阅读说明：本技术 闪光聚光灯 (Flash spotlight ) 是由 A·W·M·德百斯特 M·C·J·M·维森伯格 J·J·瑞恩 于 2020-04-16 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供了一种照明系统(1000),包括(i)被配置成产生光源光(11)的多个光源(10),和(ii)被配置在光源(10)下游的光学器件(20),其中照明系统(1000)进一步包括光源(10)的总数量中的至少一部分的2D阵列(110),其中2D阵列(110)中最近的相邻光源(10)具有平均第一最短距离(dd1),其中照明系统(1000)进一步被配置成在操作模式下产生照明系统光(1001),该照明系统光(1001)包括光源(10)的总数量中的子集的光源光(11),其中被配置成在操作模式下产生用于照明系统光(1001)的光源光(11)的最近的相邻光源(10)具有平均第二最短距离(dd2),其中平均第二最短距离(dd2)大于平均第一最短距离(dd1)。(The invention provides a lighting system (1000) comprising (i) a plurality of light sources (10) configured to generate light source light (11), and (ii) an optical device (20) configured downstream of the light sources (10), wherein the lighting system (1000) further comprises a 2D array (110) of at least a part of the total number of light sources (10), wherein nearest neighboring light sources (10) in the 2D array (110) have an average first shortest distance (dd 1), wherein the lighting system (1000) further is configured to generate lighting system light (1001) in an operation mode, the lighting system light (1001) comprising light source light (11) of a subset of the total number of light sources (10), wherein nearest neighboring light sources (10) configured to generate light source light (11) for the lighting system light (1001) in the operation mode have an average second shortest distance (dd 2), wherein the average second shortest distance (dd 2) is greater than the average first shortest distance (dd 1).)

1. An illumination system (1000) comprising (i) a plurality of light sources (10) configured to generate light source light (11), and (ii) optics (20) configured downstream of the light sources (10), wherein the illumination system (1000) further comprises a 2D array (110) of at least a part of a total number of light sources (10), wherein nearest neighboring light sources (10) in the 2D array (110) have an average first shortest distance (dd 1), wherein the illumination system (1000) further is configured to generate illumination system light (1001) in an operation mode, the illumination system light (1001) comprising light source light (11) of a subset of the total number of light sources (10), wherein nearest neighboring light sources (10) configured to generate the light source light (11) for the illumination system light (1001) in the operation mode have an average second shortest distance (dd 2), wherein the average second shortest distance (dd 2) is greater than the average first shortest distance (dd 1), and

wherein the lighting system comprises one or more additional light sources (10 "), the one or more additional light sources (10") being configured outside the 2D array (110) at a third shortest distance (dd 3) of the additional light sources to a nearest neighbor in the array (110), wherein the third shortest distance (dd 3) is at least 20% greater than the average second shortest distance (dd 2).

2. The lighting system (1000) of claim 1, wherein the optics (20) comprise light transmissive optics selected from the group consisting of a lens (21) and a collimator (22).

3. The illumination system (1000) according to claim 2, wherein the optics (20) are configured to generate a light beam (1002) of illumination system light (1001), the light beam (1002) having an opening angle (Θ) equal to or smaller than 40 °.

4. The lighting system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source (10) comprises a solid state light source having a first dimension (d 1) selected from the group of a first length, a first width, a first diagonal length, and a first diameter, and wherein the first dimension is selected from the range of 100 μm-2 mm.

5. The lighting system (1000) of claim 4, wherein the average second shortest distance (dd 2) is equal to or greater than the first dimension (d 1), wherein the first dimension (d 1) is selected from a first length and a first width.

6. The lighting system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two or more different subsets of the total number of light sources (10) are configured to generate the lighting system light (1001), wherein the lighting system (1000) is configured to generate the lighting system light (1001) in the operation mode while alternating over time between two or more of the two or more different subsets.

7. The lighting system (1000) of claim 6, wherein the lighting system (1000) is configured to alternate between the two or more different subsets at a frequency equal to or lower than 10 Hz.

8. The lighting system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims 6-7, wherein the lighting system (1000) is configured to alternate between the two or more different subsets while maintaining a fixed beam width of the lighting system light (1001).

9. The lighting system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two or more light sources (10) of the total number of light sources (10) are configured to provide light source light (11) that differs in one or more of color point, color temperature, and color rendering index.

10. The lighting system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims 7-9, further comprising a control system (30), wherein the control system (30) is configured to maintain a constant luminous flux of the lighting system light (1001) over time.

11. The lighting system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a total number of light sources (10) in the 2D array (110) is equal to or greater than 36, wherein during the operation mode equal to or less than 35% of the total number of light sources (10) is turned on.

12. The lighting system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein only the light sources (10, 10') comprised in the 2D array (110) are optically coupled to an optical device (20).

13. The lighting system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a lighting device (100), wherein the lighting device (100) comprises the plurality of light sources (10) and the optics (20).

14. The lighting system (1000) according to claim 13, wherein the lighting device (100) is a spotlight.

15. Use of a lighting system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims in a display room, a shop, a museum, or a reception area for illuminating objects.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a lighting system and use thereof.

