EP2901815B1 - Method and arrangement for the temperature-corrected control of leds using look-up tables - Google Patents

Description

The present invention generally relates to the generation of a light color by mixing the light of multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs). More specifically, the invention is directed to the generation of mixed light of a desired color and / or color temperature and to the control of LEDs to produce the light of the desired color or color temperature by mixing the light produced by the respective LEDs is to generate or receive.

It is already known in the prior art how the colored light emitted by LEDs can be measured and detected. The methods are particularly useful when aiming to control and operate the LEDs to obtain a desired color or intensity of the mixed light.

Known LED arrays include a plurality of LEDs, for example, arranged according to the RGB (red-green-blue) color model. Such an LED array can thus comprise LEDs with three different colors, preferably red, green and blue, which emit at appropriate wavelengths. In particular, this known LED array can reproduce any color that is within the color triangle bounded by these three colors - red, green and blue - in a color value chart such as the CIE 1931 color space.

The DE 10 2008 016 756 A1 discloses a control arrangement for producing a desired light color based on different monochromatic LEDs. The control arrangement is designed to control the various LEDs in such a way that the superimposition of the different spectra into light with predetermined desired color coordinates results in the values Xref, Yref, Zref, which is a desired color in the so-called CIE 1931 XYZ color space or CIE 1931 color space describe. Such combination values X, Y and Z are also referred to as tristimulus values or standard color values of a color and indicate the measure of the three primary colors in the CIE 1931 color space.

In such a state of the art, an activation value for the different LED types is analytically determined with the tristimulus values via a matrix operation. At present, therefore, the whole is covered by the e.g. Three or four LED types spanned color space in the CIE color space converted into current and PWM signal via transformation and approximation formulas.

Due to the approximate formulas and estimates, the achievement of a target color location in such an analytical approach is flawed and also ambiguous.

In the patent document US 2010/301777 A1 various types of temperature-dependent changes in the LEDs are compensated, for example a temperature-dependent compensation of the target color location. Individual LED channels (colors) are controlled. PWM factors are used for driving to reach the target color loci. Stored PWM correction factors are determined from a measured temperature for each LED channel. In this regard, an object of the present invention is to improve the overall control of an LED array. The aim of the invention is in particular to propose a clearer and more accurate achievement of a target color location.

This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims further form the central idea of the invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a circuit for driving a plurality of LED channels, each comprising at least one LED, and for generating a mixed light from the light generated by the respective LED channels. For each target color location of the mixed light, which can be reached by the LED module, a look-up table is provided in each case, in which the operating current is stored for each LED channel.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for driving a plurality of LED channels, each having at least one LED, and for generating a mixed light from the light generated by the respective LED channels. For each target color location of the mixed light, which can be reached by the LED module, a look-up table is provided in each case, in which the operating current is stored for each LED channel.

The operating current can be stored as a function of the temperature.

Discrete values of an operating current / temperature characteristic can be stored for each LED channel.

The circuit may be designed to determine the respective operating current for the LED channels as a function of a measured temperature and based on the stored operating current / temperature characteristic. The circuit may have a control unit which, depending on the look-up table, determines an injection value for a current source provided for operating an LED channel.

The control value can be designed such that a dimming to a constant current value and / or a PWM modulation of a nominal operating current can be carried out by the current source.

The circuit may have an input for measuring an ambient temperature, which input is preferably connected to a thermistor.

The circuit may have an input for a measurement signal of a brightness sensor, wherein, depending on the measured brightness, the respective operating current for each LED channel is corrected.

Depending on an operating time of the circuit, the respective operating current for each LED channel can be corrected.

The circuit may have a communication interface for receiving look-up tables and / or correction values.

The target color locus may be on the Plank curve or within a predetermined target area within the area spanned by the LEDs.

The circuit may include a plurality of look-up tables for driving discrete values on the Plank white light curve.

Different brightnesses of a target color location can be stored in look-up tables.

The circuit may be in the form of an integrated circuit, preferably in the form of a microcontroller, an ASIC or a hybrid version thereof.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an LED module comprising such a circuit.

• Fig. 1 zeigt ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines LED-Moduls gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung.
• Fig. 2 zeigt ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen LED-Moduls.
• Fig. 3 zeigt eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen LED-Treibers.
• Fig. 4 zeigt ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen LED-Treibers.

Further aspects, features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings.

• Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of an LED module according to the present invention.
• Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of an LED module according to the invention.
• Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of an LED driver according to the invention.
• Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of an LED driver according to the invention.

