TWI893564B - Method of controlling led light string - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of controlling an LED light string includes steps of: executing an automatic encoding procedure: providing an encoding signal by a controller for a plurality of LED modules to determine the sequence on the LED light string to complete the automatic encoding; executing a device linking procedure: linking a mobile device to the control unit; executing an image positioning procedure: operating an image capture unit of the mobile device to capture the image of the LED modules; executing a light control procedure: operating the mobile device to provide a light control signal to the control unit so as to control specified lighting actions of the specified LED modules by the control unit according to the light control signal.

Description

LED string control method

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a light-emitting diode (LED) light string, and more particularly to a method for controlling a LED light string based on image capture.

Due to their advantages, such as high luminous efficiency, low power consumption, long life, fast response time, and high reliability, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are widely used in lighting fixtures and decorative lighting, such as Christmas tree lights and sneaker light effects, by connecting them in series, parallel, or both, as light bars or light strings.

Taking festive lighting as an example, a complete LED fixture essentially consists of an LED string (consisting of multiple lamps) and a driver unit that drives the lamps. The driver unit is electrically connected to the string and provides the lamps with the necessary power and control signals containing lighting data. This control, either in a point-by-point or synchronized manner, enables the LED fixture's diverse light output effects and variations.

In existing technology, to drive the LEDs in a LED light string to emit diverse light, the LEDs are equipped with different address sequence data. The LEDs receive a light signal containing light emission data (which may include address data). If the address sequence data of a LED matches the address data of the light signal, the LED emits light according to the light signal. If the address sequence data of the LED differs from the address data of the light signal, the LED skips the light emission data of the light signal.

Currently, sequencing methods for LEDs in LED light strings are often complex or difficult. For example, before the LEDs are assembled into a LED light string, different address sequence data must be burned into each LED. The LEDs are then placed and assembled into the LED light string in sequence according to the address sequence data. If the LEDs are not placed in sequence according to the address sequence data, the LEDs' diverse lighting cannot be achieved correctly.

Furthermore, further development is needed to enable operators to more intuitively and conveniently operate and control LED light strings to achieve diverse lighting modes and effects.

Therefore, designing a method for controlling LED light strings to address current technical bottlenecks in this field has become a major research topic for the inventors of this case.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for controlling a light-emitting diode light string to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the present invention provides a method for controlling a LED light string, wherein the LED light string comprises a plurality of LED modules and a control unit. The method comprises the following steps: executing an automatic encoding process: the control unit provides a coding signal for the LED modules to determine their order on the light string, thereby completing automatic encoding; executing a device connection process: connecting a mobile device to the control unit; and executing an image positioning process: operating an image capture unit of the mobile device to capture images of the locations of the LED modules. Executing a lighting control program: operating the mobile device to provide a lighting control signal to the control unit, and the control unit controls the designated light-emitting diode module to perform a designated lighting action according to the lighting control signal.

In one embodiment, in the image positioning process, position information of the locations of the light-emitting diode modules is generated based on the imaging results.

In one embodiment, the location information may be graphical or textual data.

In one embodiment, the lighting control program utilizes the position information to control a specified light-emitting diode module to perform a specified lighting operation.

In one embodiment, the LED modules form a LED string with a serial connection structure, and the automatic encoding process is a corresponding serial automatic encoding process.

In one embodiment, in the serial automatic encoding process, the LED modules determine their own sequence based on multiple different time differences to achieve automatic encoding.

In one embodiment, the control method includes: initially controlling an operating voltage of each LED module to be lower than a recognition voltage to establish a starting reference time. Then, gradually increasing the operating voltage of each LED module to generate different time differences starting from the starting reference time when the voltage reaches the recognition voltage.

In one embodiment, the magnitudes of the generated time differences are compared with a plurality of time difference ranges to determine the sequence of the light-emitting diode modules.

