WO2015057055A2

WO2015057055A2 - Movable daylight simulation lighting apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2015057055A2
Application number: PCT/NL2014/000044
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maarten Bernhard Herman VOORHUIS
Original assignee: Fronthouse Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2013-10-19
Filing date: 2014-11-21
Publication date: 2015-04-23
Also published as: NL1040461C2; WO2015057055A3

Abstract

A movable lighting apparatus having multiple light sources comprising solid-state light units and arranged for the creation of sequences of simulated natural daylight in an indoor environment by controlling the mixing ratios and composition of light output of three types of spectral light, the three types of light comprising physiological light ranging from violet to blue, reading light ranging from green to red and mood light comprising amber colored light, whereby simultaneous emittance of mood light and physiological light is mutual excluded. The sequences are related to a natural daylight cycle of one or more geographical locations.

Description

MOVABLE DAYLIGHT SIMULATING LIGHTING APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a lighting apparatus for creating light with daylight characteristics.

BACKGROUND It is known that for the well-being of human beings, exposure to a certain amount of daylight on a regular basis is important. Often current artificial indoor lighting systems fall short in providing light with characteristics comparable to characteristics of daylight and daylight cycles. This shortcoming may result in disruption of the biological clock or circadian rhythms of an indoor resident, for example one residing in a home or office. Furthermore regular indoor light often leads to an undesired lower state of alertness, concentration, or in the contrary lead to a wake state when sleep state is desired. It is known that intrinsically photosensitive ganglion cells, (hereinafter ipRGC), a type of nerve cells in the retina of the mammalian eye, play an active role in the wake state of a human being, as a result of suppression of melatonin production. ipRGC are a third class of retinal photoreceptors, excited by light even when all influences from classical photoreceptors (rods and cones) are blocked. ipRGC contain the photopigment melanopsin.

Most scientific research suggests that the peak spectral sensitivity of the ipRGC is between 446 and 484 nm and more dominantly in the range 446-477. In 2003 Lockley et at. showed that 460 nm (violet) wavelengths of light suppress melatonin twice as much as 555 nm (green) light, which is the peak sensitivity of the photopic visual system.

In order to increase concentration and alertness, or to overcome for example Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression. SAD is recognized as a common disorder, whereby people experience serious mood changes when the seasons change. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and may also feel depressed. In order to overcome SAD, lighting systems have been developed that help to activate a human subject by using a light frequency that activates the ipRGC in the human eye to suppress melatonin production. ^• Current biological lighting systems, i.e. lighting systems for therapeutically use, are usually aimed at providing a light source for emitting bright light in a certain range of colors. These colors are assumed to have the positive biological effect. The operation of the light is usual manual and under control by the user. In order to attain a maximum effect, these lighting systems are often arranged to radiate the light directly towards the human eyes.

Other lighting systems are known which aim to simulate a natural daylight cycle in an indoor situation. Patent application WO 2008146220A3 by Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV, discloses a lighting system for creating a biological effect induced by light. The biological effect is a different effect than vision. The lighting system comprises a light source to generate light with a varying spectrum, and a driver to drive the light source to successively in time: generate a first spectrum during a first period in time, change the first spectrum into a second spectrum during a second period in time, wherein the second spectrum has the biological effect, and maintain the second spectrum during a third period in time. The duration of the second period in time is selected in a range from 5 seconds to 30 minutes. The first spectrum may not have the biological effect or may have the biological effect to a smaller extent than the second spectrum.

Patent application WO 2009/023968A1 by Universite Laval discloses an artificial light system for modulating circadian rhythms, increasing vigilance and influencing light- associated psychological conditions such as SAD. The system comprises a source of a green and/or red light and a source of blue light both light sources being controlled by a computer to provide predetermined light conditions. More specifically, the computer is programmed to provide pulses of blue light and continuous or pulsed red light, to enhance the efficacy of blue light, reduce blue-light hazard and avoid stroboscopic effect. Patent application WO 2010/122446A1 by Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV discloses a method and an illumination device arranged for reducing sleep inertia and/or for controlling alertness of a human being. The illumination device is arranged for reducing sleep inertia and/or controlling alertness by light radiation. The illumination device comprises one or more light sources for generating a first illumination output in the range of 590-770 nm and a second illumination output in the range of 400-560 nm. The illumination device comprises a controller configured for controlling the one or more light sources to expose said eye of said human being to the first illumination output during a first time interval and to the second illumination output during a second time interval. The second time interval terminates at a later point in time than the first time interval. The time intervals are selected such that at least one of the first and second time interval is iess than 60 seconds.

Patent application WO 2008/146219A1 by Koninkiijke Philips Electronics NV discloses a method and a system for emitting light that can provide a desired light-induced physiological stimulus and a desired luminous stimulus. The light can be controlled to vary the physiological stimulus within a predetermined first range while maintaining the luminous stimulus within a predetermined second range that is useful for a number of self and/or space illumination applications. For example, an apparatus may include a controller for controlling the drive currents supplied to a plurality of light-emitting elements having different spectral characteristics, wherein the combination of currents is controlled such that the mixed light emitted is associated with the desired physiological and luminous stimuli. Patent application EP 2242335A1 by Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, discloses a lighting apparatus capable of regulating the amount of light in a wavelength range inhibiting melatonin secretion which is emitted from a luminous portion in a direction toward eyes of a user to change an influence on the inhibition of melatonin secretion, and performing adequate lighting in accordance with time or a lifestyle of the user. The lighting apparatus is configured such that first luminous portions and second luminous portions having different light distribution characteristics are used, and respective luminous intensities of the first luminous portions and the second luminous portions are controlled by a control portion to change the amount of light in the wavelength range inhibiting melatonin secretion which is emitted in a predetermined direction from the first luminous portions and the second luminous portions. As a result, by changing the amoun† of light emitted in the direction (predetermined direction) toward the eyes of the user in a normal usage mode, it is possible to regulate the amount of the light in the wavelength range inhibiting melatonin secretion which enters the eyes of the user to change the influence on the inhibition of melatonin secretion, and also perform adequate lighting in accordance with time or the lifestyle of the user.