Background

Flash bulbs are known in the art. For example, US 6685339 describes a flash light bulb comprising a plurality of differently colored Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs mounted on a circuit board in a predetermined spaced arrangement; a controller circuit arrangement in electrical operative communication with the plurality of differently colored LED bulbs to selectively operate the plurality of differently colored LED bulbs in one of a wash mode and a color-jump mode; the controller circuit means further comprises memory means for further selectively locking the plurality of differently colored LED light bulbs in a desired color mode; controller circuitry including memory means in electrical operative communication with the means for electrically connecting the flash bulb to the 12V AC power source; and a bulb housing having an open proximal end from which a plurality of differently colored LED bulbs are exposed to emit generated light and a closed distal end at which means for electrically connecting the flashlight bulb to a 12V AC power source are located. The plurality of differently colored LED light bulbs includes a combination of red, green, and blue LED light bulbs.

Disclosure of Invention

Today, (narrow beam) spotlights typically contain a single LED light source, such as a COB, or several closely packed individual LEDs, in front of which optics are placed to collimate the light at a predetermined beam angle. The LED sources are typically driven by a single current source. Dimming is achieved by varying the current through the LED source. The brightness of the spotlight is constant. The appearance may be glaring or not, but it will not be perceived as sparkling.

However, a flashing effect may be desirable. In particular, a flash lighting device may be desirable, since such a device may itself provide a pleasant effect when viewed (at a different location) or on a (specularly reflected) object illuminated with the light of the lighting device.

It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to provide an alternative lighting system (or lighting device), which preferably further at least partly obviates one or more of the above-described drawbacks. It may be an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

"glare" (also referred to as "beauty glare" or "fascinating glare") may be based on spatial and/or temporal effects, among others. Among other things, it is proposed herein to increase spatial effects and/or temporal dynamics, such as in embodiments by turning LEDs on and off in specific locations. This may have little or no effect on, for example, the beam angle and/or the central beam intensity. The appearance of an object in a spotlight with a diffuse reflective surface may remain substantially constant, but an object with a specular reflective surface may particularly show sparkle. Also, when looking at the spotlight from a direction outside the light beam, the spotlight (or other type of lighting device) itself will have a flashing appearance.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides an illumination system comprising (i) a plurality of light sources configured to generate light source light. Further, the illumination system may comprise (ii) (imaging) optics arranged downstream of the light source. In particular, the lighting system (further) comprises a 2D array of at least a part of the total number of light source(s). In a particular embodiment, nearest neighboring light sources in the 2D array have an average first shortest distance (dd 1). In a particular embodiment, the lighting system is further configured to generate, in the operation mode, lighting system light comprising light source light of a subset of the total number of light sources. In this particular embodiment, nearest neighboring light sources configured to generate light source light for the lighting system light in the operation mode have an average second shortest distance (dd 2), wherein the average second shortest distance (dd 2) is larger than the average first shortest distance (dd 1). Hence, in particular, the invention provides a lighting system comprising (i) a plurality of light sources configured to generate light source light, and (ii) optics configured downstream of the light sources, wherein the lighting system further comprises a 2D array of at least a part of the total number of light sources, wherein nearest neighboring light sources in the 2D array have an average first shortest distance (dd 1), wherein the lighting system is further configured to generate, in an operational mode, lighting system light comprising light source light of a subset of the total number of light sources(s), wherein nearest neighboring light sources configured to generate light source light for the lighting system light in the operational mode have an average second shortest distance (dd 2), wherein the average second shortest distance (dd 2) is larger than the average first shortest distance (dd 1), and wherein the lighting system comprises one or more additional light sources, the one or more additional light sources are configured outside the 2D array at a third shortest distance (dd 3) of the additional light sources to nearest neighbors in the array, wherein the third shortest distance (dd 3) is at least 20% greater than the average second shortest distance (dd 2).

With such an illumination system, a flashlight effect (in an operation mode) may be created on the specularly reflective surface illuminated by the illumination system light. Further, the flashlight effect may also be perceived when looking at the light emitting surface of the lighting system. Such lighting systems may be used, among others, in showrooms, shops, museums, or reception areas, etc. for illuminating objects. The lighting system may also be used for indoor lighting (such as in home applications), for example for illuminating objects.

As indicated above, the present invention provides an illumination system comprising (i) a plurality of light sources configured to generate light source light. Hence, the illumination system comprises in particular one pixelated illumination device or a plurality of pixelated illumination devices. The term "light source" may refer to a semiconductor light emitting device, such as a Light Emitting Diode (LED), a Resonant Cavity Light Emitting Diode (RCLED), a vertical cavity laser diode (VCSEL), an edge emitting laser, and so forth. The term "light source" may also refer to an organic light emitting diode, such as a Passive Matrix (PMOLED) or an Active Matrix (AMOLED). In a particular embodiment, the light source comprises a solid state light source (such as an LED or laser diode). In one embodiment, the light source comprises an LED (light emitting diode). The term LED may also refer to a plurality of LEDs. Further, in embodiments, the term "light source" may also refer to a so-called chip-on-board (COB) light source. The term "COB" particularly refers to an LED chip in the form of a semiconductor chip, which is neither packaged nor connected but mounted directly on a substrate, such as a PCB. Therefore, a plurality of semiconductor light sources can be arranged on the same substrate. In an embodiment, the COBs are multiple LED chips configured together as a single lighting module.

The term "light source" may also refer to Chip Scale Packages (CSPs). The CSP may include a single solid state die on which is disposed a layer including a light emitting material. The term "light source" may also refer to a medium power package. A medium power package may include one or more solid state dies. The die(s) may be covered by a layer comprising a luminescent material. The die size may be equal to or less than 2 mm, such as in the range of 0.2-2 mm, for example.

