U.S. patent application number 14/374381 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-05 for detector controlled illuminating system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Yechezkal Evan SPERO. Invention is credited to Yechezkal Evan Spero.
Application Number | 20150035440 14/374381 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46636363 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150035440 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Spero; Yechezkal Evan |
February 5, 2015 |
DETECTOR CONTROLLED ILLUMINATING SYSTEM
Abstract
An illuminating device coupled with sensors or an image
acquisition device and a logical controller allows illumination
intensity and spectrum to be varied according to changing user
needs. The system provides illumination to areas according to the
principles of correct lighting practice for the optimal performance
of visual tasks in the most efficient, cost effective manner.
Aspects of the invention include: lighting fixtures which adapt to
ambient lighting, movement, visual tasks being performed, and
environmental and personal conditions affecting illumination
requirements at any given instant. Lighting fixtures have spatial
distribution of spectrum and intensity, providing both "background"
room lighting, and "task" lighting.
Inventors: |
Spero; Yechezkal Evan;
(Tifrach, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SPERO; Yechezkal Evan |
Moshav Tifrach |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
46636363 |
Appl. No.: |
14/374381 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
January 24, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL2013/050066 |
371 Date: |
July 24, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13357549 |
Jan 24, 2012 |
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14374381 |
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10604360 |
Jul 14, 2003 |
8100552 |
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13357549 |
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61535981 |
Sep 17, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
315/153 ;
219/502 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60Q 2300/42 20130101;
B60Q 2300/41 20130101; F21W 2102/19 20180101; F21V 29/74 20150115;
F21K 9/232 20160801; H05B 47/105 20200101; F21S 41/147 20180101;
F21Y 2113/00 20130101; B60Q 1/1423 20130101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801;
Y02B 20/383 20130101; B60Q 2300/112 20130101; F21W 2102/00
20180101; F21W 2111/023 20130101; B60Q 1/04 20130101; F21W 2102/30
20180101; Y02B 20/343 20130101; Y02B 20/40 20130101; B60Q 2300/122
20130101; F21W 2131/40 20130101; B60Q 2300/314 20130101; F21V 21/02
20130101; F21V 21/30 20130101; H05B 45/395 20200101; B60Q 2300/312
20130101; F21S 4/28 20160101; B60Q 2300/142 20130101; F21K 9/23
20160801; F21V 23/0478 20130101; H05B 45/20 20200101; H05B 47/11
20200101; B60Q 1/085 20130101; F21W 2131/103 20130101; F21W 2111/08
20130101; B60Q 2300/054 20130101; F21W 2102/18 20180101; F21W
2111/027 20130101; Y02B 20/30 20130101; F21W 2102/13 20180101; B60Q
2300/23 20130101; F21S 41/143 20180101; F21S 41/153 20180101; B60Q
2300/21 20130101; H05B 47/10 20200101; F21V 23/0471 20130101; Y02B
20/46 20130101; B60Q 2300/116 20130101; B60Q 2300/322 20130101;
H05B 3/008 20130101; F21V 19/02 20130101; F21V 23/0464 20130101;
F21S 41/65 20180101; B60Q 2300/134 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
315/153 ;
219/502 |
International
Class: |
H05B 37/02 20060101
H05B037/02; H05B 3/00 20060101 H05B003/00 |
Claims
1. A processor controlled illuminating system for illuminating an
area, said illuminating system comprising: a) a light fixture
comprising at least one light source having at least one of
controllable light intensity and spectral light distribution; b) at
least one detector adapted to sense information related to the
instantaneous lighting conditions of entities present within said
area and to pass the sensed information to a processor; c) a
processor adapted to use any of algorithms and look-up tables to
process said sensed information and to determine the instantaneous
lighting requirements for said area; and d) a controller that is
integral to said light fixture and is adapted to adjust at least
one of the light intensity and the spectral light distribution of
said at least one light source to provide said lighting
requirements determined by said processor; wherein, said processor
is adapted to determine said instantaneous lighting requirements
for said area by balancing tradeoffs between human factors and
economic considerations related to visual task efficacy and to
supplying said changing lighting requirements.
2. The illuminating system of claim 1 for use in any of
residential, office, commercial, roadway, industrial, outdoor and
indoor lighting, wherein the instantaneous lighting requirements
for said area include the optimal values of at least one of:
illuminance, luminance, the appearance of surface colors, and the
accuracy of surface colors.
3. The illuminating system of claim 1, wherein the human factors
include: aiding the visual acuity, visual comfort, direction of the
light placement on objects to be seen, the pleasing aspects and
physiological effects of the light on persons in said area.
4. The illuminating system of claim 1, wherein said light fixture
includes a multiplicity of directional light sources having a
differentiated light delivery.
5. The illuminating system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
detector is integral to said light fixture.
6. The illuminating system of claim 4, wherein the at least one
detector is adapted to sense at least one of texture, reflectance,
color, and location of surfaces; the identity and location of
objects; and the identity, the location, and the orientation
relative to said light fixture of people within the area to be
illuminated.
7. The illuminating system of claim 1, wherein the processor is
adapted to determine the lighting requirements of the surfaces,
objects, and persons within the area to be illuminated by using at
least one of artificial intelligence, pattern recognition, and
video analytics.
8. The illuminating system of claim 1 where the detector comprises
at least one of (i) a camera being a photo sensor array coupled
with an optical lens, (ii) one or more photo sensors, (iii) an
ultrasound transducer and sensor, (iv) microwave transducer and
sensor, and (v) pyroelectric detectors.
9. The illuminating system of claim 4, wherein the illuminated area
is indoors and the system further comprises a detector for
detecting variable illumination from daylight and/or sunlight
entering indoors, wherein the controller takes into consideration
the area now illuminated by the daylight and/or sunlight and
adjusts the light intensity of the directional light sources to
meet the varied illumination requirement.
10. The illuminating system of claim 1, wherein the one or more
detectors detects information regarding one or more individuals
within the illuminated area, said information is at least one of
(i) age, (ii) sex, and (iii) recognition of an individual for
matching with stored data about that individual's needs and wherein
the controller adjusts the light intensity and/or spectrum of the
illumination provided to the one or more individuals based on
illumination requirements from at least one of (i) best practices
looked up and calculated from stored data, (ii) age and/or sex of
the individual, (iii) personal preferences input to the controller
and stored in memory, and (iv) commands received by the controller
from an input device.
11. The illuminating system of claim 1 adapted for optimally
displaying food, wherein the one or more detectors detect an
identity of one or more foods and wherein the controller adjusts
the light intensity and/or spectrum of the illumination on the one
or more foods based on illumination requirements received from the
processor.
12. The illuminating system of claim 1 comprising electronic
circuitry apparatus for the controlled powering of the light source
and other illuminating device elements; wherein the controller is
in communication with the light source controlling power
circuitry.
13. The illuminating system of claim 4, wherein the one or more
detectors are configured to sense a presence of glare on a person's
eyes in the illuminated area, and wherein the controller is
programmed to adjust an intensity of the directional light sources
to reduce the glare.
14. The illuminating system of claim 4, wherein: (a) the light
fixture has a movable structure for aiming the directional light
sources mounted thereon in a defined direction; (b) the detector is
a camera for obtaining images, said camera functioning as a
detector for at least one of (i) a light detector (ii) a spectrum
detector, (iii) a motion detector, (iv) a measuring detector for
sensing a geometry of the illuminated area, and (v) a detector for
sensing at least one of work surfaces and objects and at least one
of vehicles and beings; (c) the controller is adapted to adjust a
light intensity and a direction of any of the directional light
sources; and (d) the processor comprises stored algorithms and data
for identifying at least one of (i) tasks being carried out by
people, (ii) location of people, (iii) frequency of area usage by
people, (iv) traffic density in the illuminated area, (v) work
surfaces, (vi) objects, people and/or vehicles, and (vii) roadway
surface luminance.
15. The illuminating system of claim 4, wherein the processor is
adapted to satisfy the illumination requirement that different
parts of the illuminated area are to be illuminated at a different
intensity and/or at a different spectrum than another part of the
illuminated area.
16. The illuminating system of claim 14, adapted to be adjustable
by an installer based on room geometry and/or usage, wherein the
detector and processor combination provides feedback to said
installer so as to aim the light sources such that the illumination
requirements can be met by the re-adjusted light source
aimings.
17. The illuminating system of claim 4, wherein the controller
receives real time information from the camera and wherein the
processor, using image recognition capability, directs the
controller to adjust at least one of (i) the intensity, (ii) the
spectral light distribution and, (iii) the direction of the light
sources based on at least one of (i) where people requiring
illumination are located, (ii) what object the person is viewing
and (iii) what visual task the person needs to perform.
18. The illuminating system of claim 14, further wherein the
movement of the light source direction of at least one of the
directional light sources mounted on the movable structure is
automatically controlled by the controller.
19. The illuminating system of claim 18 adapted to provide a
different illumination to a sub-area based on usage, wherein the
controller, interpreting images from the camera, adjusts the
moveable light sources such that they provide the required
illumination in a sub-area proximate to individuals as they move
around in the illuminated area.
20. The illuminating system of claim 4, wherein the illuminated
area is a road and the entities include road signs.
21. The illuminating system of claim 14, further comprising at
least one directional light source on an automatic swivel joint,
said at least one light source adapted to provide a spot light of
limited beam angle for task lighting while other light sources
provide general illumination to the illuminated area.
22. The illuminating system of claim 1, wherein the detector is a
camera integral to the light fixture and the controller comprises
communication capability to other devices; wherein the camera in a
first location obtains information and the controller process said
information and communicates said camera obtained information to a
second device.
23. The illuminating system of claim 22, wherein the illuminated
area is a road and the second device to which the camera obtained
information is communicated is a lighting fixture.
24. The illuminating system of claim 23, wherein the processor uses
information obtained from the cameras and exchanged between the
first and second fixtures for identifying traffic requirements in
the illuminated area and, from the locations and geometry of
vehicles in said illuminated area, determining the illumination
requirements of the illumination area; thereby directing the
controller to adjust the directional light sources to meet said
illumination requirements.
25. The illuminating system of claim 24, wherein the controller is
programmed to adjust at least one of (i) increase illumination with
an approach of a vehicle, and (ii) change beam cut-off levels as
the vehicle advances toward the lighting fixture to eliminate
glare.
26. The illuminating system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
at least one light sources emits non-visible radiation in a
sub-area proximate to individuals in the area, wherein: (a) the at
least one light sources that emits non-visible radiation is a
directional radiation source that emits the radiation is in a
defined direction; (b) the at least one detector is adapted to
sense a location of individuals in the area; and (c) the controller
is adapted to adjust at least one of (i) a radiation intensity, and
(ii) a direction of the irradiation based on sensed location.
27. The illuminating system of claim 26, wherein: (a) the
non-visible radiation is infra-red radiation intended to provide a
desired heating to one or more individuals in an area; (b) the
light fixture comprises at least two directional heat radiation
sources pointing in different directions; (c) the detector is a
camera with capability for sensing at least one of (i) a presence
of one or more individuals in the heated area, (ii) the identity of
the individuals, and (iii) a body temperature of individuals
present in the heated area; and the processor further has
processing capability for determining the heating requirements of
the individuals in the area from at least one of (i) algorithms to
calculate radiation parameters, (ii) stored data of heating
practices, (iii) image recognition algorithms for identifying the
individual based on the camera information, and (iv) an identified
individual's personal preferences.
28. The illuminating system of claim 26, wherein: (a) the at least
one directional radiation source is capable of being moved so as to
direct radiation in a defined direction; (b) the at least one
detector is capable of providing information on the present
location of individuals in the area; and (c) the processor is
programmed to process the detector information and to direct the
controller to move the radiating sources so as to follow the one or
more individuals.
29. The illuminating system of claim 27, wherein: (a) the camera is
capable of providing images of different parts of the body of
individuals to the processor for image processing; (b) the
radiation sources are adapted to direct radiation to different
parts of the body; and (c) the processor further programmed to run
the image recognition algorithms to identify different parts of the
body, to compute the desired radiation level to the different parts
of the body and direct the controller to adjust the radiation from
sources directed at the different parts of the body.
30. The illuminating system of claim 27, wherein the processor is
adapted to control the irradiation in time and intensity on the
individual to maintain comfortable heating based on at least one
of: (i) best practices, (ii) feedback from the heat detector
configured to detect body temperature of different parts of a body,
(iii) personal preferences input to the controller and stored in
memory and (iv) commands input from an input device.
31. The illuminating system of claim 27, wherein: (a) the light
sources emit radiation for therapeutic purposes; (b) the radiation
may be any of (i) UV radiation, (ii) red light therapy in the
620-660 nm range, and (iii) light therapy for SAD and other
disorders; and (c) the processor and controller aim the radiation
sources to the location where the individual is located and control
the time and intensity of the radiation.
32. The illuminating system of claim 27, wherein at least one of
the light sources emits visible light and at least one of the light
sources is designed to substantially radiate heat, whereby the
system is capable of providing both a desired light and heat
radiation to the individuals.
33. The illuminating system of claim 22 where the detector system
serves in a home, building or area and the second device to which
the camera obtained information is communicated for services
including any of appliances, surveillance, gas or fire detection,
energy delivery devices, sunlight control entertainment fragrance
and other services.
34. The illuminating system of claim 22 where the detector system
serves in a home, building or area and the second device to which
the camera obtained information is communicated to electric power
supplying entities and the two way communications to the controller
interfaces with electricity power supply network for load
modifications.
35. The illuminating system of claim 9, wherein the illuminated
area is indoors and the system has been adapted to receive and
distribute sunlight in the area, wherein the controller takes into
consideration the area now illuminated by the daylight and/or
sunlight and adjusts the light intensity of the directional light
sources to meet the varied illumination requirement.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. patent application
United States Patent Application 20120206050 titled Detector
Controlled Illuminating System, Filed: Jan. 24, 2012
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is in the field of radiation producing
devices. More particularly, the present invention is in the
technical field of lighting fixtures. However, radiation used for
headlamps, heating, night vision, UV or visible light curing,
medical X-rays and other radiation uses are covered as well.
General lighting fixtures otherwise known as luminaires will be
used as the primary example while other irradiating devices such as
infrared heaters are covered as well.
DEFINITIONS, TERMS, ELEMENTS
[0003] In order to clarify the intent of the present invention and
its dissimilar aspects from prior art, a nomenclature system is
established.
[0004] Illumination: Used herein illumination refers to the
deliberate application of light to achieve some practical,
psychological or physiological in people and is also referred to as
lighting. In general these human factors are not only related to
visual acuity and comfort from the lighting but other aesthetic
effects and may also include medical or biorhythm influences of
radiation.
[0005] Lamp: A lamp, or light source in this disclosure generally
relates mainly to a solid state LED light source but also include
OLED as well as filament and discharge lamps as well which radiate
energy. As a light source of ever increasing choice, LEDs have been
packaged in numerous forms and used in lighting applications. In
general however the design process has not zeroed in on providing
the correct lighting solution. A number of LED illumination devices
create "white" light by combining two or more LEDs of various
wavelengths. White LEDs are also made using phosphors. The goal has
not been to vary this color spectrum in real time to coordinate
with the usage of the living space. The term "white" light is
loosely interpreted to cover a range of illuminating light having
spectral light distributions acceptable to the user for that
application. HPS's yellow light has even been called white by some
and the term is exclusive only of almost monochromatic sources such
as LEDs and LPS lamps. The terms light spectrum, spectra,
chromacity, spectrum, spectral and color are used to refer to the
spectral power distribution of the light source. What is known as
the light's color or color rendering ability measuring in a Color
Coordinated Temperature, CCT or Color rendering Index, CRI level
are other measured qualities of light. That is the spectral power
distribution (SPD) of a light source, which is the radiant power of
the light source at each wavelength or band of wavelengths across
the visible spectrum can be altered in preferred embodiments the
flexible lighting fixture of the present disclosure. So to can the
relative intensities of light sources of various SPDs be altered to
change the CRI. The CRI is a way of measuring how good a light
source is at helping us discriminate colors compared with the light
from a standard light source, such as daylight. The term "color"
should be understood to refer to any wavelength of radiation within
a spectrum; that is, a "color," as used herein, should be
understood to encompass wavelengths not only of the visible
spectrum, but also wavelengths in the infrared and ultraviolet
areas of the spectrum, and in other areas of the electromagnetic
spectrum.
[0006] Lighting Fixture: A Lighting Fixture or luminaire (used
interchangeably) is a device which is constructed around the lamp
to provide lighting specific to the application including
non-lighting considerations such as aesthetics, safety etc. Some LF
designs are primarily based on aesthetics while others are based on
tailoring the lumen output such that the lighting fixture output
meets the visual task at hand. Between these two extremes there are
many possible designs, with maintenance, fixture cost, hazardous
and rough service location considerations also playing a role. This
is essentially why the industry produces so many different types of
luminaires; one type for high industrial building ceilings known as
high-bay lighting, another for office lighting, a third for roadway
lighting and a fourth for illuminating corridors. Each fixture has
its photometric distribution characteristics, that is, how many
candela at what angle are exiting from the luminaire. Other
luminaire considerations include keeping the lighting from causing
discomfort glare or from being a source of veiling reflections. The
purely technical goal is to get the required amount of light at the
work surfaces where visual tasks are carried out by man, animals,
plants and machines.
[0007] Digital: The term digital used herein in refers to the
luminaire concept as espoused by teachings of this invention and is
loosely defined in parallel to the fine control associated with
digital equipment. The multiple light sources of specific
characteristics provide quanta of power and spectrum which are
smoothly added or detracted to generate a changed lighting effect.
The digital aspect arises from the sufficient progression of
values, varying by minute degrees to produce a continuum so as be
non-discernible or irrelevant to the user. The added
controllability is realized by breaking up the light-production,
into discrete, specifically aimable, and dimmable elements which
can be addressed by control electronics for the purpose of
affecting the intensity, spectrum and spatial distribution of
spectrum and of intensity of the illumination provided by the
luminaire of the present invention.
[0008] The overall combination of control capability and discrete
light sources yields a digital lighting fixture. The terminology
"digital" as used herein also refers to the discrete nature of the
multiple LED lamps provided in the luminaire, whereby, "digital"
control results from the individual control of the discrete, i.e.,
"digital" lighting elements, the LEDs, in the luminaire.
[0009] Controller: used herein a controller is a device, possibly
in the form of a chip, analogue electronics, or computer, which
monitors and physically alters the operating conditions of the
lighting fixture's power, light source and detector systems. It can
comprise any of power conditioning, computer processing, data
storage and communications systems. The power signal controller is
integral to the light fixture and powers the light sources with
current at a voltage.
[0010] Correct lighting practice: A bare incandescent lamp
illuminating a room is arbitrarily termed poor lighting practice.
The bare light bulb hooked up to the electric power via a light
switch, causes glare, wastes light, delivering the light to useless
areas, has no provision for dimming and is energy inefficient. The
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) as well
as other professional groups such as the International Association
of Lighting Designers (IALD) have developed recommended lighting
practices for specific applications in indoor and outdoor lighting.
These recommendations and equations for implementing the
recommendations can be found in the IESNA Lighting Handbook, 9th
and/or 10th Editions (available from the Illuminating Engineering
Society of North America 120 Wall St. Floor 17 New York, N.Y. 10005
included herein by reference. Factors in good lighting include
lighting intensity levels which may be based on the age of the
users of the light, the color rendering capacity of the light
source, its color temperature, the non-production of glare, veiling
reflections and energy efficiency amongst others. Recommendations
for all aspects of lighting in terms of intensity, distribution,
color temperature, color temperature as a function of light
intensity and correct color rendering exist in the literature in
terms of lighting applications that is the environment to be
illuminated, in parameters such as lux for intensity, CRI for color
rendering index and Visual Comfort Parameter (VCP) for glare. In
recent years, the Unified Glare Rating (UGR) as recommended by the
CIE has become widely accepted as a general formula for assessing
glare. While the US may still use VCP ratings, all the
lighting-practice engineering organizations worldwide have
standards and recommended ratings for different activities. For
example lighting levels of 500 lux and a UGR of 19 is recommended
in offices while industrial areas intended for coarse work a UGR of
28 can tolerated. In good lighting practice, attention is given by
lighting designers to the correct amount of uplight, that is, light
exiting from the luminaire towards the ceiling, which prevents a
gloomy "dark cave" effect. Attention is also given to the cut-off
angle of the luminaire, usually provided by shielding elements,
such that high intensity rays are not emitted at an angle where
they enter the occupant's eye during normal activity. A correctly
designed luminaire for indoor lighting may provide 30% uplight and
70% downlight in the angles from the nadir 0 to 60 degrees and then
again 135 to 170 degrees.
[0011] Correct illumination or recommend lighting practice refers
to lighting industry standards and recommendations for the
illumination of living, recreation, architectural and work areas as
described in standards and handbooks published by industry
professional organizations such as the Illuminating Engineering
Society, the International Association of Lighting Designers, IALD
or International Commission on Illumination CIE. Because the
present illumination device is capable of providing a varied
illumination heretofore unachievable in a lighting system correct
lighting also includes newly obtained best practice results from
experimentation. These new lighting standards may be based on
luminance or subjective good feeling of the tested participants and
are taught to the artificial intelligence system. A governing
equation in lighting and used in "reverse luminaire design" of the
present invention is the cosine law or Lambert's law, Equation
1:
E = I cos .theta. D 2 ##EQU00001##
[0012] Where: E=Illuminance in lux or footcandles, I=Luminous
intensity in candles, D=Distance between the source and the point
of calculation in meters or feet, .theta.=Angle of light incidence
with illuminated surface
[0013] Another useful equation used in fixture analysis to avoid
glare producing designs yields the level of discomfort on the
DeBoer scale. The DeBoer rating scale (1-9) describes the level of
discomfort where: 1=Unbearable, 3=Disturbing, 5=Just acceptable,
7=Satisfactory, and 9=Just noticeable. The allowable level is
dependent on the application. A surgeon performing an operation may
be very sensitive to glare while a chlorophyll producing plant is
not. The equation to determine the rating is Equation 2:
W=5.0-2.0 LOG [E.sub.i/(0.003)(1+SQRT(La/0.04))(.phi..sub.i)
0.45]
[0014] where: W=glare sensation on a scale of 1 to 9, La=adaptation
luminance (cd/m 2), E.sub.i=illumination directed at observer's
eyes from the i-th source (lux), .phi..sub.i=glare angle of the
i-th source (minutes of arc) from the observer's line of sight.
[0015] Using these equations and correct lighting practice covering
preferred angles of lighting for visual tasks, it is possible to
design from the specific application's illumination requirements
the spatial light intensity distribution and yet avoid
manufacturing a glare producing luminaire.
[0016] The present invention generally relates to an improved
illuminator for use both in general and specialty lighting. The
term general lighting includes use in living spaces such as
lighting in industrial, commercial, residential, outdoor and
transportation vehicle applications. By specialty lighting we mean
emergency lighting activated during power failures, fires or smoke
accumulations in buildings, microscope, stage illuminators,
billboard front-lighting, hazardous and difficult access location
lighting, backlighting for signs, agricultural lighting etc.
[0017] Economic, Energy Efficiency and Cost considerations: The
major component in the cost of lighting approximately 80% is in
energy costs. The commodity being purchased is lighting, the major
lifecycle cost is electricity. To cut down on costs and also
conserve energy it desirable to maximize the use of light
generated. Efficiency includes the lumen per watt of electricity
conversion, a "utilization factor" (which equals the light flux
which arrives at a work site (e.g. upper surface of a desk) divided
by the sum of all light flux of the lamp) and the uniformity of the
illuminance over an area expressed in a minimum or maximum ratio to
the design level. The customer is after the best lighting solution
at minimal energy cost. Chances are, as experienced lighting
designers know, that the light intensity, even in a good lighting
design, is still not evenly distributed over the work surfaces.
While care is taken in the lighting design computer runs not to
fall below the minimum illumination intensity at any point in the
room, there are non-trivial excesses at some points in the lighting
layout design. This excess light, wasted energy as far as the
customer is concerned. Lighting enables people t see or achieve a
mood. The costs also includes the life cycle cost including
initial, installation and maintenance costs among others. Economic
considerations include environmental impact and any derived value
such as a brighter light used for important meetings or
persona.
[0018] LED lamps and ballast systems can reduce maintenance costs
due to an average rated life of 100,000 hours. This is five to
eight times the typical service life of conventional fluorescent
and metal halide lamps. The present system is especially well
suited for applications where relamping is difficult or expensive.
The lack of maintenance means the fixture can be used in explosion
proof hazardous locations as the fixture is sealed for life.
[0019] The controlled radiation of light into a living space with a
specific spatial intensity distribution also having optimal
spectral characteristics for the seeing tasks at hand is provided
by the present invention. Each visual task application has its own
correct lighting solution with optimal light intensities, light
color, and the light is emanating at angles which will not cause
glare that interferes with vision or causes discomfort. Tasks in
living spaces vary with time so it is another objective of the
present invention is to provide the optimal lighting solution in
"real time" (at that specific moment in time).
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0020] In prior art illuminating devices a universal light source
such as an incandescent or fluorescent lamp emits light in many
directions up to a 360 degree light distribution where in practice
only a limited angular light distribution is needed in order for
people to carry out visual tasks. So as to control the light
distribution to certain angles, reflectors and refractors are used
to redirect the light where it is needed. A great deal of light is
wasted in the inherent inefficiencies in redirecting the light and
shielding the glare causing light sources. In addition the actual
placement of the light rays where needed, but not beyond, is often
inexact and wasteful.
[0021] In addition it necessary to have a wide variety of lighting
fixtures each with dedicated optics and even then, there is much
wasted light or insufficient lighting in the area covered by the
luminaire. In addition the light intensity and color spectrum of
the luminaire is fixed while the visual tasks going on in the space
are changing all the time. Usually, there is no provision for
either detecting the changes going on in the living space nor is
the lighting fixture equipped with apparatus to effect the
necessary changes in the lighting. In addition individuals often
have their personal lighting preferences as to the color and
intensity of the lighting. Prior art lighting fixtures have no
provision for the localized provision of preferred lighting to
individuals.
[0022] A home lighting fixture is often left on at full power when
really only lighting for orientation purposes is required. A light
switch on the wall is provided and sometimes this has a dimmer
option. An electronic power supply with programmable electronic
controller with communication over a dedicated data line or
alternately over the power line or alternately wireless is also
possible in present art such as with the DALI (Digital Addressable
Lighting Interface) protocol. With digital signals, power supplies
become individually addressable compared to analog systems where
only circuits are addressable. Additionally, DALI allows for
bi-directional communication between the power supply and control.
DALI also brings the capability of broadcast messaging to ballasts.
With DALI or any other protocol much more than dimming can be
effected. Control of spectrum, occupancy sensor controls and
specific spatial intensity distributions can be modified. However,
the present-day lamp or fixture is not designed to fully and
efficiently take advantage of these new control capabilities.
[0023] In United States Patent Application 20100302779 by Chemel
titled Fixture with Replaceable Light Bars he describes an
intelligent LED-based lighting system. The LED based lighting
systems may include fixtures with one or more of rotatable LED
light bars, integrated sensors, onboard intelligence to receive
signals from the LED light bars and control the LED light bars. In
this system while an adjustable system of moving bars is
illustrated so that the LED luminaire can retrofit a variety of
older discharge lamp based luminaires, advantage has not been taken
of the multiplicity of light sources to obtain a superior light
distribution lighting solution that is now obtainable with multiple
sources.
[0024] Spero in United States Patent Application 2004/0105264
describes the design of a multiple light source system using unique
placements of the LEDs on the structure of a lighting fixture to
generate an application specific light distribution pattern capable
of providing recommended illuminance levels. The lighting fixture
has means for being affixed within a living space to be illuminated
in a unique orientation in relation to the surfaces therein.
Subsequently, the lighting fixture is designed by positioning LED
light sources thereon that emanate light in direction and intensity
as required by the lighting application. The geometric layout is
determined by using knowledge of the distances and angles from the
light sources to the living-space surfaces as dictated by the
inverse square law and Lambert's Cosine Law of Incidence. The
combination of the unique placement of the LEDs on the lighting
fixture and the unique orientation of the fixture in the living
space results in the predetermined illuminance being obtained on
the room surfaces. A problem with this technique can arise in
non-standard illumination instances which may be the majority of
lighting applications. For example in industrial plant lighting,
such as in open chemical processing facilities or where there are
desks, shelves, machinery or other elements requiring an
unpredictable light distribution. Much energy is wasted in these
facilities with the wasted light often contributing to light
pollution.
[0025] People need light for the performance of visual tasks, its
aesthetic value or security. Light generated but not used by people
is wasted energy, money and causes air and light pollution.
Standard lighting fixtures, even those that are somewhat area
based, such as a low bay or bedroom luminaire, because of the
different object and usages within the area, either provide too
much light and are wasteful or provide insufficient lighting
inhibiting visual performance. Therefore it would be beneficial to
have a lighting fixture that is further configurable to meet the
demands of the actual lighting application where it has been
installed. In addition it would be beneficial if the lighting
fixture was responsive in real time to the lighting needs at that
moment. It is no longer necessary to have fixtures providing
illumination where there is nothing to be seen.
[0026] Thus there is a need for a lighting fixture having provision
for the differentiation over space and time of the light's
intensity and color that could be set-up in the field and/or
adjusted in real-time to the changing lighting requirements. Such
an exigency based fixture would provide correct illuminance in
terms of chromaticity, homogeneous or aesthetic lighting generally
and task lighting locally for the visual tasks at hand.
[0027] Examples of the inflexible prior-art approach based on
today's designs include: lighting is often provided in rooms where
daylight contributes significantly to the overall lighting level or
in areas near the window but the lighting system is not flexible
enough spatially to take advantage of the daylight contribution and
reduce power; or the lighting is always on at maximum power
irrespective of whether or not there is activity in the room to
justify the lighting level.
[0028] Even when external dimming controls are provided to the
lighting fixture, the color quality of the lighting is
deleteriously affected. At a lower lighting level a warmer color
temperature is generally required and the luminaire lamp color is
not adjustable.
Objectives of the Invention
[0029] The present invention provides a unique approach to
solid-state illuminating devices that is a departure from
conventional prior art LED lighting practice. Prior-Art LED
lighting technology manufacturers have been taking LED junctions
and packaging them in ever more-powerful configurations to carry
out the function of lamps. These LED lamps are teamed with
reflectors and/or refractors similar to the techniques practiced
with standard lamps or put on strips which is just another way of
distributing the light over the area to be illuminated. This
invention comprises a different approach which is to provide the
end user with the most correct lighting solution not a new
technology lamp to replace the old one. The present invention
comprises a novel multi-light source approach to the design and
construction of solid-state lighting fixtures (vs. solid-state
lamps), which is termed a "Digital Lighting Fixture", due to the
control of individual lighting element "digits" to provide the
"correct" lighting solution for the situation at hand.
[0030] In contrast to a prior art, single large, lamp replacement
like light source, the present invention provides multiple, small
sized sources of differing characteristics such that the effect of
the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts. The
determining size factor then becomes when is there a sufficient
progression of values varying by minute degrees or continuum so as
be non-discernable or irrelevant to the user. That is, LEDs can be
of a single wavelength (color, frequency), or have a SPD similar to
fluorescents, have small optics close in to the individual light
sources since they operate coolly, and have stable conversion
efficiency over a wide range of currents and light output. The
added controllability offered by breaking the total light output up
into discrete ("digital") specifically aimable and dimmable
elements which can be addressed by control electronics to effect
intensity, spectrum and spatial distribution of intensity and
spectrum, yields a lighting fixture (vs. lamp) of unparalleled
performance. Unique to this patent is the approach. It is the
approach of a lighting manufacturer who provides lighting solutions
versus that of a lamp manufacturer who produces a generic lamp.
[0031] Further objectives of the present invention are (among
others) to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art and effect
the following: Light is generated only when, where and in the
proper amount and color that can best be used by people or is their
personal preference. This will save wasted energy, money and air
and light pollution while increasing visual performance and
comfort. An exigency based lighting fixture is presented that
provides correct illuminance in terms of chromaticity, homogeneous
or aesthetic lighting generally and task lighting locally for the
visual tasks at hand while preserving high visual comfort.
