Lighting System Asymmetric Beam Homogenization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems for entertainment applications face limitations in color tuning and beam shaping, particularly for narrow beam high flux systems, which often result in low Color Rendering Index (CRI) and unsuitable beam shapes, such as non-uniform and asymmetric light distributions from LED and laser-based sources.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system comprising multiple sections with light source arrays, collimator sections, and Koehler integrator sections, where each section includes entrance and exit lenslets arranged to match the aspect ratio of the light sources, allowing for rotation of sections to achieve a predefined beam shape and improved CRI through color mixing and beam homogenization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If standard optics are used with asymmetric LED or laser sources, then the system structure is simple, but the beam shape becomes non-uniform and asymmetric
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple sections, each containing a light source array, collimator, and Koehler integrator. This segmentation allows each section to process light from asymmetric sources independently, transforming them into uniform circular beams that can be combined to form a symmetric overall beam pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent deliberately uses asymmetric light sources (LEDs or lasers with aspect ratios up to 1.8) and processes them through optical sections designed to handle asymmetric input. The Koehler integrators are specifically configured to transform these asymmetric beams into uniform circular outputs, turning the asymmetric nature of the sources into an advantage for achieving symmetric beam patterns.
2Illumination intensity
If laser-based phosphor converted light sources are used, then high brightness and long lifetime are achieved, but the CRI is limited to approximately 70
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser-based light sources with different spectral characteristics in arrays. By merging the output of multiple lasers with different phosphor conversions, the system achieves both high brightness and improved CRI, as the combined spectrum covers a broader range of wavelengths necessary for accurate color rendering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite phosphor materials with different emission characteristics in combination with laser sources. These composite phosphor layers are designed to convert laser light into a broader spectrum output, improving CRI while maintaining the high brightness and long lifetime advantages of laser-based illumination.
3Reliability
If multiple system sections are used to achieve color mixing and beam homogenization, then CRI and beam shape are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each system section is designed as a universal module that performs multiple functions: it handles asymmetric light sources, collimates the beam, performs Koehler integration for homogenization, and contributes to color mixing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving multiple objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges multiple light sources and optical elements in specific spatial dimensions and patterns. By utilizing spatial dimensionality and angular distribution of light, the system achieves color mixing and beam homogenization through geometric arrangement rather than requiring complex sequential processing stages.
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 enhances the efficiency and CRI of LED or laser-based sources, enabling the creation of smooth, round beams with high brightness and long lifetime, effectively replacing traditional HID lamps while maintaining high optical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one parabolic interface is configured to reflect light entering through the inlet opening through the outlet opening and limit the angular spread of the light
Implementation Method 2
the lens array is configured such that light from the outlet opening collected by a first lens illuminates the respective second lens to provide for a continuously emitting output aperture
Implementation Method 3
LED sources may be becoming increasingly relevant in this sector
Implementation Method 4
laser-based phosphor converted light sources
Implementation Method 5
laser-based phosphor converted light sources
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention provides a lighting system (1000), wherein the lighting system (1000) comprises np system sections (100), wherein nF ≥ 2, wherein each system section (100) comprises a light source array section (110), a collimator section (120), and a Koehler integrator section (130), wherein: for each of the system sections (100) applies: the light source array section (110) comprises a plurality of section light sources (10) configured to provide light source light (11); the Koehler integrator section (120) comprises a section entrance face (131) and a section exit face (136), wherein the section entrance face comprises a plurality of section entrance lenslets (132) shaped according to an section entrance surface pattern (31), and wherein the section exit face (136) comprises a plurality of section exit lenslets (137) shaped according to a section exit surface pattern (36), and wherein the section entrance face (131) is configured in a light receiving relationship with the plurality of section light sources (10) via the collimator section (120); each of the plurality of section light sources (10) have a light emitting surface (15), wherein the light emitting surface (15) has a first axis of elongation Al and an aspect ratio RS, wherein RS > 1; each first axis of elongation A1 has an angle αA1 to an averaged first direction of the axes of elongation A1, wherein α1 ≤ 5°; the section entrance surface pattern (31) comprises a section entrance tessellation (33) of an entrance lenslet shape, wherein the entrance lenslet shape has a rotational symmetry of order nA, wherein nA ≥ 2, wherein the entrance lenslet shape has an entrance aspect ratio R1 and wherein R1 ≤ RS; the section exit surface pattern (36) comprises a section exit tessellation (37) of an exit lenslet shape, wherein the exit lenslet shape approximates the light emitting surface (15), wherein the exit lenslet shape has an exit aspect ratio R2, wherein R2 is selected from the range of 0.8*RS - 1.2*RS; and at least two system sections (100) of the system sections (100) are rotated relative to another for 360°/nA/k + (360/nA)*nI, wherein m is anon-negative integer, and wherein k is selected from the range of 2-12.