Abstract
A lighting device (100) for illuminating a surface (110). The lighting device comprises at least one first light source (120) configured to emit a first light beam (140) in a first direction and at least one second light source (130) configured to emit a second light beam (150) in a second direction that is not parallel to the first direction. The first light beam (140) has a first spectral power distribution, the second light beam (150) has a second spectral power distribution and the second spectral power distribution is different from the first spectral power distribution. The lighting device further comprises at least one light-delimiting element (160) adjustable relative to at least one of the at least one first light source and the at least one second light source. The at least one light-delimiting element is further configured to delimit the first light beam and the second light beam thereby modify an area of overlap on the surface (110) of the first light beam (140) and the second light beam (150) by forming a boundary of the light (170) separating the first light beam and the second light beam, such that the first light source is configured to illuminate at least a first region (180) of the surface, and the second light source is configured to illuminate at least a second region (190) of the surface adjoining the at least one first region of the surface.
Claims
1. A lighting device for illuminating a surface, the lighting device comprising: a first light source configured to emit a first light beam in a first direction, wherein the first light beam has a first spectral power distribution, a second light source configured to emit a second light beam in a second direction that is not parallel to the first direction, wherein the second light beam has a second spectral power distribution and wherein the second spectral power distribution is different from the first spectral power distribution, and a light-delimiting element adjustable relative to at least one of the first light source and the second light source, wherein the light-delimiting element is configured to delimit the first light beam and the second light beam to thereby modify an area of overlap on the surface of the first light beam and the second light beam by forming a boundary of the light separating the first light beam and the second light beam, such that the first light source is configured to illuminate a first region of the surface, and the second light source is configured to illuminate a second region of the surface, the second region adjoining the first region.
2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first light source and the second light source comprises a color controllable light source.
3. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first light source and the second light source comprises a plurality of light sources arranged in a linear array.
4. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light-delimiting element has an elongated shape.
5. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light-delimiting element has an adjustable length.
6. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light-delimiting element has an adjustable width.
7. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light-delimiting element comprises a light-transmissive portion.
8. The lighting device according to claim 7, wherein the light-transmissive portion has a light-transmissivity that is adjustable along a length of the light-transmissive portion.
9. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light-delimiting element is configured to reflect at least a portion of at least one of the first light beam and the second light beam.
10. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light-delimiting element comprises at least one light source.
11. The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein the first light source is arranged on a first surface of the lighting device, wherein the second light source is arranged on a second surface of the lighting device, and wherein the light-delimiting element is adjustably arranged at a first angle relative to the first surface and at a second angle relative to the second surface.
12. The lighting device according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface is adjustably arranged at a third angle relative to the second surface and the first surface, respectively.
13. The lighting device according to claim 11, further comprising at least one third light source arranged on a third surface, wherein the third surface is opposite to one of the first surface and the second surface.
14. A lighting arrangement comprising a lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting arrangement further comprises a surface having the first region and the second region adjoining at a corner, and wherein the boundary of the light is directed to the corner.
15. The lighting arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the distance between the first light source and the surface is different from a distance between the second light source and the surface.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.