[0032] A number of unique illuminating device embodiments are
achievable using the basic elements presented above. A few examples
presented in the disclosure include: (1) an industrial lighting
fixture for use in chemical and process plants where lighting that
normally spills out of the existing structure as wasted light, is
not produced to begin with; (2) a bedroom luminaire where normal
activity and night-light lighting levels are provided as well as
the ability to provide individualized lighting to each person; (3)
Living room lighting with provision of modes for typical uses such
as television viewing, reading with the provision of radiant spot
heating based on the users unique location and usage at that
instant in time; (4) A therapeutic luminaire designed to use
illumination and irradiation on persons to alter biological
disorders or schedule sleep or awakening; (5) a luminaire for
emergency and security forces having a non-readiness situation
intensity and chromacity and second high-readiness situation
setting of a unique intensity and/or chromacity, where the unique
chromacity does not damage the biological visual purple pigment of
the retina that is responsible for enabling night vision. It thus
eliminates the time these security forces would need to adjust from
normal lighting to low-light night vision conditions; (6) a
restaurant luminaire which illuminates foods and/or people in their
best light while providing for the correct level and chromacity of
ambient lighting for generating the optimal dining atmosphere; (7)
A general luminaire which the end user configures themselves in
situ to best suit their desired lighting preferences. The field
adjusted luminaire comes with the lighting elements and their power
supplies but the user re-arranges in particular directions and sets
their light output levels and/or chromacity to obtain the preferred
output; (8) A do it yourself modular lighting fixture which is a
structure capable of receiving light sources over its surface where
the user chooses the light source with its chromacity and intensity
level. The user builds up the light distribution pattern on their
own and connects the sources to the integral modular power supply;
(9) A single light engine device for a room or outdoor location
with concentrated light output capable of being beamed distances to
reflectors or refractors which redirect the light to be more
optimally used in a localized area.
[0033] The overall objective of these exemplary embodiments is the
disclosure of an exigency based lighting fixture that provides
correct or user preferred illuminance in terms of chromaticity,
homogenenaity, aesthetic considerations over a general area and/or
task lighting provided in a small area for the visual tasks at
hand. Providing illumination only where, how and when it is needed
to efficiently carry out visual tasks minimizes wasted light thus
minimizing energy use for lighting. To achieve this efficiency goal
there is a need for a lighting fixture having provision for 1) the
differentiation over space and time of its light intensity and
color 2) that can be set-up in the field and/or 3) adjusted in
real-time to changing lighting requirements.
[0034] It is further the goal of this disclosure to teach how to
construct a situational, exigency based lighting fixture which
besides having sensors and processors and software for adducing the
geometry, contents, occupancy and light usage in order to calculate
and deliver the correct lighting can now additionally consider
other, often subjective optimal lighting, human factors engineering
and economic criteria. The situational, exigency based lighting
fixture intended to illuminate an area to be lit with one or more
light sources which will illuminate where needed, in the correct
amounts at the time needed to accomplish visual tasks and/or effect
physiological and/or psychological effects and/or create an
atmosphere while also optimizing any of luminance, the pleasing
aspects of the lighting, the appearance of surface colors, and the
accuracy of the light in terms of color rendition in the area, and
minimizing glare, flicker gloomy lighting while balancing tradeoffs
between factors including: aiding the visual acuity of persons, the
accuracy of the light placement on objects, the accuracy of the
light in terms of color rendition, the pleasing aspects of the
lighting in the area; and economic considerations related to the
accurate and/or timely performance of visual tasks, performance
efficacy and energy cost of supplying the luminance requirements.
The luminaire is configured to perform in the geometric area where
it has been installed either manually or automatically by software
and has detectors to determine the luminance requirements in real
time, even as the luminance requirements change for persons in the
area.
[0035] While these objectives should not be understood to limit the
teachings of the present invention, in general these objectives are
achieved in part or in whole by the disclosed invention that is
presented in the following sections. One skilled in the art will no
doubt be able to select aspects of the present invention as
disclosed to affect any combination of the objectives described
above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0036] A lighting device incorporates one or more discrete light
sources and their ancillary optical and electrical control
equipment in an integrated illuminating element. The overall
lighting effect is the result of the combination of these multiple
sources, detector and control components operating together.
Preferably, the power conditioning circuitry, light sources, logic
control circuitry, sensors and optical elements are packaged
together in one integral device but not necessarily so. The system
contrives a lighting device which replaces the present day
multi-component lighting fixtures or luminaires including: the
lamp; optical light control element/s such as reflector, refractor
and shade; power conditioning devices such as a ballast; control
equipment such as switch, dimmer, and timer. Detectors, emitters
and sensors for light intensity, spectrum, temperature etc such as
photodiodes, photocells thermocouples etc are provided. These
provide data input to the controller, allow feedback and enable
recalibration. In the present concept over the life time of the
fixture there is no lamp replacement only fixture replacement. It's
assumed that after 50,000 to 100,000 hours it is time to change the
fixture.
[0037] The present invention also relates to lighting fixtures
comprised of many directional light sources that are mounted with
different aimings so as to correctly illuminate an area. The LED
light sources are moveable so that they can be adjusted to best
illuminate the area where the luminaire has actually been
installed. In addition they may be controllable by a microprocessor
as to the light intensity and color so as to best assist people to
see what they are doing at that moment, be it reading a book,
watching TV or assembling an automobile. The lighting fixture is
equipped with a "smart" camera (similar to a cell phone's processor
controlled digital camera) which inputs data on the lighting,
occupants and current conditions within the room. The result of
this added sophistication is that electricity is spent on
generating only useful light. The energy savings greatly reduces
electricity costs and environmental impact.
[0038] The present invention more specifically relates to lighting
fixtures whose spatial light distribution and/or spectral power
distribution is capable of being adapted, either manually or
automatically, to provide the illumination needed in that specific
surrounding and at that specific time. The Field Adjustable
Multiple-Light-Source Luminaire, FAML, is thus a universal product
that can be tailored onsite so as to provide design illuminance and
color spectrum to the relevant surfaces in the specific lighting
installation. Thus a preferred embodiment of the invention is a
lighting fixture comprised of many light sources which can be
separately aimed and powered so as to illuminate areas or objects
in a room or outdoors in a most correct, efficient and comfortable
manner.
[0039] To affect this directional lighting versatility, in a
preferred embodiment the luminaire is comprised of many directional
light sources that can be re-positioned so as to illuminate in
different directions. The light sources at a particular aiming may
all be one color, say white or may be of different colors which
when combined together yield a different colored light beam.
Altering the radiated power of one color light source versus the
other allows for the creation of light in a myriad of colors. The
luminaire has some light sources at the same aiming and others at
different aimings and may come in a standard configuration for the
general type of lighting application from the factory. Upon
installation, if the factory preset lighting distribution does not
fit the actual surroundings, the installer will customize the
configuration by adjusting the light source aimings and light
intensity output such that the correct amount of light is supplied
to where it is needed while not at all or minimally illuminating
areas where it is not needed. The installer will also make
provision for the existence of other lighting fixture in the same
or adjacent areas. When light is provided at higher angles and
glare would result from the LED light source being visible, the
light is not wasted by covering it with a shade or passing the
light through a diffuser thereby losing the directionality and
light flux due to absorption. Instead taking advantage of the small
etendue of the light source, an optical spreader is used to
increase the area from where the light is exiting thus lowering the
luminous exitance while maintaining directionality.
[0040] To effect the provision of lighting that is in concert with
the actual illumination needs at a given time, in an embodiment of
the FAML, a camera serves as a sensor capable of detecting light,
color and contents of the living space. The fixture is equipped
with a logical controller. Using computer vision technology to
recognize people, objects and surroundings the lighting fixture can
provide the lighting requirements needed in the room at that moment
in time. The computer vision system has been taught to recognize
different visual tasks such as an individual operating a machine,
reading a book or watching TV using computer vision methodologies
as in known in the art. The logical controller has instruction sets
as to what color lighting at what intensity is preferable for that
specific visual task. Thus if no one is in the room the lighting is
off or a dimmed, aesthetic lighting is provided for the good
feeling of those looking in. When people enter the room,
immediately general room lighting is turned on and following that,
specific task lighting is provided and adjusted to the right level
and color based on where they are in the room and what they are
doing.
[0041] An automatic embodiment of the FAML would include motion
control elements for the light sources. Coupled with the camera and
logical controller, the light distribution is altered automatically
as required by changes in the physical surroundings, people or
environment. In a similar fashion to how a preprogrammed moving
head stage light follows the performer about the stage the FAML
logical controller will automatically locate the person in the room
and provide locally the lighting needed for the performance of
visual tasks. To save energy, the rest of the room will then be
illuminated at a lower, yet comfortable lighting level.
[0042] There are two stages to be able to have a "smart" fixture.
The first inventive device is a Lighting Fixture to illuminate a
prescribed area that is capable of providing a differentiated light
delivery over the area to be lit. That is: the LF has apparatus
that is capable of delivering light to one sub-area that is
different in intensity or spectral power distribution from a second
area. The second stage is the design of a human-vision-centric
control system of said newly invented differentiated light delivery
system which is capable of taking gainful advantage of this
heretofore unavailable flexibility in light delivery. Therefore all
prior art control systems, even those using cameras are not capable
of the substantially continuous (non-stepwise) coordinate dependant
variation in the illuminance over an area. This is clearly seen in
a sunlight harvesting application such as when sunlight from a
window drops off as the distance from the window increases and the
digital illumination fixture compensates in concert. Nor are they
capable of adapting the illumination to the real time visual need
of occupants.
[0043] In order to control lighting in a room's micro climate one
needs need to control light delivery such that subzones in a room
are independently addressable. Up to now the concept has been that
a central sensor and controller controls the light fixtures within
the room to obtain the lighting effect. The central controller
decides centrally what illumination is required and sends via a
communications protocol a signal to the dimming ballast. So many
individually powered LFs are controlled by a central controller
which sends a control signal to the networked device which has
apparatus for interpreting the dimming signal and effecting the
power change. The novel illuminating devices of the present
disclosure instead, in a number of the embodiments, use a multiple
light source lighting fixture having an integral controller on a
powered lighting fixture (one may also use other locations as light
sources via an unpowered satellite "light distributor"). A
centrally located sensor detects what is going on in different
parts of the room, adduces the coordinates, and via an artificial
intelligence, expert system interprets the best practice
illumination required and the controller via the LED drivers and
light sources generates photons directed to said coordinates. The
camera readings are based on coordinates in correlation with the
area specific light sources. It is to be understood that in a
departure from prior art where illumination is specified on a plane
such as the work plane 85 cm above the floor in the present
illuminating device the coordinates include the horizontal plane as
well as vertical planes and a full x,y,z, coordinate which may
include a painting on a wall or part of a table is specifiable. In
a preferred embodiment the sensor is an integral sensor for each
fixture. If there are other lighting fixtures illuminating the room
and they also have their own sensor for viewing the area within
their purview. The fixtures communicate via communications protocol
apparatus such as WiFi, Bluetooth or via the white light they
produce. This is similar to how IR light in fiber optic cables is
used in today's communications networks. That is, where the
fixtures have mutual coverage the sensor picks up the undulating
white light frequencies. The fixtures first communicate and
establish a communications "handshake" between them and use the
fixtures unique identifier for the node or assign an identifier.
Further communication identifies the luminance provided by each
fixture so that each provides its correlated part of the lighting
and the prescribed lighting level is maintained. If one sensor sees
for other fixtures the communications between fixtures may still be
via light or WiFi communications device etc.
[0044] Because the uniqueness of the DLF able to deliver light
limited to specific coordinates and the uniqueness of the pixelated
sensor array knowing the coordinates of the occupant, for the first
time we capable of micro-managing the illumination in an
environment. Without this combination of the digital LF
differentiated light delivery device with digital sensor all other
illumination control systems will not be able to perform a
continuous illumination of the area. Instead a quanta of luminaires
will be dimmed with the entire area under the fixtures purview
being affected.
[0045] The present illuminating system makes maximal use of machine
perception technology known in the art. The controller is equipped
with the processing power to use input from sensors such as
cameras, microphones, sonar and others to deduce aspects of the
world under it purview and beyond. The control of the fixture may
be manual via switches, remote control and/or automatic and may use
speech recognition, facial recognition and object recognition.
[0046] The lighting control system uses artificial intelligence
methodologies known in the art where information is fed to the
processor from a computer vision system or other detector and input
devices such as ultrasound, infrared, sonar, remote controllers
microphones to decide among many factors, be they aesthetic,
economic, physiological in controlling the light output. In a
preferred embodiment the computer vision which is the ability to
analyze visual input is coupled in a camera with a luminance
metering capability as well as a geometric metering ability in
terms of knowing the distances to surfaces so as to calculate the
inverse square law and Lamberts law as it applies to illuminance
intensity calculations. The camera may also have been constructed
and programmed to perform a surface temperature reading capability
as is known in the art. This information can then be communicated
to the HVAC system in a smart home network such as WiFi or Seabee
etc.
[0047] The controller's computer acts as an artificial intelligence
expert system in that emulates the decision-making ability of an
expert human lighting designer or engineer. The expert system is
designed to solve complex lighting problems by reasoning about
knowledge, like an expert, and not only by following the procedure
programmed by the developer. Expert systems are among the truly
successful forms of AI software and are known in the art and have
herein in this novel lighting fixture been turned into practice.
Until now only separate spot lights set up by a designer could give
different surfaces over part of a room a different intensity or SPD
where now 1) it can be done in an integrated system. 2) it can be
done automatically based on a sensor and 3) it can change with
changing occupant and objects. The expert system is thus uniquely
capable of weighing both performance, human and economic
considerations in driving the illuminating device light production
and delivery characteristics. As opposed to a mathematical solution
the AI system mimics human reason to deliver a decided upon
illumination.
[0048] A special lamp could be made for light therapy or for not
interfering with melatonin production. However being developed with
multiple light sources of various SPD in conjunction with a
controller now allows such a fixture that can vary between normal
lighting and therapy lighting when needed.
[0049] Visual performance models imply that virtually all tasks
done in offices and schools could be done just as well at much
lower illuminance than those currently used. However, illuminances
have not been reduced because people like an interior to appear
bright. Dim, gloomy lighting can induce a sense of visual
discomfort which may change the observer's mood and motivation to
carry out a task, particularly if the work is prolonged. Thus, if a
perception of brightness could be maintained at a lower
illuminance, energy consumption and carbon emissions could be
reduced. Thus a preferred embodiment of the differentiated light
delivery lighting fixture includes light sources to provide
selective lighting to surfaces in the instantaneous Field of View
of the occupant. The detector system has knowledge of the eye
location and orientation and thus the FOV. When the fixture
controller will dim in a surrounding area it will compensate for
gloom by selectively illuminating a surface such as the ceiling
with minimum energy to offset any negative influence on mood.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0050] FIG. 1 represents a block diagram of the elements making up
a Digital Lighting Fixture system.
[0051] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of this
invention of a retrofit LED Digital Lighting Fixture in the form of
a replacement lamp
[0052] FIG. 3 is a LED lighting fixture for use in a suspended
ceiling application.
[0053] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the isolux pattern obtained
from a Digital Lighting Fixture.
[0054] FIG. 5 is a universal luminaire embodiment using an adaptive
digital lighting fixture which is programmed to illuminate the area
as is needed.
[0055] FIGS. 6A through 6C depict a streetlight fixture designed
according to the teachings of this invention.
[0056] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a typical design procedure for a
multi-source lighting fixture of the present disclosure
[0057] FIG. 8 shows a multiple light-source headlamp capable of
optimally carrying out the diverse illumination functions used in
driving under various environmental conditions and
surroundings.
[0058] FIG. 9 is an illustration of an anti-glare system using the
multiple light source headlamp.
[0059] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a configurable LED
luminaire comprised of many light modules; FIG. 10B is a view of
light module optical accessories;
[0060] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a light guide;
[0061] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are perspective view of basic
embodiments of the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a substantially linear
embodiment of the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the elements comprising the
controlled illumination invention;
[0064] FIG. 15 is an exemplary flow chart for a computer program
run to obtain the optimal illumination;
[0065] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a universal lighting
fixture structure with means for attaching light source and sensor
elements mechanically and electrically;
[0066] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture capable
of producing both a differentiated spatial light intensity
distribution as well as a spatially differentiated light spectrum
distribution.
[0067] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a field adjustable multiple
light source lighting fixture;
[0068] FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B is a perspective view of satellite
light source from the side and from the front respectively;
[0069] FIG. 20 depicts an adjustable luminaire in a lighting
application;
[0070] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a luminaire with a special
night-light functionality;
[0071] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an adjustable luminaire
with added irradiation functionality;
[0072] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an industrial lighting
fixture for use in hazardous locations;
[0073] FIG. 24 is a process flow chart for a computer lighting
fixture design program.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0074] The system is built around a "digital" light source. That
is, the emanating lighting effect is the sum of the characteristics
of a multiplicity of discretely controllable "digit" sources. The
difference between the individual "digit" light sources and their
summation manifests itself in the resultant light characteristic,
be in its intensity, spatial intensity distribution, spectral
energy content and spectral intensity distribution. All of these
characteristics are also variable with time. A light source for
this purpose may be electroluminescent such as a Light Emitting
Diode (LED) junction, Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) or
carbon-related field emission devices such as a
nanotube-phosphor-combination, HID, fluorescent or even an
incandescent source. While a one-source lamp will not have the
flexibility to effect the most correct illumination
characteristics, such as maintaining correct intensity and color
temperature for the lighting task at hand over changing
environmental conditions, two or more differentiated sources will
have an increased operating range. This flexibility is useful as
for example in a multi-source luminaire with spatially
differentiated dimming capability used in an office lighting
application. In a normal day's operation, such as in a windowed
room between peak daylight and nighttime hours, the intensity and
color temperature of the light varies greatly over different
portions of the room. The smooth variation possible with many light
sources ("digits") vs. one light source offers superior flexibility
in providing the actual lighting needs. Therefore, the illuminating
device may be described as a "digital" light source or as a
Multiple Solid-state Light Source (MSLS), comprising many "digits",
SLSs, and essentially replaces the lamp of present-day
luminaires.
[0075] As used herein, the term "light source", LED or "solid state
light source" means any system that is capable of receiving an
electrical signal and producing light in response to the signal.
Thus, the term "light source" should be understood to include light
emitting diodes of all types, light emitting polymers,
semiconductor dies that produce or emanate light in response to
current, organic LEDs, electro-luminescent strips, and other such
systems. Incandescent and discharge light sources are also included
and multiples of incandescent and discharge light sources also
provide a digital luminaire. In an embodiment, a "light source" may
refer to a single light emitting diode package including multiple
semiconductor LED dies that are individually controlled. The
combined unit of compatible, mass producible, apparatus, including
the solid-state lamps, their optical assembly, electronic control
gear and structural fixture equipment, provides a unique Digital
Lighting Fixture (DLF) device.
[0076] In a preferred embodiment the DLF is provided with an
onboard controller. The controller may be a computer board,
embedded device, a Digital Signal Processor, etc. In general, the
term "logical controller, controller or computer" can be broadly
defined to encompass any device having control circuitry or a
processor which executes instructions from a memory medium. The
present invention provides an illuminating device which serves as a
replacement for the lamp, socket, reflector, electric power control
gear, dimmer and mechanical structure of a present-day lighting
fixture or luminaire. A semiconductor junction packaged integrally
with light controlling components provides a Solid-State Light
Source SLS and many together form an MSLS, which when combined with
power conditioning, and optionally logic control, communications
and affixing elements, provides a DLF. The basis of the invention
is the use of a multitude of discrete light emitting sources
("digits") to generate light. The light control elements can be
applied on a per junction basis or on a "white" color generating
set grouping such as RGB or on a larger set which may be convenient
for manufacturing or other color rendering considerations. The
requirement for controllability is however, that the SLS output is
definitive in relation to spectrum and spatial distribution.
[0077] The discrete light emitting elements by operating and not
operating, at full power or at a fraction of, either partially or
in unison, generate light with optimal intensity, spectral
distribution, and spatial distribution of intensity and spectral
distribution for the viewing task at hand. This is accomplished
without recourse to separate (exterior to the DLF) reflectors to
redirect the light, filters to alter color, shades to control glare
or dimmers to control intensity.
[0078] A "light bulb" of the present invention is comprised of a
multitude of LED's where each LED or group of LED's may be of the
same or different wavelength, (color-where said wavelength may be
mono or multi-chromatic), light output, spatial distribution and
operating frequency (as when an alternating signal is used or it is
multiplexed). The light from an LED or group of LED's of red color
operating with an LED of blue and green color impinging on an
object would appear to the viewer as "white light". By varying the
number and/or light power output of a specific color LED or group
of LED's relative to the others, a different intensity and color
temperature of light with a "warm" or "cool" appearance may be
effected. "White" LEDs can also be used in the invention alone or
with other monochromatic LEDs. A white LED comprises an emitter in
the blue spectrum covered with a phosphor which fluoresces in
yellow such that the combined output appears white. White LEDs come
in various angular light distribution patterns and color
temperature variations. White LEDs of different SPDs can also be
combined to vary intensity and spectrum.
[0079] Typically, an incandescent or HID lamp is used in
conjunction with a reflector to redirect the light to obtain a
desired light pattern where more of the light is directed where it
is most useful. A luminaire for area lighting will have a "bat
wing" candlepower light distribution pattern, which yields equal
horizontal illumination on a surface as it compensates for the
"inverse square law" (a function of the cosine of the angle and the
distance squared from the source). Generally, such an optical
assembly has efficiency less than 80% due to losses on the
reflector's surfaces. The MSLS needs no reflector to redistribute
the light since each discrete SLS "digit" is aimed such that the
candle power intensity varies with angle as is needed to give the
optimum illumination on the room work surfaces for a given mounting
height. The MSLS lamp distribution is pre-designed according to
typical house or office settings. Thus, there is no need for a
reflector to redirect the light and its consequent inefficiencies
in order to obtain a "bat wing" distribution. The present approach
by LED manufacturers is to provide single high output LEDs with
optics yielding a "batwing" distribution. These batwings are
usually less than optimal and are circular. The "digital" approach
of this invention would yield a finer control and thus a more
accurate batwing, generating a more even distribution in a
rectangular/square vs. circular pattern.
[0080] In a DLF it is possible to combine a task light having a
very narrow "spot" beam at the correct aiming with a general area
lighting "flood" beam into one fixture. The digital lighting
fixture is positioned according to recommended lighting practice
near a workstation and correctly oriented such that the DLF gives a
wide (though still controlled, so as not to cause glare on a
computer display) general illumination distribution as well as a
narrow distribution aimed at the desktop for high intensity task
lighting. In a preferred embodiment a positionable task lighting
spotlight located on a section of the DLF can be aimed manually or
by servomotor to project onto the work area.
[0081] The surface area, from which discomfort-glare causing rays
exit, is designed such that the luminous exitance is within
recommended UGR levels for home use. The fixture has no need for a
shade to protect from glare; the glare was never produced at those
angles to begin with due to proper geometric design. To get the
desired luminous exitance expressed in terms of lumen per sq. meter
or luminance in terms of candela per sq. meter, the light exiting
the source of specific intensity at angles which normally reach the
room occupant's eyes, is spread over an area such that the exiting
light is non-glaring. These lighting design parameters serve as the
product specification and are incorporated into the initial design.
There is no need to add on components to achieve correct
lighting.
[0082] The dimming capability of the MSLS is quite dramatic. A
typical LED of today such as an Agilent.RTM. HLMP25-ED-xxxx will
produce light at a tenth of a milli-Ampere and may be operated up
to 50 mA. At 0.1 mA it may produce 5 milli-lumen while at 50 mA
over 1000 ml. This is a hundredfold range. Another radiation output
control technique is to provide pulsed power in place of constant
current. LEDS are operated on DC as well as pulse power and current
as well as timing in terms of duty cycle, pulse width and other
signal modulations are useable by the controller to effect
intensity changes. These pulsed modulations unobservable to the
user can be used in a communications system with other fixtures to
coordinate lighting and/or pass information between them. With a
built in or exterior motion detector, the DLF can be operated at
emergency lighting levels, sufficient for orientation, and then
immediately power up to full level when someone enters the
room.
[0083] In another embodiment, the electronic luminaire has a light
level detector and automatically adjusts the output to the required
level. If the lighting level on only one side of the room is
enhanced by the sunlight, directional luminance meters, external or
integral to the DLF, detect the imbalance and the controller dims
only those SLS oriented to illuminate in the sunlight illuminated
direction. This detailed spatial distribution intensity control is
not possible with other lamp types.
[0084] In order to better understand the embodiments and methods of
this invention reference is now made to the following figures:
[0085] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the elements which in
combination provide a digital lighting fixture (DLF). The DLF
serves as a complete luminaire solution including: power
conditioning circuitry, control electronics, sensors, mechanical
fixture and light source. The DLF replaces the lighting fixture,
ballast, socket, lamp, dimmers, reflector, gaskets and fasteners
with a sealed for life electronic assembly. An electric power
source 1, supplies power at line Voltage 110 to 480V or at low
Voltage 12-24 Volt to the DLF 2. The DLF includes more than one
light source 3, which is preferably an electroluminescent
solid-state light source but may be any other light source, such as
incandescent, high intensity discharge, fluorescent, etc such that
the individual characteristics of each lamp's light are combined in
operation to achieve a sum of the characteristics presenting a
benefit not achievable from a single source alone. The light
sources are affixed or contained within a mechanical device 4,
which may serve as containment to all of the components and
facilitates affixation to building surfaces. The electric power is
received in the correct waveform, voltage and current from the
power source 1, or is conditioned within the DLF 2, by power
conditioning elements and circuitry 5. The direction of light
exiting from the DLF as a whole or from each SLS individually is
controllable by optical elements 6, such as reflective surfaces and
or refractors, and may be electronically variable optical
elements.
[0086] The separate light sources may be of the same color and
intensity characteristic or may have different color and intensity
characteristics. Thus for a 3-stage light bulb equivalent, each of
three sources can have the same lumen rating or two sources are
used where one is twice the output of the other. In a finely
variable, digital embodiment the effect of continuous dimming
effect is achieved when the differences in the lighting level is
imperceptible to the people in the room. Typically a 5% change will
not be perceived. Thus with twenty equivalent intensity LEDs as a
base (one additional would add less than 5%), additional quanta
could be smoothly added, or on the other hand, to in reality
perform perceptible dimming (which is the objective) a greater than
5% change should be effected. The same is true for the final
spectral color of the light emanating from the DLF to illuminate
objects. The eye adds the radiation reaching the eye and cannot
perceive the separate components, contrary to the ear's recognition
of sounds where each frequency is individually resolved. Therefore,
quanta of specific spectral color energy may be added to the mix
without perception. For example changes up to 200 degrees Kelvin in
HID lamps are not perceived. Thus to effect a noticeable color
change, a quanta of spectral color power would need to be added or
detracted from the sum.
[0087] In a preferred embodiment the DLF contains logic control
electronics unit 7. Logic control electronics unit, 7, receives
input and/or feedback from motion, intensity and/or spectral
sensors 8, or from manual controller 9 and increases or decreases
or turns on or shuts off the power to one or more of the SLS to
effect the desired change. That is, the control logic unit 7 has
stored parameters for intensity and spectral distribution and
operates the MSLS lamp within the predefined range. The control
unit may include a DSP or computer with storage media, computer
algorithms, signal input and output electronics, analog to digital
converters, and communications elements to carry out intensity,
distribution, dimming and color balance control. Computer
algorithms and instruction sets 7A are induced by the logical
controller to manipulate data, calculate results generate output
signals and maintain the operating parameters within the
specifications. Measured parameters are checked against the stored
parameters and the control circuitry adjusts the power to SLS.
[0088] Sensors 8 include any of the following: light, temperature
and motion detection devices. Two types of optical detection
sensors may be used: A photo detector with specific spectral
sensitivity to detect a specific color. For example a standard red,
blue and green set which would then indicate how "white" the light
is. Alternately, a wide spectrum photo detector that irrespective
of color measures the intensity of each excited die as it is test
fired, based on the eye visual sensitivity curve. The optical
sensor may be lensed and capable of forming an image, that is a
camera and the detector may be a detector array of photodiode
pixels. The detector array may be a CMOS or CCD VSLI array and may
be monochromatic or color as in a monochromatic or digital camera.
Such arrays are readily available in mega-pixel resolution.
[0089] With changes in ambient lighting the light sensors detecting
conditions at a specific location receive input. The detector
instantaneously reads the ambient during a momentary shut off the
artificial light source. The momentary shutoff is of short
duration, e.g., less than one millisecond duration, at rates
undetectable to the users as the eye does not discern flicker rates
above 1/100th of a second. The controller then readjusts the
driving circuitry to the correct power level. The sampling of
multiple sensors around the DLF can be simultaneous using buffers
in the controller to facilitate analysis by methods known in the
art. Alternately, the light sources and coordinated detectors at
specific locations are turned off, sampled, turned on again and
sampled, to verify that the illumination is within recommended
specifications. Interaction between DLFs, located in close
proximity to each other, is avoided, by the use of the
short-duration momentary shutoff controller readjusting time
interval. The probability of simultaneous controller readjustment
of two adjacent DLFs is very small. Further, the timer which
controls the time between the controller readjusting time
intervals, is preferably analog, such that there is very low
probability of two DLFs having the same time between controller
readjusting intervals. Since an LED device is operable over a wide
range of currents, when an LED serves as the light source, dimming
and color balance are smoothly and infinitesimally variable.
[0090] Light plays a central role in the design of a visual
environment. The architecture, people and objects are all made
visible by the lighting. Light influences people's ability to carry
out visual tasks, impinges on their comfort for good or for bad
affects their well-being as well as having an aesthetic effect and
creating mood in a room or area. It is the goal of the present
lighting fixture to maximize light's benefit for people within the
environment it is intended to irradiate.
[0091] In an alternative embodiment of the detector controlled
illuminating device of the present disclosure a novel illuminating
system is described which is capable of providing light to be used
by beings in a more optimal manner. These uses include enabling
people to see correctly and comfortably, to render other beings,
surfaces or objects in their field of view in a visually pleasing
manner and to effect psychological or physiological changes in
people or other living creatures. It does this by having a
programmed control system change the intensity of the lighting, the
color, or SPD, of the lighting, the angle from which the lighting
is coming from and changing the lighting over time. The automatic
control system uses algorithms to perform this light optimization
while taking into account the tradeoffs between economic factors
such as energy efficiency, the amount of room occupants, identity
of room occupants, transmitted signals from the electric utility
for use in load leveling/shedding factors, glare, light pollution
and light trespass factors and light source lifetime among
others.
[0092] The novel lighting fixture for optimally illuminating
surfaces or an area has 1) at least one light source capable of
operating at different power levels and 2) a controller providing
the different power which 3) is in communication with a processor
which 4) is in communication with a detector capable of sensing
information within the area to be lit where said information is
supplied to the processor which 5) uses stored instruction sets to
asses data in lookup tables and/or perform calculations based on
algorithms to determine the illumination requirements of the area
to be lit in real time. The processor then passes the light source
power level requirement to the controller which partially or fully
powers the light source.
[0093] In a preferred embodiment the lighting fixture is comprised
of many light sources where each light source covers only a segment
of the area to be lit. The light sources may be of the same or
different SPDs. In addition there may be more than one light source
illuminating a segment and the additional sources may have
different color wavelength of light such that the light delivered
to one segment may have a different SPD from that of a second
segment. Often one type of color wavelength may be more efficient
at converting electricity to visible light and may be more
economical to operate. A white LED such as a CREE XM-L2 in cool
white CCT of 6000K may offer 130 lumen per Watt while at CCT of
2800 warm-white and CRI of 90 only 79 lumen per Watt. A red led
used to bias the color to a warmer temperature at 58 lumen per
watt. The processor computational system comprises software which
adapts as said luminance requirements change, while balancing
tradeoffs between factors including: aiding the visual acuity of
said persons in the area, the accuracy of the light placement on
the objects in the area, the accuracy of the light in terms of
color rendition, the non-glaring and/or pleasing aspects of the
lighting for the persons in the area; and economic considerations
related to the energy cost of supplying the luminance
requirements.
