UV Light Sensor for Automatic Brightness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling light source brightness are complex and costly due to the need for external dimmers and additional wiring to isolate light sensors from the light source, and they struggle to distinguish between artificial and natural light sources.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a light sensor operating in a different spectrum than the light source, specifically in the ultraviolet range, to regulate brightness based on ambient daylight, eliminating the need for filters and external control mechanisms, and integrating the control components on a semiconductor chip within the light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a light sensor is positioned near the controlled light source to enable automatic brightness control, then the system can respond quickly to ambient light changes, but the light sensor will be influenced by the light source itself leading to inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light spectrum into different ranges: the controlled light source operates in the visible spectrum while the light sensor operates in the ultraviolet range. This spectral segmentation allows the sensor to be positioned near the light source without mutual interference, as each component responds to different wavelengths of light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving the light sensor a specific spectral sensitivity characteristic that differs from the light source. The sensor is designed to be substantially insensitive to the wavelength range emitted by the controlled light source while being sensitive to ambient light in the UV range, creating a localized spectral response property.
2Measurement precision
If additional electronic control components and wiring are added to prevent mutual influence between light sensor and light source, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of spectral sensitivity of the light sensor. By selecting a sensor with UV sensitivity rather than visible light sensitivity, the system achieves measurement accuracy without requiring additional filters, shielding, or complex electronic control mechanisms to prevent mutual interference.
3Measurement precision
If filters are added to block light from the controlled source reaching the sensor, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the system becomes more complex and is restricted to discrete filter selections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the need for optical filtering by selecting a light sensor with inherent spectral selectivity. Instead of adding filters to block visible light from reaching the sensor, the system uses a sensor that naturally responds only to UV wavelengths, eliminating the filter component entirely.
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
This solution provides a simple, cost-effective, and energy-efficient automatic brightness control that is independent of the light source's radiation, reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for external components like twilight switches and dimmers, while accurately responding to ambient light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor operates in a different range of the light spectrum than the light spectrum generated by the controlled light source
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system is provided for automatic brightness control of a light source. The system includes at least one light sensor that operates in a different range of the light spectrum than the light spectrum generated by the controlled light source.