Patent ID: 7138970
Filing Date: 2006-11-21
Classification: H05B

Abstract:
1. A method of extending the service life of an LED illumination source being used within an illumination system, comprising the steps of: initially impressing a predetermined gain control signal, having a relatively high percentage gain level, upon an LED illumination source such that said LED illumination source will consequently tend to exhibit a luminosity level which is greater than a predeterminedly desired luminosity level; initially operating said LED illumination source at a predetermined duty cycle percentage which is less than a maximum one-hundred percent (100%) duty cycle percentage so as to effectively reduce said luminosity level of said LED illumination source to said predeterminedly desired luminosity level, whereby as a result of said LED illumination source being operated at said duty cycle percentage which is less than said maximum one-hundred percent (100%) duty cycle percentage, the aging of said LED illumination source is reduced whereby said service life of said LED illumination source is extended; progressively increasing said duty cycle percentage of said LED illumination source over a predetermined period of time so as to progressively increase said luminosity level of said LED illumination source as said LED illumination source ages as a function of operative time so as to counteract said aging of said LED illumination source; and maintaining said gain control signal at said relatively high percentage gain level while said duty cycle percentage of said LED illumination source is progressively increased over said predetermined period of time.