In one embodiment, the LED modules form a LED string with a parallel connection structure, and the automatic encoding process is a corresponding parallel automatic encoding process.

In one embodiment, during the parallel automatic encoding process, the voltages generated are of different magnitudes, and the sequence itself is determined to achieve automatic encoding.

In one embodiment, the control method includes: connecting the LED modules in parallel via a power line having a plurality of line resistors, each LED module including an impedance element that provides impedance characteristics; the parallel-connected LED modules receiving the power supply; and encoding the LED modules by causing the power supply to generate different voltages across the LED modules via the line resistors and the impedance elements.

The proposed LED string control method simplifies circuit design, rapidly completes LED string sequence encoding and image capture, and thus enables operation and control of a variety of LED string lighting modes.

To further understand the techniques, means, and effects employed by this invention to achieve its intended purpose, please refer to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is believed that this will provide a deeper and more detailed understanding of the purpose, features, and characteristics of this invention. However, the accompanying drawings are provided for reference and illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

10: Mobile devices

101: Image Capture Unit

20: LED light string

201: Control unit

202: LED module

VCC: driving voltage

5: Decorations

6: LED light string

L001~L100: LED Module

100: Power cord

200: Power setting unit

11, 12, …, 1N: LED module

R _L1 ,R _L2 ,…,R _LN ,R _L1' ,R _L2' ,…,R _LN' : line resistance

R ₁ ,R ₂ ,….,R _N : Resistance

C ₁ ,C ₂ ,…., _CN : Parasitic capacitance

V ₁ ,V ₂ ,…,V _N : voltage

Vdc: Power supply

Idc: Power supply

V _DD : DC drive voltage

V _IDEN : Identification voltage

t ₁ ~t ₅₀ : time

T ₁ ~T ₅₀ : time difference

S10~S40: Steps

S301~S302: Steps

S401~S403: Steps

Figure 1: Flowchart of the LED string control method of the present invention.

Figure 2: Flowchart of the serial automatic sequencing of the present invention.

Figure 3: Flowchart of the parallel automatic sequencing of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention's LED light string control based on image capture.

Figure 5: A schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention for controlling a LED light string based on image capture.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention for controlling a LED light string based on image capture.

Figure 7: A schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the present invention for controlling a LED light string based on image capture.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention for controlling a LED light string based on image capture.

Figure 9: Schematic diagram of the present invention controlling a LED light string on a mobile device.

Figure 10: A schematic diagram of the waveform that achieves automatic coding through time calculation in the present invention.

Figure 11A: A circuit diagram of the first embodiment of a parallel sequenced LED string powered by a constant voltage source according to the present invention.

Figure 11B: A circuit diagram of the first embodiment of a parallel sequenced LED string powered by a constant current source according to the present invention.

Figure 11C is a circuit diagram of a second embodiment of a parallel sequenced LED string powered by a constant voltage source according to the present invention.

Figure 11D is a circuit diagram of a second embodiment of a parallel sequenced LED string powered by a constant current source according to the present invention.

Figure 11E is a voltage diagram of the first embodiment of the parallel sequenced LED string of the present invention.

Figure 11F is a voltage diagram of the second embodiment of the parallel sequenced LED string of the present invention.

The technical content and detailed description of the present invention are provided below with accompanying drawings.

Please refer to Figure 1, which is a flow chart of the LED light string control method of the present invention, and to any of Figures 4 to 8 for schematic diagrams of an embodiment of LED light string control based on image capture. The LED light string 20 includes a plurality of LED modules 202 and a control unit 201. The LED modules 202 are electrically connected to the control unit 201 and are powered and driven by a drive voltage VCC. The three embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 8 primarily differ in the configuration and connection method of the multiple LED modules 202. Specifically, Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a series connection structure, Figure 6 illustrates a parallel connection structure, Figure 7 illustrates a parallel-series connection structure, and Figure 8 illustrates a series-parallel connection structure. However, all are applicable to the image capture-based LED light string control method proposed in the present invention.

