LED Illumination Devices for Visible Light Communication via AC Mains Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED lighting systems face challenges in cost-effective control and communication, particularly in implementing features like remote control, daylight harvesting, and occupancy sensing, due to the need for complex electronics and wiring, and existing dimming solutions do not efficiently manage power consumption or adapt to changes in ambient light.
Innovation Solution
The use of illumination devices that synchronize with AC mains to produce time division multiplexed channels for optical communication, allowing control information to be transmitted through the same light source, using LEDs to detect and transmit data, and phase locked loops to ensure precise timing, reducing the need for additional electronics and infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional LED lighting systems implement control features like remote control, daylight harvesting, and occupancy sensing, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional electronics and wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The LED serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides illumination while also acting as a communication transmitter and receiver. The same LED hardware is used for both lighting and data transmission, eliminating the need for separate communication hardware and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines illumination and communication functions into a single integrated system. Control information is transmitted through the lighting infrastructure itself using optical communication during dimming intervals, merging the lighting control system with the communication system and eliminating separate wiring requirements
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional dimming solutions are used, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement precision and adaptability to ambient light changes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic dimming cycles where LEDs are dimmed or turned off at regular intervals. During these periodic dimming intervals, the LEDs function as receivers to detect ambient light levels and communicate with other devices. This periodic operation enables both energy savings through dimming and precise measurement of ambient light conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where detected ambient light levels are used to automatically adjust illumination levels. The LEDs measure ambient light during dimming intervals and this information feeds back to the control system to optimize power consumption while maintaining appropriate lighting levels
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 enables cost-effective implementation of advanced lighting control systems with reduced complexity, allowing for efficient power management and adaptive brightness adjustments, while minimizing additional costs and infrastructure requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The LEDs in a light can be any color or any combination of colors, including white
Implementation Method 2
White LEDs are typically made with a blue LED covered in some type of yellow phosphor. Much of the blue light from the LED is absorbed by the phosphor and re-emitted at lower frequencies
Implementation Method 3
phase locked loops to ensure precise timing
Implementation Method 4
illumination devices that synchronize with AC mains to produce time division multiplexed channels for optical communication
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for visible light communication are disclosed. In part, illumination devices and related systems and methods are disclosed that can be used for general illumination, lighting control systems, or other applications. The illumination devices synchronize preferentially to the AC mains to produce time division multiplexed channels in which control information can be communicated optically by the same light source that is producing illumination. Such illumination devices preferentially comprise LEDs for producing illumination, transmitting data, detecting ambient light, and receiving data, however, other light sources and detectors can be used. The physical layer can be used with a variety of protocols, such as ZigBee, from the Media ACcess (MAC) layer and higher.