WO2022225894A1

WO2022225894A1 - Lighted window shade

Info

Publication number: WO2022225894A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/025300
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edward H. Nortrup
Original assignee: Nortrup Edward H
Priority date: 2021-04-19
Filing date: 2022-04-19
Publication date: 2022-10-27

Abstract

A lighting system includes a mounting system arranged to facilitate mounting of the lighting system in relation to a window, a light source positioned along a plane and a plurality of substantially clear slats, each of the plurality of slats positioned parallel to the plane and separated from each other wherein the light source is further positioned to emit light through each of the plurality of slats, and wherein each respective slat is further positioned to reflect a portion of light incident the slat at an angle of approximately 60 and 120 degrees relative to a front surface of the window.

Description

Lighted Window Shade

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/176,398, filed April 19, 2021 the entire disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Generally, the present disclosure relates to the field of lighting. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods, systems, apparatuses, and devices for facilitating provisioning of horizontal light emission via a lamp apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Humans spend the vast majority of their time indoors. Some estimates suggest that people spend more than 90% of their time indoors. The right amount and type of light in indoor environments are very important to human health. Light impacts circadian rhythms and the right exposure to light at the right times of day can keep circadian rhythms in sync and help prevent disease. There is a need for improved lighting systems.

SUMMARY

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

[0005] Embodiments of the present inventions include a lighting system for a window where the window maintains a transparent appearance and is see-through while emitting artificial light apparently from a window surface into an interior room of a building, home, or other indoor environment intended for human occupancy. The lighting system may have a mounting system mechanically arranged to hold a light source and position an optical system in optical alignment with a window in a wall of a human occupied environment, wherein the light source is aligned to emit light to the optical system. The optical system may include a plurality of substantially clear slats, tinted slats, surface treated slats, etc., and each of the plurality of slats may be positioned substantially parallel to an emission plane of the light source, separated from each other and angled to reflect light from the light source in a direction away from the window and into the interior environment.

[0006] In embodiments, the plurality of slats both transmit and reflect substantial light from the light source such that, while a first slat is reflecting light into a room it is also transmitting light to another slat, which does the same thing. It may have the appearance of a clear slatted blind in front of a window; however, the optical system is arranged to reflect light from the light source into the room while maintaining a see-through view through the window. The see-through view allows an occupant of the room to see through the window and it also allows light from the exterior environment to pass through the window and the optical system into the room.

[0007] In accordance with an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, a lighting system, comprises a mounting system arranged to facilitate mounting of the lighting system in relation to a window, a light source positioned along a plane and a plurality of substantially clear slats, each of the plurality of slats positioned parallel to the plane and separated from each other wherein the light source is further positioned to emit light through each of the plurality of slats, and wherein each respective slat is further positioned to reflect a portion of light incident the slat at an angle of approximately 60 and 120 degrees relative to a front surface of the window.

[0008] In accordance with an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, a lighting system, comprises an optical control system a light source positioned along a plane and a plurality of substantially clear slats, each of the plurality of slats positioned parallel to the plane and separated from each other wherein the light source is further positioned to emit light through each of the plurality of slats wherein each respective slat is further positioned to reflect a portion of light incident the slat at an angle of approximately 60 and 120 degrees relative a front surface of the window, and wherein the optical control system varies the angle of each of the plurality of slats.

[0009] In accordance with an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, a lighting system, comprises an optical control system, a light source positioned along a plane and a plurality of substantially clear slats, each of the plurality of slats positioned parallel to the plane and separated from each other wherein the light source is further positioned to emit light through each of the plurality of slats, wherein each respective slat is further positioned to reflect a portion of light incident the slat at an angle of approximately 60 and 120 degrees relative a front surface of the window, and wherein the optical control system moves the plurality of slats towards and away from the light source.

