WO2007101897A1

WO2007101897A1 - Flexible light emitter

Info

Publication number: WO2007101897A1
Application number: PCT/ES2007/000122
Authority: WO
Inventors: Javier FERNÁNDEZ DE VALDERRAMA ÁLVAREZ; Jose L. Fernandez De Valderrama San Miguel
Original assignee: Fernandez De Valderrama Alvare; Fernandez De Valderrama San Mi
Priority date: 2006-03-08
Filing date: 2007-03-08
Publication date: 2007-09-13
Also published as: ES2255885A1; ES2255885B1

Abstract

The subject matter of this invention is a flexible, laminar, elastic and thin light emitter (1), measuring approximately 50 mm, formed by a base of plastic fabric (3), a combination of metal or the like, a mesh or equivalent (2) in the manner of a flexible printed circuit containing light sources (4) composed of LEDs and their electrical circuitry, covered with an outer protective layer (5). It incorporates a control panel (6) or external microprocessor, wiring (7), actuating means (8), power-supply sources and pre-programmed software for control and regulation of, inter alia, the electrical system, intensity, power, temperature and colour of the light. This emitter may be configured as a light fitting with articulated modules composed of a tubular aluminium profile section as mechanical support with heat-dissipating functions, a microprocessor-controlled fan, an aluminium plate with electrical tracks, electronic components and high-power LEDs in different colours distributed in a spatial arrangement, a set of Fresnel lenses and a precise-calibration colour-correcting filter.

Description

FLEXIBLE LIGHT EMITTER Description

The object of this patent of invention is a flexible light emitter of reduced thickness, of use especially indicated for interior and exterior lighting and / or filming and as a decoration element, whose technical characteristics, advantages and applications far exceed that of articles of similar use existing in the market and to the proposals developed in the current state of the art.

10. The field of image filming currently contemplates the development of numerous technologies, many of which correspond to the field of lighting, in which devices, devices and techniques that combine aspects of robotics are used in the same mechanism or system, IT, lighting, optics ...

15 In this sense, the application of LEDs as minimum units of light emission is common, allowing structures to be formed to act as elements for both exterior and interior lighting in the filming of images, whether in photography, in cinema or in Other visual media. Many of these elements are specified in beams of light oriented towards the filming area by means of different structures that hold, support and fix the positioning of the aforementioned light beams. In general, all these elements and structures have the primary function of illuminating the figure or environment that will be filmed to delimit the desired visual field for artistic or expressive purposes.

5 However, and with increasing frequency, filming needs are expanding and technical aspects need to be improved. In this sense, it is usual that it is necessary to look for methods to guarantee a more tight illumination of the filming field, avoiding light losses in dead or dark spots and improving the frame of the shot. It is also of paramount importance the improvement in terms of energy and light efficiency, given the high electrical consumption of each of the many lighting devices involved in the recording of any audiovisual production. The varied requirements, as well as the innumerable physical spaces that need to be illuminated, demand greater versatility and efficiency of the different lighting devices offered by the market: greater lightness, smaller size and less thickness to occupy the minimum space, greater possibilities of mechanical regulation and electronics, etc.

It is true that there are rigid structures that act precisely as panels to frame and direct the lighting of the filming areas, but precisely that same stiffness, which allows them to perfectly delimit the area in question, has the opposite effect, that is, prevents adjusting with more precisely the lighting area and adapt it to the object or situation to be recorded. In short, the lighting adjusts to the filming field depending on what the structural elements that support and hold the light sources allow.

As for legal background, there are some patents that have developed alternative proposals to improve current lighting systems. For example, patent DE20110289 refers to a preferably curved device that incorporates a series of lighting LEDs. Other patents develop different systems to adapt lighting LEDs in flexible structures intended for decorative use in fabrics and fabrics, both for domestic and personal use, in sweaters or shirts. But in any case they are light sources of low power. This is the case of US6402336 which also introduces a luminous display on a fabric but only as a decorative element, just like WO2004053531. They are clear examples that technically the implantation of a luminous electrical connection has been developed in a fabric but always with ornamental motifs and in very small dimensions.

