CN104456174A - Solid-state luminaire with electronically adjustable light beam distribution - Google Patents

Abstract

A luminaire having an electronically adjustable light beam distribution is disclosed. In some embodiments, the disclosed luminaire includes a plurality of solid-state lamps mounted on one or more surfaces of a housing. The lamps can be electronically controlled individually and/or in conjunction with one another, for example, to provide highly adjustable light emissions from the luminaire (e.g., pixelated control over light distribution). In some cases, a given solid-state lamp may include tunable electro-optic componentry to provide it with its own electronically adjustable light beam. One or more heat sinks optionally may be mounted on the housing to assist with heat dissipation for the solid-state lamps. The luminaire can be configured to be mounted or as a free-standing lighting device, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the aperture through which the lamps provide illumination is smaller than the distribution area of the solid-state lamps of the luminaire.

Description

Solid state light source with electronically adjustable beam distribution

Cross References to Related Applications

This application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 14/032,856 (Attorney Docket No. 2013P01779US), filed September 20, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

technical field

The present disclosure relates to solid state lighting (SSL) light fixtures, and more particularly to light emitting diode (LED) based light sources.

Background technique

Traditional adjustable lighting fixtures such as those used for theater lighting use mechanically adjustable lenses, track heads, gimbals, and other mechanical components to adjust the angle and direction of their light output. Mechanical adjustment of these components is typically provided by actuators, motors, or manual adjustment by a lighting technician.

Description of drawings

1A is a top-down view of a light source constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Fig. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the light source of Fig. 1A taken along line X-X.

2A is a side view of a solid state light and heat sink assembly constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

2B is a cross-sectional view of the solid state light and heat sink assembly of FIG. 2A taken along line Y-Y.

2C and 2D are perspective views of a solid state light and heat sink assembly constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

3A-3B are perspective views of a light source mounted on a mounting surface according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

4A is a block diagram of a lighting system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

4B is a block diagram of a lighting system constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

5 is a side view of a light source constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

These and other features of the present embodiments will be better understood by reading the following detailed description together with the figures described herein. The figures are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in different figures may be represented by the same numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure.

Detailed ways

A light source with electronically adjustable beam distribution is disclosed. In some embodiments, the disclosed light sources include a plurality of solid state lights mounted on one or more surfaces of a housing. The lamps may be electronically controlled individually and/or in combination with each other, for example to provide a highly tunable light emission from the light source. In some examples, a given solid state light may include adjustable electro-optic components to provide the solid state light with its own electronically adjustable light beam. In some examples, light emitted by multiple solid state lights may exhibit a one-to-one mapping of the solid state lights to the beam spots produced thereby, allowing pixelated control over the light distribution of the light source (discussed herein). In some examples, one or more heat sinks may optionally be mounted on the housing to help dissipate heat from the solid state light. According to some embodiments, the light source may be configured to be mounted on a surface such as a ceiling tile or a wall, etc., or the light source may be a freestanding lighting device, such as a desk lamp or a candlestick lamp. In some embodiments, the aperture through which the light provides illumination is smaller than the distribution area of the solid state light of the light source. Many configurations and variations will be apparent from the present disclosure.

general overview

As mentioned earlier, existing lighting designs rely on mechanical motion to adjust light distribution. However, these designs generally include relatively large components, such as those used for theater lighting. Furthermore, the cost of such systems is often high, given the complexity of the mechanical equipment required to provide the desired degree of adjustability, and given that lighting technicians are often required to operate such systems mechanically. Furthermore, there are safety considerations regarding the need for manual adjustment, repair and replacement of components of these types of systems, especially in areas not normally accessible without the use of, for example, ladders, scaffolding or aerial work platforms.

Thus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a light source with an electronically adjustable beam distribution is disclosed. In some embodiments, the disclosed light sources include a plurality of solid state lights disposed on one or more interior surfaces of the housing. In other embodiments, multiple solid state lights may be disposed on one or more exterior surfaces of the housing. In some cases, each lamp of the light source may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) and include a dimmable electro-optic component configured to provide that lamp with its own electronically dimmable light beam. Also, in some cases, the disclosed light sources may be configured to direct their emission through additional optical components (such as Fresnel lenses or other fixed optics placed in apertures, e.g., to alter the beam distribution), as discussed below. . One or more optional heat sinks may, for example, be mounted on the housing and coupled with the solid state light to assist in thermal management of the LEDs. In some cases, an optional support plate may also be coupled to the housing and may further aid in thermal management. In some embodiments, the aperture through which the light beam of the lamp passes is configured to be smaller than the area through which the lamps are distributed on the housing (eg, smaller than the lamp distribution area). It will be appreciated in light of this disclosure that such a design allows greater flexibility with regard to the direction and distribution of illumination in a relatively compact lighting fixture.

According to some embodiments, the disclosed light sources can be communicatively coupled to a controller that can be used to electronically control the output of the LEDs individually and/or in combination with each other (e.g., as an array or part of an array), thereby collectively The output of the light source is electronically controlled. In some such cases, a light source controller constructed as described herein may provide, for example, electronic adjustment of beam direction, beam angle, beam distribution, and/or beam diameter for each lamp or some subset of available lamps, thereby Allows for customizing the spot size, position and/or distribution of light on a given incident surface. In some cases, the disclosed light source controllers may provide, for example, electronic adjustment of brightness (dimming) and/or color of the light, thereby allowing dimming and/or color mixing/adjustment as desired. In a more general sense, according to embodiments, the characteristics of the light output of a light source constructed as described herein may be adjusted electronically without requiring mechanical movement, in contrast to existing lighting systems. Also, as discussed below, control of the emission of the disclosed light sources may be provided using any of a variety of wired and/or wireless control interfaces, such as switch arrays, touch-sensitive surfaces or devices, and/or computer vision systems (e.g., gesture-sensitive, activity-sensitive, and/or motion-sensitive).