As shown in Figure 4 , each LED module 202 is a two-legged lamp, and the LED modules 202 are connected in series. Furthermore, in this embodiment, image capture is implemented using a mobile device, which can be a smartphone, tablet computer, wearable device, etc. The mobile device 10 at least has a camera or camera capable of capturing images, collectively referred to as an image capture unit.

The LED light string control method of the present invention includes the following steps: First, an automatic encoding process is executed (step S10), that is, the control unit 201 of the LED light string 20 provides a coding signal for the LED modules 202 to determine their order in the light string, thereby completing the automatic encoding.

Next, a device connection process is executed (step S20), connecting the mobile device 10 to the control unit 201 of the LED light string 20. In one embodiment, the connection can be established by transmitting a wireless signal, such as a Wi-Fi signal, a Bluetooth signal, or a ZigBee signal, to the control unit 201 via the mobile device 10. It is worth noting that the order of steps S10 and S20 described above is not intended to limit the present invention. The LED light string control method of the present invention may include executing the device connection process first, followed by the automatic encoding process.

Next, an image positioning process is executed (step S30), which involves operating an image capture unit 101 of the mobile device 10 to capture images of the locations of the LED modules. During this image positioning process, the image capture unit 101, such as a camera on the mobile device 10, can capture images of the locations of the LED modules 202 by filming (dynamic) or photographing (still). Based on the results of the filming or photographing process, location information of the LED modules 202 is generated. This location information can be graphical or textual. For example, graphical location information refers to the captured location of each LED module, which can include information such as its relative position, size, and shape within the frame. Textual information, on the other hand, can be the captured location information of each LED module, recording its relative position, size, and shape within the frame in text form. This textual information is not restricted by its format and can be read and used by developed applications.

Please refer to FIG9 , which is a schematic diagram illustrating the present invention's LED light string control on a mobile device. Based on the foregoing, a user can operate the image capture unit 101 (not shown in FIG9 ) of the mobile device 10 . For example, taking a static photo, the image captured by the image capture unit 101 shows the positions of the LED modules of the LED light string 6 mounted on an object 5 , such as, but not limited to, a Christmas tree, and the positions are displayed on the screen of the mobile device 10 , such as a touch screen.

After the image is captured, the generated image activation signal includes the position information of the detected, compared, and determined LED modules. This means that based on the captured image, information not belonging to the LED modules is excluded and filtered out to fully record the position information of all LED modules.

Similarly, dynamic photography can be performed similarly. By operating the image capture unit 101 of the mobile device 10, the user can capture continuous frames of the LED modules of the LED light string 6 on the object 5. This can also detect, compare, and determine the valid, actual position information of the LED modules, thereby completely recording the position information of all LED modules.

Therefore, regardless of whether the LED modules 202 of the LED light string 20 are hung on the display 5 in a regular or irregular manner, complete position information of the LED modules 202 can be obtained by capturing dynamic or static images of the LED modules 202.

For example, in the case of a two-pin lamp with a serial connection structure (i.e., the LED modules 202 form a LED string with a serial connection structure) as shown in Figure 4, or a four-pin lamp with a serial connection structure (i.e., the LED modules 202 form a LED string with a serial connection structure) as shown in Figure 5, the LED modules 202 determine their own sequence based on multiple time differences during the encoding process to achieve automatic encoding, as described in detail below.

Please refer to Figure 2, which is a flowchart of the series automatic sequencing of the present invention. For a series-connected LED light string, the present invention uses multiple time difference values for automatic coding, including step S301: initially controlling the operating voltage of each LED module to be lower than a recognition voltage to establish a starting reference time; and step S302: gradually increasing the operating voltage of each LED module. When the recognition voltage is reached, the different time difference values starting from the starting reference time are generated. Therefore, automatic coding is performed based on these different time difference values.

