US011208029B2
`
`a2) United States Patent
`Spero
`
`(0) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`(54)
`
`ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM
`
`(71)
`
`Applicant: Yechezkal Evan Spero, Tifrach (IL)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventor: Yechezkal Evan Spero, Tifrach (IL)
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`B60O 2300/054 (2013.01); B6OQ 2300/112
`(2013.01); B6OQ 2300/116 (2013.01); B60Q
`2300/122 (2013.01):
`
`(Continued)
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`CPC o.... B60Q 1/04; B60Q 1/085; B60Q 1/1423;
`B60Q 2300/112; B60Q 2300/134
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 17/152,399
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jan. 19, 2021
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2021/0162912 Al
`
`Jun. 3, 2021
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,316,442 A
`4,597,033 A
`
`4/1967 Konrad
`6/1986 Meggsetal.
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`WO
`
`2001070538 A2
`
`9/2001
`
`(63) Continuation of application No. 15/961,861, filed on
`Apr. 24, 2018, now Pat. No. 10,894,503, which is a
`(Continued)
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`
`B60Q 1/04
`F21K 9/23
`
`(2006.01)
`(2016.01)
`(Continued)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC wee B60Q 1/04 (2013.01); B60Q 1/085
`(2013.01); B60Q 1/1423 (2013.01); F21K 9/23
`(2016.08); F21K 9/232 (2016.08); F218 4/28
`(2016.01); F218 41/143 (2018.01); F218
`41/147 (2018.01); F228 41/153 (2018.01);
`F21S 41/65 (2018.01); F21V 19/02 (2013.01);
`F21V 23/0464 (2013.01); F21V 23/0471
`(2013.01); F21V 23/0478 (2013.01); HO5B
`3/008 (2013.01); HOSB 45/20 (2020.01);
`HO5B 45/395 (2020.01); HOSB 47/10
`(2020.01); HOSB 47/105 (2020.01); HOSB
`47/11 (2020.01); HOSB 47/115 (2020.01);
`
`Primary Examiner — Tung X Le
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Brooks Kushman P.C.
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A motor vehicle includes headlamps having a plurality of
`LED light sources, one or more processors, and a memory
`storing instructions. One or more processors executing the
`instructions are enabled to receive first data, including at
`least map data, indicating a road curvature upcoming along
`a road on which the motor vehicle is traveling. The proces-
`sors are also enabled to determine a light change, the change
`adapting a light pattern of the headlamps in at least one of
`color, intensity or spatial distribution to increase light in a
`direction of the road curvature ahead of the motor vehicle
`and shaping light basedatleast in part on the road curvature.
`The processors are further enabled to control atleast a first
`plurality of the LED light sources to provide light based at
`least in part on the determined light change andprior to the
`motor vehicle reaching the road curvature.
`
`33 Claims, 24 Drawing Sheets
`
`451
`
`omen
`
`Transducer and Sensor Pack
`Environmental and Geometrical Data Input
`Illumination Feedback Data
`
`Switch & Power
`Controls
`
`
`
`
`
`Logical Controller
`
`Data Storage
`
`YO Communications
`
`LED Light Source Module
`
`*eeee
`
`Mercedes EX1001
`U.S. Patent No. 11,208,029
`
`Mercedes EX1001
`U.S. Patent No. 11,208,029
`
`

`

`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`Page 2
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`continuation of application No. 13/357,549, filed on
`Jan. 24, 2012, now Pat. No. 9,955,551, which is a
`continuation-in-part of application No. 10/604,360,
`filed on Jul. 14, 2003, now Pat. No. 8,100,552.
`
`(60)
`
`Provisional application No. 60/395,308, filed on Jul.
`12, 2002, provisional application No. 61/535,981,
`filed on Sep. 17, 2011.
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`F21K 9/232
`
`B60Q 1/08
`B60Q 1/14
`F21V 19/02
`F21V 23/04
`F2IS 4/28
`F21S 41/143
`F21S 41/147
`F21S 41/65
`HOSB 47/105
`HO5B 45/20
`HOSB 47/10
`HOSB 47/11
`F21S 41/153
`HOSB 47/115
`HOSB 45/395
`HOSB 3/00
`F21V 29/74
`F21Y 115/10
`F21V 21/02
`F21V 21/30
`F21W 111/023
`F21W 111/027
`F21W 111/08
`F21W 131/103
`F21W 131/40
`F21Y 113/00
`F21W 102/00
`US. Cl.