According to some embodiments, as will be apparent from this disclosure, the disclosed light sources may be configured as recessed lights, pendants, spot lights, etc., which may be mounted on, for example, ceilings, walls, floors, steps, or other suitable surfaces. superior. In some other embodiments, the disclosed light source can be configured as a stand-alone lighting device, such as a desk lamp or a candlestick lamp. In other embodiments, a light source constructed as described herein may be mounted, for example, on a ceiling panel (e.g., 2 feet by 2 feet, 2 feet by 4 feet, 4 feet by 4 feet, or larger) for installation In the ceiling grid. Many other suitable configurations will be apparent in light of the present disclosure.

It will be appreciated in light of the present disclosure that, according to some embodiments, light sources constructed as described herein can provide flexible and easily adaptable lighting, capable of adapting to any of a variety of lighting applications and environments. For example, some embodiments may provide spotlights that can be adapted for small or large area tasks such as high intensity and directional beams with adjustable distribution. Some embodiments may provide any of various distributions of accent lighting or area lighting (eg, narrow, wide, asymmetric/slanted, Gaussian, bat-like, or other specially shaped beam distributions). The beam output can be adjusted by turning on/off various combinations of solid-state emitter devices of the light source and/or dimming their intensity, for example to produce uniform illumination on a given surface, fill a given space with light, or produce any Desired area lighting distribution. In some cases, the light source can be used to generate spot area shapes as desired, such as circular or oval, square or rectangular (for example, which can be used to fill corner areas), star, arrowhead, or other fancy or Customized shapes. Some embodiments may provide emergency lighting or other direction lighting. That is, the disclosed light sources can be configured to provide moving spotlighting along an exit path so that bystanders can be directed to a safe location. This may be accomplished, for example, by sequentially activating solid state lights located on a plane intersecting the housing while allowing the remaining solid state lights of the light source to emit lower levels to provide other desired emergency lighting. Many other suitable uses and applications will be apparent in light of the present disclosure.

As will be further appreciated in light of the present disclosure, light sources constructed as described herein can be considered in a general sense as durable, smart, multifunctional lighting platforms capable of producing highly tunable light output without the need for light source components mechanical movement. Some embodiments may provide, for example, a higher level of beam adjustability than conventional lighting designs that use larger moving mechanical parts. Some embodiments may achieve cost reductions, for example, as a result of the use of longer-lived solid-state devices and simplified installation, operation, and other labor costs. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the scalability and orientation of light sources constructed as described herein may be altered to suit a particular lighting environment or application (e.g., downward facing, such as ceiling lighting fixtures, pendant fixtures, table lamps etc; upward facing, such as indirect lighting pointing to the ceiling).

System Structure and Operation

1A and 1B illustrate a light source 100 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen, the light source 100 includes a housing 110, a plurality of solid state lamps 130 disposed within a plenum 115 of the housing 110, and a lamp coupled to the lamps 130 and disposed within the housing 110. One or more optional heat sinks 140 on the outside. A discussion of these is provided below. Also, as discussed below, according to some embodiments, light source 100 may be configured to be temporarily or permanently mounted on or otherwise secured to mounting surface 10, and in some such cases, may be either A support plate 20 is optionally included.

As previously mentioned, the light source 100 includes a housing 110 having a hollow space therein defining a plenum space 115 . According to some embodiments, housing 110 may be used, at least in part, to: (1) Protect or otherwise contain within plenum space 115 a plurality of solid state lights 130 (eg, in some cases where solid state lights 130 disposed on one or more interior surfaces of the housing 110); and/or (2) assist in conducting heat from the plurality of solid state lights 130 of the light source 100 to the surrounding environment. To this end, housing 110 may be made of any of a variety of materials, such as: aluminum (Al); copper (Cu); brass; steel; composites and/or polymers (eg, ceramics, plastics, etc.) ; and/or combinations of these materials. Other suitable materials that may be used to fabricate housing 110 will depend on a given application and will be apparent from this disclosure.

The geometry of housing 110 can be customized according to the needs of a given target application or end use. In some embodiments, housing 110 may be configured to have a non-straight/curved geometry. In some example cases, housing 110 may exhibit a hemispherical geometry (as similarly shown in FIG. 1B ). In some other exemplary cases, housing 110 may exhibit a partial hemispherical geometry. In some other exemplary cases, housing 110 may exhibit an oblate hemispherical geometry. In some cases, this type of geometry can help to provide a better depth for the shell 110 if the depth of the shell 110 is otherwise limited (eg, in situations where the depth of the mesenchyme space 115 cannot be extended or is impractical). Additional space is provided for receiving solid state light 130 . Other exemplary suitable curved geometries for the housing 110 include: concave; convex; elliptical; parabolic; hyperbolic; complex parabolic; In some other embodiments, the housing 110 may be configured to have a regular polyhedron-type geometry (eg, with straight faces/sides), such as a triangle geometry, a rectangle geometry, or a trapezoid geometry, and so on. In other other embodiments, the casing 110 may be configured as a cylinder, pyramid, truncated pyramid or other hollow geometric cavities. Many suitable configurations will be apparent from the present disclosure.

The dimensions of housing 110 may be customized according to the needs of a given target application or end use. For example, in some embodiments, housing 110 may have a width/diameter in the range of about 2-10 inches (e.g., about 2-4 inches, about 4-6 inches, about 6-8 inches, about 8-10 inches inches, or any other subrange within about 2-10 inches). In some exemplary cases, housing 110 may have a diameter of approximately 8 inches ± 2 inches. In other embodiments, housing 110 may have a width/diameter greater than 10 inches (e.g., in the range of about 10-20 inches, about 20-30 inches, about 30-40 inches, about 40-50 inches, or greater Inside). In a more general sense, the dimensions of the housing 110 may be varied, for example to match the particular mounting surface 10 on which the housing 110 will be mounted or other space the housing 110 will occupy (such as in a ceiling tile above; suspended from a ceiling or other aerial structure; extended from a wall, floor, or steps; constructed as a freestanding or portable lighting fixture). Other suitable dimensions for housing 110 will depend on a given application and will be apparent from this disclosure.