Patent application JP 2001/257083A by Hitachi Ltd., discloses a first lighting lamp corresponding to the light amount of the sunlight from sunrise to sunset and a second lighting lamp of a different light color system corresponding to the light amount of the suniight after sunset till sunrise. And it is equipped with lighting sensors for measuring the transitional change of the light amount of the sunlight and giving the lighting inside the building same atmosphere lighting as that of day and night.

Patent application WO 2006/133772A2 by Zumtobel Lighting GmbH, discloses an assembly for illuminating a space that is designed to accommodate people. Said assembly comprises light sources for emitting a light component that assists human vision and a light component that promotes the biological well-being of a person. The emission surface for the latter light component is configured to diffuse the light and is located above the line of vision, or said second light component is emitted in such a way that it illuminates a vertical wall area which is situated at least above the eye line of a seated person and in particular above the eye line of a standing person. Patent application JP 2000/260580A by Matsushita Electric Industry Co Ltd, discloses an indoor lighting system equipped with high-position luminaires disposed on upper parts of a room, low-position luminaires disposed on lower parts thereof, and a control part 6 for controlling the turning-on, dimming, and turning-off of the luminaires by using a timer. When the color temperature of the high-position luminaires is designated as K1 and the color temperature of the low-position luminaires as K2, K1 and K2 are in the relation of K1>K2, and the high-position luminaires is controlled so as to be lighted during the daytime, while the low-position luminaires to be lighted during night times. The color temperature K1 of the high-position luminaires is set to 5,000 K or higher, while the color temperature K2 of the low-position luminaires is set to 3,500 K or lower.

Patent US 6,126,294 by Matsushita Electric Works Ltd, discloses portable lighting equipment being applied to the human head, that illuminates the human eyes around from the lighting source. The equipment consists of binding part that binds the sides of a user's head, fitting part that mounts the part and supporter that is extended from the fitting part so as to position the lighting device in front of the face.

Some of the above mentioned prior art disclose lighting systems comprising Light- Emitting Diodes a possible light source. The employment of Light-Emitting Diodes and other solid state lightings have clear advantages, such as energy efficiency, durability and choice in colors. The current lighting systems comprising only LEDs as light source, however, still provide no optimal substitute for natural daylight. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a lighting apparatus, using solid-state lighting elements, such as Light-Emitting Diodes, Organic Light-Emitting Diodes and Polymer Light-Emitting Diodes (PLED), which optimizes the characteristics of the emitted light in order to maximize the well-being of indoor residents (hereinafter referred to as subjects), according to a desired wake state of the subject. The characteristics of the emitted light comprises the mixing ratio of the luminous flux (hereinafter referred to • as light output) of each element or group of elements (hereinafter referred to as light units) and the composition of the colors of the emitted light. Preferably the optimization is time and/or location dependent.

The object is realized by providing a movable lighting apparatus (hereinafter referred to as MLA), which is arranged for controlling mixing ratios of light output of three types of light in a controllable composition, preferably in the visible spectrum and divided in:

- light with a physiological effect, i.e. light with characteristics which have a biological or therapeutically effect or which support alertness or a wake state (hereinafter referred to as physiological light); the preferred color of choice of physiological light ranges from violet to blue.

- light which is needed for reading, i.e. light with characteristics especially useful for reading and comparable activities, (hereinafter referred to as reading light). The preferred color of choice of reading light ranges from green to red;

- light with a mood effect, i.e. light with characteristics which create a certain ambiance, such as candle light (hereinafter referred to as mood light). The preferred color of choice for mood light is amber. The three types of light are usually present in natural earth daylight, but in this natural daylight, the light may vary in composition and mixing ratio in dependence of the time of day and the time of year. It is also known that the mixing ratio and composition varies per geographical location (including latitude and longitude) on the planet.

The present invention enables the creation of simulated natural daylight in an indoor environment, by controlling the mixing ratio of colors of the three types of light and by controlling the mixing ratio of the light output of each of the three types of light, in order to effectuate the desired effects of the three types of light as much as possible.

More particular, the invention provides one or more light sequences which correspond to natural situation(s). A typical light sequence produced by the MLA simulating a day light sequence in a Western country such as The Netherlands is described as follows. At sunrise first a warm yellowish light is emitted. Later in the morning bluish light is added to the yellowish light. The activating bluish light is continued throughout the day until sunset. When the sun sets, a pleasant dimmed, ambient light (amber colored) is emitted, which is aimed at relaxation and preparation for sleeping instead of alertness and work. The indirect ambient light is also increased as this is experienced as more pleasant also.

The MLA is arranged to substantial mutually exclude the emittance of activating light and ambient light, because it is discovered herein that these types of light have a conflicting effect on the subject, which, when emitted together, would cancel each other and therefore create substantially less activation or relaxation.

Employing solid-state light units in the invention has many advantages. Hereinafter LEDs will be discussed as a preferred light unit for providing the light source of the proposed lighting apparatus. The advantages of LEDs comprise:

- Energy efficiency. LEDs are now capable of outputting 135 lumen/watt. The ratio is quite constant over a large power range;

- Long lifetime. A lifetime of 50,000 hours or more is possible if properly engineered

- Rugged. LEDs are called Solid State Lighting (SSL) as they are made of solid material with no filament or tube or bulb to break and therefore difficult to damage with external shock, unlike fluorescent and incandescent bulbs which are fragile;

- No warm-up period. LEDs light instantly i.e. in nanoseconds; - Not affected by cold temperatures. LEDs "like" low temperatures and will startup even in subzero weather;

- Directional. LED light can be directed where you want it, thus no light is wasted;

- Excellent Color Rendering. LEDs do not wash out colors like other light sources such as fluorescents;

- Environmentally friendly. LEDs contain no mercury or other hazardous substances;

- Controllable. LEDs can be controlled for brightness and color.