`
`(52)
`
`(2016.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2016.01)
`(2018.01)
`(2018.01)
`(2018.01)
`(2020.01)
`(2020.01)
`(2020.01)
`(2020.01)
`(2018.01)
`(2020.01)
`(2020.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2015.01)
`(2016.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2016.01)
`(2018.01)
`
`2300/134 (2013.01); B60O 2300/142
`CPC .. B60Q
`01); B6OO 2300/21 (2013.01); B60O
`(2013.
`2300/23 (2013.01); B60Q 2300/312 (2013.01);
`2300/314 (2013.01); B60O 2300/322
`B60O
`(2013.
`01); B6OQ 2300/41 (2013.01); B60O
`2300/42 (2013.01); F21V 21/02 (2013.01):
`F21V 21/30 (2013.01); F21V 29/74 (2015.01):
`F21W 2102/00 (2018.01); F21W 2111/023
`(2013.01); F21W 2111/027 (2013.01); F21W
`2111/08 (2013.01); F21W 2131/103 (2013.01):
`F21W 2131/40 (2013.01); F21Y 2113/00
`(2013.01); F21¥ 2115/10 (2016.08); YO2B
`20/30 (2013.01); YO2B 20/40 (2013.01)
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,018,290 A
`5,033,099 A
`5,130,909 A
`5,546,475 A
`
`5/1991 Kozeket al.
`7/1991 Yamadaet al.
`7/1992 Gross
`8/1996 Bolle et al.
`
`PrPPPrrrPEPPrPS
`
`5,561,346
`5,577,832
`5,749,646
`5,785,243
`5,796,094
`
`5,803,579
`5,921,660
`5,969,754
`5,983,161
`5,994,844
`6,046,549
`6,049,171
`
`6,149,283
`6,166,496
`6,227,679
`6,281,632
`6,340,868
`6,346,777
`6,379,022
`6,385,352
`6,394,614
`6,406,172
`6,483,439
`6,498,440
`6,499,860
`6,528,954
`6,587,573
`6,601,982
`6,676,282
`6,820,998
`6,861,809
`7,524,097
`8,045,760
`8,115,394
`8,665,079
`9,398,270
`200 1/0014019
`2002/0022774
`2002/0022927
`2002/0039238
`2002/0046 100
`2002/0047628
`2002/0047646
`2002/0057340
`2002/0130326
`2004/0052076
`2004/0061605
`2004/0105264
`2004/0138726
`2004/0230358
`2006/0222213
`2008/0136356
`2009/03 15485
`2010/0052550
`20 10/0286896
`
`2010/0302779
`2011/0211110
`2012/0001547
`
`2012/0001566
`2012/0050074
`
`2012/0091897
`2012/0262575
`2012/0283908
`20 12/0287493
`2013/0258688
`
`*
`
`*
`
`10/1996
`11/1996
`5/1998
`7/1998
`8/1998
`
`9/1998
`7/1999
`10/1999
`11/1999
`11/1999
`4/2000
`4/2000
`
`11/2000
`12/2000
`5/2001
`8/2001
`1/2002
`2/2002
`4/2002
`5/2002
`5/2002
`6/2002
`11/2002
`12/2002
`12/2002
`3/2003
`7/2003
`8/2003
`1/2004
`11/2004
`3/2005
`4/2009
`10/2011
`2/2012
`3/2014
`7/2016
`8/2001
`2/2002
`2/2002
`4/2002
`4/2002
`4/2002
`4/2002
`5/2002
`9/2002
`3/2004
`4/2004
`6/2004
`7/2004
`11/2004
`10/2006
`6/2008
`12/2009
`3/2010
`11/2010
`
`12/2010
`9/2011
`1/2012
`
`1/2012
`3/2012
`
`4/2012
`10/2012
`11/2012
`11/2012
`10/2013
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Byrne
`Lodhie
`Brittell
`Cross
`Schofield ............ B60N 2/002
`250/208.1
`
`Turnbull
`Yu
`Zeman
`Lemelsonetal.
`Crawford et al.
`James
`StaM occ B60Q 1/1423
`315/82
`
`Conway et al.
`Lyset al.
`Zhang et al.
`Stam et al.
`Lyset al.
`Kim
`Amerson etal.
`Roustaei
`Chang
`Harbersetal.
`Vukosic
`Stam et al.
`Begemann
`Lyset al.
