WO2010004495A2

WO2010004495A2 - Dynamic color luminaire

Info

Publication number: WO2010004495A2
Application number: PCT/IB2009/052912
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lucas L. D. Van Der Poel
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date: 2008-07-10
Filing date: 2009-07-03
Publication date: 2010-01-14
Also published as: WO2010004495A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device for creating dynamic atmospheres, said lighting device comprising: a plurality of light sources arranged in visually distinct segments,the light sources being adapted to operate in a plurality of color states and the light sources emitting differing colors for each color state,and said lighting device comprising a controller adapted to provide, for each light source, a temporal color transition. Accordingly, an atmosphere is created which can be used in spaces where dynamic color and lighting effects are desired.

Description

Dynamic Color Luminaire

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to a lighting device with changing colors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION One way to create an atmosphere is by generating light effects. For example, this atmosphere creation can be used in spaces where dynamic color and lighting effects are desired. A typical example can be a bathroom in a hotel, but in general the dynamic colored illumination effects can be used in indoor and outdoor environments.

JP2006269105 discloses a lighting device that includes a rotatable printed circuit board in order to provide a tone-adjustable setting function. This is an example of a conventional device wherein color changes are provided by using light with a mechanical device. Other colored light devices are known,in front of which a multiplicity of color filters is provided. The drawback of these filters is that much light is lost and that often the mechanical devices require quite some maintenance. In the past, to make moving colored light beams , robot spots with motors were used, which also have the drawback of high maintenance requirements and high cost. Also, sometimes the motors produce noise, which is not appreciated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the invention aims to provide a lighting atmosphere by using dynamic colored illumination. In another aspect, the invention relates to a device for creating dynamic lighting effects, in particular, including moving light beams. According to an aspect of the invention, a lighting device for creating dynamic atmospheres is provided, said lighting device comprising: a plurality of light sources arranged in visually distinct segments, the light sources being adapted to operate in a plurality of color states, the light sources emitting differing colors for each color state, and a controller adapted to provide, for each light source, a temporal color transition.

According to another aspect, a method of creating dynamic lighting effects is provided, the method comprising: operating a plurality of light sources arranged in a geometrically predefined manner, each source being adapted to operate in a plurality of color states, controlling color states of the light sources, wherein for each light source, a temporal color transition is provided based on a color state of a neighboring light source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment according to the invention;

Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of the embodiments of Figure 1 and Figure 2; Figure 4 schematically shows successive colored states of the lighting device of Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows an additional embodiment; and

Figure 6 schematically shows a method according to an aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Turning to Figure 1, a schematic drawing is shown of a lighting device 1 for creating dynamic atmospheres, implementing light sources 11 housed on a mounting plate 10. In particular, a lighting device 1 is shown that is arranged to create dynamic lighting effects. The lighting device shown comprises light sources 11 arranged in visually distinct segments 12, for instance, separated by a wall 15. Each light source is adapted to operate in a plurality of color states, the light source emitting differing colors for each color state. A color state may be defined by specific CIE XYZ coordinates, or coordinates in any derived color space, e.g. an RGB combination including white and amber (LED) light sources. This defines the perceived coloring of the light, in addition to a controlled intensity of the respective RGB sources 11. Otherwise, the light source may vary the radiated wavelength to generate a specific color in the visible light spectrum. Using colored high brightness leds, including white light, color states of substantially the entire visible color spectrum can be generated within a single visual segment 12 by light sources 11. A controller 13 is adapted to provide, for each light source, a temporal color transition. Herein, a temporal color transition will be defined as a change in color states of a light source that evolves over time. Although according to the present invention, the lighting device 1 may be embodied in various forms, such as separate lighting devices, signage or alarm lights, preferably the device is formed as a luminaire having the light sources arranged in at least three segments 12 around the luminaire's centre (see Fig. 3). The shape and light distribution of this device (luminaire) 1 is such that it allows perfect positioning of the luminaire in the centre of a room at given power connection points. Most rooms (like bathrooms and bedrooms) are equipped in this way.

Where in the embodiment of Figure 1 light sources 11 are shielded by a diffuse cover 14, the embodiment of Figure 2 shows an arrangement wherein the light sources 11 are shielded by a front shield 20 to provide indirect lighting, for example, via the (ceiling) wall 21 to which the device 2 is attached.

Light sources 11 are formed as LED multiplets. Each LED multiplet is arranged to provide compositions of multispectral light, controlled by the controller 13.

As shown in Figure 3, the form of the luminaire is a circle divided in visually distinct segments 12, hereafter called chambers. In this example, the chambers are provided by walls. However, it is conceivable that the chambers are formed optically by focusing optics, said optics confining light from a source to a visually distinct segment. It is possible to provide more chambers 12 than the three illustrated here. The chambers 12 are positioned around a centre point. In each chamber 12 a cluster 11 of three LEDs of different colors is installed. Normally Red, Green and Blue LEDs will be applied. It is however possible to chose an arrangement of colored LEDs which combined, mixed light spectra yield white light with a good color rendering as well. As a result, the luminaire can also be used for static and dynamic general or decorative lighting with white light, which can be dimmed and changed in color temperature. With the three RGB LEDs, possibly including white and amber (LED) light sources, it is possible, by individual dimming of the LEDs, to produce all colors of the rainbow in each individual chamber and provide powerful (colored) lighting as well

For a good uniformity and color mix as well as to increase the efficacy, the optical form of the chamber is important and the inside of the chamber 12 should be made of material that meets reflective requirements as known by optical designers skilled in the art (primary and secondary optics can be applied to reach the required light distribution for this effect).

