Lighting device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lighting device (100) configured for professional illumination, the lighting device (100) comprising a housing or enclosure (130) comprising an opening or aperture (140), a first plurality of first light emitting elements of a first predetermined type (110) and, a second plurality of second light emitting elements of a second predetermined type (120), wherein each of the first light emitting elements (110) is configured to emit light as a programmable (video) pixel, and the second light emitting elements (120) each or as a group is / are configured to emit light suitable for general or overall illumination.

Description

[0001] LIGHTING DEVICE

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a lighting device for professional illumination and more specifically to a lighting device for professional illumination comprising two distinct groups of light sources.

[0004] Background

[0005] In the field of professional lighting there is an ongoing need for versatile and efficient lighting devices for many different purposes. These different devices are often required to cater to a variety of lighting needs and allowing for a variety of interesting controllable visual lighting effects.

[0006] Lighting devices of various types for professional or general illumination of a given environment are generally known.

[0007] One or more of such lighting devices may e.g. be used to illuminate a stage, area, or other e.g. during events like a music concert, theatre or other performance, a fashion show, a sporting event, a convention, etc. One or more of such lighting devices may e.g. also be used to illuminate at least a part of a building, a landmark, a sporting field, a monument, or the like.

[0008] Additionally, one or more of such lighting devices may e.g. also be used to illuminate an environment or one or more parts thereof e.g. in connection with an event. This may e.g. include illuminating air by light in particular if the air contains moisture, dust, smoke, or other.

[0009] The one or more lighting devices may be installed and used more or less permanently or for a longer period of time, e.g. for illumination of a building, landmark, or the like, or for a shorter period of time, e.g. for illumination of an environment or parts thereof, a stage during a concert, sporting event, or the like.

[0010] In general, one or more of such professional lighting devices may be used to illuminate, either permanently or temporarily, basically any environment and / or object(s) or parts thereof.

[0011] Other types of professional lighting devices are so-called pixel lighting devices where individual light sources or groups of light sources (such as individual LEDs or groups of LEDs) can fully and individually controlled e.g. by a user or according to individual programming. Such granular level of control allows pixel lighting products to product a versatile array of lighting effects and patterns including video. A type of pixel lighting devices (using LEDs) are sometimes referred to as Direct View LEDs. In such pixel lighting devices, a distance between neighbouring pixels are often referred to as pitch or pixel pitch and generally - the shorter a viewing distance is, the shorter the distance or pitch preferably is. Typical pitches may e.g. vary from 1 millimetre to 40 millimetres with a viewing distance varying from 2 - 3 meters (for 1 mm pitch) to 80 - 100 metres (for 40 mm pitch).

[0012] Professional lighting devices typically have some characteristics that set them further apart (than just being of another use) from lighting devices for personal / home use, such as one or more of minimum durability, illuminance and luminous emittance, reliability, water and / or dust protection or resistance, etc. A professional lighting device may e.g. have an Ingress Protection (IP) code of 55 or more enabling it to readily be used in humid conditions, outside during poor weather conditions like rain or fog, in connection with special effects involving water (e.g. for a music concert, a movie location, etc.), and / or the like. Professional lighting devices are also generally known that comprises one or more light sources that can be moved in more or less any desired orientation (or at least about one axis), so that light emitted by a light source can be directed along basically any desired direction (there may be one or more 'dark' or 'blind' spots or areas but then normally of no practical consequence given a sufficient distance between the lighting device and the environment to be illuminated).

[0013] To this end, the light source may be supported by the lighting device and may be rotated about one or two axes typically by use of suitable motors or similar as generally known.

[0014] Professional lighting device may during use e.g. be placed on a substantially flat or horizontal surface or suspended from or mounted on an appropriate frame, rack, stand, support, or the like.

[0015] The illumination need not only be static (although it can be) but may also be dynamic, e.g. as sometimes used during concerts, sporting events, etc., where the light source(s) of the lighting device(s) is / are moved over time in a controlled and / or pre-determined or programmed manner.

[0016] The illumination may also display effects such as a diffusion, spreading, collimation, etc. of the light emitted by the lighting device. Creating such static effects is desirable in some instances, and being able to do so in a dynamic manner would be particularly desirable.

[0017] Furthermore, colour wheels with colour filters of various colours, gobos (see later), etc. may also be used to change or influence the emitted light (e.g. the colour of it, the light pattern being emitted, etc.).

[0018] It is not uncommon for typical professional use to involve several lighting devices of different types to be able to produce complex and interesting effects. Having to involve more lighting devices increases the costs and complexity of the required setup e.g. in relation to place- ment / setup of the devices, power and / or data signal connections. An overall power consumption also typically increases with the number of used lighting devices.

[0019] In relation to such lighting devices, there is a need for a professional lighting device enabling visually complex and / or interesting effects.

[0020] Furthermore, it would also be advantageous to provide a professional lighting device saving setup-time, saving space, and / or simplifying cabling (connections thereof).

[0021] Summary

[0022] It is an object to alleviate at least one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks at least to an extent.

