Multichannel Navigation Light With Visible and Infrared LED Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional navigation systems lack the ability to dynamically and autonomously switch between visible and invisible LEDs based on situational context or user instructions, and are unable to interface with payloads using different communication protocols.
Innovation Solution
A multichannel navigation light system with a modular design that includes both visible and infrared LEDs, a microcontroller, transceivers, and a comparator to autonomously switch modes based on communication protocols, and supports multiple communication protocols for interfacing with various payloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If visible LEDs are used for navigation lighting, then visibility and communication effectiveness are improved, but covert operation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation light system dynamically switches between visible and infrared LED modes based on operational requirements. The microcontroller enables autonomous switching between communication modes (visible for standard coordination, infrared for covert operations), allowing the system to adapt its visibility characteristics to the current mission context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spectral parameter of emitted light by switching between visible wavelength LEDs and infrared wavelength LEDs. This parameter change allows the same physical device to operate in fundamentally different visibility regimes, achieving both high visibility when needed and complete stealth when required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are supported, then adaptability to diverse payloads is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation light system incorporates multiple transceivers that support different communication protocols (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART) within a single unified device. This multi-functionality allows the same navigation light to interface with various payloads using different protocols without requiring separate dedicated devices for each protocol type.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller acts as an intermediary that manages multiple communication protocols. It receives commands from payloads using their native protocols, processes the information, and controls the LED output accordingly. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing protocol handling rather than requiring direct dedicated interfaces for each protocol.
3Productivity
If autonomous mode switching is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation light system performs self-service by autonomously determining when to switch between visible and infrared modes based on incoming communication commands. The microcontroller automatically interprets protocol-specific commands and switches LED modes without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems, enabling the device to manage its own operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from communication protocols to automatically adjust its operational mode. When specific commands are received through the transceivers, the microcontroller processes this feedback information and autonomously switches between visible and infrared LED modes, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to operational requirements in real-time.
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
Enables dynamic and autonomous operation of LEDs, optimizing visibility and energy efficiency, and facilitates seamless integration with diverse payloads without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
An example of such an LED is an infrared (IR) LED. For example, IR LEDs can be used to illuminate areas covertly since their emitted light is invisible to the human eye
Implementation Method 2
lighting components of conventional navigation systems only consist of visible light emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit light on a spectrum visible to the human eye
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for providing and operating a multichannel navigation light. The multichannel navigation light may include infrared light emitting diodes and visible light emitting diodes and may be operable in a plurality of modes. In a first mode, the infrared light emitting diodes may be powered on and the visible light emitting diodes may be powered off. In a second mode, the infrared light emitting diodes may be powered off and the visible light emitting diodes may be powered on. The modes may be selectable based on communications from a payload according to a protocol. The multichannel navigation light may determine the protocol by sampling one or more voltages of the payload's data lines and comparing the sample voltages to one or more conditions.