As previously described, light source 100 may include a plurality of solid state lights 130 disposed within plenum space 115 along one or more interior surfaces of housing 110 and (optionally) include a One or more associated heat sinks 140 on one or more outer surfaces. 2A-2D illustrate various views of a solid state light 130 and heat sink 140 assembly constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As can be seen, and as discussed below, a given solid state light 130 may include one or more solid state emitters 131 positioned on a printed circuit board (PCB) 133 (or other suitable intermediate object/substrate) and is optically coupled with optical assembly 132. In some examples, optics 132 and solid state emitter(s) 131 may be placed within, or protected by, head 137 of solid state light 130 . Also, a given solid state light 130 may include a base portion 139, discussed below. The number/density of solid state lights 130 used in light source 100 can be customized according to the needs of a given target application or end use. In some cases, a corresponding number/density of heat sinks 140 may also be used. Many suitable configurations will be apparent from the present disclosure.

A given solid state emitter 131 may be any of a variety of semiconductor light source devices. Some suitable solid state emitters 131 include, for example: Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (eg, high brightness, bi-color, tri-color, etc.); Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs); Polymer Light Emitting Diodes (PLEDs); and/or combinations of these combination. Also, a given solid state emitter 131 may be configured to emit(s) from any spectral band (e.g., visible, infrared, ultraviolet, etc.) as desired for a given target application or end use. wavelength. Some embodiments may include one or more solid state emitters 131 that emit white light, while other embodiments may include one or more multicolor solid state emitters 131 (eg, bi-color LEDs, tri-color LEDs, etc.). Furthermore, a given solid-state emitter 131 may or may not be packaged as desired, and in some cases may be positioned on a printed circuit board (PCB) 133 or other suitable intermediate/substrate, which in accordance with the present disclosure will is obvious. Other suitable solid state emitter 131 configurations will depend on a given application and will be apparent from this disclosure.

The PCB 133 and one or more solid state emitters 131 of a given solid state light 130 may be held by the base portion 139, or received by the base portion 139. The base portion 139 of a given solid state light 130 can be configured to communicate with the housing 110 in a variety of ways. For example, in some cases, base portion 139 of solid state light 130 may be configured to be received and retained by a slot or hole formed in housing 110 . To this end, the base part 139 may be screwed such that it may be screwed into a threaded groove/hole formed in the wall of the housing 110 accordingly. In other cases, as will be apparent from this disclosure, base portion 139 may be configured to be attached to housing 110 by epoxy, tape, or other suitable adhesive. Also, the base portion 139 of a given solid state light 130 may be configured to communicate with a heat sink 140, discussed below.

The coupling of base portion 139 to housing 110 can help provide a thermal path between PCB 133 and one or more solid state emitters 131 positioned thereon, and housing 110. This can help conduct thermal energy generated by the solid state emitter(s) 131 away, dissipating the heat to the surrounding environment. To this end, a given base portion 139 may be made from any of a variety of thermally conductive materials. For example, in some cases, a given base portion 139 may be made of a metal such as: aluminum (Al); copper (Cu); silver (Ag); gold (Au); alloys of these materials. In other cases, a given base portion 139 may be made of a composite material (eg, ceramic) or polymer (eg, plastic) that is sufficiently thermally conductive. Other suitable materials that may be used to fabricate a given base portion 139 will depend on a given application and will be apparent from this disclosure.

As can be seen further from the figures, a given solid state light 130 also includes optics 132 coupled to one or more solid state emitters 131 of the solid state light 130 . Optics 132 may be configured to transmit the light(s) of interest (eg, visible, infrared, ultraviolet, etc.), such as by associated solid-state emitter(s) 131 . wavelength. In some cases, the optics 132 of a given solid state light 130 may include optical structures comprising any of a variety of transparent/translucent materials, such as: polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate esters; ceramics, such as sapphire (Al ₂ O ₃ ) or yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG); glass; and/or any combination of these materials. In some cases, the optics 132 of a given solid state light 130 may include electronically controllable components that can be used to vary the output of the master solid state light 130 . For example, a given optical assembly 132 may include one or more electro-optic tunable lenses that may be electronically adjusted to change the angle, direction, and/or size (among other properties) of the light beam output by a given solid state light 130 . In some cases, the optics 132 of a given solid state light 130 may include optical components such as: reflectors; diffusers; polarizers; brightness enhancers; different wavelengths of light). As previously explained, the optical assembly 132 of a given solid state light 130 may be surrounded by, or placed within, a head 137 extending from a base portion 139 . Other suitable types and configurations of optics 132 for a given solid state light 130 may depend on a given application and will be apparent from this disclosure.

Also, as can be seen from the figure, the light source 100 may include one or more heat sinks 140 disposed on the outer surface of the housing 110 . As previously mentioned, the base portion 139 of a given solid state light 130 may be configured to communicate with a heat sink 140 . In some cases, for example, base portion 139 of solid state light 130 may be configured to extend through a hole formed in the wall of housing 110 and to be received and retained by a slot or hole formed in heat sink 140 . To this end, the base part 139 may be threaded such that it may be screwed into a corresponding threaded groove/hole formed in the body of the heat sink 140 . In other cases, the heat sink 140 may be pre-formed into the housing 110, or be part of the housing 110 (eg, the heat sink 140 and the housing 110 may be integral with each other). In other other cases, the light source 100 may be configured without any heat sink 140 . Many suitable configurations will be apparent from the present disclosure.