[0094] In a preferred embodiment the lighting system power usage in
homes buildings and outdoor areas can be regulated when utilities
have a shortage of power to supply and initiated power cuts or
emergency power outages occur. Almost 20% of the electricity
generated goes for lighting and thus even a 50% reduction in the
lighting could have a major effect on electric utility load
leveling efforts to stave off power failures. As a result of the
camera vision/detector system being installed in each area to be
lit a plethora of information is now available from the computer
vision/detector system regarding what is the occupancy of the room
and what the immediate visual needs of users are and even what
lighting is being used of aesthetics.
[0095] This micro-level knowledge of the demand for power allows
utilities or building energy control systems faced with a power
crunch a heretofore unachievable load balancing or load-shifting
flexibility. The micro-demands for lighting they are now
prioritorized based on type of usage. That is while critical
lighting affecting safety or productivity may be minimally dimmed,
lighting for aesthetics in the same room could be eliminated
(better that having a power outage). The controller has a
communications device such as WiFi and via a connection to the
internet or other telecommunications network communicates with the
utility or building energy management system which is in contact
with the utility. When the controller receives a demand for power
reduction, the controller is programmed to decrease the power for
lighting and/or other energy uses such as HVAC to the various based
on the importance of the use criteria.
[0096] Not only is lighting based on occupants but so is air
conditioning and heating. That is the detector system information
on occupancy allows the utility or the individuals building energy
use control to decide where it can back off power usage.
[0097] In a similar fashion a building energy management system
wishing to take advantage of Time of Day metering also known as
Time of Usage or Seasonal Time of Day, metering with higher rates
at peak load periods and low tariff rates at off-peak load periods
can use the detector system garnered information and to
automatically control usage on the part of the power consuming
devices (resulting in automatic load control), This also allows the
utilities to plan their transmission infrastructure appropriately
as a part of a Demand-side Management system.
[0098] In most prior art lighting practice, illuminance, that is
the amount of light reaching the surface, is used as the measure of
a lighting systems performance. Illuminance is the luminous flux
incident on a surface, per unit area given in lux=lumen per square
meter and is most often the criteria used to check if there is
enough illumination for people to carry out their visual tasks. It
would have seemed that the measure of luminance, that is the light
"leaving" a surface in a particular direction would have been used
instead. Sometimes called brightness, luminance is the luminous
intensity per unit area of light travelling in a given direction
given in candela per square meter (cd/m.sup.2). It indicates how
much luminous power will be detected by an eye looking at the
surface from a particular angle of view and is the measurable
quantity that most resembles a person's perception of brightness.
Thus while in some embodiments of the lighting fixture the detector
readings are translated into illuminance in preferred embodiment
luminance is used in the processing for needed illumination.
[0099] However it turns out that until now illuminance values were
the only practical way to specify the required lighting. This is
because the reflectance from different colored and textured surface
of objects or structural surfaces in the area to be lit may differ
between settings. A constant illuminance from a lighting device
over an area will result in dissimilar luminance readings on the
different objects but each object has an optimal luminance for
viewing. For example, if a dark oil painting is to be seen in its
best light than the light intensity, SPD and angle must be such
that it highlights nuances and special effects in paintings. Well
lit full spectrum original paintings allow the viewer to see the
colors, brushstrokes and marks made by the artist in creating the
painting. The case for illuminating a light pastel water color
painting is less demanding. This expertise falls under the purview
of a lighting designer. The case of illuminating for reading
differs if it is a book with 12 pixel font size being read
recommended in the Illuminating Handbook at a 500 lux illumination
versus if the lighting was used to read engineering drawings, where
1000 lux should be specified by the lighting engineer. These
recommended values were arrived at by studying at what illuminance
value did visual performance of a test group of people become
accurate.
[0100] So for practical purposes, the illuminance coming from a
light source was a value that could be measured and delivered in a
repeatable way while luminance required both the illuminance and
reflectance of the surface and until now was not controllable in
the field. In prior art practice to achieve correct luminance, a
lighting designer would normally use many spot lights distributed
around a room each illuminating a very specific surface such that a
desired luminance would be obtained. Thus, until now there was no
single lighting device capable of delivering illumination such that
different surfaces would be at the optimal luminance. Therefore
today, other than in road lighting, one will find the recommended
practice lighting used in the illumination handbooks in terms of
illuminance recommendations making it sufficient to measure the
light coming from the light source.
[0101] However, the illumination system of the present disclosure
is capable of providing illumination based on recommended practice
lighting specified in terms of luminance. This offers a superior
user experience while at the same time allowing for minimal energy
usage. The novel illuminating device, which utilizes a computer
based vision system having image recognition capabilities to obtain
information on the surface textures, reflectances and kind of
objects or occupants in the area to be lit, now enables a totally
different, superior approach. This is because the detector reads
luminance and at the same time the illuminating device has control
over where the light is going, at what intensity and what color.
The combined system allows for one surface to have one illuminance
level falling on it to achieve its recommend practice luminance
while a second surface has a different illuminance to achieve its
recommend practice luminance.
[0102] Using real time luminance to prescribe the quantity of
illumination required to perform different visual tasks will also
enable further cost reductions and energy savings. In a paper
Perceived room brightness: Pilot study on the effect of luminance
distribution by D K Tiller et al Institute for Research in
Construction published in Lighting Research & Technology, Vol.
27, No. 2, 1995, pp. 93-101 the authors prove that luminance is
superior in ensuring that designed spaces are pleasant and
facilitate occupant behavior. Not only is this true for complicated
and subtle subjective effects that might be cued or enhanced by
lighting, such as using the lighting in a restaurant to enhance
feelings of intimacy, it is also the case for other subjective
reactions that relate to more basic perceptual processes, like
apparent brightness. Brightness perception researched in the branch
of psychology known as psychophysics shows that correct design
attention to several "nonquantitative" lighting factors will
compensate in some degree for reduction in overall quantity of
light. On the minimalistic control side investigators of the
opposite of brightness, namely gloom, had subjects report that the
light was `getting dim` when the luminances on a simple visual
acuity task ranged from 110 to 28 cd m-2; luminances between 28 and
3.6 cd m-2 were judged as `gloomy`. While other investigators found
ambient lighting was described as `gloomy` only when the adaptation
luminance in the field of view ranged from 5 to 9 cd m-2. Their
findings show that a nonuniform distribution of luminance made
rooms appear brighter than identical rooms with uniform luminance
distributions. Specifically rooms with a nonuniform distribution of
luminance were judged as requiring between five and 10% less
working plane illuminance to achieve equivalent brightness than
identical rooms with a uniform luminance distribution. The
controller stored algorithms will take these apparent brightness
parameters into account when driving the different light sources
aimed at the various room or area surfaces. This nonuniform
distribution of luminance is a further benefit of using the
spatially differentiated light delivery of the multiple light
source lighting fixture throughout a room to achieve a further
energy savings through manual or site specific adaptable lighting
design.
[0103] FIG. 2 illustrates the teachings of the present invention.
In this case, although packaged to appear as a typical "A" shaped
light bulb, the device is actually a lighting fixture capable of
providing a complete lighting solution which takes the lighting
environment and changes therein into account. Although shaped like
a lamp with a screw base to facilitate replacement when the "lamp"
burns out, this is not necessarily the intent. Rather, in the
present concept, after 100,000 hours (over 30 years in typical use)
it's time to refurbish the room and change the fixture. The outward
design is thus generated by what people expect to purchase and not
what a DLF, that is not a lamp should look like. The lighting
fixture is configured as a lamp so that it can be placed in the
owners present decorative fixture that they find hard to part with.
It has articulating joints and extenders that allow it to radiate
light directionally without interference from the old fixtures
shades or globes. Where the present decorative fixture has a number
of lamps and the globes would look dark ruining the aesthetics an
inexpensive low wattage LED lamp capable of just lighting the shade
or refractor globe is supplied for the lighting effect.
[0104] A retrofit MSLS lamp or digital lighting fixture/luminaire
16 intended to replace the lamp, fixture, reflector or shade and
control-gear combination of a typical lighting fixture, includes a
screw base 17, which receives line power into the electronic power
conditioning circuitry 19. In a preferred embodiment, control
circuitry 20 is provided in the lamp body 24. The input to the
control is from an external source or internal logic circuit or
both and in a preferred embodiment a sensor pack 21 with one or
more radiation and communication sensors capable of detecting
motion, day/night, spectrum, luminance etc is provided. In external
control, a control signal rides on the power signal and enters via
the screw base 17 or an infrared, light or other radiation detector
provided in 21 picks up the wired or wireless control signal.
Discrete packaged light sources, e.g. Solid-state Light Source SLS
23 containing one or more junctions are mounted on the DLF lighting
fixture body 24 and connected to the controlled power circuitry
that determines which of the SLS 23 will operate and at what power.
Each SLS with it spectral and distribution characteristic is
mounted in a specific location on the surface of the DLF with an
angle .alpha., 25 from the nadir. Any angle from the nadir is
possible including 180 degrees and the light flux can serve to
provide uplight or illuminate a picture on a wall.
[0105] In this replacement lamp arrangement, that is where the old
fixture is being converted the socket may be mounted inside a
refractor globe or shade. The lighting fixture however can be
correctly oriented to the room or its contents such as a work desk
or wall painting. To ensure that the DLF has a specific mounting
orientation to the room irrespective of the socket stop point, a
reaiming arrangement is provided such that the set light
distribution which is nonsymmetrical will be in correlation to the
geometry of the room. The screw base 17 is connected to the
lighting fixture via an extender arm 22 that allows the fixture
body 24 to be extended out of the globe so the light so the
directional light sources can illuminate their specific sub-areas
in the room as designed. The extension arm is held in place by
friction or pin 26. The swivel joint 22A allows for the LF to be
brought level and rotating ring 20 allows the body 24 to alight the
light sources with the room's square geometry. Thus a light source
23A which is mounted in a specific location radically around the
lamp at an angle .beta., 27 in reference to corner of room marker
18 and a design start point on the circumference of body 24. The
SLS are placed at an angle .beta. horizontally and vertically
angled a to illuminate specific areas and also have their own
spatial light distribution beam angle .theta..sub.1 28A. An SLS
aimed to illuminate an interior area may have a wide distribution
or a distribution without a sharp cutoff 28A while those SLS
located at the edge of the area to be illuminated may be of narrow
distribution .theta..sub.2 28B and have a sharp cutoff. This
technique is similar to how a sport playing field is illuminated
with multiple floodlights. Floodlights of narrow beam spreads such
as a NEMA 2 are used to illuminate at the edge of the illuminated
area while wider NEMA 4 beam spreads are used near the center of
the playing area. The MSLS lamp will have concentrations of SLS at
specific aimings to provide a wide "flood" type distribution to one
part of the room and a "spot" type distribution to another such as
to a painting on the wall. Each illumination target is at a
different light intensity and color temperature or color
rendering.
[0106] In another embodiment SLS, which perform an equivalent to a
task light function with a very narrow beam, are combined with SLS
performing a general background lighting function in one fixture.
While general lighting recommendations in an office call for the
provision of 300 to 500 lux over the working plane, specific task
lighting, for example where copy work is to be illuminated by
auxiliary lighting, 1,000 lux is required. To this end a section
29, containing SLS on the DLF, provides a narrow beam of higher
intensity, to provide added light flux to the working surface. In
an alternate embodiment section 29 on the DLF is on a swivel and
can be manually adjusted to be aimed at the worktable. In an
alternate embodiment the swivel is positioned by a servomotor and
controlled by a remote control unit. In an alternate embodiment to
the fixed task light section 29, in an attempt to cut down on
separate fixture types with left or right handed spot or other
asymmetric orientations, the MSLS portion of the DLF body 24 is
rotatable in relation to the affixing base 17. The socket may be
located deep inside the shade and interfere with the directional
LED light output to sub areas within the area to be lit. Thus
extender arm number 22 has two concentric tubes with a fixing screw
26 to secure the position after adjustment to bring the DLF to an
unblocked position. The friction swivel joint 22A allows for
angular adjustment with the nadir and the rotating joint 20 allows
the fixture to be correlated with the corners of the room's
geometry for the uniform lighting.
[0107] In another embodiment, modulating the output of wide
distribution and narrow distribution LEDs by the controller varies
the net resultant beam spread characteristics. The fixture is
placed near a workstation and gives a wide distribution general
lighting as well as a narrow high intensity beam for increased
illumination level task lighting on demand.
[0108] In order to assure an even distribution of light from a
point source over an area, it is necessary to take the effects of
the angle and distance to the illuminated surfaces into account as
stated in the inverse square law. Often a "batwing" type of
candlepower light distribution is used. In a prior art luminaries
the reflector, which concentrates reflected rays in the higher
angles, accomplishes this. In a preferred embodiment of the MSLS
there are more, or more powerful, SLS over a range 1 aimed at
higher angles to increase light flux at those angles in order to
maintain an even light distribution. If the lamp is specifically
oriented in relation to the room concentrating more light into the
distant corners effects a squared distribution pattern, which would
fill in the corners of a square room with equivalent illumination.
An added amount of SLS are added on the DLF body 24 at 90 degree
angles on .beta., 27 where SLS aimings will push added light into
areas corresponding to the "corners". To effect uplight towards the
ceiling or for indirect lighting SLS 23A are aimed towards the
ceiling such that an optimal utilization of the light is
achieved.
[0109] In the preferred embodiment color of light emanating from an
SLS 23 is "white" light. This is accomplished by using a "white"
light producing arrangement of LEDs that is comprised of two or
more spectrally differentiated junctions, which then combine their
light output such that the illuminating light appears white. Other
white LED technologies use phosphor or other coatings over the
junction which causes a shift to longer wavelengths. The separate
junctions in an SLS or separate SLS may be independently
controlled. In a multi-junction SLS the total color of the
illumination may be shifted to "warm" or "cool" light in correct
accordance with the illumination level (see FIG. 10) or other
considerations. In another preferred embodiment, a motion detector
is used to conserve energy. The room lamp is dimmable to a lighting
level sufficient for safe orientation. A motion sensor 21 picks up
activity and increases the illumination level to meet the activity
level. This integral placement significantly reduces the wiring
from sensor to power supply and again back to lamp in prior-art
dimmer--motion sensor applications.
[0110] In alternate embodiment each SLS 23 may have a non-white
color. The operation of many SLS in unison of different or similar
wavelength may be used to create any color desired from white to
monochrome in any specific region to be illuminated. A spectrum
sensor 21 inputs data to controller 20, which maintains color at
predefined level. Such a feedback mode allows for the MSLS to
maintain constant color over the full lifetime of the lamp even if
specific wavelength SLS shift output characteristics such as light
flux and spectrum with age within bounds of the sensors calibration
over age. Constant color is maintained in a room with an influx of
a less desirable color temperature light on one side. Spectrum
sensor 21 with a specific orientation would detect a "cool" light
reflection emanating from a specific side of the lamp and will
increase "warm" e.g. 2000K light to compensate. Over the long
lifetime the DLF could recalibrate its spectral sensors 21 to white
light based on readings of daylight where such daylight is
available and the controller has determined that the room at the
time of calibration is being illuminated with white light
"daylight" of a specific color temperature per orientation and time
of day.
[0111] The method for using a digital camera for luminance
measurements is known in the art and the publication Measuring
Luminance with a Digital Camera by Peter D. Hiscocks, P. Eng
Syscomp Electronic Design Limited Sep. 16, 2011 describes one
technique. Also software that operates on standard digital camera
equipment can be used in the changeover to a luminance based
standard. These are readily available such as from suppliers such
as Toptical Scientific Corp, Taipei City, Taiwan. Their CAMERA
PHOTOMETER is based on the commercially available Canon EOS 450D
digital reflex camera. The software allows for calibration and full
set luminance values to be obtained for surfaces in the room. The
camera being a color camera also obtains accurate surface color,
spectral reflectance information. Thus the camera vision processor
running such instructions sets will obtain real time feedback for
the controlled illuminance sources. This as at the individual pixel
coordinates of the camera photodetetor matrix have been correlated
with the light sources illuminating at those coordinates. The
luminance readings at the known camera coordinates are translated
by the processor into higher or lower power signals to the LEDs
responsible for illuminating at those coordinates.
[0112] FIG. 3 is a LED lighting fixture 40 intended as a
replacement for 2'.times.2' fluorescent lay-in troffer with task
lights & integral occupancy sensor--dimming. While according to
the teachings of this disclosure an LED fixture would not generally
look like a fixture for a previous generation of lamp type, for
practical considerations the customer and building industry is used
to things looking a certain way. The look alike fixture however
differs greatly from the prior art as it divides the area into be
lit into a number of zones each capable of being independently
illuminated by one LED or a group of LEDs. The group may be of
similar SPDs or one or more LEDSs may be monochromatic LEDs or
white LEDs of a different CCT. The mix of SPD allows for the color
of the lighting to be varied during dimming to warmer colors or
adjusted to the occupant's preferences by the programmed controller
41 which is in communication with the LED drivers 42. The fixture
can deliver an ambient lighting level or a task lighting level over
the entire area it illuminates. The light sources 43 have
relatively narrow beams are aimed at a specific sub-area in the
area to be lit. The additional light sources 44 are aimed at the
same area or different areas such that a uniform illuminance is
obtained. An one or more zone specific occupancy sensors 45 can
detect the presence of people in the area to be lit. Thus if only
half a room is occupied the lighting in the other half can be
adjusted to save energy. A light sensor 46 which is location
specific can detect where illumination is being provided by the sun
and provide the information to the controller dim the light sources
illumination for harvesting available sunlight thus saving energy.
The fixture is capable of being equipped with one or more tasks
light 47. The task light can provide concentrated high intensity
lighting for those tasks requiting high illumination over a small
area in place of over the entire area to be lit thus saving energy.
The task light has a power cable on a spring loaded roll up drum 48
and can be moved along the acoustic ceiling until it is proximately
at the correct position to provide light at the correct angle to
the user. Thus the task light, similar to a small LED narrow beam
flashlight is pulled out from the fixture near to the position
above. It has a clip which clips to a support cross tee.
Alternately, to hide the cables the wire is drawn above the
acoustic tiles and a small hole is drilled into which is placed the
task light.
[0113] FIG. 4 is an isolux pattern of the illumination on the work
plane. By driving higher intensity of light into the corners a
squared distribution is obtained. When using circular light
distributions the illumination must be overlapped to prevent darks
spots between the circles wasting light. Typically many lighting
fixtures are placed in a commercial lighting location and usually
those locations are not round but square. However, the prior art
lighting fixture light distribution is round and without
overlapping coverage one would have a lot of dark holes in-between
fixtures and in the corners of the room. So to get even coverage
one must increase the size of the circle so that the in-between is
covered and that the lighting reaches the coroners as well. This
increase in size is up to 36% additional energy usage. In addition
the lighting is far from being uniform over the area being lit with
extra, wasted illumination on the overlaps.
[0114] In another preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 5 the DLF is
an Adaptive Digital Lighting Fixture. As opposed to a DLF described
earlier, is not pre-designed with light source aimings based on a
pre-known application. Instead the DLF is equipped with a plethora
of light sources ready for most of the conceivable lighting tasks
in the illuminated area. The light sources are then controlled such
as to adapt the lighting to the room construction and the lighting
tasks at hand. The same technique applies to outdoor area lighting
applications. This universal DLF is the preferred design when the
cost of having an overabundance of light sources is low enough such
that other economic considerations such as minimizing stocking
units in inventory, repeated changing of the room tenants etc will
be more expensive. It is similar to purchasing a 100-Watt lamp
where a 40 W lamp would suffice and always operating it on 60%
dimming. The capacity is there but it is unwise to use it since
electricity is costly.
[0115] The adaptive or intelligent DLF 190 shown in FIG. 5 has
multiple light sources 191 placed about the body 192 having a
geometric shape. The shape, which influences the spatial light
distribution, may be of a fixed or flexible design. In a flexible
design, solenoids, servo motors, actuators, pumps, controlled fluid
or air pressure devices 193 are used to realign surfaces, moveable
plates or expandable tubes or cylinders 194 to morph the topology
of the fixture. The ADLF is equipped with an electronic power
supply, computer control and communications unit 195. One or more
light sensors 196 are placed strategically to detect necessary
inputs. Alternately one or more digital cameras 197 with a
photodetector array which is equipped with a lens which can be a
360 degree lens or a fisheye lens is placed with a field of view of
the area to be illuminated. The geometric shape of the body 192 is
such that an asymmetric lighting pattern is produced for the
provision of a non-circular lighting pattern in a typically
rectangular room. Because more light needs to be directed to the
far corners of the room, more surface area for projecting SLSs at
that position is required. If multiple fixtures are used in a large
room then squared lighting patterns will obviate the need for
overlapping coverage as with circular distribution luminaires or
the prior art. Concave section 198 increases the ADLF surface area
available for light source mounting at the room corner
orientations. In bottom view 199, a section of the body 192 is
shown with asymmetric surface cut out 198 which increases the
available surface area on the ADLF.
[0116] Spatially differentiated motion detectors 200 are provided
on the Adaptive Digital Lighting Fixture along with the light
sources 191 and light sensors 196. Typically motion detectors have
been associated with lighting in motel rooms to shut off the
lighting if there is no activity. There is another level of control
that can include matching the lighting to type and amount of
activity. On sport fields for example, 200 lux may be used general
sport activities, 1,000 lux for night practice sessions while 3,000
lux is used in a televised game. Taken to the extreme, one or more
limited field-of-view motion detectors 200, or camera 197, can be
used to follow the whereabouts of room occupants. The DLF
controller acts to provide heightened lightning to the occupants"
present locations. The controller has stored look-up-tables,
instruction sets and algorithms which it uses to processes the
information communicated from the sensors or a camera and in
response control the light provided to the illuminated area.
[0117] A special or standard remote control unit 201 can be used to
operate and program the ADLF. In one embodiment the control 201 is
equipped with a laser pointer and/or light sensor 202 that is used
to assist in providing positional an angular data on the location
of work surfaces, room structures and dimensions. The control 201
can then pass on information concerning the visual task performed
at that specific location. This data now enables the controller 195
to use stored algorithms, look-up-table templates to calculate and
program the correct lighting intensities and spectrum for that room
location as explained earlier in the block diagram as functionality
7 and computer processes 7A. The photometer on the remote control
201 held at the specific location will then corroborate the
illumination and spectral performance of the ADLF with the specific
light source aiming being programmed at the particular instant. The
communication can be optical in the visual or infrared wavelength
or wireless. An antenna 203 is provided for wireless communication.
The adaptive DLF is thus manually capable of being programmed with
all the input parameters necessary for a computer program 7A as is
practiced in the art of lighting design, to determine the correct
intensities and spectrum to carry out the visual tasks at a
specific room location. This is a unique property for a single
luminaire. Lighting designers are usually forced to compromise and
provide the entire room or area with the highest common denominator
of lighting in the room. With the ADLF non-glaring, spectrally
correct lighting at minimum intensities is provided and this
affords significant energy savings. The added daylight and activity
related dimming functions are another significant energy savings
factor with its ensuing economic and environmental benefits.
[0118] A calibration system is provided in the form of calibration
element 204 constructed such that it has coverage of the light
source radiation on the ADLF body 192. The calibration element 204
is a reflective rod or strip the surface of which 205 has a wide
spectrum, non-angle of incidence dependency and stable reflection
characteristics over time. The reflectance of 205 is known at each
wavelength and it serves as the standard reflector for the
calibration routine. The reflective rod or strip is moveable so
that it can reflect light back to the outward facing photodetector
196 based on the ADLF body 192. To test SLS performance the
calibration element 204 is rotated about the body 192 by actuator
or motor 206. When the reflecting surface 205 is opposite a column
of SLSs 191, the controller times the firing of each independently
addressable SLS 191 location and acquires detector 196 intensity
readings uniquely for each SLS. The results of the test firing are
analyzed in controller 195 which has the functionality described in
FIG. 1 of components 7 and software 7A. Correction is made to the
junction power supply parameters in order to maintain
metametrically balanced outputs for white light and overall lumen
production. The controller 195 re-powers the SLS 191 again using
the updated power supply instruction set and retests for accuracy.
The process continues until the SLS performance is repeatable at
different power levels. In another embodiment the ADLF is provided
with a calibration wand 204 on which inward facing photodetectors
207 are placed. The calibration wand is capable being positioned
such that the detectors 207 can detect SLS 191 performance as the
wand 204 is rotated about the body 192 and SLS 191 are
independently tested as describe in the previous embodiment. Both
the reflective rod/strip and calibration wand 204 are narrow such
that when not in use, rod/strip/wand 204 is parked at a specific
position where it does not block light sources 191. In another
embodiment the rod, strip or wand is stored and is only deployed
when calibration is required. When called upon, the deployed rod,
strip or wand 204 is rotated around the DLF body 192 to read SLS
191 intensities. Alternately, the DLF body 192 rotates and the rod,
strip or wand 204 remains fixed.
[0119] An ADLF 190 outfitted with computer calculation,
communication, calibration and other feature may be costly, such
that using a number of units to illuminate a room is impractical.
Correct lighting practice encourages the use of multiple point
light sources to illuminate an area using a number of criteria. A
single fixture cannot cover an area larger than glare and mounting
height considerations allow. There is a limit on the maximum angle
of light provision. Another consideration has to do with the
production of shadows. Finally due to the cosine law there is a
practical maximum angle at which the lighting can be delivered. At
large angles the lighting effect becomes negligible. Therefore, due
to all the above considerations it is advantageous to have multiple
lighting fixtures in a room. A single ADLF 190 is used in a large
room. The ADLF is designed to be used with one or more satellite
reflectors 220 which are strategically positioned about the room.
The satellite has provision for being attached to a supporting
structure such as a ceiling or light pole and being fixed with a
certain orientation in relation to the ADLF 190 and the working
surfaces below. The satellite's inward facing surface is a highly
efficient specular, semispecular or diffuse reflector or
combinations thereof. A part of the surface 221 is provided with a
full spectrum, white reflector which may be a spot or a band across
the top bottom or middle or all combinations thereof used in
calibrating the intensity and or spectrum photodetectors and/or
light sources over the lifetime of the DLF. A part of the surface
may be a special reflector 221 such as a retroreflector which will
serve as a ray targeting aid useful in the installation process of
the satellites. The targeting can be manual using a red laser
pointer or automatic using the detectors 196 on the ADLF 190 and
the retroreflector 221 on the satellite 220. A section 222 of light
sources, which may be high power light sources, is dedicated to
provide sufficient light to the other areas of the room or for
specific task lighting applications such as to computer terminals
which require lighting at small angles from the nadir. The section
222 may be on a swivel so as to be aimable at the satellite 220.
Section 222 projects light 223 at the satellite reflector 220. In
use, the satellite is installed substantially over the work area to
intercept rays 223 from 222 so as to provide task-lighting 224. The
specular reflector 220 is positioned and angled such that it
concentrates and re-directs the light rays 224 downward onto an
area or worktable. The downward directed light coming at very small
angles will illuminate the worktable 225 but will not cause veiling
glare reflections on the computer screen 226. To provide general
lighting to room extremities, the satellite reflector is specular,
semispecular or diffuse and has a surface geometry for reflecting
the incident light 223 so that it spreads the light evenly over the
area to be illuminated.
[0120] In place of the manual programming technique for ADLF 190, a
semi-automatic self-programming process using luminance measurement
via detectors 196 is provided. The camera 197 has a view of the
room its contents and occupants. Pattern recognition techniques
known in the art are used to identify room occupants, furniture,
office equipment such as computers etc, room structures such as
walls and windows.
[0121] The intelligent lighting fixture system 190 is adaptive to
the room structure, usage and occupants on a dynamic basis. In one
embodiment a hand held laser pointer and sensor on the remote
control 201 is used to assist in providing positional an angular
data on the work surfaces and room structure enabling the
controller to corroborate program lighting for the location with
the specific light source aiming being programmed at the particular
instant. The room occupants also use the remote control 201 at any
instant to input lighting preferences or call up stored lighting
scenarios to the DLF 190. Thus the controller 195 or a controller
195 which communicates with a PC computer is provided with an
interactive program which based on application look up tables will
determine recommended light intensity and spectrum for the
application at hand. Procedures useful in the lighting design
process, lookup tables and specific application guidelines can be
found in the IES Lighting Handbook 8th edition pages 447-903. A
number of commercially available programs are available which
prescribe lighting based on the application and calculate the
illuminance based on the fixture. In this invention the procedure
is reversed in that the recommendations are first used to generate
the illuminance on or luminance from the room surfaces. The
computer program 7A is used to calculate the light intensities
required at each angle in order to produce the desired illuminance
or luminance results. Luminance in cd/m 2 is the reflection of the
light flux lumen/m 2 from a surface having a reflectance property
and is more similar to what the eye sees. The algorithms are
processed onboard the ADLF 190 or run on a PC which communicates
with the ADLF. Computer programming for lighting calculations and
correct lighting practice recommendations is known in the prior
art. Commercial programs using procedures based on IES, ILDA and
other standards and professional lighting engineering and design
organizations are available. Lumen Micro.RTM. and Simply
Lighting.RTM. from Lighting Technologies Inc are examples of such
programs which provide tools to create and simulate lighting
layouts for both indoor and outdoor applications. Simply
Lighting.RTM. is a suite of Windows.RTM.-based lighting analysis
tools that are designed to answer the questions you need answered
using a step-driven application targeted at a specific lighting
application. Lighting Analysts, Inc AGI32.RTM. is a program used to
predict lighting system performance for any application from one to
hundreds of luminaires, interior or exterior. Users can build
environments for most any electric lighting application with
unlimited luminaires, calculation points, and reflective or
transmissive surfaces including day lighting effects. The program
used in this invention is an adaptation of a state of the art
lighting programs. It is capable of receiving data inputs
automatically or manually interpreting them according to correct
lighting practice and calculating the candlepower distribution from
the illuminance back to the luminaire. A post processor and outputs
the operational instructions to the controller 195 for the
application at hand.
[0122] The operation of the system is demonstrated in home use but
the method is the same for office, store and industrial
applications. The input program 7A is user friendly including the
use of icons representing pieces of furniture, e.g. table, lounge
chair, equipment such as TV, computer etc, and visual tasks being
performed such as reading, and watching TV. The homeowner moves
about the room with the remote control 201. At a specific location
the homeowner enters the furniture type, possible occupant
postures, sitting reclining, standing etc, and visual tasks to be
performed. The room and its surfaces is defined the by being
positioned at a wall, entering into 201 that it is a wall at that
position and at another position entering that it is a window. The
control unit 201 is optionally outfitted with a photometer 202
which can be used to read the surface reflectance of the wall and
transmit the data to the lighting program 7A. This is the same
process a lighting designer uses to enter data to the lighting
analysis programs. The lighting program as known in the art then
specifies the correct lighting levels, aimings and spectrum for the
different locations and uses throughout the room. This is reversing
the typical design process as described earlier where the lighting
fixtures performance is simulated on a computer and the results
calculated. Here, the required illuminance results are known first
and the fixture is then programmed to make them happen. The
controller 195 uses its stored performance characteristics to
determine the power supply to the SLS so that it provides the
required intensities and obtain the required illuminance. The
lighting calculations and programming of the power supply 195 of
the light sources 191 is preferably performed in real time such
that the sensor 202 detects the illuminance to corroborate the
performance while the homeowner is still at the location. If the
lighting is not to specification then the controller 195 readjusts
the parameters so as to bring them in line. This trial and error
process continues until the readings are within tolerance. The
process is best carried out in the dark or when there is
non-varying daylight. Alternately, the photometric reading sensors
are on the luminaire and they are used to corroborate performance.
Alternately, the process is automatic using feedback from the
surroundings and pattern recognition to determine surroundings and
applications.
[0123] Providing correct lighting for the various activities a
homeowner in a room involves the use of numerous lighting regimes.
Typically he or she would move about the room performing various
activities with diverse lighting requirements. First, moving from
the table where work was performed on the computer to a lounge
chair to read the paper and finally moving to the sofa for a little
relaxation watching TV. In prior-art practice, several lighting
fixtures of different design are used to carry out the different
tasks. In order to conserve energy each one would have to be turned
on and off or dimmed as the resident moves about the room. A
glare-shielded luminaire would be used for correct illumination in
the computer task, while a floor lamp may provide lighting for
reading on the lounge chair. General lighting from an overhead
luminaire is sufficient for TV viewing. According to the present
invention, as the room occupant moves about the room performing
varied tasks, the motion detector 200 or camera 197 picks up the
new location and from its stored templates which correlate location
to lighting application, controller 195 provides the correct
lighting regime.