Herein, the term "light source" may also particularly denote a small solid-state light source (such as having a mini-size or micro-size). For example, the light source may include one or more of mini LEDs and micro LEDs. In particular, in an embodiment, the light source comprises a micro LED or "micro LED" or "μ LED". Herein, the term "mini-size" or "mini LED" particularly indicates a solid state light source having a size such as a die size (particularly length and width) selected from the range of 100 μm-1 mm.

Thus, in a particular embodiment, the light source may comprise a solid state light source. The light source, such as in particular a solid state light source, may have a first dimension d1 selected from the group of a first length, a first width, a first diagonal length, and a first diameter, wherein the first dimension d1 is at most 2 mm, such as equal to or less than 1 mm. In a further particular embodiment, the first dimension d1 is at least 100 μm. The term "first dimension" particularly refers to a first dimension of the light emitting surface of the light source.

Thus, in embodiments, the first dimension may be selected from the range of 100 μm-2 mm. The first size particularly refers to the size(s) of the light emitting area of the light source, such as the die. In other embodiments, the first size may refer to a size of a luminescent layer on the solid state light source. In an embodiment, such a light emitting layer may be substantially the same size as the die, as may be the case in CSP. Such a die or such a light-emitting layer provides a light-emitting area from which light source light escapes the light source. These light emitting areas may provide pixels of a pixelated lighting device or lighting system. Further, these light emitting areas may actually provide a 2D array.

When the light emitting area is substantially square, the first dimension is a first length or a first width that is substantially identical (i.e., the first width is the first length). When the light emitting area is substantially rectangular, the first dimension may be a first length, a first width, or a first diagonal length, wherein the first diagonal length is greater than the first length and the first length is greater than the first width. In particular, the first dimension is a first width, although the first length may alternatively be selected. Thus, in an embodiment, the first dimension (d 1) is selected from a first length and a first width; in particular, the first dimension may be a first width. When the light emitting area is substantially circular, the first dimension will be a diameter. In such an embodiment, the first width is actually a (first) diameter. Further, for other shapes, the circular equivalent circle diameter may be selected as the first dimension. Thus, in an embodiment, the width, diameter or circular equivalent diameter may be selected as the (characteristic) first dimension.

The term "light source" may also relate to a plurality of (substantially identical (or different)) light sources, such as 2-2000 solid state light sources. In an embodiment, the light source may comprise one or more micro-optical elements (micro-lens arrays) downstream of a single solid state light source (such as an LED) or downstream of a plurality of solid state light sources (i.e. shared by a plurality of LEDs, for example). In an embodiment, the light source may comprise an LED with on-chip optics. In an embodiment, the light source comprises a single LED (with or without optics) that is pixelated (providing on-chip beam steering in an embodiment).

The phrase "different light source" or "a plurality of different light sources", and similar phrases, may in embodiments refer to a plurality of solid state light sources selected from at least two different bins (bins). Likewise, the phrase "identical light source" or "a plurality of identical light sources", and similar phrases, may refer in embodiments to a plurality of solid state light sources selected from the same partition. The phrase "a plurality of different light sources" indicates that within the total number of light sources (at least two), there are at least two different light sources. Thus, when there are "multiple different light sources" and there are n light sources in total, then there are 2-n different light sources.

In particular, when applying a plurality of light sources, even more different light sources, two or more light sources, in particular all light sources, may be controlled individually or in subsets of the total number of light sources.

For example, in a particular embodiment, two or more of the total number of light sources are configured to provide light source light that differs in one or more of color point, color temperature, and color rendering index. In this way, the color point, the color temperature and/or the color rendering index of the lighting system light may be controlled (see also below). Of course, the intensity of the illumination system light (and/or the beam shape) may also be controlled when there are two or more individually controllable light sources. The intensity of the lighting system light may also be controlled when there are one or more light sources whose intensity may be controlled.

The term "control" and similar terms refer at least in particular to determining the behavior of an element or supervising the operation of an element. Thus, the term "control" and similar terms herein may refer, for example, to applying a behavior (determining a behavior of an element or supervising an operation of an element) or the like to an element, such as measuring, displaying, actuating, opening, moving, changing a temperature, or the like … … in addition to which the term "control" and similar terms may additionally include monitoring. Thus, the term "control" and similar terms may include applying an action to an element, and also include applying an action to an element and monitoring the element. Control of the elements may be accomplished with a control system, which may also be referred to as a "controller". Thus, the control system and the elements may be functionally coupled, at least temporarily or permanently. The element may comprise a control system. In embodiments, the control system and elements may not be physically coupled. Control may be accomplished via wired and/or wireless control. The term "control system" may also refer to a plurality of different control systems which are in particular functionally coupled and of which, for example, one control system may be a master control system and one or more other control systems may be slave control systems. The control system may include or may be functionally coupled to a user interface.

The control system may also be configured to receive and execute instructions from a remote control. In an embodiment, the control system may be controlled via an App on a device, such as a portable device (e.g. a smartphone or I-phone), a tablet, etc., and thus the device does not have to be coupled to the lighting system, but may be (temporarily) functionally coupled to the lighting system.

