Lighting module unit, lighting system, and lighting method

Abstract

The purpose is to display patterns that can be observed from a distance on a projection surface. [Solution] The lighting module unit 10 includes a plurality of lighting modules 15. A lighting pattern 85 is displayed on the projection surface 80 by a plurality of projection patterns 90 projected onto the projection surface 80 from each of the plurality of lighting modules 15. The plurality of projection patterns projected onto the projection surface from each of the plurality of lighting modules are arranged in a first direction, and each of the plurality of projection patterns is arranged in a second direction that is not parallel to the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting module unit, a lighting system, and a lighting method.

Background Art

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, a lighting system that projects a pattern onto a projection surface is known. It is preferable that the pattern can be sufficiently observed from a distance.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to display a pattern that can be observed from a distance on a projection surface.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A first lighting module unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of lighting modules, and displays a lighting pattern on the projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected from each of the plurality of lighting modules onto the projection surface.

[0006] <​​​​​​​​​​A lighting system according to one embodiment of this disclosure is: The first or second lighting module unit described above, A power supply that provides power to the aforementioned multiple lighting modules, The system comprises a plurality of controllers located between the plurality of lighting modules and the power supply, Each of the plurality of controllers adjusts the power supply from the power source to the corresponding lighting module included in the plurality of lighting modules, independently of the power supply from the power source to other lighting modules.

[0008] A first illumination method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is: A lighting method comprising the step of illuminating a projection surface using a lighting module unit, In the illumination process, a lighting pattern is displayed on the projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected from the lighting module unit onto the projection surface.

[0009] A second illumination method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is: A lighting method comprising the step of illuminating a projection surface using a lighting module unit, In the illumination process described above, multiple projection patterns are projected from the illumination module unit onto the projection surface. The aforementioned plurality of projection patterns are arranged in a first direction, Each of the aforementioned projection patterns extends in a second direction that is non-parallel to the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, a pattern that can be observed from a distance can be displayed on the projection surface. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment, and is a perspective view showing the lighting system along with the lighting pattern observed on the projection surface. [Figure 2A]FIG. 2A is a configuration diagram showing an example of the lighting system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a configuration diagram showing another example of the lighting system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing an example of the lighting module included in the lighting system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing the lighting module shown in FIG. 3A from a direction different from that of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3C-3C of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the controller included in the lighting system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a plan view showing an example of the projection pattern constituting the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a plan view showing another example of the projection pattern constituting the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a plan view showing still another example of the projection pattern constituting the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a plan view showing still another example of the projection pattern constituting the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5E is a plan view showing still another example of the projection pattern constituting the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5F] FIG. 5F is a plan view showing still another example of the projection pattern constituting the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5G] FIG. 5G is a plan view showing still another example of the projection pattern constituting the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5H] FIG. 5H is a plan view showing still another example of the projection pattern constituting the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the lighting module unit. [Figure 6B]Figure 6B is a plan view showing another example of the arrangement of lighting module units. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side view showing a lighting system including the lighting module unit shown in Figure 6A or Figure 6B. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a diagram illustrating a modified example of a lighting pattern and lighting system, and is a plan view showing the lighting system along with the lighting pattern observed on the projection surface. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a diagram showing the lighting system shown in Figure 8A, but the lighting system displays a different lighting pattern than the lighting pattern shown in Figure 8A. [Figure 8C] Figure 8C is a diagram showing the lighting system shown in Figure 8A, where the lighting system displays a different lighting pattern from the lighting patterns shown in Figures 8A and 8B. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating other variations of the lighting pattern and lighting system, and is a plan view showing the lighting system along with the lighting pattern observed on the projection plane. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the changes in the lighting pattern displayed by the lighting system shown in Figure 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure are as follows: <1> ~ <27> Regarding.

[0013] <1> Equipped with multiple lighting modules, A lighting module unit that displays a lighting pattern on a projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected onto the projection surface from each of the plurality of lighting modules.

[0014] <2> The aforementioned plurality of projection patterns are arranged in a first direction, Each of the aforementioned plurality of projection patterns extends in a second direction that is non-parallel to the first direction. <1> The lighting module unit described above.

[0015] <3> Equipped with multiple lighting modules, The multiple projection patterns projected onto the projection surface from each of the multiple lighting modules are arranged in a first direction. Each of the plurality of projection patterns is a lighting module unit that extends in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction.

[0016] <4> Each of the aforementioned multiple projection patterns is linear. <1> ~ <3> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items.

[0017] <5> On the projection surface, the plurality of projection patterns are separated from each other in the first direction. <2> or <3> The lighting module unit described above.

[0018] <6> The plurality of projection patterns include a first outermost projection pattern, a second outermost projection pattern, and an intermediate projection pattern. The first outermost projection pattern is located on the first side in the first direction, The second outermost projection pattern is located on the second side in the first direction, The intermediate projection pattern is located between the first outermost projection pattern and the second outermost projection pattern in the first direction. At a certain position in the second direction, the first outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern, and the second outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern. <2> , <3> , or <5> The lighting module unit described above.

[0019] <7> The plurality of projection patterns include a first outermost projection pattern and a second outermost projection pattern. The first outermost projection pattern is located on the first side in the first direction, The second outermost projection pattern is located on the second side in the first direction, At a certain position in the second direction, the first outermost projection pattern is brighter than any other projection pattern except the second outermost projection pattern. At a certain position in the second direction, the second outermost projection pattern is brighter than any other projection pattern except the first outermost projection pattern. <2> , <3> , <5> , or <6> The lighting module unit described above.

[0020] <8> Each of the plurality of lighting modules includes a light source and an optical system that adjusts the optical path of light from the light source, The light source includes a laser diode, <1> ~ <7> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items.

[0021] <9> Each of the plurality of lighting modules includes a light source and an optical system that adjusts the optical path of light from the light source, The optical system includes one or more diffractive optical elements, microlens arrays, light diffusing elements, phosphors, and spatial light modulators. <1> ~ <8> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items.

[0022] <10> One or more lighting modules included in the plurality of lighting modules and one or more other lighting modules included in the plurality of lighting modules are positioned facing each other in the second direction. <2> , <3> , <5> , <6> , or <7> The lighting module unit described above.

[0023] <11> The aforementioned multiple lighting modules are located in different positions from each other. <1> ~ <10> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items.

[0024] <12> The aforementioned multiple projection patterns are identical to each other. <1> ~ <11> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items.

[0025] <13> The aforementioned multiple projection patterns are different from each other, <1> ~ <12> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items.

[0026] <14> <1> ~ <13> A lighting module unit as described in any one of the items, A power supply that provides power to the aforementioned multiple lighting modules, The system comprises a plurality of controllers located between the plurality of lighting modules and the power supply, A lighting system in which each of the plurality of controllers regulates the power supply from the power source to a corresponding lighting module included in the plurality of lighting modules, independently of the power supply from the power source to other lighting modules.

[0027] <15> Each of the plurality of controllers adjusts whether or not power is supplied to the corresponding lighting module and / or the amount of power supplied. <14> The lighting system described above.

[0028] <16> A lighting method comprising the step of illuminating a projection surface using a lighting module unit, A lighting method comprising the process of lighting, wherein a lighting pattern is displayed on the projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected from the lighting module unit onto the projection surface.

[0029] <17> The aforementioned plurality of projection patterns are arranged in a first direction, Each of the aforementioned plurality of projection patterns extends in a second direction that is non-parallel to the first direction. <16> The lighting method described above.

[0030] <18> A lighting method comprising the step of illuminating a projection surface using a lighting module unit, In the illumination process described above, multiple projection patterns are projected from the illumination module unit onto the projection surface. The aforementioned plurality of projection patterns are arranged in a first direction, An illumination method wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a second direction nonparallel to the first direction.

[0031] <19> Each of the aforementioned multiple projection patterns is linear. <16> ~ <18> A lighting method as described in any one of the items.

[0032] <20> On the projection surface, the plurality of projection patterns are separated from each other in the first direction. <16> ~ <19> A lighting method as described in any one of the items.

[0033] <21> In the illumination step, the thickness and / or brightness of the illumination pattern are controlled by adjusting the number of the plurality of projection patterns. <16> ~ <20> A lighting method as described in any one of the items.

[0034] <22> In the illumination step, some of the projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are made to blink. <16> ~ <21> A lighting method as described in any one of the items.

[0035] <23> While some of the aforementioned projection patterns are flashing, some of the other projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are illuminated. The other partial projection pattern includes a projection pattern located on the first side in the first direction of the partial projection pattern and a projection pattern located on the second side in the first direction of the partial projection pattern. <22> The lighting method described above.

[0036] <24> The plurality of projection patterns include a first outermost projection pattern, a second outermost projection pattern, and an intermediate projection pattern. The first outermost projection pattern is located on the first side in the first direction, The second outermost projection pattern is located on the second side in the first direction, The intermediate projection pattern is located between the first outermost projection pattern and the second outermost projection pattern in the first direction. At a certain position in the second direction, the first outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern, and the second outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern. <16> ~ <23> A lighting method as described in any one of the items.

[0037] <25> The plurality of projection patterns include a first outermost projection pattern and a second outermost projection pattern. The first outermost projection pattern is located on the first side in the first direction, The second outermost projection pattern is located on the second side in the first direction, At a certain position in the second direction, the first outermost projection pattern is brighter than any other projection pattern except the second outermost projection pattern. At a certain position in the second direction, the second outermost projection pattern is brighter than any other projection pattern except the first outermost projection pattern. <16> ~ <24> A lighting method as described in any one of the items.

[0038] <26> One or more projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns and one or more other projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are projected onto the projection plane from positions facing each other in the second direction. <16> ~ <25> A lighting method as described in any one of the items.

[0039] <27> One or more projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are projected onto the projection plane from two or more positions that are opposite to each other in the second direction. <16> ~ <26> A lighting method as described in any one of the items.

