Lighting Control Device Using Segmented Light Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spotlight systems require time to move in pan and tilt directions, leading to complex configurations and increased mechanical failure, making them inefficient and requiring regular maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A lighting control system using a plurality of light sources, where a processing unit acquires direction designation information and light source information to selectively illuminate LEDs, allowing for swift direction changes without the need for pan/tilt mechanisms, simplifying the configuration and reducing mechanical stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a spotlight uses pan/tilt mechanisms to change illumination direction, then the lighting direction can be adjusted, but it takes time to move and the configuration becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting direction adjustmentVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single spotlight is segmented into multiple light sources (first light source and second light source) with different irradiation directions. Each light source is independently controllable, allowing the system to achieve various illumination directions by selecting and combining specific light sources rather than mechanically moving a single spotlight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical pan/tilt movement system is replaced with an electrical control system that selectively activates different light sources. Instead of physically moving the spotlight apparatus, the system uses electronic switching to change illumination direction, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining directional flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a spotlight uses pan/tilt mechanisms to change illumination direction, then the lighting direction can be adjusted, but mechanical failure is likely to occur requiring regular maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting direction adjustmentVSAvoidmechanical failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical pan/tilt system is completely replaced with an electrical control system that switches between multiple fixed light sources. This eliminates moving parts, mechanical joints, and actuators that are prone to failure, thereby significantly improving system reliability while preserving the ability to adjust illumination direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of moving the light source to change direction, the invention inverts the approach by keeping multiple light sources stationary and selecting different ones based on the desired direction. This static configuration with selective activation eliminates mechanical wear and failure risks associated with movement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Loss of time

If a spotlight quickly changes illumination direction, then lighting response time is reduced, but mechanical speed limits apply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting response timeVSAvoidmechanical movement speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical movement system is replaced with electrical switching between multiple light sources. Electrical switching occurs virtually instantaneously compared to mechanical movement, eliminating the time delay inherent in accelerating and moving physical components while achieving the same functional result of changing illumination direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple light sources are pre-positioned at different locations within the spotlight apparatus, each oriented to provide illumination in a specific direction. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for movement during operation; the system simply selects from pre-configured options, achieving instantaneous directional change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11706865B2Lighting control device, lighting control system, and lighting control method

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A lighting control device controls illumination of a lighting device using a plurality of light sources. The lighting control device includes a processing unit that executes processing related to control on the illumination. The processing unit acquires direction designation information for designating at least one illumination direction to which the lighting device illuminates, acquires light source information indicating a plurality of light source irradiation directions that are irradiation directions of the plurality of light sources, and based on (i) at least one designated illumination direction that is the at least one illumination direction designated by the direction designation information and (ii) the plurality of light source irradiation directions, causes part of the plurality of light sources to illuminate.