[00010] In accordance with an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, a lighting system, comprises a mounting system mechanically arranged to hold a light source and position an optical system in optical alignment with a window in a wall of a human occupied environment, wherein the light source is aligned to emit light to the optical system and the optical system including a plurality of substantially clear slats, each of the plurality of slats positioned substantially parallel to an emission plane of the light source, separated from each other and angled to reflect light from the light source in a direction away from the window.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The drawings may contain text or captions that may explain certain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included for illustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodiments detailed in the present disclosure.

[00012] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a lighting system.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[00013] Artificial lighting systems are generally installed in environments to establish sufficient light for the performance of tasks during the day. In office design, for example, there are standards for the level of light (e.g., footcandles) on working surfaces. Without enough light, tasks can become difficult or cause eye strain. Too much light can be annoying and cause headaches. This is why standards have been developed and adopted. However, these standards generally focus on surfaces and don’t necessarily focus on human health.

[00014] Light that travels horizontally, sometimes referred to as vertical light because it is measured by holding a light meter vertically to directly capture the horizontal light, is more effective than light coming down from the ceiling at prompting human health by more effectively suppressing melatonin production during the day. The human eye has intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) that are very important in the regulation of our circadian rhythms. These cells are known not for their impact on vision, but for their impact on our circadian rhythms. Transmitting light horizontally, towards a person who is standing or sitting, will be more effective in part because the human eye is receiving light that is essentially perpendicular to the eye. Light from the ceiling needs to reflect off of one or many surfaces before it makes its way, directionally, into the person’s eyes. [00015] The lighting system disclosed herein causes light to be emitted horizontally while maintaining an acceptable form. In embodiments, the lighting system is placed in front of a window and artificial light, in addition to light coming from outdoors, travels from the window into the room with much of the light having a horizontal or near horizontal component. The lighting system allows for a see- through view out the window when the lighting system is on or off, which does not eliminate the view of the outdoors and the natural light that comes with it.

[00016] The light from the lighting system can light up the walls in a room more effectively than a ceiling down light, desk, or standing light. In some embodiments, the window lighting system may be used in conjunction with other lighting systems. This may be advantageous when the lighting design has a surface brightness requirement and a horizontal light requirement. The objectives might be achieved with only the window lighting system but another light source in the room may create a desired mood or feel.

[00017] Figure 1 illustrates a window lighting system 100 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Window lighting system 100 includes a number of transparent or substantially transparent slats 102 (e.g., acrylic, Plexiglass ®, glass, sheer fabric) that are lit with an electric light 104. The window lighting system 100 resembles blinds one might use in a window to block light; however, the window lighting system 100 has clear, or substantially transparent, slats and the slats are angled such that they reflect a portion of the light from the electric light 104 and transmit a portion to the next slat in the line, which in turn does the same. [00018] In an embodiment, a transparent slat may be made of clear Plexiglass ®. Clear Plexiglass ® reflects about 8% of incident light where the angle is approximately 30 to 60 degrees. The remaining 92% is transmitted through the material. If the next slat is of the same or similar material it will also reflect about 8% of the incident light and transmit the remaining 85% to the next slat. This transmission/reflection mode cascades down through all of the slats creating what is in effect a see-through surface that is emitting light relatively evenly. The absolute amount of light reflected does go down as the light travels through more slats, but it appears as an almost indistinguishable light gradient from top to bottom in a top lit system.

[00019] One of the significant advantages of a window lighting system is found when it is used in the short winter days, cloudy days, in a room with little sun light, for people who tend to have seasonal affect disorder, and for other situations where the light level indoors is not conducive to melatonin suppression during the daytime. Living in the Northeast, even in the springtime, does not provide enough light indoors for many people. With home offices increasing in popularity, there exists a need to help maintain a healthy life for the people using the space. If they have light induced melatonin suppression during their day hours they will sleep better and maintain better health.

[00020] A window lighting system in accordance with the present invention may also be used to generate daylight conditions in the evening or late at night for off- shift workers. It may also be used to help the elderly maintain their circadian clock to avoid sundowning.

