DE20102886U1 - building light - Google Patents

Description

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Dipl.-Ing. Harald Ostrigaf

Dipl.-Ing. Bernd Sonnet*

Dipl.-ing. Jochen-Peter Wirths y

Stresemannstrasse 6-8

* Authorized by the European Patent Office 42275 Wuppertal-Barmen

Ostriga, Sonnet & Wirths ■ PO Box 20 16 53 · D-42216 Wuppertal

R/kö

Applicant: ERCO Leuchten GmbH

Brockhauser Weg 80-82

58507 Luedenscheid

Designation
of the invention: building light

The invention relates to a building luminaire according to the preamble of claim T.

Such a building light is well-known and widely used and is used to illuminate building surfaces, particularly in a room within a building. The building light can be an indoor or outdoor light.

Particularly in the case of complex and prestigious buildings, increasing emphasis is being placed on individual lighting of the building rooms. This requires individual adaptation of the respective building lighting to the individual building, and sometimes also to individual rooms within the building, whereby the development of the building lighting often goes hand in hand with the planning and construction of the building, so that the

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A building luminaire cannot be tested in terms of the lighting conditions it produces, in particular the light distribution it produces, on the building in which it is to be installed, but is tested virtually, i.e. on a computer, independently of the real building.

The invention is based on the object of providing a building luminaire

according to the preamble of claim 1 in such a way that it enables a variable light distribution and can in principle be used advantageously in the context of a method for simulating light distributions.

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1, in particular those of the characterizing part, and is accordingly characterized in that a plurality of micromirrors and/or LCD elements are arranged within the housing as a light-guiding element, which can be individually controlled independently of one another to achieve different light distributions.

The invention therefore provides, for example, for a component known as a DMD (digital mirror device) to be provided as an essential light-guiding element within the lamp housing, which enables a completely variable light guidance of the light emitted by the light source by means of individually controllable mirrors, which are arranged in particular so as to be pivotable on a substrate. The light emitted by the light source strikes the individual micromirrors, the relative spatial position of which can be slightly changed, and is projected by them through the light exit opening in the housing onto a building surface to be illuminated.

The individual micromirrors can be changed in their spatial position via control signals, so that the light distribution of the building light can be changed by transmitting control signals.

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The light distribution can be changed in a particularly simple way.

However, the invention also provides for a large number of LCD elements to be arranged as the main light-guiding element. The LCD elements or LCD segments can be combined to form cells. As with the micromirrors, the electronic controllability of the

individual cells.

A key difference between the use of micromirrors and LCD elements as light-guiding elements in a building light according to the invention is that the micromirrors are a front-light projection and the LCD elements are a back-light projection. While the spatial position of the micromirrors is changed to enable different light distributions, a change in the control voltage causes a change in the light transmittance of the LCD (liquid crystal display) elements.

However, a micromirror in the sense of the invention also refers to an arrangement of many small strip-like elements, which are known in the context of GLV (grating light valve) technology. These are individually controllable microscopically small band structures combined to form pixels, which either reflect or diffract the light. The individual strip-like structures are arranged in particular on the surface of a silicon chip and span an empty space filled with air. The individual pixels or the individual bands can be controlled electronically. Additional optical systems are used to direct light onto the band-like structures and, if necessary, to further guide the light emitted by the bands.

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Further information regarding GLV technology can be found on the website of Silicon Light Machines, which developed GLV technology, at www.siliconlight.com.

The fundamental difference between GLV technology and DMD and LCD technology is that GLV technology enables pixels to be generated line by line.

The building light according to the invention enables time-, cost- and material-saving use as part of a process for simulating lighting conditions. This will be discussed in detail later.

In particular, the design of the building light according to the invention now also enables a reflectorless building light, since, for example, the light source can be selected such that the light emitted by the light source can strike the micromirrors and/or the LCD elements directly, i.e. without additional reflection on a reflector, and from there can be projected directly through the housing outlet opening onto the corresponding building surfaces.