[0124] According to the teachings of the present disclosure, the
room lighting needs are provided by one or more DLFs or ADLFs
including satellites or combinations thereof placed such that they
are capable of providing lighting at the correct non-glaring angles
for the lighting tasks at hand. The ADLFs are programmed as to the
whereabouts of furniture, computer monitors, TVs etc as described
above. The ADLFs and DLF can communicate with each other and an
ADLF can control a DLF and vise versa so that level lighting is
accomplished in the room. Two or more DLFs can share in the
illumination requirements of a location located between them. The
DLF turns off its illumination towards a specific location, reads
the ambient luminance and then correctly powers the SLS to provide
the additional illumination.
[0125] In non-color critical applications for example in low
lighting used for orientation a further energy saving can be
obtained. When color rendering is not important in the lighting
application at hand it is possible to shift the workload onto the
more efficient LEDs. This of course must also take the eye
sensitivity at the specific lighting intensity into account. While
a purely scotopic rod eye response at extremely low light levels,
less than 0.01 lux gives added sensitivity to the 510 nano-meter
green blue, photopic vision at levels above 100 lux is most
sensitive to the greenish yellow 555 nm wavelength. In most
illuminated cases low lighting would not be below 5 to 10 lux where
the sensitivity peak is around the 550 nm yellowish green. Thus two
factors are used by 7 in 7A to calculate the most efficient light
color of the DLF; the LED radiation power per watt multiplied by
the eye sensitivity curve for the present illuminance value.
[0126] In a preferred embodiment, using pattern recognition
techniques the ADLF 190 is semi or fully automatic in programming
itself to correctly function where installed. The DLFs or ADLFs
will adapt to the seating arrangement of room occupants in real
time. In the preferred embodiment, the addition of a machine vision
system with pattern recognition capabilities as is known in the
art, easily deduces room occupancy and usage. The camera 197
including a wide angle or fisheye lens camera is mounted on the DLF
or ADLF. In an alternate embodiment, one or more cameras in
communication with the lighting system controller, has coverage of
all, or part of the area to be illuminated. The camera may also
serve as an illuminance and spectral measuring device as the
individual detectors in the array, for example as on a CCD or CMOS
array, may be read for their individual stimulus. The detector
array pixels are calibrated to the room coordinates. The
calibration routine can be manual or automatic. A manual method
includes walking a controller around the room and programming in
the coordinate to the camera system or alternately using a PC CAD
program to input room coordinates overlaid on the image obtained
from the camera such that the lighting system coordinates and the
camera coordinates are the same. An automatic routine as in 7A uses
timed firing of a coordinate-specific light source, or array of
light sources and the following reading of the camera detector of
light reflected to that specific coordinates pixel, or set of
pixels to corroborate action between light sources and the
detectors. The detector pixels 197 can then be used to obtain
images of the room which the controller 195 can assess as
furniture, equipment or occupants. Pattern recognition methods
known in the art, including neural networks, can provide a
generalized stored application library of usages to the controller
or the controller is an artificial intelligence controller and can
learn the actual room usage with time. Outputs from the CCD arrays
are analyzed by appropriate computational means employing trained
pattern recognition technologies, to classify, identify or locate
the contents. These techniques known in the art are covered in
texts such as: Schalkhoff, Pattern Recognition, statistical,
structural and neural approaches, John Wiley and Sons, New York,
1992 and Neural Networks for Pattern Recognition by Christopher M.
Bishop, Chris Bishop, Oxford University Press; (January 1996)
included herein by reference. Thus, the controller with or without
human intervention will program the ADLF lighting system to carry
out lighting within the realm of correct lighting practice. This
includes providing the correct illumination in real-time based on
occupant whereabouts, activity being performed and outside factors
such as sunlight contribution, time of day factors etc. Advanced
robotic vision techniques including object segmentation and
selective-attention modeling (It, Visual attention and target
detection in cluttered natural scenes in Optical Engineering, Vol.
40 No. 9, September 2001 included herein by reference) will aid in
identifying various room objects and the lighting program 7A will
associate with their location the visual tasks and recommended
lighting characteristics. In case if the machine settings are not
acceptable to the users, provision is made for human intervention.
Through the data input device 201 a user, the ultimate "sensor"
corrects or customizes the lighting arrangement and reprograms the
controller.
[0127] In a further ADLF intelligent lighting system improvement
over prior-art practice, machine vision is used to control
surrounding luminance. A prime example is an office application
where a computer Visual Display Terminal is in use. This is an
application where the quality of the localized task lighting is
important. Contrast plays a major role in seeing and glare plays a
role in producing veiling reflections as causing fatigue. The
correct illuminating solution involves the control of surrounding
luminances. A prior art workstation design will include partition,
carpet, ceiling and desk surface reflectance which reduce the
luminance in the workers field of view. Using the ADLFs ability to
recognize the computer screen chair, desk and surrounding floor and
ceiling, the illuminance in lux on each element is varied to obtain
the optimal luminance. That now allows any color scheme to be used
by the interior designer on the work cell decor. The ADLF will
control the luminance by varying the spatial light intensity
distribution over the different surfaces.
[0128] In another embodiment using the camera 197, the controller
195 is instructed to identify and track a roving speaker during a
video presentation. A signaling device is used by the speaker to
allow the pattern recognition program to initially lock-on and
recognize a target attribute as is known in the art of object
tracking. The signaling device can be a laser light pointer 202
aimed at the camera or a hand held remote control 201 in
communication with the camera vision system. The controller 195,
based on the camera input runs the pattern recognition routines,
derives the coordinates and generates instructions to drive the
specific light sources with aimings which will project light at the
speaker as the speaker move about the room. It is to be understood
that in a theater lighting application there is no need for a
preprogrammed moving light using motors to change position. Instead
a fixed DLF or ADLF with multiple light sources powers the
necessary light sources to illuminate the performer as he or she
moves about the stage. This actually is similar to the banks of
shuttered lights used in present day stage lighting. Only now the
digital aspect of discrete multiple light sources allowing for a
smooth transition of aimings with instantaneous control of almost
infinite variation of spectrum and intensity is accomplished. The
controller, once locked-on to the performer using images from the
camera 197, will now follow the performer around the stage
illuminating instantaneously in the intensities and spectrum as
preprogrammed in the choreographic setup or in correspondence to
the music or some other characteristic as in known in stage
lighting practice.
[0129] In FIGS. 6A through 6C a streetlight fixture designed
according to the teachings of this invention is shown. The design
and functionality distinction as compared to prior-art streetlights
is derived from the multi-light source, digital design. In FIG. 6A
the aesthetically designed DLF streetlight 240 is shown in a front
view. The geometric shape is a derivation of the surface geometry
for mounting the SLS perpendicularly thereon to obtain photometric
light distribution compatible with the requirements of the street
lighting application. These photometric distributions are expressed
in terms of luminaire cutoff angle which refers to the angle beyond
which rays capable of producing glare are prevented from exiting
the fixture. Another type of classification used by the IES, refers
to the elongation of the light pattern along the road in terms of
Long, Medium and Short and another categorization, perpendicular to
the roadway called "Type", describing the distance in units of
mounting height (where the fixture is mounted), that is
illuminated. The novel design includes SLS with over 100,000 hour
lifetime allowing for the fixture to be factory sealed for life.
This obviates the need for cleaning reflectors, as all the exterior
surfaces are cleanable by rain and there are no light sources at
the sharp bottom drip point where dirt normally accumulates. The
compact design 240 shown mounted on a pole 241 in side view FIG. 6B
has a small exposure area, reducing wind induced drag force loads
on the pole. This low wind factor and low weight of the electronic
components allows for the use of a less expensive pole. The pole
arm 242 fits into slipfitter 243 which is provided to perform the
mechanical fixing means of the DLF 240. FIG. 6C is a side section
view through the center of the fixture. The electrical power and
communications connection is made to a connector block 244 mounted
such that it accessible for the external wiring of the fixture
during installation. The grid power is connected to power supply
245 and the data to the controller DSP 246. A dedicated
communications line is used or the data is sent over the power line
using communications protocols as known in the industry and the DLF
communicate with each other or with a central control. The SLS
aimings are shown in front view FIG. 6A where the SLS aimings to
the right 247 and left 248 along the roadway show how an even
distribution pattern out to the maximum design distance from the
pole center is obtained. This distance is a function of the fixture
mounting height and cutoff angle. Hole-through SLS units have been
drawn to illustrate the point but the principle the design is valid
for SMD, SMT, the chip 94 design of FIG. 6 as well as other package
arrangements known in the art. Many more SLS 249 are concentrated
at the larger angles 250 to illuminate out to the extremes of the
area covered by the DLF. Fewer SLS 251 are needed at the small
angles near the pole to maintain with equal illumination. The SLS
at the cutoff angle 250 have a tightly controlled beam spread 252
to maintain a sharp cutoff, minimize glare and eliminate spill
light. The SLS 253 in the interior have a wider beam spread 254.
The DLF 240 projects light in a highly controlled pattern
perpendicular to the roadway as well SLS 255 as seen in the side
sectional view FIG. 6C are aimed such that the cutoff angle 256 is
out to the road width with or without the shoulders as designed. In
applications where illumination for a sidewalk is required, "house
side" illumination is provided by inward SLS aimings 257. On a dual
carriageway road where the illumination provided is limited to a
single carriageway, the lighting from the roadway fixture need not
be symmetric about the nadir along the roadway. While approaching
the streetlight, glare is to be avoided and the cut-off angles must
be small for light aimed at the advancing vehicles. However, after
passing the streetlight, the lighting in the direction of travel
may be provided at increased beam angle from nadir and still not
cause glare. This would significantly increase pole spacing saving
cost and eliminating hazardous poles.
[0130] In all stages of the SLS positioning and aiming design
process which works in reverse of the normal process by engineering
from the illumination required on the working surface back to the
light source. Glare ratings for the design are checked to make sure
they are within the acceptable limits. If the light source
concentration is such that drivers or pedestrians in normal eye
viewing conditions would experience glare then the luminous
exitance is lowered by design changes in the geometry or light
source attributes. The ramifications of a dynamic and exact light
control are numerous in a street light luminaire. First there is no
spill light and no light trespass. If the position of a luminaire
is such that light is shining into a house the individual SLS at
that aiming is not powered by the control 246. All the light power
is placed where needed in the designed for illumination intensity,
neither in deficit nor excess. While prior art luminaire show 80%
of the light falling in the area designed to be illuminated, the
DLF will have a near 100% utilization factor.
[0131] When artificial intelligence methods known in the art is
combined with the fine control and functional flexibility of the
DLF additional advantages are realized. A detector or camera 258 in
concert with a logic controller 246 is capable of providing the
road lighting needs to a driver or group of drivers in according to
the time of day, needs of the roadway layout and usage at any
moment. The detector 258 will provide signal to the controller 246
of the ambient lighting conditions. When daylight is no longer
sufficient for viewing such as at dusk the DLF will add lighting.
At dawn the process is reversed. In an alternate embodiment the
roadway lighting can be dimmed if there are no approaching
vehicles. The detector or camera 258 is capable of detecting
oncoming and retreating traffic. The headlights and backlights are
used or more sophisticated pattern recognition is used to determine
traffic on the roadway. When there is no traffic the luminaire will
shut off or illuminate at a fraction of the power used to generate
the 5 or 10 lux used in street lighting. Taken to the extreme the
controllability of the DLFs or series of communicating DLF street
lights allows for the lighting to precede the vehicle by the
stopping distance, say 300 ft. at 65 MPH (91 meters), and dim the
unused lighting behind the driver if it is not necessary for other
drivers. In a curved roadway application where an integral fixture
sensor may not identify an oncoming vehicle on time, the detection
of an automobile at a distance can rapidly be transmitted from one
or more antecedent luminaire forward along the direction of travel
using the fixture's pulsed light sources or a separate wired or
wireless communications device.
[0132] An Artificial Intelligence, AI control system with camera
vision can perform additional decision functions for street
lighting in non-pure lighting science related to issues such as
light trespass. That is, in streetlights where the installation is
such that the detector system that light is entering through a
window it instructs the controller to not generate light in that
specific direction. In a dual carriageway lighting fixture with
higher angled lighting in the direction of travel, where the
detector assesses that oncoming headlight are now preset, such as
when during road construction. The AI system instructs the control
lighting above the cut-off angle to lower non glaring power. This
will mean that sections of the road are temporally not being
properly illuminated but this is better than the glare. In the late
hours of the night when traffic is low this dimming function can
save significant amount of energy. A typical 250 W HPS streetlight
will consume over 25,000 Kwh in its 20 yr lifetime. On moonlit
nights the dimming of the DLF can be greater as moonlight provides
up 0.10 lux. The dimming of SLS actually improves their lighting
efficiency and prolongs lifetime. Dimming of HID sources has a
negative return, typically 10% light at 50% power.
[0133] The color spectrum of the light is also varied in the DLF to
match the intensity levels. Here an additional efficiency boost is
achieved when the added scotopic eye sensitivity to 510 nm bluish
white similar to the pale moonlight is taken into account. It has
been shown that certain colors of light i.e. of different spectral
power distribution (SPD) are perceived to be more glaring than
others in night driving. Studies of drivers (Flannagan, M. J.,
(1999). Subjective and objective aspects of headlamp glare: Effects
of size and spectral power distribution, Report No. UMTRI-99-36).
Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Transportation Research
Institute.) indicate that blue-white color has been found to cause
more glare discomfort than yellow light. On the other hand, studies
have shown that driver night vision is better under the blue-white
spectral power distribution. Recent laboratory studies have also
shown, for example, off-axis detection peripheral detection can be
better for bluish, metal halide lamps than for yellowish, high
pressure sodium lamps at the same photopically specified light
level (Bullough, J. and Rea, M. S. 2000. Simulated driving
performance and peripheral detection at mesopic light levels,
Lighting Research and Technology, 32 (4), 194-198). In the DLF
streetlight luminaire it is possible to use the blue-white SPD to
illuminate most of the roadway yet increase the cutoff angle, which
is determined by glare considerations, by using yellow-white SPD
light at the large angles which throw the light further along the
road. The higher angle lighting provides more vertical lumens and
is actually more effective at illuminating objects along the
roadway. The increased visibility afforded by the added vertical
lumens at high angles offsets the decrease in visibility due to the
yellow-white SPD. This means that the overall visibility over the
roadway sections is constant. Thus, SLS near the angle 250 would
have a yellow-white non-glaring SPD while interior SLS such as 253
would have the superior blue-white SPD. The higher the cutoff
angle, the fewer luminaires that are required to illuminate a
roadway. The same differentiation would be possible with SLSs 255
in the side view of which some illuminate the sidewalk 257, some
the right lane and others the left lane. The SPD of the SLSs at the
high glare causing angles 250 facing the oncoming driver aimed to
cover the near lane would be yellowish while those SLS covering the
same lane but now to the rear of the receding driver, will still be
of bluish-white SPD. The opposite is true for the far lane. The SPD
of the SLS aimed 257 at covering the sidewalk would again be in the
blue-white to aid in peripheral vision detection of pedestrians or
objects approaching the roadway from the side. When the AI camera
vision system observes an animal or pedestrian approaching the road
it may highlight the situation by flashing the lighting or some
other change thus alerting the driver to the extra need for
awareness.
[0134] As with all correct lighting practice the visual
surroundings at any instant in time determine the amount of
illumination required to carry out visual tasks including the
luminance of background surfaces. Roadway luminance as detailed in
the IES Handbook pages 751-779, is the preferred factor used in
specifying required illumination levels. Freshly paved blacktop
with its diffuse reflection will change over time to a mostly
specular reflection. The higher luminance value pavement requires
less illumination to see objects. This characteristic changes over
time with wear and periodic road maintenance and illumination
levels need to vary accordingly. A detection by sensor system 258
of the present road luminance will provide the controller will the
data necessary to power the light sources at the required
illumination. A significant saving in energy for illuminating the
roadway can be obtained when the luminance detector meets the
criterion of the luminance and/or small target visibility standard.
This is because the small target visibility of object on the road
varies with distance from the lighting fixture and thus a luminaire
that can vary the lighting positionally along the roadway based on
actual values of roadway reflectance will give the minimal power
solution as it doesn't need to be overdesigned. Roadway activity is
another factor in determining illumination levels. This factor
often changes over days of the week or seasons of the year. An
adaptive DLF with detectors 258 and computer devices 246 capable of
recording this traffic activity will provide the correct
illumination for the traffic situation at hand.
[0135] Though the design of a streetlight has been detailed the
same design process is valid for floodlights and other outdoor
lighting applications. The use of the SLS of specific spatial
candlepower distributions at particular aimings, the use of tighter
beams at the edges of coverage, the non-glare design and the
optional use of logical control are as applicable to DLF floodlight
design as to the street light design.
[0136] FIG. 7 is a flow chart which illustrates the general design
concept which allows anyone to build a multi-light source lighting
fixture from the ground up, tailor made to the final application.
This process differs fundamentally from prior art lighting fixture
design. Rather than building a fixture around a common lamp and
then coercing the usually isotropically radiating lamp to perform
in a certain application, the lighting application is used to
describe the light source construction. The light source
construction is unique in that its flux density is spatially
differentiated over its volume in concert with its final
orientation when in use. The light source design then defines the
supportive power, control and mechanical elements. These elements
are then integrated into a single unit with shared components and
packaging. The method for designing an application oriented
luminaire designed according to correct lighting practice,
providing the correct light intensity, spectrum, and spatial
distribution of intensity and spectrum, suited to the specific
lighting application, would comprise a number of steps some of
which can be left out of the process while others may be added
including a) determining the lighting application, and the
recommended lighting practices for the application b) determining
the luminaire mounting height, illumination area covered and
surrounding conditions typical of the application c) determining
candlepower required to effect the required illumination over the
area d) selecting SLS types capable of producing required
intensities and spectrum at highest conversion efficiencies at
lowest economic cost e) determining SLS beam spreads f) determining
SLS aimings for the required distribution pattern g) determining
electronics to control and power SLS h) determining lighting
fixture surface geometry and size i) testing whether the glare
rating for the viewing angle is acceptable j) if the glare rating
is not acceptable, then changing SLS beam spread, fixture
geometries, or size, resulting in an acceptable glare rating; and,
h) when the glare rating is acceptable, then designing the
luminaire aesthetics for the application. In a AI based controller
which can see people's eyes and detect if the illumination in that
direction is glaring the steps i and j can be modified within
reason to take the control capability into account.
[0137] The digital lighting concept is extended to transportation
vehicle applications. A headlamp for an automobile uses multiple
light sources based on electro luminescence of semiconductor
junctions. The proposed unique approach is to combine the lighting
engineering function i.e. the correct light distribution, color
spectrum and level necessary for the visual task at hand into the
lamp such that the digital lamp obviates the need for additional
light controls and fixtures. The digital electronic lamp utilizes
1/3 the energy and has over 100,000 hours lifetime versus 2000 for
an automotive incandescent lamp and can be rapidly switched on and
off without deleteriously affecting lifetime. (Quite the opposite,
off time is not part of the lifetime). The multiple light-source,
digital device, is an electronic headlight which provides the
driver with the correct aiming, illumination level and distribution
(e.g. parking lights, low beam, high beam, lighting around curves
and corners) based on input from the vehicle's speed, steering
wheel position, turn signal indicator and detection of approaching
headlights. These functions are carried out automatically however;
the standard manual override controls are still maintained.
[0138] Headlamp glare is addressed in two alternate ways. European
regulators recognize the danger presented by excessive headlamp
glare, and so European cars with HID lamps must have dynamic
headlamp leveling. On-the-fly headlamp vertical aim adjustment has
been required by European directives for quite some time now, but
dashboard dial control of the vertical aim is no longer acceptable.
Recent European regulations require that the headlamp leveling of
HID-equipped cars be linked to the suspension system of the car so
the lamps don't glare as much to oncoming traffic when the rear of
the car is loaded-down or the car is heading up a small hill. The
digital headlamp solves this problem by automatically sensing the
angle of the headlamp assembly and will employ in real time only
the properly aimed light sources to illuminate so as not to glare
oncoming traffic.
[0139] An alternate method of glare control is accomplished by
rapidly switching on and off the headlamp light output or only the
high beam portion thereof at such a rate that flicker is not
observed by the driver. This persistence of vision is the same
effect on which motion picture viewing operates using shutters to
intermittently block the light while the frame changes. On the
oncoming vehicle, a variable light transmitting element, an
electronic shutter, located in the driver's field of view is
rapidly switched to a blocking state synchronized in time with the
on state of the oncoming car's headlamp. The situation is vise
versa for the driver in the other vehicle such that in the instant
one driver is seeing the other is not.
[0140] The Spectral Power Distribution, SPD, of the headlamp is
also variable as a function of the area being illuminated. Studies
by Flannagan cited earlier, have shown a preference by drivers for
yellow tinted headlights on oncoming vehicles. The drivers find the
yellowish colored light of an incandescent less glaring vs. the
bluish "white" light of an HID Metal Halide lamp. On the other hand
recent studies by Bullough, cited earlier, on driver's peripheral
night vision show the clear benefits of HID MH headlamps in
detecting pedestrians and objects along the side of the road. Thus
an ideal solution is to have the SPD in that part of the beam
visible to oncoming drivers be of the less glaring yellowish type
while the beams headed everywhere else would be of the blue-white
SPD for increased driver visibility. In fog or snow the color
spectrum would also be adjusted so as to maximize visibility.
Yellow colored lights are used in fog and snow conditions to
prevent flashback. Thus according to the teachings of this
invention the DLF headlamps serve as the fog-lamps. The digital
headlamp will automatically or manually be adjusted to the optimal
intensity and SPD lighting parameters for the environmental
conditions at hand.
[0141] Present advances in automobile lighting include Adaptive
Frontal-lighting Systems which aid in seeing around curves and
other features in the road. In these systems the light distribution
pattern and color spectrum will be changed according to the
instantaneous road conditions at hand. Thus, the headlamp now has
much more flexibility than the high beam/low beam variation of
today. At any instant in time the intensity, spectrum and beam
pattern of the headlamp may be varied as a function of the drivers
intent, lay of the road and environmental factors. A GPS system on
the car may also let the headlamps system know of curves up ahead,
one way traffic and others factors such the headlamp may be
operated in the optimal mode at that instantaneous location. With
sensors sensitive to environmental surroundings such as ambient
light, fog or snow conditions etc. lighting can be adapted to the
optimal operating regime.
[0142] Additional features include an optional concentrated
flashlight type of beam to illuminate distant overhead and roadside
signs, which due to the narrow directed beam will not blind
oncoming traffic. Image recognition via a camera will allow the
beam to follow the retroreflective sign as the vehicle moves or the
signs will be provided with a special marker for this purpose. In
this way the headlamp cutoff above horizontal except for the
concentrated sign beam can be total.
[0143] FIG. 8 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a digital
automotive headlamp. A headlamp is a specialty lighting application
unrivaled in terms of the need for controllability and is
especially suitable to the methods and devices described in this
disclosure. The headlamp fixture is unique in the continuum of beam
patterns, intensities and color spectrum. The number of possible
control modes are: 1. Parking Lights. 2. Low Beam lights; 3. High
Beam; 4. Cornering Lights; 5. Load leveling adjustment; 6. Integral
turn signal indicator, 7. Programmable alternate beam spread
selection so that one headlamp fulfills the different sets of legal
regulations for the high and low beam in different regions of the
world such as the U.S.A., Japan and Europe; 8. Driver preferential
color; 9. Oncoming vehicle or vehicle-ahead driver's preferred
color 10. Color of ambulances extra headlamp provides red flashes
to be more easily picked up in rear view mirror; and 11.
Non-Glaring pulsed headlamps.
[0144] Input data to the controller would first and foremost be in
the control of the driver and would consist of an overriding manual
selector switch. Otherwise headlamp control is automatic, from
turning on automatically when ambient lighting levels fall to such
a level where it is advantageous to have headlamps on, either to
aid in illuminating the way ahead or facilitate being seen by
others, to automatic dimming of high beam due to detection of
oncoming vehicles and shut off when ambient lighting levels are
sufficient. A possible control system for such purposes is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,281,632 by Stam, et-al from Aug. 28,
2001 titled: A Continuously variable headlamp control incorporated
herein by reference. The patent describes how continuously variable
headlamps offer greater flexibility for roadway illumination but
offer challenges in automatic control design. Each continuously
variable headlamp has an effective illumination range varied by
changing at least one parameter from a set including horizontal
direction aimed, vertical direction aimed, and intensity emitted.
Stam discloses a system for automatically controlling continuously
variable headlamps on a controlled vehicle includes an imaging
system capable of determining lateral and elevational locations of
headlamps from oncoming vehicles and tail lamps from leading
vehicles.
[0145] Using a control system such as that above, many driver
functions are automated. With the digital headlamp, automatic
control of headlight beam is a function of speed of travel, that
is: when vehicle is in Park the parking lights are on, when speed
is low the lamp beam is aimed sufficiently forward to give ample
reaction to brake for objects in the vehicle's path per the speed
it is traveling up to the intensity, angle and thus distance which
is the upper legal limit for the beam. If there is no oncoming
traffic then it operates as the high beam. If there is oncoming
traffic then it acts as the regular low beam.
[0146] Additional features can include an optional very narrow
flashlight type of beam. Present day LEDs come in very narrow
aimings such as two half angle 8 degrees which may not be narrow
enough (a 10 meter spread for 150 meters down the road which may be
sufficiently aimed to the right) but with need, smaller angles are
also feasible. Such a beam at the correct narrow aiming can
continue to illuminate far ahead (in high beam) without blinding
oncoming traffic. Analysis by a detector or an imaging system of
the oncoming vehicles position (using its headlights for example)
can be used to determine which exact aiming is the maximum
allowable for any given traffic situation and road layout. For the
very limited region of illumination that might cause glare to
oncoming traffic one or more white light lasers having a narrow
nonspreading beam are used. A mix of argon and krypton can result
in a laser with output wavelengths that appear as white light or To
create white light, the beams of blue, red, green, and yellow diode
lasers are merged. A camera vision system inputting to an AI based
controller would also be able to determine the actual vehicle if it
is a truck or car to further fine tune the beam intensities and
angles used to illuminate for the driver.
[0147] Using color and pattern recognition techniques it is
possible to determine what is a sign. It is then possible to
provide the equivalent of "task lighting" and use the controller
and properly aimed SLS to follow and illuminate distant overhead
and roadside signs for a longer time, yet not blind oncoming
traffic due to the narrow beam.
[0148] Wavelength specific SLSs in the infrared or near Ultra
Violet spectrum, not visible to the driver by the unaided eye are
used for communication between vehicles and roadway controllers or
toll booths. Infrared SLS will provide radiation to be reflected
from objects for night vision cameras. UV SLS are used for or
illuminating UV fluorescent dyes in clothing bicycles and baby
carriages to increase pedestrian visibility as is known in the
art.
[0149] In FIG. 9 a headlamp 270 of a land, sea or air vehicle 271
is shown in front view 272, side view of a section 273 and top view
of a section 274. A discreet SLS light source such as an LED 275
with specific location within the cluster 276 has a specific
spatial light distribution, color wavelength and aiming relative to
the vehicle, such as straight ahead, and or downwards and or off
towards the right or left. The SLS may have one junction and be
monochromatic or have a many junctions and provide a wide spectral
power distribution and the power to the SLS may be varied. An SLS
can also be a "white" LED. For example a typical "white" LED such
as a Luxeon.RTM. white LED such as LXHL-XXXX will have a colder
"bluish" 4,500K color temperature. LED 277 at a second location
within the same cluster may have a similar or dissimilar aiming,
wavelength and spatial light distribution. The concept cluster
shown by the dashed lines, is used to describe a control function
and is not necessarily related to contiguous placement. In general
a cluster may be deemed a separate grouping due to a function it
performs, either exclusively or in conjunction with other clusters
or sub-clusters, such as high beam function versus a second cluster
278 which may provide a parking light function. The same SLS may be
used, albeit at different intensities, for both the above functions
and thus clusters may overlap and be discontinuous. As two LEDs may
be of different wavelengths, operating in unison at different power
levels will yield a variable light "color". A possible combination
of two or more LEDs such as a blue, 470 nanometer and an amber 590,
nanometer wavelength LED would yield a "white" light similar to the
yellow tint of sunrise at the correct power intensity setting for
each lamp. Coincidentally aimed LEDs 275 and 277, at the correct
output intensity of each LED, with more power in the amber will
accomplish this. Thus when following another vehicle, assuming, as
drivers have reported, that they find yellow incandescent colored
headlamps less offending than the HID blue-white color, the
external controller 279 which receives traffic data from sensors
280 would shift wavelength specific radiant power contributions of
SLSs such that the resultant on the CIE chromacity diagram would be
yellowish. If however there is no car immediately ahead or oncoming
traffic, then assuming as drivers reported they see further with
bluish light, then the energy of the 490 nanometer LED is increased
and the resultant color will shift to bluish white, allowing the
driver to better ascertain road conditions further up ahead. The
LEDs, their packages, wavelength and light source type are
mentioned by way of example and it is clear that any other types of
discreet light sources, such as the chip 95 of FIG. 6, with
differing aimings wavelengths and distributions could be used to
accomplish the same functions.
[0150] To further illustrate the innovative DLF headlamp device, a
cluster 281 would be used to illuminate around a corner. Thus when
the turn indicator has been selected or the steering wheel has been
rotated by the driver, the DLF headlamp is powered by the
controller to illuminate sideways at angles which according to the
speed of travel is correct. (A driver can't make a 90-degree turn
traveling 90 kph but from a stop, the turn may be around a corner.)
In a preferred embodiment a multitude of LEDs in 281 are
differently aimed in top view 274 showing the top view of the
cluster 282 with SLS 283 angled less outwards and SLS 284 angled
more outward with the forward aiming (distance ahead of the
vehicle) of the more angled SLS 284, closer in for illuminating
sharp turn, than that of the less angled SLS 283 for a shallow
curve. Side sectional view 273 shows a general downward aiming with
SLSs of front view 272 cluster 285 corresponding to cluster 286
shown from the side. The cluster 286 is the most angled downward
such as for a slow driving as in a parking light type of
application where the idea is not to cause glare yet be seen. The
parking light function can also be done with higher angled LEDs by
just lowering the intensity to very low non-glaring intensities.
Cluster 287 of the front view would be the main illuminating
workhorse and is shown in side view 273 as angled SLSs in cluster
288 and top view 274 as cluster 289. The top cluster 276 shown in
side view 273, as 290 would perform alone or in tandem with part of
287 the high beam lighting function.
[0151] Many more degrees of flexibility are possible with the
digital headlamp by varying the timing of the LED operation. For
example, more intense illumination of red LEDs for a fraction of
time would give the effect of flashing ambulance lights if required
by the type of vehicle and could be effected by programming alone
without the need for a different type of headlamp greatly reducing
the different types of headlights that need to be installed on a
vehicle or maintained in inventory. That is the same MSLS light
engine device could be placed in different aesthetic packages by
different manufacturers and could provide different functions. In
one embodiment the digital headlamp carries out all the functions
in a single unit 270. SLSs have different locations and aimings 291
and 292 to carry out the functions. In another embodiment 293 the
spotlight sign illuminating function or corner lighting function is
in a separate package 294 with its aiming 295. The low and high
beam lighting is accomplished with fixture 296 and its general
aiming 297. The separate units may be dictated by design or sales
considerations and yield more flexibility but are within the scope
of the overall integral digital lamp headlight device. The
controller 279 will addresses the power supply of each DLF headlamp
270, 296 and 294 independently such that each lamp performs its
functions separately.