[0040] The following describes in detail one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the drawings attached to this specification, the scale and aspect ratios have been appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual object for the sake of ease of understanding. Some components shown in some drawings may be omitted in other drawings. The scale and aspect ratios may differ between drawings.

[0041] In this specification, multiple candidate upper limits and multiple candidate lower limits for a numerical range may be described in separate statements. In such statements, the numerical range may be constructed by combining any one candidate upper limit and any one candidate lower limit. As an example, consider the statement, "Parameter B may be greater than or equal to A1, greater than or equal to A2, greater than or equal to A3. Parameter B may be less than or equal to A4, less than or equal to A5, or less than or equal to A6." In this example, the numerical range of parameter B may be greater than or equal to A1 and less than or equal to A4, greater than or equal to A1 and less than or equal to A5, greater than or equal to A1 and less than or equal to A6, greater than or equal to A2 and less than or equal to A4, greater than or equal to A2 and less than or equal to A5, greater than or equal to A2 and less than or equal to A6, greater than or equal to A3 and less than or equal to A4, greater than or equal to A3 and less than or equal to A5, or greater than or equal to A6.

[0042] The first direction D1, second direction D2, third direction D3, and axial direction AD, which are common across several drawings, are indicated by arrows with common reference numerals in each drawing. The first direction D1, second direction D2, and third direction D3 are defined relative to the projection plane 80. The axial direction AD is defined relative to the lighting module 15. In each direction, the tip of the arrow is the first side. In each direction, the side opposite to the first side, i.e., the base end of the arrow, is the second side. Arrows pointing from the back to the front of the paper in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing are indicated by a symbol with a dot inside a circle, as shown in Figure 2A, for example. Arrows pointing from the front to the back of the paper in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing are indicated by a symbol with an "x" inside a circle, as shown in Figure 7, for example.

[0043] Figures 1 to 10 are diagrams illustrating this embodiment.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 2B, in this embodiment, the lighting system 5 and the lighting module unit 10 include a plurality of lighting modules 15. Each lighting module 15 projects a projection pattern 90 onto the projection surface 80. The plurality of projection patterns 90 projected onto the projection surface 80 form a lighting pattern 85 as a composite pattern. That is, the plurality of projection patterns 90 projected onto the projection surface 80 display the lighting pattern 85 on the projection surface 80.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 2B, in this embodiment, the illumination method includes an illumination step of illuminating the projection surface 80 using an illumination module unit 10. In the illumination step, a plurality of projection patterns 90 are projected from the illumination module unit 10 onto the projection surface 80. The plurality of projection patterns 90 projected onto the projection surface 80 form an illumination pattern 85 as a composite pattern. That is, the illumination pattern 85 is displayed on the projection surface 80 by the plurality of projection patterns 90 projected onto the projection surface 80.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the illumination pattern 85 projected onto the projection surface 80 is composed of a combination of multiple projection patterns 90. Therefore, a large illumination pattern 85 can be displayed on the projection surface 80. By adjusting the brightness of the multiple projection patterns 90, the illumination pattern 85 can be displayed brightly. According to this embodiment, an illumination pattern 85 that can be observed from a distance can be displayed on the projection surface 80.

[0047] The projection surface 80 onto which the lighting pattern 85 and projection pattern 90 are projected is not particularly limited. The projection surface 80 may be the ground, such as a road, sports field, park, or parking lot. The projection surface 80 may also be a water surface, such as the sea or a lake. The projection surface 80 may also be the exterior wall, interior wall, passageway, floor, or ceiling of a building. The building is not particularly limited. The building may be a school, company, factory, assembly hall, auditorium, gymnasium, stadium, venue, etc.

[0048] The lighting pattern 85 and projection pattern 90 are not particularly limited. The lighting pattern 85 and projection pattern 90 may be various patterns. The lighting pattern 85 and projection pattern 90 may be patterns associated with the projection surface 80. The lighting pattern 85 and projection pattern 90 may be patterns that indicate information. The lighting pattern 85 and projection pattern 90 may include one or more of the following: letters, pictures, color patterns, symbols, marks, illustrations, characters, and pictograms. As will be described later, the lighting pattern 85 and projection pattern 90 may be linear. Linear lighting patterns 85 and projection patterns 90 may be straight lines, curves, or combinations of straight lines and curves. The lines may be dotted lines.

[0049] The lighting system 5 and the lighting module unit 10 will be described in more detail, referring to the illustrated examples.

[0050] Figures 2A and 2B show specific examples of the lighting system 5. The lighting system 5 shown in Figures 2A and 2B can project multiple projection patterns 90 onto the projection surface 80. The lighting system 5 shown in Figures 2A and 2B can display a lighting pattern 85 on the projection surface 80.

[0051] Figures 5A to 5H show specific examples of lighting methods. Figures 5A to 5H show specific examples of lighting patterns 85 and multiple projection patterns 90. The lighting patterns 85 shown in Figures 5A to 5H can be displayed on the projection surface 80 by the lighting system 5 and lighting module unit 10 shown in Figures 2A and 2B. The multiple projection patterns 90 shown in Figures 5A to 5H can be projected onto the projection surface 80 by the lighting system 5 and lighting module unit 10 shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 2B, the lighting system 5 includes a lighting module unit 10. The lighting module unit 10 includes a plurality of lighting modules 15. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the lighting modules 15 project a projection pattern 90 onto a projection surface 80. The lighting modules 15 illuminate a light-to-illuminate area 95 on the projection surface 80. The light-to-illuminate area 95 is the area on the projection surface 80 onto which the projection pattern 90 is to be projected. The light-to-illuminate area 95 has the same shape as the projection pattern 90 to be projected.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, the multiple lighting modules 15 are positioned at different locations from one another. The multiple lighting modules 15 may be held at a fixed relative position with respect to the projection plane 80. The lighting modules 15 may be held by a holder such as a tripod (not shown).

[0054] Figures 3A to 3C show a specific example of the lighting module 15. The lighting module 15 will be explained with reference to the illustrated example.

[0055] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the lighting module 15 may have an overall cylindrical shape. In the examples shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the lighting module 15 includes a central axis L1. The central axis L1 passes through the center of the lighting module 15, which is overall cylindrical. The lighting module 15 may have a rotationally symmetric shape with respect to the central axis L1. In a projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD parallel to the central axis L1, the outer edge of the lighting module 15 may be circular.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3C, the lighting module 15 may include a light source 20 and an optical system (molded optical system) 25. The light source 20 emits light. The optical system 25 adjusts the optical path of the light from the light source 20.

[0057] The light source 20 emits light when power is supplied to it. The light source 20 is not particularly limited. The light source 20 may be a device, component, apparatus, etc., capable of emitting light. The light source 20 may include a light-emitting diode, also called an LED. The light source 20 may emit coherent light. Coherent light is light with synchronized wavelength and phase. The light source 20 may include a laser diode, also called an LD, as shown in the illustrated example. A laser diode is also called a semiconductor laser.

[0058] In the illustrated example, the light source 20 includes a light-emitting section 21 and a terminal 22. The light source 20 may be supplied with power from an external source at the terminal 22. The terminal 22 may be a lead wire. The terminal 22 may also be a pin protruding from the light-emitting section 21, as in the illustrated example. The light-emitting section 21 of the light source 20, which is a laser diode, may be a semiconductor. The light-emitting section 21 may include a light-emitting surface 21a that emits light. The terminal 22 is connected to the surface of the light-emitting section 21 that faces away from the light-emitting surface 21a.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3C, in the illustrated example, the light source 20 is located on the central axis L1. The light-emitting surface 21a faces the first side in the axial direction AD. In the illustrated example, the terminal 22 extends from the light-emitting part 21 to the second side in the axial direction AD.

[0060] The optical system 25 acts on the light emitted from the light source 20. The optical system 25 adjusts the optical path emitted from the light source 20. The optical system 25 generates projected light that is incident on the illuminated area 95 of the projection surface 80. The optical system 25 shapes the light from the light source 20 to generate projected light. The illuminated area 95, illuminated by the projected light, is observed by the observer as a projection pattern 90 (illumination pattern 85). The optical system 25 emits projected light from its output end 25a. The optical system 25 may face the light source 20 in the axial direction DA. The optical system 25 is located downstream along the optical path of the light emitted from the light source 20. The output end 25a constitutes the light output surface of the optical system 25. The output end 25a is located at the very downstream end of the optical system 25 along the optical path of the light emitted from the light source 20. In the illustrated example, the output end 25a constitutes the light output surface of the illumination module 15. The optical system 25 is located at the downstream end of the lighting module 15 along the optical path of the light emitted from the light source 20. The optical system 25 may be located on the central axis L1. The exit end 25a is located at the downstream end of the optical system 25 along the optical path of the light from the light source 20. The exit end 25a may be located on the central axis L1.

[0061] The optical system 25 may include a pattern optical system 30 and a lens system 35. The pattern optical system 30 shapes the light from the light source 20 in accordance with the projection pattern 90 to be projected. For example, the pattern optical system 30 may include a diffractive optical element 31. The lens system 35 has lens functions such as imaging and projection. The lens system 35 may include a single lens or multiple lenses. The multiple lenses may be arranged in the axial direction AD. The optical axes of the lenses included in the lens system 35 may be parallel to the axial direction AD. As shown in the figure, the optical axes of the lenses included in the lens system 35 may be located on the central axis L1.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 3C, the pattern optical system 30 includes a diffractive optical element 31. The lens system 35 is located between the diffractive optical element 31 and the light source 20 in the axial direction DA. In the example shown in Figure 3C, the lens system 35 deforms the light emitted from the light source 20 into a widened parallel beam. That is, the lens system 35 functions as a collimator optical system.