Thus, in an embodiment, the control system may (also) be configured to be controlled by an App on the remote device. In such an embodiment, the control system of the lighting system may be a slave control system or a control in slave mode. For example, the lighting system may be identifiable with a code, in particular a unique code of the respective lighting system. The control system of the lighting system may be configured to be controlled by an external control system, which may access the lighting system (input through a user interface with an optical sensor, e.g. a QR code reader) based on knowledge of the (unique) code. The lighting system may also include means for communicating with other systems or devices, such as based on bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, BLE, or WiMAX, or other wireless technologies.

A system, or an apparatus, or a device may perform actions in "mode" or "operational mode". Likewise, in a method, an action, or a phase, or a step may be performed in "mode" or "operational mode" or "mode of operation". The term "mode" may also be indicated as "control mode". This does not exclude that the system, or the apparatus, or the device may also be adapted to provide another control mode or a plurality of other control modes. Likewise, this may not preclude that one or more other modes may be executed before and/or after the execution mode.

However, in embodiments, a control system may be available, which is adapted to provide at least a control mode. The selection of such a mode may especially be performed via the user interface if other modes are available, although other options, such as performing the mode depending on the sensor signal or the (time) scheme, may also be possible. In an embodiment, an operating mode may also refer to a system, or an apparatus, or a device that may only operate in a single operating mode (i.e., "on," with no further adjustability).

Thus, in an embodiment, the control system may be controlled in dependence of one or more of the input signals of the user interface, the sensor signal(s) of the sensor, and the timer. The term "timer" may refer to a clock and/or a predetermined time scheme.

The illumination system may further comprise optics arranged downstream of the light source. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" relate to an arrangement of items or features relative to the propagation of light from a light generating device (here in particular a light source), wherein relative to a first position within a beam of light from the light generating device, a second position in the beam of light closer to the light generating device is "upstream" and a third position within the beam of light further away from the light generating device is "downstream".

The optics are particularly configured to shape (during the operation mode) a light beam of light source light of the one or more light sources generating the light source light. In a particular embodiment, the optical device is a light transmissive optical device (i.e. comprises a light transmissive material) through which the light source light has to propagate to provide beam shaped illumination system light downstream thereof.

The term "optical device" may also refer to a plurality of the same or different optical devices. When there is more than one optical device, the optical devices may be configured as an array, or the optical devices may be configured as a stack, or the optical devices may be configured as a stacked array.

In particular, substantially all of the light exiting the illumination system passes through the optics.

Thus, in an embodiment, the optical device comprises a light transmissive optical device. In particular, in an embodiment, the optical device is selected from the group consisting of a lens and a collimator. In an embodiment, the collimator may be a TIR (total internal refraction) collimator. In particular, in an embodiment, the optical device comprises a fresnel lens. In an embodiment, the Fresnel lens may be a TIR Fresnel lens. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the optics comprise collimating optics.

As indicated above, in embodiments, the lighting system may be configured as a spotlight or may be configured to provide a spotlight. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the optics may be configured to produce a beam of illumination system light having an opening angle (θ) equal to or less than 40 ° (such as equal to or less than 36 °, such as equal to or less than 25 °). The intensity within such an opening angle, in particular within the opening angle, i.e. in particular the luminous intensity (in lumens per steradian (lm/sr) or (cd)) is equal to or greater than 50% of the maximum intensity; at angles greater than the opening angle, the intensity is less than 50% of the maximum intensity. Thus, the beam angle is particularly defined by the angle of the full width at half maximum (FWHM) intensity of the beam. The FWHM may be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically around the optical axis of the illumination system.

At least a part of the total number of light sources of the lighting system may be arranged in a 2D array. The array may be regular or random (such as quasi-random). However, in general, the array is regularly configured. For example, in an embodiment, the light sources may be arranged substantially symmetrically around the optical axis of the illumination system. Thus, the light sources in the array may have one or more pitches. The light sources may be arranged in a square arrangement, a hexagonal arrangement, or the like … …. In addition to the light sources configured in the 2D array, there may optionally be further light sources, which may not actually belong to the array. For example, their distance (center-to-center) to any other light source may not be substantially identical to the pitch(s); see also further below. Hence, in an embodiment, the lighting system further comprises a 2D array of at least a part of the total number of light sources.

In the array, nearest neighboring light sources in the 2D array may have an average first shortest distance (dd 1). In a hexagonal 2D array or a cubic 2D array, the shortest distance between nearest neighbors may be exactly the same for all light sources. In a hexagonal 2D array, each light source (except for the light sources at the edges) may have six nearest neighbor light sources; in a cubic 2D array, each light source may have four nearest neighbor light sources. In an irregular array, there may be two or more different distances between nearest neighboring light sources. In such an embodiment, a (number) average may be taken. For the determination of nearest neighbors, Voronoi maps in euclidean planes may be used; nearest neighbors in a cell sharing an edge with a cell having a light source, nearest neighbors must be determined for it. The Voronoi diagram divides the plane into regions based on distances to points in a particular subset of the plane. These points are also referred to as "seeds". Here, seeds refer to "light sources" (in particular their light emitting surfaces). For each seed, there is a corresponding region consisting of all points closer to the seed than to any other seed. These regions are called Voronoi cells.

The lighting system is configured to provide lighting system light (during operation). When all light sources are on, there may be no flashing effect. Hence, in a particular embodiment, the lighting system may be configured to generate, in the operation mode, lighting system light comprising light source light of a subset of the total number of light sources.

