System and method for providing multi-functional lighting using high-efficiency lighting elements in an environment

• US 20050207159A1
• Filed: 08/09/2004
• Published: 09/22/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/18/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Prostar Technologies Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Lighting Science Group Corporation (Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P.)
• Inventors: Maxik, Fredric
• Granted Patent: US 7,824,065 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/254
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/10 Ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/25 Rooms in buildings, passenger compartments
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2209/12 Lighting means
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/20 Ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/00 Light sources using semiconductor devices as light-generating elements, e.g. using light-emitting diodes [LED] or lasers
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/232 specially adapted for generating an essentially omnidirectional light distribution, e.g. with a glass bulb
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/233 specially adapted for generating a spot light distribution, e.g. for substitution of reflector lamps
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 3/00 Globes; Bowls; Cover glasses with refracting properties F21V5/00; with reflecting properties F21V7/00; characterised by cooling arrangements F21V29/506
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2107/20 on convex supports or substrates, e.g. on the outer surface of spheres
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2107/90 on two opposite sides of supports or substrates
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/155 Coordinated control of two or more light sources
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/165 following a pre-assigned programmed sequence; Logic control [LC]

Abstract

A system and method for providing multi-functional lighting in a lighting system in an environment is disclosed. The system uses high-efficiency lighting elements for providing multi-functional lighting in the environment. The types and quantity of high-efficiency lighting elements is determined based upon information entered provided to the system by a user according to their functional desires for the environment. Among the functions provided to the environment include: lighting, bacteriological control, biological control, pest control, and pollution control. In one embodiment of the high-efficiency lighting elements are light emitting diodes (LEDs). In one embodiment of the multi-functional lighting system, the system further determines location of the lighting elements to be used within the environment based on the information provided by a user.

Claims

1. A system for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements, comprising:

means for selecting at least one high-efficiency lighting element for producing a desired function;

means for tuning said at least one high-efficiency lighting element substantially disposed over said at least one high-efficiency lighting element for providing high-efficiency lighting; and

means for arranging said at least one high-efficiency lighting element located within said environment.

2. The system for providing a desired function in an environment using high efficiency lighting elements of claim 1 wherein said means for determining comprises:

means for calculating an area of a portion of said environment for determining the quantity of at least one high-efficiency lighting elements to provide said desired function for said portion of said environment.

3. The system for providing a desired function in an environment using high efficiency lighting elements of claim 2 wherein said means for determining further comprises:

means, responsive to said calculated area of said portion of said environment, for determining said at least one high-efficiency lighting elements for providing the desired function in said environment.

4. The system for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 1 wherein said means for tuning further comprises:

means for adjusting the angle of dispersion of light emitted from said at least one high-efficiency lighting element.

5. The system for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 1 wherein said means for tuning further comprises:

means for shaping the light emitted from said at least one high-efficiency lighting element.

6. The system for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 1 further comprising:

means, responsive to a command, for adjusting the output of said at least one high-efficiency lighting element.

7. The system for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 1 wherein said at least one high-efficiency lighting element comprises at least one light emitting element providing light in the visible wavelength range.

8. The system for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 1 wherein said at least one high-efficiency lighting element comprises at least one light emitting element providing light in the invisible wavelength range.

9. The system for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 1 wherein said function is selected from the group consisting of lighting, bacteriological control, biological control, pest control, and pollution control.

10. The system for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 1 wherein said at least one high-efficiency lighting element comprises at least one light emitting diode.

11. The system for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 10 wherein said means for selecting comprises:

means for selecting among at least two different of said at least one light emitting diodes of said high-efficiency lighting element for providing said function in said environment.

12. The system for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 1 further comprising:

means for energizing said at least one high-efficiency lighting element for providing said desired environment.

13. The system for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 1 wherein said means for energizing comprises:

means for supplying a peak current above the maximum forward current rating of at least one of said at least one high-efficiency lighting element.

14. A method for providing a multi-functional lighting system in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements, comprising;

receiving environmental information related to said environment;

receiving functional information related to said environment;

determining a type and a quantity of said high-efficiency lighting elements for said environment; and

providing said high-efficiency lighting elements.

15. The method for providing a multi-functional lighting system of claim 14 wherein said receiving environmental information further comprises:

receiving environmental information selected from the group consisting of dimensional information and location information.

16. The method for providing a multi-functional lighting system of claim 14 wherein said receiving functional information further comprises:

receiving functional information selected from group consisting of lighting, bacteriological control, biological control, pest control, and pollution control.

17. The method for providing a multi-functional lighting system of claim 14 wherein said determining a type and a quantity of said high-efficiency lighting elements further comprises:

determining said high-efficiency lighting elements selected from the group consisting of mood lighting, wall wash lighting, spot lighting, flood lighting, bacteriological control, bacterial control, biological control, pest control, and pollution control.