[00021] In accordance with exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, all of the slats 102 in the window lighting system 100 are of a similar type. In other embodiments, one or more of the slats 102 may be different in their reflection and transmission characteristics and/or their positional angle in the slat arrangement. For example, the slats may be designed (e.g., pigmented, surface treated, different material) to increase or decrease in reflectivity the further from the light source the slats become. This may be done in a continuous fashion where each of a set of the slats are proportionally changed in a similar way. This may be done with one or a sub-group of slats. For example, if the incident angle of the light striking a slat 102 is high enough it will reflect much more than 8%. Flattening the angle to closer to 90 degrees will cause the reflection to go upward while still transmitting to the next slat 102. In embodiments, the last slat, furthest from the light source may be more reflective than others in the stack such that any remaining light is reflected and not necessarily transmitted to the ground. [00022] In embodiments, the slats may have a holographic surface such that the angle of incidence and reflection are not equal. This can be useful in changing the angle of the slats (e.g., enabling them to be more vertical than 45 degrees in relation to the light source). In embodiments, few slats may be used when using a holographic surface because with them being more vertical they can have a greater height and more surface can be used. In embodiments, the slats may have other surface treatments to change the angle or increase the reflectivity of the slat surface. Wedge style textures can be used to change the angle of reflection for example. Textures, pigments, etc. can increase the reflectivity and/or decrease the transmissivity of the surface for example.

[00023] In embodiments, the lighting system 100 may be mounted on the inside-of-the-room side of a window 108 and the window surface may have a surface to promote reflections from the light 104 into the room for greater efficacy (e.g., holographic surface, wedge style ridges).

[00024] In embodiments, the slats 102 may use an electrochromic surface such that the window lighting system can turn into a privacy shade at the flip of an electric switch. A privacy blind, curtain, motorized or not, or other such light blocking systems may be used in connection with the window lighting system 100 if desired. In embodiments, an electrochromic surface may be applied to the window such that the widow surface may be changed from transparent to opaque. In some embodiments, a degree of electrochromic surface dimming, or any other alterable attribute of the lighting system, may be enabled via interfacing with an Al-powered digital assistant enabled to control the lighting system 100.

[00025] In embodiments, the lighting system and/or associated window may include a light blocking shade. For example, a rolled shade may pull down or be moved down via motor control in front of or behind the lighting system. In embodiments, other light blocking systems may be used in connection with the lighting system 100 to block light and/or create a privacy.

[00026] In embodiments, the lighting system may be mounted within two surfaces. For example, the two surfaces may be selected from glass, acrylic, etc. such that the two-surface covered lighting system can replace the glass in a window. In embodiments, a two-surface, or one-surface covered lighting system may be mounted in front of a window and sealed to create additional insulation for energy savings. [00027] In embodiments, the slats may have an antireflective coating to reduce reflections and/or increase transmission. For example, one side of the slat (e.g., the top or bottom) may be coated with an antireflective coating. This may reduce the reflection from the surface of the side and/or increase transmission through the surface. Generally speaking, each surface of a transparent or semi-transparent slat reflects about 4% of incident light at 45 degrees. So, the top surface, the one closest to the light source, reflects 4% and the bottom surface, the one further away from the light source, reflects 4%. These reflections generally take place at the air to slat surface interface due to the mismatch of index of refraction between the slat material and the air. In embodiments, one surface is coated with an antireflective coating to reduce the amount of light reflected into the room and to transmit more light to the next slat. The coated surface may reflect 2% of incident light and the uncoated surface may reflect 4% of light, which reduces the overall reflections from the slat from approximately 8% to 6%. In embodiments, both the upper and lower slat surfaces may be treated with an antireflective coating leading to a further reduction in reflections from the slat. Reducing the reflectivity of the slats may enable a larger number of slats in an optical system due to an increased transmission from one slat to another. For example, a configuration with 10 clear slats without antireflective coatings may reflect 8% of the incident light from the light source 104 and the last slat, the 10th slat, would transmit the same percentage but much less absolute light because the incident light on the last slat would have been reduced to less than 50% of the incident light on the first slat. If, on the other hand, a reflective coating was applied to one surface of each slat and the transmission of each slat was increased to 6%, the last slat would reflect more light due to an increase in incident light on the last slat. The reduction of incident light at the last slat may be reduced to approximately 57%. The above calculations are rough and assume a high efficiency of light projections in the correct directions.

