Phosphor converted superluminescent diode light source

Abstract

The invention provides a light generating system (1000), configured to generate system light (1001), wherein the light generating system (1000) comprises a light source (10), a first luminescent material (210), and a control system (300), wherein: the light source (10) is configured to generate light source light (11) having a tunable spectral power distribution within a first wavelength range (.sub.x1); wherein the light source (10) comprises a superluminescent diode; the first luminescent material (210) is configured to convert at least part of the light source light (11) into first luminescent material light (211) having one or more wavelengths in a first luminescent material light wavelength range (.sub.m1); the first luminescent material (210) is configured such that in an operational mode the system light (1001) comprises the first luminescent material light (211); a spectral power distribution of the system light (1001) is controllable in dependence of the spectral power distribution of the light source light (11); and the control system (300) is configured to control the spectral power distribution of the light source light (11).

Claims

1. A light generating system, configured to generate system light, wherein the light generating system comprises a light source, a first luminescent material, and a control system, wherein: the light source is configured to generate light source light having a tunable spectral power distribution within a first wavelength range (.sub.x1); wherein the light source comprises a superluminescent diode; the first luminescent material is configured to convert at least part of the light source light into first luminescent material light having one or more wavelengths in a first luminescent material light wavelength range (.sub.m1); the first luminescent material is configured such that in an operational mode the system light comprises the first luminescent material light; a spectral power distribution of the system light is controllable in dependence of the spectral power distribution of the light source light; and the control system is configured to control the spectral power distribution of the light source light, the light generating system further comprising a color separation element configured downstream of the light source and upstream of the first luminescent material, wherein: the color separation element having a wavelength dependent transmission and/or a wavelength dependent reflection within the first wavelength range (.sub.x1), and; the light source, the color separation element, and the first luminescent material are configured such that one or more of the following applies: (i) a first part of the light source light is directed from the color separation element to the first luminescent material and (ii) a second part of the light source light is not directed from the color separation element to the first luminescent material, and; the light generating system further comprising one or more light combining elements, wherein: the light source, the color separation element, and the first luminescent material are configured such that the second part of light source light is directed from the color separation element to one or more of the one or more light combining elements; the one or more light combining element are configured to combine the first luminescent material light and the second part of light source light; in an operational mode the system light comprises the first luminescent material light and the second part of light source light.

2. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the first luminescent material has a wavelength dependent first absorption strength over at least part of the first wavelength range (.sub.x1).

3. The light generating system according to claim 2, wherein the light source and the first luminescent material are configured such that in an operational mode at different wavelengths of the light source light selected from the first wavelength range (.sub.x1) the system light comprises the light source light and the first luminescent material light, wherein the first luminescent material light is based on conversion of the light source light at the different wavelengths by the first luminescent material.

4. The light generating system according to claim 2, wherein the control system is configured to control in an operational mode an intensity of the first luminescent material light by changing the spectral power distribution of the light source light from a first light source light spectral power distribution to a second light source light spectral power distribution different from the first light source light spectral power distribution.

5. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein: the first wavelength range (.sub.x1) has wavelengths in the blue wavelength range; and the first luminescent material light wavelength range (.sub.m1) has wavelengths in a wavelength range comprising one or more of (i) at least part of the green wavelength range, (ii) at least part of the orange wavelength range, and (iii) at least part of the red wavelength range.

6. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the first part of the light source light is directed from the color separation element to the first luminescent material and the second part of the light source light is not directed from the color separation element to the first luminescent material; and a ratio of the first part to the second part depends on the spectral power distribution of the light source light.

7. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the color separation element is selected from the group of a dichroic mirror, a dichroic cube, and a diffractive optical element.

8. The light generating system according to claim 1, the first wavelength range (x1) within which the spectral power distribution being tunable is in the range of 5-40 nm.