The coupling of the base portion 139 to the heat sink 140 can help provide a thermal path between the PCB 133 and one or more solid state emitters 131 positioned on the PCB 133 and the heat sink 140. This can help conduct away thermal energy generated by the solid state emitter(s) 131, dissipating the heat to the surrounding environment. To this end, a given heat sink 140 may be made from any of a variety of thermally conductive materials. For example, in some cases, a given heat sink 140 may be made of a metal such as: aluminum (Al); copper (Cu); silver (Ag); gold (Au); alloy of material. In other cases, a given heat sink 140 may be made of a composite material (eg, ceramic) or polymer (eg, plastic) with sufficient thermal conductivity. Other suitable materials that may be used to fabricate a given heat sink 140 will depend on a given application and will be apparent from this disclosure.

As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, light source 100 may be configured to be temporarily or permanently mounted on or otherwise secured to mounting surface 10 . In some cases, the light source 100 may be configured to be mounted as a recessed lighting fixture, while in other embodiments, the light source 100 may be configured as a pendant-type light fixture, a protruding-type light fixture, or otherwise accessible from a given mounting surface 10. Suspended or otherwise extended lighting fixtures. Some exemplary suitable mounting surfaces 10 include ceilings, walls, floors, and/or steps. In some examples, mounting surface 10 may be a ceiling tile (eg, having an area of approximately 2 feet by 2 feet, 2 feet by 4 feet, 4 feet by 4 feet, etc.) for installation in a ceiling grid. It should be noted, however, that the light source 100 need not be configured to be mounted on the mounting surface 10, but instead may be configured as a freestanding or portable lighting device, such as a desk lamp or candlestick lamp. Other suitable configurations will depend on a given application and will be apparent from this disclosure.

3A and 3B illustrate a light source 100 installed on a mounting surface 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen, the housing 110 of the light source 100 may be positioned adjacent to the first side 12a (eg, the rear side) of the mounting surface 10 . In some cases, the housing 110 of the light source 100 may be in direct physical contact with the mounting surface 10, while in other cases an intermediate (such as, for example, the optional support plate 20, discussed below) may be placed in the housing 110 and the mounting surface 10.

As can be further seen, the mounting surface 10 may have an aperture 15 formed therein through the thickness of the mounting surface 10 from the first side 12a of the mounting surface 10 to the second side 12b of the mounting surface 10 . In some examples, mounting surface 10 may optionally have a plurality of such holes 15 formed therein. For example, where the housing 110 is provided with an elongated geometry (such as, for example, an oblate hemispherical geometry) or the housing 110 covers a sufficient portion of a given mounting surface 10 (such as, for example, if the light source 100 is dimensioned to approximately This may be desirable in the case of areas covered by ceiling panels). Other situations in which multiple holes 15 may be utilized will be apparent from this disclosure. According to some embodiments, light sources 100 may be positioned/aligned relative to aperture(s) 15 in mounting surface 10 such that light emitted by any one or more of solid state lights 130 is aligned with a given aperture. 15 emanates from light source 100 with minimal or negligible overlap, thereby helping to ensure that substantially all of the light emitted by lamp 130 exits light source 100 .

The geometry and size of a given hole 15 of the mounting surface 10 can be customized according to the needs of a given target application or end use. For example, in some examples, a given aperture 15 may be configured to have a geometry that generally corresponds to that of housing 110 (eg, if housing 110 is generally hemispherical, then the associated aperture 15 may be generally circular; if housing 110 is generally oblate hemispherical, the associated bore 15 may be generally elliptical; etc.). In some cases, a given hole 15 may have a width/diameter in the range of about 1-7 inches (e.g., about 1-3 inches, about 3-5 inches, about 5-7 inches, or between about 1-7 inches. any other sub-range within the 7-inch range). In some exemplary cases, holes 15 may have a diameter of about 4 inches ± 1 inch. In some other cases, a given hole 15 may have a width/diameter greater than about 7 inches (e.g., between about 7-10 inches, about 10-13 inches, about 13-16 inches, about 16-19 inches, or more over a large range). In a more general sense, the geometry and dimensions of a given aperture 15 may be varied, for example, to match the geometry and dimensions of the housing 110 of the light source 100 and the specific characteristics of the solid state lamp 130 within the plenum space 115 of the light source 100. The arrangement matches. In some cases, aperture 15 may be smaller in size than the distribution area of solid state light 130 within housing 110 . Thus, in some cases, aperture 15 may be smaller in size than the light field of light source 100 (eg, smaller than the physical distribution area of solid state emitter 131 within housing 110 ). Also, in some embodiments, aperture 15 may be configured such that one or more of the light beams generated by solid state light 130 of light source 100 pass through a focal point generally located within aperture 15 . Other suitable geometries and dimensions for a given hole 15 formed in the mounting surface 10 will depend on a given application and will be apparent from this disclosure.

In some cases, a bezel 150 may optionally be used with light source 100 . When included, the bezel 150 may be positioned adjacent the second side 12b of the mounting surface 10 and may be configured to be located within and/or around a given aperture 15 . Where a bezel 150 is used, one or more holes 155 may be formed therein corresponding, for example, in number, geometry and/or size to (one or more holes 155) formed in the mounting surface 10. multiple) holes 15. Also, as will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, bezel 150 may alternatively refer to, for example, a trim, collar, or collar in other embodiments. In some cases, aperture 155 may be smaller in size than the distribution area of solid state light 130 within housing 110 . Thus, in some cases, aperture 155 may be smaller in size than the light field of light source 100 (eg, smaller than the physical distribution area of solid state emitter 131 within housing 110 ). In some cases, holes 15 (eg, formed in mounting surface 10 ) may be configured to have a geometry and/or size similar to that of hole 155 (eg, of optional bezel 150 ). Also, in some embodiments, aperture 155 may be configured such that one or more of the beams of light generated by solid state light 130 of light source 100 pass through a focal point generally located within aperture 155 . Other suitable configurations, geometries, and dimensions for the optional bezel 150 and its aperture(s) 155 will depend on a given application and will be apparent from this disclosure.

