Virtual Representation for Linear Lighting Shape Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lighting control systems for LED strips do not account for the shape or segmentation of the devices, making it difficult to create specific light effects and identify individual strips in user interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that generates a virtual representation of a linear lighting device by receiving signals with identifiers and image information, determining the spatial distribution of light sources, and allowing users to adjust the representation through a user interface, enabling accurate control of light sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If current lighting control systems are used without shape information, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to create specific light effects and identify individual strips deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to create specific light effectsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual representation (copy) of the physical LED strip's shape and segments. This virtual model allows the control system to reference the actual configuration without requiring complex physical measurements or manual input, resolving the contradiction by providing shape information through a simplified digital copy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an image capture device and processing system as an intermediary between the physical LED strip and the control system. This intermediary automatically extracts shape and segment information from images, eliminating the need for direct complex measurements while providing accurate shape data to the control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If shape and segment information is captured and processed, then the ability to identify and control individual strips is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the LED strip's own light emission as the source for capturing its shape information. The strip illuminates itself, and the image capture device records this self-emitted light to extract shape and segment data, eliminating the need for external lighting equipment or complex measurement devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual representation (copy) of the physical LED strip's shape and segments. This virtual model allows the control system to reference the actual configuration without requiring complex physical measurements or manual input, resolving the contradiction by providing shape information through a simplified digital copy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3338516B1A method of visualizing a shape of a linear lighting device
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3338516B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3338516B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3338516B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A computer implemented method (500) of generating a virtual representation (110) of a linear lighting device (120) is disclosed. The computer implemented method (500) comprises the steps of receiving (502) one or more signals (130) comprising an identifier of the linear lighting device (120) and information about a number and a distribution of the plurality of linearly distributed light sources, which linear lighting device (120) comprises a plurality of linearly distributed light sources, identifying (504) the linear lighting device (120) based on the received one or more signals (130), capturing one or more images of the linear lighting device (120) and providing image information representing the one or more images, determining (506) a spatial distribution of the light sources based on the received one or more signals (130) and the image information, generating (508) the virtual representation (110) of the shape of the linear lighting device (120) based on the spatial distribution, and displaying (510) the virtual representation (110) of the shape of the linear lighting device (120). This method allows a receiving device, for example a user interface device (100) such as a smart phone, to generate a virtual representation (110) of the linear lighting device (120) based on the received one or more signals (130) and the image information.