Sky-Emulating Light Fixture With Switchable Image and White Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sky-emulating light fixtures suffer from low optical efficiency due to diffusing and absorbing materials, and the colored graphic inlay is visible even when the light sources are off, limiting their ability to operate in an all-white light mode.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system with a diffuser and optics positioned proximate to light sources, using colored and clear optics to project a predetermined image onto the diffuser, allowing for two modes of operation: a non-image mode and an image mode, without the need for a colored graphic inlay on the diffuser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a colored graphic inlay or panel is used to create sky images, then the sky image can be illuminated when light passes through the panel, but the lumen output is reduced and the fixture becomes incapable of operating in all-white light mode
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is divided into two independent sets of light sources: a first set for all-white light mode and a second set for sky image mode. This segmentation allows each set to serve its specific function without compromising the other, enabling the fixture to operate in both all-white light mode and sky image mode independently
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both a first plurality of light sources for general illumination and a second plurality of light sources for sky image projection. The diffuser panel serves dual purposes: it diffuses light from the first set for all-white mode and projects images from the second set when colored optics are activated
2Loss of energy
If a colored graphic inlay with light absorbing and diffusing materials is used, then the sky image can be created, but optical efficiency is reduced due to light absorption and diffusing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a permanently colored graphic inlay that absorbs light, the patent uses clear or translucent optics that can be dynamically colored by filtering light from the second plurality of light sources. This allows the optics to remain transparent during normal operation, minimizing light absorption, and only introduce coloration when image projection is required
3Adaptability or versatility
If a colored graphic inlay is used on the panel, then the sky image can be displayed, but the inlay is visible even when light sources are not activated, limiting all-white light mode operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational states: in all-white light mode, only the first plurality of light sources is activated with the diffuser panel transmitting only white light; in sky image mode, the second plurality of light sources is activated through colored optics to project the sky image. This dynamic activation ensures the image is only visible when intentionally projected, not when light sources are off
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
Enhances optical efficiency by minimizing light absorption and visibility of the image when the light sources are off, enabling operation in both all-white and image modes from the same aperture.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of light sources project, via the one or more optics, a predetermined image on the diffuser
Implementation Method 2
a diffuser spaced a distance from the light sources
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture for emulating sky appearance is described. The light fixture can include a plurality of light sources, a diffuser spaced a distance from the light sources, and one or more optics positioned proximate and over at least some of the plurality of light sources such that at least one light source emits light into each of the one or more optics. The one or more optics can include a subset of colored optics. The plurality of light sources when activated project, via the one or more optics, a predetermined image on the diffuser.