Lighting configurations for decorative lighting

Abstract

The lighting arrangement (100) includes an optical element (110) in the form of a rod comprising a light-transmissive material, the optical element extending along a first axis A. The lighting arrangement further includes a light-emitting diode (130), at least one array of LEDs (120), each of the at least one array of LEDs including at least two adjacently arranged columns (150) of LEDs. Each column of LEDs includes sequentially arranged LEDs configured to emit light that is the same color in that column, said color being different from the color of light configured to be emitted by any of the LEDs in the other columns. Each of the at least one array of LEDs is disposed on an outer surface (160) of the optical element and is arranged in a spiral around the optical element.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to lighting arrangements for achieving desired lighting effects, such as decorative lighting. More particularly, the present invention relates to lighting arrangements for achieving decorative lighting effects through projection onto a surface, such as mimicking one or more lighting effects occurring in nature. [Background technology]

[0002] The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for illumination purposes continues to attract attention. Compared to incandescent, fluorescent, and neon lamps, LEDs offer many advantages, such as longer operating life, lower power consumption, and increased efficiency in terms of the ratio of light energy to heat energy.

[0003] One area of ​​interest for systems or configurations including LEDs is the possibility of creating decorative lighting effects, for example, on surfaces. More specifically, it may be desirable to mimic one or more lighting effects or phenomena that occur in nature and project such lighting effects or phenomena onto a surface, such as a wall. Examples may include sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, horizons, etc.

[0004] One of the challenges in mimicking lighting effects or phenomena such as those exemplified above is controlling the light emitted by a system or configuration so that a smooth light gradient is generated to provide a similarity to lighting effects or phenomena occurring in nature. For example, if it is desired to create a decorative and / or aesthetically pleasing horizontal line on a wall or ceiling via a system or configuration, it is important to have a configuration or system that can provide a tunable light beam in the vertical direction, i.e., from top to bottom. Furthermore, the horizontal direction, i.e., from left to right, is usually desired to have a fixed pattern or (very) low resolution for high mimicry fidelity.

[0005] Current prior art configurations or systems often have the disability, or at least limited ability, to create smooth light gradients as described above. As a result, these configurations are unable to produce truthful reproductions of lighting effects or phenomena that occur in nature. Furthermore, prior art configurations or systems can be relatively complex and / or can require tedious and / or difficult tuning to produce the desired effect. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an uncomplicated and conveniently operable lighting arrangement that can provide one or more desired lighting effects, such as the true reproduction of one or more lighting effects or phenomena occurring in nature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] It is of interest to provide a lighting arrangement that overcomes at least some of the deficiencies of current lighting systems or arrangements, that is not complex in construction, that is conveniently operable, and that is capable of achieving desired (decorative) lighting effects, examples of which may include the true reproduction on a surface of lighting effects and / or phenomena occurring in nature.

[0008] This and other objects are achieved by providing a lighting arrangement having the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0009] Thus, according to the present invention, there is provided an illumination arrangement. The illumination arrangement includes an optical element in the form of a rod comprising a light-transmitting material, the optical element elongating along a first axis A. The illumination arrangement further includes at least one array of light-emitting diodes LEDs, each of the at least one array of LEDs including at least two adjacently arranged rows of LEDs. Each row of LEDs includes sequentially arranged LEDs configured to emit light of the same color in that row, the color being different from the color of light configured to be emitted by any of the LEDs in the other rows. Each of the at least one array of LEDs is disposed on an outer surface of the optical element and is spirally arranged around the optical element. The LEDs are arranged to emit light through the optical element to be affected, i.e., refracted, by the optical element upon passage of the light through the optical element.

[0010] Thus, the present invention is based on the idea of ​​a lighting configuration in which one or more arrays of LEDs are arranged in a spiral around an optical element. The LEDs and their spiral arrangement and / or distribution around the optical element provide an adjustable lighting configuration. This allows the lighting configuration to project light emitted from the LEDs onto a surface, such as a wall, and allows for sharp cut and / or color adjustment of the light emitted by the LEDs. The light emitted from the lighting configuration can achieve a smooth light gradient, thereby achieving desired (decorative) lighting effects. For example, the lighting configuration can be configured to realistically reproduce one or more lighting effects or phenomena occurring in nature, such as sunrise, sunset, horizon, etc.