In Fig. 1 the reference numeral 1 generally shows an LED module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The LED module 1 comprises a circuit 2 for controlling LED channels K1, K2 or for controlling LEDs L1, L2. The circuit 2 can be designed in the form of an integrated circuit, preferably as a microcontroller, ASIC or hybrid version thereof.

The circuit 2 includes a supply input 4 for supplying the circuit 2 with voltage. Furthermore, the circuit 2 includes outputs that can be connected with LED drivers T1, T2. These outputs are used to output control values or reference values for controlling the respective LED drivers T1, T2. Such a drive value is e.g. a voltage value which serves as a reference for the corresponding LED driver T1, T2.

The LED drivers T1, T2 are current sources which, on the output side, generate a current for the respective LED channel K1, K2 or for the respective LED L1, L2 as a function of the drive value supplied on the input side. The LED drivers T1, T2 are preferably configured as a constant current source, so that when a constant drive value on the input side is applied, the current generated remains constant or at least almost constant.

By the output of targeted drive values for the respective LED drivers T1, T2, the mixed light, which is generated by the LEDs L1, L2 of the LED channels K1, K2, can be controlled in a targeted manner. By changing the control values, the color location and preferably also the intensity of the mixed light can be changed. In the case of a white mixed light, in particular the color temperature can be changed in a targeted manner.

Preferably, each LED channel comprises LEDs of a single color. The intensity maximum of all LEDs of an LED channel can then be in the same wavelength range, for example. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 For example, the first LED channel K1 may have monochromatic, eg red LEDs. The second LED channel K2 can have white LEDs, in particular phosphor-converted blue LEDs. As a result, for example, a white mixed light can be generated.

Alternatively, the first LED channel may have different phosphor-converted white-emitting LEDs. The second LED channel may have one or more blue LEDs.

Even if Fig. 1 shows only one LED per LED channel K1, K2, several LEDs per LED channel can be provided according to the invention.

The number of LED channels is also variable, not two, as in Fig. 1 shown, limited. In an alternative embodiment, for example, three LED channels may be provided in the form of a red, a green and a blue LED channel having only red, green and blue LEDs. This combination also allows the production of a white mixed light. It can also be provided, for example, five LED channels. Thus, in a so-called. RGBWA LED module, the circuit 2 for driving LED channels with red, green, blue, white and amber LEDs are formed.

The circuit 2 preferably comprises a control unit 3, a memory unit 5 and digital-to-analog converter DA1, DA2.

For each color location that is to be achieved by the LED module 1, a look-up table or look-up table is provided in each case, in which the characteristic curve light output / diode current for each LED channel K1, K2 and possibly also for different temperatures is stored.

In Fig. 1 a look-up table stored in the storage unit 5 is shown. This table defines which diode currents or operating currents Ir, Iw are necessary for the LED channels K1, K2 in order to produce a mixed light with the desired color temperature of eg 4200 K. The memory unit 5 generally comprises a look-up table per color location or per color temperature, which is to be achieved with the aid of the LED module 1.

The circuit 2 is designed to control the LED drivers T1, T2 with drive values such that the LED channels K1, K2 are operated with the operating currents Ir, Iw defined in the look-up table. For example, the operating current Ir stored in the look-up table refers to the current for the LED channel K1 having red LEDs. The information regarding the operating current Iw refers to the current with which the white LEDs of the LED channel K2 are to be operated.

Based on this or these look-up tables, the control unit 3 can thus determine the respective drive value for the LED driver T1, T2 of each LED channel K1, K2.

On the one hand, the drive value can cause a linear dimming of the LED driver T1, T2 to the effect that the operating current generated by the LED driver is constant for the connected LED channel and is between zero and a nominal drive current.

On the other hand, the LED driver can be controlled by a pulse width modulation (PWM). The LED channel is then operated by a PWM modulated nominal drive current. The drive value determined by the control unit 3 represents the PWM signal and in particular the duty cycle of the PWM signal. The LED driver receives this drive value and generates the PWM modulated nominal drive current by modulating the nominal drive current with the PWM signal.

Thus, according to the invention, both PWM signals and constant current values can be generated in accordance with the linear dimming for the LED channels. Different combinations of PWM dimming and amplitude dimming can be used in different areas of the dimming curve. Any spectral changes with the operating current of the LED are compensated by the look-up tables.

Alternatively, a combined operation of the LED channels via a combination of a PWM control is provided together with the linear dimming.