In addition, the building light according to the invention also enables the generation of light spots that are essentially separate and independent of one another. This was not possible in the prior art without the provision of complex light-guiding elements or several light sources.

The use of a large number of micromirrors and/or LCD elements as light-guiding elements also offers the advantage that for the production of a building light according to the invention, commercially

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available components can be used. For example, projectors known as beamers use such components with a large number of micromirrors and/or LCD elements. However, these so-called beamers are used to project moving or still images onto building surfaces and not to illuminate building surfaces.

The known projectors can be used as building lights according to the invention. In this respect, commercially available components can be used.

Information about a component with a large number of micromirrors that can be used according to the invention is available, for example, from an article by Larry J. Hombeck entitled "Digital Light Processing" for High-Brightness, High-Resolution Applications", which is available on the Internet at http://www.vxm.com/TIDLP.html.

A non-generic lighting device for vehicles that already uses DMD micromirrors is known from DE 197 37 653 A1. However, this is not a building light.

The building light according to the invention can also be used permanently in a building to illuminate a building surface. The building light according to the invention offers, for example, the possibility of readjusting the light distribution after installation in the building to be illuminated. In this way, the light distribution of the building light can be adapted to the building to be illuminated when installed. An unsatisfactory light distribution of an installed building light can thus be changed if necessary without the building light having to be dismantled.

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The invention finds particular advantageous application in a method for simulating lighting conditions of building luminaires on building surfaces.

There is a known method for simulating the lighting conditions of building lights on building surfaces, which cannot be documented in printed documents. In this method, a light optic is provided by developing and constructing a new building light using conventional CAD systems. This new building light to be developed is a conventional building light that works with a conventional light source, conventional light-guiding elements such as reflectors, etc. After developing such a conventional building light, it is usually mass-produced and permanently installed at the place of use.

The luminaire optics of the conventional building luminaire include in particular the spatial arrangement of the individual elements arranged in a luminaire housing in relation to one another in order to be able to calculate a light distribution data set. The term luminaire optics is intended to generally take into account all components of the conventional building luminaire that can contribute to the light distribution of the building luminaire at the place of use, i.e. during operation.

With the help of suitable software, it is possible to calculate what a light distribution generated by such a conventional building light in a room of certain dimensions actually looks like based on the arrangement of the light source and the light-guiding elements in relation to each other, as well as taking into account the geometry of the elements, for example different curvatures of reflectors, the light guidance or influence of the light by lenses, mirrors, etc. The light distribution data set is created largely automatically.

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In order to simulate the light distribution of the newly developed building light in the room before the building is constructed in which the conventional building light to be developed is to be installed later, the light distribution of the newly developed building light can be shown on a computer using the calculated light distribution data set in a virtual room that can be displayed on a computer screen. In this way, for example, an architect can get a spatial idea of the light distribution of the light and in particular the effect of the light distribution before the building is constructed.

By using the building luminaire according to the invention, it is possible to improve the known method for simulating lighting conditions.

It is now possible to arrange a building light with a large number of micromirrors and/or LCD elements on a real building surface, in particular in a real room, and

to control the micromirrors and/or the LCD elements of the building luminaire using the light distribution data set to generate a real light distribution.

It is thus possible to arrange a building light, which contains a large number of micromirrors and/or LCD elements, on a real building surface and to simulate a light distribution by electronically controlling the micromirrors and/or LCD elements;

In this way, it is now possible to arrange a building light with micromirrors and/or LCD elements in a real room, or if necessary - to install it on a trial basis. Now, the existing

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A light distribution data set can be used, which can then be converted into control signals for the individual micromirrors or LCD elements using a predefined algorithm. The light distribution, which could previously only be represented virtually on a computer, can now be easily introduced into a real room, so that an architect, for example, can get an impression of the actual lighting effect of the light distribution of the building light in a real room.

10- The real space in which the building luminaire is placed, a

The test room can be any room, preferably modeled on the room in which a conventional building light is actually to be installed later.

