WO2015144885A1

WO2015144885A1 - Method for customer controlled printing of a three-dimensional structure

Info

Publication number: WO2015144885A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/056726
Authority: WO
Original assignee: Luxexcel Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2014-03-28
Filing date: 2015-03-27
Publication date: 2015-10-01

Abstract

The present invention is related to a Method for customer controlled printing of a three- dimensional structure, -- wherein in a first step ---- a first dataset specifying a light source having a set light distribution profile and ---- a second dataset specifying a favored light distribution profile are made available to a server, -- wherein in a second step a design for a three-dimensional structure that transforms the set light distribution profile to the favored light distribution profile is presented by the server, -- wherein in a third step a further dataset specifying the presented design for the three- dimensional structure is sent to a printing device, -- wherein in a fourth step three-dimensional structure is printed based on the further dataset by the printing device.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Title Method for customer controlled printing of a three-dimensional structure

Background

The present invention relates to a method for customer controlled printing of a three- dimensional structure.

Printing a three-dimensional structure is a powerful tool for generating an optical element that is intended for optimizing or individualizing the light output of a light source. Light sources such as LEDs are manufactured in a huge quantity due to economic reasons. Therefore the atmosphere or impression created by the mass-produced light sources may not match with the preferences of the customer who is interested to generate an individualized and special atmosphere by using the light source. Especially for indoor lightning such as alcove lightning, soffit lightning, recessed lightning or track lightning it is desirable to adapt a light guiding structure to the light source for achieving a favored optical impression.

For example, the document WO 2010 / 091 888 A1 discloses a method for successfully printing a three-dimensional structure that can be used as a light guiding structure for light being emitted from a light source. Although printing a three-dimensional structure by depositing droplets onto a substrate and subsequently curing them is a successful method for realizing the discussed three-dimensional structure, a customer, who is interested in a favored light distribution profile, has to overcome the obstacle of designing the proper three- dimensional structure and subsequently printing it.

Summary

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for customer controlled printing of a three-dimensional structure, wherein the customer is freed from designing and printing a three-dimensional structure in order to get the favored light distribution profile. The object of the present invention is solved by a method for customer controlled printing of a three-dimensional structure,

~ wherein in a first step — - a first dataset specifying a light source that has a set light distribution profile and — - a second dataset specifying a favored light distribution profile

are made available to a server,

~ wherein in a second step a design for a three-dimensional structure configured for transforming the set light distribution profile to the favored light distribution profile is presented by the server,

~ wherein in a third step a further dataset specifying the presented design for the three- dimensional structure is sent to a printing device,

~ wherein in a fourth step the three-dimensional structure is printed by the printing device based on the further dataset.

It is herewith advantageously possible to provide a method to the customer for creating a favored light distribution profile without the cost- and time-consuming designing and printing of the three-dimensional structure itself. For example the customer is not experienced or interested spending time in designing three-dimensional structures and/or printing them, but is interested in creating a favored light distribution profile. According to the invention it is preferably provided that the server is in charge of designing the three-dimensional structure and the printing device is in charge of printing the three-dimensional structure. Preferably an applicant of the server and the printing device takes care of the server and the printing device. As a consequence the customer only needs to make the first dataset and the second dataset available to the server, and subsequently the three-dimensional structure is printed and finally the favored light distribution profile is created comfortably.

For example it is conceivable that the customer is interested in a favored light distribution profile that corresponds to a logo, a sign, a room number and/or house number. Therefore a light source, which emits light uniformly, needs a three-dimensional structure that transforms the set light distribution profile to the favored light distribution profile that corresponds to the logo, the sign, the room number and/or house number. Next to the first dataset specifying the light source the customer may specify the favored light distribution by making the logo and the color of the logo available to the server. Subsequently the server presents a design for the corresponding three-dimensional structure that transforms the light adequately. The design comprises for example the shape and the material composition of the three- dimensional structure. For printing the designed three-dimensional structure the further dataset is subsequently sent to the printing device that prints the individualized three- dimensional structure. It is also thinkable that the customer is interested to realize an individualized light distribution profile and therefore uses the method according to the present invention. In particular the light source is a light source such as a LED or a flashlight and the customer is interested in designing an adapter for the LED or the flashlight. In particular it is provided that the three- dimensional structure is designed such that the three-dimensional structure forms the adapter for the LED and/or the flashlight. For example the customer is interested in creating a three-dimensional structure that is reversible or permanently connectable to the LED or the flashlight. In particular the light source is an array of LEDs and the three-dimensional structure is designed for the array.