The control unit 3 can set a digital control value, which in turn is converted by the digital-to-analog converter DA1, DA2 into an analog control value. The digital-to-analog converters DA1, DA2 are preferably designed as an integrated circuit.

According to one embodiment of the invention, only one value for the respective operating current Ir, Iw is stored for each color locus to be reached in the corresponding look-up table. Advantage of this embodiment is that the operating currents Ir, Iw without much effort, i. only by reading the table, can be determined. However, the actually achieved color location may differ from the color location default, since the brightness of LEDs varies with temperature.

Alternatively and as in the embodiment of Fig. 1 The value Ir, Iw of the operating current as a function of the temperature can be stored in the look-up table. Preferably, individual points of the operating current-temperature curve are shown in the look-up table. The temperature to be considered is the operating temperature of the LED module 1 or the LEDs or the ambient temperature.

The circuit 2 preferably has an input for receiving information relating to this temperature. As in Fig. 1 As shown, the LED module 1 comprises a thermistor TH connected to this input. The analog temperature information measured at the thermistor TH is preferably forwarded to an analog-to-digital converter 24. The control unit 3 receives the digital temperature information and selects in the look-up table the corresponding values for the operating currents Ir, Iw of the LED channels K1, K2. The thermistor TH is just one example of how the temperature information can be measured or determined. Instead of a thermistor, alternative temperature-dependent components can also be used. such as a photoresistor, thermocouple, transistor, diode.

If the control unit 3 determines a temperature of, for example, 10 ° C., for which operating currents are stored in the table, then the corresponding operating currents Ir (10 ° C.), Iw (10 ° C.) are selected. If no corresponding operating currents Ir, Iw are stored in the look-up table for the measured temperature, the control unit 3 can perform interpolation of the data of the look-up table in order to match the operating currents Ir, Iw that match the measured temperature to investigate. For example, a linear interpolation can be performed, which minimizes the computational effort, or even more complex interpolation, such as spline interpolation. As an alternative to interpolation, the control unit 3 can first search for the closest stored temperature to the measured temperature, and select the corresponding operating currents Ir, Iw: if, for example, 6 ° C. are measured, the control unit 3 looks in the look-up table of FIG Fig. 1 the temperature is 5 ° C and then selects the operating currents Ir (5 ° C), Iw (5 ° C).

Fig. 1 shows a simple implementation of the invention in that there are two LED channels K1, K2, namely a monochrome, in particular red channel and a dye-converted white light channel. The look-up table ensures that, regardless of the temperature, a constant color locus of the generated red / white spectrum is always achieved. For discrete temperature values, in each case a characteristic curve for the red characteristic or a characteristic curve for the white channel is stored.

Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of an LED module according to the invention. The LED module 1 'is based on the LED module 1 of Fig. 1 ,

The LED module 1 'comprises N LED channels K1, K2, K3, KN. In memory 5, several look-up tables are stored, which are constructed similar to those in connection with Fig. 1 explained look-up table. In the concrete embodiment of the Fig. 2 Four look-up tables for a color temperature of 2500 K, 3500 K, 4200 K and 6500 K are stored.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the look-up tables are not static, but may well undergo dynamic development in the course of, for example, the life of the LEDs or of the LED module. For example, a change in the values in the look-up tables may occur depending on the counted operating period of the LED module. For this purpose, a measuring unit 22 and an aging control unit 23 are provided in the LED module 1 '. Depending on the operating period of the LED module 1 'counted by the measuring unit 22, the aging control unit 23 causes a corresponding adaptation of the operating current values stored in the tables.

In fact, the brightness of an LED may vary with time, so that it may be necessary to regulate the contribution that each LED channel makes to the mixed light, so that an overall characteristic of the LED produced mixed light still corresponds to the target color location.

In order to ensure that the generated property of the mixed light remains constant over time, the measuring unit 22 measures the operating time of the LED module 1 '. The aging control unit 23 performs the adjustment of the operating current for each LED channel.

A photodiode PH is preferably connected to the circuit. An analog-to-digital converter 25 converts the analog measurement signal from the photodiode PH into a digital signal, which is supplied to the control unit 3 '. The photodiode is here representative of a sensor for measuring the brightness or Umbegungshelligkeit. Instead of a photodiode, e.g. a phototransistor may also be provided. Depending on the measured brightness, the operating current for the LED channels may be adjusted. For example, if the ambient brightness increases, the respective operating current for the LED channels can be increased or reduced. The ambient light adaptation carried out with the aid of the photodiode PH can be a color locus and luminous flux adaptation as a function of the ambient situation.