[0152] In another embodiment FIG. 9 the digital headlights 300 and
301 on vehicle 302 are also part of an anti-glare system operating
between two or more vehicles 303. The system is designed to prevent
discomfort and disability glare from oncoming headlights or glaring
headlights viewed in the rear view or side mirrors. The
anti-headlight-glare system works based on the "persistence of
vision" of the human eye-brain system and is accomplished by the
synchronization of the illuminating and light attenuating or
blocking devices which intermittently enable the driver to see the
night scene ahead but not the counter-timed glare of oncoming
vehicles. The elimination of blinding glare will increase traffic
safety, as a driver may lose vision may for a number of seconds
following a glare event. It will also prevent driver fatigue caused
by glaring headlights. Another of the advantages of the anti-glare
system is that it increases the distance that a driver can see at
night by allowing the use of more powerful headlamps aimed at
higher angles, thus illuminating more of the road ahead while not
blinding oncoming traffic. The anti-glare system consists of pulsed
headlamps 304 and 305 on the oncoming vehicle 303 and a
synchronized on/off switched light filtering or blocking element
306A in between the driver's eyes 307 and the glare sources 304 and
305. The light attenuating element is normally highly transmissive
of light i.e., see-through. When energized, the light-attenuating
element turns non-transmissive and attenuates or totally blocks the
glare intensity. The attenuating element is similar in operation to
the fast acting automatic darkening welding helmets commercially
available, only here the off switching is also very rapid. The
glare, or light-attenuating element may be the windshield, a part
of the windshield be a specific element located on or within the
windshield 306A and 308A or on a visor located in front of the
driver shown in 306B and 308B. The light attenuating device 306A or
306B is synchronized with the oncoming headlight such that when
low-beam or even high beam, glare causing headlamps 300 and 301 of
vehicle "one" 302 is "on" the light attenuating device 308A or 308B
on vehicle "two" 303 is toggled into a mode which reduces or
totally blocks the light beams. Conversely, in the next instant,
when the headlamps 304 and 305 of vehicle "two" 303 is "on", that
is, in the glare causing mode, the light attenuating device 306 on
vehicle "one" 302 is switched into a mode, which reduces or totally
blocks the light beams. The light-attenuating device 306A or 306B
consists of an LCD, ferroelectric, SPD, electrochromic or any other
medium that can be switched between substantially light
transmitting to substantially light blocking in the form of a
screen, visor or film. It may be placed on the windshield from
without or within, in between the glass layers of the windshield
safety glass 306A or positioned anywhere in between the drivers
eyes and windshield 306B including being worn as eye glasses. A
motorcyclist would have it installed in the visor of the helmet or
on a windscreen. The speed of vision is slow relative to electronic
pulsation and depending on the illumination level persistence of
vision will fuse on/off levels into a constant flicker free level.
Motion pictures operate at 24 frames per second. For scotopic
nighttime levels 10 HZ is sufficiently flicker free while at high
levels of illumination 60 Hz is required. Totally flicker-free
operation is assured at 120 Hz operation even for peripheral vision
which is more sensitive to movement.
[0153] LEDs are excellent light sources for a pulsed lamp since
they are not damaged by on/off cycling (actually off-time adds to
the overall lifetime) as are the prior-art incandescent and other
cathode based lamps. Rise time to full output is on the order of
microseconds, much faster than necessary. The pulsed SLS is
operated at a higher power during the on-time of the duty cycle to
offset for the off-time in order to produce the required
illumination. This is typical of normal LED operation which may be
run in DC mode or pulsed, AC operation. Actually, HID lamps cycle
on/off at twice the line frequency and the eye integrates the light
intensity over time. However, it should be understood that
incandescent or any other lamp switchable within the constraints of
the flicker free visual requirement are acceptable for use
according to the teachings of this invention. In an alternative
embodiment, the lamp may be a state of the art incandescent,
halogen or HID lamp and the switching is accomplished by an
additional light-attenuating element placed in front of the light
source. Alternately, electronic signal control circuitry can
rapidly switch an HID or incandescent headlamp used in the
anti-glare system. The lamp need not totally turn off, the
requirement is that during the seeing portion of time when the
driver's light attenuating element is letting light through
un-attenuated, the light intensity reaching the eye is non-glaring.
Therefore it shall be considered that present state of the art
incandescent and HID headlamps operated in a pulsed mode fall under
the realm of the present invention. That is, any headlamp system
where the high beam is toggled such that it is synchronized with a
light-blocking element before the driver's eyes in the approaching
vehicle is included within this disclosure. It is also to be
understood that the headlamps when not in high beam mode may not be
totally off rather they can be in a non-glaring low beam mode. This
leaves the vehicle visible to oncoming traffic.
[0154] It is to be understood that for the system to work, all
oncoming vehicles using high beam synchronized blocking must be
working according to the same timing among them versus all the
traffic headed in the opposite direction. A timing protocol based
on major heading determines the synchronization. Thus, on a
substantially north south route, a train of traffic headed north
will all be similarly timed and counter synchronized with all
southbound traffic. The blocking screen's timing is synchronized
with the oncoming high beam headlight's timing either universally,
through a global clock system such as that of the global
positioning system GPS or the National Institute of Standards and
Technology atomic clock broadcast over radio station WWVB located
in Fort Collins, Colo. or locally through communication among
vehicles in proximity to being within the line of sight. A
combination of directional data together with a timing protocol
based on direction will determine the synchronization among
proximate north/south and east/westbound vehicles. The vehicles
direction data is derived from an onboard compass or gyro or GPS to
eliminate the influence of roadway curves in cases of borderline
directionality, the vehicle's direction for synchronization is not
the instantaneous reading but rather is based on distance traveled
over time and previous headings history. A stop and turn for
example will change the synchronization while a smooth curve will
wait for an oncoming cars synchronization to indicate that the road
ahead is actually in a new heading unless sufficient elapsed time
makes it clear the car is on a new course. The protocol will give
benefit to the north on a 45 degree North/East heading and to the
south on a 135-degree heading. GPS location and route recognition
can also be used to set synchronization protocols for opposing
vehicles. In one embodiment, the communication between vehicles for
synchronization is effected through the headlamps themselves either
through modulations in visible light LEDs of the digital headlight
itself or with LEDs, radio or infrared emitters dedicated for the
purpose 173. Detectors 174 on the vehicle, pick up the signal and
signal-processing equipment passes the information on to the
controlling unit 175.
[0155] Glare attenuating elements can be placed over the mirror
surfaces or the side windows where the glare from the side mirrors
passes. Thus not only the glare from oncoming headlights through
the windshield is blocked but also glaring beams emanating from
following vehicles, reflected off the rear and side view mirrors is
controlled. To eliminate glare off the mirror 176 from reaching the
driver's eyes from the side mirrors 177, a pulsed blocking screen
or film 178 is placed on the driver facing side of the mirror's the
reflecting surface. Similarly a rearview mirror 179 is embodied
with a pulsed blocking screen or film. The timing of the modes in
this instance is such that the light-attenuating mode occurs at the
same time as the glaring or high beam headlamp mode since all cars
in the same direction are in glaring mode at the same instant. All
mirrors are synchronized to block the headlight glare coming from
the rear which are on at the same synchronization time as that of
the first lead vehicle in the traffic train.
[0156] In another embodiment additional information used to control
the headlight aiming can come from analysis of the driver's eye
movement and gaze. The headlight aiming system obtains information
from a driver eye tracking system concerning the driver's gaze
(i.e. what the driver is looking at). Analysis of saccade can be
used to instantaneously predict where the driver will end up
looking and the headlight intensity in that aiming changed to
illuminate the area where the driver wishes to see in advance of
the driver's re-accommodation. A machine vision system using
pattern recognition and other object identification techniques to
discern eye gaze direction, is contrived of the camera 316 with a
view of the driver's eyes, infrared emitters 317 and the computer
logic system 311. The data obtained is analyzed according to eye
tracking methods and algorithms known in the art of in a computer
routine 7A to adjust the light aimings of the headlamps according
to the drivers gaze at required intensities. The allowed
intensities at any aiming take glare considerations into account so
as not to cause offending glare. In another embodiment an outward
and inward facing camera 316 is used to acquire both images of the
scene ahead and the driver's gaze and using both sets of data
adjust the headlamp illumination.
[0157] Accordingly it has been illustrated in the streetlight and
headlamp application the benefit of a multiple-light source
illuminating device. The flexible characteristics of the DLF allow
for spatial variations of the intensity and spectral power
distribution of the light over the area covered. When the element
of variation of intensity and SPD with time over the area covered
is introduced another dimension of flexibility is introduced. These
properties are unique to the DLF and allow them to deal with
dynamic lighting situations in a way not afforded by prior-art
lighting devices. When combined with devices capable of detection
changes in the surrounding environment the flexible DLF is capable
of changing the illumination so as to provide the optimal lighting
solution in real-time.
[0158] Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 10A
there is shown an illuminating or irradiating device which is
capable of being adjusted in situ to match the radiation output
with the actual illuminating requirements of the surround where the
lighting fixture has been installed. As an example, the device is a
lighting fixture and the installation is in a chemical processing
plant which is an open facility with piping and vessels placed in
the structure with walkways, floors and stairs made of metal
grating. The walkways, vessels, machinery and piping needs to be
illuminated at night by lighting fixtures placed on the structural
support uprights along the walkways. In this lighting application
example the walkways are at the exterior edge of the structure with
the piping and machinery towards the interior. Beyond the walkway
safety fence there is no structure and no need for illumination.
The spatial light distribution pattern of the lighting fixture
shown in FIG. 10A can be arranged so as to illuminate inwards
towards the vessels, machinery and piping as well as downward along
the walkways and stairs but not outward into free space.
[0159] The lighting fixture 410 is comprised of light sources 411.
The multiple light sources are referred to as LEDs, Light Emitting
Diodes which is but one type of exemplary light sources used
herein. Light sources referred to in this disclosure include any of
a wide range of visible and non-visible electromagnetic radiation
emitting or generating devices formed from organic or inorganic
semiconductor materials such as LEDs, organic light emitting
diodes, OLEDs and all gaseous high and low intensity discharge
lamps, incandescent filament and other solid state light sources.
The light sources 411 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B have means to be
coupled with apparatus for modifying the light output of LED chips
or arrays of chips 412 such as a reflector 413 which yields a
symmetric light distribution or an asymmetric reflector 414 which
yields a substantially asymmetric light distribution. An optical
lens or light guide 415, or other refractive or diffractive device
may be used to modify the light output as well as phosphors or
filters within the light guide 415 which may be used to add or
filter out certain wavelengths. The spatial light distribution of
the light source refers to the luminous flux emanating from the
light source 411 at various candle power intensities as a function
of the angle. The light source 411 has a characteristic angular
light distribution 416 also called herein beam spread and when
installed on a lighting fixture attached to the building, object
therein or lighting pole with a specific orientation in the
surrounding living space, the beam axis 417 will have a particular
aiming towards surfaces within the living space and therefore the
light source will illuminate only the specific surfaces it is
intended to fall upon. In an embodiment of the invention a light
source module 411 is comprised of the one or more LED chip 412,
optical modifying device 413, 414, or 415, a heat dissipative
element 418 such as a heat sink and a physical and/or electrical
connecting element for the LED chip 412 such as a printed circuit
board 419. In one embodiment a very narrow beam laser LED is
mounted in the array of chips 412 such that it shines along the
optical axis of the light module 411. In an embodiment of the LED
the beam spread has been determined on the die level without the
need for additional optical modifying devices as part of the light
module 411.
[0160] A preferred embodiment of the invention is a lighting
fixture comprised of many light sources of which some or all can be
separately aimed and powered so as to illuminate areas, surfaces or
objects in a room in a most correct, efficient and comfortable
manner or for a desired lighting effect. The overall luminaire 410
spatial light distribution at various angles is comprised of that
of the individual light sources. Thus when the multiplicity of
light sources having their respective light distribution patterns,
which are substantially directional and subtend lesser angles than
those of the overall light distribution pattern are mounted and
arranged on the lighting fixture structure their respective
directional light distributions combine to form a wider overall
light fixture distribution pattern. The overall distribution
pattern is efficiently formed directly by the multiplicity of light
sources without recourse to inefficient reflectors or refractors.
Using a goniophotometer to measure over space the emanating light
intensity in the various directions one obtains the overall spatial
light distribution pattern of the luminaire 410.
[0161] Using commercially available LEDs such as the Artavi
10.degree. product from Illumitex which offers 90% of the light
output in 10 degrees of the beam, it is possible to generate well
controlled light distribution patterns with minimal spill light.
Thus the Coefficient of Utilization (CU) or the utilization factor
of the luminaire is high. That is, the ratio of the luminous flux
(lumens) from a luminaire received on the work-plane to the lumens
emitted by all the luminaire's light sources alone. The Illumitex
LED package emits light in a uniform, highly-precise beam directly
from the source. The result is that with die-level optical
integration, the need for cumbersome and inefficient secondary
optics to control light is obviated. Using well defined light beams
to illuminate the area allows for the floor surface in the distant
corners of a square room to have the same illuminance as the floor
at the nadir, directly beneath the luminaire. This results in high
uniformity which is a measure of variation of illuminance over a
given plane, expressed as either the ratio of the minimum to the
maximum illuminance or the ratio of the minimum to the average
illuminance and a measure of the energy efficiency of the luminaire
system.
[0162] In order to alter the spatial light distribution, the
lighting fixture 410 has apparatus such as joints and flexible
electrical connections giving it the ability to morph or change
shape. That is, by the alteration of fixture geometry, moving
structures or arms on which the light sources are mounted or by
changing the LEDs' refractor or reflector geometry, the direction
of the light emanating from groups or even individual light sources
is modified so as to generate an overall site specific light
distribution pattern. For example LEDs are mounted on moveable
luminaire structural elements such as the end of posts, on bars or
curved arms which can be adjusted to provide various symmetrical
and asymmetrical illumination patterns as the installation
requires. In the lighting fixture 410 the arms, such as arm 420 has
apparatus to swivel around the central support post 421. The arms
420 are rotatable so that they may be concentrated at a specific
aiming so as to produce higher illumination intensity in a specific
area. The individual LEDs aimings can further be adjusted as the
hinged sections of the parabolic arms 420 can also be opened or
closed along the hinges changing their vertical aiming from the
nadir.
[0163] In an embodiment of the invention control electronics 422
have electronic means and circuitry configured to provide different
power levels to LEDs or groups of LEDs such that the light
intensity in any given direction and angular aiming may be varied
as needed. In an embodiment of the invention the power supply and
control electronics 422 are further defined to provide power only
in the amount needed using a logical controller 428. Controller 428
performance can be further enabled with sensor 429 providing
information about the surroundings. The resulting light fixture
embodiment described is thus a Field Adjustable
Multiple-light-source Luminaire or FAML.
[0164] Thus in FIG. 10A the beam spread 423 of LED 411 differs from
the beam spread 424 of a LED light source 425 which may have a
wider area from which the light exits so that its higher angled
light output will not be as bright so as not to cause glare. An
accessory reflector 426 may be used to shield from glaring rays.
The method disclosed for reducing the glare from concentrated high
luminance light sources is the use of light guides to reduce the
luminous emmitance or luminance of a very bright LED. Light guides
using the principle of total internal reflection redirect the
light. They may in addition be used to increase the area from which
the light flux is exiting and thus reduce the luminance or
luminosity of the light source.
[0165] FIG. 11 shows a light guide which can be used to redirect
the light from a light source and/or increase the area from which
the light is exiting in order to reduce the apparent brightness.
The light guide is constructed of a transparent material with an
index of refraction greater than that of air. The light guide 430
will accept light rays emanating at large angles away from the beam
axis and bend the rays to smaller angles from the axis thus
producing a narrow beam. Light produced by the LED 412 at various
angles enters the aperture 431. The light then bends as total
internal reflection contains it within the walls of the curved
light guide and exits from the light guide at surface 432 with a
different aiming. More than one light guide can be used and when
stacked light exiting the light source at different angle can be
directed outwards at different angles or the same angle. Light
guide assembly 433 is shown with two light guides stacked but many
similar or different beam modifying characteristic light guides can
be stacked for a unique total light distribution resulting from the
source. Thus in FIG. 10B the optical device 415 can be a light
guide assembly 433 as shown in FIG. 11 which has been added over a
light source in FIG. 10A aimed at a potentially glaring angle as
shown covered by the light guide assembly 433. The exit surface 432
may be a lens, a Fresnel lens or microlens whose optical features
enable precise control of uniformity, exit angle and beam spread.
In addition any of the surfaces may be covered with optical
substrate or films to reduce light loss on entry or exit, frustrate
the total internal reflection or filter or control the light. Light
guides may also be asymmetrical.
[0166] In an alternate embodiment when using a single light source
in a FAML yet an asymmetric spatial light distribution is desired,
light guide assembly 434 made of light guide segments 435 is
designed take light from the single light source and spatially
differentiate its delivery to different parts of a room. For
example, if the light fixture light source is located on the
ceiling in the center of a square room and the assembly 434 is
turned over so the light exits downward; then when the light exits
the surface 436 with a Lambertian distribution and the segments are
aimed in the direction of the corners of the room, a substantially
homogeneous illumination can be obtained on a work plane near the
floor in the square room. More than one segment of assembly 434 can
be stacked and light guides with different light exiting directions
can take the light of one light source and symmetrically or
asymmetrically distribute over an area. Combined with reflective
control elements 437 added within, upon the surface or external to
the light guide further light control can be achieved.
[0167] While light guides are known for their ability to carry and
redirect light, in this disclosure another novel embodiment of a
light guide used as a light control device is its use to increase
the area from which the light from the LED is exiting from thus
reducing the light source luminance or glare. In an embodiment
where the inlet aperture 431 cross section is small and the cross
section of the light guide exit surface 432 is large there will be
a significant reduction in the light source luminance and it will
appear less bright and cause less glare to persons viewing it. Thus
while persons in a room would find high brightness LEDs disturbing
it is possible to add optical devices that while maintaining or
increasing the directionality of the illuminating beams spreads the
light to exit over a larger area thus reducing the luminous
emmitance.
[0168] The Spectral Power Distribution of the luminaire refers to
the distribution of light energy emitted by the light source
arranged in order of wavelengths. In an embodiment of the invention
the LED chip 412 is made of many separated LED chips or LED array.
The array of semiconductor LED chips or dies 412 are of the same
material and have a similar wavelength or are of different
composition and produce a variety of wavelengths. In an embodiment
the controlling power circuitry 428 is connected independently to
each chip. The result of using differentiated composition chips 412
or phosphors with them is that the light output is a mix a various
wavelengths of light and therefore of variable chromacity. Thus a
warm color temperature of lighting can be produced as well as a
cool daylight color temperature. Thus when the light sources that
make up a light module 411 are not all producing the same color
spectrum or wavelength, the luminaire's chromaticity, spectral
power distribution or spectral light distribution is alterable by
the controller 428 via driver 422 energizing to a greater or lesser
degree the individual light sources. These light sources may be
substantially monochromatic or wide spectrum with different wide
SPDs and monochromatics complementing each other. Using the
principles of additive color mixing of light sources to control the
change in chromacity via the differentiated powering of
coincidentally aimed light sources, the luminaire produces a unique
spectral light distribution having a certain color temperature
and/or color rendering index of light at all or any particular
aiming.
[0169] For example the curvilinear light guide 430 can be used to
combine different colored LED chips 412. Thus if 3 different
colored LEDs were stacked and their light entered into one or more
light guides the light guides will re-orient the light and aim them
in the same direction whereupon they will mix. The mixed light when
falling upon a surface and reflected to a person's eye will
generate a uniquely observed color lighting effect. When phosphors
are added to the light guide material other chromaticity may be
generated. Thus a blue LED could generate one color temperature
with one light guide and another color temperature in another light
guide. If the guides are co-directional the colors will be mixed.
Physical movement of the inlet aperture from one light guide of
particular phosphors to another would then serve as a way of
changing the correlated color temperature, CCT and/or color
rendering index, CRI of a light source. Thus an active way of
controlling the spatial and spectral output of the LED light source
411 is to reposition the light guide apparatus 433 or 434 thus
changing the angular or spectral characteristic of the light
modification.
[0170] Individual bars or arms 420 by their structural geometry
determine the aimings of the light sources mounted on them. Thus
using Lambert's cosine law and the inverse square law the arm
geometry is designed such that more luminous flux can be directed
to surfaces further away or surfaces at greater angles to the
incident light to achieve a more homogenous light distribution. In
addition when mounted in a living space the arm 420 can be rotated
into a better aiming in order to optimally illuminate the area.
Thus as a principle teaching of this invention the light sources
attached to the arms have already been given the capability of
generating a unique spatial distribution pattern in the factory set
format. Most importantly, this preset distribution carries though
to the homogeneous illuminance of room surfaces even after specific
installation adjustment requirements have been made.
[0171] After adjustment the position of the arm can be input into
the controller 428 or the camera 429 can be used to determine the
lighting effects produced by the new arm arrangement. This
calibration is accomplished by energizing a light source or array
of light sources and reading the with the camera sensor array the
luminance values off the surface. Comparing the new results with
prior control luminance values at known power settings the present
luminaire configuration is determined. Thus the in factory
calibration of light output vs. power is used after installation to
set up for the illuminance readings and adjustment process. Before
moving the factory set aimings the room objects are viewed. The
camera luminance measures at any coordinate point under its purview
are now based on a known luminous intensity from the artificial
source. From that the reflectance values of the room and object
surfaces are obtained and stored for use in the controller's
following lighting algorithms.
[0172] Alternately, a reference sheet of known reflectance is
placed on surfaces to aid in the re-calibration. Alternately, in
place of calibrating the camera luminance readings to illuminance
readings via a reflective sheet of known reflectance the object
recognition capacity of the camera vision system can recognize
various object such as couches, the textile and wood thereon. The
controller memory has prior stored reference luminance values for a
number of surfaces of different reflectivities thus allowing the
controller to guess from the recognized surface at hand which
reflectance model is a best fit. Thus the controller using the
camera luminance readings can compute the illuminance and drive the
light sources such that the desired illumination level is
achieved.
[0173] Alternately, in place of an integral camera to align the
arms on the light fixture to an optimal position for the efficient
illumination of the area and also minimizing spill light an
non-integral digital camera can be used such as a web-cam or cell
phone camera can be used. The controller for running the
computational algorithms can be in a non-integral computer or even
via the web and the results of the analysis for reprogramming the
controller can be communicated back to the controller. This would
enable the use of a less powerful onboard controller. Again the
camera luminance readings can be calibrated using a reflective
sheet of known reflectance at one or more reading vacations or the
object recognition of the camera vision system can recognize
various object such as couches, the textile and wood thereon and
form a stored library assign typical reluctances to these
surfaces.
[0174] The calibration is carried out as described earlier in the
patent with embodiments such as the ADLF 190. The non-integral
camera view is geometrically correlated with the light fixture
light sources aimings by a technique as the controlled firing of
individual LEDs where the light geometric coordinates are picked up
a correlated with the camera pixel matrix coordinates seeing that
area. The correlation is then stored in the processor memory for
use by the controller in driving the specific light sources.
Movements of the light source supporting structures are picked up
by the camera light sensor such that the installer receives
feedback on the effects of these changes until the desired light
output reading is obtained on the display screen. The unique
positioning and additional installer re-aiming of the light sources
411 on the support arms allow for uniform illumination to be
achieved. A further dimension of illumination control is now
achieved by adjusting the power driving the LED 411.
[0175] The data stored in the controller 422 can now be used for
applying recommended lighting practice to specific lighting
application or lighting tasks that luminaire is called on to
perform. Herein this disclosure, a logical controller executes
instruction sets based best lighting practices as recommended by
lighting engineers and published in handbooks such as the
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America IESNA and
standards such as ANSI or CIE. The latest by the IESNA is the
10.sup.th edition ISBN-13: 9780879952419, Publisher: Illuminating
Engineering Society of North America that has numerous
recommendations and best practice standards specifically related to
LED lighting. The specific location lighting task information or
programming may be manually input to the luminaire controller via
an input device such as a keypad or be remote input controller
using infra-red communications or other wireless device using a
communications system such as, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.TM. etc
communicated via a computer or smart-phone or via a speaker
microphone system. To determine lighting requirements in an area
based on usage and characteristics of the users, the controller
uses a speaker to communicate queries from a lighting specification
questionnaire and receives audio response processed by a voice
recognition software application as input for the purpose running
the lighting design algorithms.
[0176] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular
industrial lighting fixture with the addition of another adjustable
arm 420 where the same LED driver electronics 422 are capable of
powering additional arms when added or not powering them when they
are subtracted such as in FIG. 12B. The arms 420 are rotatable so
that they may be concentrated at a specific aiming so as to produce
higher illumination intensity in a specific area. The individual
LEDs aimings can further be adjusted as the hinged sections of the
parabolic arms 420 can also be opened or closed along the hinges
changing their vertical aiming from the nadir. In an alternative
embodiment the driver electronics are modular in concert with the
light source arms 420 such that when an additional arm is added an
additional plug and play driver module is added as well with full
communications and hookup capability to the logical controller
428.
[0177] An example using a FAML in an industrial, commercial or
house lighting application may be a hallway lighting function. An
embodiment of an asymmetrical lighting fixture shown in FIG. 12B
with two arms 420 at 180 degrees with light source modules 411 laid
out on the arms at higher angles to illuminate along the hallway
will do a more economical job of illuminating then would the four
armed symmetrical luminaire of FIG. 12A. The light sources
illuminating the hallway at higher angles from the nadir may have
large areas to reduce the luminous emmitance to comfortable,
non-glaring levels using optical light guides such as 430 to
increase area while maintaining directionality. When the camera
sensor element 429 detects people entering the hallway, the logical
controller 428 increases the power driving the LEDs and the
lighting intensity is increased from zero power or some low level
of lighting sufficient for orientation purposes to full level.
After the person has passed under the luminaire the LEDs on the
approach side can already be dimmed again saving power. It is to be
understood that the luminaire embodiment of FIG. 12B is only
showing the practical operational elements. Obviously, when used as
a home hallway lighting fixture additional aesthetic elements can
be added to improve the fixtures artistic appeal.
[0178] In an embodiment of this invention the adjustments to the
light output distribution, intensity and chromacity are made
automatically by the logical controller 428 operating per
programmed instruction sets based on data supplied by sensors
regarding living space geometry, environment and contents including
living beings. Such sensors 429 use sound or electromagnetic
radiation to measure distances to surfaces within the intended
design illumination range of the lighting fixture. An embodiment of
the invention uses as a sensor an electronic camera with a lens 427
allowing it to view the surroundings. Natural light sources or
light sources on the luminaire firing at known timings and
chromacity can be used with the sensors 429 and logical controller
428 to determine distances, movement, reflectance, surface colors
and other information about the surroundings during set up and in
real time. The camera chip transfers the image information to the
logical controller. Using real time image processing methodologies
with image and scene recognition technology known in the art, room
or outdoor area elements, objects and people are identified. Using
face recognition techniques an individual may be identified and
personal lighting preferences or functions can be provided by the
luminaire. The controller being programmed to illuminate people,
objects and surfaces according to best lighting practice or user
preferences then manipulates fixture elements to adjust the
lighting to meet the standards or personal preferences. In addition
the computer vision can recognize the visual task being performed.
The logical controller 428 then uses control of the power signal to
the LED to provide recommended practice light intensities.
[0179] Light entering the digital camera 429 through its lens 427
is converted into electric signals by a CCD or CMOS image sensor.
The lens can be an optical lens or a wide angle lens or a Fresnel
lens giving the sensor array a view of the area illuminated by the
lighting fixture or a wider area covered by a group of lighting
fixtures under control of the logical controller. More than one
camera sensor 429 with different areas of coverage can be used if
more accuracy is required for image processing. The processor based
control system for illumination has stored data and programs for
driving the LEDs at the correct levels in order illuminate
according to recommended lighting practice and stored algorithms
which it uses to process pattern recognition, image recognition and
other computer vision methodologies known in the art to recognize a
particular object, surface or individual as well as distances to
surfaces, their color, reflectance and the geometry of the
environmental surround. The same image recognition camera may be
used as the luminance meter or a separate light sensor may be
employed. A further capability of the digital lighting fixture
using image recognition methodology known in the art that it can
recognize the individuals and provide personal preference lighting
conditions or determine the optimal lighting parameters as required
by their age. A processor based control system for illumination
having stored data and algorithms which uses image recognition
algorithms to recognize a particular individual. Using image
recognition algorithms and artificial intelligence techniques known
in the art, based on the appearance and movements of the occupants,
the camera vision system will automatically guess their age and
sex. The processor runs the computer vision routines to determine
an occupants age or sex and sends instruction to a building's
utility devices to provide individualized services such as heating
and lighting on basis of age or sex.
[0180] The personalized control of the illuminating device or other
appliances in communication with the controller can be effected by
using a brain-computer interface, (BCI, often called a mind-machine
interface (MMI), or sometimes called a direct neural interface or a
brain-machine interface (BMI). Using apparatus to read brain
activity, a direct communication pathway between the brain and the
external device can be effected. The BCI can be combined with the
computer vision system having knowledge of the surround to help the
controller relate the brain activity to the visual aid required to
carry out the desired function. For example in an automotive
application the brain activity related to eye saccade can replace
eye gaze tracking in knowing where the eye desires to see next and
illumination can be provided on time, in advance of the visual task
to be performed next.
[0181] The sensor 429 can be an LSI chip enabling high-speed
processing of the generated image data by a digital image processor
function within the logical controller 428 using algorithms known
in the art for motion, scene and/or face detection. From these
signals the logical control affects lighting changes as needed to
perform visual tasks or create ambiance. The sensor and transducer
pack 429 is sensitive to a wide range of electromagnetic or sonic
pressure variations and has means for determining luminance,
temperature and humidity. The logical controller 428 having
communications capability can transfer information gained from the
sensor pack 429 to other home automation networks or it can supply
information to other home heating, cooling, security, lighting and
host of other appliances. With a view of the front door the
luminaire sensor can serve data to the home automation network on
whether someone has entered of left the house.
[0182] In a preferred embodiment of this invention the lighting
fixture is equipped with a camera vision system comprised of the
digital camera 429 and logical controller 428 having computer
algorithms for performing computer vision and has the capability of
identifying the eyes of occupants in a room (this is similar to
present day face detect mode used in digital camera technology such
as a Canon PowerShot SD900, where the processor face recognition
identifies the triangle of two eyes and a nose and focuses
automatically). The camera vision system is capable of detecting
glare causing visual discomfort on the eyes of room occupants
caused by the lighting fixture and the logical controller will
accordingly reduce the intensity of the illumination reaching the
eyes from the responsible light source. The camera vision system
can detect the glare by assessing the amount of light reflected
back to the camera from the eyes of room occupants and determining
on the basis of a scale, such as the de Boer rating scale for
discomfort glare, whether or not glare is occurring. Alternatively
the logical controller 428 upon detecting eyes will set the light
source intensity shining in the direction of the eyes to a level
that will not cause glare.
[0183] In addition the camera vision system 428 will prevent the
lighting fixture 410 from producing veiling reflections on objects
such as glossy magazines or computer screens. Using machine vision
technology known in the art such as neural networks training and
other pattern recognition techniques the vision system has sensor,
algorithmic and computational means for identifying devices or
objects. Using lookup tables to identify a possible veiling glare
situation in the users field of view the logical controller 428
adjusts the lighting by providing illumination from a different
angle such as beaming light off the ceiling in place of direct
lighting and/or altering the intensity of the direct lighting.
[0184] Actual vision and perception is not only a function of the
illuminance falling on the object being observed but also of the
luminance of surfaces in the surround, spectral distributions of
the object and background and the general illuminance level to
which the eye has adapted. Veiling luminance and veiling
reflections may even be as interfering so as to disturb the ability
to see. Described is a method of using the an embodiment of
multiple light source lighting fixture of the present invention
with finely controlled light delivery to assist people to better
see objects or carry out visual tasks such as reading. The method
comprises altering the intensity and/or color of the illumination
delivered to the task versus other surfaces in the visual surround
(that is they are in the viewer's field of view) such that the
luminance of the object, the luminance of the background, the
contrast and the veiling reflections are controlled so as to
produce optimal vision conditions. To accomplish the spatially
differentiated light delivery to the object of the visual task such
as a book or computer screen the light sources to produce task
lighting have multiple, narrow beams with minimal spill light. The
limited coverage area of each beam and sharp cutoff is such that
the lighting fixture controller can target a book while not
substantially illuminating the desk. Other light sources illuminate
the desk and other surfaces in the visual surround at an optimal
background level luminance. The background level is determined by
factors such as whether it is an office environment where others
are present and a dark office is unpleasant or if the reading is at
home and a lower background can be tolerated.
[0185] With the eye recognition capability the lighting fixture
can, irrespective of the glare consideration, lower the
illumination in areas where eyes are not looking thus saving power.
