Color correction using multiple LED arrays

Abstract

A lighting system and method may provide lighting at a specified color point. A first lens may project a first light from a first LED array of first light-emitting diodes (LEDs) having a first color point corresponding to a specified lighting pattern onto a scene to form first lighting areas corresponding to the first LEDs in the scene. A second lens may project a second light from a second LED array of second LEDs having a second color point onto a scene to form second lighting areas in the scene that at least partially overlap with the corresponding first lighting areas in the scene. The first lighting may be combined with the second lighting in the scene to form combined lighting corresponding to a specified lighting pattern. The combined lighting may have a specified color point, such as between the first color point and the second color point.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 288,334 filed December 10, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Field of the present disclosure

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a lighting system for cameras, etc. Background Technology

[0005] Lighting systems can provide lighting. For example, a camera flash can illuminate a scene. There are ongoing efforts to improve lighting systems, such as those for cameras. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0006] Figure 1 shows a side view of an example of a lighting system according to some examples. FIG. 2 shows a front view of one example of an LED array according to some examples. Figure 3 shows a front view of an example of combined lighting in a scene according to some examples. FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an example of a lighting system according to some examples. Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of one example of a method for providing lighting according to some examples. Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts in the various drawings. Elements within the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The configurations depicted in the drawings are merely examples and should not be interpreted as restrictive in any way. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0007] Some lighting systems, such as those for camera flashes or vehicle headlights, can vary light intensity across a lighting field. For example, a camera flash can direct more light to objects in the scene relatively far from the camera and less light to objects in the scene relatively close to the camera, allowing both distant and nearby objects to have adequate lighting for the captured image of the scene. As another example, vehicle headlights can dim parts of the angled lighting field to avoid blinding drivers of oncoming vehicles. Other suitable examples and applications may also be utilized.

[0008] In some examples of lighting systems capable of varying light intensity across a lighting field, a lens may collimate (or at least partially focus) light from an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), such as segmented LEDs, having individually addressable segments that can be electrically powered independently of other segments. For the purposes of this document, the terms “LED array” and “segmented LED” may be used interchangeably, and the terms “LEDs” and “LED segments” may be used interchangeably.

[0009] Lenses direct light toward the scene, allowing specific locations on the LED array to be oriented at a specific angle toward the scene. By varying the power delivered to the LEDs in the array, the lighting system can dynamically adjust light intensity across the lighting field. For illuminating a specific scene, light propagating in a specific direction can correspond to specific locations within the scene. In other words, to dynamically adjust the lighting intensity for locations within the scene, the lighting system can dynamically adjust the power delivered to the various LEDs in the LED array.

[0010] One potential disadvantage of using LED arrays to vary lighting intensities for locations within a scene is that it can be difficult to maintain uniform color compared to LEDs powered by different amounts of current. For example, in an array of white light LEDs where each LED has an LED die that generates excitation light and a phosphor that absorbs at least a portion of the excitation light and generates phosphor light, the combined excitation light and phosphor light emitted from the LEDs may have a nominal (e.g., specified) color. It has been found that the phosphor for a particular LED can spuriously absorb the excitation light generated by an adjacent LED and thus emit more phosphor light than the nominal (e.g., specified) amount of phosphor light. This additional phosphor light can discolor the total amount of light generated by the LEDs. In the case of excitation light that is blue or violet and phosphor light that is yellow, discoloration may appear within the scene as a yellow halo surrounding relatively brightly lit areas.

[0011] To address the problem of discoloration, the lighting system may include multiple LED arrays, each generating light of different colors corresponding to a specified lighting pattern. For example, to solve the problem of phosphors absorbing excitation light from adjacent LEDs to generate excessive phosphor light, the lighting system may include an additional LED array that generates excitation light but lacks phosphors. To compensate for the additional phosphor light, the lighting system may direct a compensated amount of excitation light toward appropriate locations within the scene. This is merely one example of using multiple LED arrays of different colors. Other examples are described in detail below.

[0012] In this document, the term "color point" may include a two-dimensional location on a chromaticity diagram. A two-dimensional location may represent a specific color, such as a specific spectral profile, of light or combinations of light. In some examples, single-wavelength light may extend around part of the boundary of the diagram. In one specific example of a chromaticity diagram, violet light may be located near the bottom-left corner of the chromaticity diagram, green light may be located near the top-left corner of the chromaticity diagram, and red light may be located near the bottom-right corner of the chromaticity diagram. Other two-dimensional chromaticity diagrams may also be used. In some examples, light emitted from a phosphorless LED, or excitation light from a white light LED that may have a relatively narrow spectrum relative to its wavelength, may be located on or near the boundary of the chromaticity diagram. In some examples, combinations of single-wavelength light may occupy internal locations of the chromaticity diagram. In some examples, phosphor light, such as light absorbed by a phosphor in a white light LED and then re-emitted, may have a relatively broad spectrum relative to its wavelength and may be located inside the chromaticity diagram. For light having a two-dimensional position relatively close to the blackbody curve, such as white light, the term "color temperature" may be applied. For white light LEDs, the term "color point" may optionally include color temperature. For example, white light may be described as cool white, warm white, or other names following the blackbody curve. The term "color point" is used consistently throughout the remainder of this document. It will be understood that "color point" may refer to the "color temperature" of white light, such as the output light from a phosphor-based white light LED.In addition, you will understand that "color points" can represent two-dimensional positions on a chromaticity diagram for colors that may be relatively far from the blackbody curve, such as non-white light, like the excitation light in phosphor-based white light LEDs.

[0013] In one example, a lighting system and method may provide lighting at a specified color point. A first lens may project a first light from a first LED array of first LEDs, which corresponds to a specified lighting pattern and has a first color point, onto a scene to form first lighting regions corresponding to the first LEDs in the scene. A second lens may project a second light from a second LED array of second LEDs, which has a second color point, onto a scene to form second lighting regions in the scene that at least partially overlap with the corresponding first lighting regions in the scene. The first lighting may be combined with the second lighting in the scene to form combined lighting corresponding to a specified lighting pattern. The combined lighting may have a specified color point, such as between the first color point and the second color point. An optional third LED array and a third lens may direct a third light from the third color point toward the scene to provide additional flexibility in acquiring the specified color point in the scene.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example of a lighting system (100), such as for a camera (102), according to some examples. The camera (102) can capture an image of a scene (104) during the exposure duration of the camera (102). In FIG. 1, the scene (104) is depicted as a happy cat; other suitable scenes may also be used.

