Lighting device for controlling light distribution

Abstract

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for controlling light distribution. The systems and methods can utilize phase change materials to set or change a desired lighting distribution of a lighting device.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1LIGHTING DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING LIGHT DISTRIBUTIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 714,654, filed October 31, 2024, titled “LIGHTING DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING LIGHT DISTRIBUTION,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Optical lenses are used in many fields, including lighting, imaging, and displays. There is a growing need for more advanced lighting devices that allow for control over light distribution.SUMMARY

[0003] This disclosure relates to a lighting device that utilizes phase change materials to control light distribution and improve design. This disclosure allows for the precise, reliable and efficient setting (e.g., modification, customization, etc.) of a light distribution of a lighting device. In some examples, moving parts (e.g., moveable mechanical components) are not required to set the light distribution. The light distribution can be set in the factory or in the field.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. l is a schematic view of an example lighting device according to the present disclosure.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the example lighting device of FIG. 1.

[0006] FIG. 3 shows perspective views of the example lighting devices with different profiles.

[0007] FIG. 4 shows five types of light distributions capable of being provided by the example lighting device of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 5 shows different phase patterns of the example lighting device of FIG. 1 which correspond to the five types of light distributions in FIG. 4.

[0009] FIG. 6 is a perspective view and light distribution of the example lighting device of FIGS. 1-2, with a first phase pattern.Attorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1

[0010] FIG. 7 is a perspective view and light distribution of the example lighting device of FIGS. 1-2, with a second phase pattern.

[0011] FIG. 8 is a perspective view and light distribution of the example lighting device of FIGS. 1-2, with a third phase pattern.

[0012] FIG. 9 is a perspective view and light distribution of the example lighting device of FIGS. 1-2, with a fourth phase pattern.

[0013] FIG. 10 is a perspective view and light distribution of the example lighting device of FIGS. 1-2, with a fifth phase pattern.

[0014] FIG. 11 is a perspective view and light distribution of the example lighting device of FIGS. 1-2, with a sixth phase pattern.

[0015] FIG. 12 is a side view of an example lighting system suitable for being equipped with phase-change based light control in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the example lighting system of FIG. 12.

[0017] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the example lighting system in FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0018] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the example lighting device in FIG. 14, with the protective lens removed.

[0019] FIG. 16 is a schematic depiction of an example lighting device according to the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 17 is a schematic chart of an example Internet of Things with the lighting system of FIGS. 12-15.

[0021] FIG. 18 is a flow chart of an example method of operating the example lighting device according to the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an example lighting device 106 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the example lighting device 106Attorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example, the lighting device 106 includes a light source 500, a controller 600, a signal receiver 602 (optional), and a light transmissive element 400. The controller 600 receives signals wired or wirelessly through the signal receiver 602 and sends commands to the other components of the lighting device 106, such as the light source 500 and / or the light transmissive element 400.

[0024] The example light transmissive element 400 includes a substrate 402 and a light distribution modification structure 404. The example substrate 402 and light distribution modification structure 404 can be positioned adjacent to each other such that the light distribution modification structure 404 can be used to control (e.g., modify, set, customize, change, etc.) a light distribution output from the substrate 402. In some examples, the light distribution modification structure 404 can be coated on, bonded to or otherwise attached to the substrate 402. In some examples, the light distribution modification structure includes an active material such as a material capable of changing phases. The example substrate 402 can include a dielectric material and can be light transmissive. Example materials include glass or a polymeric material such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). In some embodiments, a material of the substrate 402 can be light transparent. In some examples, the substrate 402 is a lens. In some embodiments, the substrate 402 may have a light entrance side 412 and a light exit side 414. The light source 500 can be configured to emit light that is directed toward the light entrance side 412. The substrate 402 can have a light transmissive construction such that the light directed toward the light entrance side 412 by the light source 500 travels through the substrate 402 in a direction from the light entrance side 412 to the light exit side 414. In some embodiments, the substrate 402 the light distribution modification structure 404 provides a light control region for controlling a light output characteristic for different regions of the substrate 402. For example, the substrate 402 can have a first region 406 and a second region 407, and the light distribution modification structure 404 can be configured for allowing a light output characteristic of each of the regions 406, 407 to be selectively modified. In some embodiments, the example substrate 402 may have first, second, third and fourth regions 406, 407, 408, 409, and the light distribution modification structure 404 can be configured for allowing a light output characteristic of each of the regions 406, 407, 408, 409 to be selectively independently modified. In some embodiments, the area and / or the shape of the first, second, third and fourth regions 406, 407, 408, 409 can be the same. In some embodiments, the first, second, third and fourth regions 406, 407, 408, 409 can be quadrants.Attorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1In some embodiments, the substrate 402 can be curved. In some embodiments, the substrate 402 can be dome-shaped.