[0011] The present invention is advantageous in that the lighting arrangement may provide aesthetically pleasing and / or decorative lighting effects in a convenient manner.

[0012] The present invention is advantageous in its ability to provide smooth light gradient(s) through the characteristics of the LEDs and their placement or distribution on the optical element, thereby increasing the possibility of reproducing desirable lighting effects, such as lighting effects or phenomena occurring in nature.

[0013] The present invention is further advantageous due to its low complexity, in that complex adjustment operations to create desired lighting effects can be reduced, or even completely avoided. More specifically, current configurations or systems in the prior art often cannot, or at least have limited capabilities to, efficiently and conveniently create desired and / or realistic lighting effects because they may require tedious and / or difficult adjustments, such as complex optical arrangements, to create desired lighting effects. The present invention, on the other hand, overcomes these disadvantages.

[0014] A lighting fixture is provided, which includes an optical element in the form of a rod containing a translucent material. The term "optical element" here means virtually any element capable of at least partially influencing light. In the context of the present invention, the expression "influence light" is to be understood as redirecting a light ray in a specific (desired) direction by refraction. The term "optical element in the form of a rod" means that the optical element constitutes a solid element in the form of a bar, pole, etc. The term "translucent material" here means that the material of the optical element allows the passage of light without significantly diffusing it, i.e., the degree of diffusion is 10% or less (meaning that the original beam angle is not increased by the optical element by more than 10%), also referred to as "transparent material." Preferably, the degree of diffusion by the optical element is 5% or less, e.g., 2%, and most preferably, the degree of diffusion is essentially nonexistent, i.e., 0%. The optical element extends along a first axis A. The optical element therefore has an oblong and / or elongated shape extending along a (principal) first axis A.