[0023] An aspect of the invention is defined in claim 1.

[0024] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a lighting device configured for professional illumination is provided, where the lighting device comprising a housing or enclosure comprising

[0025] - an opening or aperture (e.g. or preferably a front opening or aperture),

[0026] - a first plurality (or first group) of first light emitting elements of a first predetermined type (also referred to herein simply as the first light emitting elements) and,

[0027] - a second plurality (or second group) of second light emitting elements of a second predetermined type (also referred to herein simply as the second light emitting elements), wherein each of the first light emitting elements is configured to emit light as a programmable (video) pixel, and the second light emitting elements each or as a group is / are configured to emit light suitable for general or overall illumination.

[0028] In this way, a compact lighting device comprising (at least) first and secondary light emitting elements of different types is provided enabling complex lighting effects. Additionally, a lighting device is provided that more readily can adapt to or accommodate different lighting requirements. Furthermore, a lighting device is provided enhancing the versatility and efficiency of lighting solutions.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first light emitting elements are each configured to emit light as a programmable pixel or a direct view pixel. The first light emitting elements may thereby e.g. function as an LED (video) screen or part thereof - in particular when several lighting devices are stacked, arrayed, or otherwise put in the vicinity of each other (e.g. in a predetermined pattern that does not need to be square or rectangular).

[0030] In some embodiments, the second emitting elements are generally high powered light emitting element configured for (general or overall) illumination. The second emitting elements may e.g. be so-called luminaires.

[0031] The intensities and / or colours emitted by the first and second light emitting elements will typically be dynamic in a controllable manner.

[0032] In some embodiments,

[0033] - the first light emitting elements are arranged in a first grid or according to a first substantially grid-like structure or arrangement, and / or

[0034] - the second light emitting elements are arranged in a second grid or according to a second substantially grid-like structure or arrangement. The grid / grid like structure(s) or arrangement(s) may e.g. be a grid / grid like structure of generally horizontal and vertical lines with fixed (equidistant) distance(s) there-between.

[0035] In some embodiments,

[0036] - the first light emitting elements are arranged equidistantly in a first planar configuration, and / or

[0037] - the second light emitting elements are arranged equidistantly in a second planar configuration.

[0038] In some further embodiments, the plane of the first planar configuration is the same or substantially the same plane as that of the second planar configuration.

[0039] In some embodiments,

[0040] - a light emitting element, e.g. or preferably each light emitting element, of the second plurality of light emitting elements is located equidistantly to a predetermined first number, e.g. or preferably four, of light emitting elements of the first plurality of light emitting elements, and / or

[0041] - a light emitting element, e.g. or preferably each light emitting element, of the first plurality of light emitting elements is located equidistantly to a predetermined second number, e.g. or preferably four, of light emitting elements of the second plurality of light emitting elements.

[0042] In some embodiments,

[0043] - the light emitting elements of the first plurality of light emitting elements are arranged equidistantly in a first direction and / or in a second direction, and / or the light emitting elements of the second plurality of light emitting elements are arranged equidistantly in a third direction, and / or in a fourth direction.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first direction is the same as the third direction and / or the second direction is the same as the fourth direction.

[0045] In some embodiments, the equidistant lengths (in each relevant direction) are equal or substantially equal.

[0046] In some embodiments, the equidistant distance in the first direction and / or the equidistant distance in the second direction is about 20 to about 60 millimetres, more preferably about 30 to about 50 millimetres, or even more preferably about 40 or about 42 millimetres.

[0047] In some embodiments, the equidistant distance in the first direction and / or the equidistant distance in the second direction is 43 or about 43 millimetres, is 44 or about 44 millimetres, is 45 or about 45 millimetres, is 46 or about 46 millimetres or more, is 41 or about 41 millimetres is, 40 or about 40 millimetres, is 39 or about 39 millimetres or less, etc.

[0048] In some embodiments, the light emitting elements of the first plurality of light emitting elements are arranged in a plurality of equidistant columns in a / the first direction, a distance between two neighbouring columns being a predetermined first length, and wherein a distance between at least one (out of two) outermost column of the first light emitting elements to an outermost (e.g. or typically vertical) edge of the housing is less than half or about half of the predetermined first length. In some other embodiments, the distance is a bit smaller than half, is more than about a fourth and less about half of the predetermined first length. In some further embodiments, the distance is about half (taking into account any bezel or frame width of the housing and / or any expected or predetermined gap between neighbouring lighting devices where applicable).

[0049] In some embodiments, the light emitting elements of the first plurality of light emitting elements are arranged in a plurality of equidistant rows in a / the second direction, a distance between two neighbouring rows being a predetermined second length, and wherein a distance between at least one (out of two) outermost row of the first light emitting elements to an outermost (e.g. or typically horizontal) edge of the housing is less than half or about half of the predetermined second length. In some other embodiments, the distance is a bit smaller than half, is more than about a fourth and less about half of the predetermined second length. In some further embodiments, the distance is about half (taking into account any bezel or frame width of the housing and / or any expected or predetermined gap between neighbouring lighting devices where applicable).

