Multi-mode NVIS Lighting via LED Wavelength Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional night vision imaging system (NVIS) compatible lighting systems rely on expensive optical filters and result in light loss, failing to efficiently achieve target colors without exceeding maximum NVIS radiance values.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode NVIS-compatible lighting system comprising a frame with multiple light sources of different dominant wavelengths (blue, green, and amber) blended through a diffuser to generate specific target output colors like NVIS Green and NVIS White, maintaining radiance below threshold values without optical filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If optical filters are used to achieve target colors in NVIS lighting, then color accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and light loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes optical filters from the lighting system entirely. Instead of using filters to achieve target colors, the invention uses multiple LED light sources with different dominant wavelengths (blue, green, amber) that can be blended to produce the desired colors directly, eliminating the need for filters and thus preventing light loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from filtering light to selecting and blending specific wavelengths. By adjusting the intensity ratios of LEDs with different dominant wavelengths, the system achieves color control without energy loss through filtration. The diffuser integrates these different wavelength components to produce the target color output.
2Manufacturing precision
If optical filters are used to achieve target colors in NVIS lighting, then color accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the optical filter component from the system. The manufacturing process is simplified by eliminating filter installation, alignment, and integration steps. Instead, the system uses a combination of LED modules with different wavelength characteristics that are optically coupled to a diffuser, reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional LED assembly that combines color generation and intensity control in a single integrated structure. The same LED array configuration can produce different target colors (NVIS green, NVIS white, etc.) by adjusting the drive currents to individual LEDs, eliminating the need for separate filter assemblies for different color modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources of different wavelengths are blended, then target color flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple LED light sources with different dominant wavelengths into a single integrated lighting assembly. The blue, green, and amber LEDs are positioned in close proximity and their light is combined through a diffuser, creating a unified light output that can be controlled to produce different target colors without requiring separate lighting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diffuser as an intermediary element that combines the light from multiple LED sources. The diffuser integrates the different wavelength components and distributes them uniformly, simplifying the optical design and reducing the complexity of aligning and combining multiple light sources directly.
4Reliability
If conventional white light sources are used with optical filters, then NVIS compatibility is achieved, but light output efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from using a broad-spectrum white light source with filters to using LEDs with specific narrow-band wavelengths. This parameter change in the light source characteristics allows direct generation of NVIS-compatible colors without filtration, maintaining NVIS compatibility while dramatically improving light output efficiency by eliminating wavelength rejection.
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 system effectively produces targeted colors within NVIS standards while reducing manufacturing costs and light loss, ensuring adequate illumination for aircraft personnel without exceeding NVIS radiance thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
a diffuser mounted to the frame and encasing the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source, wherein light emitted from the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source is blended to generate a first blended light source comprising a first target output color
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a night vision imaging system (NVIS) lighting system, comprising a frame comprising a first light source, a second light source adjacent to the first light source, a third light source adjacent to the second light source, and a diffuser mounted to the frame and encasing the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source. The first light source may comprise a first dominant wavelength, the second light source may comprise a second dominant wavelength different from the first dominant wavelength, and the third light source may comprise a third dominant wavelength different from the first dominant wavelength and the second dominant wavelength. Light emitted from the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source may be blended to generate a first blended light source comprising a first target output color.