`Stam et al.
`Begemannetal.
`Begemannetal.
`Chen
`Stam
`Turnbull et al.
`Stam et al.
`Kobayashi
`Pawlicki et al.
`Liken et al.
`Begemann
`Kamieli
`Lemelsonetal.
`Chang
`Kinjo
`Morgan et al.
`Lyset al.
`Fernandez et al.
`Tamuraet al.
`Mueller
`Howard
`Spero
`Savageet al.
`Stam et al.
`Kiyoharaet al.
`Zampini et al.
`Verfuerth et al.
`Kobayashi
`Yamada... GOIC 21/30
`TOL/LA7
`
`Chemel
`Doublet
`Nishitani
`
`........0.0... HOSB 45/52
`315/82
`
`Josefowicz
`Bechtel... G06K 9/00798
`340/988
`
`O et al.
`Champagne
`Schofield et al.
`Kuhlman etal.
`Kalapodas
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 1 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`10
`
`
`Power Line as
`Conductor Cable or Rail
`
`between Light Source
`Units Also May Serve
`as Affixing Means and
`
`communicationslink.
`
`
`Multiple Solid State Light Source
`
`
`
`
`
`
`11
`
`MSLS Digital Lighting Fixture DLF
`
`
`
`
`Mechanical Base
`
`
`Power
`
` Conditioning
`
`
` Multiple Solid-State
`
`Light Sources
`
` Optical
`Elements
`Controller Electronics
`
`
`Storage, Processor &
`Software
`
`
` Sensors
`
`
`Read inputs and
`
`—»|
`instructions, process
`
`data and calculate
`
`NO
`
`
`
`
`
`Performance per spec?
`
`Changeoperating
`parameters
`
`
`
`Check Time, Sensors & Inputs
`
`FIG. 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 2 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`PRIOR ART
`
` FIG. 2C
`
`FIG. 2B
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 3 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`PRIOR ART
`FIG. 3A
`
`FIG. 3B
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 4 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`|’\\WTI
`
`FIG. 4
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 5 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`
` =
`
`72
`
`71
`
`FIG. 5
`
`
`
`FIG. 6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 6 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`131
`
`
`130
`
`132
`
`136
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 7 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`is
`
`
`
` SS
`S oeRe
`Se
`
`ShSSSN
`So
`
`
`
`
`
`
`INTENSITYOFILLUMINATIONINFOOTCANDLES
`
`309REESE
`
`.
`;
`*
`4
`Lo
`
`RSS
`
`;
`oo BESS
`SS
`.
`eee
`ae.
`¥
`
`SSSsssy
`SSSGSSES
`3
`tees
`5
`Re ane oe eee
`dfnnnannnnner Bienennin Spentinnit
`‘ ene Denimne
`SSSSEES
`ASGS&SASSN:sCO“
`PLEASING
`
`00 BERRAILLUMINATION
`PSS :
`
`SES
`eo & SoS SO
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`x SEN eS < Seek
`
`PERE
`EASES
`ET
`
`KSSS ASS
`A.
`Grane
`‘
`SNS .
`$2.
`re SSS__ ASSESSES
`3OoR:
`ORR
`3000 4000
`SOONG BOto00n
`
`COLOR TEMPERATURE OFILLUMINATION *K
`
`FIG. 10
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 8 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`172
`
`174
`
`171
`
`173
`
`71
`
`171
`
`179
`
`178
`
`FIG. 11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 9 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`
`
`FIG. 12
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 10 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`x
`
`SX.
`
`Se
`
`
`
`343
`
`241
`
`251-247
`
`248
`
`
`
`257
`
`FIG. 13C
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 11 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`Determine the Lighting Application and Recommended Practices
`
`Determine the Mounting Height and Surrounding Conditions Typical of the Application
`
`
`
`Determine the Area Covered and Light Power Required
`
`
`
`Select SLS types capable of producing Required Intensities and Spectrum at Highest
`Conversion Efficiencies at the Lowest Economic Cost
`
`|
`Determine the SLS Beam Spreads
`
`etermine SLS Aimings for the Required Distribution Pattern
`
`|
`
`YES
`
`Determine Electronics to Control and Power SLS
`
`Determine Lighting Fixture Surface Geometry and Size
`
`|
`
`NO
`
`Glare Rating per Viewing
`Angle Acceptable?