18. The method for providing a multi-functional lighting system of claim 14 wherein said determining a type and a quantity of said high-efficiency lighting elements further comprises:

determining a location for said high-efficiency lighting elements within said environment.

19. The method for providing a multi-functional lighting system of claim 14 wherein said high-efficiency lighting elements are light emitting diodes.

20. A multi-functional lighting system in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements, comprising;

receiving means for receiving environmental information related to said environment;

receiving means for receiving functional information related to said environment;

means, responsive to receiving said functional information, for determining a type and a quantity of said high-efficiency lighting elements for said environment; and

providing means for providing said high-efficiency lighting elements.

21. The multi-functional lighting system in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 20 wherein said receiving means for receiving environmental information further comprises:

receiving environmental information selected from the group consisting of dimensional information and location information.

22. The multi-functional lighting system in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 20 wherein said receiving means for receiving functional information further comprises:

receiving functional information selected from group consisting of lighting, bacteriological control, biological control, pest control, and pollution control.

23. The multi-functional lighting system in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 20 wherein said determining means for determining a type and a quantity of said high-efficiency lighting elements further comprises:

determining said high-efficiency lighting elements selected from the group consisting of mood lighting, wall wash lighting, spot lighting, flood lighting, bacteriological control, bacterial control, biological control, pest control, and pollution control.

24. The multi-functional lighting system in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 20 wherein said means, responsive to receiving said functional information, for determining a type and a quantity of said high-efficiency lighting elements further comprises:

determining a location for said high-efficiency lighting elements within said environment for providing said multi-functional lighting.

25. The multi-functional lighting system in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 20 wherein said high-efficiency lighting elements are light emitting diodes.

26. A method for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements, comprising:

selecting at least one high-efficiency lighting element for producing a desired function;

tuning said at least one high-efficiency lighting element substantially disposed over said at least one high-efficiency lighting element for providing high-efficiency lighting;

arranging said at least one high-efficiency lighting element located within said environment.

27. The method for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 26 wherein said determining further comprises:

calculating an area of a portion of said environment for determining the quantity of at least one high-efficiency lighting elements to provide said desired function for said portion of said environment.

28. The method for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 27 wherein said determining further comprises:

responsive to said calculated area of said portion of said environment, determining said at least one high-efficiency lighting elements for providing the desired function in said environment.

29. The method for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 26 wherein said tuning further comprises:

adjusting the angle of dispersion of light emitted from said at least one high-efficiency lighting element.

30. The method for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 26 wherein said tuning further comprises:

shaping the light emitted from said at least one high-efficiency lighting element.

31. The method for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 26 further comprises:

responsive to a command, adjusting the output of said at least one high-efficiency lighting element.

32. The method for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 26 wherein said at least one high-efficiency lighting element comprises at least one light emitting element providing light in the visible wavelength range.

33. The method for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 26 wherein said lighting means further comprises:

adjusting the angle of dispersion of light emitted from said lighting means.

34. The method for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 26 wherein said function is selected from the group consisting of lighting, bacteriological control, biological control, pest control, and pollution control.

35. The method for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 26 wherein said at least one high-efficiency lighting element comprises at least one light emitting diode.

36. The method for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 35 wherein said selecting comprises:

selecting among at least two different of said at least one light emitting diodes of said high-efficiency lighting element for providing said function in said environment.

37. The method for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 26 further comprising:

energizing said at least one high-efficiency lighting element for providing said desired environment.

38. The method for providing a desired function in an environment using high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 26 wherein said energizing comprises:

supplying a peak current above the maximum forward current rating of at least one of said at least one high-efficiency lighting element.

39. A method for providing a desired function in an environment using a plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements, comprising:

selecting at least one function to be provided by said plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements in said environment;

determining the positions of said plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements within said environment;

preparing said plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements; and

positioning said plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements within said environment.

40. The method for providing a desired function in an environment using a plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 39 wherein said selecting at least one function is selected from the group consisting of lighting, bacteriological control, biological control, pest control, and pollution control.

41. The method for providing a desired function in an environment using a plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 39 wherein said preparing said plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements comprises:

providing said plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements emitting a wavelength of light for providing said selected at least one function.

42. The method for providing a desired function in an environment using a plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 39 wherein said preparing said plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements comprises:

tuning at least one of said plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements for providing said selected at least one function.

43. The method for providing a desired function in an environment using a plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 42 wherein said tuning at least one of said plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements further comprises:

disposing at least one lens substantially over said plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements for providing the dispersion of light required by said selected function.

44. The method for providing a desired function in an environment using a plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements of claim 42 wherein said tuning at least one of said plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements further comprises:

installing backlit high-efficiency lighting elements in said plurality of high-efficiency lighting elements.