- LEDs are ideal for use in applications that are subject to frequent on-off cycling, unlike fluorescent lamps that burn out more quickly when cycled frequently, or ),

High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps that require a long time before restarting.

- LEDs can very easily be dimmed or strobed

- LEDs mostly fail by dimming over time, rather than the abrupt burn-out of incandescent bulbs;

- LEDs do not contain mercury, unlike compact fluorescent lamps

- LEDs can be very small and are easily populated onto printed circuit boards.

LEDs are relatively small in comparison to Incandescent bulbs, Xenon rigid-loop, festoon and wedge base bulbs, fluorescent tubes, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and HID bulbs. Therefore, a compact configuration of multiple light units is possible, which provides sufficient design freedom in order to build a lighting apparatus which is easy to integrate in a home or office environment.

- LEDs are silent

- LEDs may be located away from a power supply;

- LEDs are currently more expensive when calculating price per lumen on an initial capital cost basis, than more conventional lighting technologies. However, when considering the total cost of ownership (including energy and maintenance costs), LEDs far surpass incandescent or halogen sources;

There are also known disadvantages of LEDs, being:

- LED performance largely depends on correctly engineering the fixture to manage the heat generated by the LED, which causes deterioration of the LED chip itself. Over-driving the LED or not engineering the product to manage heat in high ambient temperatures may result in overheating of the LED package, eventually leading to device failure. Adequate heat-sinking is required to maintain long life. The most common design of a heat sink is a metal device with many fins, which conducts the heat away from the LED.

- LEDs can shift color due to age and temperature. Also two different white LED will have two different color characteristics, which affect how the light is perceived.

Because of the negative influence of heat on the lifespan of solid state lighting units it is a further object of the invention to optimize heat management of the solid state light units.

Because color change due to deterioration of a solid state light unit of the MLA is unwanted it is a further object of the present invention to provide a construction which makes replacement of light units easier.

LEDs were first used for signal lighting, such as in a dashboard and later in tail lamps. In the past few years several companies have developed high power LEDs which are extremely bright and can now be used in applications that require a high light output, such as street lighting and task lighting. These are often referred to as "lighting class LEDs" or high power LEDs.

A special class of LEDs comprise Surface Mount Device LEDS or SMD LEDs. Specifically, it is a light-emitting diode that is mounted onto and soldered onto a circuit board. An SMD LED is quite small since it has no leads or surrounding packaging that comes with a standard LED. This means it is best handled, not by a human, but by automated assembly equipment. An SMD LED also has a wide viewing angle, thanks to the fact that it does not have the standard LED's epoxy enclosure that focuses the beam.

Benefits of SMD LED are:

- SMD LED gives high brightness while it has lower power consumption than of a normal LED.

- Under proper current and voltage condition, the life span of SMD LED can reach up to 100.000 hrs. - Compared with the other LED, the optical decay reduce from 10% to 5% in 1000hrs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures show views of embodiments in accordance with the present invention.

FIGURE a shows a rear view of an embodiment of the invented movable lighting apparatus.

FIGURE 1b shows a side view of an embodiment of the invented movable lighting apparatus.

FIGURE 2 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the invented movable lighting apparatus.

FIGURE 3 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a lighting fixture of the invented movable lighting apparatus.

FIGURE 4a shows a first graphical representation of a sequence of composition and color and mixing ratio of light output appropriate when an after-lunch short nap is desired.

FIGURE 4b shows a second graphical representation of a sequence of composition and color and mixing ratio of light output appropriate when subject desires to work during day time.

FIGURE 4c shows a third graphical representation of a sequence of composition and color and mixing ratio of light output appropriate when a subject desires to work during a night shift.

FIGURE 5 shows an embodiment of a user interface i.e. a control knob for operating the invented movable lighting apparatus.

FIGURE 6 shows an embodiment of a base of the invented movable lighting apparatus FIGURE 7 shows a diagram of the relation between the amount and angle of light hitting the human-eye and its physiological effect.

FIGURE 8, 9 and 10 show software flows enabling the functions of an automated sequence, presets and a demonstration-mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention is now described by the following aspects and embodiments, with reference to the figures.

Figure 1a and Figure 1b show two views of the same embodiment of an example of the invented MLA 100. Figure 1a shows a view from behind and Figure 1b shows a side view of the MLA 100. The MLA 100 comprises a foot 110 (hereinafter referred to as base) and a tube like member 120 for holding the lampshade assembly or lighting fixture 140 (hereinafter referred to as fixture). Figure 1b Inside the fixture 140 an arrangement 144 (see figure 3) is provided which allows a horizontal tube part 126 of the tube like member 120 to be inserted in the housing of the fixture 140. This enables the fixture 140 to be slided along the length of the horizontal tube part 126. In Figure 1b, sliding would mean sliding of the fixture 140 from left to right and vice versa. By sliding the fixture 140, an extension of preferably around 9-10 cm is possible. This enables adjusting of the light sources in relation to the position of the subject's eyes, without having to move the base 110. A preferred height of the MLA 100 is between 180 cm and 200 cm. This allows to position the light sources of the MLA above eye-level of a sitting subject representative for a grown-up of normal length. In addition, the base 110 may be rotated preferably around 10 degrees clock-wise and counter clock wise. The detailed components of the example of the invented MLA 100 are described in figure 2.

