Rich black lighting device for differentiating shades of black.

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lighting systems, particularly in retail settings, fail to provide adequate black rendering, making it difficult to distinguish different shades of black, which affects brand identity and sales of high-end black materials.

Innovation Solution

A lighting system with a specific spectral power distribution, characterized by an S* value of at least 35, achieved by optimizing the spectral power in the ranges of 380-440 nm and 660-780 nm, ensuring good black discrimination index (BDI) and color rendering index (CRI) of at least 80, using solid state light sources and luminescent materials to provide white light with a correlated color temperature between 2700 K and 6500 K.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional lighting systems are used, then general illumination is achieved, but black rendering is insufficient and different shades of black cannot be distinguished

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblack discrimination capabilityVSAvoidcolor rendering quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the spectral power distribution parameters of the light source. Specifically, it optimizes the power in the blue region (380-440 nm) and red region (660-780 nm) of the spectrum to achieve an S* value of at least 35, which enables differentiation of black shades while maintaining color rendering index of at least 80

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite lighting solutions combining multiple light sources with different spectral characteristics. It integrates violet LEDs (380-440 nm), blue LEDs (430-490 nm), and red LEDs (660-780 nm) or phosphor materials to create a composite spectrum that achieves both high black discrimination and good color rendering

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If lighting systems optimize for color rendering, then color accuracy is improved, but black discrimination capability remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor rendering indexVSAvoidblack discrimination index
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simultaneously optimizes multiple spectral parameters: it increases power in the blue region (380-440 nm) to enhance black discrimination while maintaining or improving color rendering index through balanced spectral distribution across multiple wavelength regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by defining and optimizing the S* parameter (spectral sharpness parameter) that specifically targets black discrimination capability. This adds a new dimension to lighting optimization beyond traditional color rendering metrics, enabling simultaneous achievement of both goals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 allows for the distinction of various shades of black and maintains excellent color rendering, enhancing brand identity and sales by providing a lighting environment that accurately displays black textiles and other colors.

Implementation Method 1

The lighting system comprises one or more solid state light sources having a peak wavelength selected from the range of 380-440 nm, 430-490 nm or 660-780 nm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

using solid state light sources and luminescent materials to provide white light with a correlated color temperature between 2700 K and 6500 K

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3574712B1Rich black lighting device for differentiating shades of black.
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3574712B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3574712B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3574712B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides a lighting system comprising one or more solid state light sources, wherein the lighting system is configured to provide lighting system light having a correlated color temperature of at least 1700 K and having a S* value of at least 33 in a first setting of the lighting system, wherein the S* value is defined as S*= 100*(2*A*+B*)/WS with A* being the spectral power in the wavelength range of 380-440 nm, B* being the spectral power in the wavelength range of 660-780 nm, and Ws being the total spectral power in the wavelength range of 380-780 nm of the lighting system light.