Specifically, FIG10 illustrates a LED string with a series connection architecture, assuming there are 50 LED modules (or 100 LED modules L001-L100 as shown in FIG9 ). Each LED module 202 includes an identification circuit implemented by a series connection of diodes, switches, and resistors. When the applied DC drive voltage _VDD gradually increases, for example, the forward bias voltage of the three series diodes is 2.1 volts (0.7 volts each), plus the 0.7 volt forward bias voltage of the switches, resulting in a total forward bias voltage of 2.8 volts. Therefore, when the DC driving voltage V _DD gradually increases and has not yet reached but is close to 2.8V (for example but not limited to 2.6V), the switch is turned off, causing the DC driving voltage V _DD to decrease instantaneously and be lower than the identification voltage V _IDEN .

This means that before time _t0 , or the start reference time _t0 , the switch is turned on. As a result, the DC drive voltage _VDD increases momentarily, placing all LED modules in a high state. Then, at the start reference time _t0 , the switch is turned off. At this point, the DC drive voltage _VDD decreases momentarily. As shown in Figure 10, when the DC drive voltage _VDD decreases momentarily and falls below the identification voltage _VIDEN , the time at that moment is set as the start reference time _t0 .

At this point, by switching the connection state of the switch, that is, switching from the path of the series diode and the switch to the path of the resistor, the time at this moment is recorded as the starting reference time t ₀ . This starting reference time t ₀ can be generated (set) as the benchmark time for the time calculation method, and the time it takes for the LED module voltage to gradually increase and reach the identification voltage V _IDEN can be calculated (recorded). Therefore, the time difference of the LED module can be obtained. Taking the first LED as an example, the first time difference T ₁ = t ₁ - t ₀ .

At this point, the voltage waveforms of the positive voltage ends of all 50 LED modules relative to their negative voltage ends (hereinafter referred to as relative voltage waveforms) are shown in Figure 10. Based on the circuit characteristics shown in Figure 10, the 50 relative voltage waveforms exhibited by different LED modules have a clear positive correlation with their series connection sequence. Therefore, based on this circuit characteristic, automatic series sequencing of all 50 LED modules is achieved through time calculation.

Specifically, since the relative voltage waveform represents the voltage characteristic of each LED module, in order to effectively determine the sequence of the corresponding LED modules using all 50 relative voltage waveforms, a starting reference (baseline) time was introduced. The difference between each relative voltage waveform and the starting reference time was calculated, resulting in multiple different time differences. As shown in FIG10 , as the DC drive voltage V _DD gradually increases, the voltage of the first LED module reaches the identification voltage V _IDEN . Therefore, the time difference from the starting reference time t ₀ to the time when the voltage of the first LED module reaches the identification voltage V _IDEN (i.e., the first time t ₁ ) is the first time difference T ₁ . Similarly, as the DC driving voltage V _DD gradually increases, the voltage of the second LED module reaches the identification voltage V _IDEN . Therefore, the time difference from the starting reference time t ₀ to the time when the voltage of the second LED module reaches the identification voltage V _IDEN (i.e., the second time t ₂ ) is the second time difference T ₂ . Similarly, as the DC driving voltage V _DD gradually increases, the voltage of the 50th LED module LED ₅₀ reaches the identification voltage V _IDEN . Therefore, the time difference from the starting reference time t ₀ to the time when the voltage of the 50th LED module LED ₅₀ reaches the identification voltage V _IDEN (i.e., the 50th time t ₅₀ ) is the 50th time difference T ₅₀ .

In summary, the starting reference time t ₀ can be obtained (by turning the switch off so that the relative voltage waveforms of all LED modules overlap, the time point can be set (defined) as the starting reference time t ₀ ). Furthermore, the length of time (time width) for each LED module's voltage to reach the identification voltage V _IDEN can be calculated (recorded). Therefore, the time difference T ₁ -T ₅₀ for all LED modules can be obtained.