[0015] The lighting arrangement further comprises at least one array of light-emitting diodes LEDs. The term "array" in this context means a grouping or arrangement of LEDs, for example a (sequential) arrangement of LEDs in one or more dimensions. Each array of the at least one array of LEDs comprises at least two adjacently arranged columns of LEDs. The term "row" here means LEDs arranged in sequence, i.e. after one another. Each column of LEDs comprises sequentially arranged LEDs configured to emit light of the same color in that column, said color being different from the color of light configured to be emitted by any LED in the other columns. In other words, the LEDs in any column are configured to emit light of a (respective) color, and n columns of LEDs are configured to emit n colors. Each array of the at least one array of LEDs is arranged on the outer surface of the optical element and is arranged spirally around the optical element. Thus, one or more arrays of LEDs are arranged on the outer surface of the optical element such that the array(s) form spiral(s) around the first (major) axis A of the optical element. In other words, the LED array(s) are wound spirally around the optical element, with the LEDs essentially each emitting a respective light beam having an average or main emission in a direction towards the outer surface of the optical element (said direction being substantially perpendicular or normal to said outer surface) and then pointing towards the outer surface of the optical element such that essentially all of said light enters the optical element. In short, the LEDs are provided on the outer surface of the optical element, pointing towards the optical element and have a main emission direction towards (and then into) the optical element.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the LEDs may be configured to project emitted light in a first direction B, which is perpendicular to the first axis A. Thus, the LEDs of the lighting arrangement may be arranged or configured to project emitted light perpendicular to the first axis A of the optical element.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, neighboring LEDs in each row of LEDs are arranged offset relative to one another in a second direction D that is parallel to the first axis A and in a circumferential direction C of the optical element that is perpendicular to the first axis A, while a width w of these LEDs is defined in the circumferential direction C on a second axis F that is perpendicular to the first axis A and to a first direction B that is perpendicular to the first axis A. i The projections of the LEDs may overlap. Thus, adjacent LEDs are offset (i.e., shifted) in both the second direction D and the circumferential direction C. The offset (shift) in the circumferential direction C is determined by the width w of the LEDs, which is defined on the second axis F in the circumferential direction C. i The LED width w i In other words, as a result of the selected offset between adjacent LEDs, there is an overlap of the light beams from the LEDs on the second axis F. This embodiment is advantageous in that (relatively) dark areas can be prevented when projecting light from the lighting arrangement. For example, if the lighting arrangement is arranged horizontally, i.e. the first axis A is parallel to the horizontal, (relatively) dark areas can be prevented in the (vertical) direction when projecting light emitted from the lighting arrangement onto a vertical surface, etc.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the optical element may have a cylindrical shape, typically elliptical or circular in cross section perpendicular to the first axis A. This embodiment is advantageous in that array(s) and / or rows of LEDs may be conveniently arranged (e.g., symmetrically arranged) on the cylindrically shaped optical element in order to achieve a desired lighting effect from the lighting arrangement upon arrangement.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the diameter d of the rod may be in the range of 20 mm≦d≦30 mm. It will be appreciated that a relatively small diameter of the rod may adversely affect the ability of the lighting configuration to provide the desired lighting effect, while a relatively large diameter may adversely affect cost. Thus, this embodiment is advantageous in that it may be able to produce the desired light effects described above in a cost-effective manner.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lighting arrangement may further include at least one of at least one printed circuit board PCB and at least one LED strip arranged to support at least one array of LEDs. Thus, the lighting arrangement may include one or more PCBs and / or one or more LED strips that are at least partially wrapped around the optical element, and the PCB(s) and LED strip(s) may be arranged to mechanically and / or electrically support the array(s) of LEDs.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the at least one array of LEDs may be arranged from a first end of the optical element to a second end of the optical element that is arranged opposite the first end. Thus, the LED array(s) extend from the first end to the opposite second portion of the optical element. This embodiment is advantageous in that the entire length of the optical element can be used for the spiral array(s) of LEDs.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the at least one arrays may extend at least 120° in a circumferential direction C of the optical element, which is perpendicular to the first axis A. Thus, the array(s) of LEDs may be arranged spirally around the optical element along at least one-third of the circumferential direction C of the optical element. This embodiment is advantageous in that it enhances the ability to create desired lighting effects. The lighting effect and / or image achieved / created on the surface may depend on a number of factors, such as the inclination (pitch) of the LED array spiral relative to the first axis A (inclination / pitch is indicated by angle α), the diameter d of the optical element, the color of the light of the LED row, etc. Typically, the inclination, i.e., angle α, is in the range of 1°≦α≦20°, preferably 2°≦α≦10°.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lighting arrangement may further include an optical foil arranged between the at least one array of LEDs and the optical element. The term "foil" here means substantially any thin material, such as a sheet. This embodiment is advantageous in that it may enhance light control and / or limit the spot width(s) when projecting light emitted from the lighting arrangement. This may in turn result in further improved lighting effects.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a width WS of the array of LEDs is defined in a circumferential direction C on a second axis F that is perpendicular to the first axis A and perpendicular to a first direction B that is perpendicular to the first axis A. i The projections of the LEDs overlap. Thus, each (spiral) array of LEDs has a respective width WS defined in the circumferential direction C. i and the width WS of the array of these LEDs i On the second axis F (which is perpendicular to the first axis A and also perpendicular to the first direction B), a (projected) width WS i This embodiment is advantageous in that there can be a continuous projection of the light emitted from the illumination arrangement on the second axis F, so that the occurrence of (relatively) dark areas can be avoided.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the LEDs may include high brightness LEDs each arranged to emit light at a brightness of at least 30 lm. This embodiment is advantageous in that it further improves the ability to maintain a (moving) light effect when projecting light. For example, in the case of a horizontal orientation of the lighting configuration for projecting light onto a vertically oriented surface, the desired (moving) light effect may be maintained because any (single) LED is configured to project a substantially horizontal line onto the surface.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the LED may comprise an RGB LED, and therefore may comprise a multi-color LED of the Red-Green-Blue (RGB) type.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a lighting unit is provided. The lighting unit may include a lighting arrangement according to one or more of the previous embodiments and a control unit coupled to the LEDs and configured to control at least one property of the emitted light. The term "control unit" herein refers to substantially any automatically or manually operable unit, device, arrangement, etc., coupled or connected to the LEDs of the lighting arrangement to control (the level of) one or more properties of the emitted light. The term "property of the emitted light" herein refers to substantially any light property, such as color, brightness, intensity, etc. Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to control the property(ies) of the emitted light as a function of time. This embodiment is advantageous in that the control unit may control the optical property level(s) in various ways, thereby achieving further improved light output (e.g., light beam(s) or gradient) from the lighting arrangement of the lighting unit. As a result, embodiments of the lighting unit are advantageous in that desired lighting effects may be efficiently and conveniently achieved via the control unit.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an illumination system. The illumination system includes a surface extending in a plane P. The illumination system further includes an illumination arrangement according to any of the above-described embodiments, wherein the illumination arrangement is positioned relative to the surface such that a first axis A is perpendicular to a normal N to the plane P, and the illumination arrangement is arranged to project emitted light onto the surface. Thus, the illumination arrangement of the illumination system may be positioned at a (predetermined (selected) or arbitrary) distance from the surface, and the illumination arrangement is arranged parallel to the surface. During operation of the illumination arrangement, the array(s) of LEDs are arranged or configured to project light in a direction perpendicular to the first axis A (i.e., parallel to the normal N to the plane P), such that the light is projected onto the surface of the illumination system.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the surface is in a vertical plane P Vand the lighting arrangement is positioned such that the first axis A is parallel to the horizontal direction. Thus, this embodiment encompasses a vertically positioned surface (e.g., a vertical wall) and a horizontally positioned lighting arrangement, where the lighting arrangement is positioned to project emitted light onto the vertical surface.

