Modular Solid State Lighting Platform with PWM Flicker Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid state lighting systems for film and television applications suffer from flickering issues, lack of precise control over color temperature and intensity, and are cumbersome due to their non-modular design, making them difficult to use and upgrade.
Innovation Solution
A modular solid state lighting platform using a unique array of emitters in a woven or herringbone pattern, combined with a novel algorithm for PWM control, allows for flicker-free, adjustable color temperature and intensity, enabling easy scaling and control of lighting systems through a user interface and microprocessor-driven look-up tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If PWM control is used to adjust intensity, then energy efficiency is improved, but flicker occurs that interferes with film and television recording
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulse-width modulation (PWM) to switch LED emitters on and off at high frequency, creating periodic light output that achieves intensity control while maintaining energy efficiency. The periodic switching is the core mechanism that enables both energy savings and flicker-free operation when properly implemented.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of PWM frequency to eliminate flicker. By operating at frequencies above the visible flicker threshold (typically >200Hz), the system maintains energy efficiency through PWM while preventing visible flicker that would interfere with film and television recording. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and flicker elimination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple emitters of different color temperatures are arranged in checkerboard or striped patterns, then color temperature adjustability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and difficulty of routing signal traces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the emitter array into distinct functional groups (e.g., warm white LEDs, cool white LEDs, colored LEDs) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows color temperature adjustment by activating different groups while simplifying the underlying circuit design compared to interleaved patterns, as each segment can be driven by dedicated control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a modular emitter array where the same physical structure can produce multiple color temperatures and colors by selectively activating different LED groups. This universal design achieves color temperature adjustability without requiring complex interleaved patterns, as the system can function in multiple modes using the same emitter layout.
3Ease of manufacture
If classical solid state lighting systems are used, then lower total costs and less bulk are achieved, but color rendering accuracy and flicker-free performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple types of LED emitters (different phosphor compositions, different semiconductor materials) in a single lighting instrument. This composite approach enables accurate color rendering across the visible spectrum while maintaining the cost and size advantages of solid-state lighting, overcoming the limitations of single-type LED systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different emitter types to specific spatial locations or functional zones within the lighting instrument. Different regions of the emitter array have specialized characteristics (e.g., high CRI emitters in certain zones, high intensity emitters in others), enabling accurate color rendering where needed while maintaining overall system efficiency and affordability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If incandescent or fluorescent lighting systems are used, then color temperature and intensity adjustment is achieved through dimming devices, but energy consumption and system bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling real-time, programmable adjustment of color temperature and intensity through digital control of individual LED groups. This dynamic control replaces static incandescent/fluorescent systems with dimming devices, allowing flexible adaptation to different lighting requirements while consuming significantly less energy and reducing system bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical dimming devices and physical filter media with electronic PWM control and digital signal processing. This replacement eliminates the need for bulky mechanical dimmers and consumable gel filters, achieving the same adaptability functions with reduced energy consumption and smaller system size.
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
The solution provides flicker-free, precisely controlled lighting with adjustable color temperature and intensity, enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of lighting setups, allowing for seamless integration and easy maintenance, while reducing the complexity and cost associated with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first light element comprising a plurality of LEDs individually emitting light in a daylight color temperature range
Implementation Method 2
a second light element comprising a plurality of LEDs individually emitting light in a tungsten color temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
A solid state lighting platform comprised of one or more modular lighting instruments each of which are comprised of an enclosure, driver/logic module(s) governed by a microprocessor and a unique array of emitter boards consisting of a multitude of lighting elements. The lighting instruments may joined together using magnets embedded in the enclosure(s) and receive control instructions from a smart device or any other light on the wired or wireless network. A unique algorithm and look up table allow flicker free dimming and highly accurate color temperature tuning from the microprocessor.