In some examples, optical assembly 152 may be provided with mounting surface 10 . Optics 152 may be configured to transmit wavelength(s) of interest (eg, visible, infrared, ultraviolet, etc.) of light emitted by, for example, solid state lamp 130 of light source 100 . In some cases, optics 152 may include optical structures (eg, windows) comprising any of a variety of transparent/translucent materials, such as: polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate; Ceramics, such as sapphire (Al ₂ O ₃ ) or yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG); glass; and/or any combination of these materials. In some examples, optics 152 may include optical features such as: antireflective (AR) coatings; diffusers; polarizers; brightness enhancers; and/or fluorescent materials (e.g., that convert light received therefrom into different wavelength of light). In some cases, optics 152 may include electronically controllable components that may be used to modify the output of solid state light 130 of light source 100 . For example, optics assembly 152 may include an electro-optic tunable lens or other suitable focusing optics that may be electronically adjusted to narrow or broaden the cumulative light distribution, thereby facilitating changing the beam of light output by light source 100. Angle, beam direction, beam distribution and/or beam size (among other properties). In other cases, optical assembly 152 may include, for example, a Fresnel lens or other fixed optics (eg, positioned with aperture 155 ) to modify the beam distribution. In some examples, optical assembly 152 may be surrounded by, or placed within, bezel 150 (discussed above), which is optionally included.

In some cases, support plate 20 may optionally be used with light source 100, for example, to provide additional structural support and/or heat dissipation for light source 100. When included, the support plate 20 may be positioned adjacent the first side 12 a of the mounting surface 10 . Housing 110 and support plate 20 may be separate components associated with each other (e.g., housing 110 resting on support plate 20), or they may be integrated together as a single piece, as desired for a given target application or end use (eg, support plate 20 and housing 110 are made from one continuous piece of material). Where a support plate 20 is used, one or more holes 25 may be formed in the support plate 20 , for example corresponding to the number, geometry and/or size of the hole(s) 15 formed in the mounting surface 10 . middle. This may allow light emitted by any one or more of solid state lights 130 to emanate from light source 100 with minimal or negligible overlap with the perimeter of a given aperture 25, thereby helping to ensure that light emitted by lights 130 Substantially all of the light exits the light source 100 .

The coupling of the support plate 20 to the housing 110 (e.g., by making it contact with the housing 110 or making it integral with the housing 110) can help to ensure that the PCB 133 and one or more solid state emitters of a given solid state light 130 A thermal channel is provided between the device 131 and the support plate 20 . This can help conduct away thermal energy generated by the solid state emitter(s) 131, dissipating the heat to the surrounding environment. To this end, the support plate 20 may be made of any of various thermally conductive materials. For example, in some cases, support plate 20 may be made of a metal such as: aluminum (Al); copper (Cu); silver (Ag); gold (Au); brass; steel; and/or alloys of any of these materials . In some other cases, the support plate 20 may be made of a composite material (such as ceramic) or a polymer (such as plastic) with sufficient thermal conductivity. Other suitable materials that may be used to fabricate support plate 20 will depend on a given application and will be apparent from this disclosure.

As previously mentioned, the solid state lights 130 of the light source 100 may be electronically controlled, eg, individually and/or in combination with each other, to provide highly tunable light emission from the light source 100 . To this end, the light source 100 may include or be communicatively coupled with one or more controllers 200 . For example, consider Figure 4A, which is a block diagram of a lighting system 1000a constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the controller 200 is operatively coupled (eg, via a communication bus/interconnect) to the solid state lights 130 1-N of the light source 100. In this exemplary scenario, controller 200 may output control signals to any one or more of solid state lights 130, and may do so based, for example, on wired and/or wireless inputs received from one or more control interfaces 202. control signals, which are discussed below. As a result, the light source 100 can be controlled in such a manner that any of the output beams 1-N can be output in beam direction, beam angle, beam size, beam size, beam direction, etc., as desired for a given target application or end use. Differences in distribution, brightness/darkness and/or color.

However, the present disclosure is not so limited. For example, consider Figure 4B, which is a block diagram of a lighting system 1000b constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, each solid state light 130 1-N of light source 100 includes its own controller 200. In a sense, each solid state light 130 can be considered to actually have its own microcontroller, thereby providing a distributed controller 200 for the light source 100 . In some examples, the controller 200 for a given solid state light 130 may be located on the PCB 133, for example. In this exemplary scenario, a given controller 200 may output control signals to associated solid state lights 130 of light sources 100 and may, for example, based on wired and/or wireless inputs received from one or more control interfaces 202 This outputs the control signal, which is discussed below. As a result, the light source 100 can be controlled in such a way that any of the output beams 1-N can be output in beam direction, beam angle, beam size, beam distribution, as desired for a given target application or end use. , brightness/darkness and/or color.

According to some embodiments, a given controller 200 may house one or more lighting control modules and may be programmed or otherwise configured to output, for example, one or more control signals to regulate the operation of: (1 ) one or more solid state emitters 131 of a given solid state light 130; (2) the optics 132 of a given solid state light 131; and/or (3) the optical assembly 152 received by the mounting surface 10 (e.g. and/or optional bezel 150). For example, in some cases, a given controller 200 may be configured to output control signals to control whether the light beam is on/off, and to control the beam direction, beam angle, beam distribution, and /or beam diameter. In some examples, a given controller 200 may be configured to output a control signal to control the intensity/brightness (eg, dimming, brightening) of light emitted by a given solid state emitter 131 . In some cases, a given controller 200 may be configured to output control signals to control (eg, mix, adjust) the color of light emitted by a given solid state emitter 131 . Thus, if a given solid state light 130 includes two or more solid state emitters 131 configured to emit light having different wavelengths, the control signal can be used to adjust the relative brightness of the different solid state emitters 131 to vary the brightness determined by the The mixed color output by the solid state light 130 . In some cases, a given controller 200 may employ a digital communication protocol, such as a Digital Multiplexer (DMX) interface, Wi-Fi ^™ protocol, Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) protocol, ZigBee protocol, or any other suitable Wired and/or wireless communication protocols, as will be apparent from this disclosure. In still other cases, a given controller 200 may be configured as a junction box or other pass-through such that a given control interface 202 is actually directly coupled with the individual solid state emitters 131 of the light source 100 . Many suitable configurations will be apparent from the present disclosure.

