Software Configurable Lighting Device Adaptability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting devices lack the ability to dynamically adjust light distribution patterns, requiring multiple fixtures for different applications and failing to provide a flexible appearance and performance, while existing electronically adjustable systems are inefficient for general lighting.

Innovation Solution

A software configurable lighting device system that includes a light generation and distribution system, programmable controller, and memory, allowing for configuration of light output parameters such as intensity, color, and spatial modulation via a network, enabling the device to mimic various lighting fixtures and provide customized illumination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple luminaires with different optical elements are provided to meet different lighting applications, then the lighting system can provide various light output distributions, but the device complexity and quantity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight output distributionVSAvoidnumber of luminaires
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single luminaire that can perform multiple lighting functions by using an array of individually controllable light sources (LEDs) with different color temperatures and intensities. The controller selectively activates specific LEDs to create various light output distributions (spot, flood, wall wash, etc.), replacing the need for multiple specialized luminaires with one universal device that adapts to different lighting applications through software control

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamically adjustable light output characteristics by controlling individual LEDs in the array. The system can change light distribution patterns, intensity, and color temperature in real-time based on programmed sequences or user input, transforming a static luminaire into a dynamic lighting solution that adapts to different scenarios without physical reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanically adjustable lenses and irises are used to enable selectable adjustment of output light beam shape, then the light distribution can be adjusted, but the adjustment is coarse and optimized for special purpose applications rather than general lighting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight beam shape adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms (lenses, irises, gimbals) with an electronic control system that individually addresses each LED in the array. This substitution enables precise control of light beam shape and direction through selective activation of specific LEDs, achieving fine-grained adjustment precision that mechanical systems cannot provide while being optimized for general lighting applications rather than special-purpose use only

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If displays or display-like devices are used to provide variable lighting, then the appearance can be varied, but the illumination efficiency and white light intensity are insufficient for general lighting applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappearance variationVSAvoidillumination efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using individual LEDs with different color temperatures (warm white, cool white, colored) in specific positions within the array. Each LED contributes its specific light characteristics to the overall output, allowing the system to create varied appearances while maintaining high illumination efficiency. The controller selectively activates LEDs based on the desired lighting effect, ensuring that only the necessary light sources are used for each application, thereby optimizing energy efficiency while achieving diverse appearances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10497337B2Systems and methods to provide configuration data to a software configurable lighting device
Publication Date: 2019.12.03 ABL IP HLDG LLC
  • US10497337B2 patent drawing
  • US10497337B2 patent drawing
  • US10497337B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An example of a virtual luminaire store allows a user to select an image or the like for a luminaire appearance and a set of performance parameters related to a virtual luminaire. Based on the user selection, a configuration information file is obtained and transmitted to a software configurable lighting device. The software configurable lighting device receives the transmitted file, stores the transmitted file and generates illumination in accordance with the configuration information from the file.