Variable-Effect Lighting System with Multi-Coloured Lamp Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable-effect lighting systems are limited in their ability to produce a wide range of color displays due to restrictions in the rate of change of color and complexity of light units, requiring complex setups and limited user control over color variations.
Innovation Solution
A variable-effect lighting system comprising a lamp assembly with multi-colored lamps connected in series or parallel to an AC voltage source, controlled by a microcontroller that varies the conduction interval and current draw of each illuminating element according to predetermined patterns or external signals, allowing for synchronized and user-operable color changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a low frequency clock is used to control lamp intensity variation, then the control circuit is simpler, but the rate of change of colour is limited and the range of colour displays is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the conduction angle variable and adjustable for each illuminating element. The controller dynamically changes the conduction angle of each lamp based on predetermined patterns, allowing rapid colour transitions without being constrained by a low frequency clock. This dynamic control enables the system to achieve a broader range of colour displays while maintaining relatively simple circuitry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex light units with data storage elements are used, then more colour displays can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control logic from the individual light units and places it in a central controller. Instead of each light unit containing complex data storage elements and control circuits, the controller receives a relatively simple control signal and internally determines the conduction angles for each illuminating element. This centralizes the complexity in one location while keeping the light units themselves simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it generates predetermined colour patterns, adjusts conduction angles for different colours, controls the timing of illuminating elements, and can respond to external signals. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate data storage and control circuits in each light unit, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Device complexity
If illumination data controls only brightness at any given instant, then the control system is simpler, but the lighting system is not well suited for producing intricate colour displays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from simple instantaneous brightness to conduction angle. By varying the conduction angle of each illuminating element, the system can control not only the intensity but also the duration of light emission for each colour. This parameter change enables intricate colour displays through techniques like colour mixing and persistence of vision, while the control system remains relatively simple by using a single control signal.
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 enables a broader range of color displays with increased user control and flexibility, allowing for continuous changes, flashing, and intensity variations, while maintaining simplicity and synchronizing multiple lamp assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
Each multi-coloured lamp comprises a first illuminating element for producing a first colour of light, and a second illuminating element for producing a second colour of light
Implementation Method 2
Each multi-coloured lamp comprises a first illuminating element for producing a first colour of light
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
A variable-effect lighting system includes a lamp assembly and a lamp controller coupled to the lamp assembly. The lamp assembly comprises a number of multi-coloured lamps in series with an AC voltage source and in series with each other. Each multi-coloured lamp comprises a first illuminating element for producing a first colour of light, and a second illuminating element for producing a second colour of light. The lamp controller is configured to vary the colour produced by the lamps by varying the conduction interval of each illuminating element according to a predetermined pattern. The controller is also configured to terminate the variation upon activation of a user-operable input to the controller.