Wireless Lighting Control via Projected Infrared Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting control methods rely on hardwiring, which limits flexibility and efficiency, especially in applications requiring remote control of mobile lighting elements and efficient power management.
Innovation Solution
A wireless lighting control system using a projector to transmit two-dimensional control signals via an array of infrared LEDs, allowing for remote manipulation of lighting elements based on their location within a target space, rather than their individual identity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwiring controls to individual lighting elements is used, then control reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardwiring system with an optical communication system using infrared LEDs to transmit control signals wirelessly through projected images. This substitution eliminates the need for physical cable connections to each lighting element while maintaining control reliability, as the optical signals can be received by sensors on the lighting elements without direct physical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The projected image serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides visual information to users and carries encoded control signals to lighting elements. The same optical medium (projected image) is used for both display and communication purposes, reducing the need for separate control infrastructure and simplifying the overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If hardwiring controls to individual lighting elements is used, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual wiring and physical control connections with automated optical signal transmission. The system automatically projects control images containing encoded signals that lighting elements can receive and execute, eliminating the need for users to physically connect or configure individual element controls, thereby significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining control precision through encoded signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting elements are equipped with sensors that automatically detect and process the projected control images without requiring manual intervention. The system performs self-service by autonomously receiving, decoding, and executing control commands from the projected images, freeing users from complex configuration tasks while maintaining precise control over individual elements.
3Ease of operation
If wireless control using projected images is used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors the transmission and reception of control signals through projected images. By implementing acknowledgment protocols and error detection codes in the encoded signals, the system can verify successful reception and retransmit information if errors occur, thereby minimizing information loss while maintaining the ease of wireless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control information is encoded into the projected image in a redundant format that can be reliably decoded. The system creates accurate optical copies of control signals within the image structure, ensuring that the essential control data is preserved during transmission from the projector to the lighting elements, thus preventing information loss while enabling easy wireless operation.
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
Enables high-speed, efficient, and flexible control of lighting elements, reducing power consumption and allowing for dynamic light distribution without the need for individual cables, suitable for applications like stage lighting and audience engagement.
Implementation Method 1
The projector system can include an array of infrared (IR) light emitting diodes (LEDs) to optically transmit a two-dimensional control image
Implementation Method 2
The projector system can also include one or more simple lenses to magnify and direct a control image
Data Source
AI summary
Lighting systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed, which employ optical transmission of two-dimensional control signals to manipulate lighting elements. The lighting apparatus can include a projector with an IR LED array to wirelessly transmit pixel information onto a target space. The pixel information controls lighting elements within the target space. The two-dimensional control signals can includes subareas corresponding to lighting elements in a control array. The lighting elements can be lights producing light of desired wavelengths including infrared and/or visible wavelengths. LEDs can be used as light sources in exemplary embodiments.