Lighting System Simulating Daylight via Segmented Direct and Diffuse Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial daylight sources fail to realistically replicate the interplay between direct and diffuse light, lacking sharp shadows and dynamic light simulations, which are essential for a convincing daylight experience, especially in indoor environments.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system comprising an array of lighting elements with a controller that adjusts intensity and color based on time-varying parameters, simulating the position of a light-emitting or reflecting body, such as the sun, to create a realistic daylight effect by varying light intensity and direction over time, mimicking natural daylight conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fluorescent solutions with strong diffuser are used, then tunable intensity and color temperature are achieved, but sharp shadows and direct light are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system divides the illumination into separate functional zones: direct light sources (LEDs or lasers) provide sharp shadows and directional lighting, while diffuse light sources (fluorescent panels or diffusers) provide general ambient illumination. This segmentation allows both direct and diffuse components to coexist and be independently controlled, resolving the contradiction between achieving tunable intensity and maintaining realistic daylight characteristics with sharp shadows.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lighting system have different optical properties: some areas use direct emitting elements for localized sharp lighting effects, while other areas use diffuse transmitting elements for soft ambient light. This local differentiation enables the system to provide both sharp shadows where needed and diffuse illumination where appropriate, creating a realistic daylight experience while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Illumination intensity
If uniform diffuse lighting is provided, then general illumination is achieved, but sharp shadows and directional lighting are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges direct light sources and diffuse light sources into a single integrated lighting unit. The direct sources (LEDs or lasers) generate sharp shadows and directional lighting, while the diffuse sources (fluorescent panels or diffusers) provide general illumination. By combining these complementary lighting types in one system, both sharp shadows and general illumination are achieved simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between providing uniform diffuse lighting and maintaining sharp shadow definition.
3Ease of operation
If static lighting configuration is used, then simple control is maintained, but dynamic daylight simulation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system incorporates dynamic control capabilities where the intensity and color temperature of both direct and diffuse light sources can be adjusted over time to simulate natural daylight variations. Controllers modify the output of different lighting elements based on time of day, weather conditions, or user preferences, enabling realistic daylight simulation while maintaining relatively simple operation through automated programs or user-friendly interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple lighting parameters simultaneously including intensity, color temperature, and the ratio between direct and diffuse light components. These parameter changes occur dynamically to replicate the complex variations of natural daylight throughout the day and under different weather conditions, providing adaptable daylight simulation while keeping control mechanisms manageable through pre-programmed scenarios or simple user inputs.
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 system effectively simulates the dynamic interplay of direct and diffuse light, providing a more realistic daylight experience that adapts to time, location, and weather conditions, enhancing the ambiance and user experience in indoor settings.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting unit having an array of lighting elements arranged to emit light through a light exit aperture
Implementation Method 2
The brighter intensity lighting elements provide shadows and directional lighting, whereas the lower intensity lighting elements can provide more diffuse general lighting
Data Source
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AI summary
A lighting system uses an array of lighting elements which provide light in different directions. The intensity of the lighting elements is controlled in dependence on a time-varying parameter related to at least one of a position of a light emitting or light reflecting body, and an intensity, color or color temperature of the light emitted or reflected by the body, such that the system can simulate directional sunlight.