Adaptive Track Lighting System

Abstract

The present invention relates to a track lighting system (1) comprising a power track (2) having a longitudinal extension (L) and connectable to an electrical supply, and a plurality of individually controllable lighting devices including at least one first lighting device (3) and at least one second lighting device (4) each connectable to the power track (2), wherein the at least one first lighting device (3) comprises a first light source and a first light exit window (5) having a first form factor, and the at least one second lighting device (4) comprises a second light source and a second light exit window (6) having a second form factor, the at least one first lighting device (3) comprising at least one second light source and at least one second light exit window (6) having a second form factor, the at least one second lighting device (4) comprising at least one first light source and a first light exit window (5) having a first form factor. The present invention relates to a track lighting system (1), wherein the at least one first lighting device (3) is a first pixelated lighting device and the first light source comprises a plurality of individually controllable first LED pixels, and the track lighting system (1) further comprises at least one control unit for individually controlling the lighting devices (3, 4), and further wherein the control unit controls at least one first LED pixel of the plurality of individually controllable first LED pixels of the at least one first lighting device (3) to illuminate only a first portion of the first light exit window such that a first light pattern is provided at the first light exit window by the track lighting system (1).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a track lighting system including a powered track and a plurality of individually controllable lighting devices. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for controlling such a track lighting system. [Background technology]

[0002] Setting the right light for an indoor environment is very important. Firstly, a properly lit room is perceived by users as attractive and comfortable. Thus, in an industrial or workshop setting, light settings may be used to provide conditions under which an operator can clearly see the object on which he is working. This is particularly important when the object includes small parts to be assembled or when the operator must work in an environment with obstacles, such as under a vehicle. In a domestic environment, it may be desirable to adapt the lighting conditions to the activity of the subjects in the room.

[0003] Lighting systems used in indoor environments should be highly adaptive, giving the user the possibility to control different parts of the lighting system independently, so that the light settings can be adapted to the current situation.

[0004] A lighting system that addresses some of the above aspects is a track lighting system, where the luminaires are mounted on a track. Such lighting systems offer great flexibility and adaptability, since the number as well as the positioning of the luminaires along the track can be varied. However, there is a need to improve the adaptability of track lighting systems, allowing users to select different operating conditions of the track lighting system depending on their current needs. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide such a track lighting system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To this end, the present invention provides a track lighting system including a power track having a longitudinal extension and connectable to an electric supply. The power track provides an electric output. The power track according to the present invention may be automatically or manually controlled. The automatic control may depend on the natural light conditions in the room or on a predefined period during which the track lighting system should be operational, e.g. during normal working hours. In other words, the automatic control of the power track may determine whether the power track provides an electric output and, if so, how large an electric output it provides.

[0007] The track lighting system of the present invention further comprises a plurality of individually controllable lighting devices including at least one first lighting device and at least one second lighting device. In particular, the track lighting system may comprise 1-20 first lighting devices and 1-20 second lighting devices. The first lighting devices and the second lighting devices may be arranged in an alternating manner, i.e. each first lighting device may be arranged between two second lighting devices. Alternatively, the first lighting devices and the second lighting devices may be arranged in any other order, such as alternating groups. Each lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices is connectable (mechanically and electrically) to a power track. The term "connectable" in the context of the present invention means at least mechanically or electrically connectable. A mechanical connection means a direct contact between the lighting device and the power track. The mechanical connection may be made using at least one fixing element, such as a clip. The electrical connection may be made using an electrical connection element, such as a plug-and-socket or a pin contact. Alternatively, the electrical connection may be realized wirelessly, for example by induction. If the lighting device is only mechanically connected to the power track, the power supply to the lighting device may be provided by an external power supply source, such as a disposable or rechargeable battery. Preferably, the lighting device is both mechanically and electrically connected to the power track.