9. The light generating system according to claim 1, further comprising one or more light combining elements and a second luminescent material, wherein: the second luminescent material is configured to convert at least part of the light source light into second luminescent material light having one or more wavelengths in a second luminescent material light wavelength range (.sub.m2); the first luminescent material light and the second luminescent material light have different spectral power distributions; the light source, the color separation element, and the second luminescent material are configured such that the second part of light source light is directed from the color separation element to second luminescent material; the one or more light combining element are configured to combine the first luminescent material light and the second luminescent material light; in an operational mode the system light comprises the first luminescent material light and the second luminescent material light.

10. The light generating system according to claim 8, wherein the one or more light combining element are selected from the group of a dichroic mirror, a dichroic cube, a diffuser, a light pipe, a light guide, and a Koehler integrator optics.

11. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the control system is configured to control in an operational mode an intensity of the first luminescent material light by changing the spectral power distribution of the light source light from a first light source light spectral power distribution to a second light source light spectral power distribution different from the first light source light spectral power distribution.

12. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the spectral power distribution of the light source light is controllable by controlling a current to the light source, and wherein the control system is configured to control an intensity of the light source light by pulse-width modulation.

13. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a GaN-based superluminescent diode, or an InGaN-based superluminescent diode, or an AlGaN-based superluminescent diode; and wherein the first luminescent material comprises a luminescent material of the type A.sub.3B.sub.5O.sub.12:Ce, wherein A comprises one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb and Lu, and wherein B comprises one or more of Al, Ga, In and Sc.

14. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the light source and the first luminescent material, and an second luminescent material, are configured such that in an operational mode at different wavelengths of the light source light selected from of the first wavelength range (.sub.x1), the system light is white light based on conversion of the light source light at the different wavelengths by the first luminescent material and optionally by the second luminescent material; and wherein the control system is configured to control one or more of the color rendering index and the correlated color temperature of the system light.

15. A light generating device selected from the group of a lamp, a luminaire, a projector device, a disinfection device, and an optical wireless communication device, comprising the light generating system according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 schematically depicts the spectral power distribution as function of the current;

(3) FIGS. 2a-2e schematically depicts some embodiments and aspects;

(4) FIGS. 3a-3e schematically depicts some embodiments and aspects;

(5) FIGS. 4a-4f schematically depicts some embodiments and aspects;

(6) FIGS. 5a-5b schematically depict some further embodiments; and

(7) FIG. 6 schematically depicts some embodiments and applications.

(8) The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(9) FIG. 1 schematically depicts the spectral power distribution of the emission of a superluminescent diode as function of the current. By way of example, with increasing current, there is a blue shift. Hence, the spectral power distribution can be controlled as function of the current trough the solid state light source, especially the super luminescent diode. Here, all spectral power distributions are normalized. Nine curves have schematically been depicted, in the order of decreasing or increasing current (see also e.g. Szymon Stanczyk et al., paragraph 9.3, FIG. 9.7).

(10) However, it appears that with decreasing current also the intensity of the light source light may decrease. In order to compensate at least part for this effect, pulse-width modulation may be applied. Hence, the spectral power distribution of the light source light 11 is controllable by controlling a current to the light source 10, and the control system (not depicted) may configured to control an intensity of the light source light 11 by pulse-width modulation.

(11) On the x-axis, the wavelength is indicated, and on the y-axis the (normalized) intensity. Here, the first wavelength range .sub.x1 may effectively indicate the wavelength range over which the centroid wavelength may be controlled. This wavelength range is smaller than the wavelength range over which the SLD may provide at one or more of the currents.

(12) FIGS. 2a-2e schematically depict an embodiment and aspects in relation thereto wherein the system 1000 comprises a light source 10 and a first luminescent material 210.

(13) FIG. 2a schematically depicts the excitation spectrum, indicated with reference X and the emission spectrum or luminescent material light (spectral power distribution) 211 of a (first) luminescent material 210 (see FIGS. 2d-2e). With reference to the excitation X, it is clear that the first luminescent material has a wavelength dependent first absorption strength (which varies) over at least part of the first wavelength range .sub.x1. Hence, the first absorption strength may vary over at least part of the first wavelength range .sub.x1. The curves 1a and 1b schematically show two possible spectral power distributions of light source light 11. The spectral power distribution of the light source light 11 is controllable by controlling a current to the light source.

