Light Source Calibration for Linear Dimming and Flicker Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems face challenges in accurately controlling and calibrating the dimming and color-changing capabilities of light sources due to non-linear relationships between dimming inputs and output levels, leading to inconsistent performance and undesirable flicker.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses sensor data to create a more linear and proportional relationship between dimming inputs and output levels by mapping dimming inputs to control signals, adjusting inputs to match expected output levels, and correcting flicker through signal adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional dimming control is used without calibration, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the relationship between dimming inputs and output levels becomes non-linear causing inconsistent performance and flicker
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by determining a curve that plots the relationship between light outputs and dimming inputs before normal operation. This preliminary mapping action establishes the correct correlation between dimming inputs and actual light output levels, ensuring consistent performance without requiring complex real-time adjustments during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor data to detect actual light output levels and feeds this information back to adjust and refine the mapping between dimming inputs and control signals. This feedback mechanism continuously optimizes the calibration to maintain accurate correspondence between user input and actual lighting output, eliminating flicker and inconsistency.
2Measurement precision
If dimming inputs are not calibrated to match expected output levels, then the system operates without calibration overhead, but the dimming inputs do not correspond accurately to actual output levels
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is performed as a preliminary action that determines the relationship curve between dimming inputs and light outputs before the system enters normal operation. This upfront calibration establishes accurate mapping data that enables precise dimming control throughout the system's operational life, minimizing the need for repeated calibration procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the relationship between dimming inputs and output levels is non-linear, then the system can accommodate various light source types, but the performance becomes inconsistent and flicker occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter representation by creating a mapped relationship that transforms non-linear dimming input-output relationships into a linear, predictable correspondence. By determining a curve that plots actual light outputs against dimming inputs and using this mapping to translate dimming inputs to appropriate control signals, the system maintains adaptability to various light source types while achieving consistent, flicker-free performance.
Data Source
AI summary
System and techniques are provided for calibrating lighting systems. An example method can include determining, based on data from a sensor in a scene, different light outputs generated by a light source in the scene, the different light outputs including brightness, intensity, and/or color levels; determining a curve plotting a relationship between the different light outputs and different dimming inputs used to control the light source; based on the curve, mapping the different dimming inputs to control signals configured to trigger the light source to generate the different light outputs, the mapping correlating each dimming input to a light output and a control signal configured to trigger the light source to generate the light output; and based on the mapping, calibrating each dimming input to control the light source to generate the light output associated with that dimming input based on the control signal correlated to that dimming input.