LED Lighting Control via Programmable Controller Software

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large computer lighting networks face challenges with maintenance, particularly in maintaining even brightness and color across LEDs over time, as existing IC controllers are inflexible and costly to replace, leading to uneven pixel brightness and splotchy effects in applications like video walls.

Innovation Solution

A lighting apparatus with a programmable controller and regulator that provides digital pulse width signals to LEDs, allowing for individual brightness control and software upgradability, enabling flexible calibration and feature updates without replacing hardware modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If IC controllers are used to control LED lighting networks, then data processing capability is provided, but flexibility and ease of update are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidhardware replacement requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional IC controller hardware-based control system with a programmable controller that uses software to manage LED lighting networks. This substitution allows functionality to be changed through software updates rather than hardware replacement, significantly improving flexibility and adaptability while reducing the complexity of system maintenance and updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic changes in control parameters through software programming of the programmable controller. Instead of being fixed in IC hardware, control parameters such as lighting patterns, colors, and timing can be modified by updating the controller's software, allowing the system to adapt to different requirements without physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If IC controllers are replaced to maintain LED brightness uniformity, then calibration capability is improved, but cost and inconvenience increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrightness uniformityVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for physical IC controller replacement with a programmable controller that can be updated through software. This allows brightness calibration and uniformity maintenance to be achieved through parameter adjustments in the controller's memory, eliminating the costly and inconvenient process of replacing hardware components while maintaining precision in brightness control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses software copies or images stored in the programmable controller's memory to replicate and adjust control parameters for LED brightness calibration. Instead of replacing physical controllers, the system creates and applies software-based control profiles that can be copied, stored, and updated, providing a cost-effective way to maintain brightness uniformity across LED arrays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If new LED pixels are installed to replace failed LEDs, then reliability is improved, but brightness uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLED replacementVSAvoidbrightness uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms in the programmable controller that monitor LED brightness levels and adjust control parameters accordingly. When new LED pixels are installed or brightness variations occur, the controller receives feedback data and automatically adjusts the drive signals to maintain uniform brightness across all LEDs, compensating for differences between new and existing pixels without requiring manual recalibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 granular control over LED brightness and color, allowing for calibration and feature updates without the expense and inconvenience of replacing IC controllers, maintaining even illumination in large lighting networks.

Implementation Method 1

a regulator configured to receive power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower regulation:

Implementation Method 2

the programable controller includes software that is configured to provide a digital pulse width signal to the LEDs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulse width modulation:

Implementation Method 3

LEDs of at least two different colors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 4

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) have a broad range of uses in various applications

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS8228284B2Lighting apparatus including LEDS and programmable controller for controlling the same

Publication Date: 2012.07.24 LIGHTING SCIENCE GROUP CORP

AI summary

The present invention describes a lighting apparatus which includes a regulator configured to receive power, LEDs of at least two different colors, and a programmable controller. The programmable controller includes software that is configured to provide a digital pulse width signal to the LEDs in response to a data signal. Also included is according to an embodiment of the present invention is a programmable controller with non-volatile memory for storing the software, which may be upgradeable.