The development of luminaires is made significantly easier, particularly due to the fact that the existing light distribution data set, which is created anyway during the development of a luminaire, can be used without the need for special measures to be provided for each individual case.

In addition, with the building luminaire according to the invention it is now possible to transform the light distribution data set into control signals for the individual micromirrors or LCD elements of the luminaire.

This design enables the electronic control signals for the micromirrors or LCD elements to be calculated effortlessly, and in particular, automatically, based on the existing light distribution data set. The transformation can be carried out easily using special software.

In particular, in a process for developing a luminaire, which in addition to the process for simulating light dispersion

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conditions still has the step of designing a lamp, the inventive design of the building lamp for simulating lighting conditions of lamps on a building surface, in particular in a building room, offers considerable advantages. For example, during a simulation of the light distribution of a newly developed building lamp, it can be determined that the light distribution actually achieved does not correspond to the desired results. In this respect, influence can be exerted at an early stage during the development of the lamp and corrective action can be taken in the development of the lamp so that the desired light distribution is actually achieved.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the micromirrors and/or the LCD elements are arranged on at least one module. This offers the advantage that the micromirrors or the LCD elements are already combined into modules and are commercially available. In addition to the manufacture of the building light according to the invention, this also simplifies its electronic control, for example, since known interfaces and protocols can be used for the control. Other components that are essential in connection with the control electronics can thus also be adopted from the prior art. Finally, this embodiment offers the advantage of reduced manufacturing costs for the building light according to the invention.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a storage element for storing control signals for the individual micromirrors or LCD elements is arranged within the housing. This embodiment offers the advantage that control data or control information can now be stored decentrally in the building light itself and can be easily retrieved. For example, different light scenes or sequences of light distributions can be generated in this way, with

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A control line connected to the building light only has to transmit very small amounts of information.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the building luminaire is connected to an external signal generator by means of a signal line.

This design has the advantage that the control signals for the micromirrors or the LCD elements can be transmitted by an external signal generator which can, for example, read a data carrier containing this control information. In this way, it is basically possible to store the virtual light distribution data calculated by a computer on a data carrier which can be read by the external signal generator.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the building light is arranged on a building wall, in particular on a building ceiling. This offers the advantage that the location of the building light according to the invention corresponds for simulation purposes to the actual location of a building light to be installed on a real building. In this way, not only the light distribution but also the location of the building light can be simulated in a method for simulating lighting conditions.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the building light is connected to at least one other building light to form a system of building lights. This offers the advantage of being able to simulate a light distribution that a system of real building lights has.

It can be particularly advantageous if several building lights in a system of building lights are connected to a common signal generator. The signal generator can be, for example,

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A computer can be considered. However, any other device can also be used that can transmit information, namely electrical control signals for the micromirrors or for the LCD elements, to the building lights via a signal line.

Further advantages arise from the uncited subclaims and from the following description of an embodiment shown in the figures. In them:

Fig. 1 schematically shows a building luminaire according to the invention,

Fig. 2 a building luminaire according to Fig. 1, which is arranged on the floor in a real room,

Fig. 3 shows a schematic of a building luminaire according to Fig. 1, which is arranged on the ceiling side in a real room and is used for wall flooding,

Fig. 4 a system of three ceiling-mounted building lights

ten,

Fig. 5 stripe patterns corresponding to three different positions of the sun as light distribution curves,

Fig. 6 two light distributions corresponding to an undistorted and a distorted window cross,

Fig. 7 two light distributions showing clusters of leaves at different positions of the sun,

Fig. 8 a light distribution that depicts three square, undistorted contours,

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Fig. 9 shows a light distribution that distorts the squares according to Fig. 8,

Fig. 10 a light distribution of three undistorted circular images, and

Fig. 11 shows a light distribution according to Fig. 10 in a distorted state.

The building light according to the invention is designated in its entirety with 10 in the figures. It comprises a housing 11 which has a light exit opening 12. A voltage supply with a voltage source (not shown) is ensured via electrical lines 13. Data is transmitted from a central signal transmitter to the building light 10 via an electrical line 14.