[0015] The lighting system (100) may include a first LED array (106A). The first LED array (106A) may include first LEDs (108A) capable of generating a first light (110A). The first light (110A) may correspond to a specified lighting pattern and may have a first color spot. In some examples, the specified lighting pattern may include uniform lighting. In some examples, the specified lighting pattern may include non-uniform lighting, where one area of ​​the scene (104) receives more lighting than another area of ​​the scene (104). In some examples, the first LED array (106A) may include segmented LEDs, and the first LEDs (108A) include LED segments that are individually addressable (e.g., individually controllable or individually powerable).

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of one example of the first LED array (106A) of FIG. 1 according to some examples. In the example of FIG. 2, the LED array (106A) may include first LEDs (108A) arranged in a straight grid. Other suitable arrangements may also be used.

[0017] Returning to FIG. 1, the lighting system (100) may include at least one lens (114), such as a first lens (114A). At least one lens (114), such as the first lens (114A), may project a first light (110A) onto a scene (104) as a first light (116A). In some examples, a first LED array (106A) may be located on the focal plane of at least one lens (114), such as the first lens (114A). In some examples, at least one lens (114), such as the first lens (114A), may collimate the first light (110A) to form a first light (116A). The first light (116A) may form first light areas corresponding to the first LEDs (108A) in the scene (104).

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an example of first lighting areas (302) in a scene (104) according to some examples. Since the first lens (114A) can collimate the first light (110A) by, for example, positioning the first LED array (106A) on the focal plane of the first lens (114A), features in translational space on the first LED array (106A) can correspond to features in angular space on the first lighting (116A). For example, bright and dark areas of the first LED array (106A) can correspond to bright and dark areas in angular space coming from the lighting system (100). Since the scene (104) may be relatively far from the lighting system (100), the bright and dark areas in angular space can correspond to bright and dark areas in the lighting pattern projected by the lighting system onto the scene (104) relative to the distance and size of the elements in the lighting system (100).

[0019] Returning to FIG. 1, the lighting system (100) may include a second LED array (106B). The second LED array (106B) may include second LEDs (108B) capable of generating second light (110B). In some examples, the second LEDs (108B) may correspond to the first LEDs (108A) in a one-to-one correspondence. The second light (110B) may have a second color spot different from the first color spot. The second LEDs (108B) may be arranged similarly to the arrangement of the first LEDs (108A), such as a grid shown in FIG. 2.

[0020] The lighting system (100) may include a second lens (114B). At least one lens (114), such as the second lens (114B), may project a second light (110B) onto a scene (104) as a second light (116B). In some examples, at least one lens (114), such as the second lens (114B), may collimate the second light (110B) to form a second light (116B). The second light (116B) may form second lighting areas corresponding to the second LEDs (108B) in the scene (104). The second lighting areas may be arranged in a pattern similar to or matching the arrangement of first lighting areas, such as the first lighting areas (302) shown in FIG. 3. Each second lighting area may overlap at least partially with the corresponding first lighting area in the scene (104). The first light (116A) can be combined with the second light (116B) in the scene (104) to form a combined light corresponding to a specified light pattern. The combined light may have specified color dots, such as between the first color dot and the second color dot.

[0021] In some examples, the first lens (114A) may define a first central axis extending from the first LED array (106A) through the center of the first lens (114A). The second lens (114B) may define a second central axis extending from the second LED array (106B) through the center of the second lens (114B). In some examples, the first central axis may be parallel to the second central axis. In some examples, the first LED array (106A) may be located in the focal plane of the first lens (114A). In some examples, the second LED array (106B) may be located in the focal plane of the second lens (114B).

[0022] Since the second lens (114B) can collimate the second light (110B) by, for example, positioning the second LED array (106B) on the focal plane of the second lens (114B), features in translational space on the second LED array (106B) can correspond to features in angular space on the second light (116B). Since the scene (104) may be relatively far from the lighting system (100), the bright and dark areas in angular space can correspond to the bright and dark areas in the lighting pattern projected by the lighting system onto the scene (104), relative to the distance and size of the elements within the lighting system (100).

[0023] Additionally, since the distance to the scene (104) can be significantly greater than the distance between the first lens (114A) and the second lens (114B), the distance between the first lens (114A) and the second lens (114B) can be ignored when determining the location where a specific ray of a specific propagation angle will strike the scene (104). As a result, it can be assumed that the first ray propagating at the specified propagation angle from the first light (116A) and the second ray propagating at the specified propagation angle from the second light (116B) can reach the same location in the scene (104).

[0024] Although the configuration of FIG. 1 includes multiple lenses, it is also possible to configure the lighting system to include only a single lens. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an example of a lighting system (400), such as for a camera (102), according to some examples. Compared to the lighting system (100) of FIG. 1, the lighting system (400) utilizes a single lens (114) to replace the first lens (114A) and the second lens (114B), and includes an additional beam splitter (402) that combines the first light (110A) with the second light (110B) and directs the combined first light (110A) and second light (110B) toward the lens (114). The beam splitter (402) may be formed as a cube beam splitter having a beam splitting coating disposed on the hypotenuse of the cube. The beam splitter (402) may, alternatively, be formed as a plate beam splitter, a polygonal prism, or other suitable beam splitting geometry.

[0025] Returning to FIG. 1, in some examples, the lighting system (100) may further include a controller (128) as an option. The controller (128) may receive a specified lighting pattern. The controller (128) may electrically power the first LED array (106A) in response to the specified lighting pattern so that the first light (116A) corresponds to the specified lighting pattern. The controller (128) may electrically power the second LED array (106B) in response to the specified lighting pattern so that the second light (116B) corresponds to the specified lighting pattern.

[0026] In some examples, the lighting system (100) may further include a housing (130) as an option. A first LED array (106A) and a second LED array (106B) may be placed within the housing (130). A first lens (114A) and a second lens (114B) may be placed within or on the housing (130). The first lens (114A) and the second lens (114B) may each direct the first light (116A) and the second light (116B) away from the housing (130).

