Twinkling Light Projection via Dynamic LED Brightness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toys that project a constellation of celestial bodies display a static pattern, lacking the dynamic effect of a twinkling night sky, as the only mechanism for altering illumination is switching the lighting devices on and off.
Innovation Solution
A system that projects light from inside a toy, utilizing a plurality of light blockers over LEDs whose luminous intensities vary over time by switching on, off, brightening, or dimming, creating a twinkling effect by varying voltages applied to the LEDs, and positioning them to create a dynamic pattern of celestial bodies on an outer shell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a static constellation pattern is displayed using simple on/off lighting, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the realism and visual appeal of the night sky effect deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transitioning from static on/off lighting to dynamic brightness variation. Multiple LEDs are controlled to vary their luminous intensity continuously or in patterns, creating a twinkling effect that mimics the natural variation of star brightness. This dynamic control transforms the illumination system from a simple binary state to a multi-level brightness system, enhancing realism while managing complexity through systematic control methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements Parameter changes by varying the luminous intensity parameter of multiple LEDs independently. By changing the brightness parameter of individual LEDs over time, the system creates the illusion of depth and twinkling. Different LEDs are assigned different brightness variation patterns, allowing some to appear closer and others farther away, thus creating a three-dimensional effect through parameter modulation rather than structural complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple LEDs with varying luminous intensities are used to create a twinkling effect, then the realism of the night sky simulation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent appliesSegmentation by dividing the constellation into multiple independent LED elements, each可控 to vary its luminous intensity independently. This segmentation allows each LED to represent a individual star or celestial body, enabling independent brightness control to create the twinkling effect. The segmentation strategy simplifies the control architecture by treating each LED as an independent unit with specific brightness variation patterns, making manufacturing and assembly more manageable despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implementsUniversality by using identical or similar LED components that can serve multiple functions. The same type of LED is used throughout the constellation, but each is programmed or configured to exhibit different brightness variation patterns. This multi-functionality approach allows a single component design to create diverse visual effects, simplifying manufacturing by using standardized parts while achieving complex visual outcomes through varied control patterns.
3Shape
If light blockers are positioned over LEDs to create depth perception, then the three-dimensional effect is improved, but the device complexity and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light blockers as intermediary elements positioned between the LEDs and the observer. These light blockers selectively attenuate light from specific LEDs to create the perception of depth and distance. By placing light blockers at strategic positions, the system creates layers in the visual field, making some stars appear closer and others farther away. This intermediary approach achieves three-dimensional depth perception through optical manipulation rather than requiring precise physical positioning of the LEDs themselves, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 provides a dynamic and realistic twinkling constellation effect, mimicking a star-filled night sky, enhancing the sleep aid functionality for children by creating a changing pattern of stars that appear closer or farther, similar to a cloudy night sky.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light blockers are positioned over light-emitting diodes (LEDs) whose luminous intensities vary over time
Data Source
AI summary
A light projection apparatus in the shape of a toy animal includes components that promote a twinkling effect on a display of light through an outer shell. The outer shell includes apertures that together form a pattern in the appearance of a constellation on a surface when light is projected outwardly from inside the apparatus. Light-emitting members are spread apart internally on a surface within the apparatus, and each member has a perforated cover positioned above it to partially block light emitted therefrom. Each cover has either a different pattern and/or a different orientation relative to the light-emitting member it covers, and each member is also configured to slowly brighten and dim, the combination of which creates the twinkling effect when light is projected out through the apertures. Each member's brightening and dimming function may be at predetermined intervals independent of other members, and may also be of a different color, to increase the effect.