LED Television Simulator with Pseudo-Random Scene Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home security devices fail to convincingly simulate the presence of occupants, particularly the dynamic and realistic light output of a modern color television, which is crucial for deterring intruders, and are often energy-inefficient and prone to malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A method using low-powered LED light sources to simulate the intensity fades, swells, flicks, and varying colors of a television image, with a portable and energy-efficient design that can operate from household electricity or batteries, employing digital logic to generate pseudo-random scene changes and color variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional flasher devices with incandescent bulbs are used to simulate television brightness, then the device can produce varying brightness levels, but the simulation appears mechanistic and predictable rather than realistic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flasher circuits with a microprocessor-based system that uses software algorithms to generate pseudo-random brightness patterns. This substitution eliminates the mechanistic and predictable nature of traditional mechanical flashers while achieving more realistic television simulation through digital control and complex algorithmic patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes multiple parameters including brightness levels, color temperatures, and transition rates through software control. The microprocessor adjusts these parameters in a pseudo-random manner based on stored patterns, creating realistic television simulation without requiring complex mechanical adjustments, thus improving realism while managing device complexity through software rather than hardware.
2Reliability
If incandescent bulbs are used as light sources, then the device can produce warm light output, but the devices are energy-inefficient and prone to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs LED technology with adjustable color temperature parameters, allowing the light source to simulate the warm output of incandescent bulbs while maintaining the energy efficiency and reliability of LEDs. The microprocessor controls the LED drive current and pulse width modulation to achieve the desired warm light characteristics without the drawbacks of incandescent technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses LED modules that can be configured to produce composite light output patterns, combining multiple LED types or using phosphor conversion to achieve warm color temperatures. This approach maintains the reliability and efficiency advantages of solid-state lighting while reproducing the desirable warm characteristics of traditional incandescent bulbs.
3Reliability
If simple brightness flashing is used to simulate television, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it fails to convincingly mimic the dynamic and realistic light output of modern color televisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical shading mechanisms with a microprocessor-controlled LED system that uses software to generate realistic television simulation patterns. This approach simplifies manufacturing by eliminating mechanical moving parts while achieving more convincing simulation through digital control of light output characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates color temperature adjustment capability in the LED system, allowing the light output to vary through different color temperatures to simulate the dynamic color output of modern color televisions. This adds realism to the simulation without requiring complex mechanical systems, maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly improving the convincing nature of the television emulation.
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 a realistic and energy-efficient simulation of a television, effectively deterring intruders by mimicking the dynamic light patterns of a real TV, while being easy to use and cost-effective, with a long-lasting LED light source that can operate for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
A method for accurately simulating a television image uses intensity fades, swells, flicks, static periods, and varying realistic colors through a long-lasting and energy-efficient LED light source
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for simulating an operating television for the purpose of deterring potential intruders by providing the appearance that one or more occupants are at home. Realistic simulation of a television is accomplished via perceived random combinations, amplitudes, colors, and durations of television program scene modes, these scene modes comprised of fades, swells, flicks, static periods, and low frequency noise. Color shifts, both subtle and dramatic, effectively emulate true television output. Efficient, reliable, and inexpensive super-bright LEDs serve as light sources.