[0030] Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following detailed disclosure, drawings, and appended claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] This and other aspects of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic illustration of a lighting configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 illustrates schematically a portion of a lighting arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3a] 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a lighting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3b] 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a lighting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a lighting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Figure 1 schematically shows a lighting configuration 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The lighting configuration 100 includes an optical element 110 that includes a light-transmissive material having a diffusion degree of less than 3%. The optical element 110 extends along a first axis A. The optical element 110 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as a (solid, rod-shaped) cylinder having a circular cross-section with a diameter d, but it should be noted that the optical element 110 may have alternative shapes and / or cross-sections other than those illustrated. The optical element 110 has a rectangular and / or elongated shape that extends along the (main) first axis A. In the case of the optical element 110 illustrated in FIG. 1, its diameter d may be within the range of 20 mm < d < 30 mm.

[0033] The lighting configuration 100 further includes at least one array 120 of light-emitting diodes LED130. For example, the LED130 may include RGB LEDs or may constitute RGB LEDs. The illustrated lighting configuration 100 includes two arrays 120 of LED130, but the lighting configuration 100 may include any number of arrays 120 of LED130 (let alone, may include a single array 120 of LED130).

[0034] Each array 120 of at least one array 120 of LED130 includes at least two adjacent arranged columns 150 of LED130. Each array 120 of LED130 of the illustrated lighting configuration 100 includes four columns 150 of LED130, but it should be noted that the lighting configuration 100 may include substantially any number of columns 150 of LED130.

[0035] Each column 150 of LEDs 130 includes sequentially arranged LEDs 130 configured to emit light that is the same color in that column, which is different from the color of light configured to be emitted by any of the LEDs 130 in the other columns 150. In other words, the LEDs 130 in any column 150 are configured to emit light of a (respective) color, and the LEDs 130 in n columns 150 are configured to emit n colors. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the LEDs 130 in n=4 columns 150 may be configured to emit n=4 colors, such as yellow (from the LEDs 130 in column 1), blue (from the LEDs 130 in column 2), green (from the LEDs 130 in column 3), and red (from the LEDs 130 in column 4).

