Sky Projection Lighting with Smoothing Layer for Natural Daylight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting systems fail to provide a realistic and cost-effective simulation of natural daylight, particularly in reproducing the continuous and smooth color transitions of the sky, which is challenging due to the limitations of pixel technology and the inherent variability of daylight.

Innovation Solution

A lighting system comprising multiple light sources arranged to emit defined radiation spectra, with a smoothing layer and a controller that uses numerical simulation to optimize light intensity and direction, creating a natural sky or other view with continuous color transitions, mimicking the spectral model of daylight through separate color areas and beam shaping optics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pixel technology is used to simulate sky views, then the simulation can be achieved, but the cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor transition smoothnessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a simplified optical model that copies the essential spectral characteristics of sky light rather than attempting to reproduce the entire visual scene. This allows achieving realistic daylight simulation with much lower complexity by focusing on the key spectral features rather than pixel-by-pixel reproduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts spectral parameters of light sources to match sky light characteristics at different times of day. By changing intensity ratios and spectral composition rather than using complex pixel arrays, the system achieves smooth color transitions with simpler hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple light sources with different spectra are used, then color representation accuracy improves, but the number of required light sources and control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor representation accuracyVSAvoidnumber of light sources
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the spectral output into distinct bands handled by different light source types. Rather than using many full-spectrum sources, it divides the spectral range into segments that can be efficiently produced by specific LED types, reducing the total number of sources needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines multiple light source types with different spectral characteristics to create a composite light output that matches sky light. This composite approach allows accurate color representation by selecting and combining sources with complementary spectral features

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Measurement precision

If numerical simulation and spectral optimization are implemented, then light quality and color accuracy improve, but the computational requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs spectral optimization calculations in advance to determine the optimal intensity settings for each light source. By pre-computing the required intensity ratios based on the desired sky light spectrum, the real-time control complexity is reduced while maintaining high spectral accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 produces a high-quality, natural-looking light distribution with smooth color and intensity transitions, resembling the view of a sky or other natural environments, offering a cost-effective and realistic daylight simulation with moderate financial costs and minimal light sources.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of light sources (4a-4i) arranged to emit light of defined radiation spectra

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

A smoothing layer (3) is positioned on a first distance from the light sources and through which the light is emitted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3434077B1A lighting system, and a method of producing a light projection
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 LIGHT COGNITIVE OY
  • EP3434077B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3434077B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3434077B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The lighting system of the invention comprises a plurality of light sources (4a – 4i) arranged to emit light of defined radiation spectra through a smoothing layer (3) positioned on a first distance from the light sources (4a – 4i). The light sources (4a – 4i) are positioned on mutual distances from each other behind the smoothing layer (3). The light emitted from the light sources (4a – 4i) have an intensity state optimized for producing a defined color representation with smooth color transitions on the smoothing layer (3). The invention is also concerned with a method of producing a light projection by assembling such a lighting system.