Transverse Light Patch Projection for Adaptive Shop Window Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shop window lighting systems face challenges such as limited space, the need for ladders to install fixtures, difficulty in judging lighting effects, inconsistent lighting levels due to varying daylight conditions, and the inability to create dynamic or balanced lighting scenes with static solutions.

Innovation Solution

A lighting system comprising multiple LED-based lighting units mounted on a slim carrier, configured to project light patches at different angles and intensities, allowing for adjustable and dynamic lighting patterns with key and fill lights, and the ability to adapt to ambient light conditions, while minimizing thermal load and visual impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If spots are installed at a higher position out of reach for arms, then the lighting coverage is improved, but the risk of falling and disturbance to the scene increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting coverage areaVSAvoidrisk of falling and disturbance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional ceiling-mounted spotlights to a handheld lighting device that operates in a different spatial dimension. The device includes a handle for hand holding and an elongate body extending from the handle, allowing the operator to position the light source at various heights and angles without requiring access to ceiling-level installation positions. This dimensional shift eliminates the need for ladders while maintaining effective lighting coverage.

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

2Illumination intensity

If narrow beam spots with high intensity are used, then the brightness on the display is increased to reduce reflections, but the energy consumption increases and the scene becomes overlit during lower daylight conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrightness on displayVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a dimmable light source that can be adjusted in intensity, transforming the static high-intensity spotlight into a dynamic lighting system. The controller allows adjustment of the light output to match ambient conditions, enabling the operator to use lower intensity during daytime or overcast conditions and reserve high intensity only for necessary moments, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining display visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The light source parameters (intensity, color temperature) are made variable rather than fixed. The dimmable capability allows continuous adjustment of luminous output, and the ability to select different color temperatures enables adaptation to various ambient lighting conditions. This parameter variability allows optimization between brightness requirements and energy consumption based on real-time environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the person doing the lighting is too close to the scene, then the positioning and aiming can be adjusted, but the visual end result cannot be judged properly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning and aiming adjustmentVSAvoidvisual judgment of lighting effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The handheld lighting device serves as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between close-up adjustment and distant evaluation. The extended elongate body with handle allows the operator to position the light source precisely while maintaining a working distance from the display. The device's design enables adjustment of lighting parameters at close range while the operator can periodically step back to evaluate the overall effect, using the device as a portable, movable light source rather than a fixed installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If the same lighting solution is used 24/7, then the setup is simple, but the energy consumption increases and the lighting quality does not adapt to varying ambient conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting system setupVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static 24/7 fixed lighting setup into a dynamic, adaptable system. The dimmable light source and controller enable real-time adjustment of intensity and color temperature based on ambient conditions. The system can be configured to automatically or manually adjust lighting parameters throughout the day, using lower intensity during daytime hours and higher intensity only when necessary, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining display effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient, energy-saving, and aesthetically balanced lighting in shop windows, reducing the need for ladders and improving safety, with the ability to create sophisticated lighting effects and adapt to varying daylight conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The lighting device has a plurality of LED's (light emitting diodes) as light sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11350773B2Lighting system for projecting transverse light patches
Publication Date: 2022.06.07 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • US11350773B2 patent drawing
  • US11350773B2 patent drawing
  • US11350773B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting device, a lighting system and a lighting method. The lighting device comprises a row of lighting units mounted in a first direction X on an elongated carrier wherein each lighting unit is mounted with a respective, fixed, unique, pre-determined orientation. Said lighting device is configured to directly project on a target plane P a row of light patches, said plane P extending in said first direction X and in a second direction Y transverse to said first direction. Said row of light patches extends in the second direction and wherein said lighting device is offset out of said plane P in a third direction Z. The lighting system comprises at least a first and at least one second lighting device substantially lying in line in the length direction. Optionally said first and at least one second lighting device may extend in two or three parallel rows. Said lighting system further optionally comprises a control unit for individual control/addressing of the lighting units of the at least first and further lighting device.