[0027] In some examples, the lighting system (100) may optionally further include a camera (102) placed within or on the housing (130). The camera (102) may collect a first light (124A) and a second light (124B) reflected from the scene (104). The camera (102) may include a lens (122) that forms an image of the scene (104) from the collected light. A multi-pixel sensor (126) within the camera (102) may detect the image. A controller (128) may receive a signal from the multi-pixel sensor (126) and generate a digital data signal representing an image of the scene (104).

[0028] In some examples, the camera (102) may be positioned between the first lens (114A) and the second lens (114B).

[0029] Three configurations are described below that provide details on how light from multiple LED arrays is combined to affect a color point in a scene (104). In the first configuration, the lighting system (100) can adjust the color point by combining light from a phosphor-based white light LED array with a phosphor-free LED array that adds additional excitation light in the scene. In the second configuration, the lighting system (100) can adjust the color point by combining light from two LED arrays with different amounts of the same phosphor material. In the third configuration, the lighting system (100) can adjust the color point by combining light from two (or more) LED arrays with different phosphor materials.

[0030] In the first configuration, the lighting system (100) can adjust the color point by combining light from a phosphor-based white light LED array with a phosphor-free LED array that adds additional excitation light in the scene. For example, each first LED (108A) may include a first die capable of generating a first excitation light. Each first LED (108A) may include a first phosphor capable of absorbing at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generating a first phosphor light. The first phosphor may also absorb at least a portion of the first excitation light from adjacent first LEDs (108A) within the first LED array (106A) and, in response, generate spurious phosphor light, so that the first light (110A) becomes a combination of at least a portion of the first excitation light, at least a portion of the first phosphor light, and at least a portion of the spurious phosphor light. Each second LED (108B) may include a second die capable of generating second excitation light. Each second LED (108B) may not have a phosphor so that the second light (110B) contains only the second excitation light.

[0031] In some examples of the first configuration, the combination of the first excitation light and the first phosphor light may have a specified color spot. The combination of the first excitation light, the first phosphor light, and the spurious phosphor light may have a discolored color spot. The combination of the first excitation light, the first phosphor light, the spurious phosphor light, and the second light (110B) may have a color-corrected color spot. The difference between the color-corrected color spot and the specified color spot may be smaller than the difference between the discolored color spot and the specified color spot.

[0032] In some examples of the first configuration, the first excitation light and the second excitation light may have the same wavelength. For example, the wavelength may be 445 nm to 455 nm, which is in the blue part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Other suitable wavelengths may also be used.

[0033] In some examples of the first configuration, the controller (128) may receive a specified lighting pattern. The controller (128) may cause the first LED array (106A) to be electrically powered by a first lighting pattern corresponding to the specified lighting pattern. The controller (128) may cause the second LED array (106B) to be electrically powered by a second lighting pattern that at least partially compensates for the spurious phosphor light, such that the combination of the spurious phosphor light and the second light (110B) has a specified color point.

[0034] In some examples of the first configuration, the second lighting pattern may specify that, in response to the power supply of the specified first LED, the second LEDs (108B) corresponding to the first LEDs (108A) adjacent to the specified first LED may generate a second light (110B). In some examples, the second lighting pattern may specify that, in response to the power supply of the specified first LED, the second LED corresponding to the specified first LED may not generate a second light (110B).

[0035] In a specific example of the first configuration, the lighting system (100) may include an array of first LEDs (108A). Each first LED (108A) may emit excitation light when power is supplied. Each first LED (108A) may include a phosphor capable of absorbing at least a portion of the excitation light and, in response, generating phosphor light. The combination of the excitation light and the phosphor light may form a specified light having a specified color spot. The phosphor of each first LED (108A) may also generate spurious phosphor light in response to excitation light leaked from adjacent first LEDs (108A) within the array of first LEDs (108A). The combination of the excitation light, the phosphor light, and the spurious phosphor light may form a discolored light having a discolored color spot different from the specified color spot. The lighting system (100) may include at least one lens (114) capable of collimating the discolored light to form discolored light and illuminating the scene (104) with the discolored light. The first LEDs (108A) may form corresponding first lighting areas in the discolored light of the scene (104). The lighting system (100) may include an array of second LEDs (108B) having a one-to-one correspondence with the array of first LEDs (108A). The second LEDs (108B) may emit color-corrected light having a color-corrected color point different from the specified color point. At least one lens (114) may collimate the color-corrected light to form color-corrected light and illuminate the scene (104) with the color-corrected light. The second LEDs (108B) may form corresponding second lighting areas in the color-corrected light of the scene (104). Each second lighting area may overlap at least partially with the corresponding first lighting area in the scene (104). The discolored lighting may be combined with color-corrected lighting to form corrected lighting in the scene (104). The corrected lighting may have corrected color spots.The difference between the corrected color point and the specified color point may be smaller than the difference between the discolored color point and the specified color point.

[0036] In the second configuration, the lighting system (100) can adjust the color point by combining light from two LED arrays with different amounts of the same phosphor material. For example, each first LED (108A) may include a first die capable of generating a first excitation light. Each first LED (108A) may include a first amount of first phosphor capable of absorbing at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generating a first phosphor light. Each second LED (108B) may include a second die capable of generating a second excitation light. Each second LED (108B) may include a second amount of first phosphor different from the first amount, capable of absorbing at least a portion of the second excitation light and, in response, generating a second phosphor light.

[0037] In some examples of the second configuration, the first excitation light and the second excitation light may have the same wavelength. The first phosphor light and the second phosphor light may have the same color spot. Different amounts of the first phosphor may cause the first light (110A) and the second light (110B) to have different color spots.

[0038] In some example of the second configuration, the controller (128) may receive a specified lighting pattern. The controller (128) may receive a specified color point. The controller (128) may determine a first set of intensities and a second set of intensities in response to the specified color point. The first set of intensities and the second set of intensities may each represent the relative amounts of light at the first color point and the second color point. The controller (128) may cause the first LED array (106A) to be electrically powered with the first set of intensities in a first lighting pattern corresponding to the specified lighting pattern. The controller (128) may cause the second LED array (106B) to be electrically powered with the second set of intensities in a second lighting pattern corresponding to the specified lighting pattern.

