Spatial Dimming LED Array Controller for Gradual Light Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination sources face limitations in achieving fine dimming levels due to the resolution constraints of light-emitting elements and driver circuitry, which can result in abrupt light transitions, particularly problematic for gentle wake-up applications where humans are sensitive to light intensity on a logarithmic scale.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for spatial dimming that dynamically adjusts the pattern of light-emitting elements based on the installation environment and configuration, using a controller to adapt the dimming function according to the position, orientation, and other properties of the illumination source, allowing for finer control of light intensity without increasing the addressing speed of light controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If digital dimming signal with limited bits is used, then device complexity is reduced, but dimming resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light-emitting array into multiple independently controllable groups or zones. Instead of uniformly dimming all LEDs, the controller selectively activates specific segments based on the dimming level, effectively increasing resolution without requiring higher-bit controllers. This spatial segmentation allows fine-grained control using standard 8-bit or 12-bit dimming signals.
2Area of stationary object
If number of light-emitting elements is increased, then illumination coverage is improved, but addressing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting array is divided into multiple segments that can be independently controlled. This segmentation reduces addressing complexity by allowing the controller to manage groups of LEDs rather than individual elements, while still achieving wide illumination coverage through coordinated activation of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality into dimming control by activating different physical zones of the LED array rather than uniformly dimming all elements. This spatial arrangement allows the system to achieve fine dimming resolution through positional selection rather than intensity modulation alone, effectively decoupling resolution from addressing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spatial dimming function is made adaptive to installation environment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system automatically detects installation characteristics (such as mounting orientation, ambient light conditions, or spatial configuration) and autonomously selects appropriate dimming strategies. This self-service capability provides environmental adaptability without requiring complex manual configuration or external programming, maintaining simplicity while enhancing versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
An illumination source comprises an array of light-emitting elements for emitting illumination to illuminate an environment. A controller is arranged to control the illumination emitted by different ones of the light-emitting elements so as to form a spatial pattern, and to vary the spatial pattern according to a spatial dimming function whereby the spatial pattern is varied so as to emit a different overall intensity level as a function of a received dimming signal. A value is determined of at least one property relating to a manner in which the illumination source is deployed (e.g. the manner in which it is installed), and the spatial dimming function is set in dependence on the value of this property.