Illumination device emitting continuously tunable color light

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device for emitting continuously tunable colors of light, in particular for personalizing and / or illuminating an interior space, comprising: - at least one lighting unit (10) comprising a plurality of, preferably three, lighting elements (10R, 10B, 10G); - at least one driving unit (11) configured to output a driving current signal to the lighting elements (10R, 10B, 10G) of the lighting unit (10) to enable a target color (14) of the lighting unit (10) to be set in dependence on the driving current signal; - at least one computing unit (12), preferably a microcontroller, configured to calculate the driving current signal required to set a target color (14) and to control the driving unit (11) accordingly to cause the driving unit to output the driving current signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device for emitting continuously adjustable color light, particularly for personalizing and / or illuminating interior spaces, and a corresponding method, and also to a vehicle and a processor. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, various applications of lighting fixtures are known, such as in vehicle interiors, where the role of the fixtures is to improve the spatial impression of the passengers. For this purpose, lighting fixtures frequently used often produce perceptible light by mixing the light from multiple individual lamps. An example of this is the so-called RGB-LED, where red, green, and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are combined in such a way that the light they emit is mixed to form a perceptible color. By properly electronically controlling the individual LEDs, the light from the RGB-LEDs is mixed into a specific color, such as white. Therefore, individual LEDs must be calibrated so that when using multiple of these RGB-LEDs, no noticeable difference in color and light intensity is perceived. To compensate for manufacturing tolerances in the operation of individual LEDs, the current of each LED must be adjusted according to the obtained calibration values. Typically, LEDs are calibrated during the manufacturing process, i.e., determining values ​​such as current intensity or pulse width modulation (PWM) duty cycle, which are necessary to produce white light or light of a specific discrete color. These calibration values ​​are stored in the electronic module of the lighting fixture, so when the fixture is operated, the discrete color is produced according to the calibration values.

[0003] The aforementioned method for generating calibration colors associated with luminaires is considered time-consuming and inflexible because each discrete target color must be calibrated, and these values ​​must be stored in the luminaire's electronic module. Furthermore, subsequent changes to the calibration values ​​stored in the electronic module require recalibrating each luminaire. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device for emitting continuously adjustable color light, particularly for personalizing and / or illuminating indoor spaces, and a corresponding method, which makes it possible to greatly simplify the work of setting or calibrating the color of the lighting device and to make it more flexible so as to promote personalized lighting of indoor spaces through the lighting device.

[0005] In particular, this objective is achieved by a lighting device for emitting continuously adjustable color light, especially for personalizing and / or illuminating interior spaces, the lighting device comprising:

[0006] - At least one lighting unit, which includes multiple, preferably three, lighting elements;

[0007] - At least one driving unit configured to output a driving current signal to the lighting element of the lighting unit, thereby setting the target color of the lighting unit according to the driving current signal;

[0008] - At least one computing unit, preferably a microcontroller, is configured to calculate the drive current signal required to set the target color and control the drive unit to output the drive current signal.

[0009] This invention has a fundamental concept: instead of using fixed calibration values ​​to generate individual discrete colors, it directly performs the necessary numerical calculations for any target color within the lighting device. To enable adjustment of the target color across the entire color space, such as the RGB color space, according to this invention, a calibration algorithm is provided in the lighting device that continuously adjusts all target colors within the color space. Unlike traditional RGB-LEDs that use tables or lists of discrete calibration values ​​for the corresponding target colors, this invention stores the calibration algorithm for calibrating the lighting elements within the computing unit of the lighting device. The target color is set during runtime by specifying color coordinates selected from the corresponding color space. The calibration algorithm in the computing unit is responsible for calculating the corresponding adjustments (e.g., via pulse width modulation) to the drive current signal and / or voltage value of each lighting element, thereby enabling the lighting device to illuminate using calibrated light. For this purpose, each individual lighting element is controlled or provided with a drive current signal by a drive unit.

[0010] In one specific embodiment of this lighting device, the lighting element is configured as an LED. LEDs are inexpensive to manufacture or purchase and are available in large quantities. Furthermore, they are characterized by long lifespan, low power (current) consumption, and significant energy efficiency; therefore, the lighting device can be manufactured inexpensively and subsequently operated in an energy-efficient manner. This is particularly advantageous when using a large number of lighting devices according to the invention, for example, in the interior space of a vehicle.