It should also be noted the application of light sources in longitudinal structures intended for decoration for Christmas purposes, in which traditional light sources - bulbs - coexist with LEDs. In this case, the flexibility of these longitudinal structures as strips or cords allows them to adapt to the volumes of the objects to be decorated, for example trees, windows, doors ... However, all these patents do not provide a practical solution to the problem outlined above to narrow and direct light beams according to the structural characteristics of the object or the environment to be filmed or decorated and do not allow precise control of the light emitted by them.

Nor do they have the light intensity and spectral balance of the light required as a light projector element for professional recording / filming purposes.

The proposal presented in this invention patent is precisely a solution that allows the lighting to be adjusted individually to the socket that is necessary, depending on the structural characteristics of the environment, adapting to it by varying the shape of the emission device of light and therefore configuring a flexible light emitter.

Precisely the physical flexibility and the reduced thickness of this innovative light emitter allows its use in very small spaces, its adaptation on objects of diverse forms and in general a faster and less intrusive lighting in the spaces to be illuminated.

Likewise, this same flexibility and adaptability extend to its capacity for variation and precise electronic adjustment of the light emitted by it, in different parameters: light intensity, color temperature and finally color of the emitted light.

Detailed description of the innovation

This invention patent refers, then, to an auxiliary article for both interior and exterior lighting and decoration which, thanks to its flexible and elastic structure, adapts to the contour of diverse objects or concrete environments and which, due to its internal framework, can be locked and fixed in a certain position, adapting to a specific environment. This flexible light emitter is specified in a malleable structure of reduced thickness or thickness that incorporates a series of light sources in its internal framework and that thanks to this flexibility can adopt different positions according to the object or the environment to be illuminated in the filming, being equally applicable to the orientation of light sources for decorative purposes or domestic lighting.

It is an article especially applicable to lighting for the taking and filming of images in the field of photography, cinema ... In this way, this flexible light emitter acts to improve the lighting conditions in the filming of images , improving the framing given its lower occupation of space and greatly facilitating the play of light and shadow and the use of various special lighting effects.

The possibility, by means of an external microprocessor, of being able to regulate the intensity of the illumination, the color temperature of the emitted light and the exact color that is desired to emit suppose a difference and substantial improvement with respect to other illumination systems.

Basically, the innovation that is claimed is concretized in a flexible, elastic and reduced thickness sheet structure, approximately about 50mm maximum, formed by a base of plastic fabric, combination with metal or material of similar characteristics, on which it extends a similar mesh or structure on which the light sources are fixed, composed of LED units and their corresponding electrical circuitry, that is, a flexible printed circuit that incorporates the LEDs and their electronic accessories. These LEDs each incorporate a light focusing lens and its corresponding radiators or heat evacuation systems towards the rear of the device. The third part of this structure is an outer layer of protection, formed by a translucent flame retardant material that allows the frontal protection of the LEDs and internal components.

One of the basic characteristics of this light emitter is the possibility of combining flexibility and rigidity, that is, of being able to block and maintain its structure in a certain position. For this, it is expected that it incorporates the necessary means, preferably a mechanical framework that, by means of rods or malleable elements Similar, arranged according to a predefined model, give the above structure the malleability necessary to bend in different directions and shapes to adapt to the needs and characteristics of the object or space to be illuminated. In this way, this framework also allows to fix the structure in a certain position and keep it stable in it for the necessary time. This fabric can be part of the structure of the transmitter, coupled to the rear base or be an external auxiliary element as an accessory.

As for the electrical part, this flexible light emitter incorporates a non-limited series of light sources, basically LEDs or similar with four fundamental colors: red, blue, green and white from which a wide range of shades is formed , providing a visibility angle of approximately 40 °.

Logically, this electrical structure incorporates the diodes and resistors necessary for its operation, forming a flexible printed circuit. The precise color range must be variable between daylight, 5,600 ⁰ K, up to the incandescence,

3,200 ⁰ K, and said temperature must be balanced with respect to the light spectrum required for camera filming.

This same electrical structure has a power supply to connect to the mains with the corresponding external power adapter unit but it can also be powered independently by battery or any other means.

As for the power of the emitted light, it must be high enough to be functional as a lighting element applied to the audiovisual field and incorporates one or more potentiometers to regulate the electrical intensity of the LEDs and therefore of the emitted light.

The flexible light structure that is claimed incorporates the necessary means to regulate and dissipate the heat caused by the intensity of the lights.