Also as previously mentioned, any of a variety of wired and/or wireless control interface 202 may be used to provide control of solid state light 130 of light source 100 . For example, in some embodiments, one or more switches (eg, an array of switches) may be utilized to control solid state emitters 131 of light source 100 individually and/or in combination with one another. A given switch may be, for example, a slide switch, rotary switch, toggle switch, push switch, or any other suitable switch, as will be apparent from this disclosure. In some examples, one or more switches may be operatively coupled to a given controller 200, which in turn interprets the input and distributes the desired control signal(s) to the solid state of the light source 100. One or more of the solid state emitters 131 of the lamp 130 . In some other examples, one or more switches may be directly operatively coupled to solid state transmitter 131 to directly control solid state transmitter 131 .

In some embodiments, a touch-sensitive device or surface, such as a touchpad or other device with a touch-based user interface, may be utilized to control the solid-state emitters 131 of the solid-state lights 130 of the light source 100 individually and/or in combination with one another. . In some examples, the touch-sensitive interface may be operatively coupled with one or more controllers 200, which in turn interpret input from the control interface 202 and provide the desired control signal(s) to one or more of the solid state emitters 131 of the light source 100 . In some other examples, a touch-sensitive interface may be directly operatively coupled to solid state transmitter 131 to directly control solid state transmitter 131 .

In some embodiments, a computer vision system (i.e., gesture-sensitive, activity-sensitive, and/or motion-sensitive, for example) may be utilized to control the solid-state emitters 131 of the solid-state lights 130 of the light source 100 individually and/or in combination with one another. . In some such cases, this can provide a light source 100 that can automatically adjust its light emission based on certain gesture-based commands, perceived activity, and other stimuli. In some examples, the computer vision system may be operatively coupled with one or more controllers 200, which in turn interpret input from the control interface 202 and provide the desired control signal(s) to one or more of the solid state emitters 131 of the light source 100 . In other examples, a computer vision system may be directly operatively coupled to solid state emitter 131 to directly control solid state emitter 131 . Other suitable configurations and capabilities for a given controller 200 and one or more control interfaces 202 will depend on a given application and will be apparent from this disclosure.

As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, light source 100 may also be operatively coupled, for example, with other components that may be used in solid state lighting fixtures, such as power conversion circuitry (for example, converting an AC signal to DC at a desired current and voltage). signal to an electrical ballast circuit that powers a solid-state device), a driver circuit, and so on. Furthermore, it should be noted that light sources 100 constructed as described herein are not necessarily prevented from using, for example, electromechanical components with physical movement. For example, in some examples, light source 100 may be configured to accommodate a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) mirror array that provides a reflective surface with adjustable focus. The solid state lights 130 (discussed above) and these mirror arrays may be distributed within the plenum space 115 of the housing 100 (e.g., on the inner surface of the plenum space 115), and may enable one or more of the solid state lights 130 to illuminate A given array of mirrors is illuminated, which in turn focuses the light rays outside the light source 100 in the desired direction. Other suitable optional electromechanical components for light source 100 will depend on a given application and will be apparent from this disclosure.

Also as previously mentioned, the light source 100 may be configured as a lighting fixture that may be suspended or otherwise extended from a given mounting surface 10, such as a pendant-type fixture, a protruding-type fixture, or the like. For example, consider Figure 5, which illustrates a light source 100 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen in this exemplary case, housing 110 may exhibit a hemispherical geometry, providing an outer surface exhibiting a convex curvature, and according to some embodiments, plurality of solid state lights 130 may be arranged in such a on the outer surface of the housing 110. However, as will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, housing 110 is not limited to the exemplary hemispherical geometry described, as in other embodiments housing 110 may be configured to have Any various types of geometric shapes (e.g. non-straight/curved, e.g. partial hemispherical, oblate hemispherical, concave, convex, cylindrical, elliptical, parabolic, hyperbolic, complex parabolic; regular polyhedron type, such as triangle, rectangle, trapezoid, pyramid, truncated pyramid). Many suitable configurations will be apparent from the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, light source 100 may, for example, be configured such that no two of its solid state emitters 131 are directed at the same point on a given surface of incidence. Thus, there may be a one-to-one mapping of the solid state lamp 130 of the light source 100 to the beam spot it produces on a given incident surface. According to some embodiments, this one-to-one mapping may provide pixelated control over the light distribution of the light source 100 . That is, the light source 100 is capable of outputting a polar, grid-like pattern of beam spots that can be manipulated (eg, in intensity, etc.), eg, similar to a regular, rectangular grid of display pixels. Similar to display pixels, the beam spots produced by light source 100 may have minimal or negligible overlap, according to some embodiments. According to some embodiments, this may allow the light distribution of light source 100 to be manipulated in a manner similar to how display pixels may be manipulated to produce different patterns, spot shapes and distributions of light. Furthermore, light source 100 may exhibit minimal or negligible overlap in the angular distribution of light from its solid state emitters 131, and thus the candela distribution may be tuned (eg, in intensity, etc.) as desired for a given target application or end use. However, as will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, according to some embodiments, light source 100 may also be configured to direct two or more solid state emitters 131 to the same point (such as, for example, when it is desired to use multicolor solid state emitters). device 131 for color mixing). In a more general sense, according to some embodiments, solid state light 130 may be mounted on a given inner or outer surface of housing 100 such that its orientation provides a given desired beam distribution from light source 100 .