[0011] In one embodiment, the lighting unit of the lighting device includes at least one red lighting element, at least one green lighting element, and at least one blue lighting element, wherein the light emitted by the lighting elements is mixed to form a target color, which is perceptible to an observer. An additive color space is defined by additively mixing the preferred three primary colors of the various lighting elements, which can accordingly reproduce the color perception of the human eye. In a specific embodiment, the three primary colors can be mixed, for example, from red, green, and blue light, each emitted by a corresponding lighting element, to form the target color. Thus, the target color is understood as the emitted colors of the lighting elements being mixed to form a single color perceptible to the human eye; that is, the impression given to the observer of the lighting device is, for example, white light (or other special color), even though it is actually a mixture of red, green, and blue components.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lighting device includes a luminaire housing comprising a lighting unit, a drive unit, and preferably a computing unit. This makes the lighting device particularly compact and robust, allowing for easy integration into other components, such as vehicles.

[0013] In one embodiment, the computing unit of the lighting device includes at least one input interface, such as a BUS interface, wherein the input interface is configured to transmit color information data for a corresponding target color, particularly color coordinates, and preferably also initiates the calculation of a drive current signal for setting the target color, the calculation taking into account the received color information data.

[0014] These functions allow for optimal resolution adjustment of the lighting fixture or its target color based on internal calculations using data from the input interface. Furthermore, the interface allows external access to the computing unit, for example, for software and / or firmware updates or updating data stored therein, related to the operation of the lighting fixture. Another advantage of the lighting fixture's BUS interface is that it allows for easy connection or integration with other system components, such as vehicle components. By directly inputting color coordinates into the input interface, the target color can be calculated from the input color information data without prior calibration of the target color or storage of the calibration value in the computing unit's memory. This enables high resolution of the colors used in the color space, further enhancing the personalization of the lighting.

[0015] In one embodiment, the computing unit and / or driving unit of the lighting device are adapted to calculate or output driving current signals based on current (current intensity) adjustment and / or pulse width modulation (PWM) to set or change the target color.

[0016] By controlling the current adjustment and / or pulse width modulation of the lighting elements, the color of the luminaire can be graded very precisely, thus enabling the lighting fixture to emit light of the desired color uniformly. Simultaneously, the effects of temperature and lighting fixture aging can be compensated for individually. In short, color perception and the personalization of indoor lighting are improved in a simple way.

[0017] In one embodiment, the computing unit of the lighting device includes a storage medium configured to store color reference data and / or a calibration algorithm for calculating the drive current signal required to set or change a target color.

[0018] The internal storage medium in the lighting fixture is used to execute data and / or algorithms for calculating the target color within the fixture in a cost-effective manner. By adjusting the drive current signal of each (individual) lighting element, manufacturing tolerances of the lighting elements can be compensated based on color reference data (from the manufacturer). This color reference data is data or values ​​recorded (in advance), for example, during the manufacturing process of the lighting elements. These color reference data are specific current or voltage values ​​that must be applied to the lighting elements to produce a specific color. Calibration values ​​for white light or a specific target color no longer need to be stored in the memory of the computing unit. The calibration algorithm can calculate the necessary current or voltage values ​​based on the received color information data. The calibration algorithm can take into account the color reference data stored in the storage medium to optimize computation time, thereby optimizing the energy consumption of the lighting fixture.

[0019] In particular, the object of the present invention is also achieved by a method of operating a lighting device for emitting continuously adjustable color light, particularly for personalizing and / or illuminating interior spaces, the method comprising the following steps:

[0020] a) Input the color information data of the target color, especially the color coordinates, into the lighting device;

[0021] b) The required drive current signal is calculated to generate the target color using a calibration algorithm in the computing unit of the lighting device;

[0022] c) The drive current signal is output to at least one lighting unit through the drive unit of the lighting device to generate the target color.

[0023] Thus, the same advantages as those already described related to lighting devices are achieved.

[0024] In one embodiment, the method includes inputting second color information data of the second target color into the lighting device a second time, which causes step b) to be repeated, and in step c) adjusting the drive current signal according to the second target color to change the light emitted by the lighting device from the target color to the second target color. In this way, the personalization of the light emitted by the lighting device is further optimized, and color perception is further improved.

[0025] In one embodiment, steps a)-c) and / or the second input of the second color information data are performed during operation. This allows the target color of the lighting device to be changed without interrupting light emission. Therefore, the personalization of the lighting device's light is enhanced, and it becomes possible to change the target color with a smooth gradient, making the color of the lighting device as easy and pleasant as possible to change.

[0026] In one embodiment, the color information data includes the chromaticity coordinates of the target color, specifically the RGB values, and / or the luminous intensity value of the target color. This not only allows the target color of the lighting device to be changed in a calibrated manner, but also allows the brightness or intensity of the target color to be changed in a calibrated manner through a calibration algorithm. In this way, all lighting devices in the system can be set up in the same way, thereby providing the user with a harmonious color impression.