[0025] The light distribution modification structure 404 can include an active material which can modify the light transmission through the light exit side 414 of the substrate 402. For example, the structure 404 can modify the light output (e.g., flux) from each of the regions 406, 407, 408, 409 for a given light input (e.g., flux) from the light source 500. In some embodiments, the structure 404 can be a coating on the light exit side 414 of the substrate 402. In some embodiments, the structure 404 can be a coating on the light entrance side 412 of the substrate 402. In some embodiments, the structure 404 can include first, second, third and fourth layers 416, 417, 418, 419 respectively corresponding to (e.g., provided on) the first and second regions 406, 407, 408, 409 of the substrate 402. In some examples, the layers 416-419 can be electrically isolated from each other. The layers 416- 419 each can include a phase change material configured to transition between a first phase and a second phase. The phase change material can be more light transmissible when in the second phase as compared to the first phase, and the layers 416-419 can be independently set in either the first phase or second phase to allow the lighting device to provide different lighting distributions. Thus, the lighting device of FIGS. 1-2 can be widely used for a variety of different lighting applications by providing different lighting distributions.

[0026] An example thickness of the layers 416-419 can be 500 micrometers (um), or in the range of 200-700 um, or in the range of 300-600 um, or in the range of 400-600 um. Thinner and thicker thicknesses of the layers are also acceptable, based primarily on the desired light distributions of the lighting device, and decreasing the layer thickness will improve the output flux of the lighting device. In some embodiments, the thickness of all layers can be the same. In some embodiments, the thickness of one or more layers can be different from the other layers.

[0027] In some embodiments, the substrate 402 can have dielectric construction, and the layers 416-419 can be electrically isolated from each other. In some embodiments, the layers 416-419 can be electrically isolated from each other, and the layers 416-419 can be heated by applying electricity to each of the layers 416-419. In some embodiments, the layers 416-419 can have a composition including a phase change material. In some embodiments, the layers 416-419 can all include a phase change material of the same composition, or alternatively one or more of the layers can have phase change materials of different compositions. In some embodiments, gaps are provided between the different the structure 404. The gaps areAttorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1 preferably sufficient to provide isolation between the layers 416-419 and small enough to not negatively affect the light distribution of the lighting device.

[0028] Phase change materials (PCM) can be capable of possessing two or more distinct structural characteristics and can undergo structural transitions when exposed to a stimuli, such as a thermal, electrical, or optical stimuli. These structural transformations lead to changes in the material’s optical, electrical, and thermal properties. Examples of PCM include Vanadium dioxide (VO2), Germanium -Antimony-Tellurium (Ge-Sb-Te or GST), and Germanium-Antimony-Selenium-Tellurium (Ge-Sb-Se-Te or GSST). These examples have an amorphous state (shown as A or A-GST) and a crystalline state (shown as C or C-GST), and can transition between the states based on temperature. In some embodiments, the second phase can be an amorphous state, and the first phase can be a crystalline state. PCM are classified into two categories: volatile PCM, where the material reverts to its original state once the stimuli are removed, and non-volatile PCM, where the material remains in its transitioned state even after the stimuli are withdrawn. In these embodiments, the phase change materials can be non-volatile PCM, that is, the phase pattern of the lighting device will remain set after application of a stimuli (e.g., expose to a temperature at or above a transition temperature of the material). For example, when temperature of the non-volatile PCM rises above a certain temperature, e.g., 220°C, the material undergoes a phase transition. The transition between the amorphous and crystalline states may occur within a temperature range of 150°C to 300°C.This transformation alters its structural properties and remains stable in the new phase even after the temperature drops, due to the PCM’s nonvolatile nature.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the material transitions between an amorphous state (shown as A or A-GST) and a crystalline state (shown as C or C-GST), resulting in altered optical behavior. The lighting device described herein can use electrically isolated PCM layers to control the passage of light emitted from a light source. These layers with PCM can undergo phase transitions between an amorphous state and a crystalline state. For example, PCM is more light transmissible when in the amorphous phase as compared to the crystalline phase, and the first and second layers can be independently set in either the first phase or second phase to provide different lighting distributions. The light transmission can be controlled by a temperature change, which can be managed by a controller. The controller and its controlling process will be further discussed in the description of FIG. 16. The example electronic controller 600 can set the phases of the layers 416-419, wherein theAttorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1 controller includes a receiver 602 for receiving a wire-less signal from a remote device, wherein the remote device can be used to wirelessly set the lighting distribution of the lighting device 106. In certain embodiments, the phases of the layers 416-419 can be changed by selective resistive heating of the layers first and second layers 416-419 controlled by the controller 600.

[0030] The substrate may be divided into more or fewer regions by providing more or fewer layers. Layers may be arranged in the lighting device as needed, as the more layers are adopted, the more light distributions can be implemented by the lighting device. In the depicted example, the lighting device is capable of providing five different types of light distributions. A light distribution pattern can be set when the lighting device is in the factory (e.g., to customize the device to meet a customer demand), and can be set or changed by a technician or user in the field.