The circuit 2 'also has a digital interface 21. This interface 21 is connected to the control unit 3 'and is preferably configured bidirectionally. Thus, a look-up table can be sent from an external unit (not shown) via the digital interface 21 to the control unit 3 ', wherein this look-up table can in turn be stored in the memory unit 5. Otherwise, also in the storage unit 5 stored tables are sent via the interface 21 to an external unit.

Also, the adaptation of the operating currents, which is caused in the course of aging of the LEDs or a change in the ambient brightness, can be influenced via the interface 21.

The following explains how to create the lookup tables.

In order to determine the values for the look-up tables, the LED module 1 can be measured with spectrometer and / or color sensor. From this, the look-up tables are then discretized and stored in the memory unit 2 assigned to the circuit 2. These tables may preferably be for comparable LED modules, i. with comparable LED placement, are used and stored in the memory unit of these comparable LED modules.

To determine the look-up tables, the LED module 1 can be characterized with regard to the LEDs used with reference to a maximum of three specified test points with regard to wavelength, intensity and color location. From the combination of the LEDs, the correct look-up tables LUTs can be created and stored from a data pool.

In an initialization phase after production of the LED module, therefore, an LED module can be optically and electrically measured according to the following criteria. For each target color location eg on the Plank curve or within the range spanned by the light sources, values for the operating currents for the LED channels determined. These values are only valid for one temperature. For this reason, further values for the operating currents are determined for different temperatures. This can be done, for example, by heating the carrier board of the LED module to the desired temperature. All determined values for a target color location are then stored in a look-up table in the memory unit 5.

The look-up tables found in an initialization phase are stored in the memory of the circuit. Possible correction factors, such as Lifetime degradation, linear dimming, etc., can also be stored as factors or formulas due to the known LED data. For example, For example, the correction factors relating to the LED aging or lifetime can be stored in the aging control unit 23 or alternatively in the control unit 3.

In the simplest case of the initialization and control of the LED module (eg RW combination), the corresponding current values for a desired color location are stored in a look-up table as a function of the temperature on the basis of the measurement results. By measuring the temperature directly at the module, the corresponding current values are automatically adapted to the situation, which allows an accurate and reproducible color temperature to be achieved with the same luminous flux.

In Fig. 3 is an embodiment of an LED driver 30, as shown for example in an LED channel of the operating device according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 can be used.

The LED driver 30 has an operational amplifier 31, to the input side of which the current-determining reference signal generated by the respective digital-to-analog converter DA1, DA2, DA3, DA4 is supplied. The second input and the output of the operational amplifier 31 are connected via a capacitor 32.

The output of the operational amplifier 31 is connected to the control input of a transistor 33, which is a bipolar transistor or preferably a MOSFET. The emitter terminal of the transistor 33 is in turn connected to the second input of the operational amplifier 31. Thus, the capacitor 32 is connected in parallel to the base-emitter path of the transistor 33. Furthermore, a precision resistor 34 is connected between the emitter terminal and ground. The collector terminal of the transistor 33 is designed for connection to the LEDs of the respective LED channel.

In Fig. 4 A further embodiment is shown, in which the drive values for each LED driver T1, T2 are supplied in succession to a single digital-to-analog converter DA. This analog drive value is then fed to a further unit 40 in the form of preferably a demultiplexer, which is connected to a sample-and-hold circuit SH1, SH2 of the respective LED channel K1, K2. With the aid of this sample-and-hold circuit SH1, SH2, the starting values for each LED channel are recorded until the next change in the current value. Thus, only one digital-to-analog converter DA is necessary.

The subject invention now shows a clearer, more accurate and less computational and approximate effort associated achievement of a target color location.

In contrast to the prior art, no complex and complex algorithms and transformations are necessary for achieving a target color location.

As a result, the invention enables a precise linear regulation or current dimming. Accordingly, no flickering and no disturbing dark stripes in TV or camera shots at the same color location or color temperature is caused.