It is also important to note that this flexible light emitter incorporates a control panel to regulate different aspects and characteristics of light, such as the color temperature, color or light intensity, this control panel being connected to the emitter by means of the corresponding wiring and being provided with the precise actuation means. Similarly, this control panel can be connected to the flexible light emitter by other means, such as infrared signals or electromagnetic waves, among others, so that changes and adjustments in the operation of the flexible light emitter can be made with a remote control

The innovation that is recommended is provided with a preprogrammed software that controls the described electrical system, so that the user can activate the operation of the flexible light emitter and modify different parameters, among which the intensity of the light from 0 to 100% of its power; the color temperature from values below 3,200 ° Kelvin (incandescence) to beyond 5,600 ° Kelvin (daylight), allowing a precise adjustment as well as the establishment of predefined values within the scale; The color of the emitted light will be adjustable through 3 color channels (R ₅ G ₉ B, that is, red, green and blue), which will allow the precise choice of the desired color.

Likewise, the external microprocessor control element will allow the operation of the flexible light emitter and the light emission to have the following characteristics: it will be free of flickering or, failing that, the emitted light wave will synchronize at 50Hz or 60Hz to adjust its operation with that of professional cameras; if it emits some type of electromagnetic wave it will not alter the video or sound signal; Low or no sound level emitted.

As described, the basic function of this flexible luminous device is to act as a source of illumination, directly or indirectly, on a particular object or environment, enabling its illumination in very diverse circumstances and channeling the light even in difficult positions. and in small spaces, which allows hiding it in the eyes of the public through its ability to adapt to the shapes of adjacent objects and thanks to its particularly reduced thickness.

Its use is advised both in professional lighting works, especially in the filming of moving or static images (cinema, television, photography) and in a direct application to set different environments, in interior decoration or in any other situation, both professional and in the domestic field.

Likewise, it should be noted that the device is presented in different sizes and shapes and in any case it will always be scalable, so that by mechanically and electronically joining different units a flexible light emitter can be formed with the surface as large as required.

The dimensions of this flexible luminous device are in no case representative or limiting, nor is the internal framework that gives it a certain stiffness to maintain a certain position. It is understood that this fabric can be made up of rods or any other system that allows the described characteristics.

It is especially important to review the advantages and differential characteristics of the flexible light emitter presented in this invention patent: the reduced thickness (about 50mm) of the system, which allows its use in small spaces and facilitates framing when leaving larger free visual field; the physical flexibility of the light emitter, which allows its adaptation to the shapes of the objects or environment in which it is installed; the possibility of varying the focus or distribution of the light it emits.

As for the ability to precisely control the color temperature from incandescence to daylight, it should be noted that this is a fundamental characteristic that turns out to be an absolute advantage and novelty since it allows you to dispense with the cumbersome color corrective filters needed in the lighting systems currently on the market. Likewise, this light emitter has the ability to precisely regulate the intensity of the light emitted without any variation in the color temperature, which is also a first in the professional lighting sector. In addition, the flexible light emitter also has the ability to precisely control the color of the emitted light. As for the advantages and characteristics of the innovation that is recommended, it is essential to highlight, as mentioned above, the possibility of adapting to the forms and measures required by the market in its manufacturing process through the mechanical and electronic union of various units that allow scalability of the light emitter.

As for energy consumption, it has a low power consumption per Watt of emitted light which results in a very high energy efficiency. A led lamp is powered at low voltage, thus consuming little power. When activated, it has a low working voltage, between 12 and 24V, which allows it to be powered by both alternating current and rechargeable batteries.

If the LED is analyzed as a light source, it is found that its response capacity is greater since the LED has a much faster operating response than the halogen and the fluorescent, of the order of some microseconds. The light is brighter: in the same light conditions as its rivals, the light emitted by the LED is much sharper and brighter. Nor does it have lighting failures: it absorbs the possible vibrations to which the equipment may be subjected without causing failures or lighting variations. This is due to the fact that the LED lacks luminescent filament, thus avoiding variations in its luminosity and its possible breakage. And in terms of its duration and reliability, these are longer than other products or systems since the life of a LED is very long compared to other lighting systems: the average life in hours of a LED is 100,000 while in A fluorescent is 20,000 and in a halogen, 4,000 hours. And its reliability is much greater, since the degradation of the light is minimal in relation to that of halogens and fluorescent

In short, and in order to summarize the characteristics and a practical embodiment of the innovation, the object of this invention patent can be defined as a light emitter, which can be configured as a luminaire, with a flexible, articulated structure and reduced thickness, adaptable to the contour of various objects, which incorporates in its internal framework a series of light sources consisting of specific sets of LEDs, filtered and electronically controlled in such a way that they allow the emission of a balanced and variable color temperature from daylight 5,600 ⁰ K to incandescence 3,200 ⁰ K. "

If it is technically specified, the base of this light emitter or luminaire can be composed of an indeterminate number of modules that allow articulation between them, so that it is possible to have different degrees of flexibility and stiffness according to the needs of uses .