[0031] The example light source 500 can include one light generating element (e.g., one light emitting diode) or a plurality of light generating elements (e.g., a plurality of light emitting diodes). The light source 500 can include one or more light generating elements that provide light to the substrate as a whole, or can include one or more light generating elements dedicated to each of the regions of the substrate. An example input flux from the light source can be 280 lumens, but other input fluxes can be used as well. The input flux can be implemented by a single light emitting diode, or by a collection of light emitting diodes.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows perspective views of example lighting devices with different light transmissive elements that can be used in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the light transmissive elements have different profiles. By way of example, a light transmissive element of the lighting device 106 can be flat, a light transmissive element of the lighting device 106 can be freeform, and a light transmissive element of the lighting device 106 can be dome. Furthermore, a light transmissive element can be coupled to multiple light generating elements, or each light transmissive element can be coupled to one corresponding light generating element, or multiple light transmitting elements can share one light source.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows five types of light distributions of the example lighting device. The light distributions of the lighting device include Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV, or Type V light distributions. The types of light distributions can be as defined by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), now the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), at the time of this filing. Generally, the light distributions areAttorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1 defined by the manner in which light is emitted and dispersed by a light source within its surrounding environment. These light distribution types represent the distribution pattern that light will have when exiting the lighting device. Type I offers a narrow, symmetric distribution suitable for paths or walkways, providing equal light on both sides of the fixture. Type II extends this slightly, covering wider walkways and smaller roads, distributing light in an elongated oval shape. Type III is commonly used for larger areas, such as parking lots, with a wider, forward-throw distribution to illuminate larger spaces efficiently. Type IV offers an asymmetric distribution, casting light primarily forward and to the sides, making it ideal for illuminating the perimeter of buildings. Finally, Type V delivers a circular, even distribution, providing 360-degree coverage for open areas like intersections and large parking zones. As defined by IES, light distribution refers to the pattern or manner in which light is emitted from a source and dispersed in the surrounding environment. However, to implement the five types of light distributions with the example lighting device without active materials or phase change materials, at least five types of separate lenses are necessary.