Here, the term "subset" particularly refers to a number of light sources which is less than the total number of light sources. Further, in the context of an operation mode, the term "subset of light sources" will generally refer to a number of at least 2 (such as at least 4) light sources, although many more light sources in the subset may also be possible. Further, the subset of light sources may particularly comprise one or more light sources of the 2D array.

As indicated above (and also below), the term "operation mode" may also refer to a plurality of different operation modes. Further, the modes of operation described herein may not preclude the possibility of one or more other modes of operation. However, in the context of the present invention, an operation mode is specifically described which may provide a flashing effect.

During the operation mode (or operation modes, see also above), especially the nearest neighboring light source configured to generate light source light for the lighting system light in the operation mode has an average second shortest distance (dd 2), wherein the average second shortest distance (dd 2) is larger than the average first shortest distance (dd 1). Hence, the mutual distance between nearest neighbors in the array is smaller than the mutual distance between these (nearest neighbor) light sources, which form a subset of the lighting system for providing lighting system light during the operation mode. Thus, these light sources which are particularly active during the operation mode have on average a larger mutual distance than all light sources (of the array) whether or not active during the operation mode.

In particular, when viewing the illumination area generating the light source light via the optics, the individual light sources may be substantially indistinguishable, whereas the individual light sources providing the illumination system light (i.e. the active light sources) may be distinguishable in the operation mode. Thus, the resolution may be smaller than the size of the individual light sources (such that they may not be identified) when viewed through the optics, but may be equal to or higher than the size of those light sources in the operating mode in which the illumination system light may be provided. In this way, a diffusely reflecting object illuminated with the illumination system light may show a sparkling effect. Further, in this way, the illumination area may also provide a flashing effect. The term "illumination area" refers to an area having light sources, including a 2D array of light sources (i.e., a light emitting surface). The phrase "individual light sources may be (substantially) distinguishable" and similar phrases especially indicate that a person may (not) distinguish individual light emitting surfaces (of the respective light sources). Here, the term "person" may also refer to a small group of people.

Hence, in a particular embodiment, the lighting system is further configured to generate, in the operation mode, lighting system light comprising light source light of a subset of the total number of light sources, wherein a nearest neighboring light source (i.e. an active light source) configured to generate light source light for the lighting system light in the operation mode has an average second shortest distance (dd 2), wherein the average second shortest distance (dd 2) is larger than the average first shortest distance (dd 1). In particular, the average second shortest distance is at least twice the average first shortest distance, even more particularly the average second shortest distance is at least four times the average first shortest distance, such as the average second shortest distance is at least five times the average first shortest distance. Typically, for a relatively large third shortest distance, additional light sources located outside the 2D array are not optically coupled with the optics, and only light sources located in the 2D array are optically coupled with the optics. In the context of the present invention, optically coupled means that when optically coupled, light from the light source substantially exits the illumination system via the optics. The additional light source, which is not optically coupled, is such that the visibility of the desired flashing effect outside the light beam will be enhanced.

In a further particular embodiment, the lighting system is further configured to generate, in the operation mode, lighting system light comprising light source light of a subset of the total number of light sources, wherein a nearest neighboring light source (i.e. an active light source) configured to generate light source light for the lighting system light in the operation mode has an average second shortest distance (dd 2), wherein the average second shortest distance (dd 2) is equal to or larger than the first size (d 1) (see also above), i.e. the average second shortest distance dd2 ≧ d 1. In particular, in embodiments, the average second shortest distance dd2 is greater than or equal to 1.1 × d1, and even more particularly, the average second shortest distance dd2 is greater than or equal to 1.5 × d 1. However, in particular embodiments, the average second shortest distance dd2 ≦ 10 × d1, such as the average second shortest distance being equal to or less than 5 × d1, particularly such as equal to or less than 4 × d 1. In the latter embodiment, for example, 4-8% of the LEDs may be turned on during the operational mode (e.g., when subsets alternate over time).

The larger the distance between nearest neighboring light sources (i.e. active light sources) configured to generate light source light for the illumination system light in the operation mode, the larger the optics may be.

The distances between nearest neighboring light sources (i.e. active light sources) providing the lighting system light in the operational mode may not all be the same, although in other embodiments these distances may all be the same. Note that the light sources selected to generate the lighting system light (during the operation mode) may be randomly selected or may be based on a fixed setting. Hence, especially the average second shortest distance is the (number) average shortest distance (between the nearest neighboring light sources providing the lighting system light in the operation mode). Likewise, the average first shortest distance is the (number of) average shortest distance between nearest neighboring light sources (of the 2D array).

In an embodiment, the total number of light sources in the 2D array is equal to or greater than 24, such as equal to or greater than 36, such as equal to or greater than 64. The number of light sources in the array may also be much larger, such as at least 100, such as at least 400, such as at least 2500, etc.

At least 24 or more of such (minimum) number of light sources in the 2D array may allow creating a flashlight effect. In case the number of light sources is too small, such as less than e.g. 16 individual light emitting areas (such as LED dies) in the illumination area, no flash effect may be created.

Further, in an embodiment, during the operation mode, equal to or less than 50% (such as equal to or less than 35%, such as equal to or less than 25%) of the total number of light sources are turned on. If the percentage results in an unnatural number, the closest natural number may be selected (e.g., 32.5 becomes 33 and 32.4 becomes 32). The number of light sources in the subset(s) used during the operation mode may be selected such that the condition that the average second shortest distance (dd 2) is larger than the average first shortest distance (dd 1), in particular that the average second shortest distance is at least twice the average first shortest distance, may be (easily) achieved.

