Light Fixture Control System for Output Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light fixtures of different types and ages produce inconsistent light outputs, affecting the appearance and reflection of light in applications like theatre lighting, where precise color and brightness control are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that detect and analyze the light outputs of multiple fixtures, calculate updates to match desired colors and brightness, and adjust light source values to ensure consistent output among fixtures, accounting for aging and surface reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light fixtures of different types and ages are used, then the system can provide diverse lighting capabilities and coverage, but the light output consistency among fixtures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes control parameters (dimming values) for each light fixture based on measured characteristics. The controller measures light output from each fixture and calculates adjusted dimming values to compensate for variations in LED aging, bin variations, and fixture differences, thereby maintaining consistent perceived light output across all fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by measuring the actual light output from each fixture and using this information to adjust control signals. The controller continuously monitors light output characteristics and modifies dimming values in response to measured deviations, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains consistency despite fixture variations.
2Ease of manufacture
If light fixtures are calibrated only at manufacturing time, then the calibration process is simple and quick, but the accuracy of color matching deteriorates over time as light sources age
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement and calculation of compensation values during installation or setup. The controller measures the light output of each fixture and pre-calculates adjusted dimming values that account for aging effects, storing these values for ongoing use. This preliminary action establishes accurate color matching that compensates for future aging without requiring continuous recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from light output measurements to maintain color matching accuracy over time. By continuously monitoring light output characteristics and adjusting dimming values based on measured deviations, the system compensates for aging effects and maintains accurate color matching throughout the fixture's operational life.
3Device complexity
If standard dimming values are used for all light fixtures, then the control system is simple, but the perceived light output varies among fixtures due to individual differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by assigning unique control parameters to each light fixture based on its individual characteristics. Instead of using a uniform dimming value for all fixtures, the controller calculates and applies fixture-specific dimming adjustments that account for variations in LED bins, fixture design, and aging patterns, thereby achieving consistent perceived output across diverse fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameters (dimming values) for each fixture based on measured light output characteristics. The controller measures actual performance of each fixture and adjusts the dimming parameter individually to compensate for manufacturing variations and aging, transforming a simple uniform control approach into a customized control strategy that achieves consistency.
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 system achieves consistent and accurate light output among multiple fixtures, ensuring optimal reflection and maintaining desired lighting effects across different venues and fixture types.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing module configured to detect a first light output of the first light fixture, detect a second light output of the second light fixture, and detect a first reflection of light from a surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a plurality of light fixtures. The method includes detecting the light outputs of a plurality of light fixtures and detecting a reflection of light from a surface. The light outputs and the reflection of light are analyzed. Differences among the light outputs of the plurality of light fixtures are determined, and a difference between the reflection of light and a desired reflection of light is determined. New or updated values for output color, output brightness, and/or output spectra are determined for the plurality of light fixtures such that the light outputs of the light fixtures are consistent and correspond to a desired light output, and such that the reflection of light corresponds to the desired reflection of light. Each of the plurality of light fixtures is then driven using respective light source output values to produce the desired light outputs.