[0034] FIG. 5 shows phase patterns of the example lighting device with the five types of light distributions in FIG. 4. In these examples, one lighting device 106 can be customized by employing a light distribution control structure including a phase change to achieve Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV, or Type V light distributions. By selectively setting the phase of each of the layers, the lighting device can be selectively set to a Type I lighting distribution, and can be set to a Type II lighting distribution, and can be set to a Type III lighting distribution, and can be set to a Type IV lighting distribution and can be set to a Type V lighting distribution. In the depicted example, the lighting device has four light output regions with the light output characteristic of each region being affected by a separate layer of phase change material. As illustrated in FIG. 5, by selecting the phase of the phase change material of each region between the amorphous (A) and crystalline (C) states, and the corresponding distribution pattern that light will have when exiting the lighting device can be varied. Thus, various types of light distributions can be achieved in the example lighting device. These example phase patterns are described in detail in the description of FIGS. 6-11.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a perspective view and light distribution of the example lighting device 106 of FIGS. 1-2, with a first phase pattern. In this phase pattern, all of phase change materials of the corresponding first, second, third and fourth layers 416, 417, 418, 419 are set in an amorphous state (A-GST). The example phase pattern is shown in the light distribution schematic in FIG. 6. A lighter / pink color located in the middle of the light distributionAttorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1 schematic represents higher transmittance at the center of the lighting device, while a darker / blue color located at the edges of the light distribution schematic represents lower transmittance away from the center of the lighting device. This phase pattern can be capable of enabling a Type V light distribution of the lighting device. In this light distribution type, while an example input flux from the light source can be 280 lumens, an output flux of the lighting device can be 104.24 lumens.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective view and light distribution of the example lighting device 106 of FIGS. 1-2, with a second phase pattern. In this phase pattern, all of the phase change materials of the corresponding first, second, third and fourth layers 416, 417, 418, 419 are set in a crystalline state (C-GST). The example phase pattern is shown in the light distribution schematic in FIG. 7. The lighter / pink color located in the middle of the light distribution schematic represents higher transmittance at the center of the lighting device, while the darker / blue color located at the edges of the light distribution schematic represents lower transmittance away from the center of the lighting device. This phase pattern can be capable of enabling a Type V light distribution of the lighting device. In this light distribution type, while an example input flux from the light source can be 280 lumens, an output flux of the lighting device can be 37.905 lumens.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a perspective view and light distribution of the example lighting device 106 of FIGS. 1-2, with a third phase pattern. In this phase pattern, both of phase change materials of the corresponding first and third layers 416, 418 are set in a crystalline state (C- GST), while both of the phase change materials of the corresponding second and fourth layers 417, 419 are set in an amorphous state (A-GST). The example phase pattern is shown in the light distribution schematic in FIG. 8. The lighter / pink color located at the right of the light distribution schematic represents higher transmittance at the right side of the lighting device, while the darker / blue color located at the left of the light distribution schematic represents lower transmittance at the left side of the lighting device. This phase pattern can be capable of enabling a Type III light distribution of the lighting device. In this light distribution type, while an example input flux from the light source can be 280 lumens, an output flux of the lighting device can be 71.132 lumens.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a perspective view and light distribution of the example lighting device 106 of FIGS. 1-2, with a fourth phase pattern. In this phase pattern, both of the phase change materials of the corresponding first and fourth layers 416, 419 are set in a crystalline state (C- GST), while both of the phase change materials of the corresponding second and third layersAttorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1417, 418 are set in an amorphous state (A-GST). The example phase pattern is shown in the light distribution schematic in FIG. 9. The lighter / pink color located at the right top and left bottom of the light distribution schematic represents higher transmittance at the corresponding regions of the lighting device, while the darker / blue color located at the left top and right bottom of the light distribution schematic represents lower transmittance at the corresponding regions of the lighting device. This phase pattern can be capable of enabling a Type I or II light distribution of the lighting device. In this light distribution type, while an example input flux from the light source can be 280 lumens, an output flux of the lighting device can be 71.132 lumens.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a perspective view and light distribution of the example lighting device 106 in FIGS. 1-2, with a fifth phase pattern. In this phase pattern, all of the phase change materials of the corresponding first, second and third layers 416, 417, 418 are set in an amorphous state (A-GST), while only the phase change material of the corresponding fourth layer 419 is set in a crystalline state (C-GST). The example phase pattern is shown in the light distribution schematic in FIG. 10. The lighter / pink color located at the left top, right top and left bottom of the light distribution schematic represents higher transmittance at the corresponding regions of the lighting device, while the darker / blue color located at the left bottom of the light distribution schematic represents lower transmittance at the corresponding region of the lighting device. This phase pattern can be capable of enabling a Type IV light distribution of the lighting device. In this light distribution type, while an example input flux from the light source can be 280 lumens, an output flux of the lighting device can be 87.429 lumens.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a perspective view and light distribution of the example lighting device 106 of FIGS. 1-2, with a sixth phase pattern. In this phase pattern, all of the phase change materials of the corresponding first, second and third layers 416, 417, 418 are set in a crystalline state, while only the phase change material of the corresponding fourth layer 419 is set in an amorphous state. The example phase pattern is shown in the light distribution schematic in FIG. 11. The lighter / pink color located at the left bottom of the light distribution schematic represents higher transmittance at the corresponding region of the lighting device, while the darker / blue color located at the left top, right top and left bottom of the light distribution schematic represents lower transmittance at the corresponding regions of the lighting device. This phase pattern can be capable of enabling a Type III light distribution ofAttorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1 the lighting device. In this light distribution type, while an example input flux from the light source can be 280 lumens, an output flux of the lighting device can be 54.718 lumens.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a side view of an example lighting system 100 which can incorporate aspects of the present disclosure to allow the lighting system 100 to be capable of providing different lighting distributions such as the different lighting distributions described above. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the example lighting system 100 of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the example lighting system 100 in FIGS. 12 and 13. The lighting system 100 can include a baseplate 118, a retainer ring 120, and a LED sub-assembly 122. The LED sub-assembly 122 can include a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 124. An optical structure 126 (e.g., a light transmissive substrate) can be positioned adjacent (e.g., fastened to) the PCBA 124. The PCBA can include one or more light emitting diodes 127 (LEDs). The PCBA 124 can support or be connected to one or more controllers for the system. The optical structure 126 can include lenses 128 each corresponding to one or more of the LED’s.

[0042] The baseplate 118 includes an outer surface 132 that may be covered by a thermal pad 134. Adhesive on the thermal pad 134 glues the thermal pad 134 to the outside surface 132 of the baseplate 118. The optical structure 126 and the PCBA 124 can be fastened together to the baseplate 118 with a plurality of screws 136 to fix the optics 126 relative within the lighting device 106.

[0043] A first gasket 138 may be disposed in a groove 140 in the outer surface 132 of the baseplate 118. The first gasket 138 may be pressed into the groove 140 to create an environmental seal with a back side of an outer flange 145 of a protective lens 146 (e.g., a light transmissive substrate) when the retainer ring 120 can be attached to the baseplate 118. The retainer ring 120 can be attached to the baseplate 118 via one or more screws 144 with a second gasket 142 located between the retainer ring 120 and a front side of the outer flange 145 of the lens 146. The first and second gaskets 138, 142 can provide a seal as shown in FIG. 3 A that provides suitable ingress protection against solids and liquids (i.e., intrusion of dust, dirt, accidental contact, and water) into a compartment defined by the protective lens 146.