[0027] In one embodiment, the drive current signal calculated within the lighting device is suitable for individually setting or changing the target color for each lighting element based on current (current intensity) adjustment and / or pulse width modulation (PWM). By controlling the lighting elements through current adjustment and / or pulse width modulation, the color of the luminaire can be graded very precisely, thereby enabling the lighting device to emit light of the desired color uniformly. Simultaneously, it is possible to individually compensate for the effects of temperature and lighting device aging.

[0028] In summary, this improves color perception, thus enabling personalized interior lighting in a simple and economical way.

[0029] In one embodiment, all colors in the color space, particularly all colors in the RGB color space, can be continuously set as the target color by directly inputting or receiving corresponding color information data. Direct input of color coordinates allows the target color to be calculated based on the input color coordinates without requiring corresponding calibration values ​​for the input color coordinates in the lighting device or corresponding computing unit. This approach enables high resolution of the color space used, further enhancing the personalization of the lighting.

[0030] In one embodiment, the calculation of the drive current signal required to generate the target color is performed by a calibration algorithm in the computing unit of the lighting device, optionally taking into account reference data, specifically data and / or datasets from the manufacturers of the various lighting elements. This allows for reduction or optimization of computation time, if applicable. For example, reference data for "standard colors," i.e., repeatedly generated colors, can be stored. This data, for example, can be provided by the manufacturers of the lighting elements. If such a standard color is input on the interface of the lighting device, the corresponding algorithm can be shortened and can rely on the reference data. This makes the operation of the lighting device energy-efficient.

[0031] In particular, the object of the present invention is also achieved by a processor, especially a microprocessor, which contains instructions that, by executing the instructions, enable the implementation of the method according to one of the above.

[0032] This gives it the same advantages as those already described related to lighting devices and / or methods of operating lighting devices.

[0033] In particular, the objective of the present invention is also achieved by a vehicle comprising the processor described above and / or the lighting device described above.

[0034] This gives it the same advantages associated with the lighting devices and / or methods of operating the lighting devices and / or processors described above.

[0035] Other advantageous embodiments become clear and understandable in the embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Other features and advantages of the invention will be described below by way of examples, which will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Here, the diagram describes:

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a color space with discrete color values ​​for discrete target colors that may be implemented in the prior art;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a color space for a target color that can be continuously adjusted for the target color, achievable by the lighting device according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a lighting device according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of one possible embodiment of the lighting device;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the lighting device. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figure 1 A u'v'-plot of color space K is shown to illustrate the current state of the technology, using CIE 1976 color coordinates (CIE 1976 UCS plot). For example, color space K is the RGB color space, where colors can be represented by corresponding u', v' coordinates. If an RGB-lighting fixture (e.g., an RGB-LED) is used with red, green, and blue light fixtures to produce a (mixed) color of the RGB-lighting fixture, all achievable colors lie within the triangle D (color gamut).

[0044] The discrete value M in triangle D represents the discrete color value of a typical RGB luminaire, which can be stored in the corresponding electronic module described above. Therefore, the color of an RGB luminaire can only be the color corresponding to the value M. The corresponding current or operating value of a single LED must be calibrated through a complex process and programmed into the luminaire. Other color values—a continuum between the discrete values ​​M in triangle D—are not achievable for the typical RGB luminaire in this comparative example. Therefore, these colors (between the values ​​M) cannot be generated or emitted by this luminaire.

[0045] exist Figure 2 In this context, the color space K and the triangular region D are similar to... Figure 1 The method is shown. However, the effect of the lighting device according to the invention is shown here in schematic form. The lighting device can continuously adjust the target colors 14, 140 in color space K at the highest resolution.

[0046] The above Figure 1 and Figure 2 The explanation provided is merely for illustrative purposes. Of course, it must be considered that the actual representation of color spaces is very complex. Therefore, in other parts of this application, no linguistic distinction is made between the color space K and the triangular region D.

[0047] Figure 3 A lighting device 1 according to one embodiment is illustrated schematically. In this embodiment, the lighting device 1 includes a computing unit 12, a driving unit 11, and two lighting units 10.

[0048] In this embodiment, the computing unit 12 is designed as a microprocessor, which has a corresponding storage medium 12b. The storage medium 12b contains a calibration algorithm 12c, and, if applicable, color reference data 12d.

[0049] In addition, the computing unit 12 has an input interface 12a. Color information data 13 can be input or received via this interface 12a. In one embodiment, the input interface is a BUS interface, such as a CAN-BUS interface or a similar interface system.