[0039] In a third configuration, the lighting system (100) can adjust the color point by combining light from two (or more) LED arrays with different phosphor materials. For example, each first LED may include a first die capable of generating a first excitation light. Each first LED may include a first phosphor formed from a first phosphor material capable of absorbing at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generating a first phosphor light. Each second LED may include a second die capable of generating a second excitation light. Each second LED may include a second phosphor formed from a second phosphor material different from the first phosphor material, capable of absorbing at least a portion of the second excitation light and, in response, generating a second phosphor light.

[0040] In some examples of the third configuration, the first excitation light and the second excitation light may have the same wavelength. Different phosphor materials may cause the first phosphor light and the second phosphor light to have different colored spots.

[0041] In some examples of the third configuration, the controller (128) may receive a specified lighting pattern. The controller (128) may receive a specified color point. The controller (128) may determine a first set of intensities and a second set of intensities in response to the specified color point. The first set of intensities and the second set of intensities may each represent the relative amounts of light at the first color point and the second color point. The controller (128) may cause the first LED array (106A) to be electrically powered with the first set of intensities in a first lighting pattern corresponding to the specified lighting pattern. The controller (128) may cause the second LED array (106B) to be electrically powered with the second set of intensities in a second lighting pattern corresponding to the specified lighting pattern.

[0042] In some examples of the third configuration, the lighting system (100) may further include a third LED array and a third lens. The third LED may produce light having a third color point different from the first and second color points. In some examples, the three color points may correspond to points of a triangle on a chromaticity diagram so that the combination of the three lights may have a color point within the area of ​​the triangle. In some examples, the three color points may correspond to reddish-white light, greenish-white light, and bluish-white light. Other color points may also be used.

[0043] In a specific example of the third configuration, the lighting system (100) may further include a third LED array comprising third LEDs capable of generating a third light. The third light may correspond to a specified lighting pattern. The third light may have a third color spot that is different from the first color spot and different from the second color spot. The lighting system (100) may further include a third lens capable of projecting the third light as a third light onto the scene (104). The third light may form third lighting areas corresponding to the third LEDs in the scene (104). Each third lighting area may overlap at least partially with the corresponding first lighting area in the scene (104) and at least partially with the corresponding second lighting area in the scene (104). The third light may be combined with the first light (116A) and the second light (116B) in the scene (104) to form a combined light corresponding to a specified lighting pattern. The combined light may have a specified color spot.

[0044] In a specific example of the third configuration, the lighting system (100) may further include a controller (128). The controller (128) may receive a specified lighting pattern. The controller (128) may receive a specified color point. The controller (128) may determine a first set of intensities, a second set of intensities, and a third set of intensities in response to the specified color point. The first set of intensities, the second set of intensities, and the third set of intensities may each represent relative amounts of light at the first color point, the second color point, and the third color point. The controller (128) may cause the first LED array (106A) to be electrically powered with the first set of intensities in a first lighting pattern corresponding to the specified lighting pattern. The controller (128) may cause the second LED array (106B) to be electrically powered with the second set of intensities in a second lighting pattern corresponding to the specified lighting pattern. The controller (128) can electrically power the third LED array with a third set of intensities, with a third lighting pattern corresponding to the specified lighting pattern.

[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of one example of a method (500) for providing lighting according to some example. This method (500) may be implemented by a lighting system (100), a lighting system (400), or other suitable system. The method (500) for providing lighting is only one method for providing lighting; other suitable methods may also be used.

[0046] In operation 502, a first light-emitting diode (LED) array including first LEDs can generate a first light corresponding to a specified lighting pattern and having a first color spot.

[0047] In operation 504, the first lens can project the first light onto the scene as the first illumination. The first illumination can form first illumination areas corresponding to the first LEDs in the scene.

[0048] In operation 506, a second LED array including second LEDs can generate a second light having a second color spot different from a first color spot.

[0049] In operation 508, the second lens (114B) can project the second light onto the scene as a second light. The second light can form second light areas corresponding to the second LEDs in the scene. Each second light area may overlap at least partially with the corresponding first light area in the scene. The first light can be combined with the second light in the scene to form a combined light corresponding to a specified light pattern. The combined light may have a specified color point between the first color point and the second color point.

[0050] In some examples, such as examples corresponding to the first configuration described above, each first LED may include a first die capable of generating a first excitation light. Each first LED may include a first phosphor capable of absorbing at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generating a first phosphor light. The first phosphor may also absorb at least a portion of the first excitation light from adjacent first LEDs in the first LED array and, in response, generate spurious phosphor light, so that the first light becomes a combination of at least a portion of the first excitation light, at least a portion of the first phosphor light, and at least a portion of the spurious phosphor light. Each second LED may include a second die capable of generating a second excitation light, and the second excitation light and the first excitation light have the same wavelength. Each second LED may be without a phosphor so that the second light contains only the second excitation light. The combination of the first excitation light and the first phosphor light may have a specified color spot. The combination of the first excitation light, the first phosphor light, and the spurious phosphor light may produce a discolored spot. The combination of the first excitation light, the first phosphor light, the spurious phosphor light, and the second light may produce a color-corrected spot. The difference between the color-corrected spot and the specified spot may be smaller than the difference between the discolored spot and the specified spot.

[0051] In some examples, such as examples corresponding to the second configuration described above, each first LED may include a first die capable of generating a first excitation light. Each first LED may include a first amount of first phosphor capable of absorbing at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generating a first phosphor light. Each second LED may include a second die capable of generating a second excitation light. The second excitation light and the first excitation light may have the same wavelength. Each second LED may include a second amount of first phosphor different from the first amount, capable of absorbing at least a portion of the second excitation light and, in response, generating a second phosphor light. The second phosphor light and the first phosphor light may have the same color spot. Different amounts of the first phosphor may cause the first light and the second light to have different color spots.