[0050] In some embodiments,

[0051] - the first plurality of light emitting elements is arranged in or substantially in a first plane within the housing, and / or

[0052] - the second plurality of light emitting elements is arranged in or substantially in a second plane within the housing.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first plane and the second plane are coinciding or substantially coinciding.

[0054] In some embodiments, the lighting device is stackable or arrayable.

[0055] In some embodiments, - a light output of the second light emitting elements is about 15 to about 25 times higher than a light output of the first light emitting elements,

[0056] - a spread angle of a, e.g. or preferably each, second light emitting element is about 10 times smaller than a spread angle of a, e.g. or preferably each, first light emitting element,

[0057] - each of the first light emitting elements is a quad full-colour LED pixel cluster comprising four colour LEDs (or alternatively 1, 2, 3, 5, more than 5 colour LEDs for each pixel), each colour LED comprising a red LED element / diode, a green LED element / di- ode, a blue LED element / diode, and e.g. a white colour LED,

[0058] - the first light emitting elements are or comprises colour changing LEDs,

[0059] - the second light emitting elements are or comprises colour changing LEDs,

[0060] - each or some of the second light emitting elements is or are about 260 to about 280, e.g. or preferably about 270, watt LED(s), and / or

[0061] - the first light emitting elements are unobstructed light emitting elements (i.e. unobstructed at least to the point of exiting the lighting device; e.g. the lighting device does not comprise any lenses, optics, or similar with respect to the first light emitting elements,

[0062] In some embodiments where each (or at least some) first light emitting elements comprises a plurality of LEDs (of different colour) forming a pixel by a light emitting element, the LEDs between neighbouring first light emitting elements or rotated or the ordering is changed to provide an overall increased colour mixing impression of the individual pixels. In some embodiments, the lighting device is configured to transfer heat from the first light emitting elements to one or more heatsinks located in the vicinity of or adjacent to the second light emitting elements (e.g. or preferably in the plane of the second light emitting elements) via a number of heat guides.

[0063] According to a second aspect of the present invention is provided a lighting system comprising one or more lighting device receiving elements, each lighting device receiving element configured to receive a plurality of lighting devices, each or at least two or more according to the first aspect, wherein each lighting device receiving element is configured to receive a plurality of lighting devices so that

[0064] - respective first distances between adjacent first light emitting elements of neighbouring lighting devices in a first direction are the same (or at least similar), and / or

[0065] - respective second distances between adjacent first light emitting elements of neighbouring lighting devices in a second direction are the same (or at least similar).

[0066] In some embodiments, the first light emitting elements of each lighting device are arranged equidistantly in a first direction and / or in a second direction and a distance between adjacent first light emitting elements of neighbouring lighting devices in the first direction is equal to or about equal to the respective first distance(s), and / or a distance between adjacent first light emitting elements of neighbouring lighting devices in the second direction is equal to or about equal to the respective second distance(s).

[0067] In some embodiments,

[0068] - the light emitting elements of all received lighting devices are arranged in or substantially in a first plane, and / or the light emitting elements of all received lighting devices are arranged in or substantially in a second plane within the housing.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first plane and the second plane are coinciding or substantially coinciding.

[0070] In some embodiments, at least one lighting device receiving element comprises one or more securing or engagement elements for (releasa- bly) engaging or mating with another lighting device receiving element at one or more of its four sides (while still maintaining (or substantially maintaining) spacing / distance or "pitch" in one or both of the first and the second direction).

[0071] In some embodiments, the lighting device has an Ingress Protection (IP) code of 55 or more. A device having an IP code of 55 is a device which is dust protected and is protected against water jets. In more detail, ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but dust does not enter in a sufficient quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of the device. Complete protection against contact is ensured. Furthermore, water projected by a nozzle (6.3 mm) against an enclosure of the device from any direction does not have any harmful effects.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first light emitting elements and / or the second light emitting elements comprises / are an LED array, e.g. white, colour or colour-changing.

[0073] In some embodiments, the lighting device further comprises one or more control units and / or drivers configured to independently control the first light emitting elements and the second light emitting elements. In some embodiments, the lighting device is further configured to rotate the housing or part of the housing comprising the first and second light emitting elements about a first and / or about a second axis so that the emitted light can be directed in different orientations / directions.

[0074] Brief description of the drawings

[0075] Figure 1 is a schematic front view illustrating one embodiment of a lighting device;

[0076] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a lighting device, e.g. or preferably a lighting device generally corresponding to the one illustrated in Figure 1;

[0077] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a lighting device;

[0078] Figure 4 schematically illustrate another perspective view of the lighting device of Figure 3;

[0079] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a front view of lighting system comprising a number of lighting devices, each e.g. or preferably generally corresponding to the a lighting device illustrated in Figure 1, arranged in a lighting device receiving element as disclosed herein; and

[0080] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the lighting system of Figure 5.

[0081] Detailed description

[0082] Various aspects and embodiments of a lighting device configured for professional illumination and a lighting system as disclosed herein will now be described with reference to the figures.