[0036] Each of the arrays 120 of LEDs 130 is disposed on an outer surface 160 of the optical element 110. According to the example of FIG. 1 , the cylindrical optical element 110 has a curved outer surface on which the arrays 120 of LEDs 130 are disposed. The arrays 120 of LEDs 130 are arranged spirally around the optical element 110 on the outer surface 160 of the optical element 110, with their respective main emission directions facing the optical element 110, toward a first axis A, and toward the interior of the optical element 110 (see FIG. 3 b). Thus, the arrays 120 of LEDs 130 are arranged (i.e., wound) on the outer surface of the optical element 110 such that the arrays 120 form a spiral around the first (main) axis A of the optical element 110 in a circumferential direction C. The arrays 120 of LEDs 130 may be arranged from a first end 300 of the optical element 110 to a second end 310 of the optical element 110, which is disposed opposite the first end 300. The array 120 of LEDs 130 may extend at least 120° in the circumferential direction C of the optical element 110 .

[0037] It should be noted that the lighting arrangement 100 may include curved (micro) LED and / or (mini) LED systems, for example with display options.

[0038] The lighting configuration 100 may further include one or more printed circuit boards PCB (not shown) and / or one or more LED strips (not shown), where the PCB(s) and / or LED strip(s) may be configured to support (mechanically and / or electrically) the LEDs 130.

[0039] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a portion of an illumination configuration 100 as described by FIG. 1 and associated text, to which reference is hereby made for enhanced understanding. Here, illumination configuration 100 is depicted with “flat” optical elements 110 for ease of understanding, but it should be noted that the optical elements 110 in FIG. 2 may have the same (cylindrical) shape as the optical elements 110 in FIG. 1 . For reasons of simplicity, a single array 120 of LEDs 130 is shown in FIG. 2 . Adjacent LEDs 130 in each row 150 of LEDs 130 are positioned offset relative to one another on the outer surface 160 of the optical element 110. Here, the LEDs 130 are illustrated as having a quadratic cross-section, but it should be noted that the LEDs 130 may take on virtually any other shape. The offset or shift between adjacent LEDs 130 is in a second direction D, which is parallel to the first axis A, and in a circumferential direction C of the optical element 110, which is perpendicular to the first axis A. Each LED 130 has a width w i The LEDs 130 have a width w i1. The projections of the LEDs 130 of the illumination configuration 100 overlap, as shown with the help of dashed lines. Thus, upon projection of light emitted from the LEDs 130 of the illumination configuration 100 in a first direction B, perpendicular to the first axis A, there is a continuous light distribution from the illumination configuration 100 in the direction of the second axis F. The spiral shape of the optical elements 110 allows for the overlap, and in turn, the possibility of pixelation along the second axis F with great detail (which may represent the dimensions of a surface such as a wall) (and lower resolution / pixelation in the second (e.g., horizontal) direction D due to the relatively long spiral shape of the optical elements 110). According to one example, the width WS of these arrays 120 of LEDs 130 is defined in a circumferential direction C on the second axis F, which is perpendicular to the first axis A and perpendicular to the first direction B. i The projections of may overlap.

[0040] Similar to FIG. 1, lighting arrangement 100 includes n=4 strings 150a-d of LEDs 130 configured to emit n=4 colors, for example, yellow 150a, blue 150b, green 150c, and red 150d.

[0041] 3a and 3b schematically illustrate a lighting system 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The lighting system 500 includes a lighting arrangement 100 according to any of the previously described examples, although it should be noted that, since the purpose of FIG. 3a is to describe the emission of light from the lighting arrangement 100, elements and / or features of the lighting arrangement 100 have been omitted compared to the lighting arrangement 100 of FIG. 1. Therefore, for a better understanding of the features and / or functionality of the lighting arrangement 100, reference should also be made to FIGS. 1 and / or 2 and associated text.