[00028] The embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the inventions. There are many other embodiments that would fall within the metes and bounds of the inventions that are not explicitly described herein but are intended to be covered by the inventions.

[00029]

[00030] Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in an electrical circuit comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizing a microprocessor, or on a single chip containing electronic elements or microprocessors. Embodiments of the disclosure may also be practiced using other technologies capable of performing logical operations such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited to mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. In addition, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced within a general-purpose computer or in any other circuits or systems.

[00031] Embodiments of the disclosure, for example, may be implemented as a computer process (method), a computing system, or as an article of manufacture, such as a computer program product or computer readable media. The computer program product may be a computer storage media readable by a computer system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. The computer program product may also be a propagated signal on a carrier readable by a computing system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. Accordingly, the present disclosure may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.). In other words, embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium having computer-usable or computer-readable program code embodied in the medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system. A computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[00032] The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific computer-readable medium examples (a non-exhaustive list), the computer-readable medium may include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD- ROM). Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[00033] Embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, are described above with reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. [00034] While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described, other embodiments may exist. Furthermore, although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as being associated with data stored in memory and other storage mediums, data can also be stored on or read from other types of computer-readable media, such as secondary storage devices, like hard disks, solid state storage (e.g., USB drive), or a CD-ROM, a carrier wave from the Internet, or other forms of RAM or ROM. Further, the disclosed methods' stages may be modified in any manner, including by reordering stages and/or inserting or deleting stages, without departing from the disclosure.

[00035] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

We claim:

1. A lighting system, comprising: a mounting system arranged to facilitate mounting of the lighting system in relation to a window; a light source positioned along a plane; and a plurality of substantially clear slats, each of the plurality of slats positioned parallel to the plane and separated from each other; wherein the light source is further positioned to emit light through each of the plurality of slats, and wherein each respective slat is further positioned to reflect a portion of light incident the slat at an angle of approximately 60 and 120 degrees relative to a front surface of the window.

2. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the lighting system operates to emit between 2 and 10 vertical lux.

3. A lighting system, comprising: an optical control system; a light source positioned along a plane; and a plurality of substantially clear slats, each of the plurality of slats positioned parallel to the plane and separated from each other; wherein the light source is further positioned to emit light through each of the plurality of slats, wherein each respective slat is further positioned to reflect a portion of light incident the slat at an angle of approximately 60 and 120 degrees relative a front surface of the window, and wherein the optical control system varies the angle of each of the plurality of slats.

4. A lighting system, comprising: an optical control system; a light source positioned along a plane; and a plurality of substantially clear slats, each of the plurality of slats positioned parallel to the plane and separated from each other; wherein the light source is further positioned to emit light through each of the plurality of slats, wherein each respective slat is further positioned to reflect a portion of light incident the slat at an angle of approximately 60 and 120 degrees relative a front surface of the window, and wherein the optical control system moves the plurality of slats towards and away from the light source.

5. A lighting system, comprising: a mounting system mechanically arranged to hold a light source and position an optical system in optical alignment with a window in a wall of a human occupied environment, wherein the light source is aligned to emit light to the optical system; and the optical system including a plurality of substantially clear slats, each of the plurality of slats positioned substantially parallel to an emission plane of the light source, separated from each other and angled to reflect light from the light source in a direction away from the window.