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the invented MLA 100. The components comprise a tube like member 120. The tube like member 120 comprises a vertical lower tube part 123, a bended lower tube part 122 and a horizontal lower tube part 121 , which connects the tube-like member 120 to the base 110 by inserting the horizontal lower tube part 121 in a tube holder of the base 110. The tube like member 120 further comprises an upper vertical tube part 124, a bended upper tube part 125 and a horizontal upper tube part 126, which is partly inserted in fixture 140. The tube like member further comprises a rotatable cylindrical knob 130 for controlling the MLA. The knob 130 is connected to the lower tube part 123 with a fitting and to the vertical upper tube part 124 with a fitting. The fittings allow the knob to be rotated around the vertical axis of vertical upper and lower tube parts 123 and 124. The horizontal tube part 126 further comprises a spiral spring 127 for removably connecting the fixture 140 to the tube like member 120 and for allowing the fixture to rotate around the horizontal upper tube part 126. Figure 3 shows a fixture of the invented lighting apparatus.

The fixture 140 is constructed such that a housing may be provided with a relatively small size, an optimal light distribution (sideways, downward and upward) and a construction which makes optimal positioning of the MLA 100 relative to the working space and/or the user possible. The fixture 140 comprises the following elements. A printed circuit board 141 which is preferably printed double sided, is provided comprising multiple arrays of light sources (not shown) at the underside and the upper side for emitting light in the described ranges and at the described light output.

The light sources comprise preferably LED light units, each with a viewing angle of 120 degrees. The use of power LEDs and the compact packaging of multiple LEDs leads to generation of heat, which is preferably to be dissipated in order to prevent a shortened life span of the LEDs. Therefore, at the upper side, a preferably passive cooling system is provided comprising a heat sink (heat exchanger) 142 with multiple straight cooling fins 143. The fins 143 are positioned vertically in such a manner as to provide optimal cooling capacity. An airflow is possible through the fins 143, therefore enabling dissipation of hot air and supply of air with a lower temperature (hereinafter referred to as cool air). The printed circuit board 141 is also provided with slots 141a for air flow which improves heat dissipation even more. The configuration of the fins 143 is such that room is left for mounting multiple light sources comprising (power) LED light units which provide indirect light by emitting light output in an upward direction. The fixture 140 is further provided with a holder 144 for slideably and rotatably connecting the tube like member 120 to the fixture 140. The fixture 140 may be slid by moving it horizontally along the length of the horizontal upper tube part 126 of the tube like member 120. The fixture 140 may be fixed in a first position or a second position e.g. 9 cm apart from the first position, or in any position in between. An outer shade 145 is provided for further covering the fixture and serving as an aesthetic feature. An inner shade 146 is provided for holding a diffuser plate 147 such as a 3 mm thick acrylic plate, e.g. a Pyraled plate, with a light transmission of approximately 64%. The Pyraled plate comprises nanoparticles which diffuse the light from the LEDs without losing too much light capacity. The diffuser plate increases the viewing angle of the LEDs even more, up to approximately 80 degrees. The upper side may also be covered with a similar diffuser plate 148 for increasing the viewing angle of the upper light sources to approximately 180 degrees. A separation ring 148a is provided to prevent direct contact of the diffuser plate 148 with the heat sink 142. The combination of the LED units and the positioning of the diffuser plates leads to an almost seamless transition of direct light shining downwards and indirect light shining upwards. Furthermore the diffuser plates prevent blinding of a user when looking into the light units. The diffuser plates also provide a smooth surface illumination, without sharp contours instead of a spotlight like illumination. Last but not least the diffuser plates provide protection against dust and access to the heat sink and light units by the user for safety reasons and form an aesihetical element of the fixture.

The inner shade is positioned within the circumference of the outer shade and leaves an air gap for relatively cool air to flow into the fixture and through the heat sink to dissipate the hot air generated by the light units.

The printed circuit board preferably comprises besides the Light units the control unit comprising drivers, a central processor unit, a controller for the timer-functionality with a battery, a memory unit for storing presets and optionally data logs. The memory may comprise a flash memory. The printed circuit board is connected to a USB port, and has sockets for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules.

Figure 4a This sequence is typical for a non-working subject. This sequence is inspired by a natural rhythm of sunlight. In addition it allows a subject to have a 'non-activating' after-noon nap (of about 30 minutes, as longer would disrupt levels of melatonin in the human body).

Figure 4b This sequence is typical for a working subject. This sequence is inspired by a natural rhythm of sunlight. Activating during the day.

Figure 4c This sequence is typical for a subject working the night shift. Normally a subject sleeps deepest from 02.00 hrs till 04.00 hrs.. Especially at that time activating light will keep a subject awake (making less mistakes), and sleep better after the night shift.

Figure 4a,4b,4c show example day cycles of the controlled light of the present invented movable lighting apparatus (MLA). The abbreviation TP refers to the timpe periods as mentioned in the below tables. The scale 0 to 100 means the light output of the light sources dedicated to the ranges of colored light. The diamond indicated lines refer to cool white light (physiological light), the square indicated lines refer to warm light (alkso reading light) and the triangle indicated line refer to amber light (ambient light). The MLA allows controlling of color temperature and controlling of light output independently. The use of at least three light sources, each directed to a light output of a range of colors makes it possible to use dedicated LEDs for maximum energy efficiency, cost efficiency, the employment of dedicated drivers, easy control and durability.

Optimally the configuration of the light sources according to the invention is arranged for providing light output of the ranges of color temperature according to the following ratio: Activating cool white light - about 6.500 kelvin, dominant in 440 to 500Nm range of the spectrum, peeking around 470Nm - versus more relaxing warm white light - about 2.700 kelvin, dominant in the 550 to 700Nm range of the spectrum - versus cozy amber colored light - R,G,B: 255,191 ,0 - is 6:3:1 (six versus three versus one). The maximum light output of the MLA is preferably at least 5.000 lumen cool white, 2.500 lumen warm light, and 800 lumen amber colored light.