[0083] Figure 1 is a schematic front view illustrating one embodiment of a lighting device. The illustrated lighting device 100 may e.g. be used (e.g. together with one or more additional lighting devices of a same and / or different type(s)) to illuminate a stage, area, or other e.g. during events like a music concert, theatre performance, a fashion show, a sporting event, a convention, etc. The lighting device 100 may also be referred to as a lighting fixture or a projector.

[0084] As illustrated, the lighting device 100 comprises a housing or enclosure 130 - here illustrated as a simple frame - that comprises a (front) opening or aperture 140, a first plurality or first group of light emitting elements 110 of a first predetermined type (also referred to herein simply as (the) first light emitting elements), and a second plurality or second group) 120 of light emitting elements of a second predetermined type(also referred to herein simply as (the) second light emitting elements).

[0085] Each of the first light emitting elements 110 is configured to emit light as a programmable pixel or a direct view pixel. Typically, the emitted light of the first light emitting elements 110 will be unobstructed at least to the point of exiting the lighting device. The second light emitting elements 120 are each or as a group configured to emit light suitable for general or overall illumination. Accordingly, the second light emitting elements 120 are generally high powered light emitting element 120 configured for illumination. Both the first and second light emitting elements 110, 120 are e.g. or preferably LEDs, and in particular colour-changing LEDs, as disclosed herein.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, all first light emitting elements 110 are arranged within the housing 130 in a planer (first) grid in respective rows and columns. Preferably, the first light emitting elements 110 are arranged equidistantly in a first direction and in a second direction. In the illustrated embodiment, all second light emitting elements 120 are arranged within the housing 130 in a planer (second) grid in respective rows and columns. Preferably, the second light emitting elements 120 are arranged equidistantly in a third direction and in a fourth direction.

[0087] In some embodiments and as illustrated, the first grid and the second grid are arranged within the housing 130 in the same or substantially the same plane. In alternative embodiments, this is not the case and the respective planes may be shifted.

[0088] When arranged the elements 110, 120 in the same or substantially same (depth) plane, it has been seen that it is challenging to properly handle heat generated during use. Therefore, at least in some embodiments, heat is transported from the first light emitting elements 110 to one or more heatsinks being located in the vicinity of or adjacent to the second light emitting elements 120 (e.g. or preferably in the plane of the second light emitting elements 120) via a number of heat guides.

[0089] Accordingly (at least in some embodiments, as also elaborated on in the following), the first grid and the second grid are a grid or grid like structure of generally horizontal and vertical lines, with fixed distance^) there-between.

[0090] In alternative embodiments, the first light emitting elements 110 are arranged equidistantly only in one of the first direction and second direction and / or the second light emitting elements 120 are arranged equidistantly only in one of the third direction and fourth direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the first direction (X) is equal to the third direction and the second direction (Y) is equal to the fourth direction, where the first or X direction corresponds to a vertical or substantially vertical direction (when viewing the lighting device 100 from the front) and the second or Y direction corresponds to a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction (also when viewing the lighting device 100 from the front).

[0091] A (centre to centre) distance 151 between, row-wise (i.e. in the first or X direction), neighbouring first light emitting elements 110 is designated as A and a (centre to centre) distance 152 between, columnwise (i.e. in the second or Y direction), neighbouring first light emitting elements 110 is designated as B.

[0092] A (centre to centre) distance 154 between, row-wise (i.e. in the third or X direction), neighbouring second light emitting elements 120 is designated as D and a (centre to centre) distance 154 between, column-wise (i.e. in the fourth or Y direction), neighbouring second light emitting elements 120 is designated as C.

[0093] In some embodiments and as illustrated, the distances A, 151 and B, 152 are equal or substantially equal. In addition (as illustrated) or alternatively, the distances C, 154 and D, 153 are equal or substantially equal.

[0094] In some embodiment and as illustrated, all the distances A, B, C, and D are equal or substantially equal. This gives a very compact design of the light emitting elements. In some further embodiments, the distances A, B, C, and D are each a value selected from about 20 to about 60 millimetres, more preferably selected from about 30 to about 50 millimetres, or even more preferably about 40. In some embodiments, the distances A, B, C, D are all the same value and 42 or about 42 millimetres. In alternative embodiments, the (same) values is 43 or about 43 millimetres, is 44 or about 44 millimetres, is 45 or about 45 millimetres, is 46 or about 46 millimetres or more, is 41 or about 41 millimetres is, 40 or about 40 millimetres, is 39 or about 39 millimetres or less, etc. In some embodiments, the light emitting elements 110, 120 are arranged so that a second light emitting element 120, e.g. or preferably some or each second light emitting element 120, is located equidistantly to a predetermined first number of first light emitting elements 110. The first number may e.g. be four as illustrated. Alternatively, the first number may be different than four, e.g. two, three, five, etc.