[0063] The lens system 35 includes a first lens 36A, a second lens 36B, and a third lens 36C arranged along the optical path of light from the light source 20. The first lens 36A, the second lens 36B, and the third lens 36C are arranged in this order from the second side to the first side in the axial direction AD. The first lens 36A transforms coherent light into a divergent beam, the second lens 36B straightens the divergent beam, and the third lens 36C transforms the divergent beam back into a parallel beam.

[0064] The diffractive optical element 31 is an element that exerts a diffracting effect on light emitted from the light source 20. The diffractive optical element 31 diffracts the light from the light source 20 to generate projected light. The projected light is directed towards the illuminated area 95 on the projection surface 80. When the projected light enters the illuminated area 95, the projection pattern 90 is displayed on the projection surface 80.

[0065] The diffractive optical element 31 may include a holographic element. The holographic element is a holographic optical element (HOE). By using a holographic element as the diffractive optical element 31, it becomes easier to design the diffraction characteristics of the diffractive optical element 31. A holographic element that can illuminate only the entire area of ​​a desired region with predetermined position, contour shape, size, and orientation on the projection surface 80 can be designed relatively easily. The diffractive optical element 31 may also be a computer-generated hologram (CGH). A computer-generated hologram is created by calculating a structure with arbitrary diffraction characteristics on a computer.

[0066] The diffractive optical element 31 may include multiple elemental diffractive optical elements. Each elemental diffractive optical element may be, for example, a hologram element and may be configured in the same way as the diffractive optical element 31 described above. The coherent light diffracted by the multiple elemental diffractive optical elements may be irradiated onto the same projection pattern 90. In other words, the light diffracted by each elemental diffractive optical element irradiates only the entire area of ​​a predetermined region of the projection surface 80. With such a diffractive optical element, light directed towards each position within the illuminated region can be dispersed and emitted from the multiple elemental diffractive optical elements included in the diffractive optical element 31. This suppresses excessive brightness at each position on the diffractive optical element 31, allowing the diffractive optical element 31 to be observed with uniform brightness. Furthermore, when laser light is incident on the diffractive optical element 31, laser safety can be improved.

[0067] Each elemental diffractive optical element may be configured to have the same diffraction characteristics as the others. However, in order to achieve higher precision illumination, each elemental diffractive optical element may be given separately designed diffraction characteristics depending on its position within the diffractive optical element 31. In this example, by adjusting the diffraction characteristics of each elemental diffractive optical element according to the differences in their position relative to other elemental diffractive optical elements, the diffractive light can be directed with high precision only to the entire area to be illuminated on the projection surface 80.

[0068] As shown in the example in Figure 3C, the collimator optical system and the diffractive optical element 31 can accurately project light onto the illuminated area 95 on the projection surface 80. This allows a projection pattern 90 with a desired shape to be accurately projected onto the projection surface 80.

[0069] The configuration of the optical system 25 is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 3A to 3C. The optical system 25 may include, in place of or in addition to the diffractive optical element 31, one or more of a microlens array, a light diffusing element, a phosphor, and a spatial light modulator. One or more of the microlens array, light diffusing element, phosphor, and spatial light modulator may function as a pattern optical system 26. The lens system 35 may include, in place of or in addition to the collimator optical system, an imaging optical system.

[0070] As shown in Figure 3C, the optical system 25 may include a cover member 27 that protects the diffractive optical element 31 or the pattern optical system 30.

[0071] The diffractive optical element 31 and the cover member 27 are arranged in this order from the first side to the second side in the axial direction AD. A gap may be provided between the diffractive optical element 31 and the cover member 27 in the axial direction AD. By providing a gap, condensation on the surface of the diffractive optical element 31 facing the cover member 27 can be suppressed. In the illustrated example, the exit end 25a is composed of the diffractive optical element 31.

[0072] In the example shown in Figures 3A to 3C, the lighting module 15 further includes a case 40. The case 40 holds the light source 20. The case 40 houses the optical system 25. The optical system 25 is protected from physical contact and collision by the case 40. The case 40 maintains the proper relative positions between the components contained in the optical system 25. The case 40 maintains the proper relative positions between the light source 20 and the optical system 25.

[0073] As shown in Figure 3C, the case 40 may include a cylindrical portion 41 and a bottom portion 46 connected to the cylindrical portion 41. The cylindrical portion 41 is cylindrical. The cylindrical portion 41 is open on both sides in the axial direction AD. The bottom portion 46 may be connected to the cylindrical portion 41 from the second side in the axial direction AD. As shown in Figure 3C, the bottom portion 46 may at least partially close the opening on the second side in the axial direction AD of the cylindrical portion 41.

[0074] In the illustrated example, the bottom portion 46 has a hole 46a at a position corresponding to the central axis L1. In the illustrated example, the light source 20 is held within the hole 46a. The hole 46a is closed by the light source 20.

[0075] The cylindrical portion 41 includes an inner surface 41a and an outer surface 41b. The optical system 25 is attached to the inner surface 41a and held inside the cylindrical portion 41.

[0076] The cylindrical portion 41 includes a tip cylindrical portion 42, a first cylindrical portion 43, and a second cylindrical portion 44. The tip cylindrical portion 42, the first cylindrical portion 43, and the second cylindrical portion 44 are arranged in this order from the first side to the second side in the axial direction AD.

[0077] The second cylindrical portion 44 is narrower than the first cylindrical portion 43. The width of the second cylindrical portion 44 along the radial direction RD may be smaller than the width of the first cylindrical portion 43 along the radial direction RD. The outer surface 41b of the second cylindrical portion 44 may be located at the same position as the outer surface 41b of the first cylindrical portion 43 or inside the outer surface 41b of the first cylindrical portion 43 in any radial direction RD. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 44 may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the first cylindrical portion 43 or inside the outer contour of the first cylindrical portion 43. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 44 may be located inside the outer contour of the first cylindrical portion 43.

[0078] The first cylindrical portion 43 is narrower than the tip cylindrical portion 42. The width of the first cylindrical portion 43 along the radial direction RD may be smaller than the width of the tip cylindrical portion 42 along the radial direction RD. The outer surface 41b of the first cylindrical portion 43 may be located at the same position as the outer surface 41b of the tip cylindrical portion 42 or inside the outer surface 41b of the tip cylindrical portion 42 in any radial direction RD. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the first cylindrical portion 43 may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the tip cylindrical portion 42 or inside the outer contour of the tip cylindrical portion 42. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the first cylindrical portion 43 may be located inside the outer contour of the tip cylindrical portion 42.

[0079] The radial direction RD is perpendicular to the central axis L1. In the radial direction RD, "inside" refers to the side closer to the central axis L1. In the radial direction RD, "outside" refers to the side further from the central axis L1.

[0080] As shown in Figure 3C, the case 40 may include a tip step 45a located between the tip cylindrical portion 42 and the first cylindrical portion 43 in the axial direction AD. The tip step 45a may extend over the entire circumference along the circumferential direction around the central axis L1. That is, the tip step 45a may be circumferential along the circumferential direction. The case 40 may also include an intermediate step 45b located between the first cylindrical portion 43 and the second cylindrical portion 44 in the axial direction AD. The intermediate step 45b may extend over the entire circumference along the circumferential direction around the central axis L1. That is, the intermediate step 45b may be circumferential along the circumferential direction.

[0081] In the example shown in Figure 3C, the case 40 includes a first case member 51, a second case member 52, and a third case member 53. The first case member 51, the second case member 52, and the third case member 53 are arranged in this order from the first side to the second side in the axial direction AD. The third case member 53 constitutes a part of the tip cylindrical portion 42, a first cylindrical portion 43, and a second cylindrical portion 44. The third case member 53 also constitutes the bottom portion 46. The lens system 35 of the optical system 25 is held inside the third case member 53.

[0082] The second case member 52 is plate-shaped. The second case member 52 includes a hole 52a at a position on the central axis L1. The hole 52a constitutes a part of the inner surface 41a of the case 40. The second case member 52 holds the diffractive optical element 31 and the cover member 27 within the hole 52a.

[0083] The first case member 51 is plate-shaped. The first case member 51 includes a hole 51a at a position on the central axis L1. The hole 51a faces the diffractive optical element 31 and the cover member 27 in the first direction D1. The diffractive optical element 31 is exposed within the hole 51a. The hole 51a is smaller than the diffractive optical element 31. Therefore, the diffractive optical element 31 and the cover member 27 do not fall out of the hole 51a. The diffractive optical element 31 and the cover member 27 are stably held in the case 40.

[0084] The first case member 51, the second case member 52, and the third case member 53 may each be made of resin or metal. The first case member 51, the second case member 52, and the third case member 53 may also be made of anodized aluminum alloy.

[0085] As shown in Figure 3C, the first case member 51, the second case member 52, and the third case member 53 may be connected to each other using fasteners 47 such as screws. The first case member 51, the second case member 52, and the third case member 53 may be connected to each other using adhesive. The first case member 51, the second case member 52, and the third case member 53 may be connected to each other using fasteners 47 such as screws and adhesive. The fasteners 47 such as screws may be special screws that require special tools other than ordinary Phillips or flathead screwdrivers to operate.

[0086] In the example shown in Figures 3A to 3C, the lighting module 15 further includes a cover 55. The cover 55 partially covers the case 40. The cover 55 may also cover the case 40 from a second side in the axial direction AD.

[0087] The cover 55 may be cylindrical with the opening on the second side in the first direction D1 closed. The cover 55 may have a circular contour when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. Similarly, the case 40 may have a circular contour when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0088] As shown in Figures 3B and 3C, the cover 55 may include a side portion 56 and an end portion 57. The side portion 56 may be cylindrical. The side portion 56 may be rectangular. The end portion 57 may be plate-shaped. The end portion 57 may close the second opening on the axial side of the side portion 56.

[0089] In the illustrated example, the side portion 56 and the end portion 57 are constructed as separate parts. The side portion 56 and the end portion 57 may be made of resin or metal, respectively. The side portion 56 and the end portion 57 may be made of anodized aluminum alloy.