[0044] The lens 146 may be made of any at least partially transparent or translucent material, including glass and hard plastics, so as to enable light to be emitted from the light system 100. The lens 146 may also provide a protective barrier for the interior optical components from moisture or inclement weather. The retainer ring 120 can be configured toAttorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1 secure together all the components of the system 100. The one or more screws 144 mount the retainer ring 120 to the baseplate 118 to form the lighting device 106 as a fixed unit.

[0045] In the illustrated example of FIG. 12, the lighting system 100 includes a driver compartment 102, a housing 104, a plurality of fins 108, and a mounting base 110. In certain examples, the light system 100 can be mounted to a ceiling, a wall, or other structure via a mounting bracket. The driver compartment 102 can be configured to house a driver that can include a power supply and enable operation thereof. The housing 104 can be coupled to the driver compartment 102 to be fixed thereto. The lighting system 100 includes at least one light source (e.g., LED’s) and substrates (e.g., optical structure 126 and lens 146) through which light is transmitted. Any heat generated by the lighting device 106 can be drawn into the plurality of fins 108 to disperse the heat. The mounting base 110 provides a mounting platform for the lighting device 106.

[0046] It will be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure can be applied to the lighting system 100 of FIGS. 12-15 to allow the lighting system 100 to be selectively customized to provide a variety of different lighting distributions (e.g., Type I, Type II., Type III, Type IV and Type V lighting distributions. For example, the light distribution modification structure 404 of the lighting device 106 can be incorporated on the lens 146 to divide the lens 146 into four different light transmission regions (e.g., regions 406-409) each having changeable light transmission characteristics. Alternatively, phase-change material layers of the type described above can be incorporated on the lenses 128 of the optical structure 126 to allow the light transmission characteristics of the lenses to be selectively changed. The one layer of phase change material can be provided one each lenses 128 to allow the light transmission characteristic or each lens to be modified as a whole (so that each lenses 128 functions as one light transmission region), or multiple isolated layers can be provided on one or more of the lenses 128 layers so that such lenses can function as multiple light transmission regions. The lighting system can incorporate a light distribution modification structure on the lens 146, or on the lenses 128, or on both. The system can include a controller for setting the phases of the phase change layers corresponding to each of the light transmission region. The controller can interface with a receiver 602 for wirelessly receiving commands for setting the system a desired light distribution pattern.

[0047] FIG. 16 is a schematic depiction of the example lighting device 106 according to the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the lighting device 106 includes layers 416- 419, a temperature sensor 460, a power source 480, light source 500, controller 600, signalAttorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1 receiver 602 (optional), and a storage device 700 (which may include one or more non- transitory computer-readable storage device.) In certain examples, at least one of the phases of the first, second, third, and fourth layers 416, 417, 418, 419 can be controlled by the controller 600. The temperature sensor 460 can detect the temperature of at least one of the phase change materials of the corresponding first, second, third, and fourth layers 416, 417, 418, 419. The power source 480 is configured, as dictated by the controller, to provide electricity to the first, second, third, and fourth layers 416, 417, 418, 419. The example controller 600 can control electrical power (e.g., electrical current / voltage) from the power source selectively to the first, second, third, and fourth layers 416, 417, 418, 419 to cause a transition between the first and second phases. This can allow layers to change between amorphous and crystalline states to adjust the light distribution of the lighting device 106. The light source 500 is configured to emit light, which can be eventually directed to the substrate and layer of the lighting device 106. The controller 600 receives signals wired or wirelessly through the signal receiver 602 and sends commands to the other components of the lighting device 106. For example, the controller 600 can include a user interface for selecting whether each of the materials are in the first or second phase so as to control / set the phase of each layer of the plurality of layers. An example electronic controller 600 with a user interface can include a remote interface that communicates with the controller 600 via wireless transmission. Alternatively, the user interface can be a local interface provided on the lighting device 106. The storage device 700 can be a non-transitory computer-readable storage device storing data instructions that, when executed by at least one processing device of a system, cause the system to perform certain operations.

[0048] The example power source 480 can be designed to individually provide electricity to the phase change materials which form the corresponding layers of a lighting device 106. By inducing a phase change via heating caused by electrical input, the transparency of the phase change materials of the corresponding first, second, third, and fourth layers 416, 417, 418, 419 can be controlled. The example power source 480 enables the targeted phase change materials in each layer to transition between amorphous and crystalline states. By selectively providing electricity and heating each layer, the example power source 480 can alter the phase pattern of the entire lighting device, effectively changing its optical properties based on the state of the phase change materials in each layer.

[0049] The representatively shown temperature sensor 460 and, desirably, a plurality of temperature sensors 460 throughout the layers of the lighting device 106 as needed senseAttorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1 and / or measure the temperature of each of the first, second, third, and fourth layers 416, 417, 418, 419. The number and location of the temperature sensors 460 may vary depending on the needs and materials and / or configuration of the lighting device 106. The example temperature sensor 460 can be integrated into the corresponding layers and detect the internal temperature of the layers. In other embodiments, the example temperature sensor 460 can be attached to the layers and sense the ambient temperature of the layers. The temperature sensor 460 can be connected to the controller 600 and provide feedback to the controller 600.

