Optical integrating chamber lighting using multiple color sources

• US 20060081773A1
• Filed: 12/06/2005
• Published: 04/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/23/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC (Acuity Brands, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Advanced Optical Technologies, LLC
• Inventors: Rains, Jack C. Jr., May, Don F., Ramer, David P.
• Granted Patent: US 7,148,470 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 250/228
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 10/02 changing colors F21S10/002 - F21S10/007, F21S10/04 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 2/00 Systems of lighting devices, not provided for in main groups F21S4/00 - F21S10/00 or F21S19/00, e.g. of modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/00 Lighting devices intended for fixed installation F21S9/00, F21S10/00 take precedence; using a string or strip of light sources F21S4/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 11/10 of iris type
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 14/06 by movement of refractors in vehicle head lamps F21S41/635
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 2200/13 the light being emitted at the end of the guide
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/002 using microoptical elements for redirecting or diffusing light
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/008 Combination of two or more successive refractors along an optical axis
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/24 characterised by the material
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/28 characterised by coatings
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/406 for theatres, stages or film studios
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2113/00 Combination of light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2113/13 comprising an assembly of point-like light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2113/20 of different form
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 1/08 Arrangements of light sources specially adapted for photometry standard sources, also using luminescent or radioactive material
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/0254 Spectrometers, other than colorimeters, making use of an integrating sphere
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/0264 Electrical interface; User interface
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/10 Arrangements of light sources specially adapted for spectrometry or colorimetry
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/501 Colorimeters using spectrally-selective light sources, e.g. LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/0252 : using holographic or diffractive means
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/0278 : used in transmission
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/0284 : used in reflection
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0008 : the light being emitted at the end of the fibre
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 15/06 : Special arrangements of screening, diffusing, or reflecting devices, e.g. in studio
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/0404 : the light source being enclosed in a box forming the character of the sign
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/06 : using individual cut-out symbols or cut-out silhouettes, e.g. perforated signs
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/14 : Arrangements of reflectors therein
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/22 : electroluminescent electroluminescent light sources per se H05B33/00
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 35/00 : Electric light sources using a combination of different types of light generation
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/00 : Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/20 : Controlling the colour of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/22 : using optical feedback
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/28 : using temperature feedback
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/395 : Linear regulators
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/30 : Semiconductor lamps, e.g. solid state lamps [SSL] light emitting diodes [LED] or organic LED [OLED]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 : Light emitting diode
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/812 : Signs

Abstract

A system to provide radiant energy of selectable spectral characteristic (e.g. a selectable color combination of light) uses an optical integrating cavity to combine energy of different wavelengths from different sources. Sources of radiant energy of different wavelengths, typically different-color LEDs, supply radiant energy into the interior of the cavity. The cavity has a diffusely reflective interior surface and an aperture for allowing emission of combined radiant energy. Control of the intensity of emission of the sources sets the amount of each wavelength of energy in the combined output and thus determines a spectral characteristic of the radiant energy output through the aperture. A variety of different elements may optically process the combined light output, such a deflector, a variable iris, a lens, a variable focusing lens system, a collimator, a holographic diffuser and combinations thereof. Such systems are useful in various luminous applications as well as various illumination applications.

Claims

1. An apparatus for emitting radiant energy, comprising:

a first of source of radiant energy of a first wavelength;

a second source of radiant energy of a second wavelength, the second wavelength being different from the first wavelength;

an optical cavity having a diffusely reflective interior surface for receiving and combining radiant energy of the first and second wavelengths from the sources of radiant energy, and having an aperture for allowing emission of combined radiant energy containing both radiant energy of the first wavelength and radiant energy of the second wavelength; and

an optical processing element coupled to the aperture of the optical cavity.

2-46. -46. (canceled)