[0090] As shown in Figure 3C, the side portion 56 and the end portion 57 may be connected to each other using fasteners 58 such as screws. The side portion 56 and the end portion 57 may also be connected to each other using adhesive. The side portion 56 and the end portion 57 may be connected to each other using fasteners 58 such as screws and adhesive. The fasteners 58 such as screws may be special screws that require special tools other than ordinary Phillips or flathead screwdrivers to operate.

[0091] The side portion 56 may face the case 40 at least partially in the radial direction RD. In this example, a gap may be formed between the case 40 and the cover 55 in the radial direction RD. The end portion 57 may face the case 40 in the axial direction AD. In this example, a gap may be formed between the case 40 and the cover 55 in the axial direction AD.

[0092] In the example shown in Figure 3C, the first end of the side portion 56 in the axial direction AD is located on the second end of the first cylindrical portion 43 of the case 40 in the axial direction AD. The inner surface 55a of the side portion 56 is in contact with the outer surface 41b of the first cylindrical portion 43. The inner surface 55a of the side portion 56 may also be in circumferential contact with the outer surface 41b of the first cylindrical portion 43 along its entire length in the circumferential direction.

[0093] The outer width of the second cylindrical portion 44 along the radial RD may be smaller than the inner width of the side portion 56 along the radial RD. The outer surface 41b of the second cylindrical portion 44 may be located at the same position as the inner surface of the side portion 56 or inside the inner surface 55a of the side portion 56 in any radial RD. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the inner contour of the side portion 56 may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 34 or outside the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 34. In projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the inner contour of the side portion 56 may be located outside the outer contour of the second cylindrical portion 34.

[0094] The cover 55 may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the case 40 or inside the outer contour of the case 40 when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The outer surface 55b of the cover 55 may be located at the same position as the outer surface 41b of the case 40 or inside the outer surface 41b of the case 40 in any radial direction RD. As shown in the illustrated example, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the outer contour of the cover 55 may be located at the same position as the outer contour of the case 40 along its entire length in the circumferential direction.

[0095] As shown in Figure 3C, the case 40 and the cover 55 may be connected to each other using fasteners 49 such as screws. The case 40 and the cover 55 may also be connected to each other using adhesive. The case 40 and the cover 55 may be connected to each other using fasteners 49 such as screws and adhesive. The fasteners 49 such as screws may be special screws that require special tools other than ordinary Phillips or flathead screwdrivers to operate.

[0096] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the lighting system 5 may include a power supply 70 and a controller 60 in addition to the lighting module unit 10.

[0097] The power supply 70 supplies power to the lighting module unit 10. The power supply 70 may be electrically connected to multiple lighting modules 15 by wire or wireless. The power supply 70 may also be electrically connected to the controller 60 by wire or wireless. The power supply 70 may be a battery. The power supply 70 as a battery can be placed near the lighting modules 15. By placing the power supply 70 near the lighting modules 15, power loss can be reduced.

[0098] As shown in Figure 2A, multiple power supplies 70 may be provided, and each power supply 70 may supply power to only one corresponding lighting module 15. That is, each power supply 70 may be provided in correspondence to any of the lighting modules 15. As shown in Figure 2B, multiple power supplies 70 may be provided, and each power supply 70 may supply power to one or more lighting modules 15. A single power supply 70 may be provided, and each power supply 70 may supply power to all of the lighting modules 15.

[0099] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the lighting system 5 may include a plurality of controllers 60. Each controller 60 may be provided in correspondence with any of the lighting modules 15. Each controller 60 is located between the power supply 70 and the corresponding lighting module 15. Each controller 60 may be electrically connected to the power supply 70 by wire or wireless. Each controller 60 may be electrically connected to the lighting module 15 by wire or wireless.

[0100] In the example shown in Figure 3B, the lighting module 15 includes a connector 59 in the cover 55. The electrical connection between the power supply 70 and the controller 60 may be ensured by physically connecting the power supply 70 to the connector 59 using connecting wiring 71 (see Figures 2A and 2B).

[0101] In the example shown in Figure 2B, the lighting system 5 includes a control unit 61. The control unit 61 includes a plurality of controllers 60. Two or more controllers 60 included in the same control unit 61 may share some of their components.

[0102] The lighting device 14 is comprised of a lighting module 15 and a controller 60 assigned to the lighting module 15. In other words, the lighting device 14 includes a lighting module 15 and a controller 60 that controls the power supply to the lighting module 15.

[0103] Each controller 60 may adjust the power supply from the power supply 70 to a corresponding lighting module 15 among the multiple lighting modules 15, independently of the power supply from the power supply 70 to the other lighting modules 15. In other words, each controller 60 may adjust the power supply from the power supply 70 to a corresponding lighting module 15 among the multiple lighting modules 15, without being affected by the state of the power supply from the power supply 70 to the other lighting modules 15.

[0104] The controller 60 may switch on or off the power supply from the power source 70 to the corresponding lighting module 15. Each controller 60 may switch on or off the power supply from the power source 70 to the corresponding lighting module 15 independently of other controllers 60. Each controller 60 may switch on or off the power supply from the power source 70 to the corresponding lighting module 15 without being affected by other controllers 60.

[0105] The controller 60 may adjust the amount of power supplied from the power supply 70 to the corresponding lighting module 15. Each controller 60 may adjust the amount of power supplied from the power supply 70 to the corresponding lighting module 15 independently of other controllers 60. Each controller 60 may adjust the amount of power supplied from the power supply 70 to the corresponding lighting module 15 without being affected by other controllers 60. The adjustment of the power supply performed by the controller 60 may be an adjustment of voltage and / or current. The adjustment of the power supply performed by the controller 60 may be an adjustment of the amount of power supplied per unit time. The adjustment of the power supply performed by the controller 60 may be an adjustment of the amount of power supplied per unit time.

[0106] The controller 60 may include a circuit board 60A. The controller 60 may consist of a circuit board 60A. The circuit board 60A may include a flexible circuit board. The circuit board 60A may include a rigid circuit board.

[0107] As shown in Figure 4, the circuit board 60A constituting the controller 60 may include a substrate 62, elements 63, and wiring 64. The materials of the substrate 62 and wiring 64 are not particularly limited. Commonly used materials can be used for the substrate 62 and wiring 64. The substrate 62 may be a board material made by impregnating a paper base material with resin, or a board material containing woven glass fibers and resin. The material of the wiring 64 may be copper, silver, aluminum, or alloys thereof. Elements 63 are elements expected to perform various functions. Examples of elements 63 include capacitors, resistors, diodes, transistors, etc. The controller 60 may also include a circuit that performs processing such as voltage transformation on the power received from the power supply 70.

[0108] As shown in Figure 4, the controller 60 may include a driver IC 65 that drives the light source 20 included in the lighting module 15. If the light source 20 includes a laser diode, the driver IC 65 drives the laser diode.

[0109] As shown in Figure 4, the driver IC 65 may include multiple channels 65a connected in parallel. Channels 65a are paths through which current flows. Each of the multiple channels 65a may contain a separate element 63. In this example, the current is distributed to multiple channels 65a, which reduces the total amount of heat generated by the driver IC 65 as a whole. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the circuit board 60A constituting the controller 60 from becoming hot and unstable in operation. This improves the reliability of control by the circuit board 60A. In addition, the current value flowing from the circuit board 60A to the light source 20 can be finely adjusted.

[0110] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the lighting system 5 may include an indicator 75. The indicator 75 is electrically connected to the controller 60 by wire or wireless. The indicator 75 transmits an instruction signal to the controller 60 according to externally input conditions or pre-recorded conditions. The controller 60 may include circuits for receiving instruction signals from the indicator 75 and circuits for processing the received instruction signals. Based on the instruction signals, the controller 60 may adjust the power supply to the light source 20 and control the projection of the projection pattern 90. The indicator 75 may include one or more smartphones, tablets, and computers. The indicator 75 may include an interface for accepting manual operation.

[0111] In the example shown in Figure 3B, the lighting module 15 includes a connector 59 in the cover 55. The electrical connection between the indicator 75 and the controller 60 may be ensured by physically connecting the indicator 75 to the connector 59 using connecting wiring 76 (see Figures 2A and 2B).

[0112] As shown in Figure 3C, the controller 60 may be located inside the lighting module 15. In the example shown in Figure 3C, the cover 55 is separated outward in the axial direction AD from the outer surface 31b of the second cylindrical portion 44 of the case 40. That is, a gap is formed between the side portion 56 of the cover 55 and the second cylindrical portion 44 of the case 40 in the radial direction RD. The controller 60 (circuit board 60A) may be located in this gap.

[0113] In the example shown in Figure 3C, the controller 60 (circuit board 60A) is at least partially located between the exit end 25a of the optical system 25 and the light source 20 in the axial direction AD. This arrangement of the controller 60 (circuit board 60A) allows for a reduction in the length of the lighting module 15 along the axial direction AD. This enables miniaturization of the lighting device 14.

[0114] As shown in Figure 3C, the controller 60 (circuit board 60A) may face the second cylindrical portion 44 in the radial direction RD. The controller 60 (circuit board 60A) may be located within the region where the second cylindrical portion 44 is located in the axial direction AD. In the illustrated example, the cylindrical portion 41 of the case 40 includes a first cylindrical portion 43 and a second cylindrical portion 44. The first cylindrical portion 43 is located first in the axial direction AD compared to the second cylindrical portion 44. The second cylindrical portion 44 is thinner than the first cylindrical portion 43. Therefore, with this arrangement of the controller 60 (circuit board 60A), the dimensions of the lighting module 15 in the axial direction AD can be reduced without increasing the maximum dimensions in the radial direction RD. In other words, the lighting module 15 can be efficiently miniaturized.