(2) FIG. 1a schematically shows a lighting device according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,
(3) FIG. 1b schematically shows a lighting device according to another exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,
(4) FIG. 2 schematically shows a lighting device according to another exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,
(5) FIG. 3 schematically shows a lighting device according to another exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,
(6) FIG. 4a schematically shows a lighting device according to another exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,
(7) FIG. 4b schematically shows an alternative lighting device,
(8) FIG. 5a schematically shows an alternative lighting device,
(9) FIG. 5b schematically shows a lighting device according to another exemplifying embodiment of the present invention, and
(10) FIG. 6 schematically shows a lighting device according to another exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
(11) FIG. 1a illustrates a lighting device 100 comprising a first surface 121 and a second surface 131 on which are respectively arranged a first light source 120 and a second light source 130. Both first and second light sources 120, 130 are color controllable light sources and both comprise linear arrays of plurality of light sources (not visible). FIG. 1a further depicts a first light beam 140 emitted from the first light source 120 as well as a second light beam 150 emitted from the second light source 130. The first light beam 140 is illuminating a first region 180 of a surface 110 and the second light beam 150 is shown illuminating a second region 190 of a surface 110. Both the first and second light beams 140, 150 may emit a specific color of light at a specific intensity. In FIG. 1a, the surface 110 comprises a corner formed between the first region 180 and the second region 190 therefore representing e.g. two perpendicular walls, e.g. of a room. FIG. 1a therefore represents a top view of the lighting device 100. Moreover, FIG. 1a illustrates a first light-delimiting element 160 and a second light-delimiting element 161 both attached to the lighting device 100 via a pivot 162. The pivot 162 positions the first and second light-delimiting elements 160, 161 between the first light source 120 and the second light source 130. The first and second light-delimiting elements 160, 161 are adjustable about the pivot 162 (i.e. they may be rotated around the pivot 162) to respectively form a first angle 102 relative to the first surface 121 and a second angle 103 relative to the second surface 131. It is to be noted that the first and second surfaces 121, 131 on which are arranged the first and second light sources 120, 130 are shown in FIG. 1a forming a third angle 101 of 90?. The third angle 101, which could be smaller than 90? such as e.g. 60?, preferably varies between 90? and 180?. The third angle 101 may preferably be similar, but not limited to, the angle formed between the first region 180 and the second region 190 to be illuminated by the lighting device 100. FIG. 1a further shows the first light-delimiting element 160 delimiting and/or partially blocking the first light beam 140 such that the edge of said first light beam 140 (on the light-delimiter 160 side) contacts the first region 180 at its corner end. The first light-delimiting element 160 may completely or partly reflect the portion of the first light beam 140 contacting said first light-delimiting element 160. Similarly, the second light-delimiting element 161 delimits and/or partially blocks the second light beam 150 such that the edge of said second light beam 150 (on the light-delimiter 160 side) contacts the second region 190 at its corner end. In the absence of the light-delimiting elements 160 and 161, the adjoining first and second regions, 180 and 190, respectively would create an overlapping area. The combination of the delimiting effects of the first and second light-delimiting elements 160, 161 on the first and second light beams 140, 150, respectively, generates the formation of a boundary of light 170 separating the first and second light beams 140, 150. The adjustable arrangement of the first and second light delimiting elements 160, 161 enables the obtaining of a sharp and distinct boundary of the light 170 for which the two edges (formed by each of the delimited edges of the first and second light beams 140, 150) converge into a definite line positioned exactly in the corner formed by the perpendicular first region 180 and second region 190. The effect of the light delimiting elements 160, 161 are such that there is no overlap between the first light beam 140 and the second light beam 150, therefore allowing a separate and possibly different light effects on the first region 180 and the second region 190. It is to be noted that the transparency and the width (both not shown) of the first and/or second light-delimiting elements 160, 161 of the lighting device 100 may also be adjusted for the purpose of attaining a greater variety of light effects and greater sharpness of the boundary of the light 170.
(12) FIG. 1b schematically illustrates a different application of the lighting device 100 in which the first and second light-delimiting elements 160, 161 are fixedly attached between the first and second light sources 120, 130. The different lighting application shown in FIG. 1b illustrates a first region 181 representing a ceiling, a second region 191 representing a wall, and a surface 111 to be illuminated comprising the corner formed by such first and second regions 181, 191. FIG. 1b therefore illustrates a side view of the lighting device 100 which is oriented horizontally (as opposed to vertically as shown in FIG. 1a). In order to achieve distinct light effects on the first and second regions 181, 191, the length, width and transparency of the first and second light-delimiting elements 160, 161 may be adjusted such that the boundary of the light 170 be positioned exactly in the corner formed by the first and second regions 181, 191.