The invention relates to the achievement of a target color location. In addition, intensity values can also be stored in look-up tables. Thus, the same color locus with different luminous fluxes can be clearly and reproducibly displayed. As a result, a linear dimming or a logarithmic dimming can be implemented. This logarithmic dimming is mapped, for example, into corresponding look-up tables, since the sensitivity of the human eye follows a logarithmic function. In particular, limited color vision, but still excellent light-dark vision (shades of gray) are made possible at very low magnitudes. A logarithmic dimming of the light-generating LED module is perceived as more pleasant and with higher acceptance compared to linear dimming.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

• 1 LED module (the LED module itself does not necessarily have to be designed as an overall system in the subject invention, but rather there is the possibility that L1, L2 to Ln are designed as an LED module, while the circuit 2 separated from the LED module and can be modular
• 2 circuit
• 3 control unit
• 4 supply input
• 5 storage unit
• 21 digital interface
• 22 measuring unit
• 23 aging control unit
• 24 analog-to-digital converter
• 25 analog-to-digital converter
• 30 LED drivers
• 31 operational amplifiers
• 32 capacitor
• 33 transistor
• 34 resistance
• 40 multiplexers
• DA1 ... digital-to-analog converter
• K1 ... LED channel
• L1 ... LED
• PH photodiode
• SH1 sample-and-hold circuit
• T1 ... LED driver
• TH thermistor

Claims (13)

1. A circuit (2) for controlling a plurality of LED channels (K1, K2) in each case having at least one LED (L1, L2) and for generating mixed light from the light generated by the respective LED channels (K1, K2),
   wherein for each target color locus, which can be reached by the LED module, in each case a look-up table is provided, which is stored in a storage unit (5) of the circuit, in which the operating current (Ir, Iw) for each LED channel (K1, K2) is stored,
   wherein for each LED channel(K1, K2) discrete values of an operating current/ temperature characteristic curve are stored, and
   wherein the circuit is designed to determine the respective operating current for the LED channels (K1, K2) depending on a measured temperature and based on the stored operating current/temperature characteristic curve,
   wherein the circuit is also designed to correct the respective operating current for each LED channel (K1, K2) depending on an operating time of the circuit, wherein the circuit has a measurement unit (22) and an aging control unit (23), and wherein depending on an operating period of time of the LED module (1) counted by the measurement unit (22) the aging control unit (23) causes a corresponding adjustment of the operating current values recorded in the tables.
2. A circuit according to Claim 1,
   wherein the operating current (Ir, Iw) is stored depending on the temperature.
3. A circuit according to Claim 1 or 2,
   having a control unit (3), which depending on the look-up table sets a control value for a current source (T1, T2) provided for operating a LED channel (K1, K2).
4. A circuit according to Claim 3,
   wherein the control value is designed in such a manner that a dimming to a constant current value and/or a PWM (pulse width modulated) modulation of a nominal operating current can be carried out by the current source (T1, T2).
5. A circuit according to any one of the preceding claims,
   having an input for measuring an ambient temperature, wherein said input preferably is connected to a temperature sensitive element, for example, a Thermistor (TH).
6. A circuit according to any one of the preceding claims,
   having an input for a measurement signal of a brightness sensor (PH), wherein depending on the measured brightness the respective operating current is corrected or changed for each LED channel (K1, K2).
7. A circuit according to any one of the preceding claims
   having a communications interface (21) for receiving look-up tables.
8. A circuit according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the target color locus is located on the Plankian curve or within a predetermined target range within the area spanned by the LEDs (L1, L2).
9. A circuit according to any one of the preceding claims
   having a plurality of look-up tables for controlling discrete values on the Plankian white-light curve.
10. A circuit according to anyone of the preceding claims,
    wherein different brightnesses of a target color locus are stored in look-up tables.
11. A circuit according to any one of the preceding claims in the form of an integrated circuit, preferably in the form of a microcontroller, an ASIC or a hybrid version thereof.
12. A LED module having a circuit according to any one of the preceding claims.
13. A method for controlling a plurality of LED channels (K1, K2) having in each case at least one LED (L1, L2) and for generating a mixed light from light generated by the respective LED channels (K1, K2),
    wherein for each target color locus, which can be reached by the LED module, in each case a look-up table is provided, in which the operating current (Ir, Iw) is recorded for each LED channel,
    wherein for each LED channel (K1, K2) discrete values of an operating current/temperature characteristic curve are stored, and wherein depending on a measured temperature and based on the stored operating current/temperature characteristic curve the respective operating current is determined for the LED channels (K1, K2),
    wherein depending on an operating time of a circuit the respective operating current is corrected for each LED channel (K1, K2), and wherein the circuit has a measurement unit (22) and an aging control unit (23), and wherein depending on an operating period of time of the LED module (1) counted by a measurement unit (22) an aging control unit (23) causes a corresponding adjustment of the operating current values recorded in the tables.

Images