Thus as in the FIG. 12B hallway lighting application the logical
controller upon identifying the occupant's eyes can illuminate at
higher intensity the areas forward of the occupant in their field
of view but limit light rays to below the eye level and dim the
areas not in the visual path of the occupant. The same capability
for dimming is available in many other lighting applications such
as in other rooms in a house, warehouses, stores, factories as well
as outdoors. In sports lighting glare can be eliminated by the
controller 428 following the ball and calculating which light
sources 411 are adding to vision and those which are detracting and
reducing the intensity of those detracting. Thus the lighting
fixture 410 provides illumination in real time only where people
need it to carry out visual tasks while the illumination in other
areas is off or dimmed to comfortable or aesthetic lighting
levels.
[0186] An alternate embodiment of the FIG. 12B fixture configured
for use in a highway lighting fixture application having a camera
vision system has controllable light distribution and logical means
for providing illumination based on the vehicle's position in
relation to the lighting fixture 410. In low traffic conditions in
order to save energy used for lighting, the controller 428 using
stored algorithms increases illumination with the approach of a
vehicle and changes the beam cut-off levels as the automobile
advances towards the lighting fixture to eliminate glare from the
driver's eyes. It then dims the lighting after the vehicle has
passed and is no longer useful. Note that LED's directed upwards
would not be present unless used for sign lighting etc. Thus in
this novel application of the technology the sign would be
illuminated by the controller instruction set only when there are
drivers to see them. When multiple vehicles are presents the
operating regime changes to illumination from the adjacent
luminaire located behind the vehicles. By using communication
between the luminaires 410 the optimal lighting regime is
coordinated between them.
[0187] In a preferred embodiment the illumination device 410 of
FIG. 10 with computer vision capability, also having means for
communications with other devices and human factors engineering
algorithms that allows it to predict in certain situations what a
room occupant is interested in doing, has wired or wireless
electronic communications apparatus for communicating the
information it obtained via the camera for actuating or closing
other devices. For example a person sitting down in front of the TV
can have the TV turned on automatically and have heating
concentrated on that area of the house. The camera based lighting
system via a central logical control unit or the home computer
inputs data on the house occupants' whereabouts and aids in the
control of house lighting and heating and cooling. Thus the
lighting fixture 410 communicates data and integrates with
intelligent home automation systems as 1) it provides an ideal
location for the sensors which includes any of sensors 429 for:
temperature, humidity, motion and artificial vision and 2) the
smart illuminating device 410, itself which has a logical
controller 428 capable of communicating with and being controlled
by the automated home network.
[0188] The lighting fixture being the world's most ubiquitous
device serves as the ideal platform for simple and intelligent
camera vision systems for use in home, commercial, outdoor and
industrial facilities control systems to the end of surveillance,
the use of energy and supplying people with sound, lighting,
heating, cooling, fragrance and a host of other office and home
appliances and amenities. These might include controlling an
automatic window blind based on sunlight ingress or smoke detectors
among others. A lighting fixture is almost always installed in any
living space, from work spaces to entertainment spaces and an
infrastructure of power lines and often data lines are already
installed to them. Thus, a lighting fixture is ideal as a platform
for sensors, transducers and detectors. It is also ideal as a
platform for delivering lighting, sound, radiated heating and the
dispersion of fragrance. For example a multiply placed speaker
sound system for providing a listening experience upon receiving
from the camera's information on the users' whereabouts can better
tailor the sound delivery based on their location as in known in
the art thus enhancing the sound experience. Computer recognition
of the person/s in the room can call up from memory the users
individuals listening and sound setting preferences. A fragrance
system will provide aroma based on room occupancy and location if
there is apparatus in the fragrance system for delivering fragrance
to separate areas of the room. Again here a computer recognition of
the individual can tailor the type of fragrance. The controller can
be programmed to dispense on entry to the room and a specific
fragrance programmed for a specifically recognized occupant.
Similarly in communication with an entertainment system it could
play the recognized occupants personal preference upon entry on the
sound or TV system.
[0189] In an automated embodiment of the invention the light
sources 411 and 425 are mounted on moveable elements 420 having
actuators or motors that are controlled by the logical controller.
The automatic mechanization of light source supporting fixture
parts allows for the direction of the light output to be altered by
the logical controller thus enabling the luminaire to perform
better in the specific lighting application where the fixture 410
has been installed. This may be a onetime rearrangement of the
light source aimings or may be performed in real time as the
lighting requirements in the living space change. Similarly, based
on changed parameters in the surrounding, the logical controller
428 adjusts as required the light intensity in any direction and/or
the chromacity. Thus hereby we have demonstrated the systems unique
lighting agility and energy saving capacity where the controller
428 can affect a dimming function based on factors in the
surrounding such as the real-time sunlight contribution within
parts of its coverage area, the amount of people in the room or the
density and positions of cars on a highway.
[0190] FIG. 13 is an alternative embodiment of a field adjustable
multiple light source lighting fixture 440 with light source
modules arranged in a substantially linear form. Thus light source
module 441 may be aimed towards the nadir while light source module
442 is aimed sideways to illuminate a different area off to the
left. Light source module 443 is aimed at a higher angle from the
nadir and illuminates a third area. The modules are connected
mechanically and electrically to each other and to the power supply
444 and logical controller 445. A different configuration is
affected by changing the angle between modules on joint 446 which
is capable of bending in the x and/or y direction. Detents and/or
markings are provided on the joints 446 indicating different
angular settings. Thus instructions for each joint's 446 setting
can be given to the homeowner or lighting fixture installer by a
lighting design computer program known in the art. The light
sources are specified and the room dimensions are entered into the
program and the light source aiming angles are specified for the
FAML 440. Whereas, in a special aiming configuration with light
sources directed at different aimings, an even or homogeneous light
distribution will be affected over the area under the fixture, the
light fixture can be rearranged so that all the light sources are
aimed in the same direction and thus a distribution similar to that
of a single light module's own spatial light distribution will be
obtained. Thus, if the light module light distribution is narrow,
and they are all aimed in the same direction a spot light
distribution will be obtained from the fixture 440.
[0191] Alternatively the LEDs can all be aimed at the ceiling or
objects on the wall for an indirect lighting effect or soffit
lighting effect. Alternately, some LEDs can be aimed in the same
direction and others at differentiated aimings obtaining both a
spot and flood light distribution from fixture 440. Light source
modules can be added to the chain or detracted depending on the
lighting application. In addition the light source modules can be
enclosed in an aesthetic enclosure 447 hiding the actual light
source modules. As shown in FIG. 13, the embodiments are depicted
in their practical light engine form with the skeletal light source
support structure. It is clarified that the skeletal support
structures in the luminaire embodiments presented may be
embellished with outer enclosures of a more aesthetic nature. The
only requirement is that the outer structure does not interfere
substantially with the light and heat transfer from the light
engine outwards. Thus the disclosure has shown a FAML that can be
agile in meeting differing illumination requirements, aesthetic and
energy efficient in providing illumination in a specific lighting
application.
[0192] The unique approach of this multiple light source luminaire
invention over previous art luminaires is that in prior art, even
when many LED sources are used the spatial light intensity
distribution output of the luminaire is determined by the primary
or secondary optics on the light source. Whatever light
distribution there is emanating from the light source that is the
light distribution of the luminaire. In this invention the overall
light distribution of a single luminaire is comprised of many
smaller light distribution patterns. It could be argued that a
track lighting luminaire with its multiple light sources is such a
fixture. As opposed to a dispersed track lighting luminaire used to
spot light specific areas spread in a room the FALM is a
centralized, integral lighting unit with both general area lighting
and spot lighting functionality under the uniting structural,
logical control and electronic circuitry of the luminaire.
[0193] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the functional elements
comprising adjustable LED luminaires 450 disclosed in this
invention. The block diagram illustrates the power and
communication connections between the elements. The power source
451 can be electrical utility power or battery power which is
altered in a power conditioning element 452 such that it may
operate the transducer and sensors pack 453 and other electricity
users such as the logical controller 454 and LED drivers 456. The
logical controller 454 receives information from the input
communications and sensors 453 and provides instructions to the
power controls 455 and LED drivers 456 so as to drive the LEDs 457
as required by the lighting application. To alter intensity and/or
the SPD chromacity of the light output by LED chip arrays 457 the
logical controller uses techniques such as multiplexing of the
power signal going to the light sources or pulse width modulation
thereof. In another embodiment, the light module 411 includes
control electronics which divides power up between the LED chips
412 according to instruction signals received from the central
controller 428. Thus the light module 411 receives from the central
control electronics both a power and control signal. The control
signal may be modulations on the power signal. The light module
controller then re-divides the power to the individual LED chips
412 as required to obtain light intensity and chromacity. To
lengthen the times between the power signals to the light module,
the light module 411 may be equipped with an energy storage means
such as a capacitor or battery.
[0194] A unique feature of the adjustable lighting fixture is that
extra lighting element modules 457, i.e. those not needed in a
specific application can be deactivated. Thus if an arm 420 is
removed, the corresponding LED driver circuit 456 can be
deactivated. In a modularly built system the customer can purchase
light source modules for the application such as four light source
modules 457 for symmetric illumination as in fixture 410 or just 2
modules for a two arm 420 hallway light as in FIG. 12B. The
electronic circuitry allows for LED drivers 456 to be added as
needed and thus the customer would purchase the matching LED driver
circuitry 456 for the hallway light configuration.
[0195] In a preferred embodiment the LED light fixture system is
provided with mechanical means 458 for changing the structural
shape which affects the direction of the illumination produced by
the LED module 457. By re-aiming the light sources a new fixture
450 light distribution pattern is obtained. The feedback of the new
position of joint 446 is accomplished by input from a position
sensor at joint 446 which is part of the sensor pack. In a manually
adjusted system joint 446 is provided with markings and/or detents
for vertical and horizontal angular positions such that
instructions given to the user for aiming the light sources are in
understandable terms. The logical controller 454 uses the new
geometric data to recalculate the light distribution. Alternately,
or in addition to, the camera acting as a light a sensor coupled
with the logical controller's firing of the newly adjusted LED
sources 457 at a known timing, obtains the new light distribution
pattern. In addition results are corroborated with the position
sensor data. The logical controller 454 with new knowledge of the
light distribution calculates, using computer programs such as FIG.
15, how to best provide required illumination based on algorithms
run on the processor 454 pulling stored lookup-data from the data
storage of 454 or received information via the communications
device of 454. The transducer sensor pack 453 is comprised of any
of the following devices: an ultrasonic transducer and receiver, an
electromagnetic radiation source and detector, including IR, UV,
Light and Laser sources/detectors, a speaker and a microphone for
audible output and reception, a display screen for viewing and a
projection system among others. Thus, the intelligent light system
454 can receive voice input from the user which the logical
controller equipped with voice recognition programs will interpret
into commands and give feedback. The input to the fixture can be
via a wired input device, voice recognition of commands similar to
those used in computers and mobile phones, other noises such as
clapping, computer recognition of hand movements and gestures known
in the computer game industry, a remote control device or wireless
communication from a computer. Thus a user of the lighting can
override lighting choices made by the logical controller and input
their personal lighting preferences which if desired, are stored
for the future. The logical controller is programmed to interpret
the input signals into functions to be carried out by the FALM 450
in terms of spatial, spectral and intensity distributions of the
light in space and in time. In addition, the logical controller
working in unison with any of the sensor pack, transducers and
light sources contrives an artificial intelligence system capable
of making decisions based on one or more lighting criteria for the
area to be lit. This is a unique illuminating capability where the
sensor is capable providing information on the lighting environment
elements in terms of distances from light sources, the luminances
and/or the spectral reflectance characteristics of the various
surfaces, the identity of people and elements, the visual task
being performed and the processor has data on preferred performance
regimes based on human and economic factors and the controller
driving the light sources is geometrically correlated with the
delivery of delivery of the light to the individual surface of the
environment to produce the decided upon illumination.
[0196] FIG. 15 is an exemplary flow chart for a computer program
run by the logical controller of the lighting fixtures disclosed in
this invention to provide correct or the decided upon illumination.
Based on information obtained by the sensors or manually input the
logical controller 428 of light fixture 410 again shown in FIG. 14
as logical controller 454, calculates and sends control signals to
power controller 455 and LED drivers 456 to produce the optimal
illumination for the visual tasks being performed by people within
or adjacent to the area being illuminated. The computer routine
first acquires information regarding the light distribution pattern
of the luminaire in its present configuration. Using data from the
initial calibration stored in data storage 454 and powering a LED
457 at a specific aiming, the digital camera light sensor array
reads the luminance value and/or spectral reflectance returned by
surfaces. The processor using the inverse square cosine law obtains
the reflectance of those surfaces which are then registered in the
data storage 454 for further use in determining spatial
distribution of light flux from the luminaire after adjustment.
Thus a feedback control routine is effected by the controller and
sensor devices using the stored computer routines. Use of luminance
lookup values will obviate the need for knowing the reflectance of
surfaces and translating the camera luminance readings back into
illuminance. The logical controller 454 next determines the
lighting environment in which the luminaire has been installed and
area and or volume for which the luminaire is to provide
illumination obtaining a correlation between the camera pixels and
light source areas of coverage in x, y, and z coordinates. If other
intelligent luminaires are present, the communications program
coordinates between them. If the neighboring luminaire is
unintelligent, then the installer powers it on and off and the
controller 454 records the differences in illumination due to its
influence for future use. Using pattern recognition technology
known in the art of machine and computer vision, the controller 454
identifies architectural features of the room such as windows and
walls as well as furniture and appliances. Powering the LED light
sources 457 or transducers 453 and reading the reflected signal
captured by the sensors 453, the logical controller 454 obtains a
first guess result for the iterative process of customizing the
luminaire for the installed location. Running algorithms, the
processor 454 determines the luminance values obtained from the
sensors 453 and compares with best practice lighting
recommendations. If necessary, the logical controller corrects on
its own the light source 457 aimings via control of joint 458 which
is equipped with automatic means for movement. Alternately, via
communication with other devices or people it relays the necessary
angular setting information for them to carry out the adjustment.
In an AI expert system configuration a full physiological and
economical gamut of criteria are used to reach a decision as to the
best lighting. The controller next measures the obtained luminance
and checks if the recommended or best practice luminance level has
been reached. The customer may also receive a report of the
measured luminances from the lighting fixture system 450 and input
to the logical control the desired changes. Alternately, the
customer based on their own or other users' visual experiences can
input desired corrections to the logical controller 454 which then
re-adjusts the light source aimings. If re-aiming the light sources
457 alone cannot solve the required illumination requirements the
controller 454 determines and communicates the need for the
installation of additional light sources or communicates which
light sources are superfluous.
[0197] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the logical
controller 454 receiving image input from the camera 453 and
running pattern recognition software will identify what is the
visual task a person is trying to perform. The computer routine
receives images from the camera and by determining the proximity of
persons to objects such as books, newspapers, computer screens,
telephones, televisions, cereal bowls, a writing pad, etc that are
recognized by the computer vision techniques predicts what visual
task the user is trying to perform. The logical controller 454 then
drives the light sources 457 according to recommended lighting
practice levels stored in its data storage. In another preferred
embodiment of the invention the user can command the logical
controller as to the visual task being performed and the type of
lighting desired such as "warm white" or "more light" and their
preferred intensity level. The user input to the logical controller
454 may be thru a keyboard on the light fixture or via an
electronic device in communication with the light fixture via the
communications apparatus of 454 therein or audible or visual
commands detected by the microphone or image sensor apparatus of
the sensor pack 453. Alternately, a smart mobile phone application
with a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communications capability serves as the
remote controller and will handle the voice recognition, present a
touchpad menu for control input or provide keyboard for command
entry. If the logical controller makes an incorrect decision in the
eyes of the user, the user can override the last change by a signal
such as snapping ones fingers or voice command etc. Unique to this
invention people are able to choose the lighting that suits them
best and the fixture, having differentiated light delivery, can
provide a first user with one type of chromacity and/or intensity
and a second type for a different user in a different area.
[0198] The logical controller 454 provides its own feedback by
checking in real time via the sensors 453 if the illumination
provided by driving the light sources at the current setting is in
accordance with recommended illuminance or luminance lighting
levels and SPD chromacity. In addition by using pattern recognition
and knowing the location of the user's eyes the logical controller
can determine if the illumination is causing glare discomfort or
veiling reflections. The logical controller by comparing new images
with previous images detects if there is a change in the lighting
requirements. If changes have occurred, the illumination
determining process of FIG. 15 is repeated and a new configuration
of driver settings and/or light source aimings is obtained.
[0199] Yet another feature of the present invention logical
controller and software is that the lighting fixture 450 has
apparatus to check the illumination level of the lighting set-up
upon installation and provide feedback so that manually made
aimings are directed to obtain a desired illumination or luminance.
The camera 453 serving as a light meter obtains luminance readings
on surfaces in the living space. It inputs data to the controller
454 which provides readout either on a display on the FAML 450 or
communicated to another device having a display. The installer
using a calibrated reference reflective sheet of known color and
reflectance values placed on surfaces at particular aimings will
check if the desired illumination and chromacity is being provided.
The reference sheets can also be used to calibrate the room
surfaces for future camera sensor 453 readings by storing in 454
the actual surface readings vs. those of the reference sheet. Once
the camera 453 is calibrated as to the reflectance and color of
room surfaces the FAML 450, in a servomechanism enabled embodiment,
with automatically movable light sources 457, will perform its own
re-configuration to reach optimal light provision. The calibration
is affected by using the camera array 453 to detect luminance as a
measure of the lighting fixture instantaneous illuminance in that
direction vs. the power level at which the light source is being
driven. To calibrate the illumination system, the logical
controller 454 can use a given LED installed on the fixture which
serves as a light source standard when driven at known voltage and
current. The light intensity vs. driving power for the light
sources can be carried out in the factory after assembly is
complete. Alternately, an additional light sensor of superior
accuracy stability is provided for in the sensor pack 453 and can
be used to calibrate the camera sensor array.
[0200] In a preferred embodiment the control unit 454 is optionally
outfitted with a photometer 453 which can be used to read the
luminance and spectral reflectance of the room surfaces and
transmit the data for use in the lighting program FIG. 15. Using
the same process a lighting designer uses to enter data to the
lighting analysis programs the installer inputs to the controller
as to the illuminance or luminance goals for each surface. The
lighting program as known in the art then specifies the correct
lighting levels, aimings and spectrum for the different locations
and uses throughout the room. This is reversing the typical design
process where the lighting fixtures performance is simulated on a
computer and the results calculated. Here, the required illuminance
or luminance results are known first and the fixture is then
programmed to make them happen. The controller 454 uses its stored
performance characteristics to determine the power supply to the
light sources so that it provides the required intensities to
obtain the required illuminance. The lighting calculations and
programming of the power supply 456 of the light sources 457 is
preferably performed in real time such that the sensor 453 detects
the illuminance to corroborate the performance while the installer
is still at the location. If the lighting is not to specification
then the controller 454 readjusts the parameters so as to bring
them in line. This trial and error process continues until the
readings are within tolerance. The process is best carried out in
the dark or when there is non-varying daylight. Alternately, the
photometric reading sensors are on the luminaire and they are used
to corroborate performance. In a preferred embodiment the camera
for vision is also the photometer. Alternately, the process is
automatic using feedback from the surroundings and pattern
recognition to determine surroundings and applications.
[0201] A number of circuits in devices 452, 455 and 456 are
utilized to power equipment in the fixture 450 and carry out
control. The power supply may be a constant voltage supply or
current source. The control circuitry comprises feedback sensors
453 coupled to the logical controller 454 to detect light intensity
and color spectrum of the radiation. Associated logic circuitry,
responsive to the detected light intensity and color spectrum over
the spatial distribution, controls the power delivered to the
individual LED diodes, so as to provide a desired intensity
distribution over space. In an example using a combination of
different colored LEDs, the logic circuitry 454 is responsive to
the detected color spectrum of the outputted light. It controls the
driver 456 to selectively increase or decrease power to individual
coincidentally directed light emitting diodes as is needed to
obtain the desired color spectrum of the illumination as well as it
luminous intensity.
[0202] FIG. 16 is a universal lighting fixture 470 comprised of a
structure 471 with means for attaching mechanically and
electrically to any of the elements selected from the group
consisting of electric power conditioning apparatus, a logical
controller with processing and storage capacity, light sources,
radiation sources, transducers and sensors. The structure can be
factory manufactured or come in a do-it-yourself DIY version. The
lighting fixture has a geometrical shape calculated by the inverse
square cosine law for set types of light pattern distributions. In
one embodiment the structural shape of fixture 470 is such that an
even, homogenous light distribution will be obtained on a work
plane below when the Plug and Play light source modules 472 are
connected. In a do-it-yourself lay-up-able embodiment of the
luminaire 470, the luminaire light source elements 472 are
configured by the user in situ according to the illumination needs
where the fixture 470 is hung. They may be reconfigured when the
lighting needs changes such as when furniture is rearranged in the
room. The lighting fixture structure 471 covered with removable
facet covers 473. Facet 474 has been opened exposing the receptacle
476 to accept additional light source module 477. The receptacle
476 is provided with a connective affixing means 478 for having
light source module 477 attached to it both mechanically and
electrically. Light source module 477 is also provided with a
complementary connector element 479 which mates with connector 477.
Connector 478 is wired to a power conditioning and control elements
provided with luminaire 470 as needed by the configuration. The
additional light source module 477 with its characteristic beam
spread 480 mounted on a opened facet 474 on the structure 471 is at
a different aiming via the position on the luminaire 471 where it
is being mounted. The light sources 477 have a characteristic beam
spread 480 and optical axis 481. The receptacle 476 allows for some
rotation of the installed light source 477 on the X Y or Z axes.
Thus when a number of light sources are laid up and aimed in the
same direction they will add intensity to the light distribution in
that direction and when added on the curved fixture 471 surface at
different angles they will increase the coverage area of the
lighting fixtures illumination. Markings are provided on the
structure with the angle of the position thus the user following
instructions can attach the light sources at angles which will
yields an even light distribution up to the cutoff angle.
[0203] A lighting design computer program known in the art will
simulate to the user what the light output will be from the
luminaire as it is configured. A logical controller on the
luminaire can determine from the plugged in light source units
which have a identifying data chip 479 in the connector relaying
what its light distribution is and communicates to a simulation
program the present configuration aimings and light source
characteristics. In addition a sensor 482 is provided on the
luminaire. The camera like sensor 482 measures the resultant light
output and relays those results to the simulation program. Thus the
user can build a customized lighting fixture that ensures proper
lighting intensity where needed and does not waste light where not
needed. The plug and play light source characteristics are known to
the controller and their operating characteristics may then be
programmed via the lighting simulation program. Using the lighting
simulation program, the employed element characteristics, now a
part of the controllers feedback loop, are used to direct the user
to rearrange the lighting modules to further refine the fixture's
470 light output.
[0204] The do-it-yourself lighting fixture 470 has special lighting
fixture accessories that are attachable to the structure. Spot
light module 482 with a narrow beam spread is an example of a
special accessory. It can be a light source or a radiation source
such as an Infra-Red heating source or a combined heat and light
source. It is mounted on the fixture via swivel joint 483 which is
manually positioned at an angle required for the illumination task.
A special laser pointer LED 484 is provided in the center of the
light source LED array 485 to facilitate exact aiming of the spot
light. The lighting module 482 is provided with connection means to
the power and control signals via the joint 483. The module is also
provided with cooling fins 486 to maintain optimal temperature for
the LED sources. The swivel joint 483 can be a motorized joint with
motion in two axes controlled by the logical controller. Thus the
logical controller 454 in conjunction with the camera vision system
475 when identifying a person in need of spot lighting as per the
computer program of FIG. 15 will pivot the spot light 482 so that
it is aimed in the direction where the task lighting is required.
At the same time the lighting fixture 470 will maintain general
lighting at recommended levels over the rest of the room thus
significantly saving energy.
[0205] In another embodiment one or more light sources, acting as a
spot light 482 of limited beam angle, is on an automated swivel
joint. The controller 454 receiving input from the camera and using
computational image recognition algorithms in a program as in FIG.
15 follows the person around the room providing them with higher
intensity lighting for their visual tasks. Further image
recognition capability which may also be complemented by video
analytics technology where computer vision is used to filter and
manage real time video for security and intelligent traffic
monitoring, helping to recognize activities as they happen in
real-time which enables the controller to determine any of the
following: a change in the persons activity, in what direction the
eyes may be directed, what objects the person is viewing and what
visual task the person needs to perform. Based on that information
the controller 454 powers the spot light sources 482 and general
lighting sources 472 to provide the correct lighting for the
specific visual task undertaken, be it reading a book or watching
TV.
[0206] An irradiation device embodiment of this FAML invention can
use the computer vision and aim-ability function to provide
infrared heating to individuals in indoor and outdoor settings. The
heat radiation sources can be infrared filament lamps or infrared
LEDs in addition to other wavelengths. The irradiating devices 472
mounted on the irradiation fixture can provide general area heating
or spot heating 482 to people or objects. Computer recognition of
individuals is used to irradiate them as they move about the living
space. Using face recognition algorithms and stored personal
preferences from the data storage, the logical controller 454 will
aim the heating rays specifically where on their body they prefer
to be heated as well as in what amount and at what times. The
camera 475 has sensors sensitive to infra-red wavelengths around 12
.mu.m (micrometers) radiated from people. The controller obtaining
the information from the body temperature sensor will run
algorithms to calculate radiation parameters and will control the
irradiation in time and intensity on the individual to maintain
comfortable heating per best practice standards, drawing on stored
data of heating practices, or personally input preferences. People
may be sensitive to radiation heating on certain parts of the body.
For example heating on the head area causes some people discomfort,
the camera and controller processor system can use image
recognition to identify parts of the body and the controller can
provide a different radiation level to the head vs. the rest of the
body. Other people feel the cold in the legs etc. In addition the
controller can obtain information on other environmental parameters
such as the temperature, humidity etc which affect the heating
regimen. Thus the camera sensor 475 is an energy saving sensor
replacing the room heating thermostat used to maintain the entire
room at a high ambient temperature with a more accurate and
localized actual measure of the individual's temperature. The
radiating fixture 470 will them provide localized heating on an as
needed basis to maintain comport. The FAML logical controller 454
runs the algorithms and provides spot heating only when necessary
and in the right amount. Just as moveable head stage lighting
follows the performer about the stage the camera/controller vision
system follows the person around the room or outdoors and keeps
them warm with an infra-red lamp 482. It is to be understood that
the irradiating source can be supplying UV radiation, visible
light, or any other radiation for therapeutic, pleasure or
manufacturing purposes such as UV, EB or heat curing adhesives
etc.
[0207] In an embodiment of the FAML the infrared radiation sources
are added to the light source and can work together when necessary
to provide heat and light. Thus in a living room fixture where the
house heating has been turned down to energy saving levels an
individual can receive concentrated light for reading as well as
concentrated beam of infrared heating.
[0208] FIG. 25A and FIG. 25B shows an embodiment of this invention
for use indoors or outdoors the light source arrays are mounted at
the end of rods extending from the light fixture housing containing
the control equipment. In an example lighting application, the
fixture 487 is located over a table in a living room. The rods 488
supporting the light source modules have means for re-positioning
either manually or automatically. In a manual system, the user
based on the future use of the luminaire, sets up the spatial light
distribution to best meet the visual requirements of people within
the living space by re-positioning the rods. In one embodiment, for
set up purposes, a red laser pointer is built into each array as
was laser 484 in FIG. 24. Alternately, a laser pointer accessory is
clipped onto the individual light module to assist in aiming. The
user by trial and error using their own eyes as detectors or
sensors 489 eventually reaches a functional light distribution with
the lighting fixture for that specific installation. In an
automatic system when the camera sensor 489 detects a person
sitting at the table the automatic servos move the rods 488 so that
the light output of many sources is aimed towards the table below
producing high intensity task lighting as shown in FIG. 25A. When a
room occupant is seated on the couch in the living room and
watching TV the lighting fixture structure is changed to the
configuration of FIG. 25B which offers general lighting at a lower
intensity. The camera vision system will recognize a TV screen and
the controller using the program of FIG. 15 will not illuminate
light sources shining in the screen's direction that are aimed
towards it at angles which would cause glare.
[0209] An outdoor FAML 487 equipped with camera vision capabilities
for the detection and/or tracking of people, is another embodiment
of this invention which has a number of improvements over present
area illumination technology. The outdoor lighting fixture 487 is
first configured to the geometrical peculiarities of the specific
yard where it has been installed and is calibrated with the sensors
489 readings. If the area to be illuminated is rectangular with a
narrow distance ahead of the fixture and a wide area of to the
sides, the light sources mounted on the moveable arms are moved
closer together in y axis while on the x axis the light source are
distanced from each other and are at aimings angled higher to cover
the extended width on the x axis. To compensate for the larger are
the LEDs on the x axis are driven at higher power to cover for the
larger area. Conversely for a square area the light sources are
distributed evenly so as to illuminate on the intensity level set
at the factory as in FIG. 25B. If there is an area where high
intensity task lighting is needed the luminaire is configured with
multiple light sources coincidently directed to intensely
illuminate that area as in FIG. 25A. The lighting level for
security and orientation is usually low and when people arrive on
the scene the light level increases. When people are present in the
specific area where high intensity is needed for tasks the spot
light function is engaged. If infrared lighting is need for the
security camera then provision is made to have IR sources aimed at
the specific areas of concern.
[0210] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture
embodiment 490 capable of producing both a differentiated spatial
light intensity distribution as well as a spatially differentiated
light spectrum distribution. The luminaire 490 has multiple light
source modules 491, 492 and 493 with each module comprised of more
than one LED chips which can be powered by the logical controller
and control electronics 494 at differentiated power levels. LEDs
are arranged in arrays of RGB (substantially red, green and blue
color LEDs) or arrays with of any of ROYGBIV LEDs completing white
LEDs to produce varieties of white light. The logical controller
494, using algorithms based on the principles of additive color
mixing of light sources to control the change in chromacity
affects, via the differentiated powering of coincidentally aimed
light sources, the production of a unique spectral light
distribution having a certain color temperature and/or color
rendering index of light. This may be accomplished at once for all
light output from the luminaire 490 or any particular aiming 495.
The logical controller operates with data storage and program
similar to the system shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15.
[0211] Alternately, to vary the CCT or CRI, in place of an RGB or
MCY (substantially magenta, cyan and yellow LED's) or some
alternative LED colorimetry system, the luminaire is equipped with
different types of phosphor based white light LEDs 491 of different
color temperature, where one or the other is used for a specific
lighting task. In another embodiment, a monochrome LED can be added
to the white LED to adjust its color temperature or rendering
shifting its CCT and/or CRI. In addition, the use of shorter
wavelength LEDs with nano-dots or quantum dot optics such as those
from QD Vision, whose Quantum Light.TM. optics and films improve
the color gamut of LEDs as they absorb some of the cool, blue LED
light and efficiently re-emit it as warm, red light. This balances
the lighting color spectrum, creating a pleasing incandescent
quality light yet at significantly higher efficiency. Thus the
fixture 490, in addition to having a controllable non-symmetric
light intensity distribution in different directions also has a
controlled spectral light distribution in different directions
enabling a unique color rendering of one surface and a different
color rendering of a second surface.
[0212] As an example of the luminaire's benefits and agility to
provide correct lighting where it is needed at minimal energy
consumption, an embodiment of the invention, a spatially and
spectrally adjustable restaurant lighting fixture is presented in
FIG. 17. In a restaurant lighting application it would be
beneficial for the customer experience if those dining, the food
and ambience would all appear at their best. The problem is that
even at high CRI, some color temperatures are better than others at
making food appear more appetizing to customers than another. As
the portions served under a single prior-art lighting fixture vary,
some of them will not be shown in their best light. For example,
light at 3500K-4100K helps accentuate the textures and colors of
fish and white meat while the rosy hue of a 2250K light source will
accentuate the color and juices of red meat. Thus it would be
beneficial if the light which is illuminating the specific table
setting can be varied in accordance with the food being served. The
FAML with its capability of delivering spatially differentiated
illumination will render each portion in its best light. Using
programmed scene recognition algorithms, the luminaire's computer
vision system comprised of the camera sensor 496 and logical
controller 494 identifies the food on the plate, looks-up in
storage the recommended CCT and powers each of the different
colored LED chips aimed thereon at the correct power level in order
to provide the optimal color illumination.