When randomly selecting the light source (of the subset(s) of the operation mode), this may be done under the following conditions: (i) the average second shortest distance (dd 2) is greater than the average first shortest distance (dd 1), in particular the average second shortest distance is at least twice the average first shortest distance, and/or under the following conditions: (ii) the average second shortest distance (dd 2) is equal to or greater than the first dimension (d 1), in particular the average second shortest distance dd2> d 1. Thus, this selection may not be completely random.

In a particular embodiment, it may be applied that the distances of all light sources (i.e. active light sources) used during the operation mode to other neighboring light sources within the subset are larger than the average first distance (dd 1), at least equal to or larger than twice the average first distance (dd 1), such as at least equal to or larger than four times the average first distance (dd 1), in particular such as at least equal to or larger than five times the average first distance (dd 1), such as for example equal to or smaller than about 10 times the average first distance (dd 1). In a particular embodiment, all light sources (i.e., active light sources) used during the operational mode are at least equal to or greater than dd1 in distance to other adjacent light sources within the subset_a+ d1, such as at least equal to or greater than 2 × (dd 1)_a+ d1), such as, for example, up to about 5 (dd 1)_a+ d1), such as up to about 4 (dd 1)_a+ d 1). Here, dd1_aIndicating the average first shortest distance.

Generally, the first dimension of the light source is identical for all light sources. If this is not the case, the (number) average first size may also be selected.

Thus, in other specific embodiments, it may be applied that for at least 50% of the total number of light sources, in particular in embodiments where all light sources (i.e. active light sources) used during the operation mode, their distance to other neighboring light sources within the subset (of active light sources) is equal to or larger than d 1.

A subset of the total number of light sources provides illumination system light during the operation mode. In an embodiment, this means in particular that the other light sources (in the 2D array) are switched off. The light source providing the light of the illumination system may be operated at a corresponding maximum power (although this is not necessarily the case; however, typically at least 50% of the corresponding maximum power). Thus, other light sources may be turned off, or may be dimmed in other particular embodiments. Thus, in other embodiments, instead of turning on and off, the light source may be dimmed or dimmed. Thus, in an embodiment, the subset of light sources may primarily provide the illumination system light and one or more other light sources of the plurality of light sources may also add to the illumination system light, but with only a relatively low power, such as equal to or less than 10% of the total power may be provided by light sources not within the subset (providing the illumination system light). A light source may be considered active when it is not dimmed below about 10% of its maximum power.

As indicated above, in an embodiment there may be only one single mode of operation, with a fixed configuration of the light sources providing the illumination system light during this mode. This may still not exclude the presence of other modes of operation. In this single mode of operation with a fixed configuration of light sources, the light sources providing the lighting system light may not be changed in time during the mode of operation. However, a change of the light source providing the illumination system light in the operation mode may particularly provide a flashlight effect (when the specularly reflective object is illuminated with the illumination system light).

Thus, in a particular embodiment, the control system may be configured to generate different subsets of light sources (providing lighting system light during the operation mode) over time, wherein the different subsets of light sources of course fulfill the following conditions: the nearest neighboring light source (i.e. the active light source) configured to generate light source light for the lighting system light in the operational mode has an average second shortest distance dd2, wherein the average second shortest distance (dd 2) is larger than the average first shortest distance (dd 1) (and/or the average second shortest distance dd2 ≧ d 1). The light sources providing the lighting system light in the operation mode of the (two or more) different subsets may be selected according to a fixed (temporal) scheme or may be (quasi-) randomly selected. Thus, different subset(s) of the total number of light sources may be configured to generate illumination system light.

Thus, the light sources of the plurality of light sources (especially of the 2D array) may each be part of one or more subsets. When there is one mode of operation, there may be a single subset. When the subset changes over time during the operational mode, there are multiple subsets. These subsets differ in the spatial arrangement of the light sources within the subsets (during the operation mode). When there are two or more subsets, the different subsets may for example have at most 50%, such as at most 35%, of identical light sources (i.e. light sources at a particular location that are used for one subset, but may also be used for another subset). As indicated above, if the percentage results in an unnatural number, the closest natural number may be selected.

Thus, in a particular embodiment, wherein the (two or more) different subsets of the total number of light sources are configured to generate lighting system light, in particular the lighting system may be configured to generate lighting system light in the operation mode while alternating over time between two or more of the (two or more) different subsets. The (precise) intensity distribution within the beam of illumination system light may vary over time as it alternates over time between two or more different subsets. This may provide a flashing effect when viewing the illumination area and/or viewing objects with specular reflectivity which are illuminated with the illumination system light. Herein, the term "alternating" and similar terms particularly mean alternating over time, i.e. one after the other.

The phrase "a lighting system configured to generate lighting system light in an operation mode", or the phrase "a lighting system configured to generate lighting system light in an operation mode while alternating over time between two or more of the (two or more) different subsets", and similar phrases, may particularly instruct the control system to control the light sources such that the lighting system light is provided, such as by the (different) light sources of the different subsets over time.