[0052] In some examples, such as examples corresponding to the third configuration described above, each first LED may include a first die capable of generating a first excitation light. Each first LED may include a first phosphor formed from a first phosphor material capable of absorbing at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generating a first phosphor light. Each second LED may include a second die capable of generating a second excitation light. The second excitation light and the first excitation light may have the same wavelength. Each second LED may include a second phosphor formed from a second phosphor material different from the first phosphor material, capable of absorbing at least a portion of the second excitation light and, in response, generating a second phosphor light. Different phosphor materials may cause the first phosphor light and the second phosphor light to have different color spots.

[0053] This system and method are applicable to adaptive flash for mobile devices, steerable lighting for automotive / industrial applications, and others.

[0054] To further illustrate the systems and related methods disclosed herein, a non-limiting list of examples is provided below. Each of the following non-limiting examples may be independent in itself or may be combined with any one or more of the other examples by any substitution or combination.

[0055] In Example 1, the lighting system comprises: a first light-emitting diode (LED) array including first LEDs configured to generate first light, —the first light corresponds to a specified lighting pattern and has a first color spot—; a first lens configured to project the first light onto a scene as a first light, —the first light forms first lighting regions corresponding to the first LEDs in the scene—; a second LED array including second LEDs configured to generate second light, —the second light has a second color spot different from the first color spot—; and may include a second lens configured to project the second light as a second light onto the scene—the second light forms second light areas corresponding to the second LEDs in the scene, each second light area overlaps at least partially with a corresponding first light area in the scene, the first light is combined with the second light in the scene to form a combined light corresponding to the specified light pattern, and the combined light has a specified color point between the first color point and the second color point.

[0056] In Example 2, the lighting system of Example 1 may be configured such that, optionally, the first lens defines a first central axis extending from the first LED array through the center of the first lens; the second lens defines a second central axis extending from the second LED array through the center of the second lens; the first central axis is parallel to the second central axis; the first LED array is located at the focal plane of the first lens; and the second LED array is located at the focal plane of the second lens.

[0057] In Example 3, any one of Examples 1 to 2 lighting systems comprises, optionally, a first die configured such that each first LED generates a first excitation light; each first LED comprises a first phosphor configured to absorb at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generate a first phosphor light; said first phosphor is also configured to absorb at least a portion of the first excitation light from adjacent first LEDs in the first LED array and, in response, generate the spurious phosphor light such that the first light is a combination of at least a portion of the first excitation light, at least a portion of the first phosphor light, and at least a portion of the spurious phosphor light; and each second LED comprises a second die configured to generate a second excitation light; said second LED may be configured to be devoid of a phosphor such that the second light comprises only the second excitation light.

[0058] In Example 4, any one of Examples 1 to 3 lighting systems may be configured such that, optionally, the combination of the first excitation light and the first phosphor light has a specified color point; the combination of the first excitation light, the first phosphor light, and the spurious phosphor light has a discolored color point; the combination of the first excitation light, the first phosphor light, the spurious phosphor light, and the second light has a color-corrected color point; and the difference between the color-corrected color point and the specified color point is smaller than the difference between the discolored color point and the specified color point.

[0059] In Example 5, any one of Examples 1 to 4 lighting systems may optionally be configured so that the first excitation light and the second excitation light have the same wavelength.

[0060] In Example 6, any one of Examples 1 to 5 lighting system may be configured such that, optionally, the lighting system further comprises a controller, and the controller is configured to: receive the specified lighting pattern; electrically power the first LED array with a first lighting pattern corresponding to the specified lighting pattern; and electrically power the second LED array with a second lighting pattern that at least partially compensates for the spurious phosphor light such that the combination of the spurious phosphor light and the second light has the specified color spot.

[0061] In Example 7, any one of Examples 1 to 6 lighting system may be configured, as an option, such that the second lighting pattern, in response to the power supply of the specified first LED, the second LEDs corresponding to the first LEDs adjacent to the specified first LED generate a second light; and the second LED corresponding to the specified first LED does not generate a second light.

[0062] In Example 8, any one of Examples 1 to 7 lighting system may be configured optionally to include a first die configured such that each first LED generates a first excitation light; each first LED comprises a first amount of first phosphor configured to absorb at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generate a first phosphor light; each second LED comprises a second die configured to generate a second excitation light; and each second LED comprises a second amount of first phosphor different from the first amount configured to absorb at least a portion of the second excitation light and, in response, generate a second phosphor light.

[0063] In Example 9, any one of Examples 1 to 8 lighting systems may be configured such that, optionally, the first excitation light and the second excitation light have the same wavelength; the first phosphor light and the second phosphor light have the same color spot; and different amounts of the first phosphor may be configured such that the first light and the second light have different color spots.

[0064] In Example 10, any one of Examples 1 through 9, the lighting system may optionally further include a controller, the controller comprising: receiving the specified lighting pattern; receiving the specified color point; determining a first set of intensities and a second set of intensities in response to the specified color point, wherein the first set of intensities and the second set of intensities each represent relative amounts of light at the first color point and the second color point, respectively; electrically powering the first LED array with the first set of intensities in a first lighting pattern corresponding to the specified lighting pattern; and electrically powering the second LED array with the second set of intensities in a second lighting pattern corresponding to the specified lighting pattern.

[0065] In Example 11, any one of Examples 1 to 10 may be configured optionally to include a first die configured such that each first LED generates a first excitation light; a first phosphor formed from a first phosphor material configured such that each first LED absorbs at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generates a first phosphor light; a second die configured such that each second LED generates a second excitation light; and a second phosphor formed from a second phosphor material different from the first phosphor material configured such that each second LED absorbs at least a portion of the second excitation light and, in response, generates a second phosphor light.

[0066] In Example 12, any one of Examples 1 to 11 lighting systems may be configured, optionally, such that the first excitation light and the second excitation light have the same wavelength; and the second phosphor material, which is different from the first phosphor material, such that the first phosphor light and the second phosphor light have different color spots.

[0067] In Example 13, any one of Examples 1 to 12 lighting system may optionally further include a controller, the lighting system may be configured to: receive the specified lighting pattern; receive the specified color point; determine a first set of intensities and a second set of intensities in response to the specified color point, wherein the first set of intensities and the second set of intensities each represent relative amounts of light at the first color point and the second color point, respectively; electrically power the first LED array with the first set of intensities in a first lighting pattern corresponding to the specified lighting pattern; and electrically power the second LED array with the second set of intensities in a second lighting pattern corresponding to the specified lighting pattern.