Furthermore, the magnitude of the generated time differences is compared with a plurality of time difference ranges to determine the order of the LED modules. Specifically, this identification and determination of the order is achieved by establishing a lookup table within each LED module. For example, a circuit designer can pre-establish a lookup table based on the magnitude (range) of the time difference values corresponding to the order of the LED modules, thereby achieving the desired order of the LED modules.

The following is one implementation of the lookup table, using 50 LED modules as an example (this also applies to the 100 LED modules L001-L100 shown in Figure 9).

Thus, after each LED module operates, the lighting sequence for each module can be determined based on the obtained time difference and the lighting sequence in the built-in lookup table. For example, if the time difference obtained for a particular LED module is 12.95 microseconds, the built-in lookup table indicates that the module is the fourth LED module. Alternatively, if the time difference obtained for a particular LED module is 17.08 microseconds, the built-in lookup table indicates that the module is the sixth LED module. This process continues in this order and is not further elaborated here. In this way, the sequence of the LED modules can be determined based on the time differences, thereby achieving the function of automatic series sequencing.

Therefore, for LED light strings with a serial structure, automatic encoding can be performed using multiple time differences. This allows automatic encoding based on the complete position information of the LED modules 202 captured by the image capture unit 101 to assign a sequence to each LED module 202.

As shown in Figure 6, the two-legged lamp is a parallel structure (meaning that the LED modules 202 form a parallel-connected LED string). During the encoding process, each LED module is in a low-current, high-impedance state. A constant-current device is provided at the end of the circuit to pass a large current, or the controller enters constant-current mode. Through line resistance or an additional small resistor, the voltage across each LED module is different to distinguish the sequence, achieving automatic encoding. Details are described below.

Please refer to Figure 3, which is a flowchart of the parallel automatic sequencing process of the present invention. For a parallel-connected LED light string, the present invention uses power supplied via line resistors and impedance elements to generate different voltages across each LED module for automatic coding. The process includes step S401: connecting multiple LED modules in parallel via power lines having multiple line resistors, each LED module including an impedance element that provides impedance characteristics; step S402: the parallel-connected LED modules receive power; and step S403: power supplied via line resistors and impedance elements to generate different voltages across each LED module, thereby coding the LED modules.

Specifically, please refer to Figure 11A, which is a circuit diagram of a first embodiment of a parallel-sequenced LED string powered by a constant voltage power source according to the present invention. The parallel-sequenced LED string includes a plurality (N) of LED modules 11, 12, ..., 1N. These LED modules 11, 12, ..., 1N are connected in parallel via a power line 100. In a real circuit, the power line 100 has line resistance, and thus has multiple line resistances _RL1 , _RL2 , ..., _RLN , _RL1' , _RL2' , ..., _RLN' . Each LED module 11, 12, ..., 1N includes a resistor _R1 , _R2 , ..., _RN , and a parasitic capacitor _C1 , C2, ..., CN that is equivalently connected in parallel with _the corresponding resistor _R1 , _R2 , ..., _RN . As shown in FIG11A , the parallel-connected LED modules 11, 12, ..., _1N receive a power supply Vdc. In this embodiment, the power supply Vdc is a constant voltage source that provides a fixed voltage. The power supply Vdc passes through the line resistors R _L1 , R _L2 , …, R _LN , R _L1' , R _L2' , …, R _LN' and the resistors R ₁ , R ₂ , …, RN in the LED modules 11 , 12 , …, _1N , so that the voltages generated on the LED modules 11 , 12 , …, 1N are different in magnitude.