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the embodiments of Figure 1 and 2. In addition, a controller 13 is provided that controls the coloring of the device 1 according to an aspect of the invention. The controller 13 may be provided, as can be seen in Figure 3, on a mounting plate 10 (printed circuit board) housing essential circuitry for controlling the light sources 11, in particular, as in this example, a plurality of sources of any RGB composition, such as: one or two red high-brightness LED sources, a green and a blue source. Of course, controller 13 may also be provided on different parts of the lighting device 1 or even as a separate unit. Alternatively, other light sources, such as an incandescent light source, may also be used or any other multiprimary light source, or color temperature adjustable light source. More in particular, the light source (in this example comprising an RGB triplet) is adapted to operate in a plurality of color states, wherein a color state is defined by the (composite) light source emitting a specific color. To control the color state, controller 13 is provided, which can inter alia be programmed to drive the light sources to emit a specific color. In particular, the light source 1 can thus operate in different subsequent color states, that is, first, the light source 1 emits a first specific color, and, after a certain time, the light source 1 changes color under control of the controller 13. The controller 13 may be preset by control parameters that may be preprogrammed, but, in a preferred embodiment, may also be uploaded, for example, as an added feature on a remote device (not shown), conventionally used for varying the color. In particular, the color states may be predefined and uploaded via a terminal or wireless data controller. In addition, other control parameters may be preprogrammed or uploadable. For example, the transition dynamics may be variable or presettable. Thus, a user can define the dynamic behavior between subsequent states, so that the state transitions can proceed in a pace and manner that is desired or that fits a certain ambiance. The transition dynamics presetting circuitry may also be part of the controller 13 as depicted here.

Figure 4 shows an example of the device 1 evolving over time. To achieve this, the controller 13 (see Fig. 3) is adapted to render a subsequent color state of each source 11, indicated with the letter 'r', 'g' or 'b' to identify red, green or blue light.

As can be seen in successive Figures A, B and C, the subsequent color state is produced by the neighboring light source having a neighboring color state, to provide a walking source effect. Furthermore, the controller 13 may be provided with a transition dynamics presetting circuit (not shown), for defining the transition dynamics between subsequent states.

Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the lighting device 1. Figure 5 A is a schematic side view; Figure 5B shows a schematic plan view. In this embodiment, a ring 60 of visually distinct segments 61 is provided, the segments being directed in part to the inside of the ring and in part to the outside of the ring. This embodiment is convenient when no central mounting is provided or when lighting effects are provided from a perimeter of a room. In Figure 5 A, it is shown that the segments 61 may be used for indirect illumination. Figure 6 schematically shows a method according to an aspect of the invention. In Step 501, a memory is read by a controller of at least one color state of at least one source. Conveniently, for each light source, a color state is kept in a memory, however, based on a specific color changing algorithm, a single state may suffice to generate subsequent color states of the other light source. Each chamber may be given an individual memory address, but combinations of more chambers on one memory address are also possible. By changing the color per chamber, with the help of lighting controls, a visual rotating effect will be achieved. The effect can be "walking" like a clock but also random effects are possible. This is achieved without mechanical devices.

Then, in a second Step 502, a next color state is calculated for a specified light source. Typically, the light source's next color state may be determined as the current color state of a neighbouring light source. Typically, this color state may be identical to the present color state of a neighbouring light source, however, the calculated next color may slightly deviate from this present neighboring color state according to a predefined algorithm, for instance, to slightly drift through a color spectrum or even to achieve a (pseudo) random color generation.

Accordingly, preferably, for each source a subsequent color state of the source (each source having a neighboring light source having a neighboring color state), is rendered in the color state of the neighboring source to provide a walking source effect.

Finally, in a next step 503, the new color state of the light source is rendered based on the newly calculated color state from step 502.

Accordingly, it is shown that there is provided a method of creating dynamic atmospheres, the method comprising: operating a plurality of light sources arranged in a geometrical predefined manner in a plurality of color states; - controlling color states of the light sources; wherein for each light source, a temporal color transition is provided based on a color state of a neighboring light source. The embodiments in this invention disclosure include lighting devices. The invention is not limited, however, to only light as output, but covers sound (soundscapes), smell, vibration and tactile output as additional modalities as well. It also covers a combination of these output modalities. More in particular, it may be understood that, unless expressly stated otherwise, the invention also covers embodiments, of combined features as described hereinabove.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A lighting device for creating dynamic atmospheres, said lighting device comprising: a plurality of light sources arranged in visually distinct segments, the light sources being adapted to operate in a plurality of color states, and the light sources emitting differing colors for each color state; and a controller adapted to provide, for each light source, a temporal color transition to provide a moving lighting effect.

2. A lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the device is formed as a lighting luminaire having the light sources arranged in at least three segments around the centre of the luminaire.

3. A lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light sources are shielded to provide indirect lighting.

4. A lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light sources are shielded by a diffuse cover.

5. A lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is adapted to render a subsequent color state of each source, each source having a neighboring light source having a neighboring color state, in the color state of the neighboring source.

6. A lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising a transition dynamics presetting circuit, for defining the transition dynamics between subsequent states.

7. A lighting device according to claim 1, wherein light sources are formed as LED multiplets, said LED multiplets being arranged to provide compositions of multispectral light, controlled by the controller.

8. A method of creating dynamic atmospheres, the method comprising: operating a plurality of light sources arranged in a geometrical predefined manner in a plurality of states; controlling color states of the light sources; wherein for each light source, a temporal color transition is provided based on a color state of a neighboring light source.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein for each source, having a neighboring light source having a neighboring color state, a subsequent color state of said source is rendered, inthe color state of the neighboring source to provide a walking source effect.