[0095] Additionally or alternatively, the light emitting elements 110, 120 are arranged so that a first light emitting element 110, e.g. or preferably some, most, or each second light emitting element 120, is located equidistantly to a predetermined second number of second light emitting elements 120. The second number may e.g. be four as illustrated. Alternatively, the first number may be different than four, e.g. two, three, five, etc. In embodiments (as illustrated) where the first light emitting elements 110 are the outmost light emitting elements (in relation to the second light emitting element 120), i.e. the first light emitting elements 110 constitutes the left-most and the right-most two columns and the upper-most and the lower-most two rows (of the first and second light emitting elements 110, 120), the first light emitting elements 110 will in the (four) corners only be equidistant to one second light emitting element 120 and will on the 'border' only be equidistant to two second light emitting elements 120, both rather than four. Here left, right, upper, lower is in relation to the orientation of Figure 1, i.e. left and right is along the X direction and upper and lower is along the Y direction.

[0096] In other words, in the illustrated and corresponding embodiment the first and second light emitting elements 110, 120 are arranged in (substantially) a single plane in a pattern where each second light emitting element 120 is arranged in the centre of four (closest) neighbouring first light emitting elements 110 and each first light emitting element 110 is also arranged in the centre of four (closest) neighbouring second light emitting elements 120, except at the borders (where the first light emitting elements 110 is arranged equidistantly to its two closest neighbouring second light emitting elements 120).

[0097] Such an arrangement is very beneficial in that it enables an even more compact lighting device 100 with two different types of light emitting elements 110, 120. Additionally, such an arrangement is beneficial when arraying or stacking several lighting device 100 next to each other at one or more of the four sides (as seen from the front).

[0098] Alternatively, the first and second light emitting elements 110, 120 are arranged according to different layouts, e.g. where the second light emitting elements 120 are at the corners and borders, i.e. they are the outermost light emitting elements rather than the first light emitting elements.

[0099] In some embodiments where the first light emitting elements 110 are arranged in a plurality of equidistant columns in the first direction X with a distance, A (151), between two neighbouring columns, a distance E, 155 is the distance from an outermost column (or both, i.e. both the leftmost and rightmost column) of the first light emitting elements 110 to an outermost respective (vertical) edge of the housing. In some such embodiments, the distance E, 155 is half, about half, or more than about a fourth and less about half of the predetermined first length A, 151. In some preferred embodiments, the distance E, 155 (from the centre of an outermost leftmost or rightmost, respectively, first light emitting element 110) to the outermost part (taking any bezel or frame width of the housing 130 and / or any expected or predetermined gap between neighbouring lighting devices 100 (see more in the following) into account) is half or substantially half of the distance A (the equidistant distance between each two neighbouring columns of first light emitting elements 110). In some embodiments, the distance E, 155 is about 15 - 20 mm or about 20 or about 21 mm. In alternative or additional embodiments where the first light emitting elements 110 are arranged in a plurality of equidistant rows in the second direction Y with a distance B (152) between two neighbouring rows, a distance F, 156 is the distance from an outermost row (or both, i.e. both the uppermost and lowermost row) of the first light emitting elements 110 to an outermost respective (horizontal) edge of the housing. In some preferred embodiments, the distance F, 145 (from the centre of an outermost uppermost or lowermost, respectively, first light emitting element 110) to the outermost part (taking any bezel or frame width of the housing 130 into account) is half or substantially half of the distance B (the equidistant distance between each two neighbouring rows of first light emitting elements 110). In some embodiments, the distance F, 156 is the same or about the same as the distance B, 152. In some embodiments, the distance F, 156 is about 15 - 20 mm or about 20 or about 21 mm.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first light emitting elements 110 are each configured to emit light as a programmable pixel or a direct view pixel. The first light emitting elements 110 may thereby e.g. function as an LED (video) screen or part thereof - in particular when several lighting devices are stacked, arrayed, or otherwise put in the vicinity of each other (e.g. in a predetermined pattern that does not need to be square or rectangular).

[0101] In some embodiments, the second emitting elements 120 are generally high powered light emitting element 120 configured for illumination. The second emitting elements 120 may e.g. be so-called luminaires.

[0102] In some further embodiments, the second light emitting elements 120 are about 260 to about 280, e.g. or preferably about 270, watt LEDs and / or are configured to output at least about 12 - 13.000 lumen. In some embodiments, the lighting device 100 is stackable or arrayable, e.g. by itself and / or via a lighting device receiving element or device, e.g. or preferably as disclosed herein, e.g. in connection with Figures 5 and 6.

[0103] A lighting system (see e.g. 200 elsewhere) may comprise a plurality of lighting devices 100 and e.g. or preferably one or more lighting device receiving elements or devices (see e.g. 300 elsewhere) configured to receive the lighting devices 100.

[0104] In some embodiments, a light output of the second light emitting elements 120 is about 15 to about 25 times higher than a light output of the first light emitting elements 110.

[0105] In some embodiments, a spread angle of a, e.g. or preferably each, second light emitting element 120 is about 10 times smaller than a spread angle of a, e.g. or preferably each, first light emitting element 110.

[0106] In some embodiments, each of the first light emitting elements 110 is a quad full-colour LED pixel cluster comprising four colour LEDs, each colour LED comprising a red LED element / diode, a green LED ele- ment / diode, a blue LED element / diode, and a white colour LED. Alternatively, each first light emitting element 110 respectively comprises 1, 2, 3, 5, or more than 5 LEDs (for each pixel).

