Time Multiplexing Switchable Optical Elements Luminaire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional luminaires have limited control over their appearance and illumination effects, making them less versatile and inconvenient to adapt to different environments and user preferences, as they often require physical changes or multiple fixtures to achieve various lighting types.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire system using LED light sources and electrically switchable optical elements, where the light sources and optical elements are rapidly switched between different states to create a continuous illumination effect, allowing for independent control of direct and diffuse lighting effects, and the appearance of the luminaire can be modified by changing the state of switchable surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical changes are made to a luminaire to change its visual appearance, then the appearance can be modified, but the luminaire becomes difficult to access and requires inconvenient physical adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical adjustment mechanisms with an electrical control system. A controller electrically actuates optical elements (such as liquid crystal shutters or variable geometry optics) to change the luminaire's visual appearance and light distribution patterns, eliminating the need for manual physical access and adjustment of internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamically adjustable optical elements that can change their state in real-time under electrical control. These elements enable the luminaire to adapt its appearance and lighting characteristics on demand, transitioning between different operational modes without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixtures are used to achieve various lighting types, then lighting versatility is improved, but the number of components and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single luminaire fixture capable of performing multiple lighting functions through electronically controlled optical elements. The system can generate different lighting types (direct, diffuse, directional, omnidirectional) by electrically adjusting the state of its optical components, replacing the need for multiple specialized fixtures with one multi-functional device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple lighting functions and optical adjustment capabilities into a single integrated luminaire system. By merging control of light direction, diffusion, and distribution into one electrically controllable fixture, the system reduces component count while maintaining lighting versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switchable optical elements are changed infrequently, then the system is simpler to control, but the extent of illumination effect control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching of optical elements at frequencies above human visual perception thresholds (e.g., 50-200 Hz). This rapid periodic actuation creates the perception of continuous adjustable illumination effects, enabling fine-grained control over light distribution and appearance without visible flicker, while maintaining relatively simple control logic.
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
This approach enables the creation of multiple, independently controllable lighting effects and customizable appearances without significant changes to the illumination provided, reducing the number of components needed and enhancing the luminaire's versatility and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a switchable surface, switchable between a first optical state, a second optical state
Implementation Method 2
LED light sources... light sources are switched between at least two sets of brightness states
Implementation Method 3
The switching sequence is repeated at a frequency which is equal to one divided by the illumination period, this frequency being higher than the frequency at which changes to the light output of the lighting module or luminaire are detected by the human visual system. As a result the lighting module or luminaire is perceived to have a substantially continuous light output.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for electrically controlling a luminaire to alter its appearance and illumination effects are disclosed. A luminaire (100) having a multiplexing controller controlling one or more LED light sources (110) and one or more electrically switchable optical elements (150). The light sources are switched between at least two illumination states and the optical elements are switched between at least two optical states during an illumination period. The switching sequence is fast enough not to be detected by an observer. As a result the lighting module or luminaire is perceived to have a substantially continuous light output. The multiplexing controller rapidly time sequences the states of light sources and switchable surfaces to produce visual changes to the luminaire and/or objects illuminated by the luminaire.