[0050] Color information data 13 can basically be understood as being related to the color space K ( Figure 2 The color information data 13 may include the color coordinates of the desired target color 14. For example, this data may include the specific coordinates of the color space K for each lighting unit 10 and / or the luminous intensity or brightness of each lighting unit 10 (or individual lighting elements). The color information data may also include the RGB mixing ratio for the target color. Furthermore, the color information data 13 may include a desired color temperature indication for the target color 14.

[0051] By inputting color information data 13 into input interface 12a, it is possible to calculate the target color 14 based on the input color information data 13 using calibration algorithm 12c. Calibration algorithm 12c can therefore take into account color reference data 12d (on storage medium 12b) to optimize computation time, thereby optimizing the energy consumption of lighting device 1. For example, color reference data 12d may include typical luminous intensities or candela values ​​of red, green, and blue lighting elements 10R, 10G, 10B. Color reference data 12d may also include the entire dataset typically included in the (manufacturer's) datasheet of the lighting elements, which is helpful (in terms of performance) or necessary for performing calibration algorithm 12c. For example, the (non-linear) variation of the luminous intensity of the lighting elements relative to the applied drive current can also be stored in color reference data 12d. Color reference data 12d can be input to the computing unit 12 of lighting device 1 via interface 12a.

[0052] The color information data 13 can be input into interface 12a, for example, by a system component of the vehicle, such as an onboard computer. However, according to the present invention, the color information data 13 can also be input via a user terminal, such as a smartphone and / or a remote control.

[0053] The calibration algorithm 12c in the calculation unit 12 is for each lighting element 10R, 10G, 10B of the lighting unit 10 (see...). Figure 3 The necessary drive current signal is calculated. The information calculated by calibration algorithm 12c is transmitted from calculation unit 12 to drive unit 11.

[0054] Therefore, the driving unit 11 controls the lighting unit 10 with a calculated driving current signal via the corresponding line 102 to generate the target color 14 based on the input color information data 13. The line 102 may include corresponding series resistors for the lighting units 10R, 10G, and 10B.

[0055] In one embodiment, the drive current signal used to set or change the target color 14 is based on current (current intensity) adjustment and / or pulse width modulation (PWM). The individual lighting elements 10R, 10G, 10B are correspondingly controlled by the drive unit 11 or provided with drive current signals to achieve this purpose.

[0056] According to the present invention, the two lighting units 10 of the lighting device 1 can be illuminated with the same or different target colors 14, 140.

[0057] Figure 4An embodiment of the lighting device 10 is shown. In this embodiment, the lighting unit 10 includes three lighting elements 10R, 10G, and 10B. For example, these elements may consist of a red LED 10R, a green LED 10G, and a blue LED 10B. Alternatively, the lighting elements 10R, 10G, and 10B may also be formed of OLEDs or the like. In this embodiment, the lighting elements 10R, 10G, and 10B are arranged side by side in a row. Furthermore, the lighting unit 10 includes a terminal 101 for connection to a driving unit 11 (see reference 102) via a line 102. Figure 3 ).

[0058] The illumination unit 10 may also include optical elements, such as diffusers, configured to cause light from the illumination elements 10R, 10G, 10B to be mixed by diffuse reflection to form a target color 14. Alternatively or additionally, imaging elements may be provided for the combination of illumination elements 10R, 10G, 10B or for each individual illumination element 10R, 10G, 10B, these imaging elements being configured to influence the radiated light of the illumination device 10 in its radiation characteristics, such as in its direction and / or divergence.

[0059] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the lighting unit 10 of the lighting device 1 is shown. The lighting elements 10R, 10G, and 10B are arranged in relation to... Figure 4 Different configurations are possible. According to the invention, any arrangement of the lighting elements 10R, 10G, and 10B in the lighting unit is included. Furthermore, according to the invention, the number of the three lighting elements 10R, 10G, and 10B in each lighting unit 10 is merely exemplary and not limited thereto. Similarly, arrangements containing multiple different colors of lighting elements in each lighting unit are also conceivable. It is not mandatory that each color has the same number of lighting elements. For example, an arrangement can be conceived where multiple lighting elements of one color are present, but only one lighting element for each of the other colors.

[0060] In this regard, it should be noted that all parts of the above description, and in particular the details shown in the accompanying drawings, are considered to be related to the invention, whether considered individually or in any combination.