Each module is composed of a complex aluminum profile, preferably in the form of a tube, as a mechanical support with heat sink functions, a microprocessor-controlled fan placed at the end of the profile, an aluminum plate that incorporates the electric tracks, the electronic components and several high-power LEDs of different colors following a predefined spatial distribution, a set of fresnel lenses of plastic material and a very accurate calibration color correction filter of plastic material.

The different modules that make up the emitter or luminaire are linked together by means of electrical connections for power and signal, pieces of mechanical union with articulating functions and vibration isolators, which allow the fixation of the shape in any given position.

The emitter or luminaire incorporates an external power supply unit, chromatic regulation and electronic control of the luminous flux by means of microprocessors programmed with its own firmware.

The advantages of this innovation, as described throughout this description, are multiple, and can be summarized and grouped into certain aspects.

As for electricity, they have a high light intensity, greater than 750Lux at 3m distance and an electricity consumption of less than 900W In the light aspect, they have a balanced and variable color temperature from daylight 5,600 ⁰ K to incandescence 3,200 ⁰ K. The variation will be continuous in calibrated scale and also by calibrated steps.

It is constituted as a balanced set to be able to shoot with film or video cameras which implies that it will be free of flickering or synchronize flirting at 50Hz or 60Hz; it has a color spectrum of the emitted light adapted to the color space required by film and video cameras; if it emits some type of wave it will not alter the video or sound signal; it has a modulation frequency of the leds greater than 1500Hz; It has a low or no sound level emitted, less than 18dB.

The light intensity will be adjustable from 0 to 100% without variation of color temperature, with a continuous variation in calibrated scale and also by steps calibrated and adjustable by DMX.

As for its physical structure, the light emitter or luminaire is articulated and adaptable to any surface, of reduced thickness, less than 50mm, light (weight less than 5kg kilos the luminaire) and easy to transport, flame retardant, scalable in sizes and in union of several equal units both mechanically and electronically. The same articulation capacity allows it to be fixed in a rigid position and can incorporate side elements as visors. You can also incorporate a ball joint in the central rear position with a spike to be able to be attached to a standard tripod and incorporate different fixing means to insert additional elements such as color filters or other commonly used.

To complement the description that has been made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of this innovation, this descriptive report is accompanied by a set of drawings from which the configuration, operation and advantages will be more easily understood of the claimed invention. Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1.- View of the flexible light emitter Figure 2.- Section of the flexible light emitter Figure 3.- Detail of the LEDs

Figure 4.- View of the flexible light emitter conveniently curved and arched

Description of an embodiment

Figure 1 describes the basic configuration of the flexible light emitter presented in this invention patent, which is specified in a flexible, elastic and reduced thickness sheet structure (1), approximately over a maximum of 50mm, in the which distinguishes three different parts that make up the whole, as also detailed in figure 2. The lower part is formed by a base of plastic fabric (3), combination metal or material of similar characteristics, which acts as a base support and on which extends a similar mesh or structure (2) that is configured as a flexible printed circuit on which the light sources (4) are fixed, composed of LED units and their corresponding electrical circuitry, which are shown in the detail of figure 3, which are covered by an outer protective layer (5), formed by a translucent flame retardant material that allows the protection of LEDs and inter components us.

Figure 4 shows the malleability of this flexible light emitter (1), which can be locked and maintained in a certain position according to the needs of the intended lighting, for which it incorporates the precise means, preferably a mechanical framework that , by means of rods or similar malleable elements arranged in accordance with a predefined model, they confer on the above structure the malleability. This fabric can be part of the structure of the transmitter, coupled to the rear base or be an external auxiliary element as an accessory.