[0042] 3a, the illumination system 500 includes a surface 510 that extends in a plane P. For example, the surface 510 extends in a vertical plane P v, and the lighting configuration 100 may be arranged such that the first axis A is parallel to the horizontal. Here, the surface 510 is illustrated as (part of) a vertically arranged wall, but it should be noted that the surface 510 may constitute substantially any surface 510, for example, a ceiling. In FIG. 3 a, for reasons of simplicity, only three LEDs 130 of the lighting configuration 100 are shown. During operation of the lighting configuration 100 of the system 500, light from the LEDs 130 is affected by the optical element 110, which refracts the light. The resulting light is emitted (substantially) in a first direction B, perpendicular to the first axis A, onto the surface 510 to create a lighting effect. More specifically, the light from the LEDs 130 is projected onto the surface 510, resulting in a spot on the surface 510 that constitutes a lighting effect, for example in the form of a sunrise or sunset.

[0043] 3b shows a schematic illustration of an illumination system 500, in which the illumination arrangement 100 is shown in the direction of its first axis A. For simplicity reasons, only a single LED 130 of the illumination arrangement 100 is shown. As can be clearly seen, light emitted from the LED 130 has a main emission 165 that is directed towards the optical element 110 in a direction B that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis A, and the light then passes through the optical element 110. During the passage of the light through the optical element 110 of the lighting configuration 100, the light emitted from the LED 130 is affected, i.e., refracted, at the outer surface 160 of the optical element, such that the light is coupled out of the optical element (rod) 110 across the first axis A (the outcoupled light is collimated in a direction across the first axis A and uncollimated along the first axis A) and projected onto the surface (ceiling / wall) 510 of the lighting system 510.

[0044] 4 discloses a lighting system 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The lighting system 500 includes a lighting arrangement 100 according to any of the examples described above. Accordingly, reference is also made to any of FIGS. 1-3 and the associated text for a better understanding of the features and / or functionality of the lighting arrangement 100. The lighting system 500 further includes a surface 510 extending in a plane P. For example, the surface 510 may extend in a vertical plane P. v and the lighting arrangement 100 may be arranged such that the first axis A is parallel to the horizontal. It should be noted that although the surface 510 is illustrated here as (part of) a vertically arranged wall, the surface 510 may constitute substantially any surface 510, for example a ceiling.

[0045] 1 and the associated text, light from the array(s) 120 of LEDs 130 during operation of the lighting configuration 100 of the system 500 may be emitted in a first direction B, perpendicular to a first axis A, and projected onto a surface 510. In other words, through the arrangement of the array(s) 120 of LEDs 130 disposed around the optical element 110, the light from the array(s) 120 of LEDs 130 projects a horizontal spot onto the surface 510, thereby creating a lighting effect in the form of an image (exemplified as a sunset) on the surface 510. The lighting effect and / or image achieved / created on the surface 510 may depend on a number of factors, such as the tilt (pitch) of the spiral of the LED array 120 with respect to the first axis A (the tilt / pitch is indicated by the angle α), the diameter d of the optical element 110, the color of the light of the string 150 of LEDs 130, etc. For example, an (arbitrarily selected) first section 200 (in FIG. 4 , the section 200 is “shifted” relative to the array 120 of LEDs 130 for clarity) of the column 150 of LEDs 130 may project the emitted light of that LED 130 onto the surface 510 in a first direction B. For ease of understanding, the length L of the first section 200 corresponds to a height H above the surface 510 (reflection), where H = L·sin(α). Note that the offset arrangement of the LEDs 130 may depend on the inclination (pitch) α of the spiral of the LED array 120 relative to the first axis A. Typically, the inclination α is in the range of 1°≦α≦20°, preferably 2°≦α≦10°. According to one example, the second section (or the first section 200) of the column 150 of LEDs 130 may project the emitted light onto the surface 510 in the first direction B. For example, if the second section is selected to include LEDs 130 configured to emit relatively bright light (e.g., one or more high-brightness LEDs 130), the lighting effect achieved on the surface 510 may mimic the sun or moon.