[0061] List of reference numerals

[0062] 1 lighting device

[0063] 10 lighting units

[0064] 10R lighting element

[0065] 10G lighting element

[0066] 10B Lighting Element

[0067] 101 Terminals of lighting device

[0068] Route 102

[0069] 11 Drive Unit

[0070] 12 Calculation Units

[0071] 12a Input Interface

[0072] 12b storage medium

[0073] 12c calibration algorithm

[0074] 12D Color Reference Data

[0075] 13 Color Information Data

[0076] 130 Second color information data

[0077] 14. Target color, as perceived by the human eye.

[0078] 140 The second target color, as perceived by the human eye.

[0079] K Color Space

[0080] D triangle area (color gamut)

Claims

1. An illumination device for emitting light with continuously tunable colors in a color space (K), comprising: - At least one lighting unit (10) includes multiple lighting elements (10R, 10B, 10G); - At least one driving unit (11) configured to output a driving current signal to the lighting elements (10R, 10B, 10G) of the lighting unit (10) so that the target color (14) of the lighting unit (10) can be set according to the driving current signal; - At least one computing unit (12) is configured to calculate the drive current signal required to set the target color (14) by means of a calibration algorithm (12c), and the computing unit (12) is also configured to control the drive unit (11) accordingly so that the drive unit outputs the drive current signal to set the target color (14) of the lighting unit (10). The calculation unit (12) includes at least one input interface (12a), which is configured to obtain color coordinates (13) for a target color (14) associated with the color space (K). The calibration algorithm calculates the adjustment amount of the current and / or voltage value of the drive current signal for the corresponding lighting element based on the received color coordinates (13) during operation, so as to calibrate the target color (14) and selectively calibrate the lighting unit (10) so that it emits light of the calibrated target color.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lighting elements (10R, 10B, 10G) are configured as LEDs.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The lighting unit (10) includes at least one red lighting element (10R), at least one green lighting element (10G), and at least one blue lighting element (10B), and The light emitted by the illumination elements (10R, 10G, 10B) is mixed to form a target color (14), which can be perceived by an observer.

4. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The lighting device has a lighting housing that includes the lighting unit (10) and the driving unit (11).

5. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one input interface (12a) is a BUS interface.

6. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The drive unit (11) and / or the calculation unit (12) are adapted to calculate or output a drive current signal for adjusting or changing the target color (14) based on current matching and / or pulse width modulation (PWM).

7. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The computing unit (12) includes a storage medium (12b) suitable for storing color reference data (12d).

8. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The lighting fixture is suitable for personalizing and / or illuminating interior spaces.

9. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The lighting unit (10) includes three lighting elements (10R, 10B, 10G).

10. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The computing unit (12) is a microcontroller.

11. The lighting device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The illuminator housing also includes the computing unit (12).

12. A method of operating an illumination device for emitting light of continuously tunable colors in a color space (K), the method comprising the steps of: a) Input the color coordinates (13) of the target color (14) associated with the color space (K) into the lighting device (1); b) The calculation unit (12) of the lighting device (1) calculates the adjustment amount of the current and / or voltage value of the drive current signal for the corresponding lighting element according to the received color coordinates (13) during operation by calibration algorithm (12c) to calibrate the target color (14), thereby selectively calibrating the lighting unit (10) so that it emits light of the calibrated target color. c) The driving current signal is output to at least one lighting unit (10) through the driving unit (11) of the lighting device (1) to generate the target color (14).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second color coordinate (130) of the second target color (140) is input to the lighting device (1) for the second time, causing step b) to be re-executed. In step c), the driving current signal is adjusted according to the second target color (140) to change the light emitted by the lighting device (1) from the target color (14) to the second target color (140).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The second inputs for steps a)-c) and / or the second color coordinates (130) are respectively executed or can be executed at runtime.

15. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, Color coordinates include chromaticity coordinates for the target color (14, 140) and / or luminous intensity values ​​for the target color (14, 140).

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, Color coordinates include RGB values.

17. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, In the lighting device (1), the drive current signal for adjusting or changing the target color (14) is calculated based on current adjustment and / or pulse width modulation (PWM) and is adjusted individually relative to each lighting element (10R, 10G, 10B).

18. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, All colors in the color space (K) can be continuously set to the target color (14) by inputting the corresponding color coordinates (13).

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The color space (K) is the RGB color space.

20. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The calculation of the drive current signal required to generate the target color (14) is performed by a calibration algorithm (12c) on the calculation unit (12) of the lighting device (1), while taking into account reference data (12d).

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The reference data (12d) includes manufacturer data and / or data records for each individual lighting element (10R, 10G, 10B).

22. A processor comprising instructions that, by executing the instructions, enable the implementation of the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

23. A vehicle comprising a processor according to claim 22 and / or a lighting device according to any one of claims 1-11, the lighting device being configured to emit light of continuously adjustable color.

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