[0008] At least one first lighting device comprises a first light source and a first light exit window having a first form factor. The term "form factor" in the context of the present invention means a manner that defines and specifies the size, shape and other physical specifications of the light exit window. At least one second lighting device comprises a second light source and a second light exit window having a second form factor. The first form factor may be the same or different from the second form factor. The first form factor and / or the second form factor may be circular, elliptical or polygonal with at least three sides. In particular, the first form factor may be circular and the second form factor may be rectangular. Alternatively, the second form factor may be polygonal. In other words, the track lighting system may comprise a plurality of lighting devices that are a mix of circular and rectangular lighting devices. Alternatively, all lighting devices in the plurality of lighting devices may have the same form factor, i.e. all lighting devices may be circular or rectangular. Alternatively, all the lighting devices may be polygonal.

[0009] Throughout, references to the second form factor being rectangular or polygonal may alternatively be references to the second form factor being “substantially rectangular” or “substantially polygonal.” Thus, for example, a rectangular form factor with smooth edges or trimmed edges may still be a rectangular form factor.

[0010] According to the invention, the at least one first lighting device is a first pixelated lighting device, and the first light source comprises a plurality of individually controllable first LED pixels. The number of the first LED pixels may be at least 10, preferably at least 20, more preferably at least 25, even more preferably at least 50, and most preferably at least 100. The first LED pixels may be arranged in an M×N matrix of first LED pixels, where M is at least 10 and N is at least 10. Thus, the first LED pixels may be arranged in a (planar) matrix comprising at least 10 first LED pixels in a first direction and at least 10 LED pixels in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0011] The track lighting system according to the present invention further comprises at least one control unit for individually controlling the lighting devices. The control unit may be of any kind known in the art. Furthermore, the control unit controls at least one first LED pixel of the plurality of individually controllable first LED pixels of the at least one first lighting device to illuminate only a first portion of the first light-exit window such that a light pattern can be provided at the first light-exit window by the track lighting system.

[0012] The term "light pattern" in the context of the present invention is intended to mean any predefined pattern that a user may desire. Such a pattern may be straight lines, zigzag lines, multiple parallel lines, etc. Preferably, the light pattern is a substantially linear pattern.

[0013] A light pattern in the context of the present invention is a light pattern of the respective light exit window. For example, the light pattern may be a pattern that is projected onto the respective light exit window such that a light pattern is presentable, i.e. visible, at the first light exit window.

[0014] In an embodiment, the control unit controls at least one first LED pixel of a plurality of individually controllable first LED pixels of the at least one first lighting device to illuminate only a first portion of the first light exit window such that a light pattern can be provided at the first light exit window by the track lighting system, the light pattern including a second form factor of the second light exit window.

[0015] In particular, the first lighting device may provide a first light pattern and the second lighting device may provide a second light pattern at the second light exit window. In the first operating mode, the first light pattern may be substantially similar or substantially equal to the second light pattern. For example, if the track lighting system includes a plurality of circular first lighting devices and a plurality of rectangular second lighting devices, the first lighting devices may be pixelated lighting devices and the first LED pixels may be operated such that a rectangular light pattern is provided by the circular first lighting devices. In particular, the first light pattern provided by the first lighting devices may be similar or substantially equal in shape and / or size to the second light exit window of the second lighting device. Thus, the track lighting system according to the invention provides improved flexibility such that a desired pattern is easily obtained by individually controlling the LED pixels. In particular, a user may select an operating mode in which the track lighting system provides a light pattern that is an aesthetically pleasing straight line, regardless of the form factor of the first and second lighting devices.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first light pattern may be the same shape as the second form factor. For example, the first light pattern may be equal to the shape of the second form factor of the second lighting device.

[0017] The first light pattern provided by the first lighting device may have a first width W1 and the second light pattern may have a second width W2. If a user wants to obtain a light pattern in the form of a straight line, the second width W2 may be similar or equal to the first width W1.

[0018] Furthermore, the first light pattern may have a first length L1 and the second light pattern may have a second length L2. To obtain a symmetrical light pattern, the second length L2 may be similar or equal to the first length L1.

[0019] When the first light pattern is aligned with the second light pattern, the aesthetic appearance of the light patterns is further enhanced.