When powered on, the power supply Vdc supplies power to the LED modules 11, 12, ..., 1N. Due to the voltage difference caused by the current flowing through the line resistors _RL1 , _RL2 , ..., _RLN , in this embodiment, the voltage difference caused by the power supply Vdc of the constant voltage source through the line resistors _RL1 , _RL2 , ..., _RLN is a voltage drop. Therefore, the voltage generated on each LED module 11, 12, ..., 1N is different. As shown in FIG11E , which is a voltage diagram of the first embodiment of the parallel sequenced LED lamp string of the present invention, a first voltage _V1 on the first LED module 11 is greater than a second voltage _V2 on the second LED module 12, the second voltage _V2 is greater than a third voltage _V3 on the third LED module 13, and so on. That is, the voltage generated by the front (upstream) LED module is greater than the voltage generated by the rear (downstream) LED module ( _V1 > _V2 >...> _VN ). In this way, the LED modules 11, 12, ..., 1N are sequenced according to the different magnitudes of the generated voltages V ₁ , V ₂ , ..., V _N.

In one embodiment, this can be achieved by building a corresponding lookup table. For example, a circuit designer can pre-create the lookup table based on the power supply Vdc, the number of LED modules 11, 12, ..., 1N, the (estimated) sizes of the line resistors _RL1 , _RL2 , ..., _RLN , and the sizes of the resistors _R1 , _R2 , ..., _RN . This table provides a correspondence between the generated voltages _V1 , _V2 , ..., _VN , thereby achieving sequencing of the LED modules 11, 12, ..., 1N.

The following is an implementation of the lookup table, using 100 LED modules 11, 12, ..., 1N as an example.

For example, when the voltage (e.g., first voltage V ₁ ) obtained by a certain LED module (e.g., first LED module 11 ) is 5.00 volts, since the voltage is within the voltage range (5.10-4.90 volts) of the first lighting sequence (#1), the LED module can be sequenced as the first LED module 11 . Similarly, when the voltage (e.g., second voltage V ₂ ) obtained by a certain LED module (e.g., second LED module 12 ) is 4.80 volts, the voltage is within the voltage range (4.90-4.70 volts) of the second lighting sequence (#2), and thus the LED module can be sequenced as the second LED module 12 . Similarly, when the voltage (e.g., sixth voltage V ₆ ) obtained by a certain LED module (e.g., sixth LED module 16 ) is 4.20 volts, since the voltage is within the voltage range (4.26-4.14 volts) of the sixth lighting sequence (#6), the LED module can be sequenced as the sixth LED module 16 .

Please refer to Figure 11B, which shows the circuit diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention's parallel sequenced LED string powered by a constant current source. In addition to implementing the power supply Vdc as a constant voltage source, the present invention can also be implemented as a constant current source. In this embodiment, the power supply Idc is a constant current source, providing a fixed current. The power supply can be any type of DC power source, including a constant voltage source, a constant current source, a pulse power source, a carrier power source, or the like.

When powered on, the power supply Idc supplies power to the LED modules 11, 12, ..., 1N. Due to the voltage difference caused by the current flowing through the line resistors _RL1 , _RL2 , ..., _RLN , in this embodiment, the voltage difference caused by the power supply Idc as a constant current source through the line resistors _RL1 , _RL2 , ..., _RLN is a voltage rise. Therefore, the voltage generated on each LED module 11, 12, ..., 1N is different. As shown in FIG11F , which is a voltage diagram of the second embodiment of the parallel sequenced LED lamp string of the present invention, a first voltage _V1 on the first LED module 11 is less than a second voltage _V2 on the second LED module 12, the second voltage _V2 is less than a third voltage _V3 on the third LED module 13, and so on. That is, the voltage generated by the front (upstream) LED module is less than the voltage generated by the rear (downstream) LED module ( _V1 < _V2 < ... < _VN ). In this way, the LED modules 11, ₁₂ , ..., 1N are sequenced according to the different magnitudes of the generated voltages V ₁ , V 2 , ..., V _N. The following describes the principle of sequencing the LED modules ₁₁ , ₁₂ , ..., 1N according to the different magnitudes of the generated voltages V 1 , V 2 , ..., V _N.