[0050] The example light source 500 allows for flexible operation based on the desired lighting conditions. The light source 500 can be controlled by the controller 600. When activated, the controller 600 can command the light source 500 to emit light, providing illumination as needed. Conversely, the controller 600 can also instruct the light source 500 to shut down, effectively stopping the emission of light. The light source 500 can include LED, incandescent bulb, or fluorescent bulb.

[0051] The controller 600 can be used to implement aspects of the present disclosure The controller 600 can be used to execute the operating system, application programs, and software modules of the lighting device. The controller 600 includes, in some embodiments, at least one processing device, such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0052] The example storage device 700 and its associated computer readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions (including application programs and program modules), data structures, and other data for controller 600. In some implementations, storage device 700 includes a non-transitory computer readable medium. The storage device 700 can be connected to the controller 600 by a storage interface.

[0053] FIG. 17 is a schematic depiction of an example Internet of Things 10 with lighting systems 100 which incorporate changeable / customizable light distributions . In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of lighting systems 100 are provided. At least one of the plurality of lighting systems 100 receives instructions indicating a desired light distribution and control the light distribution by varying the phases of the PCMs of each of its layers. The loT-based base station 22 can be in communication with the plurality of lighting systems 100 and a management server 20. The management server 20 may provide instructions to the loT- base station 22, and the loT-base station 22 transmits the instructions to the signal receiver of the plurality of lighting systems 100. In some embodiments, while there are no management server 20 provided or the management server 20 are intentionally or accidentally shutdown, each of the plurality of lighting systems 100 automatically transmits and receivesAttorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1 security light information between each other via the loT-based network technology. In some embodiments, an example loT-base station 22 monitors and controls each of the plurality of lighting systems 100 using wired network or remotely monitors and controls the plurality of lighting systems 100 using a wireless network. Additionally, other kinds of loT- capable devices 24 may be also installed. In some embodiments, the loT-capable devices 24 might include one or more loT-capable sensors and / or might further include, without limitation, a desktop computer , a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a portable gaming device, a database or data storage device, a network access point (“NAP”), a television or monitor, a set-top box (“STB”), a gaming console, an image capture device, a video capture device, a time piece (including, without limitation, a clock, a watch, or other time piece, and the like), a thermostat or environmental control system.

[0054] The lighting systems depicted in FIGS. 12-16 can be effectively utilized in Internet of Things (loT) applications. These systems, with their adaptive optical properties, can be integrated into loT devices to manage and control light distribution, or sensing functions. By incorporating phase change materials (PCMs), the lighting systems can adjust their optical states based on environmental stimuli, making them suitable for smart lighting within loT ecosystems. Their ability to provide efficient, and precise control over optical behavior makes them valuable for enhancing energy efficiency and adaptability.

[0055] FIG. 18 is a flow chart of an example method of operating a lighting device 106 according to the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the method 800 of operating a lighting device 106 includes a step 810 of receiving a signal (e.g., a wireless signal) indicating a desired light distribution of the lighting device, a step 820 of determining, based on the signal, first and second phases of first and second phase change material layers of the lighting device, the first phase of each of the first and second phase change material layers can be less light transmissive than the second phase of each of the phase change material layers, and a step 830 of setting, based on the determined phases, at least one of the first and second phase change material layers in the first or second phase to achieve the desired light distribution.

[0056] In some embodiments, the method 800 of operating a lighting device can further include a step 840 of receiving, by the controller, a feedback indicating a updated light distribution of the lighting device. After completing step 840, the method 800 may return to step 830, which involves changing the temperature of at least one of the first and second layers, based on feedback. For example, if the light distribution of the lighting device doesAttorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1 not match a desired distribution, the heater can reheat at least one of the first and second layers, causing a phase change in the phase change materials in at least one of those layers. This phase change alters the optical properties of the device to adjust the light distribution accordingly. On the other hand, if the light distribution of the lighting device is already aligned with the desired outcome, no further action is required, and the heater can either be turned off or remain inactive, preserving energy and maintaining the current phase of the layers. This feedback-driven control ensures precise and adaptive light management in the lighting device.

[0057] In some embodiments, the signal indicating the light distribution of the lighting device in step 810 may be sent by an external computing device, or preset in a storage device of the optic system. In example step 820, a controller determine first and second phases of respective phase change materials based on the signal, the phase change materials forming respective first and second layers, the first and second layers being electrically isolated and respectively attached to first and second regions of a substrate of the lighting device. In example step 830, a temperature of the first and second layers can be changed by a heater based on the determined phases of phase change materials. In example step 840, the feedback indicating a updated light distribution of the lighting device can be generated manually or automatically by an external optical testing device. In example step 840, the feedback indicating a updated light distribution of the lighting device can be generated by a temperature sensor, as the phases of the of respective phase change materials of the first and second layers can be determined by the detected temperature of the lighting device.