(14) Referring to e.g. FIG. 2a, the light source light 11 may be switched from a first (light source spectral power distribution having a first centroid wavelength .sub.c,1 to a second (light source) spectral power distribution having a centroid wavelength .sub.c,2. The luminescent material may have an excitation spectrum having a maximum excitation intensity at .sub.max,3. Especially, in embodiments .sub.c,1<.sub.c,2.sub.max,3.

(15) For example, .sub.max,3.sub.C,220 nm, such as in embodiments 15 nm, like especially 10 nm, more especially 5 nm.

(16) Here, in these schematically drawings the peak wavelengths may essentially the same as the centroid wavelengths. FIG. 2a is further explained in relation to peak wavelengths (though they may especially refer to centroid wavelengths).

(17) Reference 11P2 indicates the peak wavelength of the spectral power distribution of 1b, and 11P1 indicates the peak wavelength of the spectral power distribution of 1a. The difference in peak wavelengths is indicated with 3. Reference x1 indicates the peak maximum of the excitation X. The difference between the excitation maximum x1 and the peak wavelength 11P2 of the spectral power distribution of 1b is indicated with reference 1; the difference between the excitation maximum x1 and the peak wavelength 11P1 of the spectral power distribution of 1a is indicated with reference 2.

(18) In embodiments, one of the primary first wavelength (i.e. e.g. the wavelength of 11P2) and the secondary first wavelength (i.e. e.g. the wavelength of 11P1) may be at a wavelength that is not within the wavelength range of an excitation maximum x1 and full width half maximum of the excitation spectrum. Here, this would apply for of the spectral power distribution of 1b. The other one of the primary first wavelength (i.e. e.g. the wavelength of 11P2) and the secondary first wavelength (i.e. e.g. the wavelength of 11P1) may be at a wavelength that is within the wavelength range of an excitation maximum x1 and full width half maximum of the excitation spectrum. Here, this would apply for of the spectral power distribution of 1a.

(19) As will be clear from the spectra, when light source light 11 having 1b as spectral power distribution is provided, the system light 1001 may comprise first luminescent material light 211 see FIG. 2c and optionally also light source light 11 having the 1b spectral power distribution, but when light source light 11 having 1a as spectral power distribution is provided, the system light 1001 may comprise first luminescent material light 211 and essentially no light source light 11 having 1a as spectral power distribution see FIG. 2b. Hence, the ratio of the light source light 11 and the first luminescent material light 211 may be controllable by controlling the spectral power distribution of the light source light.

(20) FIG. 2d schematically depicts a light generating system 1000 in an operational mode which may lead to the spectral power distribution of the system light 1001 as schematically depicted in FIG. 2b, and FIG. 2e schematically depicts a light generating system 1000 in an operational mode which may lead to the spectral power distribution of the system light 1001 as schematically depicted in FIG. 2c. Reference 300 indicates a control system. Reference 1100 refers to an end window, which may e.g. be defined by a diffuser element or a collimator. The end window 1100 may also be another type of beam shaping element, such as a lens, reflector, but may also be a light transmissive element without beam shaping function.

