Adaptive Surface Illumination for Architectural Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wall wash and grazing light fixtures have static light distributions that fail to adapt to surface imperfections, leading to undesirable variations in illumination, and lack the ability to compensate for architectural surface irregularities or intentionally enhance textural features.
Innovation Solution
A pixel controllable array of solid state light emitters with a controller to selectively adjust the output intensity of light emitters, allowing adaptive illumination of architectural surfaces by directing light at acute angles and capturing images to identify and adjust illumination regions, thereby compensating for surface imperfections or emphasizing textural features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional static light fixtures are used for wall washing or grazing, then the fixture structure is simple and installation is straightforward, but the light distribution cannot adapt to surface imperfections, creating undesirable variations in illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is divided into multiple independently controllable light sources (e.g., LED modules or individual LEDs) arranged in an array. Each light source can be controlled separately to adjust its intensity, allowing the system to adapt to surface imperfections by selectively illuminating different regions. This segmentation enables adaptive illumination without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The light fixture transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the intensity of each light source can be adjusted in real-time. This dynamic control allows the system to respond to surface variations by modifying light distribution patterns, compensating for imperfections through automated or manual intensity adjustments of individual light sources.
2Illumination intensity
If grazing light fixtures are used to emphasize surface texture, then textural features are highlighted, but surface imperfections create undesired light and dark regions
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the light fixture emit light with different intensities tailored to local surface characteristics. Light sources corresponding to areas with surface imperfections are adjusted to compensate for shadow effects, while regions with desirable texture maintain higher contrast. This localized control allows simultaneous emphasis of intended texture and compensation for imperfections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors or imaging devices that detect surface imperfections and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the intensity of individual light sources is automatically adjusted to compensate for detected imperfections, reducing undesired shadow effects while preserving intentional textural emphasis.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manually adjustable light fixtures are used, then some adaptation to surface conditions is possible, but the adjustment process is time-consuming and requires technician intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture incorporates automated detection and adjustment capabilities, allowing it to self-calibrate to surface conditions without requiring technician intervention. Sensors detect surface imperfections and the control system automatically adjusts light source intensities to optimize illumination, eliminating manual adjustment time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and adjustment during installation or initial setup, automatically characterizing the surface and pre-configuring light source intensities to compensate for detected imperfections. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustments later, as the system is already optimized for the specific surface conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables dynamic adjustment of light distribution to achieve uniformity or highlight surface features, improving the appearance of architectural surfaces by minimizing perceptible striations and emphasizing desired textures, thus enhancing the effectiveness of wall washing and grazing applications.
Implementation Method 1
The pixel controllable array of solid state light emitters is coupled to selectively emit light from emitters at pixels of the array through the optic toward different regions of the face of the architectural panel
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system or method adaptively illuminates a face of an architectural panel. An example illumination system includes an optic and a pixel controllable array of solid state light emitters. When installed, the optic is aimed with its optical axis at an acute angle relative to a face of the panel. The array is coupled to selectively emit light from emitters at pixels of the array through the optic toward different regions of the face of the architectural panel. A controller is coupled to control the individual light emitters, via a driver of the emitters. The controller controls the emitters of the array so as to selectively control output intensity of the light emitters when emitting light through the optic toward selected regions of the face of the architectural panel, so as to adaptively illuminate surface topology features of the face of the architectural panel.