LED Programming via Modulated Light Signal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting devices with microcontrollers require an external programming port for reconfiguration, which increases costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device that can be programmed through its LED, using an externally-supplied light signal modulated with a programming signal, eliminating the need for an external programming port by using a controller to respond to the light signal and generate a current or voltage for demodulation and digitization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an external programming port (e.g., USB port) is added to the lighting device for reconfiguring the microcontroller, then the device can be programmed and reconfigured, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming capabilityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The LED is made to serve dual functions: as the light-emitting component for illumination and as a programming interface for receiving configuration data. By modulating the LED's light output with incoming data signals, the lighting device eliminates the need for a separate programming port while retaining full programmability of the microcontroller

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Light serves as an intermediary carrier for data transmission. The external programming device modulates light signals that illuminate the LED, and the LED's photodiode detects these modulated light signals to receive programming data, enabling communication without direct electrical connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an external programming port is added to the lighting device, then the microcontroller can be programmed, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The LED performs dual duty as both the illumination source and the programming interface. This eliminates the need to manufacture additional programming ports, cables, and associated hardware, thereby reducing bill of materials costs and simplifying the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The LED's inherent photodiode capability is utilized to receive programming signals through light illumination. The existing LED structure serves the programming function without requiring additional components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 cost-effective and simplified programming of microcontrollers within lighting devices, allowing for various modes of operation and user-configurable settings without the need for additional hardware, such as USB ports.

Implementation Method 1

a controller configured to receive a programming signal generated by the LED in response to illumination of the LED with an externally-supplied light signal modulated with the programming signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2745629B1Lighting device controller programming

Publication Date: 2018.05.16 SUREFIRE LLC

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AI summary

Various techniques are provided for programming lighting devices. In one example, a lighting device includes a light emitting diode (LED). The lighting device also includes a microcontroller configured to receive a programming signal generated by the LED in response to illumination of the LED with an externally-supplied light signal modulated with the programming signal.