(21) Hence, e.g. FIGS. 2d and 2d schematically depict an embodiment of the light generating system 1000 (in fact in two different operational modes). The light generating system 1000 may especially be configured to generate system light 1001. The light generating system 1000 comprises a light source 10, a first luminescent material 210, and a control system 300. Further, the light source 10 may be configured to generate light source light 11 having a tunable spectral power distribution within a first wavelength range .sub.x1. In embodiments, the light source 10 comprises a superluminescent diode. The first luminescent material 210 is configured to convert at least part of the light source light 11 into first luminescent material light 211 having one or more wavelengths in a first luminescent material light wavelength range .sub.m1. The first luminescent material 210 is configured such that in an operational mode (of the light generating system) the system light 1001 comprises the first luminescent material light 211. A spectral power distribution of the system light 1001 is controllable in dependence of the spectral power distribution of the light source light 11. The control system 300 is configured to control the spectral power distribution of the light source light 11. In embodiments, the first luminescent material 210 may have a wavelength dependent first absorption strength over at least part of the first wavelength range .sub.x1. In embodiments, the light source 10 and the first luminescent material 210 are configured such that in an operational mode the system light 1001 comprises the light source light 11 and the first luminescent material light 211. As schematically depicted the control system 300 is configured to control in an operational mode an intensity of the first luminescent material light 211 by changing the spectral power distribution of the light source light 11 (received by the first luminescent material 210) from a first light source light spectral power distribution 1a to a second light source light spectral power distribution 1b different from the first light source light spectral power distribution 1a. In specific embodiments, the first wavelength range .sub.x1 has wavelengths in the blue wavelength range. Alternatively or additionally, in embodiments the first luminescent material light wavelength range .sub.m1 has wavelengths in a wavelength range comprising one or more of at least part of the green wavelength range, at least part of the orange wavelength range, and at least part of the red wavelength range.

(22) FIGS. 3a-3e schematically depict an embodiment and aspects in relation thereto wherein the system 1000 comprises a light source 10 a first luminescent material 210, and a color separation element 410 (see especially FIGS. 3d-3e). Reference 425 in FIGS. 3d-3e refers to reflective elements (or mirror elements). Reference 20 refers to light combining elements.

(23) FIG. 3a shows the excitation spectrum X and the spectral power distribution of the emission spectrum, i.e. luminescent material light 211. Further, two light source light spectral power distributions 1a and 1b of the light source light 11 are schematically depicted. The dashed line R, which relates to the right y-axis, is the reflection curve of a color separation element. Note that in embodiments instead of the reflection curve, a transmission curve may be applied.

(24) Here, f1 is the wavelength between about the minimum and the maximum, i.e. at about 50% of the difference between the minimum and maximum reflection of the color separation element. Reference 4 indicates the wavelength difference between 11p2 and f1. Reference 5 indicates is the wavelength difference between 11p1 and f1.

(25) Reference 6 indicates is the wavelength difference between 11p1 and 11p2. Reference 7 indicates is the wavelength difference between x1 and f1. Reference 8 indicates is the wavelength difference between 11p2 and x1. Reference 9 indicates is the wavelength difference between 11p1 and x1.

(26) FIGS. 3b and 3d schematically depict an operational mode of the system 1000 wherein essentially all light source light 11 having a first light source light spectral power distribution 1a bypasses the first luminescent material 210 as the color separation element reflects this light source light 11. FIGS. 3c and 3e schematically depict an operational mode of the system 1000 wherein essentially all light source light 11 having a first light source light spectral power distribution 1a is transmitted by the color separation element 401 and irradiates the first luminescent material 210. By way of example, all light source light 11 is converted into first luminescent material light, leading to system light 1001 essentially consisting of the first luminescent material light 211.

(27) Hence, in embodiments the light generating system 1000 may further comprising a color separation element 410 configured downstream of the light source 10. The light source 10, the color separation element 410, and the first luminescent material 210 are configured such that one or more of the following may applies: (i) a first part 11b of the light source light 11 may be directed from the color separation element 410 to the first luminescent material 210 and (ii) a second part 11a of the light source light 11 is not directed from the color separation element 410 to the first luminescent material 210. Thereby, a ratio of the first part to the second part depends on the spectral power distribution of the light source light 11. Especially, the color separation element 410 is selected from the group of a dichroic mirror, a dichroic cube, and a diffractive optical element. The light generating system 1000 may further comprise one or more light combining elements 420. Especially, in embodiments the light source 10, the color separation element 410, and the first luminescent material 210 may be configured such that the second part 11a of light source light 11 may be directed from the color separation element 410 to one or more of the one or more light combining elements 420. Further, in embodiments the light source 10, the color separation element 410, and the first luminescent material 210 may be configured such that the one or more light combining element 420 are configured to combine the first luminescent material light 211 and the second part 11a of light source light 11.