[0020] In an embodiment, the second light pattern may include the form factor of the first exit window. Thus, the second exit window may be circular, and the first exit window may include an elongated rectangular form factor, e.g., a line. In this case, while the second exit window is circular, the second light pattern may be, or in other words, mimic, said elongated rectangular form factor. This allows a circular lighting device to be aligned with a neighboring lighting device having an elongated rectangular form factor.

[0021] According to the invention, the at least one second lighting device may be a second pixelated lighting device. In such an embodiment, the second light source comprises a plurality of individually controllable second LED pixels. In this case, the control unit may further control at least one second LED pixel of the plurality of individually controllable second LED pixels of the second lighting device. Such an embodiment provides the advantage of a highly adaptable track lighting system. For example, as will be described in more detail below, the first and second lighting devices may be rectangular, while giving the user the possibility to select between different light patterns by individually controlling the first and second LED pixels.

[0022] It is further contemplated that the second lighting device may be a non-pixelated lighting device. In such embodiments, the first LED pixels of the first lighting device may be controlled such that the light pattern provided by the first lighting device corresponds to the form factor of the second lighting device.

[0023] The plurality of individually controllable lighting devices may further include at least one third lighting device connectable to the power track. The at least one third lighting device may include a third light source and a third light exit window having a third form factor. The at least one third lighting device may be a third pixelated lighting device, and the third light source may include a plurality of individually controllable third LED pixels. In this case, the control unit may further control at least one third LED pixel of the plurality of individually controllable third LED pixels of the at least one third lighting device. The third form factor may be different from the first and second form factors. In other words, the track lighting system may include three different types of lighting devices in a decorative arrangement. For example, the track lighting system may include a square, a round and an elongated lighting device that may be fully illuminated in one operation mode and thus provide a functional light. A user may want to change this light to a stand-by light, for example when the store is closed. To provide such standby light, the user may individually control the LED pixels of the lighting device such that some of the first LED pixels are not powered so that the first light exit window is not fully illuminated, such that a light pattern in the form of a straight line is provided by the track lighting system.

[0024] At least one of the plurality of lighting devices may be rotatable relative to the longitudinal extension L of the power track. The axis of rotation may be perpendicular to the longitudinal extension L of the power track. In such an embodiment, the track lighting system is made more flexible since a user may select the orientation of the rotatable lighting device and individually control the LED pixels to provide a desired light pattern.

[0025] At least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices may be disposed adjacent to the power track. In other words, the at least one lighting device may be in physical contact with the power track. Furthermore, at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices may be disposed at a distance from the power track, for example by being suspended from the power track. To optimize the light pattern provided by the track lighting system, each lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices may be disposed at a distance from the power track, and the distance between each lighting device and the power track may be constant.

[0026] The at least one first pixelated lighting device may include a light mixing chamber including a first compartment having a first compartment shape and a second compartment having a second compartment shape. The first compartment shape may have a compartment width and a compartment length, and at least the compartment width may be substantially equal to the width of the second light exit window. To achieve a desired sharp boundary of the illuminated portion of the light exit window of the pixelated lighting device and still allow a uniform intensity across the light exit window if necessary, the pixelated lighting device may include at least one wall dividing the pixelated lighting device into the first compartment and the second compartment. The material of the wall may include a light-transmitting material. Alternatively or additionally, the wall may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the light exit window of the at least one pixelated lighting device and may include a tapered outer edge adjacent to the light exit window. In such an embodiment, the wall is effectively invisible through the light exit window when the adjacent subchamber is turned on, thus enhancing the uniformity of the illuminated light exit window.

[0027] The wall may include an inner surface facing the LED pixel and an outer surface facing away from the LED pixel. The inner surface of the wall may include a reflective coating, thus confining light within the subchamber containing the LED pixel, whereas light may be incident on the wall from the uncoated side.

[0028] As mentioned above, the track lighting system according to the present invention includes a control unit. The control unit may be used for automatic and / or manual control of the power track and the lighting devices. The light settings of the lighting devices may be automatically adjusted to the ambient light or may be controlled by a timer. Alternatively or additionally, the lighting devices may be manually controlled by a user, allowing to adjust the light settings of the lighting devices according to the user's requirements.