[0213] In addition the logical controller can determine on its own
the preferential color of the illumination based on the reflections
off of the food. The controller runs a computer routine where it
rapidly varies the light spectrum to preset CCTs and/or CRIs
shining on the food on the plate. The camera records the image at
each preset and the logical controller 494 compares the image
coloring with stored rules of recommended practice for color
rendering and determines the best illumination color setting. The
controller 494 resets the illumination characteristics until the
next change on the table occurs. The recommended practice
programmed into the controller is based on IESNA illuminance
information or restaurant illumination as described in industry
literature such as Successful Restaurant Design by Regina S.
Baraban, Joseph F. Durocher John Wiley and Sons, 2001.
[0214] The lighting fixture 490 has means to illuminate separate
portions at a table comprised of directable or aim-able lighting
modules 491 etc which are on moveable structural parts 497. The
lighting fixture 490 also has computational means of providing the
optimal color and intensity of light so as to render people, food,
objects in their best light as well as to build a dining room
ambience through lighting according to recommended practice or user
preferences. The moveable structural bars 497 are manually
positionable so as to aim the light sources towards the people,
table and surrounding. In a preferred embodiment, the moveable
structural parts 497 connected to the light modules are
automatically moveable via actuator or servo motors controlled by
the logical controller 494.
[0215] We have described a system for improving the appearance of
the food but the same system applies to making the customer appear
at their best. In another fixture embodiment the intensity and
chromacity of the lighting illuminating the customer is adjusted
manually via input means or automatically via stored algorithms to
suit the customer's preferences. The fixture 490 has separately
amiable light sources such as LED module 492 to illuminate the food
and light source 493 to illuminate the customer. The specific group
of light sources for each task may be manually positioned or a
camera vision system has algorithmic means to identify and track
the position of people and objects and the logical controller has
motion control means for re-aiming the light sources towards
targeted elements and changing the power level to the LED
chips.
[0216] In an automated embodiment, controller 494, based on image
recognition of images provided by camera sensor 496, moves the
powered structural parts 497 to re-aim the light sources on the
food, table or those dining as needed. Thus as an example of the
unique, differentiated lighting capability of the novel luminaire
490, multiple light sources are used as follows; a number of wide
angle light distribution light sources 491 are used to illuminate
the table at a low 100 lux illuminance with a warm 3000K color
temperature to build dining ambiance; while narrow beam, spot LED
492 illuminates the fish on the plate at 300 lux and 4000K CCT (in
conjunction with ambient lighting LED 491) to help accentuate the
textures and colors of the fish; while the light module 493 is
aimed at a diner with low enough luminous exitance so as not to
cause glare but with a color spectrum that is complementary to that
of general lighting module 491 such that it enhances the makeup and
skin color of the customer showing them at their best. When the
visual task of the customer reading the menu is recognized by the
computer vision system, the logical controller 494 can increase the
light module 491 output to 300 lux making the reading easier. The
controller re-dims the light module 491 when the menu is recognized
by the vision system 496 as being put away.
[0217] In an integrated restaurant illumination system embodiment,
the customer will first try out the lighting in the rest room where
they may apply makeup under a FAML luminaire having capability of
producing light in a variety of chromacities, which the customer
can experiment while viewing themselves in a mirror. The rest-room
lighting fixture has a readout or is equipped with communications
means, as is the lighting fixture controller 494 with which it is
in contact. Having discovered their CCT and/or CRI lighting
preference, the customer uses an input means and communications
means to set the lighting fixture 490 at the table to the same
successful chromacity obtained in the restroom.
[0218] In another embodiment a lighting fixture on the wall or
floor such as a torchiere or a ceiling mounted fixture serves as a
light engine for the entire room replacing a number of lighting
fixtures while increasing the efficiency and quality of the
lighting. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a FAML lighting fixture
500 capable of providing both general and task lighting. The
fixture body 501 has power conditioning electronics and logical
control electronics and has light sources mounted on curvilinear
light bars 503 that are configurable. This geometry and
configurability enables light source aimings that will provide a
substantially homogeneous illumination on a work plane through the
room in which it is installed. It will also offer customization of
the illumination to the actual geometric and usage peculiarities of
the living space where the fixture 500 has been installed. In
addition the lighting fixture 500 is equipped with one or more spot
lights 504 having a narrow light beam spread which are able to
provide high intensity illumination over a small area. As opposed
to general area lighting, the spot may provide task lighting. It is
a principle of this invention that the fixture 500 provides as much
light as is needed in the living space, no less and no more. Thus
the LED powering circuitry as shown in FIG. 14 is configured such
that each light source covering a different area is capable of
being driven at a different power level. The differentiated
electronic power supply is configured such that if a homogenous
illuminance is required by recommend lighting practice within a
living space, the illuminance in the area covered by higher angled
light source 505 is at recommended level even if that area is at a
greater distance and angle from the luminaire than an area
illuminated by a second light source 502 as dictated by the inverse
square cosine law. The adjustable lighting fixture structure is
provided with moveable joints 506 which have means for being
positioned at specific angles which are relatable to a lighting
design software program such as those commercially available to
lighting designers. The software can be run on the logical
controller 501 or on a remote computer. When the light source
module 502 etc light distributions and aimings are input into the
lighting design software program along with the room dimensions and
surface reflectance's, the illuminance within the room is
calculated. The powering of the LED modules is then adjusted via
controller electronics 501 to obtain the recommended practice
illuminance.
[0219] Normally, a light fixture must be placed substantially above
the area to be illuminated so as not to produce glare and veiling
reflections. For example computer screens are to be protected from
light rays at large angles from the nadir to prevent veiling
reflections. In addition the illuminance of light rays at large
angles from the nadir striking horizontal surfaces decreases as
described by the cosine law. In addition, the quality of the
lighting is a function of the balance of vertical as well as
horizontal lumens illuminating an object. A tennis ball illuminated
on top but not on the sides flying at 80 mph will be difficult to
see. It is also important to provide illumination from multiple
angles to prevent shadows that can be created by single lights.
Thus, many lighting fixtures would be needed to illuminate a large
room to insure the visual performance and comfort of its
inhabitants. In an embodiment of the invention, a single light
engine device for a room our outdoor location allows for the light
to be generated in one place and then beamed from the concentrated
light sources 504 at small angles of divergence to reflectors or
refractors which redirect the light to the users in a localized
area or to other reflectors so as to go around corners and
illuminate areas not in the luminaire's direct line of sight. A
single location for the light source simplifies the provision of
power to the fixture. A builder doesn't need to run wiring all over
the ceiling and not having an outlet box in the right place in a
room or lot is no longer a problem. In addition a single location
allows for greater investment in an efficient cooling system as
well as for the removal of waste heat from an air conditioned
environment and reduces installation and fixture costs. It also
allows for greater investment in computer vision and logical
controller apparatus enabling higher quality lighting at lower
energy expenditures.
[0220] A necessary prerequisite for this remote lighting technology
to be effective is the ability to generate concentrated beams of
light with low divergence angles at high beam utilization. That is,
1) that most of the initial light generated gets out of the optical
apparatus used to generate the tight beam and 2) most of the light
flux is within the narrow beam with minimum spill outside the beam.
A commercially available LED product such as the Artavi 10.degree.
product from Illumitex offers 90% of the light output in 10 degrees
of the beam. The beam efficacy is above 80 lumen per watt proving
that it is possible to generate well controlled light distribution
patterns with minimal spill light. However, to reduce the size of
the remote reflectors at the mounting heights and distances
typically found in rooms, a 5 degree beam spread is even more
attractive. Typically 3 meter distances are beyond the coverage of
a comfortable cutoff home and office luminaires mounted at 2.7
meter ceiling height. Thus large room lighting needs would not be
best met with a single light source due to the visual discomfort
due to glare at higher angles of light emission. Therefore, it is
highly beneficial to have an efficient manner of moving light in
narrow beams of limited divergence over large distances to reduce
the cost of lighting installations. LED optics as shown in FIG. 12
including a collimating lens for narrow beam generation are
available with a light collection efficiency of >85%. Its
function is based on the optical principle of total internal
reflection, which contributes to the high efficiency of the optical
system. Further measures can be taken to collect the 15% escaping
light such as an encompassing reflector system.
[0221] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of satellite secondary light
source which is a light modifying element capable of redirecting
light from primary light sources such as lamps or the sun while not
producing light on its own. In this embodiment the light engine 500
is equipped with light sources 504 capable of projecting at an
exact aiming 508 high intensity, narrow light beams with minimal
beam spread to the distant light modifying elements 510 in the room
such that the light rays 511 from the light source 504 that are
reflected off of theses surfaces 512 become local light source rays
513 at smaller angles from the nadir (directly down at zero degrees
angle) substantially above or behind the user's eyes thus providing
comfortable non-glaring lighting. These light direction modifying
devices 514, referred to herein as Satellite Light Source, STLS,
are reflective surfaces or refractors or combinations thereof or
other optical light modifying apparatus. The satellite light
sources may be ubiquitous insofar as a reflective decal on the wall
or a painted wall or ceiling with sufficient reflectivity will
function well as a secondary source. Thus specially installed STLS
can work together with room elements of sufficient reflectivity
using direct lighting and indirect lighting to achieve lighting
goals. The secondary light source may be attached via an extended
rod to the luminaire itself or may be a highly reflective large
diameter ceiling medallion. The illumination advantages of having
secondary light sources are many and include: lighting exits the
light source at angles which do not cause glare, the lighting comes
from additional directions to that of the luminaire avoiding
shadows, and adds light from angles that contribute to the proper
mix of vertical and horizontal lumens. In addition there are a
number of practical, economic and efficiency advantages.
[0222] In a manual system, the fixture's 500 concentrated light
sources 504 can be aimed using a laser pointer to aim the light
beam 508 to target 519 on the re-directive optical device. This
manual method may also be used to initially calibrate an automatic
aiming system with preset scenario positions for the concentrated
light sources stored into the logical controller 501. In an
automated embodiment, the light engine uses a computer vision
capability to identify the whereabouts of persons performing visual
tasks in the room. The controller then aims one or more
concentrated light sources at the optical device which
re-distributes the light locally. The light engine can be equipped
with more than one aim-able concentrated light source and can
provide more than one user with task lighting. Thus, a ceiling
fixture 500 may have light sources providing a general lighting
function with light aimed at the ceiling edges to perform an
indirect, soffit lighting type of lighting effect, with task
lighting performed by the concentrated light source aimed on the
task directly from the fixture itself or via a re-directive STLS
optical device. In a preferred embodiment an infra-red or visible
laser on the concentrated light source assists the automated
computer vision system in aiming all the light producing and
modifying elements such that maximum light is directed on the
visual task in real time. Undetectable infra-red sources may also
be included in the light source array make-up so as to assist in
computer vision recognition. These non-visible sources may be
pulsed to aid in tracking of people, their eyes and objects while
not disturbing normal vision.
[0223] The light engine 500 of FIG. 18 together with the
re-directive optical devices of FIG. 19 can be used to integrate
light energy obtained from the sun with the artificial lighting
system. That is, where a building has apparatus for the collection
of sunlight and its transport via light guides or fibers into the
building's interior, the light fixture 500 will serve to distribute
the sunlight within the living space. Whereby the light engine 500
has any of: a) optical device for accepting the solar light, b)
optical guide paths for conducting the light; c) optical devices
for redirecting the path of the light and d) filters for adjusting
the amount and spectrum of the light to be used so as to be able to
distribute it within to the room to where it is needed. These
optical devices and filters include light valves, prisms,
controllable piezoelectric light guides, MEMS devices, optical
switches and mirrors to redirect or modulate light beams. In
addition, the light engine has optical devices which when
necessary, can direct the sunlight to the satellite re-directive
optical devices deployed around the living space. When light from
the sun is no longer sufficient the artificial lighting system
powers the light sources to make up for the shortfall. The light
engine may be placed on a wall and integrally include the sunlight
collection system outdoors with the artificial light generation and
distribution system indoors. It would be similar in concept to how
a wall air-conditioner system works. The sunlight collection system
via the controller would take the need for the lighting into
account based on occupancy and environmental conditions. In the
summer the system using dichroic or other filter method would
remove the infra-red spectrum from the light while in the winter
when heating is needed would pass the radiation indoors. The
sunlight collection system using controlled re-directive optical
devices to capture the sunlight will redirect the light through
windows or optical paths to aid in light is required within the
room.
[0224] FIG. 20 depicts an adjustable luminaire 500 in a lighting
application where the user needs for illumination vary with time.
The STLS 510 is a specially mounted remote reflective surface,
strategically placed in the room so as to illuminate work, living
or entertainment stations or alternatively is a wall or ceiling
surface with sufficient or modified reflectivity. The re-directive
optical devices have an optical design capable of efficiently
redirecting the light symmetrically or asymmetrically for the
performance of visual tasks such as looking at a computer screen or
reading. They have means of attachment 515 to the ceiling, wall or
placed on a piece of furniture. The STLS may be of fixed light
modification characteristics or have means 516 for moving the
reflecting surfaces 512 and selecting between various light
distribution patterns. That is, the satellite light source 510 has
manual or automatic means 516 for changing its optical performance,
say from a spot light to a flood light distribution and/or it has
automatic or manual means 517 for changing the direction of the
satellite's illumination. In addition the outgoing beam 508 from
the FAML 500 to the STLS 511 can be modified by the controller 501
via the light source 504 in a way that changes the output luminous
flux to the visual task. The outgoing beam spread is varied or its
aiming changed to a different area 518 on the STLS with a different
light modification characteristic. To change the beam spread of
light 508 exiting from light source 504 the logical controller 501
has means to vary the LED chips being powered or the configuration
of beam modifying optical device 509. The optical device may be a
lens using refraction or a reflector, a combination of both or any
other light ray modifying device.
[0225] In order to aid in aiming the concentrated light source 504
such as with the laser pointer device described earlier, there is a
target area 519 on satellite 510 for use with manual or automated
computer vision aiming. In an automated satellite embodiment there
is need for electric power to control apparatus used for light beam
aiming, sensors and communications. A hook up of control mechanism
517 to electricity from a battery or the mains power supply is
provided for in attachment means 515. In an advanced embodiment,
satellite light source 510 is powered by photovoltaic cells 520
receiving light energy and converting it to electric energy which
may be stored in the movement control apparatus 517. The movement
control apparatus 517 also has communications capability with the
lighting control system and light engine 500. To obtain better
images for scene recognition software or for eye tracking, a camera
or sensor 521 is positioned on the satellite light source 510. Thus
the STLS can provide high definition images of people and objects
within a living space for use with the lighting control system as
well as with other home automation or security systems.
[0226] In an automated embodiment of this invention the logical
controller 501 can communicate with and modify the secondary
satellite light source 510 optical performance, say from a spot
light to a flood light distribution, via controlled joints 516 or
alter the STLS aiming via rotation apparatus 517 to illuminate a
different area or object in real time as picked up by the camera
507 and analyzed in controller 501. As the illumination need in the
room changes, the controller 501 sends a light beam with tailored
spread, intensity and chromacity to the re-directive STLS optical
device or room surface best positioned in the room to provide the
optimal lighting. The controller 501 determines the visual task
needed to be performed at that moment and chooses the optimal STLS
device in the room to send light towards. The controller re-directs
light source 504 which is mounted on moveable joint 506 to beam
correct intensity and chromacity light flux to that STLS. In
instances where an installed STLS device is not correctly
positioned to provide lighting at optimal incident angles, the wall
or ceiling (if their reflectance and color values are reasonable)
can be used. In order to power sensors and actuators on a STLS
satellite not connected to the mains power supply, a battery can be
used. In a preferred embodiment in place of a cumbersome power
mains supply hookup, a photocell or power transducer is mounted on
a portion of the STLS. It is used to translate light energy or
radiation from the FAML or other energy source to electric power
for use by power consuming elements such as sensors, automated
motion equipment or communications devices on the STLS.
[0227] To further illustrate the capabilities of a multiple light
source lighting fixture with differentiated control of the spatial
light distribution coupled with a camera sensor system, an example
of usage in a home environment is described. As shown in FIG. 20 a
man seated on a chair reading a book 122 is detected by camera
sensor 507 and the vision recognition software recognizes the scene
and the logical controller 501 runs algorithms and looks up the
recommended lighting level and set up from the data storage as
described earlier. The light engine luminaire controller 501
adjusts concentrated light source 504 via joint 506 so that it is
aimed at satellite reflector 510 which has been attached to the
ceiling or wall. Reflector 510 is positioned and angled relative to
the incoming beam 523 such that that the reflected beam 525
illuminates the book 522. The reader now receives illumination to
read the book from the rear over his shoulder which is superior to
receiving light from the luminaire 500 in front. To corroborate if
enough light is being provided for the visual task of reading, the
controller 501 uses feedback control methodology obtaining an
approximation of the luminance on the book 522 from camera 507. The
light intensity of beam 523 can be raised or lowered by logical
controller 501 to conform with recommended practice. If the user is
unhappy with the lighting system's performance, he signals logical
controller 501 audibly or electromagnetically to affect a change
and obtain their personally preferred lighting characteristics.
[0228] The table lamp 524 next to the man on the chair is another
embodiment of this invention and consists of remotely positioned
electricity to light energy conversion device 500 which beams light
to a STLS mounted on a table atop a post which captures the beam
511 coming from centralized light engine 500 and redirects it
downwards on the book 522. Thus the controller 501 has the
capability to use an alternative path to illuminating the book 522.
Instead of from behind and above the reader, it controls adjusting
means 506 to redirect light source 504 such that it is aimed at
table satellite lamp 524 which illuminate the book from the side.
Another alternative illumination method to illuminating the book
522 is controller 501 directing light source 504 to illuminate the
reflective wall section 525 proximate to the book 522. The logical
controller 501 uses the camera sensor 507 and vision system 501 to
check if there are obstacles in the beam path and choose the best
illumination scheme at the lowest energy use for getting the visual
task done. Most importantly, the user themselves have control
access to the wide variety of optional lighting schemes from which
to choose the one they prefer. Their preferences are then stored
for future instances of the same application in controller 501. The
logical controller 501 sensing that the TV 526 is being observed,
such as when the TV screen is turned on and the book closed,
adjusts luminaire 500 light output in that section of the room to
the recommend lighting level and chromacity for TV viewing.
[0229] Another room occupant is sitting at the dining room table.
She is sipping a cup at the same time as he is watching TV. At the
same time logical controller 501 discerns, using scene recognition
algorithms, that based on her head position, she is reading a book
527 and not watching the television screen 526. The concentrated
light source 528 is aimed by controller 501 to provide direct
illumination to perform the visual task of reading the book that
she is assumed to be undertaking. If not happy with the lighting
level she may command the lighting controller, either audibly or by
a gesture picked up by the camera vision system or
electromagnetically through a control device, to affect a
change.
[0230] To further save energy the logical controller 501 receives
input from the light sensor 507 that natural lighting from the
window 529 is contributing to the illuminance on the book 527. To
get an accurate reading of illuminance on the book from the natural
lighting source, the logical controller will, for an instantaneous
fraction of a second, indiscernible to the human eye, turn off the
artificial lighting of luminaire 500. If the natural lighting is
not at the required level per correct lighting practice, the
controller drives area lighting LED light source 528 as needed to
compensate. When the sun changes position, the altered contribution
is picked up by the sensor 507 and the intensity of illuminator 504
is adjusted by the controller. Further power saving is obtained due
to the differentiated light delivery capacity of the luminaire as
well as its differentiated area sensor system. Light sources 502 on
the light bar 503 whose aimings are towards surfaces illuminated by
the sunlight are reduced in power while those directed at areas in
the room far from the window not receiving a significant solar
illumination are powered at the usual level.
[0231] In another embodiment of this invention, the centralized
light engine 500 is adapted for use in an open plan office lighting
system. The large office space is divided into cubicles and
workstations beneath an acoustic ceiling. The light engine 500 is
mounted within the plenum space above the acoustic ceiling in a
location central to a number of workstations. It is equipped with a
number of high intensity narrow beam light sources 504 which
project light to STLS satellite light sources 510 which is a light
guide or reflector which redirects the beam through a transparent
aperture in the acoustic ceiling to the workstation below. The STLS
sensor 507 detects whether an office worker is at the workstation
and communicates with controller 501 to power the light source 504
so as to provide lighting at the workstation. The camera sensor 507
relays images to the controller which analyzes the data to
determine the visual task being performed and drives the LEDs so as
to obtain the correct illumination. When the workstation is
vacated, even temporarily, the lighting returns to the low ambient
lighting level. More than one STLS can be used per workstation to
provide illumination to individual objects, surfaces or other STLS
or light guides beneath the acoustic ceiling which can provide
illumination under overhanging shelves on work surfaces.
[0232] The artificial vision scene recognition system algorithms
programmed into the controller 501 are obtained by methodologies
known in the art such as using neural network architectures and
learning algorithms for pattern recognition, image processing, and
computer vision. The remote lighting system that has been disclosed
herein, the home example of which has been illustrated in FIG. 29
and an office example in the preceding paragraph is a generalized
illumination technique for providing distinctive area illumination
from a single light engine is a unique teaching of the present
invention; whereby a centralized area lighting system is comprised
of 1) one or more primary light sources which generate light from
electricity capable of directly and indirectly illuminating a
living space, 2) differentiated secondary light sources, dispersed
over the area that receive light energy from the primary light
source and 3) sensors that are in communication with the controller
which provide feedback on the illumination, help in aiming the
light output from the sources and collect images for identifying
visual tasks to aid the controller in directing and regulating the
light. The light is sent either directly to the areas to be lit or
to the secondary STLS, wall, ceiling, or satellite light sources.
The result being that the lighting system provides correct and
comfortable lighting for a variety of visual tasks being carried
out in different, distinct sections of the area.
[0233] As opposed to prior art lighting design specification given
at the highest common denominator illuminance in the hope of
getting the human eye to see with an acceptable visual acuity, the
camera equipped system is able to work on a tailored to fit
luminance basis because this is what the eye sees, the light
reflected off of surfaces. Therefore as the goal of illumination is
to present objects to be viewed in their best light the area
specific luminance detection device will offer an overall better
vision experience while using minimal amount of energy. As an
example of how the luminance based logic control system adapts the
color and intensity of the lighting a board room lighting
application is presented. The mahogany table in the living room or
board room is no longer illuminated by light engine 500 at the set
general illuminance for meeting rooms of 250 lux obtained from the
lighting handbook lookup tables. Instead the computer vision and
light-source control artificial intelligence systems 501 work in
unison to illuminate the table with a color spectrum and intensity
that provides the most pleasant and or accurate visual experience
for the room occupants. To calculate the driving power necessary
for the light sources the control system 501 has stored algorithms
and lookup tables based on the best practice luminance and SPD to
achieve the optimal lighting effect for a table of that color and
reflectance. If a table cloth is placed on a table the light source
502 output is adapted accordingly to meet the AI decided upon
illumination.
[0234] When the camera vision system 507 detects that a printed
document 527 has been placed on the table the illuminating device
controller 501 then changes the spectrum and/or intensity of light
delivered to that 527 location's coordinates to best enable a
person's viewing of the book. To know what is going on in the
boardroom, the microphone in the detector pack 507 can also be used
in unison with the camera vision to supply better information to
the artificial intelligence system running on the processor 501 to
further define the instantaneous usage of the room for the expert
system. Based on the knowledge that someone is presently talking,
especially if a slide show presentation is showing, would help the
AI system decide what is occurring in the room so as to decide best
between what may appear to be conflicting visual activities.
[0235] Although earlier mention was made of measuring and
maximizing the light delivery of the lighting fixture based on
luminance, in a preferred embodiment the light measuring device has
the ability to deduce the spectral reflectance of surfaces and the
control system had stored data and algorithms for processing based
on two other factors the eye can sense. The illumination delivered
is now based on measurable properties of the illumination and the
surface. One is the appearance of surface colors is defined by the
product of the spectral reflectance curve of the material and the
spectral emittance curve of the light source shining on it. As a
result, the color of surfaces depends on the SPD of the light
source used to illuminate them of which the controller 501 can
control based on stored lookup tables or algorithms which indicated
what is the best SPD to illuminate this specific surface with. For
example, what SPD is good for steak to appear best to the customer
and what SPD illumination is optimal for pink lipstick. The other
is the Color Rendering Index or CRI an indication of color accuracy
as measured against a standard. So where the said appearance is a
subjective measure based on tested opinions the CRI is measurable.
Thus the processor 501 bases the SPD of light delivered to the
specific surface as a function of optimal aesthetics and/or optimal
rendering accuracy.
[0236] Recent findings show that the color of lighting can affect
the energy efficiency of lighting systems. When the spectral
properties of ambient lighting are shifted to be more like the
color of daylight (more white), the human eye responds the same as
if lighting levels were increased--the pupils of the eyes get
smaller, spaces seem brighter, and people see things more clearly.
In a field of lighting called Spectrally Enhanced Lighting S. M.
Berman In an article titled "Energy Efficiency Consequences of
Scotopic Sensitivity" published in the JOURNAL of the Illuminating
Engineering Society Winter 1992. A later article in Lighting
Research and Technology March 2006 vol. 38 no. 1 41-49 shows a
comparison of traditional and high color temperature lighting on
the near acuity of elementary school children. As we describe
commercially available LEDs are now available in various CCTs from
cool to warm white where the controller will use of one over the
other where the expert system choice can be determined by the
lighting usage, energy saving and comfort factors. In an equation
for application dependant lighting requirements Berman suggests
multiplying the Photopic Lumen rating P by (S/P).sup.n with P being
Photopic lumens and S being Scotopic lumens. The controller then
uses the value of n for the specifically identified lighting
applications where for reading tasks the processor would look up
the value n=0.78 and for computer tasks n=1.0. If the illumination
goal is merely optimizing energy wise the "perceived brightness" of
a space Berman finds n=0.58 to most correctly predict human
response.
[0237] We thus claim the apparatus 500 capable of real time
adjustment of the lighting according to algorithms or lookup tables
with calculate-able or stored specifications for the angle of
incident lighting, SPD and intensity scenarios for various skin
colors, makeup, furniture and artwork colors and architectural
surfaces. The initial lighting intensity and SPD values produced by
the controller/processor may then be further optimized by the
expert system to be correct in terms of one or more factors
including visual performance, aesthetics, economic considerations,
occupancy and load shedding among others. The users of the lighting
can customize the lighting criterion according to their personal
preferences by inputting the data to the controller and can switch
between them.
[0238] For the case of illuminating the oil painting on the wall
the controller in a novel way changes the lighting similar to how a
photographic editing computer programs enhance a picture to make it
look better. This is a novel technology reversing what camera or
computer image editing programs do in automatic image enhancement.
The computer algorithms in 501 have features that correct contrast,
color, hue and brightness imbalances because of insufficient
illumination characteristics in the lighting at hand. In this novel
lighting system, those algorithms are used by the
processor/controller to change in real time the characteristics of
the illumination produced in each sub-surface area in order to
obtain better looking visual environment.
[0239] Focus groups of individuals may be used to train the
artificial intelligence lighting system on how to identify and best
illuminate surfaces and objects in order to enable this new science
of automated illumination. Using an experienced lighting designer
to vary the lighting intensities and/or SPD for large numbers of
typical lighting applications and various scenes to be picked up by
the cameras and then using neural networks and other artificial
intelligence programming techniques to teach the computer how to
adjust the lighting while at the same time minimizing the energy
used. Other methodologies, algorithms and techniques which are used
in digital image processing include: pixelation, linear filtering,
principal components analysis, independent component analysis,
hidden Markov models, anisotropic diffusion, partial differential
equations, self-organizing maps, neural networks, and wavelets
among others. In a book titled Real-time Retinex Image Enhancement:
Algorithm and Architecture Optimizations by Glenn Derrick Hines,
Publisher College of William and Mary, 2006 and Signal Processing
for Image Enhancement and Multimedia Processing (Multimedia Systems
and Applications) by Ernesto Damian Springer; 2008 edition (Nov.
30, 2007) incorporated herein by reference multiple re-rendering
techniques are disclosed and these algorithms are used by the
lighting fixtures processor in real time to power the individual
LEDs such that the optimal rendering has been obtained. The
processor may also use algorithms from a field known as
physically-based rendering which aims at producing photo-realistic
imagery. Where spectral light and reflectance design optimization
using linear spectral color models, quadratic programming offers
tools to augment a palette of lights and material reflectances with
constructed spectra yielding specified colors or spectral
properties such as metamerism or objective color constancy. These
algorithms are able to emphasize or hide parts of a scene by
matching or differentiating colors under different illuminations.
Using regularization and error minimization in a linear subspace
representation it can characterize full spectra of lights,
surfaces, and transmissive materials in an efficient linear
subspace model by forming eigenvectors of sets of spectra and
transform them to an intermediate space in which spectral
interactions reduce to simple component-wise multiplications during
rendering.
[0240] The adaptive illumination system 500 making use of the
multiple light sources having differentiated areas of coverage as
well as differentiated intensities and/or spectral power
distributions is further capable of taking into account the visual
function of the user such as based on their age or their personal
preferences. The illumination now provided can be altered to
prevent fatigue or care for other physiological factors such a
pineal gland melatonin production and light therapy. As luminance
better mimics the human experience, the detector based lighting
device provides a superior, less energy wasteful illumination.
[0241] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a luminaire with a special
night light functionality. In locations such as a bedroom or tent
used for security forces, besides the luminaire's standard
white-light illumination function, there is need for an additional
nightlight function for providing light of different chromacity or
wavelength. Thus in an embodiment of the adjustable luminaire of
this invention, a number of modes of lighting, varying in light
intensity alone or both in intensity and chromacity are provided
for by night light luminaire 530. The luminaire is comprised of
multiple light sources 531, 532, and 533 of different color
spectrum and/or wavelength. The LEDs are powered by electronic
power condition gear 534 and logical controller 535 which
implements these modes based on programmed times via the light
fixture's internal clock as well as by an input device. An optional
sensor pack 536 is provided which has a camera array or a light
and/or occupancy sensor.
[0242] Using light at wavelengths that have different effects in
the stimulation of the rods and cones in the eye, it is possible to
provide night vision that does not require adaptation time normally
required to best see in darkness. In addition it is possible to
provide night light vision with light at wavelengths that do not
interfere with the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, by
the pineal gland which is sensitive to light. In addition it is
possible to provide bright light to increase serotonin levels and
aid in waking. There are also instances where one occupant of a
room needs to arise while another desires to remain sleeping and
not be awakened by the turning on of a disturbing light. Thus it
would be preferable for the lighting fixture used in sleeping areas
to possess a lower illumination mode which allows for limited
visual tasks to be carried out by some, while not intense enough to
awaken others. It would also be preferable that the lighting
intensity and/or spectrum be unique such that it does not disturb
the sleep cycle of others who may be sleeping in the room by
avoiding the suppression of melatonin production by the pineal
gland.
[0243] An application for the use of the luminaire 530 is in
permanent or temporary sleeping quarters for military or security
personnel. The power conditioning equipment 534 is able to receive
power at different voltages from 10 volts to 480 Volts from DC to
any frequency any source of power. In a military setting it is
important that soldiers exiting the sleeping quarters are able to
immediately perform visual tasks in the darkness without waiting
for their eye to adapt to the dark. This is because rhodopsin, also
known as visual purple, a biological pigment of the retina that is
responsible for enabling vision in low-light conditions,
immediately photo-bleaches when exposed to light and it takes about
30 minutes to fully regenerate. Thus it would be beneficial for
security force personnel who need to move around the living
quarters to ready themselves for duty could use light at low levels
that would not interfere with the rhodopsin. Thus, when the
quarters are occupied only by non-sleeping individuals, the logical
controller 535 powers the white light sources 531 at the power
level set for high-activity general lighting. When the quarters are
occupied by sleeping individuals, the logical controller 535 dims
the white light sources 531 and powers the special wavelength light
sources 532 and 533 at low intensity.
[0244] The special wavelength light sources are chosen as a
function of the eye's photoreceptor's sensitivity. The rods
(responsible for night vision) are most sensitive at a particular
color blue-green (507 nm). Thus low lighting by light source 532 at
that wavelength would provide the greatest visual response while
minimizing energy causing the rhodopsin breakdown. A problem
however with scotopic rod vision is that nothing can be seen
directly in front of the eyes (no rods in the center of the
retina). To see in the extreme dark one must learn to look about
15-20.degree. off center. Not doing so results in the night blind
spot which can cause mishaps and physical injury. On the other
hand, the center 1.5% of the retina (the fovea) which provides the
most detailed vision is packed almost exclusively with red
sensitive cones. Thus to correct for the night blind spot light
source 533 producing low levels of red light at a greater than a
650 nm wavelength are powered to illuminate. Experimentation shows
that red LEDs with a peak around 697 nm seem to work best to
supplement the low intensity blue-green 505 nm wavelength LED 532.