[0107] In some further embodiments, each red LED element or diode of a pixel cluster is connected in series, each green LED element or diode of a cluster is connected in series, and each blue LED element or diode of a cluster is connected in series.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first light emitting elements 110 are or comprises colour changing LEDs. In some embodiments, the second light emitting elements 120 are or comprises colour changing LEDs.

[0109] Generally, the more LEDs are part of a LED pixel cluster / a first light emitting element 110, the better efficiency of the overall lighting device (and correspondingly of the overall lighting system) in relation to light output versus power consumption.

[0110] In embodiments, where each (or at least some) first light emitting elements 100 comprises a plurality of LEDs (of different colour) forming a pixel by a light emitting element 100, it is advantageous to individually change the or order / rotate the LEDs between neighbouring first light emitting elements 100 to provide an overall increased colour mixing impression of the individual pixels.

[0111] It has been seen (at least in some embodiments) that due to the contrast of the second light emitting elements 120, the pixel-array (video) effect content, as provided by the first light emitting elements 110, can still be viewed simultaneously while the second light emitting elements 120 are fully on, in as much as up to 90% of the "pixel array" output angle coverage.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first light emitting elements 110 are unobstructed light emitting elements, i.e. unobstructed at least to the point of exiting the lighting device 100., e.g. the lighting device 100 does not comprise any lenses, optics, or similar with respect to the first light emitting elements 110 (i.e. they are direct view light emitting elements).

[0113] Additional internal elements, etc. (according to various embodiments) are of a lighting device 100 is explained further in connection with Figure 2. Figure 2 schematically illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a lighting device, e.g. or preferably a lighting device generally corresponding to the one illustrated in Figure 1.

[0114] Illustrated is a block diagram of a lighting device 100 comprising a plurality of first light emitting elements 110 and a (same or different) plurality of second light emitting elements 120 that corresponds to the ones described in connection with Figure 1 or as otherwise disclosed herein.

[0115] As illustrated, the lighting device 100 comprises a power supply or similar 210 providing power to the light emitting elements 110, 120 and other elements. The power supply 210 is illustrated at internal or partly internal but may alternatively be external. The power supply 210 provides power to (at least) a first circuit or control board or similar 310 in turn providing power as necessary to the elements of the first board and to one or more (central) control units 230 and a voltage control element 240 or a second circuit or control board or similar 320 comprising the voltage control element 240.

[0116] The first board 310 comprises plurality of (second) drivers 220, e.g. LED drivers, for the second light emitting elements 120 that are configured to appropriately control and drive (via appropriate electrical connection(s)) the second light emitting elements 120. In some embodiments, the second drivers are constant current (LED) drivers 220.

[0117] The second board 320 further comprises a plurality of (first) drivers 250, e.g. LED drivers, for the first light emitting elements 110 that are configured to appropriately control and drive (via appropriate electrical connection(s)) the first light emitting elements 110. The first drivers 250 is e.g. and as illustrated controlled by the voltage control element 240 supplying a signal, e.g. an LED voltage signal, to the first drivers 250. This signal may e.g. also be provided (as illustrated) to the one or more (central) control units 230 to influence its control of the voltage control element 240. In some embodiments, the voltage control element 240 is an adaptive closed loop voltage control element. The first drivers 250 are also connected receive a data / clock signal from the one or more (central) control units 230. In some embodiments, the first drivers are constant current (LED) drivers 250.

[0118] The one or more (central) control units 230 is configured, as illustrated, to provide a control signal to the second drivers 220. In some embodiments, the control signal is a PWM (pulse width modulation) signal. The one or more (central) control units 230 is further connected to a network control element 260 and a lighting control element 270 to receive (and / or exchange) data. In some embodiments, the network control element 260 is a standardised network control element providing data communication according to a predetermined network protocol such as the Ethernet protocol. In some embodiments, the lighting control element 270 is a standardised or non-standardised element allowing for receipt (and / or exchange) of lighting control data such as DMX / DMX512.

[0119] The network control element 260 and a lighting control element 270 may, at least in some embodiments, to simultaneously receive (send) two data streams by the lighting device 100, which greatly increases flexibility when controlled and operating in environments where lighting and video (pixel) data is sent by two different external sources.

[0120] Consequently, control of both the first and the second light emitting elements 110, 120 can be managed internally by the one or more (central) control units 230 according, for example, to DMX512-A (ANSI El.11-2008), Streaming ACN (ANSI El.31-2016), Art-Net (data distribution protocol allowing DMX512 (DMX)) and RDM lighting data to be transported / received over an Ethernet network. In some embodiments, the lighting device 100 comprises two Ethernet ports and two DMX ports supporting daisy-chain connections with other lighting devices.

[0121] It is an advantage, that both drivers 220, 250 are powered from the same power supply 210 in order to simply installation.