(28) FIGS. 3d and 3e show embodiments and operational modes wherein either the light source light 11 or the first luminescent material light 211 may be comprised by the system light 1001. Note that in dependence of the steepness of the reflection curve R and the position of the reflection curve R of the color separation element 410, the system light 1001 of the operational mode schematically depicted in FIGS. 3b/3d may also comprise luminescent material light 211, and the system light 1001 of the operational mode schematically depicted in FIGS. 3c/3e may also comprise light source light 11. However, their ratios may be different, leading to different spectral power distributions of the system light 1001. Especially, in an operational mode the system light 1001 comprises the first luminescent material light 211 and the second part 11a of light source light 11.

(29) FIGS. 4a-4f schematically depict embodiments and variants wherein a second luminescent material 220 is applied. Reference 20 refers to an embodiment of the light combining element, which may e.g. be light mixing optics. In embodiments, the light mixing optics may comprise one or more of diffusers (surface or volume scattering diffusers or engineered holographic optical elements), light pipes, light guides, Koehler integrator optics, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the light mixing optics may comprise a collimator or other collimating optics. Alternatively or additionally, the light mixing optics may comprise a dichroic beam combiner, such as in specific embodiments a dichroic cube.

(30) FIG. 4a schematically depicts the excitation spectrum X of the second luminescent material 220 (see FIGS. 4d, 4e, and 4f), the reflection curve R of the color separation element 410 (see FIGS. 4d, 4e, and 4f). FIG. 4b schematically depicts the first luminescent material light 211, having the first luminescent material light spectral power distribution m1. FIG. 4c schematically depicts the second luminescent material light 221, having the second luminescent material light spectral power distribution m2.

(31) FIGS. 4d and 4c schematically depict an operational mode wherein essentially all light source light 11 bypasses the first luminescent material 210 and is guided to the second luminescent material 220 by the color separation element 410 (and a reflector 425), leading to second luminescent material light 221. FIGS. 4e and 4b schematically depict an operational mode wherein essentially all light source light 11 irradiates the first luminescent material 210 as it is guided by the color separation element 410 to the first luminescent material 210, leading to first luminescent material light 211.

(32) As indicated above, in one or more operational modes it may also be possible that there is no full separation. FIG. 4f schematically depicts an embodiment wherein both the first luminescent material light 211 and the second luminescent material light 221 are comprised by the system light 1001. Further, it may be possible that also non-converted pump light, i.e. non-converted light source light 11 may be comprised by the system light.

(33) Referring to FIGS. 4a-4b, in embodiments the light generating system 1000 may further comprise one or more light combining elements 420 and a second luminescent material 220. In embodiments, the second luminescent material 220 may be configured to convert at least part of the light source light 11 into second luminescent material light 221 having one or more wavelengths in a second luminescent material light wavelength range .sub.m2. Further, especially the first luminescent material light 211 and the second luminescent material light 221 have different spectral power distributions. In embodiments, the light source 10, the color separation element 410, and the second luminescent material 210 are configured such that the second part 11a of light source light 11 is directed from the color separation element 410 to second luminescent material 220. Especially, the one or more light combining element 420 may be configured to combine the first luminescent material light 211 and the second luminescent material light 221. In embodiments, in an operational mode the system light 1001 comprises the first luminescent material light 211 and/or the second luminescent material light 221. In specific embodiments, in an operational mode the system light 1001 comprises the first luminescent material light 211 and the second luminescent material light 221. In embodiments, the one or more light combining element 420 are selected from the group of a dichroic mirror and a dichroic cube. Especially, in embodiments the control system 300 is configured to control in an operational mode an intensity of the first luminescent material light 211 by changing the spectral power distribution of the light source light 11 from a first light source light spectral power distribution 1b to a second light source light spectral power distribution 1a different from the first light source light spectral power distribution 1b.