`
`| D
`
`Change SLS Beam Spread,
`Fixture Geometries or Size
`
`+
`
`Design Luminaire include Aesthetics per Application
`
`|
`
`FIG. 14
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 12 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`273
`
`284
`
`283
`
`;
`
`272
`
`276
`
`OOOO
`
`AOOG
`
`IOOOS65 OOO
`N OOQO000 O04
`
`FIG. 15
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 13 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`
`
`FIG. 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 14 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`Tl
`220/110v to 24veRi
`D3
`2000hm
`BRIDGE
`
` LED! leds
`
`FIG. 17
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 15 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`422
`
`ssBS
`iS
`
`428
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ae
`
`< WAG
`
`
`WC
`
`
`
`
`
`413
`
`415
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 18B
`
`416
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 16 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`
`3
`
`
`
`
`
`SERRE xAAA
`‘SRE
`
`5
`HOA: SSS vm
`
`*
`ee
`eS SSUSSESEEES.
`
`et
`
`
` Nos.
`s
`
`
`FIG. 20A
`
`FIG. 20B
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 17 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`
`
`SSS
`SERN
`oe
`SESS
`
`443
`
`444
`
`ayo
`
`6
`
`FIG. 21
`
` |Data Storage
`
`Ceee
`
`
`iad
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Switch & Power
`
`Controls
`
`LED Driver
`
`LED Driver
`
`“NaN
`ASIN
`
`451
`
`
`
`PowerConditioning
`
`Transducer and Sensor Pack
`
`Environmental and Geometrical Data Input
`Illumination Feedback Data
`
`Logical Controller
`
`VO Communications
`
`|
`
`454
`
`LED Light Source Module
`
`LED Light Source Module
`
`eo”-
`
`“
`
`457
`
`458See eee eee
`
`“”
`
`FIG.22
`
`

`

`|
`
`|
`
`Drive Light Sources to Produce Light Distribution Pattern Needed
`:
`Measure Obtained Luminance or User Override Inputs
`
`
`
`
`
`Re-adjust Light Source Aimings or Add Additional LS Modules
`
`
`
`Identify Immediate Use for Illumination for Visual Tasks or Ambient Lighting
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 18 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`Run Test Routine of Light Sources to Determine Light Distribution
`
`Identify Furnishings, Appliances, Objects and/or People
`
` Run Lighting Algorithms to Determine Best Practice Illumination Levels
`
`
`
`
`Luminance Levels Reached?
`
`Communicate Requirements
`
`—>|
`
`Operate Lighting Fixture on As Needed Basis for User Vision
`
`a,
`Measure Luminance and Glare vs. Best Practice Specification
`
`YES
`
`
`
` Luminance within Spec?
`
` Adjust LS
`Glare Rating per Viewing
`
`
`Angle Acceptable?
`
`NO
`
`YES ChangeintheLighting xo|
`
`Intensity or
`Aiming
`
`
`Environment?
`
`Fig. 23
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 19 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`
`
`47S
`
`FIG
`
`. 24
`
`487
`
`aes
`
`0we
`
`FIG. 25A
`
`FIG. 25B
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 20 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`490
`
`
` eS
`495
`
`
` OORSSSS
`
`
` RRRNN 493
`
`492.
`
`496
`
`FIG.26
`
`

`

`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 21 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`U.S. Patent FIG. 27
`ZW”
`
`we,
`
`515——/
`
`FIG. 28A
`
`FIG. 28B
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 22 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`FIG.29
`
`FIG. 30
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 23 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`yyyeSe8Yj
`
`oy
`
`LOpL
`
`yi
`
`anTes
`
`54
`
`= 346
`
`FIG.31
`
`=,vefrstetos
`y,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Yesteis
`
`FIG. 32
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2021
`
`Sheet 24 of 24
`
`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`Input the Lighting Application Geometry and Visual Tasks to Be Performed
`
`Input Fixture Placement
`
`Determine Iuminance Values for Room Surfaces
`Based on Usage
`
`Generate Luminaire Spatial Light Intensity
`Distribution Based on Fixture Location
`Relative to Surfaces
`
`Build Luminaire from Multiple Light Sources Capable of Providing the
`Required Luminaire Spatial Light Distribution. Set Skeletal Structural
`Geometry
`
`
`
`Run Lighting Design Software to Obtain luminance Results
`on Room Surfaces and Work Plane.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` Re-simulate entire light design including the Fixtures
`
`YES
`
`Compare Dluminance
`Results to Goal.