In the same figure 1 the control panel (6) connected to the flexible light emitter (1) is shown by the corresponding wiring (7) and that, thanks to the means of Precise drive (8) allows to regulate and adjust the operation of the flexible light emitter.

Thus, it is not considered necessary to make this description more extensive so that any person skilled in the art understands the scope of the invention and the advantages derived therefrom. The materials, shape, size and arrangement of the elements will be susceptible of variation as long as this does not imply an alteration in the essentiality of the invention. The terms in which this report has been written must always be taken in a broad and non-limiting sense.

Claims

I ^a Flexible light emitter, essentially characterized by being formed by a flexible, elastic and reduced thickness sheet structure (1), approximately 50mm, formed by a base of plastic fabric, combination of metal (3) or material of similar characteristics on which a similar mesh or structure (2) is spread on which the light sources (4) are fixed, composed of LED units and their corresponding electrical circuitry, that is, a flexible printed circuit that incorporates the LEDs and its electronic accessories that are covered by an outer layer of protection (5), consisting of a translucent flame retardant material for the protection of LEDs and internal components.

2 ^a Flexible light emitter, according ^to claim 1, essentially characterized in that the LEDs (4) each incorporate a light focusing lens and its corresponding radiators or heat evacuation systems towards the rear of the device.

3 ^a Flexible light emitter, according to the preceding claims, characterized essentially in that it incorporates the precise means to confer the malleability necessary to lock and fix it in a certain position, these means being preferably a mechanical or similar framework that can be integrated in the same structure of the transmitter, coupled to the rear base, or to be an external auxiliary element as an accessory.

4 ^a Flexible light emitter, according to the preceding claims, characterized essentially in that said emitter can be configured as a luminaire that incorporates in its internal framework a series of light sources constituted by specific sets of LEDs, filtered and electronically controlled in such a way that they allow the emission of a balanced and variable color temperature from daylight 5,600 ⁰ K to incandescence 3,200 ⁰ K. "

5 ^a Flexible light emitter according to the preceding claims, characterized essentially in that this light luminaire can be composed of a number indeterminate modules that allow articulation between them, so that it is possible to have different degrees of flexibility and rigidity according to the needs of uses, each module being composed of a complex aluminum profile, preferably tubular, as mechanical support with functions Heat sink, a microprocessor controlled fan placed at the end of the profile, an aluminum plate that incorporates the electric tracks, electronic components and several high-power LEDs and different colors following a predefined spatial distribution, a set of lenses Fresnel of plastic material and a color correction filter for very precise calibration of plastic material.

6 ^a Flexible light emitter, according to the preceding claims, essentially characterized in that the different modules that make up the emitter or luminaire are connected to each other by means of electrical connections for power and signal, pieces of mechanical union with articulating functions and vibration isolators, which allow fixing the shape in any given position.

7 ^a Flexible light emitter, according to the preceding claims, characterized essentially in that it incorporates a control panel (6) or external microprocessor connected to the flexible light emitter (1) by means of the corresponding wiring (7) and having the actuating means Precise (8) to regulate and adjust the operation of the flexible light emitter.

8 ^a Flexible light emitter, according to the preceding claims, essentially characterized in that the external control microprocessor (6) can act by means of infrared signals or electromagnetic waves, among others, without the need to be physically connected by wiring with the flexible light emitter.

9 ^a Flexible light emitter, according to the preceding claims, characterized essentially in that it has the precise power supplies, either by means of a power source to connect to the mains with the corresponding external current adapter unit, or by battery or any other another way. 10 ^a Flexible light emitter, according to the preceding claims, characterized essentially in that the flexible light emitter incorporates a non-limited series of light sources, basically LEDs or the like with four fundamental colors, red, blue, green and white, from which forms a wide range of shades, providing a visibility angle of approximately 40 °, incorporating diodes, resistors and other elements necessary for its operation and forming a flexible printed circuit.

11 ^a Flexible light emitter, according to the preceding claims, essentially characterized in that the flexible light emitter incorporates a preprogrammed software that controls the said electrical system and regulates the intensity, power, temperature and color of the light, among other parameters .

12 ^a Flexible light emitter, according to the preceding claims, characterized essentially in that the said emitter has one or more potentiometers to regulate the electrical intensity of the LEDs and therefore of the emitted light and incorporates the necessary means to regulate and dissipate heat caused by the intensity of the lights.