Pixelated LED Lighting Device for Ambient Illumination and Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting devices for indoor illumination are either inefficient in power consumption or unsuitable for projecting visually distinct information, as they either consume too much power or are not designed for both ambient illumination and information projection.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device comprising a plurality of independently controllable light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in a matrix, with a controller to project pixelated patterns onto a surface, allowing for both ambient illumination and information projection while minimizing power consumption, using collimation to maintain image quality at a distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional data projectors are used for projecting visually distinct information, then information projection capability is improved, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation projection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device is divided into multiple independently controllable lighting units, each responsible for a specific pixel or pixel group on the projection surface. This segmentation allows selective activation of only those lighting units needed to display current information, rather than requiring all high-intensity discharge bulbs to operate continuously, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining projection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting device combines ambient illumination and information projection functions into a single system. The same array of lighting units can operate in two modes: as individual addressable pixels for projecting alphanumeric signs, images, or video sequences, or as a unified light source for general illumination, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing total energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If high-power LEDs are used for ambient illumination, then power consumption is reduced, but suitability for displaying visually distinct information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidinformation projection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the illumination area into multiple zones controlled by individual lighting units. Each unit can be independently activated or deactivated based on the projection requirements, allowing high-power LEDs to be used for ambient illumination while still enabling distinct information display by selectively controlling specific segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting device dynamically adjusts the operational state of individual lighting units based on real-time requirements. The controller can switch between ambient illumination mode (all units active) and information projection mode (selective units active), with the ability to modulate intensity and color of individual units to display visually distinct information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If lighting units are positioned close to the surface for sharp projection, then image contrast is improved, but device placement flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage contrastVSAvoiddevice placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system compensates for increased distance from the surface by adjusting optical parameters including collimation angle and intensity distribution. By optimizing these parameters, the lighting device maintains sharp image contrast and proper beam shape even when positioned at greater distances from the projection surface, thereby improving placement flexibility while preserving image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device achieves low power consumption and high image contrast by using independently controllable LEDs, enabling both ambient illumination and information projection with adjustable color and intensity, allowing for smooth transitions and high perceived resolution.

Implementation Method 1

the light-emitting diodes may be arranged to emit light at a collimation angle of less than about 20°, or less than about 10°, for example less than 5°

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollimation:

Data Source

PatentUS7766489B2Device for projecting a pixelated lighting pattern

Publication Date: 2010.08.03 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

AI summary

A lighting device is provided for projecting a pixelated lighting pattern to be viewed onto a surface facing said device is provided. The device comprises a plurality of independently controllable lighting units (1), each lighting unit comprising at least one light-emitting diode (3, 4, 5, 6), and a controller (7) for controlling the emission of light from said lighting units. A device according to the present invention allows ambient illumination of a surface and projection of images and patterns.