As indicated above, there may be a plurality of light sources. In this case, it may be meaningful to control individual light sources or individual subsets of light sources. This may allow to control the intensity of the lighting system light. Further, this may allow selecting one subset or a different subset, respectively, during the operation mode. As indicated above, in embodiments, the control system may be configured to (let the lighting system) generate the lighting system light in the operational mode while alternating over time between two or more of the (two or more) different subsets. Thus, the control system may be configured to alternate between subsets of light sources that provide (or do not provide, respectively) lighting system light. However, in embodiments, this may also optionally allow controlling one or more of the color point, the color temperature, and the color rendering index of the lighting system light (during e.g. the operation mode). However, this may also be done in other modes of operation than described herein.

In certain embodiments, where there is an alternation between (two or more) different subsets, it may be desirable that the total intensity of the illumination system light is substantially constant. Thus, in an embodiment, the control system may be configured to maintain a constant luminous flux of the lighting system light over time. The phrase "a time-constant luminous flux of the illumination system light" may refer to a luminous flux within about +/-10%, such as within +/-5%, from a predetermined value of the luminous flux.

In a particular embodiment, the lighting system is configured to alternate between the two or more different subsets at a frequency equal to or lower than 25 Hz (such as equal to or lower than 10 Hz, such as equal to or lower than 5 Hz, such as equal to or lower than 1 Hz). Thus, each subset may provide illumination system light during at least 0.04 seconds (such as at least 0.1 seconds, e.g. at least 0.2 seconds); after such a period, the system may be changed to another subset of the light sources providing the lighting system light. In this way, the user can see the effect of flashing light over time. In an embodiment, the upper limit of the time that a subset may provide illumination system light before changing to another subset may be, for example, two minutes, such as equal to or less than one minute, such as equal to or less than 30 seconds, such as equal to or less than 15 seconds. On the other hand, too high frequencies may not be appreciated by the user; thus, the frequency may be equal to or below 5 Hz, such as equal to or below 1 Hz, such as maximum 0.2 Hz. As may be determined from the above, the phrase "the lighting system is configured to alternate" and similar phrases may in embodiments indicate that the control system is configured to control the light sources such that the lighting system alternates between different subsets (and thus between light sources).

In particular, for larger arrays, there may be a relatively large degree of freedom in selecting the subset, particularly when maximum intensity is not necessary. Thus, the subset may also be selected such that the spatial intensity distribution within the light beam remains substantially the same. In this way, the beam width may remain substantially the same. Thus, in an embodiment, the illumination system is configured to alternate (in the operational mode) between two or more different subsets while maintaining a fixed beam width of the illumination system light. Thus, the opening angle of maximally, e.g. about 40 °, may remain substantially the same while alternating between subsets of light sources providing illumination system light over time.

Basically, there may be two methods to obtain the glitter effect. In embodiments, these two options may be combined, or in other embodiments, one of the two options may be selected. In an embodiment, the light sources comprised by the 2D array may be selected to fulfill the following conditions: the average distance to all nearest neighbors of the set that produces the illumination system light is larger than the average first shortest distance (or even equal to or larger than the first size). However, in other embodiments, one or more such light sources may alternatively or additionally be selected from light sources configured outside the 2D array. Thus, in embodiments, one or more light sources may be arranged at a third shortest distance (dd 3) from any nearest neighboring light source (of a light source from the 2D array), wherein the third shortest distance (dd 3) is at least five times the average first shortest distance (dd 1), such as wherein the third shortest distance (dd 3) is at least ten times the average first shortest distance (dd 1), such as the third shortest distance (dd 3) is at least 15 times the average first shortest distance (dd 1), such as dd3 ≧ 20 × dd1, such as the third shortest distance dd3 up to about 1000 times the average first shortest distance (dd 1). In a particular embodiment, for one or more light sources, the shortest distance dd3 from any nearest neighboring light source (of a light source from the 2D array) may be equal to or greater than the first dimension D1, such as the third shortest distance dd3 being at least equal to or greater than 1.1 x D1, such as dd3 being at least equal to or greater than 1.5 x D1 (where in an embodiment D1 is the length of the characteristic dimension).

In an embodiment, the lighting system may comprise one or more lighting devices, which together may provide a plurality of light sources. Thus, none, or one or more, of the lighting devices may comprise light sources which do not necessarily comply with the conditions of the lighting system described herein per se, but do so together. However, in other embodiments, one or more lighting devices may comply with the conditions described herein, and may therefore be such a lighting system.

In the latter embodiment, the one or more lighting devices may be controlled, for example, by a control system external to the lighting device, although in other variations, the one or more lighting devices may comprise a control system (for controlling the lighting device light of the lighting device). Further, in such embodiments, the one or more lighting devices may specifically comprise a pixelated lighting device. The term "pixelation" and similar terms particularly refer to a plurality of light sources, more particularly to light emitting regions thereof. The plurality of light sources is at least configured to provide a 2D array of light emitting areas.

Hence, the term "lighting system" may also refer to a plurality of lighting systems, which may in an embodiment be functionally coupled (e.g. via a control system).