`Meet Spec/?
`
`Select Aesthetic Outer Luminaire Package Design that
`coordinates with Skeletal Structure
`
`Appearance.
`
`
`Aesthetic Design Package &
`Performance Acceptable?
`
` YES
`
`NO
`
`FIG.33
`
`

`

`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`1
`ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent appli-
`cation Ser. No. 15/961,861 filed Apr. 24, 2018, now U.S. Pat.
`No. 10,894,503 which issued Jan. 19, 2021 which is a
`Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/357,549
`filed Jan. 24, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,955,551 which
`issued Apr. 24, 2018, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 10/604,360, entitled “Multiple
`Light-Source Illuminating System”filed on Jul. 14, 2003,
`now USS. Pat. No. 8,100,552 which issued on Jan. 24, 2012,
`which claims benefit under 35 US.C., § 119(e) of US.
`Provisional Application No. 60/395,308 filed Jul. 12, 2002,
`entitled “Multiple Light Source Illumination System”. U.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 13/357,549 filed Jan. 24, 2012,
`also claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
`61/535,981 filed Sep. 17, 2011 entitled “Adjustable Light
`Fixture” The entire content of the disclosures are all
`expressly incorporated herein by reference.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`The present invention is in the field of radiation producing
`devices. More particularly, the present invention is in the
`technical field of lighting fixtures. However, radiation used
`for headlamps, heating, night vision, UV or visible light
`curing, medical X-rays and other radiation uses are covered
`as well. General lighting fixtures otherwise known as lumi-
`naires will be used as the primary example while other
`irradiating devices such as infrared heaters are covered as
`well. The invention relates to multiple light source illumi-
`nating devices intended to replace incandescent, fluorescent
`and HID luminaries in general and specialty lighting appli-
`cations.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Definitions, Terms, Elements
`In order to clarify the intent of the present invention and
`its dissimilar aspects from prior art, a nomenclature system
`is established.
`Used herein illumination refers to the deliberate applica-
`tion of light to achieve somepractical or aesthetic effect.
`Correct illumination or recommendlighting practice refers
`to lighting industry standards and recommendations for the
`illumination of living, recreation, architectural and work
`areas as described in standards and handbooks published by
`industry professional organizations such as the Illuminating
`Engineering Society, the International Association of Light-
`ing Designers, [ALD or International Commission on IIlu-
`mination CIE.
`
`Lamp: A lamp, other than a reflector lamp, is generally a
`device that generates light radially from the source. Due to
`the physics involved in the light generation process, it is
`difficult at the source to gain control of the spatial light
`propagation. A reflector lamp will partially control
`the
`emitted light which hits the reflector but will not control the
`remaining light emanating from the filament or discharge
`tube. A lamp other than a solid-state lamp will generally
`produce light over a wide range of spectrum. The overall
`color is a function of the physics involved in the generation
`of the different photon energies. While some lamps spectra
`are closer to sunlight and have a good color rendering in
`relation thereto, other lamps such as low-pressure sodium
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`are highly monochromatic with a yellow-orange appearance.
`A color temperature in degrees Kelvin based onthe color of
`an incandescent filament is used to describe a lamp. An
`incandescent lamp color will be termed “warm” at 2000
`Kelvin and a Metal Halide “cool” at 4000K.In general, there
`is no ability to affect the color over the intensity level even
`where dimmingis afforded. A lamp is also intended to be a
`replaceable element. Lamps are constructed according to
`universal standards which allow for the substitution of lamps
`by other manufacturers. Prior-art lamps are thus provided
`with bulky bases whichfit into bulky sockets and do not lend
`themselves to being permanently wired into printed circuit
`boards or bonded onto electronic chips.