[0068] In Example 14, any one of Examples 1 through 13 lighting system may further include, optionally, a third LED array comprising third LEDs configured to generate a third light—the third light corresponds to a specified lighting pattern and has a third color spot different from a first color spot and different from a second color spot—; and a third lens configured to project the third light as a third light onto the scene—the third light forms third lighting areas corresponding to the third LEDs in the scene, each third lighting area overlaps at least partially with a corresponding first lighting area in the scene and at least partially overlaps with a corresponding second lighting area in the scene, and the third light combines with the first light and the second light in the scene to form a combined light corresponding to the specified lighting pattern—.

[0069] In Example 15, any one of Examples 1 to 14 lighting system may optionally further include a controller, the lighting system may be configured to: receive the specified lighting pattern; receive the specified color point; and in response to the specified color point, determine a first set of intensities, a second set of intensities, and a third set of intensities, wherein the first set of intensities, the second set of intensities, and the third set of intensities each represent relative amounts of light at the first color point, the second color point, and the third color point; and in a first lighting pattern corresponding to the specified lighting pattern, the first LED array may be electrically powered by the first set of intensities; in a second lighting pattern corresponding to the specified lighting pattern, the second LED array may be electrically powered by the second set of intensities; and in a third lighting pattern corresponding to the specified lighting pattern, the third LED array may be electrically powered by the third set of intensities.

[0070] In Example 16, a method for providing illumination may include: generating a first light having a first color spot corresponding to a specified illumination pattern using a first light-emitting diode (LED) array including first LEDs; projecting the first light onto a scene as a first illumination using a first lens, wherein the first illumination forms first illumination areas corresponding to the first LEDs in the scene; generating a second light having a second color spot different from the first color spot using a second LED array including second LEDs; and projecting the second light onto the scene as a second illumination using a second lens, wherein the second illumination forms second illumination areas corresponding to the second LEDs in the scene, each second illumination area overlaps at least partially with a corresponding first illumination area in the scene, and the first illumination is combined with the second illumination in the scene to form combined illumination corresponding to the specified illumination pattern, wherein the combined illumination has a specified color spot between the first color spot and the second color spot.

[0071] In Example 17, the method of Example 16 comprises, optionally, a first die configured such that each first LED generates a first excitation light, and each first LED comprises a first phosphor configured to absorb at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generate a first phosphor light, and the first phosphor is also configured to absorb at least a portion of the first excitation light from adjacent first LEDs in the first LED array and, in response, generate the spurious phosphor light such that the first light is a combination of at least a portion of the first excitation light, at least a portion of the first phosphor light, and at least a portion of the spurious phosphor light, and each second die configured such that each second LED generates a second excitation light, wherein the second excitation light and the first excitation light have the same wavelength; each second LED is devoid of a phosphor such that the second light contains only the second excitation light; and the combination of the first excitation light and the first phosphor light has a specified color spot; The combination of the first excitation light, the first phosphor light, and the spurious phosphor light has a discolored spot; the combination of the first excitation light, the first phosphor light, the spurious phosphor light, and the second light has a color-corrected spot; and the difference between the color-corrected spot and the specified spot can be configured to be smaller than the difference between the discolored spot and the specified spot.

[0072] In Example 18, any one of Examples 16 to 17 may optionally comprise a first die configured such that each first LED generates a first excitation light; each first LED comprises a first amount of a first phosphor configured such that it absorbs at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generates a first phosphor light; each second die comprises a second LED configured such that it generates a second excitation light, wherein the second excitation light and the first excitation light have the same wavelength; each second LED comprises a second amount of the first phosphor that is different from the first amount, configured such that it absorbs at least a portion of the second excitation light and, in response, generates a second phosphor light, wherein the second phosphor light and the first phosphor light have the same color spot, and the different amounts of the first phosphor may be configured such that the first light and the second light have different color spots.

[0073] In Example 19, any one of Examples 16 to 18 may optionally comprise a first die configured such that each first LED generates a first excitation light; a first phosphor formed from a first phosphor material configured such that each first LED absorbs at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generates a first phosphor light; a second die configured such that each second LED generates a second excitation light, wherein the second excitation light and the first excitation light have the same wavelength; and a second phosphor formed from a second phosphor material different from the first phosphor material, configured such that each second LED absorbs at least a portion of the second excitation light and, in response, generates a second phosphor light; and the different phosphor materials may be configured such that the first phosphor light and the second phosphor light have different color spots.

[0074] In Example 20, the lighting system comprises: an array of first light-emitting diodes (LEDs), wherein each first LED is configured to emit excitation light when powered, and each first LED comprises a phosphor configured to absorb at least a portion of said excitation light and, in response, generate phosphor light, and the combination of said excitation light and said phosphor light forms said light having said color spot, and the phosphor of each first LED is also configured to generate spurious phosphor light in response to excitation light leaked from adjacent first LEDs in the array of said first LEDs, and the combination of said excitation light, said phosphor light and said spurious phosphor light forms said light having said color spot different from said color spot—; at least one lens configured to collimate said color spot light to form said color spot light and to illuminate a scene with said color spot light, wherein the first LEDs form first lighting regions corresponding to said color spot light of said scene—; and may include an array of second LEDs having a one-to-one correspondence with the array of first LEDs—the second LEDs are configured to emit color-corrected light having a color-corrected point different from the specified color point, and the at least one lens is configured to collimate the color-corrected light to form a color-corrected light and to illuminate the scene with the color-corrected light, the second LEDs form second lighting areas corresponding to the color-corrected light of the scene, each second lighting area overlaps at least partially with a first lighting area corresponding to the scene, the discolored light combines with the color-corrected light to form a corrected light in the scene, the corrected light has a corrected color point, and the difference between the corrected color point and the specified color point is smaller than the difference between the discolored color point and the specified color point.