Preferably the customer, for example an optical designer and/or a manufacturer of light sources, is connected to the server via an internet connection. In particular it is provided that the customer communicates with the server via a website. Such a website preferably gives additional access to help sections, tutorials and a forum concerning printing three- dimensional structure that are intended for light guiding. It is also thinkable that the customer communicates with the server via an app. Furthermore it is provided that the server is configured for saving customer related data files comprising for an example a selection of first datasets, second datasets and/or further datasets. As a consequence the saved customer related files forms a portfolio of datasets related to the light sources, the favored light distribution profiles and the printable three-dimensional structure.

Further it is provided that the customer makes the first dataset and/or the second dataset available to the server by

~ uploading a data file via the online connection,

~ filling out a respective form (available on the website) and/or

~ selecting it from a respective list saved on the server. It is preferably provided that the first dataset comprises parameters related to the light source such as

~ its dimensions,

~ an intensity profile of the set light distribution profile,

~ focal distance

~ a color or a color gradient and/or

~ material of the light source. It is also thinkable that the customer fills a serial number and the server procures the needed parameters for the first dataset from an external (for example by internet search) or internal source (saved on the server). The second dataset preferably comprises parameters related to the favored light distribution profile such as

~ an intensity profile of the favored light distribution profile, ~ the focal distance and/or

~ the color or the color gradient. Furthermore it is provided that the further dataset is adapted to the printing device. It is also thinkable that the server presents the three- dimensional structure and the light distributed created by this three-dimensional structure to the customer on the website and subsequently the customer decides whether the further dataset is sent to the printing device. Further it is provided that the three-dimensional structure comprises an optical prism, a lens, a Fresnel lens and/or an aperture and/or the light source is a LED. In particular it is provided that the printed three-dimensional structure is designed such that it is reversible connectabel to the light source.

In a further embodiment it is provided that in a fifth step the light source and the three- dimensional structure are combined. In particular it is provided that the printed three- dimensional structure is sent by post to the customer, who connects the three-dimensional structure with the light source. It is also thinkable that the customer hands over the light source and the three-dimensional structure and the light source are connected by using the printing device. In particular the three-dimensional structure is directly printed onto the three- dimensional structure.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the first dataset and/or the second dataset is at least partially represented by a photometric data file. Preferably such a photometrical data file is generated by using a goniophotomer and/or is filed in a IES-; EULUMDAT (or LDT)- or TM-14 -format. Such a photometric data file advantageously specifies both the total light output and the angular spread of the light output of the light source. Moreover the said formats are standards for describing the set light distribution profile. Consequently the usage of such photometric data file simplifies the communication of the customer with the server and supplies the server with the most accurate parameters for the first dataset.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the presented design for the three-dimensional structure is calculated by a calculation tool of the server based on the first dataset and the second dataset. Preferably the calculation tool is an automatic optical CAD-file generator. Preferably a generated CAD-file is made available to the customer and the customer can decide

~ whether the related three-dimensional structure is printed or

~ whether the designed three-dimensional structure and the CAD-file are saved as draft in the customer related file. It is also thinkable that a CADIess tool is used for designing the three-dimensional structure. In particular is also thinkable that the calculation tool is configured such that several three-dimensional structures that perform the desired transformation from the set light distribution profile to the favored light distribution profile are suggested by the server and the customer has to decide which one of the three-dimensional structures should be printed. In a further embodiment it is provided that in the first step

~ the first dataset is selected from a first register saved on the server or is uploaded to the server and/or