[0046] A control unit 410 may be coupled to the lighting arrangement 110 to (individually) control one or more properties of the light emitted from the LEDs 130, as illustrated in FIG. 4 . The control of the light property(ies) achieved by the control unit 410 may provide a light effect (e.g., a simulated sun or moon), and the light effect may be moved. The light effect may be moved independently of the background light effect achieved by the lighting arrangement 100. The control unit 410 may be configured to control the array(s) 120 of LEDs 130, and / or the string 150 of LEDs 130, and / or even individual LEDs 130, for example, to simulate a sun or moon. For example, in the case of individual LED operation by the control unit 410, the control unit 410 may be configured to operate based on one or more algorithms.

[0047] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is by no means limited to the above-described preferred embodiment. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the shape of the optical element 110, the number of arrays 120 of LEDs 130, the number of columns 150 of LEDs 130, etc. may differ from those shown.

Claims

1. an optical element in the form of a rod comprising an optically transmissive material, the optical element extending along a first axis; at least one array of light emitting diodes (LEDs); 1. A lighting arrangement comprising: the array of LEDs includes at least two adjacently arranged columns of LEDs, each column of LEDs including sequentially arranged LEDs configured to emit light that is the same color in that column, said color being different from the color of light configured to be emitted by any of the LEDs in the other columns; the array of LEDs is disposed on an outer surface of the optical element and is spirally arranged around the optical element; An illumination arrangement, wherein the LED is facing towards the optical element and is positioned to emit the light through the optical element to be affected by the optical element upon passage of the light therethrough.

2. The lighting arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the LED is configured to project the emitted light in a first direction that is perpendicular to the first axis.

3. 3. The lighting configuration of claim 1, wherein adjacent LEDs in each row of LEDs are arranged offset relative to each other in a circumferential direction of the optical element, the second direction being parallel to the first axis and perpendicular to the first axis, while projections of the widths of these LEDs defined in the circumferential direction onto a second axis being perpendicular to the first axis and perpendicular to the first direction perpendicular to the first axis overlap.

4. 3. The illumination arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the optical element has a cylindrical shape, the cross section perpendicular to the first axis being circular.

5. 5. The lighting arrangement of claim 4, wherein the rod has a diameter d in the range 20 mm<d<30 mm.

6. The lighting configuration is: positioned to support at least one array of said LEDs; at least one printed circuit board; and at least one LED strip; 3. The lighting arrangement according to claim 1, comprising at least one of:

7. 3. The illumination configuration of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one arrays is disposed from a first end of the optical element to a second end of the optical element, the second end being disposed opposite the first end.

8. 3. An illumination arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the at least one arrays extends at least 120° in a circumferential direction of the optical element, perpendicular to the first axis.

9. 3. The lighting arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lighting arrangement comprises an optical foil arranged between the at least one array of LEDs and the optical element.

10. A lighting configuration as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein projections on a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis and perpendicular to a first direction perpendicular to the first axis, of the width of the array of LEDs defined in the circumferential direction of the optical element overlap.

11. 3. The lighting arrangement of claim 1 or 2, wherein the LEDs comprise high brightness LEDs each arranged to emit light at a brightness of at least 30 lm.

12. 3. The lighting arrangement of claim 1 or 2, wherein the LEDs comprise RGB LEDs.

13. A lighting arrangement according to claim 1 or 2; a control unit coupled to the LEDs and configured to control at least one characteristic of light emitted from the lighting arrangement; a lighting unit including:

14. A surface that extends across a plane, 3. An illumination arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the illumination arrangement is positioned relative to the surface such that the first axis is perpendicular to a normal to the plane, and the illumination arrangement is positioned to project emitted light onto the surface; a lighting system, including:

15. 15. The lighting system of claim 14, wherein the surface extends in a vertical plane and the lighting arrangement is arranged such that the first axis is parallel to a horizontal direction.

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