[0058] In some embodiments, the desired light distribution can be selectable from a Type I light distribution, a Type II light distribution, a Type III light distribution, a Type IV light distribution and a Type V light distribution. In some embodiments, the layers are changed between the first and second phases by heating the layers. In some embodiments, the first and second phase change material layers have the same material composition.

[0059] The methods are, optionally, governed by instructions that are stored in a computer memory or non-transitory computer readable storage device (e.g., storage device 700 of the lighting device 106) and that are executed by one or more processors of one or more computer systems of a digital assistant system, including, but not limited to, the controller 600.

[0060] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the artAttorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1 will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.

[0061] Examples of the disclosure may be described according to the following aspects.

[0062] Aspect 1. A lighting device, comprising:

[0063] a light source;

[0064] a substrate having a light entrance side and a light exit side, the light source being configured to emit light that is directed toward the light entrance side, the substrate having a light transmissive construction such that the light directed toward the light entrance side by the light source travels through the substrate in a direction from the light entrance side to the light exit side, the substrate having a first region and a second region;

[0065] a first layer corresponding to the first region of the substrate and a second layer corresponding to the second region of the substrate; and

[0066] the first and second layers each including a phase change material configured to transition between a first phase and a second phase, wherein the phase change material is more light transmissible when in the second phase as compared to the first phase, wherein the first and second layers can be independently set in either the first phase or second phase to allow the lighting device to provide different lighting distributions.

[0067] Aspect 2. The lighting device of aspect 1, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

[0068] Aspect 3. The lighting device of aspect 2, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes includes a first light emitting diode corresponding to the first region and a second light emitting diode corresponding to the second region.

[0069] Aspect 4. The lighting device of aspect 1, wherein the substrate has a dielectric construction, and wherein the first and second layers are electrically isolated from each other.

[0070] Aspect 5. The lighting device of aspect 1, further comprising an electronic controller with a user interface configured to select whether each of the first and second layers is in the first or second phase, wherein the user interface is a remote interface that communicates with the controller via wireless transmission, or a local interface provided on the lighting device.

[0071] Aspect 6. The lighting device of aspect 1, wherein the second phase is an amorphous state and the first phase is a crystalline state.Attorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1

[0072] Aspect 7. The lighting device of aspect 6, wherein a transition between the amorphous and crystalline states occurs within a temperature range of 150°C to 300°C.

[0073] Aspect 8. The lighting device of aspect 5, wherein the controller is configured to control heating of the first and second layers to cause a transition between the first and second phases.

[0074] Aspect 9. The lighting device of aspect 8, wherein the first and second layers are electrically isolated from each other, and wherein the first and second layers are heated by applying electricity to the respective layers.

[0075] Aspect 10. The lighting device of aspect 1, wherein the phase change material comprises Vanadium dioxide, Germanium- Antimony-Tellurium, or Germanium-Antimony- Selenium-Tellurium.

[0076] Aspect 11. The lighting device of aspect 1, wherein the substrate further includes a third region and a fourth region, and wherein the lighting device further includes a third layer corresponding to the third region and a fourth layer corresponding to the fourth region, the third and fourth layers each including the phase change material.

[0077] Aspect 12. The lighting device of aspect 1 or aspect 11, wherein by selectively setting the phase of each of the layers, the lighting device can be set to a Type I lighting distribution, and can be set to a Type II lighting distribution, and can be set to a Type III lighting distribution, and can be set to a Type IV lighting distribution and can be set to a Type V lighting distribution.

[0078] Aspect 13. The lighting device of aspect 11 or aspect 12, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth regions correspond to quadrants of the substrate.

[0079] Aspect 14. The lighting device of aspect 13, wherein the substrate is curved.

[0080] Aspect 15. The lighting device of aspect 13, wherein the substrate is domeshaped.

[0081] Aspect 16. The lighting device of aspect 1, further comprising an electronic controller configured to set the phases of the first and second layers, the controller including a receiver for receiving a wireless signal from a remote device, wherein the remote device is configured to wirelessly set the lighting distribution of the lighting device.

[0082] Aspect 17. The lighting device of aspect 16, wherein the phases of the first and second layers are changed by selective resistive heating of the layers controlled by the controller.Attorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1

[0083] Aspect 18. The lighting device of aspect 1, aspect 11, or aspect 12, wherein the light source includes a plurality of light emitting diodes supported on a circuit board, and wherein the first and second regions include separate lenses defined by the substrate in front of separate ones of the light emitting diodes or in front of separate sets of the light emitting diodes.

