Lighting Device Status Indication via Modulated Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintenance personnel face challenges in determining when to replace Solid State Lighting (SSL) sources in large systems, as their degradation is often invisible and varies by location, leading to inefficient or premature replacements, which can be costly and environmentally hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with embedded light quality data, such as burning hours, and a monitoring system that provides real-time status information, allowing for targeted replacements before reaching the end of operational life, and optional visible indicators during maintenance sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If SSL light sources are monitored for replacement based on invisible degradation, then maintenance precision is improved, but measurement capability deteriorates because the degradation is invisible to human observation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a monitoring device with a sensor and processor that detects light quality parameters (such as luminous flux, color temperature, or spectral power distribution) and compares them against reference values. This intermediary system bridges the gap between invisible degradation and human observation capability, enabling precise detection without requiring visible signs of deterioration.
2Reliability
If all SSL light sources are replaced simultaneously, then lighting norm compliance is improved, but resource waste increases due to premature replacement of still-functional light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary monitoring and assessment of light quality parameters before replacement is necessary. By continuously measuring parameters such as luminous flux and comparing them to reference values obtained during manufacturing or installation, the system identifies which light sources are approaching degradation thresholds. This allows maintenance personnel to replace only those specific light sources that have actually degraded below acceptable levels, rather than replacing all sources simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If SSL light sources are replaced based on visible degradation signs, then replacement timing is simplified, but light quality below standards persists until manual inspection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the monitoring device continuously measures light quality parameters, compares them against reference values, and provides information about degradation status. This feedback loop enables maintenance personnel to make informed replacement decisions based on objective data rather than visible signs, ensuring that light sources are replaced only when they actually fall below acceptable quality standards.
4Loss of information
If light quality data is embedded in emitted light, then information transmission is achieved without additional communication infrastructure, but light modulation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial modulation of the light output to embed status information. Rather than continuously modulating the light, the system uses brief modulation events or subtle variations in already-present light characteristics (such as slight frequency shifts or intensity variations during normal operation) to encode status data. This partial action approach allows information transmission while preserving most of the light's primary function and minimizing impact on overall light output and quality.
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 solution enables efficient maintenance, reduces waste, and ensures compliance with lighting norms, improving light quality and reducing unnecessary replacements, while minimizing disruptions and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the controller (8) is arranged to embed light quality data in light output from the light source (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
It is presented a lighting device (2) arranged to embed light quality data in light emanating from the lighting device. The light quality data pertains to a status of the lighting device (2), e.g. with respect to its end of operational life. The light may be detected by a monitoring device (3) external to the lighting device (2). The monitoring device (3) can then help to determine the status of the lighting device (2), whereby maintenance operations of the lighting device (2) may be carried out. Maintenance personnel may thus replace lighting devices and/or light sources in need of maintenance as indicated by the status of each lighting device, before any lighting device in the system has reached an end of operational life.