[0122] In some embodiments, one or both of the first board 310 and / or the second board 320 comprises temperature sensors (optional and not shown) respectively providing data to the one or more (central) control units 230 for additional functionality / control.

[0123] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a lighting device.

[0124] Illustrated is one particular embodiment of a lighting device 100 as disclosed in relation to Figure 1 and otherwise as herein. In this particular embodiments, a housing or enclosure 130 of the lighting device 100 comprises one part containing the first and the second light emitting elements 110, 120 arranged in or behind a front opening or similar allowing the emitted light to exit the lighting device 100. Another part of the housing or enclosure 130 comprises a base or similar and the lighting device 100 may be configured to move the part containing the first and the second light emitting elements 110, 120 about a predetermined axis (preferably being an at least substantially horizontal axis) relative to the base part of the lighting device 100. By rotating that part of the housing about the (horizontal) axis, the light emitting elements will accordingly be rotated about the axis often referred to as a "tilt motion". In some embodiments, the lighting device 100 is configured to rotate at least 90° (or more) from 'straight ahead' to 'straight up' (or more). The base or a portion of the housing or enclosure 130 may e.g. be rested on a generally horizontal or planar surface and / or used to suspend the lighting device 100 from a fly system of a stage, etc. as generally known or to be received by lighting device receiving element or device as disclosed herein (see e.g. 300 elsewhere).

[0125] The front opening and / or the interior of the housing or enclosure 130 may e.g. be provided with colour filters, gobos, lenses or other optics in order to control or influence the emitted light beam as generally known.

[0126] Figure 4 schematically illustrate another perspective view of the lighting device of Figure 3.

[0127] Figure 4 simply illustrate the lighting device 100 of Figure 3 from another angle.

[0128] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a front view of lighting system comprising a number of lighting devices, each e.g. or preferably generally corresponding to the a lighting device illustrated in Figure 1, arranged in a lighting device receiving element as disclosed herein; and

[0129] Illustrated is a lighting system 200 comprising a single (as an example) lighting device receiving element 300 configured to (releasably) receive a plurality of lighting devices 100 as disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting device receiving element 300 is configured to receive and securely hold four (as an example) lighting devices 100 while maintaining (or substantially maintaining) the spac- ing / distance or "pitch" between the first light emitting elements 110 as illustrated by the imposed grid 500. The lighting device receiving element 300 is configured to maintain (or substantially maintain) the spacing / distance or "pitch" between the first light emitting elements 110 in one of the first / X direction and the second / Y direction or in both directions (as illustrated). The spacing / distance or "pitch" is maintained (or substantially maintained) for all the first light emitting elements 110 even across lighting devices 100. This is e.g. done by letting (using the designations of Figure 1) distances A and B be the same or substantially the same and by letting E and F be half or about half of A and B, respectively (taking into account any bezel or frame width of the housing and / or any expected or predetermined gap between neighbouring lighting devices 100 in the respective distance(s) X and / or Y). As mentioned it is a further advantage is C and D is equal or about equal to B and A (respectively) or that they are all equal or about equal.

[0130] In alternative embodiments, A and B are different and E is half or about half of A and F is half or about half of B (taking gap, frame, etc. into account as necessary). In such embodiments, A may be larger than B or B may be larger than A.

[0131] In further embodiments, the lighting device receiving element 300 is further configured to arrange the received lighting devices 100 so that a (first) plane of the first light emitting elements 110 is maintained (or substantially maintained) across lighting devices 100 and / or so that a (second) plane of the second light emitting elements 120 is maintained (or substantially maintained) across lighting devices 100. In some further embodiments, the first and the second plane are coinciding / sub- stantially coinciding.

[0132] In some further embodiments and as illustrated, the lighting device receiving element 300 further comprises one or more securing or engagement elements 510, 520 for (releasably) engaging or mating with another lighting device receiving element 300 at one or more of the four sides (left, right, up, down) and securing them together while still maintaining (or substantially maintaining) spacing / distance or "pitch" in one or both directions X, Y even across lighting device receiving elements 300.

[0133] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the lighting system of Figure 5.

[0134] Figure 6 simply illustrate the lighting system 200 of Figur 5 from another angle more clearly illustrating other parts of received lighting devices 100 and the lighting device receiving element 300.

[0135] Some preferred embodiments have been shown in the foregoing, but it should be stressed that the invention is not limited to these, but may be embodied in other ways within the subject matter defined in the claims.

[0136] In the claims enumerating several features, some or all of these features may be embodied by one and the same element, component or item. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims or described in different embodiments does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0137] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises / comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, elements, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components or groups thereof.

Claims

Claims1. A lighting device (100) configured for professional illumination, the lighting device (100) comprising a housing or enclosure (130) comprising- an opening or aperture (140),- a first plurality of first light emitting elements of a first predetermined type (110) and,- a second plurality of second light emitting elements of a second predetermined type (120), wherein- each of the first light emitting elements (110) is configured to emit light as a programmable pixel, and- the second light emitting elements (120) each or as a group is / are configured to emit light suitable for general or overall illumination.

