Light Module Animation Control with Wake-On-Demand Powering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light module systems face challenges in performing light animations while minimizing the number of wires connected to the microprocessor and reducing power consumption, particularly due to the microprocessor being constantly powered during non-animation periods.

Innovation Solution

A system that utilizes a microprocessor configured to receive separate signals for lighting and animation functions, storing the initial state of the lighting signal, and powering up only when needed, using a storage module and blanking circuit to optimize power consumption and enable multiple animations based on signal values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the microprocessor is constantly powered to perform light animations, then the animation functionality is available, but the power consumption increases and the microprocessor lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanimation functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The microprocessor is powered on periodically only when animation functionality is needed, rather than continuously. The system checks for animation requests and activates the microprocessor only at those moments, reducing power consumption while maintaining animation capability when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system stores the initial state of the light power signal before the microprocessor is activated. This preliminary storage allows the microprocessor to immediately determine which animation should be performed upon activation, eliminating the need for continuous operation and enabling rapid response to animation requests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If the microprocessor is constantly powered, then animations can be performed immediately, but the number of wires and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanimation response timeVSAvoidnumber of wires

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light power signal INP1 serves dual purposes: it powers the lighting function and also provides state information for animation control. By using the same signal for both purposes, the system reduces the number of wires needed while maintaining the ability to perform animations with different signal values.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the microprocessor is activated only when needed, then power consumption is reduced, but the initial state of the light signal may be lost during wake-up period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidinitial state information

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The initial state of the light power signal INP1 is stored in a storage module before the microprocessor is activated. This preliminary action ensures that when the microprocessor wakes up, the initial state information is already available, preventing any loss of information during the wake-up period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A storage module acts as an intermediary between the light power signal and the microprocessor. It captures and holds the initial state information, serving as a bridge that preserves data during the period when the microprocessor is inactive or waking up.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If multiple animations are performed using the same signal, then system congestion is reduced, but the microprocessor must accurately distinguish between different animation states

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem congestionVSAvoidanimation state detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores the initial state of the light power signal before microprocessor activation. This allows the microprocessor to accurately determine the animation type by comparing the initial state with the current state, enabling precise animation control without requiring additional signals or increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4338555B1Power control of a light animation performed on a light module

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 VALEO VISION SA

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AI summary

The invention concerns a system for performing light animations on a light module (110). The system receives a first signal derived from a light power signal INP1 and a second signal derived from an animation power signal. The system comprises a microprocessor (200) controlling the light module and powered by the second signal. A storage module (220) allows to store an initial state of the first signal when the microprocessor is activated by the second signal. After it wakes up, the microprocessor determines a light animation to be performed based on the initial state and a current state of the second signal.