~ the second dataset is selected from a second register saved on the server or is uploaded to the server. It is thinkable that the first register is part of the customer related data file. For example the first register comprises all available light sources of a manufacturer and the customer choses one of the available light sources represented by the first dataset in the first step. Furthermore it is thinkable that the first register is updated each time a new light source is developed. In a further embodiment it is provided that in the first step a third dataset specifying a further favored fixture is selected from a third register of the server. For example a third registers is a selection of

~ optical materials that for example are intended to form the three-dimensional structure, ~ adapter or holder elements that for example are intended to being connected to the three-dimensional structure or

~ another optical element that is for example intended to be integrated into the three- dimensional structure. In such a way the customer is even more flexible in designing the three-dimensional structure that creates the favored light distribution profile. In a further embodiment it is provided that a fourth dataset specifying the future surroundings for the light source having the favored light distribution profile. For example a room or a housing for the light source is uploaded to the server and the server takes this into account by designing the three-dimensional structure. As a consequence the customer immediately sees how the design three-dimensional structure changes the light distribution profile and how it affects the atmosphere inside the room, in particular before printing the three- dimensional structure.

In a further embodiment it is provided that in a second step the design for the three- dimensional structure is presented in dependency on the first dataset, the second dataset, the third dataset and/or the fourth dataset. It is herewith advantageously possible to realize a three-dimensional structure that generates a light distribution profile as it is favored by the customer. It is conceivable that the customer weight the influence of one of the the datasets to the calculation. As a consequence potential conflicts may be circumvented and the designed three-dimensional structure matches with the preferences of the customer advantageously. In a further embodiment it is provided that in the first step the second dataset is made available to the server by the customer and/or a further customer. As a consequence the server advantageously becomes a platform for exchange and Interaction between the customer and the further customer and both realize a printed three-dimensional structure. For example the customer is a manufacturer of light sources and the further customer is a light designer.

In a further embodiment it is provided that in a zeroth step a first customer register, a second customer register and/or a third customer register is generated by the customer and/or the further customer. Preferably the first customer register, the second customer register and/or the third customer register are respectively parts of the first register, the second register and/or third register. Moreover the first customer register, the second customer register and/or the third customer register are integrated into the customer related files that forms a portfolio of the customer or the further customer. In particular only the customer and/or the further customer has access to the first customer register, the second customer register and/or the third customer register. As a consequence the customer and the further customer can use the server as a platform for privately designing the three-dimensional structure.

In another embodiment it is provided in the fourth step droplets of a printing ink are deposited onto a substrate and subsequently the deposited droplets are cured by light, preferably UV- light. Preferably the printing ink comprises an UV curable liquid monomer which becomes a polymer by curing. It is further conceivable that the printing material has different colors and is individual adapted to the preferences of the customer. Furthermore it is provided to use a printing head for depositing the droplets of printing material. Furthermore the printing material has a viscosity. Consequently the droplets of the material may spread or diffuse. In particular is provided, that a plurality of droplets of printing material is deposited onto a substrate and subsequently cured using light in particular UV-light. As a result the cured droplets generate a body. Preferably it is provided that the process of depositing the droplets onto the substrate and/or the body and subsequently curing the droplets is repeated iteratively till the body becomes the three dimensional light-guiding structure. For depositing the droplets on the body and/or the substrate a nozzle may be used. The nozzle ejects printing material in shape of droplets toward the substrate and/or the body. In particular the printing material may be ejected by a print head of an inkjet printer, wherein the print head is moveable and distributes the droplets of the printing material such that a layer including a plurality of droplets is formed. A layer corresponds to an arrangement of droplets within a plane that is more or less parallel to the substrate and/or the body, for instance. In particular it is also considerable that the nozzle or the head of the inkjet printer moves and consequently several droplets are arranged next to each other forming the layer.

In another embodiment it is provided that the three-dimensional structure comprises an optical prism, a Fresnel lens, aperture and/or a filter element. Another subject of the present invention is a printing device for a printing three-dimensional structure, wherein the printing device is designed for a method as it is described above. It is herewith advantageously possible to print an individualized three-dimensional structure that transforms the set light distribution profile to a favored light distribution. Another subject of the present invention is a software for online designing a three- dimensional structure,

~ wherein in a first step

— - a first dataset specifying a light source having a set light distribution profile and — - a second dataset specifying a favored light distribution profile are made available to a server,

~ wherein in a second step a design for a three-dimensional structure that transforms the set light distribution profile to the favored light distribution profile is presented by the server. Preferably the software transforms the design for the three-dimensional structure to a further dataset and sent it to the printing device.