2. The lighting device (100) according to claim 1, wherein- the first light emitting elements (110) are arranged in a first grid or according to a first substantially grid-like structure or arrangement, and / or- the second light emitting elements (120) are arranged in a second grid or according to a second substantially grid-like structure or arrangement.

3. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein- the first light emitting elements (110) are arranged equidistantly in a first planar configuration, and / or- the second light emitting elements (120) are arranged equidistantly in a second planar configuration.

4. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein- a light emitting element, e.g. or preferably each light emitting element, of the second plurality of light emitting elements (120) is located equidistantly to a predetermined first number, e.g. or preferably four, of light emitting elements of the first plurality of light emitting elements (110), and / or- a light emitting element, e.g. or preferably each light emitting element, of the first plurality of light emitting elements (110) is located equidistantly to a predetermined second number, e.g. or preferably four, of light emitting elements of the second plurality of light emitting elements (120).

5. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein- the light emitting elements (110) of the first plurality of light emitting elements are arranged equidistantly in a first direction (X) and / or in a second direction (Y), and / or- the light emitting elements (120) of the second plurality of light emitting elements are arranged equidistantly in a third direction (X), and / or in a fourth direction (Y).

6. The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 3 - 5, wherein the equidistant lengths (151, 152, 153, 154) are equal or substantially equal.

7. The lighting device (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the equidistant distance in the first direction (X) and / or the equidistant distance in the second direction (Y) is about 20 to about 60 millimetres, more preferably about 30 to about 50 millimetres, or even more preferably about 40 or about 42 millimetres.

8. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the light emitting elements of the first plurality of light emitting elements (110) are arranged in a plurality of equidistant columns in a / the first direction (X), a distance between two neighbouring columns being a predetermined first length (A, 151), and wherein a distance (E, 155) between at least one outermost column of the first light emitting elements (110) to an outermost edge of the housing is less than half or about half of the predetermined first length (A, 151).

9. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the light emitting elements of the first plurality of light emitting elements (110) are arranged in a plurality of equidistant rows in a / the second direction (Y), a distance between two neighbouring rows being a predetermined second length (B, 152), and wherein a distance (F, 156) between at least one outermost row of the first light emitting elements (110) to an outermost edge of the housing is less than half or about half of the predetermined second length (B, 152).

10. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein- the first plurality of light emitting elements (110) is arranged in or substantially in a first plane within the housing (130), and / or- the second plurality of light emitting elements (120) is arranged in or substantially in a second plane within the housing (130).

11. The lighting device (100) according to claim 10, wherein the first plane and the second plane are coinciding or substantially coinciding.

12. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the lighting device (100) is stackable or arrayable.

13. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein- a light output of the second light emitting elements (120) is about 15 to about 25 times higher than a light output of the first light emitting elements (110),- a spread angle of a, e.g. or preferably each, second light emitting element (120) is about 10 times smaller than a spread angle of a, e.g. or preferably each, first light emitting element (HO),- each of the first light emitting elements (110) is a quad full-colour LED pixel cluster comprising four colour LEDs, each colour LED comprising a red LED element / diode, a green LED ele- ment / diode, a blue LED element / diode, and e.g. a white colour LED,- the first light emitting elements (110) are or comprises colour changing LEDs,- the second light emitting elements (120) are or comprises colour changing LEDs,- each or some of the second light emitting elements (120) is or are about 260 to about 280, e.g. or preferably about 270, watt LED(s), and / or- the first light emitting elements (110) are unobstructed light emitting elements.

14. A lighting system (200) comprising one or more lighting device receiving elements (300), each lighting device receiving element (300) configured to receive a plurality of lighting devices (100), each or at least two or more according to any one of claim 1 - 13, wherein each lighting device receiving element (300) is configured to receive a plurality of lighting devices (100) so that- respective first distances between adjacent first light emitting elements (110) of neighbouring lighting devices (100) in a first direction (X) are the same, and / or- respective second distances between adjacent first light emitting elements (110) of neighbouring lighting devices (100) in a second direction (Y) are the same.

15. The lighting system (200) according to claim 14, wherein the first light emitting elements (110) of each lighting device (100) are arranged equidistantly in a first direction (X) and / or in a second direction (Y) and a distance between adjacent first light emitting elements (110) of neighbouring lighting devices (100) in the first direction (X) is equal to or about equal to the respective first distance(s), and / or a distance between adjacent first light emitting elements (110) of neighbouring lighting devices (100) in the second direction (Y) is equal to or about equal to the respective second distance(s).

16. The lighting system (200) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein- the light emitting elements (110) of all received lighting devices (100) are arranged in or substantially in a first plane, and / or- the light emitting elements (110) of all received lighting devices (100) are arranged in or substantially in a second plane within the housing (130).

17. The lighting system (200) according to claim 16, wherein the first plane and the second plane are coinciding or substantially coinciding.

18. The lighting system (200) according to any one of claims 14 - 16, wherein at least one lighting device receiving element (300) comprises one or more securing or engagement elements (510, 520) for engaging or mating with another lighting device receiving element (300) at one or more of its four sides.

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