Perceived Linear Dimming Control for Non-Linear Light Drivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting dimming systems often fail to provide a linear dimming effect perceived by the human eye due to non-linear dimming curves in light drivers and logarithmic eye response, making it difficult to determine the required component configurations without trial and error, especially when components from different manufacturers are involved.
Innovation Solution
A light dimming system with a local controller that includes a processing circuit to determine whether light drivers use linear or non-linear dimming curves, adjusting the dimming signal accordingly to achieve a perceived linear dimming effect, using a combination of linear and logarithmic components to match the human eye's response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a linear dimming curve is used in the light driver, then the control is simple and straightforward, but the human eye perceives the dimming as non-linear due to logarithmic eye response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the dimming control parameter from a linear scale to a non-linear scale that compensates for the logarithmic eye response. The controller adjusts the dimming signal based on the determined configuration (linear or non-linear) of the light driver, applying appropriate transformation functions to achieve perceived linear dimming while maintaining simple control operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If a non-linear dimming curve is used in the light driver, then the perceived dimming can be linear to the human eye, but it becomes difficult to determine the required configuration without trial and error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through an automated configuration detection mechanism. The controller automatically determines whether the light driver uses a linear or non-linear dimming curve by analyzing the relationship between control signals and actual light output, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error configuration. This self-determination process reduces device complexity while achieving accurate perceived linear dimming.
3Adaptability or versatility
If components from different manufacturers are integrated, then system versatility is improved, but determining the correct dimming configuration becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a closed-loop configuration detection system. The controller sends test dimming signals to the light driver, measures the actual light output response, and uses this feedback to automatically determine the driver's configuration type. This feedback mechanism enables seamless integration of components from different manufacturers by automatically adapting to each component's characteristics without requiring manual configuration knowledge.
Data Source
AI summary
A light dimming system includes one or more lights and includes a local light controller that includes a dimming controller and a processing circuit, the dimming controller configured to provide an output to the one or more light drivers. One or more electronic processors are configured to receive a dimming input value indicating a desired dimming level for the one or more lights. The processors are further configured to determine a configuration of the one or more light drivers, wherein the configuration defines whether the one or more light drivers utilize a non-linear dimming curve or a linear dimming curve, and provides the dimming controller a dimming level to output a dimming control signal to the one or more light drivers equivalent to the received dimming input value based on a non-linear or linear calculation.