[0115] As shown in Figure 3C, the lighting device 14 and the lighting module 15 may include a connecting member 67. The connecting member 67 electrically connects the light source 20 and the controller 60. The connecting member 67 may also be electrically connected to the terminal 22 of the light source 20. The connecting member 67 may also be electrically connected to the circuit board 60A that constitutes the controller 60.

[0116] The connecting member 67 may be a lead wire. The connecting member 67 may also be an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit). The FPC constituting the connecting member 67 is a flexible substrate. The FPC constituting the connecting member 67 includes a resin substrate such as a polyimide film or polyethylene terephthalate film. The FPC constituting the connecting member 67 is flexible. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arranging the controller 60 (circuit board 60A) can be improved.

[0117] In the example shown in Figure 3C, a gap is formed between the side portion 56 of the cover 55 and the second cylindrical portion 44 of the case 40 in the radial direction RD. The connecting member 67 may be placed in this gap. This arrangement allows the length of the lighting module 15 along the axial direction AD to be shortened. This makes the lighting device 14 smaller.

[0118] Next, a method for illuminating the projection surface 80 using the lighting system 5 and lighting module unit 10, which consist of the above configuration, will be described.

[0119] The lighting method may include a step of preparing a lighting module unit 10 and a lighting step of illuminating the projection surface 80 using the lighting module unit 10. In the preparation step, a lighting pattern 85 to be displayed on the projection surface 80 may be selected. The selection of the lighting pattern 85 may be input to an indicator 75. The indicator 75 may select or generate an instruction signal to the controller 60 corresponding to the lighting pattern 85 to be displayed on the projection surface 80.

[0120] In the illumination process, each controller 60 supplies power from the power supply 70 to the corresponding lighting module 15 based on an instruction signal from the indicator 75. The lighting module 15, upon receiving power, projects a projection pattern 90 onto the projection surface 80. Multiple projection patterns 90 are projected onto the projection surface 80 from multiple lighting devices 14 (multiple lighting modules 15) included in the lighting module unit 10. The multiple projection patterns 90 projected onto the projection surface 80 form a lighting pattern 85 as a composite pattern. That is, the multiple projection patterns 90 projected onto the projection surface 80 display the lighting pattern 85 on the projection surface 80.

[0121] In the above illumination method, the illumination pattern 85 projected onto the projection surface 80 is composed of a combination of multiple projection patterns 90. Therefore, a large illumination pattern 85 can be displayed on the projection surface 80. By adjusting the shape of the multiple projection patterns 90, a complex illumination pattern 85 can be displayed. By adjusting the brightness of the multiple projection patterns 90, the illumination pattern 85 can be displayed brightly. As a result, an illumination pattern 85 that can be observed from a distance can be displayed on the projection surface 80.

[0122] In addition, the aesthetic appeal of the lighting pattern 85 can be improved by adjusting the shape and / or brightness of each projection pattern 90. This improved aesthetic appeal makes the lighting pattern 85 more noticeable. As a result, the lighting pattern 85 displayed on the projection surface 80 can be easily observed from a distance.

[0123] The lighting system 5 and the lighting module unit 10 may include a plurality of lighting modules 15. The plurality of lighting modules 15 may project separate projection patterns 90 onto the projection surface 80. If each lighting module 15 projects only a part or one projection pattern 90 of the lighting pattern 85, rather than the entirety, the overall power consumption of the lighting module unit 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, this configuration allows for the maintenance of laser safety for separate projection patterns and suppresses a decrease in the overall laser safety of the lighting pattern.

[0124] Furthermore, in a configuration where each lighting module 15 projects only a part or one projection pattern 90 of the lighting pattern 85, rather than the entire pattern, the power consumption of each individual lighting module 15 (lighting device 14) is low. Low-power lighting modules 15 offer greater flexibility in installation. Low-power lighting devices 14 can be installed together with the power supply 70, even in locations where there are constraints on the size and capacity of the power supply 70. Therefore, the lighting module unit 10 and lighting system 5, including the low-power lighting modules 15, are suitable for installation in security devices, underground areas, ships, railway vehicles, aircraft, railway facilities, airport facilities, and the like.

[0125] If each lighting module 15 projects only a part or one projection pattern 90 of the lighting pattern 85, rather than the entirety, then projection and stopping of projection for each lighting module 15 can be switched independently of other lighting modules 15. In other words, the display and hiding of each projection pattern 90 can be selected independently of other projection patterns 90.

[0126] If each lighting module 15 projects only a part or one projection pattern 90 of the lighting pattern 85, rather than the entirety, then the power supply to each lighting module 15 can be adjusted independently of the other lighting modules 15. In other words, the brightness of each projection pattern 90 can be adjusted independently of the brightness of the other projection patterns 90.

[0127] In other words, if each lighting module 15 projects only a part or one projection pattern 90 of the lighting pattern 85, rather than the entirety of the lighting pattern 85, the shape and brightness distribution of the lighting pattern 85 can be changed continuously or partially. With this configuration, videos can be displayed. With this configuration, the aesthetic appeal of the lighting pattern 85 can be improved. By improving the aesthetic appeal of the lighting pattern 85, the lighting pattern 85 can be made more conspicuous. In particular, compared to the case where the entire lighting pattern 85 is turned on and off and flashes, it can be made more conspicuous without even a momentary period of complete darkness, making it suitable for applications where information display such as warnings and guidance is necessary in traffic areas, etc. As a result, the lighting pattern 85 displayed on the projection surface 80 can be easily observed from a distance.

[0128] Multiple projection patterns 90 may be identical to one another. Some projection patterns 90 may be identical to one another. Multiple projection patterns 90 may be different to one another. Some projection patterns 90 may be different to one another.

[0129] The shapes of multiple projection patterns 90 may be identical to each other. The shapes of some projection patterns 90 may be identical to each other. The shapes of multiple projection patterns 90 may be different to each other. The shapes of some projection patterns 90 may be different to each other.

[0130] The brightness of multiple projection patterns 90 may be the same as one another. The brightness of some of the projection patterns 90 may be the same as one another. The brightness of multiple projection patterns 90 may be different as a result of one another. The brightness of some of the projection patterns 90 may be different as a result of one another.

[0131] The projection positions of multiple projection patterns 90 on the projection surface 80 may be the same as each other. The projection positions of some of the projection patterns 90 on the projection surface 80 may be the same as each other. The projection positions of multiple projection patterns 90 on the projection surface 80 may be different from each other. The projection positions of some of the projection patterns 90 on the projection surface 80 may be different from each other.

[0132] In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 2B and Figure 5A, the illumination pattern 85, as a composite pattern observed on the projection surface 80, is linear. The multiple projection patterns 90 actually projected onto the projection surface 80 are linear. As a composite pattern formed by combining the multiple linear projection patterns 90, the illumination pattern 85 is observed as linear.

[0133] In the illustrated example, the longitudinal direction of the lines formed by the lighting pattern 85 is the second direction D2. As described above, according to this embodiment, a large lighting pattern 85 can be displayed. The length of the lighting pattern 85 along its longitudinal direction may be 5m or more, 20m or more, or 50m or more. The length of the lighting pattern 85 along its longitudinal direction may be 200m or less, 100m or less, or 50m or less.

[0134] In the illustrated example, the width direction of the lines formed by the lighting pattern 85 is the first direction D1. The length (width) of the lighting pattern 85 along the width direction may be 50 cm or less, 20 cm or less, or 10 cm or less. The length (width) of the lighting pattern 85 along the width direction may be 2 cm or more, 10 cm or more, or 20 cm or more.

[0135] When attempting to illuminate a linear illuminated area 95, the incident angle α of the light incident from the illumination module 15 to the projection surface 80 can become very large. The maximum value of the incident angle α may be less than 90°. The incident angle α is the angle that the direction of propagation of the projected light makes with respect to the normal direction ND of the projection surface 80, as shown in Figure 1.

[0136] Figure 5A is a plan view showing the illumination pattern 85 displayed on the projection surface 80, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, along with a plurality of projection patterns 90. As shown in Figure 5A, the plurality of projection patterns 90 may be arranged in a first direction D1. The plurality of projection patterns 90 may extend in a second direction D2 that is not parallel to the first direction D1. In the example shown in Figure 5A, the illumination pattern 85 is linear.

[0137] As shown in Figure 2A, the width W90 of each projection pattern 90 in the first direction is narrower than the width W85 of the illumination pattern 85 in the first direction D1. According to the illustrated example, by combining multiple narrow projection patterns 90 with a width W90, a thick illumination pattern 85 with a width W85 can be displayed. The inventors have confirmed that by displaying a single thick illumination pattern 85 with a width W85 using multiple projection patterns 90 projected with a shift in the first direction D1, the total power consumption can be reduced while making the illumination pattern 85 more prominent and easier to observe from a distance. Furthermore, by projecting multiple projection patterns 90 with a shift in the first direction D1, laser safety can be improved more stably. In addition, the power consumption of individual illumination modules 15 (illumination devices 14) can be reduced more stably. The reduced power consumption of the illumination modules 15 improves the flexibility of installation.

[0138] In the examples shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 5A, each of the multiple projection patterns 90 extends linearly in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. Each projection pattern 90 is linear. In this example, the illumination pattern 85 extends linearly in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. As shown in Figure 1, the illumination pattern 85 is also linear.

[0139] As shown in Figure 2A, the width W90 of each linear projection pattern 90 is narrower than the width W85 of the linearly observed illumination pattern 85. In the illustrated example, by combining multiple narrow projection patterns 90 with a width W90, a thick illumination pattern 85 with a width W85 can be displayed. The inventors have confirmed that by displaying a single thick illumination pattern 85 with a width W85 using multiple projection patterns 90 projected with a shift in the first direction D1, the total power consumption can be reduced while making the linear illumination pattern 85 more prominent and easier to observe from a distance. Furthermore, by projecting multiple projection patterns 90 with a shift in the first direction D1, laser safety can be more reliably improved. In addition, the power consumption of individual illumination modules 15 (illumination devices 14) can be reduced more reliably. The reduced power consumption of the illumination modules 15 improves the flexibility of installation.