Another subject of the present invention is a three-dimensional structure for a light source, wherein the three-dimensional structure is printed by a method disclosed above. Such a three-dimensional structure is advantageously adapted to the light source such that the set light distribution profile is transformed to a favored light distribution profile that is favored by the customer.

These and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. The description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings. Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows a method for customer controlled printing of a three-dimensional structure according to a first exemplary embodiment.

Figure 2 shows a method for customer controlled printing of a three-dimensional structure according to a second exemplary embodiment.

Figure 3 shows a method for customer controlled printing of a three-dimensional structure according to a third exemplary embodiment.

Figure 3 shows a first exemplary server for a method for customer controlled printing of a three-dimensional structure according to the present invention. Detailed description

The present invention will be descripted with respect to particular embodiments and with the reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes.

Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, e. G. "a","an", "the", this includes a plurals of the noun unless something else is specifically stated. Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims are used to distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described of illustrated herein.

In figure 1 a method for customer 1 controlled printing of a three-dimensional structure 5 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The method is intended for printing a three-dimensional structure 5 that transforms a set light distribution 7 profile of a light source 4 to a favored light distribution profile. In this first embodiment it is provided that a customer 1 has a light source 4 that the customer 1 has manufactured or bought, for example. In a first step a first dataset 1 1 is made available to a server 2 by the customer 1 . The first dataset 1 1 preferably specifies the set light distribution profile and the light source 4. For example the first dataset 1 1 is at least partially represented by a two dimensional intensity profile of the light source and/or a photometric data file specifying both the total light output and the angular spread of the light output of the light source. Preferably such a photometrical data file is generated by using a goniophotomer and/or is filed in a IES-; EULUMDAT (or LDT)- or TM-14 -format. It is also thinkable that the first dataset 1 1 comprises for example

~ a serial number specifying the light source 4,

~ parameters classifying a light cone emitted by the light source 4 (for example its ellipticity, focal distance or size) and/or

~ the color or color gradient. Moreover it is also preferably provided that the first dataset 1 1 comprises

~ the dimensions of the light source such as its height, width and/or diameter and/or ~ the optical material and the refraction index. Preferably the customer 1 has access to the server 2 via an online connection, such as an internet or intranet connection. In particular, the customer 1 communicates or exchange data via a website that is connected to the server 2. Such a website for example comprises preferably a section for help, tutorials and/or a forum. Preferably the customer 1 makes the first dataset 1 1 available by

~ uploading a data file, preferably the photometric data file, via the online connection, ~ filling out a form (that is available on the website and asks the customer for parameters of the light source such as its intensity, power, focal distance and/or angular spread of the light output for example) and/or

~ selecting it from a first register of the server. Furthermore it is provided that a second dataset 12 specifying the favored light distribution profile is made available to the server 2 additionally. It is herewith conceivable that the customer 1 makes the second dataset 12 available by

- uploading another data file, preferably another photometric data via the online

connection,

~ filling out another form (that is available on the website and asks the customer for the parameters describing the favored light distribution profile such as its intensity, color, power, focal distance and/or angular spread of the light output for example) and/or

~ selecting it from a second register of the server 2. Preferably the website is configured such that a plurality of potential light distribution profiles is shown by pictures and the customer 1 chose one of them for his light source.