Typically a combination of cool white and amber does not occur, as they are mutual excluded in real life situations. The maximum amount of light output is therefore around 7.500 lumen, for example by using both cool white and warm white light fully (i.e. without dimming). The MLA allows mixing these 3 different light characteristics independent of each other gradually during the day. Hereinafter a typical sequence of light output (a daylight cyclus) is described.

By means of example figure 4b a sequence is described in more detail hereinafter. The morning typically starts with a low level warm white light (10%), increasing in intensity from 06.00 hrs. onwards to 100%. Cool white light is added at around 07.30 hrs. peeking at around 10.00 hrs. to 100%. The cool white light will remain at 100% until about 16.00 and then steeply decreases to 0% at 17.30. The level of warm light will decrease starting from 18.00 hrs. to 10% at 19.30 hrs. i.e. sunset which is typically between 17.00 and 19.00 hrs. in e.g. The Netherlands (depending on seasonal influences). In the evening from 19.00 hrs. amber colored light is added for a more relaxing atmosphere (inspired by a real sun-down, for relaxing purposes). From 21.00 hrs. onwards a mix of 100% amber and 20% warm light remains till night. At night very low levels of light are emitted, being 3% warm white light and 20% amber colored light. In addition, typically the lights are switched of an the subject goes to bed.

The mentioned hours are, although stated with minutes, merely indications and vary typically around half an hour or more. In short, a typical day for a day working subject (not night- shift), warm light starts the day followed by cool white light. Cool white light goes down first totally, followed by a decreased warm white light. The day ends adding amber colored light, which continues during the night till early morning.

Warm white light is present, day and night whenever the MLA is switched on. Cool white light is only present during the day (typically from 8 till 17 hrs.). Amber colored light is oniy present in the evening and night when the MLA is switched on.

The invented MLA r akes it possible to bring as much light in an indoor situation as a human being requires naturally (900+ lux on eye-level within a radius of one meter around the MLA). Furthermore the MLA enables to simulate a natural daylight rhythm according to what the user is used to or requires at any moment he wishes. The user may for example be used to a light cycle which is at home in a different country different form the location where the user is at the moment. This is for example especially useful when the user wants to prevent a jetlag caused by a different or shifted daylight cycle. The MLA may regulate the amount of light and the color ranges automatically, or under complete control of the user. The user may also make use of preset cycles.

For controlling purpose the LED are split into two arrays, such that an intensity difference within its own spectrum can be created. The first part is the blue "cold" part of spectrum, the second part is the yellow-red "warm" part. The MLA is fitted with a microprocessor to regulate the LED-array's, With the help of an internal clock and a small piece of code the lamp is able to follow a dynamic day pattern. This pattern is two dimensional. First dimension is intensity of the light (light output), the second is the color temperature. The microprocessor controls the color temperature and total light intensity slowly over time via intensity of the two arrays. For example; making the lamp follow a dynamic day like pattern, soft warm-white (part 1 at 40%, part 2 at 40%) in the morning, to intense cold white (part 1 at 100%, part 2 at 80%) in the midday to warm-white (part 1 at 50%, part 2 at 60%) in the evening.

Figure 5 shows a control knob according to the invented MLA 100. The MLA comprises a base 110 and a preferably tube like member 120 for holding the fixture 140. For easy access to the control function of the MLA 100, a cylinder shaped rotatable knob 30 is provided. The knob 30 is rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the tube like member 120. By rotating the knob 130, preferably by clicking the knob in a counter clock wise direction when viewed from the top to the bottom, the following presets are selectable. The numbers in the drawing correspond to positions of the knob 30.

131 : Position 1 : lights off;

132: Position 2 : Preset for simulating the most realistic or natural sequence, e.g. the current natural daylight cycie. When set in this position, the MLA will automatically follow a preprogrammed sequence. The position is represented on the knob by a heart shape;

133: Position 3 : Preset for simulating a typical morning light illumination;

134: Position 4 : Preset for simulating a typical midday light illumination;

135: Position 5: Preset for simulating a typical evening illumination, or the end of the afternoon until sunset;

136: Position 6 : Preset for creating an ambient illumination;

137: Position 7 : Demonstration mode, in which the sequence of position 2 is demonstrated in an accelerated rate.

The knob further comprises an indicator 138 to indicate the selected position of the knob. Figure 6 shows an example base of the MLA. The base 110 of the MLA 100 is constructed in such a way that the lighting fixture is supported via the tube-like member 120. The base 110 is of sufficient weight and size to support the MLA 100 in every position of the fixture 40 in case of an embodiment wherein the fixture is slidable into a retracted position and into an extracted position and every position in between.

The base 1 0 comprises the following elements. A bottom plate 12 with at the underside a layer of felt 111 for preventing damage to for example a wooden floor. A rotation plate 113 with a plainbearing for enabling rotation of the MLA 100 on its base 110 without having to rotate the bottom of the base 110 which is in close contact to the floor. On top of the rotation plate 113 a base plate 114 is provided, for example for housing electronic equipment for operation of the MLA 100, such as a power supply (not shown) connected with a power line (not shown) for plugging into a wall socket (not shown). On the bases plate 114 a holder 115 with cover 116 is provided for attaching the tube like member 120 to the base 110. Finally a cover plate 117 is provided for covering the base plate. Figure 7 Physiological effects occur if high levels of cool white light hit the human eye at the right angle (203), triggering ipRGC (ganglion cells) in the retina of the eye (200). The optimum is reached when light hits the eye from an angle between 90 degrees (horizontal) (at 202) and 45 degrees upward. Given the dimensions of the MLA in combination with the 7500 lumens emitted with right angle, one should measure at least 900 !ux (at 205) next to eye (200) of a subject, using a lux meter (206). 201 indicate 90 degrees (vertical) and 202 indicates 90 degrees (horizontal). Figure 8 Shows how the software flows for Position 2 as described at figure 5. First, the User Interface (U.I.) is selected to position 2. Then, daytime, is taken as input to lookup values in the matrix.

