Multi-Zoned LED Lighting with Independent Sensor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current exterior lighting solutions, such as those using fluorescent tubes or mercury metal, are inefficient and have short lifespans, and existing LED-based solutions lack independent control over multiple LEDs, requiring all LEDs to be adjusted simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A multi-zoned LED lighting apparatus with independently controlled LED groups, each triggered by external sensors to adjust illumination levels based on detected objects, allowing for optimized power usage by activating only necessary LED groups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple LEDs are used to provide required lumens, then illumination intensity is improved, but device complexity increases and independent control is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination intensityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the LED array into multiple independently controllable groups or zones. Each group can be controlled separately through individual control circuits, allowing selective activation of specific LED groups based on detection signals from sensors. This segmentation enables independent control while maintaining the overall illumination function, resolving the contradiction between providing sufficient lumens and maintaining device complexity at manageable levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If all LEDs are adjusted simultaneously, then control simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control where LED groups can be selectively activated or deactivated based on real-time detection signals from external sensors. The system transitions from static all-or-nothing control to dynamic selective control, where different combinations of LED groups are activated depending on the detected object type (person, vehicle, animal). This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation through automated sensor-based control while significantly improving adaptability to different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different LED groups are assigned to illuminate different zones or areas, with each group having its own control circuit. When a sensor detects an object in a specific zone, only the corresponding LED group is activated. This local quality approach allows the system to provide targeted illumination where needed while keeping other areas dark, improving both adaptability and energy efficiency without complicating the overall control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If external sensors and independent control circuits are added for each LED group, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs universal control circuits that can manage multiple LED groups through standardized interfaces and protocols. The control system is designed to handle detection signals from various sensor types and translate them into appropriate LED group activation patterns. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve high adaptability through standardized, reusable control modules rather than requiring unique complex circuitry for each LED group, thus managing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides efficient and cost-effective exterior lighting by allowing individual control of LED groups, reducing power consumption and extending the lifespan of lighting systems, while enabling tailored illumination levels for different objects, such as people and vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) groups coupled to said at least one control circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2425678B1Method and apparatus for multi-zoned illumination
Publication Date: 2015.12.02 DIALIGHT CORP
  • EP2425678B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2425678B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2425678B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a multi-zoned lighting apparatus. In one embodiment, the multi-zoned lighting apparatus includes at least one circuit board, at least one control circuit coupled to the at least one circuit board and a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) groups coupled to the at least one control circuit, wherein each LED group of the plurality of LED groups is in communication with a respective external sensor that controls a respective one of the plurality of LED groups when triggered.