(34) In specific embodiments, the light source 10 comprises a GaN-based superluminescent diode, or an InGaN-based superluminescent diode, or an AlGaN-based superluminescent diode. Further, in specific embodiments the first luminescent material 210 comprises a luminescent material of the type A.sub.3B.sub.5O.sub.12:Ce, wherein A comprises one or more of Y, La, Gd, Tb and Lu, and wherein B comprises one or more of Al, Ga, In and Sc.

(35) In embodiments, the light source 10 and the first luminescent material 210 may be configured such that (in an operational mode) over at least part of the first wavelength range .sub.x1 the system light 1001 is white light. In other embodiments, the light source 10 and the first luminescent material 210 and the second luminescent material 220 may be configured such that (in an operational mode) over at least part of the first wavelength range .sub.x1 the system light 1001 is white light. The control system 300 may be configured to control one or more of the color rendering index and the correlated color temperature of the system light 1001.

(36) FIGS. 5a-5b schematically depict some further embodiments, wherein the light generating system is e.g. combined with or comprises a further source of light.

(37) In FIG. 5a a first light generating 1000 and second light generating system 1000 may be combined to provide the light generating system 1000. The first light generating 1000 and second light generating system 1000 may be light generating systems 1000 as described herein, and may be essentially the same or may be able to provide different spectral power distributions.

(38) In FIG. 5b, a first light generating system 1000, such as described herein, may be combined with a third source of light 130, which may provide third light 131, which may be comprised in the system light 1001 in one or more operational modes. For instance, the third source of light 130 may comprise one or more LEDs and/or one or more laser diodes and/or one or more SLDs.

(39) FIG. 6 schematically depicts an embodiment of a luminaire 2 comprising the light generating system 1000 as described above. Reference 301 indicates a user interface which may be functionally coupled with the control system 300 comprised by or functionally coupled to the light generating system 1000. FIG. 6 also schematically depicts an embodiment of lamp 1 comprising the light generating system 1000. Reference 3 indicates a projector device or projector system, which may be used to project images, such as at a wall, which may also comprise the light generating system 1000. Reference 1200 refers to a lighting device, which may e.g. be selected from the group of a lamp 1, a luminaire 2, a projector device 3. The lighting device 1200 comprises the light generating device 1000. However, in embodiments the lighting device 1200 may also comprise a disinfection device or an optical wireless communication device (comprising the light generating device 1000). FIG. 6 also schematically depicts an embodiment of the lighting device 1200 comprising a wall light device (such as especially wall washers).

(40) The term plurality refers to two or more.

(41) The terms substantially or essentially herein, and similar terms, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The terms substantially or essentially may also include embodiments with entirely, completely, all, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially or essentially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term substantially or the term essentially may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%.

(42) The term comprise also includes embodiments wherein the term comprises means consists of.

(43) The term and/or especially relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after and/or. For instance, a phrase item 1 and/or item 2 and similar phrases may relate to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term comprising may in an embodiment refer to consisting of but may in another embodiment also refer to containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species.

(44) Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

(45) The devices, apparatus, or systems may herein amongst others be described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation, or devices, apparatus, or systems in operation.

(46) It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

(47) In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

(48) Use of the verb to comprise and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to.

(49) The article a or an preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

(50) The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim, or an apparatus claim, or a system claim, enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. In yet a further aspect, the invention (thus) provides a software product, which, when running on a computer is capable of bringing about (one or more embodiments of) the method as described herein.

(51) The invention also provides a control system that may control the device, apparatus, or system, or that may execute the herein described method or process. Yet further, the invention also provides a computer program product, when running on a computer which is functionally coupled to or comprised by the device, apparatus, or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such device, apparatus, or system.

(52) The invention further applies to a device, apparatus, or system comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

(53) The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.