The matrix has light-output (LO) on the horizontal axis for 6 led-groups. Three LED group are directed downwards (d), and three are directed upwards (u). So there is L01d, L02d, L03d, L01u, L02u, L03u, where group one is warm white light (2.700 Kelvin), group two cool white light (6.500 Kelvin) en group three amber coloured light (R.G.B: 255,191 ,0).

The matrix has 100 timestamps (TS) displayed on the vertical axis making up one natural lighting sequence. In additional, latitude and longitude, can be switched on and off in the software, influencing two timestamps (likely TS0 and TS99). The latitude and longitude together determine sun-up and sun-down moments (TS0 and TS99) dependent on seasonal influences.

Next, the output values are sent to six LED groups for a subject to receive a natural light sequence.

A sensor in the printed circuit board detects if the temperature gets near critical, then linear interpolation will dim the LED-groups. If the sensor detects a critical temperature (typically above 85 degrees Celsius) the LED-groups will be switched Off.

Figure 9 shows the software flow of Position 3,4,5,6 as described with Figure 5. Presets are selected with the U.I. which determine looking up values in the matrix. The matrix has light output values for the six LED-groups, generation a fixed light setting. Figure 10 shows the software flow of Position 7 as described in Figure 5. The Demonstration mode is selected with the U.I.. The same matrix is used as under Position2 as described with Figure 8. Now, the 100 Timestamp are accelerated by a certain factor, thus selecting output values faster, showing an accelerated natural sequence.

The invention is summarized in a first aspect as a movable lighting apparatus, comprising:

- multiple light sources arranged for generating artificial light composed of a range of spectral coiors;

- the artificial light comprising light output of the multiple light sources in a mixing ratio;

- each of the multiple light sources comprising one or more solid-state light units;

- a first light source of the multiple light sources arranged for generating a first light output (L01) in a first color range from green to red;

- a second light source of the multiple light sources arranged for generating a second light output (L02) in a second color range from violet to blue;

- a control unit arranged for controlling the multiple light sources in a sequence, wherein the mixing ratio of the light output of the multiple light sources is varied over time, wherein:

- a third light source of the multiple light sources is arranged for generating a third light output (L03) in a third color range comprising amber;

- the first light output has a dominant range of wavelengths from 550-700 nm;

- the second light output has a dominant range of wavelengths from 440-500 nm, and a peak light output around 465 nm;

- the control unit is further arranged for controlling the mixing ratio of the multiple light output of the light sources;

- the control unit is further arranged for automatically controlling the multiple light sources in a sequence, wherein the sequence comprises that the third light output is only generated when the second light output is below a first threshold and the second light output is only generated when the third light output is below a second threshold.

The embodiments of the first aspect comprise that:

The color amber corresponds to the additive color according to an additive color system based on a composition of colors with values for red (R), green (G) and blue (B), said values ranging from 0 to 255, wherein R=255, G= 91 and B=0. The first threshold is adjustable and preferably 3 to 7 Ix and the second threshold is adjustable and preferably 3 to 7 Ix.

The mixing ratio of the light output of the multiple light sources is varied over time in dependence of any one of the group comprising:

- Mixing ratio of light output and composition of colors of natural light representative for the geographical location of the movable lighting apparatus.

- Mixing ratio of light output and composition of colors of natural light representative for a location different from the geographical location of the movable lighting apparatus.

The first light source is arranged for generating the first light output (L01) having a color temperature in the dominant range from 2700-3000K.

The second light source is arranged for generating the second light output (L02) having a color temperature in the dominant range from 5000-6500K;

The light units are arranged for generating a total light output from 0 Im to at least 7000 Im.

The second light source is arranged for a luminous emittance from 0 Ix to at least 900 Ix.

The movable lighting apparatus wherein the mixing ratio of the first light output (L01), the second light output (L02) and the third light output (L03), is approximately according to the formula L01 :L02:L03 = 6:3:1.

The movable lighting apparatus comprises one or more sensors for registering input parameters related to the operation of the movable lighting apparatus, a processor for processing the parameters and a memory for storing the parameters.

The input parameters comprise any one of the group of parameters comprising:

- a manually switching the movable lighting apparatus on and off;

- a manual adjustment of the first of second set of characteristics;

- a movement of the movable lighting apparatus;

- a change of location of the movable lighting apparatus;

- a change of orientation of the one or more light sources;

- a change of height of the one or more light sources;

- a change of environment of the movable lighting apparatus;

- a change of the environmental light of the movable lighting apparatus;

- a change of location or presence of a user of the lighting apparatus;

- a change of orientation of the head of the user; - a change of orientation of the eyes of the user and

- a pupillary response of the user in response of a change of light output and/or composition of colors of the light.

- a personal setting of the user

- a health condition of the user.

- information indicative of an amount of light received by the user.

The solid-state iighi units are arranged for dividing the light output in a first and a second direction.

The second direction is opposite to the first direction.

The first direction is towards a working area, such as a table or a floor.

The second direction is towards a ceiling or a wall.

The light output in the second direction comprises 20-35 percent of the total light output of the movable lighting apparatus.

The movable lighting apparatus further comprising any of the types of luminaire of the group comprising:

- a freestanding luminaire;

- a floor standing luminaire;

- a table standing luminaire;

- a standard luminaire;

- or a luminaire arranged for generating indirect light;

- a suspended luminaire;

- a surface-mounted luminaire.