Further it is provided that in a second step a three-dimensional structure 5 is presented by the server 2, wherein the presented three-dimensional structure 5 is intended for transforming the set light distribution profile 7 of the light source to a favored light distribution profile 8. Preferably the design of the presented three-dimensional structure originates from a calculation of a calculation tool 16 of the server 2 based on the first dataset 1 1 and the second dataset 12. Such a calculation tool 16 is for example an automatic optical cad file generator and/or a CADIess simulation tool. Furthermore it is provided that the presented three-dimensional structure 5 comprises for example an optical prism, a lens, a Fresnel lens, an aperture and/or a filter. In particular it is provided that the presented three-dimensional structure 5 is able to change a beam profile, focal distance, color and/or size of the light emitted by the light source. It is also thinkable that the presented three-dimensional structure 5 is designed such that at least a part of the three-dimensional structure 5 forms a shaped aperture, wherein the shaped aperture is backlighted from the light source 4. For example this shaped aperture corresponds to a logo, a sign and/or a room number. Furthermore it is provided that the presented three-dimensional structure 5 is designed such that the three- dimensional structure 5 can be reversibly connected to the light source 4. It is furthermore provided that the customer 1 selects the presented three-dimensional structure 5 for printing by decision. It is also thinkable that the server 2 presents a selection of potential three- dimensional structures 5 and the customer 1 chose from this selection by decision 15.

Furthermore it is provided that in a third step a further dataset 20 specifying the presented design for the three-dimensional structure 5 is sent to a printing device3 that is in

communication with the server 2. Preferably the three-dimensional structure 5 is printed by depositing droplets 31 of a printing ink on a substrate 32 by using a printing head 22 and subsequently curing the deposited droplets 31 using light, preferably UV-light, in order to form the three-dimensional structure 5 based on the further dataset 20. Subsequently the printed three-dimensional structure 5 and the light source 4 are connected to each other in a fifth step in order to a provide a light source 4 with the favored light distribution profile 8. It is also thinkable that the customer 1 also sent the light source 4 to an applicant of the printing device 3 and the three-dimensional 5 structure is printed directly onto the light source 4. In figure 2 a method for customer 1 controlled printing of a three-dimensional structure 5 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The second exemplary embodiment mainly expands the first embodiment by

~ a third dataset 13 specifying a favored fixture and/or

~ a fourth dataset 14 specifying the future surroundings for the light source 4 having the favored light distribution profile. Preferably the customer 1 is able to choose a favored fixture from a third register 13 or a set of third registers. For example a third registers 13 is a selection of ~ optical materials that are intended to form the three-dimensional structure 5, ~ adapter or holder elements that are intended to being connected to the three- dimensional structure 5 or

~ other optical elements that are for example intended to being integrated into the three- dimensional structure 5. In particular it is provided that the customer 1 can choose from several third registers 13 related to different fixtures respectively. Preferably the fourth dataset 14 is related to properties that are not directly connected to the light source 4. For example the fourth dataset 14 comprises information regarding the surrounding of the light source 4 is such as a room or an housing. The fourth dataset 14 allows designing a three- dimensional 5 structure being adapted to a desired atmosphere that should be realized by the light source 4 having the favored light distribution profile 8. Preferably the customer 1 made the fourth dataset 14 available to the server 1 by uploading another further data file or selecting it form a fourth register. In particular it is provided that the calculation tool 16 additionally takes into account the third dataset 13 and/or the fourth dataset 14.

In figure 3 a method for customer 1 controlled printing of a three-dimensional structure 5 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The third exemplary embodiment mainly corresponds to the second exemplary embodiment. The third exemplary embodiment expands the second exemplary embodiment by a further customer 1 ' that is interested designing a favored light distribution 8 without possessing a light source. It is provided that the further customer 1 ' chose a first datasets 1 1 that is preferably made available by the customer 1 . In particular the further customer 1 ' is connected to the server 2 a further internet connection and communicates with the server via a website. Preferably the further customer makes the second dataset and/or the fourth dataset available to the server 2 by

~ uploading another data file and/or a further another data file

~ filling out a form and/or

~ selecting it from a second register or fourth register. It is also thinkable that the customer

1 generates a first customer register 17 including a selection of first dataset corresponding each to light sources 4 and the further customer 1 ' selects the first dataset 1 1 from the first customer register 17. Furthermore it is provided that the further customer 1 ' chose a third dataset 13 from the third register. In particular is provided that the further customer selects the presented three-dimensional structure 5 by decision 15. It is also thinkable that the server