(13) FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a lighting device 200 comprising a first surface 201 and a second surface 202 on which is arranged a first light source 210 and a second light source 220, respectively. The first and second light sources 210, 220 may be color controllable light sources and may comprise linear arrays of plurality of light sources (not visible). The lighting device 200 further comprises a single light-delimiting element 230 having an elongated shape and being attached to said lighting device 200 via a pivot 240. The pivot 240 positions the light-delimiting element 230 between the first light source 210 and the second light source 220 and allows it to be adjustable about its axis (i.e. the light-delimiting element 230 may be rotated around the pivot 240). Furthermore, the light-delimiting element 230 shown in FIG. 2 has an adjustable length. The length may be increased or decreased by elongating or retracting the light-delimiting element 230 in the directions indicated by the arrows. The light-delimiting element 230 may be elongated to its full length as to maximize the delimiting effect of said light-delimiting element 230. The light-delimiting element 230 may also be retracted completely within the lighting device 200. The adjustment of the length of the light-delimiting element 230 and/or its rotation about the pivot 240 permits the definition of a clear boundary of the light (not shown) and allow the different light effects to be obtained on different regions of an illuminated surface (not shown).
(14) FIG. 3 illustrates a lighting device 300 comprising a first surface 301 and a second surface 302 on which is arranged a first light source 310 and a second light source 320, respectively. The first and second light sources 310, 320 may be color controllable light sources and may comprise linear arrays of plurality of light sources (not visible). FIG. 3 further illustrates a first light-delimiting element 350 and a second light-delimiting element 360 both attached to the lighting device 300 via a pivot 340. The pivot 340 positions the first and second light-delimiting elements 350, 360 between the first light source 310 and the second light source 320. The first and second light-delimiting elements 350, 360 are adjustable about the pivot 340 (i.e. they may be rotated around the pivot 340) to respectively form a first angle 303 relative to the first surface 301 and a second angle 304 relative to the second surface 302. Furthermore, the first and second light-delimiting elements 350, 360 comprise an additional light source 330 attached to and positioned between both the first and second light-delimiting elements 350, 360. The additional light source 330 may comprise a linear array of a plurality of color controllable light sources, and may be positioned such that its light beam (not shown) is oriented within the boundary of the light formed between the delimited light beam of the first light source 310 and the delimited light beam of the second light source 320. In other words, the light beam of the additional light source 330 is configured to illuminate the boundary of the light and to overlap with a portion of the delimited side of the light beams of both the first and second light sources 310, 320. It is to be noted that the lighting device 300 may operate with the additional light source 330 turned on or turned off. This activation and deactivation of said additional light source 330 therefore enable users to alternate between a sharp and distinct boundary of the light when the additional light source 330 is turned off and a color gradient transitioning between the delimited light beam of the first light source 310 and the delimited light beam of the second light source 320 when the additional light source 330 is turned on (not shown).
(15) FIGS. 4a and 4b schematically illustrate lighting devices comprising more than two light sources separated by intermediate light-delimiting elements. FIG. 4a shows a lighting device 400 comprising a first surface 412, a second surface 422 and a third surface 432 on which are respectively arranged a first light source 410, a second light source 420 and a third light source 430. One or more of the light sources 410, 420, 430 may be color controllable light sources and may comprise linear arrays of plurality of light sources (not visible). The first and second surfaces 412, 422 are separated by a first light delimiting element 440 attached to the lighting device 400 via a first pivot 470. The first pivot 470 positions the first light-delimiting element 440 between the first light source 410 and the second light source 420. In addition, the first light-delimiting element 440 is adjustable about the first pivot 470 as to delimit the light beams emitted by the first and second light sources 410, 420. Similarly to the above description, the second light delimiting element 450 attached to and adjustable about the second pivot 460 generates a delimiting effect on the light beams emitted by the second and third light sources 420, 430. The lighting device 400 as depicted in FIG. 4a may thus be used for similar applications as the lighting device 300 shown in FIG. 3, i.e. enabling users to alternate between a sharp and distinct boundary of the light when the second light source 420 is turned off and a color gradient transitioning between the delimited light beam of the first light source 410 and the delimited light beam of the third light source 430 when the second light source 420 is turned on (not shown). The lighting device 400 may further be used for applications requiring the illumination three regions of a surface with different light effects. In such case, the angle formed between the second surface 422 and the first surface 412 and the angle formed between the second surface 422 and the third surface 432 may be adjustable depending on the angle formed between the regions to be illuminated.