[0084] Aspect 19. A method of setting a light distribution of a lighting device, the method comprising:

[0085] receiving a signal indicating a desired light distribution of the lighting device;

[0086] determining, based on the signal, first and second phases of first and second phase change material layers of the lighting device, wherein the first phase of each of the first and second phase change material layers is less light transmissive than the second phase of each of the phase change material layers; and

[0087] setting, based on the determined phases, at least one of the first and second phase change material layers in the first or second phase to achieve the desired light distribution.

[0088] Aspect 20. The method of aspect 19, wherein the desired light distribution is selectable from a Type I light distribution, a Type II light distribution, a Type III light distribution, a Type IV light distribution and a Type V light distribution.

[0089] Aspect 21. The method of aspect 19 or aspect 20, wherein the first and second phase change material layers are changed between the first and second phases by heating the layers.

[0090] Aspect 22. The method of aspect 19, wherein the first and second phase change material layers have the same material composition.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU1WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A lighting device, comprising: a light source; a substrate having a light entrance side and a light exit side, the light source being configured to emit light that is directed toward the light entrance side, the substrate having a light transmissive construction such that the light directed toward the light entrance side by the light source travels through the substrate in a direction from the light entrance side to the light exit side, the substrate having a first region and a second region; a first layer corresponding to the first region of the substrate and a second layer corresponding to the second region of the substrate; and the first and second layers each including a phase change material configured to transition between a first phase and a second phase, wherein the phase change material is more light transmissible when in the second phase as compared to the first phase, wherein the first and second layers can be independently set in either the first phase or second phase to allow the lighting device to provide different lighting distributions.

2. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the light source includes a plurality of light emitting diodes.

3. The lighting device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes includes a first light emitting diode corresponding to the first region and a second light emitting diode corresponding to the second region.

4. The lighting device of any of claims 1-3, wherein the substrate has dielectric construction and wherein the first and second layers are electrically isolated from each other.

5. The lighting device of any of claims 1-4, further comprising an electronic controller with a user interface for selecting whether each of the first and second layers is in the first or second phase, wherein the user interface is a remote interface that communicates with the controller via wireless transmission, or wherein the user interface is a local interface provided on the lighting device.Attorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU16. The lighting device of any of claims 1-5, wherein the second phase is an amorphous state, and the first phase is a crystalline state.

7. The lighting device of claim 6, wherein a transition between the amorphous and crystalline states occurs within a temperature range of 150°C to 300°C.

8. The lighting device of claim 5, wherein the controller controls heating of the first and second layers to cause a transition between the first and second phases.

9. The lighting device of claim 8, wherein the first and second layers are electrically isolated from each other, and wherein the first and second layers are heated by applying electricity to the first and second layers.

10. The lighting device of any of claims 1-9, wherein the phase change material includes Vanadium dioxide, Germanium- Antimony-Tellurium, or Germanium-Antimony-Selenium- Tellurium.

11. The lighting device of any of claims 1-10, wherein the substrate includes a third region and a fourth region, wherein the lighting device also includes a third layer corresponding to the third region of the substrate and a fourth layer corresponding to the fourth region of the substrate, and wherein the third and fourth layers each include the phase change material.

12. The lighting device of any of claims 1-11, wherein by selectively setting the phase of each of the layers, the lighting device can be set to a Type I lighting distribution, and can be set to a Type II lighting distribution, and can be set to a Type III lighting distribution, and can be set to a Type IV lighting distribution and can be set to a Type V lighting distribution.

13. The lighting device of any of claims 11-12, wherein the first region, second region, third region and fourth region correspond to quadrants of the substrate.

14. The lighting device of claim 13, wherein the substrate is curved.Attorney Docket No. 15720.1165WOU115. The lighting device of claim 13, wherein the substrate is dome-shaped.

16. The lighting device of any of claims 1-15, further comprising an electronic controller for setting the phases of the first and second layers, wherein the controller includes a receiver for receiving a wire-less signal from a remote device, wherein the remote device can be used to wirelessly set the lighting distribution of the lighting device.

17. The lighting device of claim 16, wherein the phases are changed by selective resistive heating of the layers controlled by the controller.

18. The lighting device of any of claims 1-17, wherein the light source includes a plurality of light emitting diodes supported on a circuit board, wherein the first and second regions include separate lenses defined by the substrate in front of separate ones of the light emitting diodes or in front of separate sets of the light emitting diodes.

19. A method of setting a light distribution of a lighting device, the method comprising: receiving a signal indicating a desired light distribution of the lighting device; determining, based on the signal, first and second phases of first and second phase change material layers of the lighting device, wherein the first phase of each of the first and second phase change material layers is less light transmissive than the second phase of each of the phase change material layers; and setting, based on the determined phases, at least one of the first and second phase change material layers in the first or second phase to achieve the desired light distribution.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the desired light distribution is selectable from a Type I light distribution, a Type II light distribution, a Type III light distribution, a Type IV light distribution and a Type V light distribution.

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