A light source 15 is arranged within the housing 11. This can be, for example, a high-pressure metal halide lamp with a small burner. For example, a lamp with an output of approximately 150 W can be considered, which is commercially available under the designation CDM-SA/T or CDM-SA/R from Philipps Lighting BV, Eindhoven, NL.

The light, which is indicated by arrows 16, is guided from the light source to a lens element 17. From there, the light runs to a light guide arrangement 18. In the embodiment according to Fig. 1, the light guide arrangement 18 is a module 19 on which a plurality of micromirrors 20 are arranged. As Fig. 1 schematically indicates, these are adjustable, in particular pivotable, in their spatial position relative to a flat substrate 21.

The light exits the housing 11 through the light exit opening 12, whereby due to the different spatial position of the

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individual micromirrors 20, the light rays are deflected differently. This is shown schematically by the diverging light arrows that emerge from the light exit opening 12 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 does not show any special reflector elements etc. Of course, these can be provided in order to direct all of the light emitted by the light source 15 towards the light guide arrangement 18.

The data line 14 is, as is not apparent from Fig. 1, connected to the module 19 for controlling the micromirrors 20. The individual micromirrors 20 can be adjusted independently of one another in their spatial position by electronic control, so that an overall light distribution curve L is produced on a building surface F.

Instead of the micromirrors 20 shown in Fig. 1, LCD elements can of course also be used, which can also be individually controlled electronically. Their light transmittance is changed by the control, so that any desired light distribution L can be achieved on a building surface F.

Fig. 2 shows a floor-side arrangement of a building light 10 in a real room R. The building light 10 generates a light distribution curve L on a building surface F, for example a wall of the room R, by appropriately controlling the micromirrors or LCD elements. In the embodiment according to Fig. 2, two separate light distribution curves L are shown in the form of essentially elliptical surfaces. This already makes it clear that with a building light 10 according to the invention, several independent light spots can be generated with a single

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Building luminaire 10, which contains only a single light source 15.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 2, the two light spots 22, 23 have a relatively sharp contour K. Of course, it is equally possible to form soft contours by controlling the micromirrors or LCD elements.

The illustrated arrangement of the building light 10 on the floor should be understood as an example only. The building light 10 is advantageously mounted on the ceiling so that the location of a real building light in a real room can also be simulated.

Fig. 3 shows such a ceiling-side attachment of a building light 10 to a ceiling 24. The housing 11 of the building light 10 is shown here slightly inclined to the ceiling 24, which is not necessary in principle due to the deflectability of the micromirrors.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 3, the building light 10 serves as a wall floodlight that illuminates the wall 25. Of course, floor or ceiling floodlights can also be implemented with the building light 10 according to the invention. The building light 10 can also be used for outdoor lighting.

Fig. 4 shows a system 26 of three building lights 10a, 10b, 10c, all of which are arranged, for example, along a straight line on the ceiling 24 of a building. Each building light 10a, 10b, 10c can represent its own light distribution curve L, which is indicated by the three light cones 27a, 27b, 27c.

The three building lights 10a, 10b, 10c are connected to a common signal generator (not shown). The signal generator

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For example, it can be a computer that contains the control data set and can transmit it to the individual building lights 10a, 10b, 10c via a common or several separate data lines. In this way, several building lights 10a, 10b, 10c can jointly generate a light distribution curve L through central control.

Fig. 5 to 11 show typical examples of light distributions as can be generated by a building luminaire 10 according to the invention on a building surface, e.g. on a floor or wall surface.

Fig. 5 shows schematically three different patterns 28, 29, 30 of stripes that can be achieved at different positions of the sun. For example, it can be a stripe pattern 28 that is created by window slats or other building-fixed devices when sunlight enters a building through a window. While the sun moves approximately along the arrow 31 (indicated schematically), the shadow patterns falling into the building change so that the stripe patterns 29 and 30 are created one after the other.

