Lighting Fixture with Segmented Diffuser for Non-Disruptive Information Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern lighting fixtures struggle to convey information without disrupting individuals and accurately simulate outdoor environments, particularly in simulating a full range of conditions like overhead clouds and night skies.
Innovation Solution
A lighting fixture with a housing, light source, and diffuser, where the diffuser's color is based on the light source's characteristics, allowing for aesthetic changes, improved outdoor simulation, and non-disruptive information conveyance, using control circuitry to adjust light characteristics from multiple sources to maintain constant overall illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the lighting fixture changes the color of light from white to red to convey information, then information is conveyed, but individuals near the lighting fixture are highly disrupted and activities are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into two separate light sources: a first light source that provides constant white light for general illumination, and a second light source that changes color to convey information. This segmentation allows each light source to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, enabling information conveyance without disrupting individuals engaged in activities.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lighting fixture emit different types of light with different characteristics. The first light source provides stable white light suitable for general illumination, while the second light source provides color-changing light for information conveyance. This local differentiation allows the system to simultaneously achieve multiple functions with different light quality requirements.
2Loss of information
If the lighting fixture flashes the light to convey information, then information is conveyed, but the lighting is disruptive in many circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the information conveyance function from the general illumination function by using two distinct light sources. The second light source can flash or change color to convey information without requiring the first light source to change, thereby avoiding disruption to individuals while maintaining constant illumination.
3Loss of information
If the lighting fixture changes the color of light to convey information, then information is conveyed, but the aesthetic appearance and outdoor environment simulation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the lighting system into two independent light sources, the aesthetic appearance (maintained by the first light source) and information conveyance (handled by the second light source) can operate simultaneously without compromising each other. The first light source maintains the desired aesthetic and outdoor simulation qualities while the second provides information feedback.
4Loss of information
If multiple light sources are used to change diffuser color while maintaining constant illumination, then information can be conveyed without disruption, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting fixture is designed with multi-functionality where the first light source serves dual purposes of providing general illumination and maintaining aesthetic appearance, while the second light source handles information conveyance. This universal design allows the system to achieve multiple functions with a relatively simple structure.
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 the lighting fixture to change its aesthetic appearance, simulate outdoor environments, and convey information without disrupting individuals, while providing suitable general illumination.
Implementation Method 1
The diffuser is configured such that a color of the diffuser is based on one or more characteristics of the light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
the control circuitry is configured to adjust one or more characteristics of the light provided by the light source in order to change a color of the diffuser and adjust one or more characteristics of the light provided by the additional light source such that one or more characteristics of a combination of the light provided by the light source and the light provided from the additional light source remain constant
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting fixture includes a housing, a light source, and a diffuser. The light source is mounted in the housing. The diffuser is also mounted in the housing such that light emitted from the light source is provided through the diffuser towards an area of interest. The diffuser is configured such that a color of the diffuser is based on one or more characteristics of the light emitted from the light source. Providing the diffuser such that the color thereof is based on one or more characteristics of the light emitted from the light source allows the aesthetic appearance of the lighting fixture to be changed. Further, it allows the lighting fixture to better simulate outdoor environments. Finally, it allows the lighting fixture to convey information to individuals near the lighting fixture without being disruptive.