`Luminaire: A Lighting Fixture or luminaire (the terms are
`used interchangeably) is a device which is constructed
`around the lamp to provide lighting specific to the applica-
`tion including non-lighting considerations such as aesthet-
`ics, safety etc. Some LF designs are primarily based on
`aesthetics while others are based on tailoring the lumen
`output such that the lighting fixture output meets the visual
`task at hand. Between these two extremes there are many
`possible designs, with maintenance,fixture cost, hazardous
`and rough service location considerations also playing a
`role. This is essentially why the industry produces so many
`different types of luminaires. One type for high industrial
`building ceilings known as high-bay lighting, another for
`office lighting and a third for roadway lighting and a fourth
`for illuminating corridors. Each fixture has its photometric
`distribution characteristics, that is, how many candela at
`whatangle are exiting from the luminaire. Other luminaire
`considerations include keeping the lighting from causing
`discomfort glare or from being a source of veiling reflec-
`tions. The purely technical goalis to get the required amount
`of light at the work surfaces where visual tasks are carried
`out by man, animals, plants and machines. A LF has a longer
`life than the lamp, and the lamp is meant to be replaceable
`within the fixture. A luminaire is wired directly to the
`electrical mains while a lamp dueto its need to be replaced
`has a base whichfits into a socket by way of which the lamp
`receives its power. Prior art solid-state lamp assemblies are
`considered lamps, as they have no provision for being
`connected to the mains. A luminaire has apparatus whereby
`it
`is attached to the building structure while a lamp is
`mechanically affixed to the lamp holder or socket. Another
`aspect of distinction is,
`that
`in general, correct
`lighting
`practice principles are used to guide in the design of a LF
`while a lamp is “bare” and is expected to have reflectors,
`refractors, shades and louvers to prevent glare and redirect
`its rays to increase light utilization.
`Digital: The term digital used herein in refers to the
`luminaire concept as espoused by teachings of this invention
`and is loosely defined in parallel to the fine control associ-
`ated with digital equipment. The multiple light sources of
`specific characteristics provide quanta of power and spec-
`trum which are smoothly added or detracted to generate a
`changed lighting effect. The digital aspect arises from the
`sufficient progression of values, varying by minute degrees
`to produce a continuum so as be non-discernable orirrel-
`evant to the user. The added controllability is realized by
`breaking up the light-production, into discrete, specifically
`aimable, and dimmable elements which can be addressed by
`control electronics for the purpose of affecting the intensity,
`spectrum and spatial distribution of spectrum andof inten-
`sity of the illumination provided by the luminaire of the
`present invention.
`The overall combination of control capability and discrete
`light sources yields a digital lighting fixture. The terminol-
`
`

`

`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`3
`ogy “digital” as used herein also refers to the discrete nature
`of the multiple LED lamps provided in the luminaire,
`whereby, “digital” control results from the individual control
`of the discrete, i.e., “digital” lighting elements, the LEDs, in
`the luminaire.
`
`Correct lighting practice: A bare incandescent lampillu-
`minating a room is arbitrarily termed poorlighting practice.
`The bare light bulb hooked up to the electric power via a
`light switch, causes glare, wastes light, delivering the light
`to useless areas, has no provision for dimming andis energy
`inefficient. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North
`America (IESNA) as well as other professional groups such
`as the International Association of Lighting Designers
`(IALD) have developed recommendedlighting practices for
`specific applications in indoor and outdoor lighting. These
`recommendations and equations for implementing the rec-
`ommendations can be found in the IESNA Lighting Hand-
`book, 8th and/or 9th Editions (available from the Iluminat-
`ing Engineering Society of North America 120 Wall St.
`Floor 17 New York, N.Y. 10005 included herein by refer-
`ence. Factors in good lighting include lighting intensity
`levels which may be based on the age of the users of the
`light, the color rendering capacity of the light source, its
`color temperature,
`the non-production of glare, veiling
`reflections and energy efficiency amongst others. Recom-
`mendations for all aspects of lighting in terms ofintensity,
`distribution, color temperature, color temperature as a func-
`tion oflight intensity and correct color rendering exist in the
`literature in terms of lighting applications that is the envi-
`ronment to be illuminated, in parameters such as lux for
`intensity, CRI for color rendering index and Visual Comfort
`Parameter (VCP)for glare. In recent years, the Unified Glare
`Rating (UGR) as recommended by the CIE has become
`widely accepted as a general formula for assessing glare.
`While the US may still use VCP ratings, all the lighting-
`practice engineering organizations worldwide have stan-
`dards and recommendedratings for different activities. For
`example, lighting levels of 500 lux and a UGR of 19 is
`recommended in offices while industrial areas intended for
`coarse work a UGR of 28 can tolerated. In good lighting
`practice, attention is given by lighting designers to the
`correct amount of uplight, that is,
`light exiting from the
`luminaire towards the ceiling, which prevents a gloomy
`“dark cave”effect. Attention is also given to the cut-off angle
`of the luminaire, usually provided by shielding elements,
`such that high intensity rays are not emitted at an angle
`where they enter the occupant’s eye during normalactivity.