Please refer to Figures 11C and 11D, which respectively show the circuit diagrams of a second embodiment of a parallel sequenced LED string powered by a constant voltage source and a second embodiment of a parallel sequenced LED string powered by a constant current source according to the present invention. For ease of explanation, Figure 11C, which provides a constant voltage source, is used as an example. The power supply Idc is also applicable to Figure 11D, which provides a constant current source, and will not be further described.

The biggest difference between the LED string shown in FIG11C and the LED string shown in FIG11A is that the resistance of each LED module 11, 12, ..., 1N in the LED string of FIG11C does not have the controllable characteristic as in FIG11A . That is, to achieve the effect of resistance compensation, the LED string shown in FIG11C further includes a power setting unit 200, which replaces the controllable adjustment of the resistance of each LED module 11, 12, ..., 1N in FIG11A . In other words, the compensation method with adjustable resistance (i.e., controllable resistance) implemented in Figures 11A and 11B is realized through power setting unit 200, thereby simplifying circuit control and saving circuit costs. Power setting unit 200 is an integrated circuit (IC) with a counting function, or a circuit consisting of a digital-to-digital circuit and a digital circuit with a counting function.

In one embodiment, the two ends of the power setting unit 200 are coupled to the positive and negative ends of the power line 100 to adjust the input power current to a constant current or the input power voltage to a constant voltage. The power setting unit 200 is designed to conduct in sequencing mode and to shut down (disconnect) in operating mode. Therefore, in sequencing mode, the conduction of the power setting unit 200 creates a closed loop from the positive electrode of the power supply, the power line 100, the power setting unit 200, to the negative electrode of the power supply. In operating mode, the closed loop through the power setting unit 200 is no longer required. Therefore, in the operating mode, the power setting unit 200 is turned off, so that the LED modules 11, 12, ..., 1N are not in operation, thereby saving power consumption of the LED light string.

Referring again to Figure 11C , during the first power-up, because the resistors R ₁ , R ₂ , …, _RN are connected in parallel, the equivalent resistance is minimized, resulting in the maximum current flowing through. The first voltage V ₁ corresponding to the first sequence (first cycle) of the pulse signal can be obtained. When the first power-up is complete, the first resistor R ₁ can be turned off and the impedance of the power setting unit 200 can be controlled and reduced (i.e., impedance compensation of the power setting unit 200) to ensure that the equivalent resistance values after parallel connection are the same, thereby ensuring the same current flow. When power is applied again, the second voltage V ₂ corresponding to the second sequence (second cycle) of the pulse signal can be obtained.

Similarly, when the second power-up is complete, both the first resistor _R1 and the second resistor _R2 are turned off, and the impedance of the power setting unit 200 is further reduced, so that the equivalent resistance values after parallel connection are the same. Specifically, when both the first resistor _R1 and the second resistor _R2 are turned off, the impedance of the power setting unit 200 is lower than when only the first resistor _R1 is turned off (i.e., the impedance of the power setting unit 200 is compensated). This ensures that the current flowing through the circuit remains the same. When power is applied again, the third voltage _V3 corresponding to the third order (third cycle) of the pulse signal is obtained. In this way, the sequence signal can be used as the basis for the sequence, and the impedance of the power setting unit 200 can be adjusted (reduced) to maintain the current consistency, so that the voltage difference between any two LED modules remains fixed, thereby improving the accuracy of the detected voltage recognition.

Compared to the constant voltage power supply in Figure 11C, the constant current power supply in Figure 11D achieves impedance compensation by increasing the resistance of the power setting unit 200. This increases the equivalent resistance after parallel connection, thereby reducing the current flowing through. This allows the sequence signal to be used as the basis for the sequence, and by adjusting (increasing) the resistance of the power setting unit 200, the current is maintained consistent, keeping the voltage difference between any two LED modules constant, thereby improving the accuracy of the detected voltage recognition.