[0075] In Example 21, the lighting system may include a processor; and a memory containing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations, wherein the operations include: generating a first light having a first color spot corresponding to a specified lighting pattern with a first light-emitting diode (LED) array comprising first LEDs; projecting the first light onto a scene as a first light with a first lens, wherein the first light forms first lighting regions corresponding to the first LEDs in the scene; and generating a second light having a second color spot different from the first color spot with a second LED array comprising second LEDs. The method may include the step of projecting the second light onto the scene as a second light using a second lens—the second light forms second light areas corresponding to the second LEDs in the scene, each second light area overlaps at least partially with a corresponding first light area in the scene, the first light is combined with the second light in the scene to form a combined light corresponding to the specified light pattern, and the combined light has a specified color point between the first color point and the second color point.

[0076] In Example 22, the lighting system of Example 21 may optionally include any one of the limitations of Examples 1 to 20.

[0077] In Example 23, the lighting system may include a processor; and a memory containing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations, the operations include: receiving the specified lighting pattern; electrically powering the first LED array with a first lighting pattern corresponding to the specified lighting pattern; and electrically powering the second LED array with a second lighting pattern that at least partially compensates for the spurious phosphor light such that the combination of the spurious phosphor light and the second light has the specified color spot.

[0078] Although only certain features of the system and method have been illustrated and described in this specification, many modifications and changes may occur to a person skilled in the art. Accordingly, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to encompass all such modifications and changes. Method operations may be performed substantially simultaneously or in different orders.