2 presents a selection of potential three-dimensional structures 5 and the further customer 1 ' chose from this selection by decision 15. In figure 4 a server 2 for a method for customer controlled printing of a three-dimensional structure 5 according to a first exemplary embodiment is illustrated. Next to the elements of the server 2 that are needed for the method illustrated in the figures 1 to 3 it is provided that the server 2 comprises other components for the customer 1 , the further customer 1 ' and a another further customer 1 '. Preferably it is provided that the three-dimensional structure 5 realized for the customer 1 or the further customer 1 ' are saved in an online register 41 and the another further customer select from the online register 41 the further dataset 20 that is sent to the printing device 3. It is also thinkable the server 2 comprises an open and/or an intercompany library 42 as well as a section 43 for help, tutorials and/or a forum. Moreover it is preferably provided that the server 2 is configured for a logo-lens generator 43 and/or a fixure-lens shop. It is also thinkable that the server 2 comprises tools for CADIess design 44 of light distribution filed. Preferably the server 2 is configured for communicate with the customer 1 , the further customer 1 ' and/or the another further customer via a app.

Reference signs

1 customer

r further customer

2 server

3 printing device

4 light source

5 three-dimensional structure

7 set light distribution profile

8 favored light distribution profile

1 1 first dataset

12 second dataset

13 third dataset

14 fourth dataset

15 decision

16 calculation tool

17 first customer register

20 further dataset

31 droplet

32 substrate

33 printing head

41 online register

42 open and/or intercompany library

43 section for help, tutorials and/or a forum

44 tool for CADIess-design

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

Method for customer (1 ) controlled printing of a three-dimensional structure (5), ~ wherein in a first step

— - a first dataset (1 1 ) specifying a light source (4) that has a set light distribution profile (7) and

— - a second dataset (12) specifying a favored light distribution profile (8) are made available to a server (2),

~ wherein in a second step a design for a three-dimensional structure (5) that transforms the set light distribution profile (7) to the favored light distribution profile (8) is presented by the server (2),

~ wherein in a third step a further dataset (20) specifying the presented design for the three-dimensional structure (5) is sent to a printing device (3),

~ wherein in a fourth step three-dimensional structure (5) is printed by the printing device (3) based on the further dataset (20).

Method according to claim 1 , wherein in a fifth step the light source (4) and the three- dimensional structure (5) are combined.

Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first dataset (1 ) and/or the second dataset (12) is at least partially represented by photometric data file.

Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the presented design for the three-dimensional structure (5) is calculated by a calculation tool (16) of the server (2).

Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the first step ~ the first dataset (1 1 ) is selected from a first register (21 ) saved on the server (2) or is uploaded to the server (2) and/or

~ the second dataset (12) is selected from a second register (22) saved on the server (2) or uploaded to the server (2).

Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the first step a third dataset (13) specifying a further favored fixture is selected from a third register (23) of the server (2).

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a fourth dataset (14) specifying the future surroundings for the light source (4) having the favored light distribution profile (8). 8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the in a second step the design for the three-dimensional structure (5) is presented in dependency on the first dataset (1 1 ), the second dataset (12), the third dataset (13) and/or the fourth dataset (14). 9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the first step the second dataset (12) is made available to the server (2) by the customer (1 ) and/or a further customer (1 ').

10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in a zeroth step a first customer register (17), a second customer register and/or a third customer register is generated by the customer (1 ) and/or the further customer(l ').

1 1 . Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the fourth step

droplets (31 ) of a printing ink are deposited onto a substrate (32) and subsequently the deposited droplets (31 ) are cured by light.

12. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the three-dimensional structure comprises an optical prism, a Fresnel lens, aperture and/or a filter element. 13. Printing device (3) for a printing three-dimensional structure (5), wherein the printing device (5) is designed for a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. Software for online designing a three-dimensional structure (5),

~ wherein in a first step

— - a first dataset (1 1 ) specifying a light source (4) having a set light distribution profile (7) and

~ wherein in a second step a design for a three-dimensional structure (5) that transforms the set light distribution profile (7) to the favored light distribution profile (8) is presented by the server (2).

15. Three-dimensional structure (5) for a light source, wherein the three-dimensional structure is printed by a method according to one of the claims 1 to 13.