`A correctly designed luminaire for indoor lighting may
`provide 30% uplight and 70% downlight in the angles from
`the nadir 0 to 60 degrees and then again 135 to 170 degrees.
`A governing equation in lighting and used in “reverse
`luminaire design” of the present invention is the cosine law
`or Lambert’s law, Equation 1:
`
`E=I cos 0/D?
`
`Where: E=I!!uminancein lux or footcandles, J=Luminous
`intensity in candles, D=Distance between the source and the
`point of calculation in meters or feet, @=Angle of light
`incidence with illuminated surface
`Another useful equation used in fixture analysis to avoid
`glare producing designs yields the level of discomfort on the
`DeBoer scale. The DeBoer rating scale (1-9) describes the
`level of discomfort where: 1=Unbearable, 3=Disturbing,
`5=Just acceptable, 7=Satisfactory, and 9=Just noticeable.
`The allowable level
`is dependent on the application. A
`surgeon performing an operation may be very sensitive to
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`glare while a chlorophyll producing plant is not. The equa-
`tion to determine the rating is Equation 2:
`
`W=5.0-2.0 LOG [E/(0.003)(1+SQRT(La0.04))
`(@,)°0.46]
`
`to 9,
`1
`scale of
`where: W=glare sensation on a
`La=adaptation luminance (cd/m 2), E,=illumination directed
`at observer’s eyes from the i-th source (lux), ~,=glare angle
`of the i-th source (minutes of arc) from the observer’s line
`of sight.
`Using these equations and correct lighting practice cov-
`ering preferred angles of lighting for visual
`tasks,
`it
`is
`possible to design from the specific application’s illumina-
`tion requirements the spatial light intensity distribution and
`yet avoid manufacturing a glare producing luminaire.
`The present invention generally relates to an improved
`illuminator for use both in general and specialty lighting.
`The term general lighting includes use in living spaces such
`as lighting in industrial, commercial, residential and trans-
`portation vehicle applications. By specialty lighting we
`mean emergency lighting activated during power failures,
`fires or smoke accumulations in buildings, microscope, stage
`illuminators, billboard front-lighting, hazardousand difficult
`access location lighting, backlighting for signs, agricultural
`lighting etc.
`Energy Efficiency and Costs. In an example to illustrate
`the advantages of an energyefficient lighting solution, the
`total cost of lighting a typical 300 foot by 300-foot retail
`facility at 1000 lux over a 10 year period using state of the
`art (2002) HID luminairesis assessed. Including equipment,
`installation and maintenance cost the total bill is over one
`
`million dollars. Approximately 80% of this is in energy
`costs. The commodity being purchasedis lighting, the major
`lifecycle cost is electricity. To cut down on costs and also
`conserve energy it desirable to maximize the use of light
`generated. A Japanese survey of office luminaires (Japan
`Lighting Information Services-Seminar-Save Energy of
`Office Lighting-Loss of light in luminaire--htm) shows LF
`efficiencies(light that exits the fixture vs. the light produced
`by the lamp) in an open office fluorescent luminaire without
`anti-glare louvers to be 84% while one equipped with
`louvers is only 52% efficient. The “utilization factor” (which
`equals the light flux which arrives at a work site (e.g. upper
`surface of a desk) divided by the sum ofall light flux of the
`lamp) is 74% for an open fixture and only 50% for louvered
`version. This however,
`is still not what the customer is
`paying for. The customeris after the best lighting solution at
`minimal energy cost. Chances are, as experienced lighting
`designers know,
`that the light intensity, even in a good
`lighting design, is still not evenly distributed over the work
`surfaces. While care is taken in the lighting design computer
`runsnot to fall below the minimum illumination intensity at
`any point in the room, there are non-trivial excesses at some
`points in the lighting layout design. This excess light, wasted
`energy as
`far as the customer is concemed, probably
`accounts for another 10% loss. While a fluorescent may
`appear to be a superior and very efficient light source at 80
`lumenper watt vs. 30 lumen per watt for LEDsthis is not
`actually the case, in actuality 60% of the fluorescent LF’s
`light is wasted. Thus, in terms of energy use, a properly
`designed LED luminaire can be, with the proper luminaire
`design of the present invention,as effective lumen per lumen
`as any discharge light source in illuminating living areas.