Other wavelengths to accomplish the night vision functionality are
possible and the two described here are by way of example.
[0245] Thus in an embodiment of the luminaire 530 for use where
there is immediacy in the performance of low light visual tasks,
there is provided an illumination capability with light sources of
wavelength which interfere minimally with seeing in the dark. FAML
530 for use in airplane cockpits or living quarters used by
security forces in a state of high readiness has a controller 535
and control gear 534 which drives special wavelength light sources
532 and 533 at the above mentioned wavelengths at low intensity.
Either of light sources can be present and used independently or
most beneficially in unison in the luminaire 530 to facilitate
night vision. When maximum dark adaptation is required the red
light intensity is set by the controller 535 and monitored by
optional light sensor 536 to provide a low luminance of 0.07-0.35
cd/m2 (0.02-0.10 ft-L). In normal states of readiness the
controller employs light sources 531 producing white light general
lighting at an illumination level recommend by the IES for normal
activities which is dimmed to a night light setting during
non-alert low readiness situations. The nighttime low setting is
such that the light flux will yield an illuminance of 0.15 lux on
the floor with the chromacity of 4000K similar to moonlight.
[0246] In an embodiment of the multiple wavelength producing
lighting fixture 530 light sources are provided that can be used to
aid in the onset of sleep and/or in the onset of awakening. The
multiple light source fixture is equipped with control and light
source apparatus to illuminate persons or animals with light at
wavelengths that are conducive to sleep or awakening. Kayumov et
al. showed that light containing only wavelengths greater than 530
nm does not suppress melatonin production even in relatively
bright-light conditions. Also Brainard et al in "Evidence for a
Novel Circadian Photoreceptor" The Journal of Neuroscience, 15 Aug.
2001 shows that in normal healthy humans, equal photon density
exposures of 1.9.times.10.sup.18 photons/cm' at 460, 630, and 700
nm monochromatic light elicited a significant melatonin suppression
at 460 nm while only small reductions of plasma melatonin levels at
630 and 700 nm. Thus the lighting fixture 530 has a general
lighting light sources 531 which has radiation at wavelengths that
suppress melatonin production and other light sources 532 and/or
533 which are at wavelengths above 570 nm and do not suppress
melatonin production. Individuals with difficulty in going to sleep
who are aided by increasing the melatonin level can then instruct
logical controller 535 to provide only melatonin friendly
illumination at the necessary time of day so as not to interfere
with their or the children's sleep time. To aid in awakening the
controller would illuminate the living space with light sources 531
which have melatonin suppressing wavelengths helping the individual
to awaken. Research shows that if the light is in a particular
spectrum (around 460 nanometers, which is in the blue range)
greater benefits can be derives even from much dimmer light.
[0247] In places where individuals with sleep disorders reside in
the hours before going to sleep, it would preferable to have
illuminating devices capable of influencing sleep patterns. Thus it
may be preferable to use lighting house wide to control sleep
times. In a preferred embodiment the lighting fixture in the living
room, bedroom or office would aid in the onset of sleep or aid in
the onset of awakening with the lighting fixture making use of
intensity variation and chromacity. The lighting intensity in the
patients surround is controlled with reference to the planned sleep
hours to adjust the circadian cycle and/or induce hormones so as to
assist sleepers to arise by the use of light that is
stimulating.
[0248] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a multiple light source
adjustable luminaire with added irradiation functionality.
Returning to the geometrically adjustable FAML design with light
sources for general lighting on moveable light bars and aim-able
spot lighting sources we present an innovative added functionality
illumination device. In this embodiment the luminaire 540 has means
for limiting at certain times the spectrum of the illumination
visible to an individual with difficulty in falling asleep. A fully
featured FAML embodiment would be comprised of: a logical
controller 541 having means for processing algorithms, data
storage, communications and control capability for the task of
influencing sleep cycles; power conditioning means 542 for powering
controllers, sensors and light sources; standard full spectrum
chromacity light sources combined with uniquely driveable light
sources 543 that produce light at wavelengths most effective in
stimulating or suppressing nocturnal melatonin; and sensors for
detecting light and/or images 544. That is, the logical controller
541 can drive LED chips comprising light module 543 that produce a
wide range of wavelengths or selectively drive only chips within a
permitted wavelength range for some medical, therapeutic or even
aesthetic effect. The narrow beam spread, spot light illuminating
source 544 also has light producing semiconductor chips of a
variety of wavelengths that can be independently powered from
driver electronics 542. The light sources 543 and 544 are on
movable mounting elements such as light bar 545 and there is the
provision of sensors for logical control and feedback in sensor
pack 546.
[0249] The use of the luminaire to affect sleep cycles is as
follows: prior to going to sleep the individual will command
controller 541 of the FAML 540 to illuminate their surroundings
exclusively using light sources producing wavelengths greater than
530 nm. Light sources 543 and 544 of one or more wavelengths above
530 nm may be employed. Utilizing algorithms or stored preset power
levels the logical control via the metametric mixing of light
source chips in 543 and 544 illuminates the area or visual task
with a color close to white light. Thus, the individual will be
able to carry out routine tasks such as watching television in the
living room or reading a book in bed. However the pineal gland will
be "fooled" into producing melatonin as if the individual was
sitting in darkness.
[0250] The melatonin friendly white light can be generated for
example by using commercially available Osram Golden Dragon Plus
LEDs LT, LY and LR W5AM as the light source chips or diodes
comprising the light modules 543 and 544 in the FALM bedroom
luminaire 540. When powered by driver 542 at 20 Watts at
approximately 350 mA, about 1,200 lumen of very warm white 1200K
Color Coordinated Temperature, CCT, light can be produced using the
following mix: 156 lumen of 528 nm higher wavelength green light
mixed with 400 lumen of 590 nm yellow and 640 lumen of 625 nm red.
This mix yields a good color rendering index, CRI of 80 while still
allowing for melatonin production. Alternately a single
monochromatic LED above 530 nm could be powered but vision and
comfort would be compromised. The same luminaire 540 in a second
operating mode, that is not required to stimulate melatonin
production, can at the same wattage produce a cooler color
temperature light. This is achieved by powering blue light source
diodes in addition to the previous mix while having the logical
controller 541 adjust the power level of each LED chip. For example
with the addition of two watts or 48 lumen of 470 nm blue LEDs
(e.g. Osram LB W5AM) a 4250 Kelvin CCT daylight white light can be
produced using 600 lumen of 528 nm green light mixed with 500 lumen
of 590 nm yellow and a mere 100 lumen of 625 nm red yielding a good
color rendering CRI of 82.
[0251] In another embodiment, the same fixture 540 is used for the
standard lighting in the bedroom in a normal high output operating
mode. Thus by powering more light sources still at approximately
350 mA a higher lighting level and whiter chromacity is achieved.
For example doubling the power to 40 Watts with the addition of
four watts or 100 lumen of 470 nm Blue LEDs (e.g. Osram LB W5AM) a
3800 Kelvin CCT cool white light can be produced using 500 lumen of
528 nm green light mixed with 400 lumen of 590 nm yellow and 150
lumen of 625 nm red yielding a good color rendering CRI of 82. A
similar effect can be achieved without increasing the number of
light sources but instead increasing the current to each LED. This
usually however results in shortening of the LEDs useful lifespan.
Using a controller 541 and power source 542 capable of powering
each LED individually a full range of dimming to very low light
levels can be achieved. In a alternative methodology of using
different wavelength LEDs for generating melatonin friendly light,
a white LED or any other wide spectrum light source could be used
with the manual or automatic introduction of a light filter to
remove wavelengths lower than 530 nm as needed.
[0252] Thus the same bedroom fixture 540 can serve as a night light
obviating the need for an additional night light lighting unit in
the same room. Again, the night light mode has special chromacity
to allow visual tasks to be performed yet with minimal interference
to sleep as described above in FIG. 21. Utilizing the non-symmetric
light distribution capability of the FAML when in night light mode,
higher intensity lighting for orientation could be provided in
areas of movement around the bed or on the way to the bathroom
while zero or only very low intensity night lighting would fall
near the head of the sleeping person. The fixture 540 is
illustrated as having been hung on the ceiling of a bedroom above
the beds for two occupants with the spot lights 544 facing the wall
above the head of the beds. In the spirit of the adjustable
luminaire of the present invention, the light bars 545 holding the
light modules 543 have been swung out of direct view of an
individual lying on the bed with their eyes facing upwards to the
ceiling. The flexibility of the invention is again demonstrated
insofar as this re-configuration ability is unique to the multiple
light source lighting fixture making it a truly universal lighting
fixture. In this unusual case of the eyes facing upwards, indirect
lighting via the ceiling becomes the recommended lighting practice
alternative of choice, especially if the TV is mounted high off the
floor.
[0253] In another embodiment, the FAML bedroom luminaire 540 is
equipped with a camera 546 and the logical controller has means for
image recognition and computer vision. Thus now as opposed to a
standard night light which is always on, the innovative night light
540 using computer vision analysis could be highly dimmed or off
most of the time making it easier to sleep and saving power. It
would be reactivated when there is major movement on the part of
the sleeper indicative of the need for illumination or a baby
crying is picked up by microphone in sensor pack 546 in
anticipation of light being needed by the parent awakening to care
for the child. Greater movement such as getting out of bed would
further increase light levels for proper orientation and object
avoidance.
[0254] As a further customization of the illumination
characteristics, when utilizing the light source aim-ability
feature of the FALM, one occupant of the room could receive
controlled exposure to lighting conducive to melatonin production
while other occupants in the room at the same time receive a
normal, fuller spectrum illumination. Thus the right side spot
light 544 could be of melatonin friendly light wavelengths for the
individual receiving its light while a second individual in the
second bed receives a full spectrum of light for reading from the
left side spot light 549.
[0255] In addition to using light of specific wavelength for
treatment of sleep disorders and other circadian rhythm disorders
such as delayed sleep phase syndrome, light therapy or phototherapy
can be used for the treatment of vitamin D deficiency, skin
disorders (for example psoriasis, acne vulgaris and eczema, and
some psychiatric disorders for example seasonal affective disorder.
As described earlier the spot light source 544 can be moved by
actuators under the control of the logical controller 541 much as a
moving head stage light follows actors on the stage. This is a
unique feature of a computer/machine vision capable FAML
irradiating device which can follow and irradiate the patient while
they are carrying out their daily activities and is of major
benefit. To ensure that the light therapy rays from the FAML
strikes the retina from the best angle, a portable STLS may be
placed on the floor or furniture in front of the patients eyes. In
instances where the FAML is providing UVB radiation such as in
vitamin D therapy and high intensity UVB is hazardous to the eyes,
the computer vision system would make sure to stop radiation unless
it knew that the eyes were not being irradiated. Other medical
applications of light therapy also include pain management,
accelerated wound healing, hair growth, improvement in blood
properties and blood circulation, and sinus-related diseases and
disorders. Many of these use low level laser therapy and red light
therapy in the 620-660 nm range.
[0256] In an embodiment of the therapeutic luminaire 540 having
radiation sources controlled by a logical controller using computer
image recognition algorithms that enable face recognition the
device is capable of providing the correct dosage to an individual.
For example curing SAD winter depression caused by serotonin
deficiency by treatment with bright light therapy the luminaire's
logical controller 541 will measure the individual patient's
exposure time ensuring that it complies with the medically
prescribed dosage to preserve serotonin levels for that time of
year. In an embodiment where the computer vision system 546 has
capability for eye recognition and tracking, a more accurate dosage
intensity and exposure time is metered. The dosage analysis is
based on either computer knowledge that the eye is exposed by
actually measuring the radiation reflection off the eye which may
include a daylight component in addition to the artificial
luminaire component. Thus a more accurate therapy record may be
obtained and reported to a monitoring computer or health
practitioner if necessary. If a satellite light re-directive STLS
device is positioned fore of the patient, a specular mirror section
is provided on the STLS and may be used by the camera imaging
system to capture the eye or reflections off of the eye and verify
the dosage received. Non-disturbing infra-red radiation may be used
by the transducer sensor system 546 to capture and measure the eye
reflections for imaging and dosage measurement purposes. Using
eye-tracking algorithms the controller logs all the time the eyes
have received the therapeutic radiation dosage and adjust the
treatment accordingly. Having communications apparatus the
controller conveys the treatment history to medical care
supervisory personnel.
[0257] Another embodiment of the luminaire assists people to awaken
at any hour by irradiating them with shorter wavelengths of light
or safe UV, which suppress melatonin production. A FAML 540 is
provided with: a logical controller 541 having algorithms and data
for the task of influencing sleep cycles and with light sources
that produce light at wavelengths most effective in suppressing
nocturnal melatonin. It then uses a time and intensity controlled
exposure to illuminate the person or animal at a prescribed
interval time in advance of the wake time. Decreases in melatonin
production in human and animals are known to be caused by
environmental lighting, especially short-wavelength lighting
(between 460 and 525 nm). Test results strengthen earlier findings
that the human circadian system is more sensitive to the short
wavelengths of light than the longer wavelengths. It is principally
blue light, around 460 to 480 nm, that suppresses melatonin,
increasingly with increased light intensity and length of exposure
(Wirz-Justice, A; Benedetti, F; Terman, M (2009).
Chronotherapeutics for Affective Disorders: A Clinician's Manual
for Light and Wake Therapy. Basel: Karger. ISBN 978-3-8055-9120-1.
It is also possible to use violet colored LED to which the visual
response is low such as a 420 nm wavelength. The disturbance to
sleeping individuals may be lower, however, though studies
demonstrated a clear fluence-response relationship between 420-nm
light and melatonin suppression the response is weaker.
[0258] Thus a person sleeping in their bed could program the
lighting fixture controller 541 to begin irradiation with the
melatonin suppressing wavelength LEDs in advance of the wake up
time as required. Again, with the light aiming differentiation
capability of the FALM 540, two people in the same room with
different wake-up times could receive different dosage at different
times as programmed into the controller. One person could be
irradiated with melatonin producing radiation or none at all while
the other receives melatonin suppressing irradiation. Alarm clock
functionality can be added to the logical controller 541 of the
bedroom illuminating device and/or an additional device 547 is
provided. It will use lighting and/or sound from alarm speakers 547
to awaken the individual when wake time finally arrives. Voice
commands can be used to program and turn off the alarm clock. To
ensure the user is really awake the alarm clock can ask the user to
solve a mathematical equation before stopping the alarm.
[0259] In another embodiment example of a bedroom application (a
living room or kitchen lighting application would be much the
same), the FAML 540 is located on the ceiling near the room center.
It uses distributed light sources 543 or optical means over a
single light source to provide for homogeneous ambient lighting and
concentrated light sources 544 or optics to create a narrow beam
for task lighting. The concentrated sources 544 and 549 may be used
to provide illumination for the visual task of reading a book thus
replacing the night-table lamps. It is preferable that the beam not
come from above and in front of the reader lying in bed as the rays
from above will disturb reader. Also one occupant of the room may
desire to sleep while the other is reading. Thus a re-directive
satellite light source STLS is placed directly behind or off to a
side and behind the reader. The STLS has a substantially specular
reflectivity rather than a diffuse one so as to maintain a
concentrated spot beam with little spill light beyond the book. Of
course the book itself is a Lambertian reflector but the maximum
has been done to minimize disturbing others. The FAML 540
configuration can be adjusted upon installation to have the narrow
beam spot light aimed at the STLS. The STLS itself may be manually
adjusted by the user to best direct the light for the visual task
at hand such as reading a book in bed. The user will keep the laser
pointer on the target disc while swiveling the STLS until the book
receives the maximum light. This is similar to adjusting the shade
of the table lamp which it replaces. When properly aligned there is
very little spill light and the other occupant of the room can
sleep undisturbed. In an embodiment having a computer vision
enabled luminaire capable of determining the book position, the
controller 541 will automatically re-direct the light beam 548 from
the movable light source 544 and/or re-aim the movable STLS so as
to maximize illumination effectiveness. Alternatively, the wall or
surface behind the bed or the headboard has sufficiently good
optical characteristic enabling light from the beam to be used or
has had a specially reflective decal placed on it. In a computer
vision enabled embodiment the logical controller 541 is programmed
such that when the reader puts the book away the light goes out or
slowly dims into the night light mode.
[0260] It has been demonstrated that a single bedroom luminaire 540
can replace two other typical bedroom lighting fixtures. The
night-table lamp and the nightlight. In addition, by using the
directional light output capability of the FAML fixture, this
spectrally accurate lighting may be further limited in its
illumination coverage to bedroom areas where movement is possible,
thus not shining towards a sleeping person's eyes. Using machine
vision techniques for image recognition, the position of those
sleeping and those up and awake is determined. In addition computer
vision allows for automatic tracking spot lighting similar in
function to how a moving head stage light for stage performers
follows them about the stage. All this can be carried out by the
automated lighting fixture 540 where the light sources are moved by
the controller so as to illuminate only the person awake in the
room. The trajectory of the light beam is checked by the controller
such that the light beam does not fall on the head of anyone else
sleeping in the room.
[0261] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an industrial lighting
fixture for use in hazardous locations. These are locations that
are characterized by the presence of combustible gasses or dust
particles. So that the explosion proof lighting fixture 550 can to
obtain ExProof certification for use in hazardous locations, it is
constructed in a unique manner which prevents ignition of the gases
or dusts by electricity or heat produced by the fixture. The
intrinsic safety protection techniques used in its construction
enable safe operation in explosive atmospheres and ensure that the
available electrical and thermal energy in the system is always low
enough that ignition of the hazardous atmosphere cannot occur. The
intrinsic safety of the illuminating device 550 includes the
control of component temperatures even in fault conditions (such as
an internal short inside an electronic device). The electrical
control gear 551, logical controller 552 and LED light sources 553
are all thermally protected. The temperature of a failed component
will not rise to a level higher than the autoignition temperature
of a combustible atmosphere. Current limiting safeguards, such
resistors and fuses, are employed in the electronic circuitry
throughout to ensure that in no circumstance can a component reach
a hazardous temperature.
[0262] To a major extent the fixture is intrinsically safe as it is
hermetically sealed for life. This is accomplished because the LEDs
553 are driven at or below design currents as well as having the
junction being thermally cooled to well below allowable
temperatures due to lifetime and explosion proof certification
considerations. Note that in prior art ExProof fixtures the lamp
needs to be replaced and therefore allowance was made in fixture
design for opening the fixture to replace the lamp. Under these low
current cool operation conditions the LEDS will provide 90% of
their initial lumen output even after 100,000 hours or over 20
years of night operation. This in turn allows for a design where
the LEDs are encapsulated for life in resin type materials 554.
There is no possible contact with explosive materials between
electrical or heat generating components. Thus in this novel
hazardous location fixture design, the LEDs, electronics and
electrical components are intrinsically safe in a sealed for life
fixture. This is an inherent safety design and allows for the
fixture to be located even in the most hazardous locations
including underground mines or inside of tanks i.e. division 1 and
zone 0 classified hazardous areas. In an embodiment of the fixture
there are no screws to open for access to the internal fixture
parts other than on the wiring box 555 which connects the Exproof
fixture to the power mains. The wiring box itself is approved for
zone 0 hazardous locations and has explosion proof sealing
apparatus. While prior art fixtures that can be opened for service
may not be properly closed by service personnel thus becoming an
explosion hazard this sealed fixture is foolproof in that there is
no access for life.
[0263] Referring now to the adjustable lighting fixture embodiment
in more detail, in FIG. 23 there is shown an illuminating or
irradiating device 550 which is capable of being adjusted to match
the radiation spatial distribution with the actual illuminating
requirements of the surround where the lighting fixture 550 has
been installed. The light sources 553 are mounted on curvilinear
support structures 556. The rear side 557 of the support structure
(or light bar) 556 is a heat exchanger structure of increased
surface area for the transfer of heat from the LED junctions to the
surrounding air. The front surface material 558 of the support
structure is highly transmissive to light allowing the light
generated by the light sources 553 to exit the luminaire. These
curvilinear support structures 556 possess a unique geometry and
thermal transfer characteristic and are innovative in a number a
ways. The luminaire is comprised a multiplicity of light sources
having respective spectral distributions and respective light
distribution patterns which are directional and subtend lesser
angles than those of the overall luminaire light distribution
pattern. The light source mounting structure 556 is configured to
mount the light sources 553 so arranged on the structure such that
the respective directional light distribution patterns and the
respective spectral distributions combine to form an efficiently
distributed overall light distribution pattern. This overall light
distribution has been calculated to efficiently provide the surface
areas intended for illumination by the fixture 550 with the design
illuminance. In this unique configuration the overall light
distribution pattern, subtending greater angles than that of the
respective light distribution patterns is produced directly by the
multiplicity of light sources without recourse to inefficient
non-integral reflectors and/or refractors.
[0264] As the overall spatial light distribution of luminaire 550
is comprised of the sum of the narrower beam light sources 553,
each light source covers a specific area proximate to the
luminaire. The aiming angles of the sources of known light flux and
beam angle are determined by using the inverse cosine law to
determine the amount of light flux required to illuminate the
surfaces to be covered by the luminaire. Once the aiming angle with
reference to the nadir is known there is yet another design
criterion that needs to be met. There is great importance in
maintaining the light emitting diode junction at low temperature.
To remove the heat from the junction it is important for the LED
assembly 553 to have excellent thermal contact with the heat sink
557 at every aiming angle. Thus the construction of the support
structure has been dictated by the individual light source aimings
that are designed to illuminate both near and distant surfaces with
the recommended illuminance. In addition, the rear side of the
support structure 556 which is exposed to the outside air is
integral with the heat sink 557 which is most beneficially in
direct contact with the LED junction to maximize thermal transfer
away from the diode structure to the environment. Uniquely both of
the design requirements have been met by the unique construction of
the support arm 556. The final benefit of the unique curvilinear
light bar is the strength it imparts to the structure. In an
embodiment the shock proof glass lens 558 is slightly recessed
within the light bar channel 556 allowing for the edge 559 to act
as a protective bumper protecting the glass from breakage even if
impacted by a metal tool. Often explosion proof glass globes are
protected by a guard. The curved metal guards protect the glass
from mechanical breakage in the harsh industrial setting. The shape
of the bars 556 and the recessed glass cover maintains this
protective design approach to effect shielding from mechanical
breakage.
[0265] An exemplary embodiment of the adjustable explosion proof
fixture in a chemical processing plant characterized by an open
facility design is presented. In the facility, piping and vessels
are supported by the skeletal support structure with walkways,
floors and stairs made of metal grating. The walkways, vessels,
machinery and piping all need to be illuminated at night by
lighting fixtures placed on the structure along the walkways. In
this lighting application example the walkways are at the exterior
edge of the structure with the piping and machinery towards the
interior. Beyond the walkway fence there is no structure and no
need for illumination. The configuration of the lighting fixture as
shown in FIG. 23 has been arranged so as to illuminate inwards
towards the vessels, machinery and piping as well as along the
walkways and stairs but not outward into free space. The luminaire
has been mounted on an upright beam at height of 3 meters at the
inward edge of the 1.5 meter wide walkway. The LED bar 560 is
rotated 15 degrees off the nadir out of the page around the axis
561 to be aimed at the center of the walkway and the LED 553 beam
spread is 30 degrees. LED 562, because it is projecting to the work
plane further away at a higher angle from the nadir, will,
following the inverse square and cosine law, have a narrower beam
spread (at least along the width of the walkway i.e. the beam 564
may be rectangular or elliptical, taller than it is wide) ensuring
that most of the light is utilized and not spilled over the edges
of the walkway. The light bars 556 and 563 have mechanical means to
be rotated 360 degrees about the center 565 and have been aimed to
the same side, inwards to the facility. Thus they illuminate the
piping and machinery and do not shine out of the facility wasting
the energy or even causing light pollution as would a standard
prior art luminaire. Now in their new configuration, the light
intensity output of each LED must be reset in the driving
electronics 551 and controller 552 so as take into account
overlapping coverage on surfaces to be maintained at the
recommended illuminance.
[0266] In a preferred embodiment a sensor apparatus 566 is capable
of measuring the illuminance or luminance of surfaces in the
processing facility and providing the logical controller 552 the
necessary feedback information to control the power to the light
sources 553 etc so that the illuminance or luminance goals are met.
Alternately, if the light bars have been incorrectly configured in
aimings that do not allow for coherent illumination of the
surfaces, the controller communicates the necessary aiming
modification to the installer. An example of the logical controller
552 circuitry, computing apparatus and algorithm processing were
described above in FIGS. 14 and 23. In an embodiment where sensor
566 is a digital camera and the logical controller 552 has means
for computer vision, an installer can use reference sheets of known
reflectivity and luminance to calibrate the illumination level
setting of the individual light sources within the logical
controller 552 based on the fixtures initial factory calibration
data. For example, when setting up the system the installer can
customize the illuminance level on each element of interest. The
system calibrates light coverage by firing LEDs at synchronized
timings with the vision analysis system 552 determining which LED
illuminates what surface. Next the installer can input the desired
illuminance via the reference sheet by indicating on it the number
of lux desired on the surface. For example attaching a note with
200 lux printed on it on a valve. The image recognition software
then provides the logical controller the illuminance goal of 200
lux on that surface and the logical controller 552 powers the light
sources 553 etc aimed towards that surface with the necessary power
signal to obtain the needed light flux. Feedback is provided to the
installer if additional light sources are needed or their re-aiming
is required. Information is provided to the installer through
visual display on the logical controller 552 of the luminaire or
another display device in communication with the logical controller
552.
[0267] In another embodiment the cooling of the harsh environment
luminaire 550 is effected by using liquid cooling of the LED light
sources. The coolant may be anything from deionized water
(approximately 18.2 megohm-cm) to heat-conductive oil. The oil may
be part of the methodology used to secure intrinsic safety
classification from ignition danger of electrical circuits in
explosive environments. It may also be an optically transmissive
medium which couples optically with the light sources to produce a
desired light distribution with other complementary optical
devices. The oil may be pumped mechanically with a pumping
apparatus such as a long life diaphragm pump to cool the diode
junction. Alternately, in a preferred embodiment shown here, thermo
siphon effect circulation is utilized to convect the thermal
transfer fluid from the light bars 560, 556 and 563 to the central
heat exchanger 568. The thermo siphon return post 567 serves as the
path for the cooled lower density cooling fluid to return to the
light bars 560, 556 and 563 from the heat exchanger 568. The
benefit of the thermo siphon system is that it is motor less,
doesn't require power and is highly reliable. It also adds
longevity and efficiency to the LED light sources by offering
superior heat transfer rates maintaining the diode junctions at the
lowest possible temperature.
[0268] FIG. 24 is the process flow chart for novel web based
computer application that can help the customer design the multiple
light source luminaire for their particular lighting application
and order it compete correctly configured from the factory.
Alternately, in a DIY luminaire version, they can receive all the
necessary luminaire parts with their unique set of assembly
instructions for their lighting application. The build-the
luminaire-to-order program turns the customer into a professional
luminaire and lighting designer. In creating the tailor made
luminaire the customer, aka lighting fixture designer, has control
of illumination performance based on the skeletal light engine
design as well as a choice of various aesthetic luminaire outer
body designs. The program is novel insofar as it builds the
lighting fixture from multiple light sources according to the
dictates of the living space. Prior art practice used hitherto in
other lighting programs take standard lighting fixtures with known
photometric data as to the light distribution and calculates the
resultant illuminance obtained on the workplace or room surfaces.
Here the process begins with specifying a surface illuminance and
using goal solving techniques, the application builds the fixture's
light distribution. Next, in a unique process, the computer
application using engineering and look-up table algorithms chooses
light sources and places them on the fixture to obtain the desired
light distribution.
[0269] In practice the customer inputs the lighting application
geometry, fixture mounting position, living space elements and
projected usage answering a live questionnaire. Digital camera
pictures of the living space uploaded to the site may aid the
program in generating the architectural CAD lighting layout. The
customer assigns visual task information to areas of the room, e.g.
reading chair, adult over 50 years old etc. The layout process ends
with a map of the room surfaces now assigned with illuminance
levels. The program assigns a specific orientation of the luminaire
within the living space e.g. fixture orientation mark facing east
window. The luminaire in practice must be hung in the room in the
instructed orientation. A preliminary grid is assigned to the room
surfaces based on the distances from the luminaire to the surface
and the light intensity limits of the light sources. By using the
inverse square and cosine law with known illuminance, distances and
angles the program solves for the luminous intensity. By working a
luminaire design program such as Photopia.TM. from LTI Optics in
reverse, the light source ray distribution properties are obtained.
The program then looks up in the light source library the light
source with the best matching spatial intensity distribution for
illuminating the specific grid area. The design program then
arranges the selected light sources on a fixture skeleton structure
to obtain the overall necessary illumination. The web application
next simulates the fixture performance through lighting design
software applications known in the art such as AGI32.TM. from
Lighting Analysts. The computer routine checks the lighting layout
against best practice guidelines for visual comfort from glare,
lighting levels and recommends need for additional light modules,
luminaires or reflective satellite light sources. The customer can
review the simulated lighting output in their application and after
a few fine tuning iterations a final design can be satisfactorily
achieved. Now that the fixture skeleton and light source positions
thereon are known, the customer then chooses from the available
candidates of aesthetic luminaire outer facade choices that can be
used with the dictated skeletal structure. The final fixture outer
design and lighting performance is simulated. Should the customer
be unhappy with the aesthetics or performance they may begin again
with the option of forcing an aesthetic design which may dictate a
less than optimal skeletal structure. When satisfied, the customer
orders the luminaire to be assembled by the manufacturer to spec.
In the DIY version the web application generates the fixture parts
list for the kit to be sent to the customer. It is clear that the
application is not only web based but can be a downloadable version
run from a computer.
[0270] In another version of this Do-It-Yourself lighting designer
application, the main skeleton lighting fixture with the power
supply electronics and the camera based vision system and
controller is supplied to the customer. The camera vision system
measures the room geometry and identifies room contents as
described earlier via algorithms known in the art for measuring
distances with a camera and pattern recognition techniques for
identification. Based on the information garnered about the
lighting application such as by following a computerized lighting
application design questionnaire and checklist (activities
performed in the room, age of the occupants etc), the lighting
layout is specified and the lighting fixture design with the light
source layout is determined using the lighting design software. The
answers to the question are input via a speaker microphone system
on the lighting fixture or via come other input device such as a
computer or smart-phone in communication with the controller. Once
the illumination needs have been determined and the fixture
designed the rest of the light sources are ordered up and the DIY
fixture similar to 470 in FIG. 16 is assembled
[0271] While the preferred embodiment of this invention comprises
an adjustable luminaire having means for changing the spatial light
distribution as well as the spectral light distribution, it is
clear that embodiments of this invention may offer only the spatial
light output distribution adjustability as for example when using a
single color spectrum LED for all the light sources or only color
spectrum adjustability where spectrally differentiated light
sources have been used but there is no means for adjusting the
spatial light distribution. Many of the novel features of this
invention disclosed herein in this continuation in part of the
earlier disclosure of the Multiple light illuminating system
included herein by reference apply to the lighting fixture
embodiments of that disclosure as well.
CONCLUSION
[0272] We have been disclosed a luminaire with control of at least
one of the light intensity, light spectrum and light direction and
that further being combined with a controller and directional
sensors such as a camera having an artificial vision system
capability is uniquely able to effect the provision of lighting on
an as needed basis in the optimal intensity, spectrum and
placement.
[0273] There has thus been shown and described, among other things,
a multiple-source lighting technology which allows for the design
and construction of illuminating devices. Many changes,
modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the
subject invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled
in the art after considering this specification and the
accompanying drawings which disclose the preferred embodiments
thereof. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses
and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of
the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention without
departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.
[0274] Although a limited number of preferred embodiments of the
present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying
drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is
possible mix and combine the features of one embodiment with
another to create a DLF with differing characteristics as taught in
the method herein. Therefore, it will be understood that the
invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is
capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and
substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as
set forth and defined by the following claims. The invention should
therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method,
and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope
and spirit of the invention.
* * * * *