[0140] As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 5A, on the projection surface 80, the multiple projection patterns 90 are separated from each other in the first direction D1. That is, between two adjacent projection patterns 90 in the first direction D1, there exists an unilluminated area where the projection light is not illuminating. If the width of the unilluminated area 85X along the first direction D1 is short, the unilluminated area 85X can be made less noticeable when observed from a distance. In other words, when observed from a distance, the illumination pattern 85 with a widened width W85 can be observed more clearly while making it difficult to observe the unilluminated area 85X.

[0141] When determining whether two adjacent projection patterns 90 are separated from each other in the first direction D1, first, the region on which each projection pattern 90 is projected is identified. If the two regions on which the two adjacent projection patterns 90 are projected are separated from each other in the first direction D1, then the two adjacent projection patterns 90 are evaluated as being separated from each other in the first direction D1. The region on which each projection pattern 90 is projected is determined by projecting only that projection pattern 90 onto the projection surface 80. The region on which each projection pattern 90 is projected is identified as a region where an illuminance of 5% or more of the maximum illuminance at that position on the projection surface 80 due to the projected light forming that projection pattern 90 can be obtained.

[0142] In the illumination process, the number of projection patterns 90 may be changed. That is, in the illumination process, the number of illuminated projection patterns 90 may be changed. The number of projection patterns 90 can be changed by adjusting whether or not power is supplied to the multiple lighting modules 15. In the illumination process, the width and / or brightness of the illumination pattern 85 may be controlled by adjusting the number of projection patterns 90. By increasing the width of the illumination pattern 85, the illumination pattern 85 can be observed more clearly from a distance. By increasing the brightness of the illumination pattern 85, the illumination pattern 85 can be observed more clearly from a distance.

[0143] For example, environmental conditions such as rain or fog can make the illumination pattern 85 difficult to observe. Another example is that a moving observer will find it more difficult to observe the illumination pattern 85 than a stationary observer. An example of a moving observer is a person riding in a fast-moving vehicle. More specifically, the crew and passengers of cars, trains, ships, airplanes, etc., are examples of moving observers. Depending on the environment and the observer's condition, the thickness and / or brightness of the illumination pattern 85 may be controlled to make it easier to observe.

[0144] In the example shown in Figure 5B, some of the multiple projection patterns 90 shown in Figure 5A are turned off. The illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5B has a shorter width W85 along the first direction D1 than the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5A. Under conditions where the illumination pattern 85 is easy to observe, fewer projection patterns 90 may be projected onto the projection surface 80, as shown in Figure 5B. The illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5B can be displayed with low power consumption. Under conditions where the illumination pattern 85 is difficult to observe, more projection patterns 90 may be projected onto the projection surface 80, as shown in Figure 5A. As shown in Figure 5A, the illumination pattern 85 can be made easier to observe by increasing its width W85.

[0145] In the example shown in Figure 5C, some of the projection patterns 90 shown in Figure 5A are turned off. The width W85 of the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5C is the same as the width W85 of the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5A. The number of illuminated projection patterns 90 is greater in the example shown in Figure 5A than in the example shown in Figure 5C. Therefore, the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5A appears brighter than the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5C. Under conditions where the illumination pattern 85 is easy to observe, a smaller number of projection patterns 90 may be projected onto the projection surface 80, as shown in Figure 5C. The illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5C can be displayed with low power consumption. Under conditions where the illumination pattern 85 is difficult to observe, a larger number of projection patterns 90 may be projected onto the projection surface 80, as shown in Figure 5A. As shown in Figure 5A, the illumination pattern 85 can be made easier to observe by increasing its brightness.

[0146] In the example shown in Figure 5C, the illuminated projection pattern 90 includes a first outermost projection pattern 90X and a second outermost projection pattern 90Y. The first outermost projection pattern 90X is the projection pattern 90 located furthest to the first side in the first direction D1. The second outermost projection pattern 90Y is the projection pattern 90 located furthest to the second side in the first direction D1. The width W85 of the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5C is the same as the width W85 of the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5A, and is wider than the width W85 of the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5B. The illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5C is easier to observe from a distance compared to the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5B.

[0147] In the example shown in Figure 5D, some of the projection patterns 90 shown in Figure 5A are turned off. The width W85 of the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5B is the same as the width W85 of the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5A. The number of illuminated projection patterns 90 is greater in the example shown in Figure 5A than in the example shown in Figure 5D. Therefore, the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5D may appear somewhat dimmer than the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5A.

[0148] However, as shown in Figure 5D, at any position on the projection plane 80 that is the same in the second direction D2, the arrangement pitch P85X of the first outermost projection pattern 90X is shorter than the arrangement pitch P85C of the intermediate projection pattern 90C. At any position on the projection plane 80 that is the same in the second direction D2, the arrangement pitch P85Y of the second outermost projection pattern 90Y is shorter than the arrangement pitch P85C of the intermediate projection pattern 90C.

[0149] The first outermost projection pattern 90X is the projection pattern 90 located furthest to the first side in the first direction D1. The second outermost projection pattern 90Y is the projection pattern 90 located furthest to the second side in the first direction D1. The intermediate projection pattern 90C is the projection pattern 90 located between the first outermost projection pattern 90X and the second outermost projection pattern 90Y in the first direction D1.

[0150] In the example shown in Figure 5D, the outer edges of the illumination pattern 85 in the first direction D1 appear brighter than the middle section in the first direction D1. The outer contour of the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5D can be observed more clearly. On the other hand, since the brightness in the middle section in the first direction D1 is reduced, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, according to the example shown in Figure 5D, the illumination pattern 85 can be clearly observed even from a distance while reducing power consumption. The illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5D can be observed with substantially the same brightness as the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5A.

[0151] In the example shown in Figure 5D, the arrangement pitch P85X of the first outermost projection pattern 90X may be shorter than the arrangement pitch P85C of the intermediate projection pattern 90C at any position on the projection plane 80 which is the same in the second direction D2. The arrangement pitch P85Y of the second outermost projection pattern 90Y may be shorter than the arrangement pitch P85C of the intermediate projection pattern 90C at any position on the projection plane 80 which is the same in the second direction D2. According to this example, at any position on the projection plane 80 which is the same in the second direction D2, both outer parts of the illumination pattern 85 in the first direction D1 can be observed to be brighter than the middle part in the first direction D1. The outer contour of the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5D can be observed more clearly. On the other hand, since the brightness in the middle part in the first direction D1 is reduced, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, the illumination pattern 85 can be observed more clearly even from a distance while reducing power consumption.

[0152] In the example shown in Figure 5D, the arrangement pitch P85X of the first outermost projection pattern 90X may be shorter than the arrangement pitch of the projection patterns 90 other than the second outermost projection pattern 90Y at any position on the projection surface 80 that is the same in the second direction D2. In the example shown in Figure 5D, the arrangement pitch P85Y of the second outermost projection pattern 90Y may be shorter than the arrangement pitch of the projection patterns other than the first outermost projection pattern 90X at any position on the projection surface 80 that is the same in the second direction D2. According to this example, at any position on the projection surface 80 that is the same in the second direction D2, both outer parts of the illumination pattern 85 in the first direction D1 can be observed to be brighter than the middle part in the first direction D1. The outer contour of the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5D can be observed more clearly. On the other hand, since the brightness in the middle part in the first direction D1 is reduced, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, the illumination pattern 85 can be clearly observed even from a distance while reducing power consumption.

[0153] In the example shown in Figure 5D, the arrangement pitch P85X of the first outermost projection pattern 90X may be shorter than the arrangement pitch of the projection patterns 90 other than the second outermost projection pattern 90Y at any position on the projection plane 80 that is the same in the second direction D2. In the example shown in Figure 5D, the arrangement pitch P85Y of the second outermost projection pattern 90Y may be shorter than the arrangement pitch of the projection patterns other than the first outermost projection pattern 90X at any position on the projection plane 80 that is the same in the second direction D2. According to this example, at any position on the projection plane 80 that is the same in the second direction D2, both outer parts of the illumination pattern 85 in the first direction D1 can be observed to be brighter than the middle part in the first direction D1. The outer contour of the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5D can be observed more clearly. On the other hand, since the brightness in the middle part in the first direction D1 is reduced, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, the illumination pattern 85 can be observed more clearly even from a distance while reducing power consumption.

[0154] During the illumination process, the brightness of the projection patterns 90 may be changed. The brightness of each projection pattern 90 can be adjusted by the amount of power supplied to the illumination module 15 corresponding to that projection pattern 90. During the illumination process, the brightness of the illumination pattern 85 may be controlled by adjusting the brightness of multiple projection patterns 90. By increasing the brightness of the illumination pattern 85, it can be made easier to observe the illumination pattern 85 from a distance.

[0155] For example, environmental conditions such as rain or fog can make it difficult to observe the lighting pattern 85. Observers in motion will find it more difficult to observe the lighting pattern 85 than stationary observers. An example of an observer in motion is a person riding in a moving vehicle at high speed. More specifically, drivers and passengers of cars, trains, ships, airplanes, etc., are examples of observers in motion. Depending on the environment and the observer's condition, the brightness of the projection pattern 90 may be controlled to make it easier to observe the lighting pattern 85.

[0156] In the example shown in Figure 5E, the brightness of the multiple projection patterns 90 shown in Figure 5A is dimmed. The illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5A is observed to be brighter than the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5E. Under conditions where the illumination pattern 85 is easy to observe, the output of the lighting module 15 may be reduced to project the projection pattern 90 onto the projection surface 80, as shown in Figure 5E. The illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5E can be displayed with low power consumption. Under conditions where the illumination pattern 85 is difficult to observe, the output of the lighting module 15 may be increased to project the projection pattern 90 brightly onto the projection surface 80, as shown in Figure 5A. By increasing the brightness of the illumination pattern 85, as shown in Figure 5A, the illumination pattern 85 can be made easier to observe.