`Expressed in terms of the above background and nomen-
`clature,
`it
`is the goal of this disclosure to teach how to
`construct a luminaire which will radiate photons where
`needed, exactly in the correct amounts to accomplish visual
`
`

`

`US 11,208,029 B2
`
`5
`tasks and/or create an atmosphere. The controlled radiation
`of light into a living space with a specific spatial intensity
`distribution also having optimal spectral characteristics for
`the seeing tasks at handis providedbythe present invention.
`Each visual task application has its own correct lighting
`solution with optimallightintensities, light color emanating
`at angles which will not cause glare that interferes with
`vision or causes discomfort. Tasks in living spaces vary with
`time so it is another objective of the present invention is to
`provide the optimal lighting solution in “real time”(at that
`specific momentin time).
`As a light source of ever increasing choice, LEDs have
`been packaged in numerous forms and used in lighting
`applications. Special control circuits have been developed to
`take advantage of the variability offered by the new light
`source and are today being offered as a solution to specific
`applications. In general, howeverthe design process has not
`zeroed in on providing the correct
`lighting solution. A
`number of LED illumination devices create “white” light by
`combining two or more LEDs of various wavelengths.
`White LEDs are also made using phosphors. The goal has
`not been to vary this color spectrum in real time to coordi-
`nate with the usage of the living space. The term “white”
`light is loosely interpreted to cover a range of illuminating
`light having spectral light distributions acceptable to the user
`for that application. HPS’s yellow light has even been called
`white by some and the term is exclusive only of almost
`monochromatic sources such as LEDs and LPS lamps. The
`terms light spectrum, spectra, spectrum, spectral and color
`are usedto referto the relative spectral powerdistribution of
`the light source.
`
`Description of the Prior Art
`
`In prior art illuminating devices, a universal light source
`such as an incandescent or fluorescent lamp emits light in
`many directions up to a 360 degree light distribution where
`in practice only a limited angular light distribution is needed
`in order for people to carry out visual tasks. So as to control
`the light distribution to certain angles, reflectors and refrac-
`tors are used to redirect the light where it is needed. A great
`deal of light
`is wasted in the inherent
`inefficiencies in
`redirecting the light and shielding the glare causing light
`sources. In addition, the actual placement of the light rays
`where needed, but not beyond, is often inexact and wasteful.
`In addition, it necessary to have a wide variety of lighting
`fixtures each with dedicated optics and even then, there is
`muchwastedlight or insufficient lighting in the area covered
`by the luminaire. In addition, the light intensity and color
`spectrum of the luminaire is fixed while the visual tasks
`going on in the space are changing all the time. Usually,
`there is no provision for either detecting the changes going
`on in the living space noris the lighting fixture equipped
`with apparatus to effect the necessary changes in the light-
`ing. In addition, individuals often have their personal light-
`ing preferences as to the color and intensity of the lighting.
`Prior art lighting fixtures have no provision for the localized
`provision of preferred lighting to individuals.
`A prior art LED light strip consists of circuitry including
`a plurality of LEDs mounted on a substrate and connected to
`electrical conductors. The circuitry is sometimes encased
`within a tubelike, partially transparent protective sheathing
`and connected to a power source for selective LED illumi-
`nation. Two examples of LED strip types are described in
`USS. Pat. No. 5,130,909 to Gross, entitled Emergency Light-
`ing Strip and U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,033 to Meggs et al.,
`entitled Flexible Elongated Lighting System. Suchstrips are
`
`20
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`6
`utilized in a variety of indoor and outdoor configurations
`such as emergency pathway markers, exit door indicators
`and ornamental lighting arrangements. The LEDsare being
`used as outline markers where the lighting strips are the
`object to be seen. It is not the purpose of the lighting strips
`to project light on other objects to make them visible. In
`other applications, where lighting distributed evenly along
`an area is required, these strips are placed at an edge. No
`attempt is made at obtaining an even illumination outward
`from the edge to the area perpendicular to the long dimen-
`sion.
`
`LED lamps and ballast systems can reduce maintenance
`costs due to an average rated life of 100,000 hours. This is
`five to eight times the typical service life of conventional
`fluorescent and metal halide lamps. The present system is
`especially well suited for applications where relamping is
`difficult or expensive.
`U.S. Pat. No. 6,346,777 issued Feb. 12, 2002 to Kim
`teaches an illuminating lamp assembly. An LED lamp appa-
`ratus comprises a plurality of LED lamps includingat least
`one LED chip mounted on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), on
`