[0029] The invention further relates to a method for controlling a lighting system as described above, the method comprising the steps of: a) receiving information regarding a desired light pattern of a lighting system; b) individually controlling the lighting devices and controlling at least one first LED pixel of a plurality of individually controllable first LED pixels of the at least one first lighting device to illuminate only a first portion of the first light-exit window such that a desired light pattern is obtained at the first light-exit window; The present invention relates to a method comprising the steps of: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a track lighting system of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2a-c are side views of the track lighting system shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 3a-b are side views of a track lighting system according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] All figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally show only those parts necessary to clarify the embodiments of the invention, other parts may be omitted or merely suggested.

[0032] The present invention will now be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments of the present invention described herein, but rather, these embodiments of the present invention are provided as examples so that the disclosure will convey the scope of the technology to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same or similar components having the same or similar functions, unless otherwise specified.

[0033] 1 shows a track lighting system 1 including a power track 2 having a longitudinal extension and connectable to an electrical supply. The power track 2 provides an electrical output.

[0034] The track lighting system of the present invention further comprises a plurality of individually controllable lighting devices, including one first lighting device 3 and two second lighting devices 4. The first lighting device 3 and the second lighting devices 4 are arranged in an alternating manner, i.e. the first lighting device 3 is arranged between two second lighting devices 4. Each lighting device 3, 4 of the plurality of lighting devices is connectable to a power track 2.

[0035] The first lighting device 3 comprises a first light source (not shown) and a first light exit window 5 having a first form factor. As seen in FIG. 1, the first form factor is circular. Each second lighting device 4 comprises a second light source (not shown) and a second light exit window 6 having a second form factor. The second form factor is rectangular. In other words, the track lighting system 1 comprises a plurality of lighting devices that are a mix of circular and rectangular lighting devices 3, 4. Alternatively, the second form factor may be polygonal in alternative aspects, for example the polygonal form factor may be a pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, decagon or equilateral triangle.

[0036] The first lighting device 3 is a first pixelated lighting device, the first light source comprising a plurality of individually controllable first LED pixels.

[0037] Turning to FIG. 2, different operating modes of the track lighting system are shown. Thus, in FIG. 2a, all lighting devices 3, 4 are illuminated, which may be desirable when it is necessary to provide task light to an area. As mentioned above, the control unit may individually control the LED pixels of the first lighting device 3 such that only the first portion 7 of the first lighting device is illuminated, thus providing a light pattern in the form of a straight line, as depicted in FIG. 2b. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2c, both the first lighting device 3 and the second lighting device 4 are pixelated lighting devices. Furthermore, the second lighting device 4 is rotatable. Thus, a light pattern may be provided in the form of parallel lines by controlling the LED pixels of the first lighting device 3 such that the second portion 7' ​​is illuminated, and further controlling the LED pixels of the second lighting device such that the length of the illuminated portion 8 of the second lighting device is equal to the diameter of the first lighting device, i.e. the second portion 7'.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3a, a track lighting system 101 is shown in which the first lighting device 103 and the second lighting device 104 are pixelated lighting devices and the first form factor of the first lighting device 103 is the same as the second form factor of the second lighting device 104, i.e. circular. As can be seen in Fig. 3a, the track lighting system 101 may be operated by controlling the LED pixels of the first and second lighting devices 103, 104 such that a light pattern 107 is provided to the first light exit window in the form of a straight line.

[0039] Finally, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3b, a track lighting system 201 is shown in which the first lighting device 203 and the second lighting device 204 are pixelated lighting devices and the first form factor of the first lighting device 203 is the same as the second form factor of the second lighting device 204, i.e. square. As can be seen in Fig. 3b, the track lighting system 201 may be operated by controlling the LED pixels of the first and second lighting devices 203, 204 such that a light pattern 207 is provided in the form of a zigzag line.