Claims

Claim 1 As a lighting system, a first light-emitting diode (LED) array comprising first LEDs configured to generate a first light ― said first light corresponds to a specific lighting pattern and has a first color spot, and each first LED comprises a first die configured to generate a first excitation light, and each first LED comprises a first phosphor configured to absorb at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generate a first phosphor light, said first phosphor is also configured to absorb at least a portion of the first excitation light from adjacent first LEDs in the first LED array and, in response, generate the spurious phosphor light such that the first light is a combination of at least a portion of the first excitation light, at least a portion of the first phosphor light, and at least a portion of the spurious phosphor light ―; a first lens configured to project the first light onto a scene as a first light ― said first light forms first light regions corresponding to the first LEDs in the scene ―; and a second configured to generate a second light A lighting system comprising: a second LED array including LEDs—the second light having a second color spot different from the first color spot, at least one second LED including a second die configured to generate a second excitation light, and the at least one second LED having no phosphor so that the second light includes only the second excitation light—; and a second lens configured to project the second light as a second light onto the scene—the second light forming second lighting regions corresponding to the second LEDs in the scene, each second lighting region overlapping at least partially with a corresponding first lighting region in the scene, the first light being combined with the second light in the scene to form a combined light corresponding to the specific lighting pattern, and the combined light having a specific color spot between the first color spot and the second color spot. Claim 2 A lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the first lens defines a first central axis extending from the first LED array through the center of the first lens; the second lens defines a second central axis extending from the second LED array through the center of the second lens; the first central axis is parallel to the second central axis; the first LED array is located at the focal plane of the first lens; and the second LED array is located at the focal plane of the second lens. Claim 3 In claim 1, each second LED comprises a second die configured to generate a second excitation light; and each second LED is a lighting system without a phosphor such that the second light comprises only the second excitation light. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the combination of the first excitation light and the first phosphor light has a specific color spot; the combination of the first excitation light, the first phosphor light, and the spurious phosphor light has a discolored color spot; the combination of the first excitation light, the first phosphor light, the spurious phosphor light, and the second light has a color-corrected color spot; and the difference between the color-corrected color spot and the specific color spot is smaller than the difference between the discolored color spot and the specific color spot, a lighting system. Claim 5 In paragraph 3, the lighting system wherein the first excitation light and the second excitation light have the same wavelength. Claim 6 In claim 5, the lighting system further comprises a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: receive the specific lighting pattern; cause the first LED array to be electrically powered by a first lighting pattern corresponding to the specific lighting pattern; and cause the second LED array to be electrically powered by a second lighting pattern that at least partially compensates for the spurious phosphor light such that the combination of the spurious phosphor light and the second light has the specific color spot. Claim 7 A lighting system according to claim 6, wherein the second lighting pattern, in response to power supply of a specific first LED, the second LEDs corresponding to the first LEDs adjacent to the specific first LED generate a second light; and the second LED corresponding to the specific first LED does not generate a second light. Claim 8 A lighting system according to claim 1, wherein each first LED comprises a first die configured to generate a first excitation light; each first LED comprises a first amount of first phosphor configured to absorb at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generate a first phosphor light; each second LED comprises a second die configured to generate a second excitation light; and each second LED comprises a second amount of first phosphor different from the first amount, configured to absorb at least a portion of the second excitation light and, in response, generate a second phosphor light. Claim 9 In claim 8, the first excitation light and the second excitation light have the same wavelength; the first phosphor light and the second phosphor light have the same color spot; and different amounts of the first phosphor cause the first light and the second light to have different color spots, a lighting system. Claim 10 In claim 8, the lighting system further comprises a controller, wherein the controller: receives the specific lighting pattern; receives the specific color point; determines a first set of intensities and a second set of intensities in response to the specific color point — the first set of intensities and the second set of intensities each represent relative amounts of light at the first color point and the second color point —; the first LED array is electrically powered by the first set of intensities in a first lighting pattern corresponding to the specific lighting pattern; and the second LED array is electrically powered by the second set of intensities in a second lighting pattern corresponding to the specific lighting pattern, the lighting system is configured to Claim 11 A lighting system according to claim 1, wherein each first LED comprises a first die configured to generate a first excitation light; each first LED comprises a first phosphor formed from a first phosphor material configured to absorb at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generate a first phosphor light; each second LED comprises a second die configured to generate a second excitation light; and each second LED comprises a second phosphor formed from a second phosphor material different from the first phosphor material, configured to absorb at least a portion of the second excitation light and, in response, generate a second phosphor light. Claim 12 In claim 11, the first excitation light and the second excitation light have the same wavelength; and the second phosphor material, which is different from the first phosphor material, causes the first phosphor light and the second phosphor light to have different color spots, an illumination system. Claim 13 In claim 11, the lighting system further comprises a controller, wherein the controller: receives the specific lighting pattern; receives the specific color point; determines a first set of intensities and a second set of intensities in response to the specific color point — the first set of intensities and the second set of intensities each represent relative amounts of light at the first color point and the second color point —; the first LED array is electrically powered by the first set of intensities in a first lighting pattern corresponding to the specific lighting pattern; and the second LED array is electrically powered by the second set of intensities in a second lighting pattern corresponding to the specific lighting pattern, the lighting system is configured to Claim 14 A lighting system further comprising, in claim 11, a third LED array including third LEDs configured to generate third light—the third light corresponds to a specific lighting pattern and has a third color spot different from the first color spot and different from the second color spot—and a third lens configured to project the third light as a third light onto the scene—the third light forms third lighting regions corresponding to the third LEDs in the scene, each third lighting region overlaps at least partially with a corresponding first lighting region in the scene and at least partially overlaps with a corresponding second lighting region in the scene, and the third light is combined with the first light and the second light in the scene to form a combined light corresponding to the specific lighting pattern. Claim 15 In claim 14, the lighting system further comprises a controller, wherein the controller: receives the specific lighting pattern; receives the specific color point; determines a first set of intensities, a second set of intensities, and a third set of intensities in response to the specific color point — the first set of intensities, the second set of intensities, and the third set of intensities each represent relative amounts of light at the first color point, the second color point, and the third color point —; the first LED array is electrically powered by the first set of intensities in a first lighting pattern corresponding to the specific lighting pattern; the second LED array is electrically powered by the second set of intensities in a second lighting pattern corresponding to the specific lighting pattern; and the third LED array is electrically powered by the third set of intensities in a third lighting pattern corresponding to the specific lighting pattern. Claim 16 A method for providing illumination, comprising: a first light-emitting diode (LED) array including first LEDs, the step of generating first light corresponding to a specific illumination pattern and having a first color spot — each first LED includes a first die configured to generate first excitation light, and each first LED includes a first phosphor configured to absorb at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generate first phosphor light, wherein the first phosphor is also configured to absorb at least a portion of the first excitation light from adjacent first LEDs in the first LED array and, in response, generate the spurious phosphor light such that the first light is a combination of at least a portion of the first excitation light, at least a portion of the first phosphor light, and at least a portion of the spurious phosphor light —; a first lens, the step of projecting the first light onto a scene as first illumination — the first illumination forms first illumination regions corresponding to the first LEDs in the scene —; a second LED array including second LEDs, different from the first color spot A method comprising: a step of generating a second light having a second color spot — at least one second LED comprises a second die configured to generate a second excitation light, wherein the at least one second LED is devoid of a phosphor so that the second light comprises only the second excitation light —; and a step of projecting the second light as a second light onto a scene using a second lens — wherein the second light forms second light areas corresponding to the second LEDs in the scene, each second light area overlaps at least partially with a corresponding first light area in the scene, and the first light is combined with the second light in the scene to form a combined light corresponding to a specific light pattern, wherein the combined light has a specific color spot between the first color spot and the second color spot —. Claim 17 In claim 16, each second LED comprises a second die configured to generate a second excitation light, wherein the second excitation light and the first excitation light have the same wavelength; each second LED is free of phosphors such that the second light comprises only the second excitation light; the combination of the first excitation light and the first phosphor light has a specific color spot; the combination of the first excitation light, the first phosphor light, and the spurious phosphor light has a discolored color spot; the combination of the first excitation light, the first phosphor light, the spurious phosphor light, and the second light has a color-corrected color spot; and the difference between the color-corrected color spot and the specific color spot is smaller than the difference between the discolored color spot and the specific color spot. Claim 18 In claim 16, each first LED comprises a first die configured to generate a first excitation light; each first LED comprises a first amount of first phosphor configured to absorb at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generate a first phosphor light; each second LED comprises a second die configured to generate a second excitation light, wherein the second excitation light and the first excitation light have the same wavelength; each second LED comprises a second amount of the first phosphor, which is different from the first amount, configured to absorb at least a portion of the second excitation light and, in response, generate a second phosphor light, wherein the second phosphor light and the first phosphor light have the same color spot, and the different amounts of the first phosphor cause the first light and the second light to have different color spots. Claim 19 In claim 16, each first LED comprises a first die configured to generate a first excitation light; each first LED comprises a first phosphor formed from a first phosphor material configured to absorb at least a portion of the first excitation light and, in response, generate a first phosphor light; each second LED comprises a second die configured to generate a second excitation light, wherein the second excitation light and the first excitation light have the same wavelength; each second LED comprises a second phosphor formed from a second phosphor material different from the first phosphor material, configured to absorb at least a portion of the second excitation light and, in response, generate a second phosphor light; and the different phosphor materials cause the first phosphor light and the second phosphor light to have different color spots. Claim 20 As a lighting system, an array of first light-emitting diodes (LEDs) — each first LED is configured to emit excitation light when powered on, and each first LED includes a phosphor configured to absorb at least a portion of said excitation light and, in response, generate phosphor light, wherein the combination of said excitation light and said phosphor light forms a specific light having a specific color spot, and the phosphor of each first LED is also configured to generate spurious phosphor light in response to leaked excitation light from adjacent first LEDs in the array of said first LEDs, and the combination of said excitation light, said phosphor light, and said spurious phosphor light forms a chromatic light having a chromatic color spot different from said specific color spot —; at least one lens configured to collimate said chromatic light to form a chromatic light and to illuminate a scene with said chromatic light — said first LEDs form first lighting regions corresponding to said chromatic light of said scene —; A lighting system comprising: an array of second LEDs having a one-to-one correspondence with the array of first LEDs; wherein the second LEDs are configured to emit color-corrected light having a color-corrected color point different from the specific color point, and the at least one lens is configured to collimate the color-corrected light to form color-corrected illumination and to illuminate the scene with the color-corrected illumination, wherein the second LEDs form second lighting regions corresponding to the color-corrected illumination of the scene, each second lighting region overlaps at least partially with a first lighting region corresponding to the scene, the color-corrected illumination combines with the color-corrected illumination to form corrected illumination in the scene, the corrected illumination has a corrected color point, and the difference between the corrected color point and the specific color point is smaller than the difference between the color-corrected color point and the specific color point.

Images