light range is the so-called 'Visual Light Communication' (VLC) or 'Visible Light Communication', which uses light in the visible wavelength range (approx. 400nm to 800nm) for optical data transmission
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for determining the position of a moving object (110) is described, comprising the following features: an arrangement with at least three general illumination LEDs (L1 to L3), each of which is configured to transmit a light signal (S1 to S3) with transmission time information (T1S to T3S) and transmitter information, wherein the wavelength ranges of the general illumination LEDs overlap for signal transmission, the transmitter information enabling at least a determination of a position (P1 to P3) of the respective general illumination LED and the transmission time information providing information about the time at which the respective signal (S1 to S3) was transmitted; a light sensor (LS) attached to the moving object (110) and configured to receive the light signals (S1 to S3) and assign a signal reception time (T1R to T3R) to each;and an evaluation unit (120) which is designed to determine the position of the object based on the transmitter information, the transmission time information (T1S to T3S) and the reception time information (T1R to T3R).