Many embodiments will be apparent from this disclosure. An exemplary embodiment provides a light source comprising a housing having a hemispherical inner surface and a hole, and a plurality of solid state lights arranged in the hemispherical shape of the housing. On the inner surface to provide a light distribution area, wherein each of the plurality of solid state lights is configured to emit light through an aperture, and the aperture is smaller in size than the distribution area of the plurality of solid state lights on the hemispherical inner surface. In some cases, the light source further includes a controller communicatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of solid state lights and configured to output one or more control signals to electronically control light emitted therefrom . In some such cases, multiple solid state lights are electronically controlled by a controller independently of each other. In some cases, the controller is configured to output a control signal that controls the beam direction, beam angle, beam diameter, beam distribution, brightness, and/or color of light emitted by at least one of the plurality of solid state lights. at least one of . In some cases, the controller employs a digital multiplexer (DMX) interface protocol, a Wi-Fi protocol, a digital addressable lighting interface (DALI) protocol, and/or a ZigBee protocol. In some examples, at least one of the plurality of solid state lights includes an electro-optic tunable lens, and wherein the controller is configured to output a control signal that controls the electro-optic tunable lens. In some cases, at least one of the plurality of solid state lights includes a light emitting diode (LED), and wherein the controller is configured to output a control signal that controls the LED. In some examples, the light source further includes an electro-optic tunable lens disposed within the aperture and configured to adjust the accumulated light distribution, wherein the controller is configured to output a signal that controls the EO tunable lens control signal. In some cases, the housing has a hemispherical or oblate hemispherical geometry. In some examples, the light source also includes one or more heat sinks disposed on an outer surface of the housing and coupled to the plurality of solid state lights through a wall of the housing. In some examples, the light source also includes an optical window positioned within the aperture and having an anti-reflective coating. In some examples, at least one of the plurality of solid state lights includes at least one of a fixed lens, a reflector, a diffuser, a polarizer, a brightness enhancer, and/or a fluorescent material. In some cases, the light source is configured to be mounted on a mounting surface having an aperture formed therein, and wherein light emitted by the plurality of solid state lights passes through the aperture formed in the mounting surface. In some such cases, the light source further includes a support plate coupled to the housing and positioned adjacent the mounting surface, the support plate comprising a thermally conductive metal, composite material, or polymer and having a hole formed therein, the support plate The apertures match apertures formed in the mounting surface, wherein light emitted by the plurality of solid state lights passes through the apertures formed in the support plate.

Another exemplary embodiment provides a light source comprising a housing having a curved inner surface, a plurality of solid state lights disposed in the housing, and one or more heat sinks. On the curved inner surface of the body and configured to emit light through an aperture, the size of the hole is smaller than the distribution area on the curved inner surface of a plurality of solid state lights, at least one of the plurality of solid state lights includes a printed circuit board (PCB) One or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and an electro-optic adjustable lens optically coupled with the one or more LEDs, the one or more heat sinks are arranged on the outer surface of the housing and passed through the A wall is coupled with the plurality of solid state lights. In some cases, the light source further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of solid state lights and configured to output one or more control signals to electronically control the plurality of solid state lights independently of each other. In some examples, the light source further includes a controller positioned on the PCB of at least one of the plurality of solid state lights and configured to output one or more control signals to electronically control the light source positioned on the PCB. of one or more LEDs. In some cases, the light source is configured to be mounted on a mounting surface, including a ceiling tile, ceiling, wall, floor, or steps, the mounting surface having an aperture formed therein, and wherein, by A plurality of solid state lights emit light through apertures formed in the mounting surface. In some examples, the light source further includes a support plate coupled to the housing of the light source and comprising thermally conductive metal, composite material, or polymer. In some cases, the light source is configured as a freestanding lighting device. In some examples, the light source further includes an electro-optic tunable lens optically coupled to the plurality of solid state lights and configured to adjust the cumulative light distribution. In some cases, the housing has a hemispherical geometry or an oblate hemispherical geometry.

Another exemplary embodiment provides a lighting system comprising a ceiling tile having an aperture formed therein and a light source placed over the ceiling tile, The light source includes a housing having a hemispherical or oblate hemispherical geometry, a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) based lights arranged in the housing, a controller, and one or more heat sinks. on the curved inner surface of a body, wherein at least one LED-based light includes an electro-optic tunable lens optically coupled thereto, and wherein the distribution area of the plurality of solid state lights on the curved inner surface is larger in size than that formed in a ceiling tile aperture, the controller is communicatively coupled with the plurality of LED-based lamps and configured to electronically control the light emitted therefrom, the one or more heat sinks are disposed on the outer surface of the housing and pass through the housing The walls of the body are coupled with a plurality of LED-based lights, wherein light emitted by the plurality of LED-based lights exits the light source through holes in the ceiling tile. In some cases, the controller is configured to output control signals that control at least one of beam direction, beam angle, beam diameter, beam distribution, brightness, and/or color of light emitted by the light source. In some examples, the lighting system further includes an electro-optic tunable lens positioned in an aperture formed in the ceiling tile and configured to adjust the accumulated light distribution. In some cases, the housing has a width/diameter of about 8 inches ± 2 inches, and wherein the aperture of the ceiling tile has a width/diameter of about 5 inches ± 1 inch.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the present disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. Future filings claiming priority from this application may claim the disclosed subject matter in various ways, and generally may include any combination of one or more limitations as variously disclosed or illustrated herein.

Claims (26)

1. a light source, comprising:

Housing, described housing has hemispherical inner surface and has hole; With

Multiple solid state lamp, described multiple solid state lamp is disposed on the described hemispherical inner surface of described housing, to provide lamp distributed areas, wherein, the each of described multiple solid state lamp is configured to through described hole utilizing emitted light, and described hole is less than the described distributed areas of multiple solid state lamp on described hemispherical inner surface dimensionally.

2. light source as claimed in claim 1, also comprises controller, and described controller connects with at least one of described multiple solid state lamp by correspondence, and is configured to export the light that one or more control signal launched by it with Electronic Control.

3. light source as claimed in claim 2, wherein, described multiple solid state lamp is by described controller Electronic Control independently of one another.