(16) FIG. 4b shows an alternative lighting device 401 comprising a single surface 402 on which a plurality of light sources 411, 421, 431, 441 are arranged. The light sources presented in FIG. 4b are respectively separated by light-delimiting elements 451, 461, 471, 481, 491 attached to the lighting device 401 via pivots and positioned between each light source 411, 421, 431, 441 as well as at both ends of the surface 402. The adjustment of the different light-delimiting elements 451, 461, 471, 481, 491 about their respective pivots as well as the adjustments of their respective length, width and transparency allow the delimitation of the light beams emitted by each light source 411, 421, 431, 441 to generate distinctive light effects on as many different regions of a surface as there are light sources (i.e. four different regions for the application shown in FIG. 4b).
(17) FIGS. 5a and 5b schematically illustrates scenarios in which the surface 530 to be illuminated represents a flat or uniform surface (i.e. there is an absence of angles or corners formed by the different regions of the surface). FIG. 5a further shows a lighting device 500 comprising a first surface 502 and a second surface 503 on which are respectively arranged a first light source 504 and a second light source 505. Both first and second light sources 504, 505 are color controllable light sources and both comprise linear arrays of plurality of light sources (not visible). FIG. 5a further depicts a first light beam 510 emitted from the first light source 504 as well as a second light beam 520 emitted from the second light source 505. The first light beam 510 is illuminating the first region 550 of the surface 530 and the second light beam 520 is shown illuminating the second region 560 of the surface 530. In addition, both the first and second light beams 510, 520 may emit a specific color of light at a specific intensity. FIG. 5a further illustrates a first light-delimiting element 570 and a second light-delimiting element 580, which are both attached to the lighting device 500 via a pivot 506 positioned between the first and second light sources 504, 505. The adjustments of the first and second light-delimiting elements 570, 580, and consequently the light delimiting effect and boundary of the light 540 generated by said first and second light-delimiting elements 570, 580 is similar to the description used in FIG. 1a. FIG. 5a further shows that the first surface 502 and the second surface 503 are parallel. In other words, the angle formed between the first surface 502 and the second surface 503 is 180?. By the first and second light sources 504, 505 being arranged on parallel surfaces 502, 503 facing the first and second regions 550, 560 to be illuminated enables the lighting device 500 to reach an efficient light distribution on the flat or uniform surface 530 with a greater light intensity of the first and second light beams 510, 520. FIG. 5a further depicts two fixed light-delimiting elements 590 rigidly attached and positioned at opposite ends of the first and second surface 502, 503 delimiting the outer edges of the first and second light beams 510, 520.
(18) FIG. 5b illustrates an alternative lighting device 501 operating in the same application as the one depicted in FIG. 5a, and it is also referred to FIG. 5a for an increased understanding. In FIG. 5b, however, the lighting device 501 comprises an angle 511 which is smaller than 180?. This illustrates the adjustability of the light effects on the first and second regions 550, 560 of the flat or uniform surface 530. FIG. 5b also depicts a combination of rigidly attached light-delimiting elements 591 with adjustable light-delimiting elements 571, 581 as described in FIG. 5a.
(19) FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a lighting device 600 comprising a first surface 612 and a second surface 622 on which are respectively arranged a first light source 611 and a second light source 621 configured to emit respective light beams (not shown) on the surface 620. The lighting device 600 further comprises a first light-delimiting element 630 and a second light-delimiting element 640. At least one of the first and second light-delimiting elements 630, 640 is adjustably attached to the lighting device 600 via a pivot and comprises the same characteristics as the light-delimiting elements described and shown in FIG. 1a. The lighting device 600 further comprises two supporting light sources 650 arranged on opposite surfaces with respect to the first and second surfaces 612, 622. FIG. 6 further shows light reflectors 610 made of a reflective material and arranged to partially cover the supporting light sources 650, in order to reflect at least a portion of the light beams emitted from said supporting light sources 650. The reflectors 610 therefore reflect and redirect the light emitted from the supporting light sources 650 towards the regions of the surface 620 to be illuminated, thereby providing a greater light output to be emitted from the lighting device 600.
(20) Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word comprising does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article a or an does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.
