Transparent Display Luminaire with Software-Configurable Lighting
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting devices lack the ability to dynamically adjust light beam distribution and appearance, requiring multiple fixtures for different applications, and existing display-based solutions suffer from inefficiencies and suboptimal performance for general lighting tasks.
Innovation Solution
A software-configurable lighting device combining a transparent image display and a general illumination system, controlled by a processor and driver system, which transforms image selections and modifies lighting generation to achieve desired color and intensity distributions for effective general illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple luminaires are provided to meet different lighting applications, then lighting distribution requirements are satisfied, but device complexity and quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single luminaire that can emulate multiple different lighting distributions (spotlight, floodlight, track light, etc.) through software configuration and controllable optical elements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fixtures while maintaining adaptability across different lighting applications
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanically adjustable lenses and irises are used, then beam shape adjustment is enabled, but ease of operation and adjustment precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronically controllable optical elements (electro-optic lenses, liquid crystal shutters, LED intensity control) that can be adjusted via software, providing smoother, more precise, and easier control without mechanical wear or limited adjustment steps
3Adaptability or versatility
If displays are used for variable lighting, then appearance variation is achieved, but illumination efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a display device with a backlight unit to form an integrated lighting system where the backlight serves dual purposes: providing illumination when the display is off and serving as the light source for the display when active, thereby improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining appearance variability
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 flexible emulation of various lighting distributions and improved illumination efficiency, meeting industry standards and user preferences while reducing the need for multiple fixtures.
Implementation Method 1
The general illumination device includes an array of LEDs. The transparent image display device includes a first set of LED strips oriented in a first direction and a second set of LED strips oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
Data Source
AI summary
The examples relate to various implementations of a software configurable lighting device, having an enhance display device that is able to generate light sufficient to provide general illumination of a space in which the lighting device is installed and provide an image display. The general illumination is provided by additional light sources and/or improved display components of the enhanced display device.