Artificial Window Lighting System with Transparent Pane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial skylight devices fail to provide a realistic sensation of a real window or skylight due to blurred and smeared-out reflections from backlit sidewalls, which reduce the sense of depth and illusion of a sun position, and existing solutions either weaken the 'sun' intensity, increase device depth, or compromise realism.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system with a clear and transparent pane between the recessed panel and sidewalls, combined with a homogenous diffuse lit surface and a viewing angle limiting frame, which restricts direct line of view and uses a specular Fresnel reflective pane to enhance depth perception and realism, along with side wall lighting to replicate natural daylight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If backlit sidewalls are used to provide visual cues, then the position of the sun can be indicated, but blurred and smeared-out reflections appear at the diffuse surface of the recessed panel, reducing the sense of depth
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent pane is introduced as an intermediary element between the backlit sidewalls and the recessed panel. This pane acts as a mediator that allows the visualization of the sun position through refraction and reflection while preventing the blurred reflections from reaching the diffuse surface of the recessed panel, thus preserving the sense of depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The sidewall structure is segmented into multiple portions with different lighting characteristics. The first sidewall portion is backlit to indicate sun position, while the second sidewall portion remains unlit or differently lit. This segmentation allows the system to provide sun position information while controlling the reflection patterns to maintain depth perception.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the light intensity of backlight portions is decreased to reduce negative impact, then reflections are reduced, but the intensity of the artificial sun becomes so weak that the realistic illusion collapses
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the sidewall are assigned different lighting qualities. The first sidewall portion (facing the sun position) is brightly backlit to maintain the artificial sun's intensity and realistic illusion, while the second sidewall portion has reduced or no backlighting to minimize harmful reflections. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of both goals.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the vertical distance between the first wall portion and the recessed light area is increased, then the negative impact of reflections is reduced, but the total build-in depth of the device increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent pane serves as a compact intermediary solution that achieves reflection control without requiring increased vertical distance. By positioning the pane strategically between the sidewalls and the recessed panel, the system eliminates harmful reflections while maintaining a compact build-in depth.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of solving the reflection problem by increasing vertical distance (one dimension), the transparent pane introduces a new spatial dimension or layer in the optical path. This allows reflection control to be achieved through the pane's position and optical properties rather than through increased spacing.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If sidewalls are tilted outwards to reduce light directed towards the light area, then reflections are minimized, but the structural design becomes more complex and the sun position indication is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent pane acts as a mediator that allows the sidewalls to maintain their structural configuration (including outward tilt if desired for architectural reasons) while preventing harmful reflections from reaching the recessed panel. The pane's optical properties control the reflection paths without requiring changes to the sidewall geometry.
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
The solution provides a clear and sharp reflection of the 'sun struck' wall, clear guidance to the sun position, and augmented images in the sky, creating an infinite depth of field and improved realism of the artificial window, while maintaining structural integrity and avoiding unrealistic disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
uses a specular Fresnel reflective pane to enhance depth perception and realism
Implementation Method 2
A lighting system with a clear and transparent pane between the recessed panel and sidewalls, combined with a homogenous diffuse lit surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting system comprising a light area and a side wall around the light area defining a recess. The light area is located at a base of the recess and a light exit window is located downstream at a top of the recess opposite the light area. The side wall comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion located upstream of the first wall portion. A clear, transparent pane is provided in between the first and second wall portion, wherein (essentially the whole of) the second wall portion is screened by the first wall portion from a direct line of view through the light exit window.