Furthermore, for the LED light strings with the parallel-serial structure shown in FIG7 or the series-parallel structure shown in FIG8 , the aforementioned method can be combined with the method of automatically encoding the voltages generated on each LED module through the power supply via line resistance and impedance elements to assign a sequence to each LED module 202.

Finally, a lighting control process is executed (step S40). This means that the user can operate the mobile device 10 to provide a lighting control signal to the control unit 201. The control unit 201 controls the designated LED module 202 to perform a designated lighting operation based on the lighting control signal. In the lighting control process, the location information is used to control the designated LED module 202 to perform a designated lighting operation.

Specifically, users can control specific LED modules 202 within the LED light string 20 based on the desired lighting effect (e.g., continuous on, color changing, fast flashing, slow flashing, ticker, etc.). For example, users can graphically select the LED module 202 to control and specify its lighting effect directly on the touch screen. Users can also simultaneously select another set of LED modules 202 and specify different lighting effects for each. This allows for diverse lighting mode operation and control of the LED light string 20.

The above descriptions and drawings are merely detailed descriptions of preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the features of the present invention are not limited thereto and are not intended to limit the present invention. The entire scope of the present invention shall be subject to the scope of the patent application below. All embodiments that conform to the spirit of the patent application and similar variations thereof shall be included within the scope of the present invention. Any variations or modifications that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention are also included within the scope of the patent application below.

S10-S40: Steps

Claims (11)

A method for controlling a light-emitting diode light string comprises a plurality of light-emitting diode modules and a control unit. The method comprises the following steps: executing an automatic coding process: the control unit provides a coding signal for the light-emitting diode modules to determine their order on the light string according to different time differences or different voltages generated by the modules, thereby completing the automatic coding process; executing a device connection process; : connecting a mobile device to the control unit; executing an image positioning program: operating an image capture unit of the mobile device to capture the location of the light-emitting diode modules through image capture; and executing a light control program: operating the mobile device to provide a light control signal to the control unit, and the control unit controls the specified light-emitting diode module to perform a specified light-emitting action according to the light control signal. As described in claim 1, the LED light string control method, wherein in the image positioning process, position information of the location of the LED modules is generated based on the imaging results. In the light-emitting diode lamp string control method as described in claim 2, the position information can be graphical or textual data. The LED light string control method as described in claim 3, wherein in the lighting control process, the position information is used to control the designated LED module to perform a designated lighting action. The LED light string control method as described in claim 1, wherein the LED modules form a LED light string with a serial connection structure, and the automatic encoding process is a corresponding serial automatic encoding process. As described in claim 5, the LED light string control method, wherein in the series automatic coding process, the LED modules determine their own sequence based on different multiple time differences to achieve automatic coding. A method for controlling a light-emitting diode lamp string as described in claim 6, wherein: an operating voltage of each light-emitting diode module is initially controlled to be lower than an identification voltage to establish a starting reference time; and the operating voltage of each light-emitting diode module is controlled to gradually increase, and when the identification voltage is reached, different time differences starting from the starting reference time are generated. In the light-emitting diode lamp string control method as described in claim 6, the magnitudes of the generated time differences are compared with a plurality of time difference ranges to determine the sequence of the light-emitting diode modules. The LED light string control method as described in claim 1, wherein the LED modules form a LED light string with a parallel connection structure, and the automatic encoding process is a corresponding parallel automatic encoding process. As described in claim 9, the LED light string control method, wherein in the parallel automatic coding process, the LED modules determine their own sequence based on the different voltages generated by each module to achieve automatic coding. A method for controlling a LED light string as described in claim 10, wherein: the LED modules are connected in parallel via a power line having a plurality of line resistors, each of the LED modules including an impedance element that can provide impedance characteristics; the LED modules connected in parallel receive a power supply; and the power supply generates a different voltage on each of the LED modules via the line resistors and the impedance elements, thereby encoding the LED modules.