In this way, a building light 10 according to the invention can be used to simulate different positions of the sun at different times of day. The daylight can be tracked. . .

Similarly, Fig. 6 shows the light distribution of a window cross 32, or its shadow cast on a building surface F. The window cross 33 is shown distorted, according to a light distribution curve that corresponds to a changed position of the sun. Here too, daylight tracking can be achieved with a building light 10 according to the invention.

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The creation of a light distribution curve as a window cross can be achieved in a particularly simple manner.

Fig. 7 shows two collections 34, 35 of leaves 36. It is already clear here that with a single building light 10 according to the invention, individual leaves 36 separated from one another by sharp contours can be displayed, so that a realistic image of a light distribution curve of leaves on a glass roof through which sunlight shines can be created. In this way, for example, beer garden atmospheres can be artificially created.

Fig. 7 shows two different light distribution curves 34, 35, which correspond to different positions of the sun.

Fig. 8 to 11 show different light distributions, each consisting of three light spots. Fig. 8 and 10 show undistorted simple geometric figures, namely squares and circles respectively. Fig. 9 and 11 show perspectively distorted light distributions. The distorted light distribution curves occur, for example, when simple geometric figures, such as those in Fig. 8 and Fig. 10, are projected onto the wall in the image plane of a building light attached to the ceiling.

Such distortion effects may be desirable. However, the situation may also arise where such distortion effects are to be avoided.

The building light 10 according to the invention enables such light distributions to be reproduced, whereby distortions, as shown exaggeratedly in Figures 9 and 11, are only partially perceived when simulating lighting conditions in a real room. In the event that these distortion effects are avoided

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It is therefore still possible to influence the development process of a building luminaire during its development so that undesirable distortion effects can be eliminated.

In this way, one can learn from the simulation of lighting conditions for the development of a building luminaire.

All distortions or distortion effects can be represented with the building light 10 according to the invention. This offers the particular advantage that the building light can be arranged at any location, whereby different distortion effects can be examined in each case. The change in the location of use for the building light 10 can be taken into account in a simple manner using software by changing the calculation of a light distribution data set.

In principle, so-called gobos, which are also projected onto building surfaces F, can also be considered as light distributions or light distribution curves L. Here, too, the building luminaire 10 according to the invention enables a simple simulation of the lighting conditions of such a gobo on a building surface.

Claims (9)

1. Building light ( 10 ) for illuminating building surfaces (F, 24 , 25 ), comprising a housing ( 11 ), at least one light source ( 15 ) connected to a voltage supply, light-guiding elements arranged in the light path of the light source, in particular at least one lens element ( 17 ), a light exit opening ( 12 ) in the housing ( 11 ) and optionally additional functional elements such as fans or the like, characterized in that a plurality of micromirrors ( 20 ) and/or LCD elements are arranged within the housing ( 11 ) as light-guiding elements ( 18 ), which can be individually controlled independently of one another to achieve different light distributions (L). 2. Building luminaire according to claim 1, characterized in that the micromirrors ( 20 ) and/or the LCD elements are arranged on at least one module ( 19 ). 3. Building luminaire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a memory element for storing control signals for the individual micromirrors ( 20 ) or LCD elements is arranged within the housing ( 11 ). 4. Building luminaire according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the module ( 19 ) is connected to the voltage supply of the light source ( 15 ). 5. Building light according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the building light ( 10 ) is connected to an external signal generator by means of a signal line ( 14 ). 6. Building luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is arranged on a building wall, in particular on a building ceiling ( 24 ). 7. Building luminaire according to claim 6, characterized in that it is fixedly arranged on the building wall ( 24 , 25 ). 8. Building luminaire ( 10a ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is connected to at least one further building luminaire ( 10b , 10c ) to form a system ( 26 ) of building luminaires ( 10a , 10b , 10c ). 9. Building luminaire ( 10a ) according to claim 8, characterized in that it produces a common light distribution curve (L) with at least one further building luminaire ( 10b , 10c ).