The second light source is arranged for being positioned above the eye level of a sitting user, in such a manner, that the second light output (L02) is directed downwards to the eyes of a sitting user.

The solid state light units of the second light source have a viewing angle of at least 120 degrees, whereas the movable lighting apparatus comprises a diffuser means arranged for diffusing the light output of the light units such, that the viewing angle of the second light source is increased to at least 170 degrees. Viewing angles are measured so that the line along half the viewing-angle from directly forward is half the brightness as at directly forward.

The diffuser means comprises a diffusor plate, such as a Pyraled plate with a thickness of approximately 3 mm, which is arranged for covering one or more light units at the light output side. The control unit is arranged for controlling the movable lighting apparatus remotely. The control unit is arranged for being upgraded with new scenes and/or settings.

The control unit is arranged for logging data in the memory, whereby said data can be read out remotely.

Software of the control unit is arranged for being upgraded locally or remotely.

The movable lighting apparatus comprises:

- a light fixture comprising the light units;

- a substantially tubular shaped stand for holding the light fixture;

- a base arranged for holding the stand and arranged for housing electronics which are arranged for operating the light units;

- a user interface integrated in the movable lighting apparatus.

The user interface (Ul) comprises a form fitting and substantially tubular shaped rotation knob integrated in the stand, wherein said knob is arranged for being rotatable around the axis of the stand.

The user interface comprises one or more pre-sets of the group comprising:

- switching on/off;

- sunrise;

- daylight;

- sunset;

- evening.

The light units are modular and/or scalable.

The movable lighting apparatus comprises a lighting fixture comprising:

- a printed circuit board;

- multiple solid state light sources mounted on the printed circuit board;

■ - a heat sink mounted on the printed circuit board.

A first set of the multiple solid state light sources is mounted on the upper side of the printed circuit board and a second set is mounted on the underside of the printed circuit board.

The first set of light sources of the multiple light sources comprises a set of light sources for emitting the first light output (L01) and the second set of light sources of the multiple light sources comprise a set of light sources for emitting the second light output (L02) and/or the third light output (L03). The lighting fixture is arranged for being removably and slidably mounted on a tube like upper part of the substantially tubular shaped stand for holding the light fixture.

The lighting fixture is arranged for being slidable along a substantially horizontal end part of the tube like upper part.

The substantially tubular shaped stand for holding the light fixture is removably and slidably mounted on a base.

The control unit comprises:

- a central processor unit;

- one or more drivers for the solid state light units;

- a controller for the timer-functionality;

- a memory unit, such as a flash memory unit arranged for storing presets and/or data logs.

The multiple solid-state light sources comprise any one of the group comprising:

- Light-Emitting Diodes;

- Organic Light-Emitting Diodes and

- Polymer Light-Emitting Diodes (PLED).

The control unit is integrated in a building automation system, such as a home automation system.

In a second aspect of the invention a control unit is proposed, arranged for controlling multiple light sources arranged for generating artificial light composed of a range of spectral colors, wherein:

- the artificial light comprises light output of the multiple light sources in a mixing ratio;

- each of the multiple light sources comprise one or more solid-state light units;

- a first light source of the multiple light sources is arranged for generating a first light output (LO1) in a first color range from green to red;

- a second light source of the multiple light sources is arranged for generating a second light output (LO2) in a second color range from violet to blue;

- the control unit is arranged for controlling the multiple light sources in a sequence, wherein the mixing ratio of the light output of the multiple light sources is varied over time, wherein - a third light source of the multiple light sources is arranged for generating a third light output (LO3) in a third color range comprising amber;

- the first light output has a dominant range of wavelengths from 550-700 nm;

The embodiments of the first aspect comprise that:

The sequence comprises varying the mixing ratio (LO1 ,LO2,LO3) in percentage of the sum of the light output (LO1+LO2+LO3) over sequential time periods (TP1-TP14) according to any one of the tables A-C, comprising:

Table A

Table B

Color TP1 TP2 TP4 TP5 TP6 TP7

(sunrise) (morning (afternoon) (sunset) (evening) (night)

LO1 10-10 100-100 100-100 70-70 20-20 5-5

Warm

White

LO2 0-0 50-50 100-100 0-0 0 - 0 0 - 0 Cool

white

LO3 10-10 0-0 0 - 0 25-25 100-100 10-10 Amber

Table C

In a second aspect of the invention a building automation system such as a home automation system is proposed, comprising the invented movable lighting apparatus or the invented control unit.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY This invention may be used as a lighting apparatus for solely providing an illumination with a therapeutic effect on its user, or providing sufficient illumination to create an optimal work space, or providing an ambient illumination of e.g. a living room, or providing any combination of the above types of illumination. The lighting apparatus is preferably constructed such that it is easily movable, in order to illuminate the area where it is most desired. The apparatus provides a cost efficient alternative for, and improvement of fixed lighting fixtures, built in e.g. ceilings, or fixed to ceilings, or walls, with various types of illumination.

Claims

1. A movable lighting apparatus, comprising:

- multiple light sources arranged for generating a light output composed of a range of spectral colors in a mixing ratio;

- a first light source of the multiple light sources arranged for generating a first light output (L01) in a first color range from green to red in a dominant range of wavelengths from 550-700 nm;

- a second light source of the multiple light sources arranged for generating a second light output (L02) in a second color range from violet to blue in a dominant range of wavelengths from 440-500 nm, and a peak light output around 465 nm;

- a third light source of the multiple light sources arranged for generating a third light output (L03) in a third color range comprising amber;

- a control unit arranged for controlling the mixing ratio in a sequence varying over time, characterized in that

The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multiple light sources are arranged for dividing the light output in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction;

- the control unit is further arranged for automatically controlling the multiple light sources in a sequence, wherein the sequence comprises that the third light output is only generated when the second light output is below a first threshold and the second light output is only generated when the third light output is below a second threshold. 2. The movable lighting apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that the light units are arranged for generating a total light output from 5000 Im to 7500 Im.