[0040] Although the present invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is intended that the detailed description be considered as exemplary and that the appended claims, including all equivalents, define the scope of the invention. While the present invention has been described in the accompanying drawings and in the foregoing description, such description should be considered as illustrative and exemplary, and not restrictive, and the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood by those skilled in the art, upon study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, and can be carried out in practicing the claimed invention. In the appended claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. a power track having a longitudinal extension and connectable to an electrical supply; a plurality of individually controllable lighting devices each connectable to the power track, the plurality of individually controllable lighting devices including at least one first lighting device and at least one second lighting device, the at least one first lighting device including a first light source and a first light exit window having a first form factor, and the at least one second lighting device including a second light source and a second light exit window having a second form factor; 1. A track lighting system comprising: At least one first lighting device is a first pixelated lighting device, the first light source including a plurality of individually controllable first LED pixels; The track lighting system includes at least one control unit for individually controlling the lighting devices, A track lighting system, wherein the control unit controls at least one first LED pixel of the plurality of individually controllable first LED pixels of the at least one first lighting device to illuminate only a first portion of the first light exit window such that a first light pattern can be provided at the first light exit window by the track lighting system.

2. The track lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the first form factor is different from the second form factor.

3. 3. The track lighting system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first form factor is circular and the second form factor is rectangular.

4. 4. The track lighting system of claim 1, wherein the second lighting device provides a second light pattern at the second light exit window, and in a first operating mode, the first light pattern is substantially equal to the second light pattern.

5. The track lighting system of claim 4 , wherein the second light pattern is substantially equal in shape and size to the second light exit window.

6. 6. The track lighting system of claim 4 or 5, wherein in the first mode of operation the first light pattern has a first width and the second light pattern has a second width substantially equal to the first width.

7. 7. The track lighting system of claim 4, wherein in the first mode of operation, the first light pattern has a first length and the second light pattern has a second length substantially equal to the first length.

8. 8. The track lighting system of claim 1, wherein the second lighting device is a second pixelated lighting device, the second light source comprising a plurality of individually controllable second LED pixels, and the control unit controls at least one second LED pixel of the plurality of individually controllable second LED pixels of the at least one second lighting device.

9. 9. The track lighting system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of individually controllable lighting devices comprises at least one third lighting device connectable to the power track, the at least one third lighting device comprising a third light source and a third light exit window having a third form factor, the at least one third lighting device being a third pixelated lighting device, the third light source comprising a plurality of individually controllable third LED pixels, the control unit controlling at least one third LED pixel of the plurality of individually controllable third LED pixels of the at least one third lighting device, the third form factor being different from the first form factor and the second form factor.

10. 10. The track lighting system of claim 1, wherein at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices is rotatable relative to the longitudinal extension of the power track.

11. 11. The track lighting system of claim 1, wherein at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices is positioned at a distance from the power track, the distance between each lighting device and the power track being constant.

12. 12. The track lighting system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first pixelated lighting device comprises a light mixing chamber including a first compartment having a first compartment shape and a second compartment having a second compartment shape, the first compartment shape having a compartment width and a compartment length, at least the compartment width being substantially equal to a width of the second light exit window.

13. 1. A method for controlling a lighting system, the lighting system comprising: a power track having a longitudinal extension and connectable to an electrical supply; a plurality of individually controllable lighting devices each connectable to the power track, the plurality of individually controllable lighting devices including at least one first lighting device and at least one second lighting device, the at least one first lighting device including a first light source and a first light exit window having a first form factor, and the at least one second lighting device including a second light source and a second light exit window having a second form factor; Including, At least one first lighting device is a first pixelated lighting device, the first light source including a plurality of individually controllable first LED pixels; The track lighting system includes at least one control unit for individually controlling the lighting devices, the control unit controlling at least one first LED pixel of the plurality of individually controllable first LED pixels of the at least one first lighting device, the method comprising: a) receiving information regarding a desired light pattern of said track lighting system; b) individually controlling the lighting devices and controlling at least one first LED pixel of the plurality of individually controllable first LED pixels of the at least one first lighting device to illuminate only a first portion of the first light-exit window such that the desired light pattern is obtained at the first light-exit window; A method comprising:

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