4. light source as claimed in claim 2, wherein, described controller is configured to export control signal, and described control signal controls by least one in the beam direction of at least one light launched of described multiple solid state lamp, beam angle, beam diameter, beam distribution, brightness and/or color.

5. light source as claimed in claim 2, wherein, described controller adopts at least one in interleaver (DMX) interface protocol, Wi-Fi agreement, digital addressable lighting interface (DALI) agreement and/or Zigbee protocol.

6. light source as claimed in claim 2, wherein, at least one of described multiple solid state lamp comprises the adjustable camera lens of electric light, and wherein, described controller is configured to export the control signal controlling the adjustable camera lens of described electric light.

7. light source as claimed in claim 2, wherein, at least one of described multiple solid state lamp comprises light emitting diode (LED), and wherein, described controller is configured to export the control signal controlling described LED.

8. light source as claimed in claim 2, also comprise the adjustable camera lens of electric light, described electric light is adjustable, and camera lens is placed in described hole and be configured to the Light distribation regulating accumulation, and wherein, described controller is configured to export the control signal controlling the adjustable camera lens of described electric light.

9. light source as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described housing has hemisphere geometry or flat hemisphere geometry.

10. light source as claimed in claim 1, also comprises one or more heat sink, on described one or more heat sink outer surface being disposed in described housing, and is connected with described multiple solid state lamp by the wall of described housing.

11. light sources as claimed in claim 1, also comprise optical window, and described optical window to be placed in described hole and to have ARC.

12. light sources as claimed in claim 1, wherein, at least one of described multiple solid state lamp comprises at least one of fixed lens, reflector, diffuser, polarizer, Brightness intensifier and/or fluorescent material.

13. light sources as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described light source is configured to install on a mounting surface, and described mounting surface has formation hole within it, and wherein, the light launched by described multiple solid state lamp is through the hole be formed in described mounting surface.

14. light sources as claimed in claim 13, also comprise gripper shoe, described gripper shoe connects with described housing and contiguous described mounting surface is placed, described gripper shoe comprises heat-conducting metal, composite or polymer and has formation hole within it, described hole and the hole be formed in described mounting surface match, wherein, the light launched by described multiple solid state lamp is through the hole be formed in described gripper shoe.

15. 1 kinds of light sources, comprising:

Housing, described housing has crooked inner surface;

Multiple solid state lamp, described multiple solid state lamp is disposed on the described crooked inner surface of described housing, and be configured to through via hole utilizing emitted light, the size in described hole is less than the described distributed areas of multiple solid state lamp on described crooked inner surface, and at least one of described multiple solid state lamp comprises:

Be positioned at the one or more light emitting diodes (LED) on printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB); With

Electric light is adjustable camera lens, described electric light is adjustable camera lens and described one or more LED light student's federation connect; With

One or more heat sink, on described one or more heat sink outer surface being disposed in described housing, and connected with described multiple solid state lamp by the wall of described housing.

16. light sources as claimed in claim 15, also comprise controller, and described controller connects with described multiple solid state lamp by correspondence and is configured to export one or more control signal with multiple solid state lamp described in Electronic Control independently of one another.

17. light sources as claimed in claim 15, also comprise controller, described controller is positioned on the PCB of at least one of described multiple solid state lamp, and is configured to export one or more control signal with Electronic Control location one or more LED on the pcb.

18. light sources as claimed in claim 15, wherein, described light source is configured to install on a mounting surface, described mounting surface comprises furred ceiling jigsaw, ceiling, wall, ground or step, described mounting surface has formation hole within it, and the light wherein, launched by described multiple solid state lamp is through the hole be formed in described mounting surface.

19. light sources as claimed in claim 15, also comprise gripper shoe, and described gripper shoe connects with the housing of described light source and comprises heat-conducting metal, composite or polymer.

20. light sources as claimed in claim 15, wherein, described light source is constructed to freestanding lighting apparatus.

21. light sources as claimed in claim 15, also comprise the adjustable camera lens of electric light, and described electric light is adjustable, and camera lens connects with described multiple solid state lamp optics and is configured to regulate the Light distribation accumulated.

22. light sources as claimed in claim 15, wherein, described housing has hemisphere geometry or flat hemisphere geometry.

23. 1 kinds of illuminators, comprising:

Furred ceiling jigsaw, described furred ceiling jigsaw has formation hole within it;

Light source, described light source is placed on described furred ceiling jigsaw, and described light source comprises:

Housing, described housing has hemispherical or flat hemisphere geometry;

Multiple lamp based on light emitting diode (LED), described multiple lamp based on light emitting diode is disposed on the crooked inner surface of described housing, wherein, at least one LED-based lamp comprises the adjustable camera lens of the electric light connected with its optics, and wherein, the distributed areas of described multiple solid state lamp on described crooked inner surface are greater than the hole be formed in described furred ceiling jigsaw dimensionally;

Controller, described controller connects with described multiple LED-based lamp by correspondence, and is configured to the light that Electronic Control launched by it; With

One or more heat sink, on described one or more heat sink outer surface being disposed in described housing, and connected with described multiple LED-based lamp by the wall of described housing;

Wherein, the light launched by described multiple LED-based lamp leaves described light source by the hole in described furred ceiling jigsaw.

24. systems as claimed in claim 23, wherein, described controller is configured to export control signal, and described control signal controls at least one in the beam direction of the light launched by described light source, beam angle, beam diameter, beam distribution, brightness and/or color.

25. systems as claimed in claim 23, also comprise the adjustable camera lens of electric light, and described electric light is adjustable, and camera lens is placed in the hole be formed in described furred ceiling jigsaw and be configured to the Light distribation regulating accumulation.

26. systems as claimed in claim 23, wherein, described housing has the width/diameter of about 8 inches ± 2 inches, and wherein, the hole of described furred ceiling jigsaw has the width/diameter of about 5 inches ± 1 inch.