[0157] In the example shown in Figure 5E, the brightness of all projection patterns 90 is made darker compared to the example shown in Figure 5A. As shown in Figures 5F and 5G, the brightness of only some of the projection patterns 90 among the multiple projection patterns 90 may be made darker.

[0158] As shown in Figure 5F, at any position on the projection surface 80 that is the same in the second direction D2, the first outermost projection pattern 90X may be projected onto the projection surface 80 brighter than the intermediate projection pattern 90C. At any position on the projection surface 80 that is the same in the second direction D2, the second outermost projection pattern 90Y may be projected onto the projection surface 80 brighter than the intermediate projection pattern 90C. That is, in the example shown in Figure 5F, the illumination pattern 85 is brighter on both sides in the first direction D1 than in the middle part in the first direction D1. The outer contour of the illumination pattern 85 shown in Figure 5F can be observed more clearly. On the other hand, since the brightness in the middle part in the first direction D1 is reduced, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, according to the example shown in Figure 5F, the illumination pattern 85 can be clearly observed even from a distance while reducing power consumption.

[0159] The brightness of the projection patterns is compared by the illuminance at the same location in the second direction D2. For example, when comparing the brightness between the first and second projection patterns, the maximum illuminance of the first projection pattern and the maximum illuminance of the second projection pattern at a specific location in the second direction D2 are compared. The projection pattern with the higher maximum illuminance is evaluated as the brighter projection pattern.

[0160] In the example shown in Figure 5F, the first outermost projection pattern 90X may be projected onto the projection surface 80 at any position on the projection surface 80 that is the same in the second direction D2, and the second outermost projection pattern 90Y a brighter brightness than the intermediate projection pattern 90C. According to this example, the illumination pattern 85 can be observed more clearly even from a distance while reducing power consumption.

[0161] As shown in Figure 5G, at any position on the projection surface 80 that is the same in the second direction D2, the first outermost projection pattern 90X may be projected onto the projection surface 80 more brightly than any other projection pattern other than the second outermost projection pattern 90Y. At any position on the projection surface 80 that is the same in the second direction D2, the second outermost projection pattern 90Y may be projected onto the projection surface 80 more brightly than any other projection pattern other than the first outermost projection pattern 90X. According to this example, the illumination pattern 85 can be observed more clearly even from a distance while reducing power consumption.

[0162] In the example shown in Figure 5G, at any position on the projection surface 80 that is the same in the second direction D2, the first outermost projection pattern 90X may be projected onto the projection surface 80 more brightly than the other projection patterns 90, except for the second outermost projection pattern 90Y. Similarly, at any position on the projection surface 80 that is the same in the second direction D2, the second outermost projection pattern 90Y may be projected onto the projection surface 80 more brightly than the other projection patterns 90, except for the first outermost projection pattern 90X. According to this example, the illumination pattern 85 can be observed more clearly from a distance while reducing power consumption.

[0163] As shown in Figure 5H, during the illumination process, some of the projection patterns 90 included in the multiple projection patterns 90 may be made to flash. By flashing some of the projection patterns 90, the illumination pattern 85 can be made to stand out. As a result, the illumination pattern 85 displayed on the projection surface 80 can be easily observed from a distance.

[0164] As shown in Figure 5H, while some projection patterns 90 are blinking, some of the other projection patterns 90 included in the multiple projection patterns 90 may remain lit. In this example, the illumination pattern 85 can be continuously displayed on the projection surface 80. Therefore, the illumination pattern 85 displayed on the projection surface 80 can be easily observed from a distance.

[0165] As shown in Figure 5H, the other projection patterns 90 that remain lit may include projection patterns 90 located on the first side in the first direction D1 of the projection patterns 90 and projection patterns 90 located on the second side in the first direction D1 of the projection patterns. The other projection patterns 90 that remain lit may also include a first outermost projection pattern 90X and a second outermost projection pattern 90Y. The lit projection patterns 90 form the outer edge of the illumination pattern 85 in the first direction D1. That is, the width W85 in the first direction D1 of the illumination pattern 85 that is blinking in part remains constant. Therefore, the illumination pattern 85 displayed on the projection surface 80 can be more easily observed from a distance.

[0166] As shown in Figures 6A, 6B, and 7, one or more lighting modules 15X and one or more other lighting modules 15Y included in the lighting module unit 10 may be positioned opposite each other in the second direction D2. One or more lighting modules 15X and one or more other lighting modules 15Y included in the lighting module unit 10 may be positioned apart in the second direction D2. One or more lighting modules 15X and one or more other lighting modules 15Y included in the lighting module unit 10 may emit light in opposite directions in the second direction D2. The central optical path D15X of the projected light from one or more lighting modules 15X included in the lighting module unit 10 (see Figure 7) and the central optical path D15Y of the projected light from one or more other lighting modules 15Y included in the lighting module unit 10 (see Figure 7) may be in opposite directions in the second direction D2. The central optical path of the projected light refers to the direction and orientation in which maximum brightness is obtained on the output end 25a of the lighting module that emits the projected light.

[0167] In the example shown in Figure 6A, one or more projection patterns 90A and one or more other projection patterns 90B included in the plurality of projection patterns 90 are projected onto the projection surface 80 from positions opposite each other in the second direction D2. As shown in Figure 6B, one or more projection patterns 90 included in the plurality of projection patterns 90 may be projected from both sides in the second direction D2. All projection patterns 90 included in the lighting module unit 10 may be projected from both sides in the second direction D2.

[0168] The second direction D2 is the longitudinal direction of the linear illumination pattern 85. As shown in the examples in Figures 6A, 6B, and 7, the change in brightness along the longitudinal direction of the illumination pattern 85 can be reduced. Therefore, the illumination pattern 85 can be clearly observed along its entire length, even from a distance.

[0169] As shown in the examples in Figures 6A, 6B, and 7, even when the projection surface 80 has undulations, bumps, or curves, an illumination pattern 85 that is easily observable from a distance can be displayed on the projection surface 80. In the example shown in Figure 7, the projection surface 80 is curved, and the center of the illuminated area 95 of the projection surface 80 onto which the projection pattern 90 is projected is raised. Even on such a projection surface 80, an illumination pattern 85 that is easily observable from a distance can be displayed on the projection surface 80.

[0170] In the embodiment described above, the first lighting module unit 10 includes a plurality of lighting modules 15. A lighting pattern 85 is displayed on the projection surface 80 by a plurality of projection patterns 90 projected onto the projection surface 80 from each of the plurality of lighting modules 15. In this embodiment, the first lighting method includes the step of illuminating the projection surface 80 using the lighting module unit 10. In the lighting step, a lighting pattern 85 is displayed on the projection surface 80 by a plurality of projection patterns 90 projected onto the projection surface 80 from the lighting module unit 10.

[0171] According to the first illumination module unit 10 and the first illumination method of this embodiment, the illumination pattern 85 projected onto the projection surface 80 is composed of a combination of multiple projection patterns 90. Therefore, a large illumination pattern 85 can be displayed on the projection surface 80. A complex illumination pattern 85 can be displayed by adjusting the shape of the multiple projection patterns 90. The illumination pattern 85 can be displayed brightly by adjusting the brightness of the multiple projection patterns 90. As a result, an illumination pattern 85 that can be observed from a distance can be displayed on the projection surface 80. Furthermore, if each illumination module 15 displays only a part or one projection pattern 90 of the illumination pattern 85, rather than the entire illumination pattern 85, the overall power consumption of the illumination module unit 10 can be reduced, and the deterioration of laser safety can be suppressed.

[0172] In the embodiment described above, the second lighting module unit 10 includes a plurality of lighting modules 15. The plurality of projection patterns 90 projected onto the projection surface 80 from each of the plurality of lighting modules 15 are arranged in a first direction D1. The plurality of projection patterns 90 extend in a second direction D2 which is not parallel to the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the second lighting method includes the step of illuminating the projection surface 80 using the lighting module unit 10. In the lighting step, the plurality of projection patterns 90 are projected onto the projection surface 80 from the lighting module unit 10. The plurality of projection patterns 90 are arranged in a first direction D1. Each of the plurality of projection patterns 90 extends in a second direction D2 which is not parallel to the first direction D1.

[0173] According to the second lighting module unit 10 and the second lighting method of this embodiment, the above-mentioned effects obtained with the first lighting module unit 10 and the first lighting method of this embodiment can be obtained. That is, according to the second lighting module unit 10 and the second lighting method of this embodiment, a lighting pattern 85 that can be observed from a distance can be displayed on the projection surface 80.

[0174] In addition, according to the second lighting module unit 10 and the second lighting method of this embodiment, the width W85 of the lighting pattern 85 in the first direction D1 can be made wider than the width W90 of each projection pattern 90 in the first direction D1. By combining multiple narrow projection patterns 90 with a width W90, a wide lighting pattern 85 with a width W85 can be displayed. The inventors have confirmed that by displaying a single wide lighting pattern 85 with a width W85 using multiple projection patterns 90 projected with a shift in the first direction D1, the total power consumption can be reduced while making the lighting pattern 85 more conspicuous and easier to observe from a distance. Furthermore, by projecting multiple projection patterns 90 with a shift in the first direction D1, a decrease in laser safety can be stably suppressed.

[0175] This embodiment has been described with reference to specific examples, but the above-mentioned examples do not limit this embodiment. The above-described embodiment can be implemented in various other examples, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and additions can be made without departing from its essence.

[0176] An example of modification will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following explanation and the drawings used therein, parts that can be configured in the same way as in the specific example described above will be given the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the specific example described above, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0177] In the specific example described above, the multiple projection patterns 90 were identical to each other. The multiple projection patterns 90 do not have to be identical. The multiple projection patterns 90 may be different.