3. The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized m that the light output in the second direction is emitted from- one or more light sources of the multiple light sources, said one or more sources positioned at the upper side of the movable lighting apparatus, whereby said one or more light sources comprise a viewing angle of up to 180 degrees, whereby said light output comprises 20-35 percent of the total light output of the movable lighting apparatus.

The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable lighting apparatus comprises a lighting fixture comprising:

- a printed circuit board;

- a first set of the multiple solid state light sources mounted on the upper side of the printed circuit board and a second set mounted on the underside of the printed circuit board;

- a heat sink mounted on the printed circuit board.

- .the printed circuit board provided with slots arranged for allowing air flow through the heat sink.

The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable lighting apparatus comprises a diffuser plate arranged for diffusing the light output of the light units such, that the viewing angle is increased.

The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the claims 4-5, characterized in that an outer shade is arranged for covering the lighting fixture and an inner shade is provided for holding the diffuser plate, wherein the configuration of the outer shade and the inner shade is such that the inner shade is positioned within the circumference of the outer shade and said configuration is arranged for leaving an air gap between outer shade and inner shade.

The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second light source is arranged for being positioned above the eye level of a sitting user, in such a manner, that the second light output (L02) is directed downwards to the eyes of a sitting user.

8. The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing ratio of the light output of the multiple light sources is varied over time in dependence of any one of the group comprising:

- Mixing ratio of light output and composition of colors of natural light representative for a location, as determined by its longitude and/or latitude, different from the geographical location of the movable lighting apparatus.

The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the color amber corresponds to the additive color according to an additive color system based on a composition of colors with values for red (R), green (G) and blue (B), said values ranging from 0 to 255, wherein R=255, G=191 and B=0.

The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first threshold is adjustable and preferably 3 to 7 Ix and the second threshold is adjustable and preferably 3 to 7 Ix. 11. The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first light source is arranged for generating the first light output (L01) having a color temperature in the dominant range from 2700-3000K.

12. The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second light source is arranged for generating the second light output (L02) having a color temperature in the dominant range from 5000- 6500K;

13. The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing ratio of the first light output (L01), the second light output (L02) and the third light output (L03), is approximately according to the formula L01 :LO2:L03 = 6:3:1.

14. The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable lighting apparatus comprises one or more sensors for registering input parameters related to the operation of the movable lighting apparatus, a processor for processing the parameters and a memory for storing the parameters, the input parameters comprising any one of the group of parameters comprising:

- a manually switching the movable lighting apparatus on and off;

- a manual adjustment of the first or second set of characteristics;

- a movement of the movable lighting apparatus;

- a change of location of the movable lighting apparatus;

- a change of orientation of the one or more light sources;

- a change of height of the one or more light sources;

- a change of environment of the movable lighting apparatus;

- a change of the environmental light of the movable lighting apparatus;

- a change of location or presence of a user of the lighting apparatus;

- a change of orientation of the head of the user;

- a change of orientation of the eyes of the user and

- a personal setting of the user

- a health condition of the user.

- information indicative of an amount of light received by the user.

15. The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is arranged for being upgraded with new scenes and/or settings.

16. The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable lighting apparatus comprises:

- a substantially tubular shaped stand for holding the light fixture;

- a user interface integrated in the movable lighting apparatus, comprising one or more pre-sets of the group comprising:

Ql IR.QTITI \Tf= ςμι^ζι^ζτ CRI II f= 1P>\ switching on/off;

sunrise;

daylight;

sunset;

evening.

17. The movable lighting apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the user interface comprises a form fitting and substantially tubular shaped rotation knob integrated in the stand, wherein said knob is arranged for being rotatable around the axis of the stand.

18. The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the claims 4-17, characterized in that the lighting fixture is arranged for being removably and slidably mounted on a tube like upper part of the substantially tubular shaped stand for holding the light fixture and/or the substantially tubular shaped stand for holding the light fixture is removably and slidably mounted on a base.

The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit comprises:

- a central processor unit;

- one or more drivers for the solid state light units;

- a controller for the timer-functionality;

20. The movable lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sequence comprises that the mixing ratio (L01 ,L02,L03) are arranged for being varied in percentage of the sum of the light output (L01+L02+L03) over sequential time periods (TP 1 -TP 14) according to any one of the tables A-C, comprising: Table A

Table B

Table C

21. A method for varying a mixing ratio of light output of multiple light sources of a movable lighting device, characterized in that, the mixing ratio is varied over time in dependence of any one of the group comprising:

- mixing ratio of light output and composition of colors of natural light representative for the geographical location, as determined by its longitude and/or latitude, of the movable lighting apparatus.

- mixing ratio of light output and composition of colors of natural light representative for a location, as determined by its longitude and/or latitude, different from the geographical location, as determined by its longitude and/or latitude, of the movable lighting apparatus.

22. The method according to claim 21 , characterized in that the mixing ratio is further dependent of any one of group of parameters comprising:

- ia change of location of the movable lighting apparatus;

- a change of orientation of the one or more light sources;

- a change of height of the one or more light sources;

- a change of environment of the movable lighting apparatus;

- a change of the environmental light of the movable lighting apparatus;

- a change of location or presence of a user of the lighting apparatus;

- a change of orientation of the head of the user;

- a change of orientation of the eyes of the user;

- a pupillary response of the user in response of a change of light output and/or composition of colors of the light;

- a personal setting of the user a health condition of the user;

- information indicative of an amount of light received by the user.