[0178] In the example shown in Figures 8A to 8C, the lighting module unit 10 and the lighting system 5 include first to fourth lighting modules 15A to 15D. As shown in Figures 8A to 8C, the first lighting module 15A projects a first projection pattern 901 onto the projection surface 80. As shown in Figure 8A, the second lighting module 15B projects a second projection pattern 902 onto the projection surface 80. As shown in Figure 8B, the third lighting module 15C projects a third projection pattern 903 onto the projection surface 80. As shown in Figure 8C, the fourth lighting module 15D projects a fourth projection pattern 904 onto the projection surface 80. The first projection pattern 901 is a rectangular pattern. The second to fourth projection patterns 902 to 904 are triangular patterns with different orientations.

[0179] In the example shown in Figure 8A, the first projection pattern 901 and the second projection pattern 902 are projected onto the projection surface 80. In the example shown in Figure 8A, the illumination pattern 85 displays an arrow pointing to the right on the page of Figure 8A.

[0180] In the example shown in Figure 8B, the first projection pattern 901 and the third projection pattern 903 are projected onto the projection surface 80. In the example shown in Figure 8B, the illumination pattern 85 displays a downward-pointing arrow on the page of Figure 8B.

[0181] In the example shown in Figure 8C, the first projection pattern 901 and the fourth projection pattern 904 are projected onto the projection surface 80. In the example shown in Figure 8C, the illumination pattern 85 displays an arrow pointing to the left on the page of Figure 8C.

[0182] In the examples shown in Figures 8A to 8C, different information can be displayed on the projection surface 80 by appropriately selecting the projection pattern 90 to be projected.

[0183] In the specific example described above, the wavelengths of the projected light emitted from the multiple lighting modules 15 may differ among the multiple lighting modules 15. The wavelengths of the projected light emitted from the multiple modules 15 may be the same among the multiple lighting modules 15. The colors of the multiple projection patterns 90 may be different from each other. The colors of the multiple projection patterns 90 may be the same from each other.

[0184] In the example shown in Figure 9, the lighting module unit 10 and the lighting system 5 include first to ninth lighting modules 15A to 15I. As shown in Figure 9, the first to ninth lighting modules 15A to 15I each project first to ninth projection patterns 901 to 909 onto the projection surface 80. The first to ninth projection patterns 901 to 909 are arranged in order in the second direction D2. The first to ninth projection patterns 901 to 909 have the same arrow pattern as each other. The arrow pattern formed by the first to ninth projection patterns 901 to 909 faces the first side in the second direction D2.

[0185] The first, fourth, and seventh lighting modules 15A, 15D, and 15G illuminate the projection surface 80 with red light (for example, light with a wavelength of 650 nm). The first, fourth, and seventh projection patterns 901, 904, and 907 are projected onto the projection surface 80 with red light.

[0186] The second, fifth, and eighth lighting modules 15B, 15E, and 15H illuminate the projection surface 80 with green light (for example, light with a wavelength of 550 nm). The second, fifth, and eighth projection patterns 902, 905, and 908 are projected onto the projection surface 80 with green light.

[0187] The third, sixth, and ninth lighting modules 15C, 15F, and 15I illuminate the projection surface 80 with blue light (for example, light with a wavelength of 450 nm). The third, sixth, and ninth projection patterns 903, 906, and 909 are projected onto the projection surface 80 with blue light.

[0188] As shown in Figure 10, a projection pattern 90 may be projected onto the projection surface 80 with red light, then with green light, and then with blue light, and this cycle may be continued. That is, first, the first, fourth, and seventh illumination modules 15A, 15D, and 15G project the first, fourth, and seventh projection patterns 901, 904, and 907 onto the projection surface 80 with red light. Next, the second, fifth, and eighth illumination modules 15B, 15E, and 15H project the second, fifth, and eighth projection patterns 902, 905, and 908 onto the projection surface 80 with green light. After that, the third, sixth, and ninth illumination modules 15C, 15F, and 15I project the third, sixth, and ninth projection patterns 903, 906, and 909 onto the projection surface 80 with blue light. These three cycles may be repeated. This lighting method can encourage movement toward the first side in the second direction D2.

[0189] Alternatively, in the example shown in Figure 9, the first to ninth lighting modules 15A to 15I may project light onto the projection surface 80 in this order. The first to ninth projection patterns 901 to 909 may be projected onto the projection surface 80 in this order. This lighting method can facilitate movement toward the first side in the second direction D2.

[0190] In the examples shown in Figures 8A to 10, by changing the projected projection pattern 90 and the lighting module 15 that projects the projection pattern 90, an animation-like video can be displayed on the projection surface 80. [Explanation of symbols]

[0191] L1: Central axis, D1: First direction, D2: Second direction, D3: Third direction, AD: Axial direction, 5: Lighting system, 10: Lighting module unit, 14: Lighting device, 15: Lighting module, 20: Light source, 21: Light-emitting part, 22: Terminal, 25: Optical system, 25a: Exit end, 27: Cover member, 30: Pattern optical system, 31: Diffractive optical element, 35: Lens system, 36A: First lens, 36B: Second lens, 36C: Third lens, 40: Case, 41: Cylindrical part, 41a: Inner surface, 41b: Outer surface, 42: Tip cylindrical part, 43: First cylindrical part, 44: Second cylindrical part, 45a: Tip step, 45b: Intermediate step, 46: Bottom, 46a: Hole, 47: Fixing device, 49: Fixing device 51: First case member, 52: Second case member, 5a: Hole, 53: Third case member, 53a: Hole, 55: Cover, 55a: Inner surface, 55b: Outer surface, 56: Side, 57: End, 58: Fixing device, 59: Connector, 60: Controller, 60A: Circuit board, 61: Control unit, 62: Board, 63: Element, 64: Wiring, 65: Driver IC, 65a: Channel, 67: Connecting member, 70: Power supply, 71: Connecting wiring, 75: Indicator, 76: Connecting wiring, 80: Projection surface, 85: Illumination pattern, 85X: Unilluminated area, 90: Projection pattern, 90X: First outermost projection pattern, 90Y: Second outermost projection pattern, 90C: Intermediate projection pattern, 95: Illuminated area

Claims

1. Equipped with multiple lighting modules, A lighting module unit that displays a lighting pattern on a projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected onto the projection surface from each of the plurality of lighting modules.

2. The plurality of projection patterns are arranged in the first direction, The lighting module unit according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a second direction nonparallel to the first direction.

3. Equipped with multiple lighting modules, The multiple projection patterns projected onto the projection surface from each of the multiple lighting modules are arranged in a first direction. Each of the plurality of projection patterns is a lighting module unit that extends in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction.

4. The lighting module unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns is linear.

5. The lighting module unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of projection patterns are separated from each other in the first direction on the projection surface.

6. The plurality of projection patterns include a first outermost projection pattern, a second outermost projection pattern, and an intermediate projection pattern. The first outermost projection pattern is located on the first side in the first direction, The second outermost projection pattern is located on the second side in the first direction, The intermediate projection pattern is located between the first outermost projection pattern and the second outermost projection pattern in the first direction. The lighting module unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at a certain position in the second direction, the first outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern, and the second outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern.

7. The lighting module unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein one or more lighting modules included in the plurality of lighting modules and one or more other lighting modules included in the plurality of lighting modules are positioned facing each other in the second direction.

8. The lighting module unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of lighting modules are located at different positions from each other.

9. A lighting module unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A power supply that provides power to the aforementioned multiple lighting modules, The system comprises a plurality of controllers located between the plurality of lighting modules and the power supply, A lighting system in which each of the plurality of controllers regulates the power supply from the power source to a corresponding lighting module included in the plurality of lighting modules, independently of the power supply from the power source to other lighting modules.

10. The lighting system according to claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of controllers adjusts whether or not power is supplied to the corresponding lighting module and / or the amount of power supplied.

11. A lighting method comprising the step of illuminating a projection surface using a lighting module unit, A lighting method comprising the process of lighting, wherein a lighting pattern is displayed on the projection surface by a plurality of projection patterns projected from the lighting module unit onto the projection surface.

12. The plurality of projection patterns are arranged in the first direction, The illumination method according to claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a second direction nonparallel to the first direction.

13. A lighting method comprising the step of illuminating a projection surface using a lighting module unit, In the illumination process described above, multiple projection patterns are projected from the illumination module unit onto the projection surface. The plurality of projection patterns are arranged in the first direction, An illumination method wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns extends in a second direction that is not parallel to the first direction.

14. The illumination method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein each of the plurality of projection patterns is linear.

15. The illumination method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the plurality of projection patterns are separated from each other in the first direction on the projection surface.

16. The illumination method according to claim 12, wherein in the illumination step, the thickness and / or brightness of the illumination pattern is controlled by adjusting the number of the plurality of projection patterns.

17. The illumination method according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein in the illumination step, some of the projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are blinked.

18. While some of the aforementioned projection patterns are flashing, some of the other projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are illuminated. The illumination method according to claim 17, wherein the other partial projection pattern includes a projection pattern located on the first side in the first direction of the partial projection pattern and a projection pattern located on the second side in the first direction of the partial projection pattern.

19. The plurality of projection patterns include a first outermost projection pattern, a second outermost projection pattern, and an intermediate projection pattern. The first outermost projection pattern is located on the first side in the first direction, The second outermost projection pattern is located on the second side in the first direction, The intermediate projection pattern is located between the first outermost projection pattern and the second outermost projection pattern in the first direction. The illumination method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein at a certain position in the second direction, the first outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern, and the second outermost projection pattern is brighter than the intermediate projection pattern.

20. The illumination method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein one or more projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns and one or more other projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are projected onto the projection surface from positions facing each other in the second direction.

21. The illumination method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein one or more projection patterns included in the plurality of projection patterns are projected onto the projection surface from two or more positions that are opposite to each other in the second direction.

Images