Further, in particular embodiments, the term "lighting system" or "lighting system light" and similar terms may thus refer to lighting devices and lighting device light, respectively (and similar terms). Thus, in an embodiment, the lighting system may comprise a lighting device, wherein the lighting device comprises a plurality of light sources and optics. Hence, in particular, the invention also provides a lighting device comprising (i) a plurality of light sources configured to generate light source light, and (ii) an optical device configured downstream of the light sources, wherein the lighting device further comprises a 2D array of at least a part of the total number of light sources, wherein nearest neighboring light sources in the 2D array have an average first shortest distance (dd 1), wherein the lighting device is further configured to generate, in an operation mode, lighting device light comprising light source light of a subset of the total number of light sources, wherein nearest neighboring light sources configured to generate light source light for the lighting device light in the operation mode have an average second shortest distance (dd 2), wherein the average second shortest distance (dd 2) is larger than the average first shortest distance (dd 1). Such a lighting device is therefore in particular a pixelated lighting device, wherein the pixels are defined by light emitting areas of the plurality of light sources.

In a particular embodiment, such a lighting device may be a spotlight. For example, in a particular embodiment, (the optics of) the lighting device may be configured to produce a beam of lighting device light having an opening angle (θ) equal to or smaller than 40 ° (such as equal to or smaller than 36 °, such as equal to or smaller than 25 °).

In an embodiment, the illumination system light during the operation mode may be substantially only visible light, such as at least 80% of the spectral power in the 380-780 nm range. In an embodiment, the lighting system light during the operation mode may be white light.

The term "white light" herein is known to the person skilled in the art. It especially relates to light having a Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) between about 2000 and 20000K, especially 2700-.

The terms "visible", "visible light", or "visible emission" and similar terms refer to light having one or more wavelengths in the range of about 380-780 nm.

The lighting system (or device) may be part of or may be applied in, for example: office lighting systems, home application systems, shop lighting systems, home lighting systems, accent lighting systems, spot lighting systems, theater lighting systems, fiber-optic application systems, projection systems, self-illuminating display systems, pixelated display systems, segmented display systems, warning sign systems, medical lighting application systems, indicator sign systems, decorative lighting systems, portable systems, automotive applications, (outdoor) road lighting systems, urban lighting systems, greenhouse lighting systems, horticulture lighting, and the like.

Drawings

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:

1 a-1 d schematically depict some aspects of an embodiment of an illumination system (optics not depicted);

2 a-2 b schematically depict some further aspects of embodiments of the lighting system;

3 a-3 c schematically depict still further aspects of embodiments of the illumination system; and

fig. 4 schematically depicts an embodiment of an application of the lighting system.

The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

Detailed Description

By combining the light source and the optics differently, several beam widths can be created. The housing roughly determines the maximum flux that can be generated. The maximum allowable input power of the LED light source(s) may be determined by the amount of heat that may be transferred to the environment. In general, small light sources (COB or closely packed chip scale package arrays with small light emitting areas, medium power packages, or micro leds) can provide relatively narrow beams with high peak intensities, while larger light sources (COB with larger light emitting areas or CSP arrays with larger pitches) can result in wider beams with lower peak intensities. However, comparable flux can be obtained. When the spacing between CSPs is large, or when the color of the COB source is not uniform, the collimating optics may provide a degree of mixing to homogenize the beam.

Fig. 1a schematically depicts on the left a tightly packed array of LEDs producing a narrow beam. Fig. 1a also shows schematically a close-packed LED array in the middle, but it produces a wider beam, dimmed to get the same flux. Further, fig. 1a schematically shows on the right an array of LEDs with a larger pitch, which produces a wider beam with the same flux. Note that when changing the subset of light sources as indicated in fig. 1a, the accompanying beam shape of the light generated by the light sources may also change.

The shaded square surfaces inside the left circle and in the right circle refer to, for example, the largest capacity light source. The shaded square surfaces within the circle in the middle drawing may refer to the light sources being dimmed such that the total flux is substantially the same as to the left. The white square region refers to the light source that is turned off (or in a particular embodiment, has a maximum power of 10% of its maximum power). The square areas outside the left circle or the middle dashed line can be omitted as light sources (in principle also apply to the right drawing).

The small area (small square) refers to the light source, indicated with reference numeral 10. The small squares particularly represent light emitting surfaces (or surfaces that emit light when the respective light source is switched on). The light source has a first dimension d1, in which case the first dimension d1 is the length or width (which are equal in this schematically depicted embodiment of the substantially square light source 10/square light emitting area). The light sources 10 have a distance dd1 to adjacent light sources 10. In this schematically depicted embodiment, the light sources 10 have a pitch (which is substantially dd1+ d 1). Further, the light sources 10 are arranged substantially symmetrically about the optical axis O. The light sources 10 are arranged in an array having cubic symmetry.

The larger of all the small areas, i.e. the larger of all the light emitting surfaces, may be indicated as "light emitting area" or "illumination area". Reference numeral 110 denotes an array. The array of light sources 10, or indeed the array of light emitting surfaces of the light sources 10, defines an array 110. There may also be light sources 10 outside the array (see also below). The array 110 essentially defines an illumination area (which includes the light emitting surface or area of the individual light sources).

Fig. 1a also indicates the nearest neighbors of a randomly selected light source. The latter light source is indicated with reference numeral 10'. The light source 10' has four nearest neighbors, which are indicated in the figure with thicker sides and the reference numeral 10 nb. If the light emitting surface of the light source is configured as a Voronoi diagram (see also below), the four Voronoi cells will be the only Voronoi cells sharing one edge with the Voronoi cells of the light source 10'. Thus, the nearest neighboring light sources 10 in the 2D array 110 have an average first shortest distance dd 1. More precisely, in this example, all light sources 10 have the nearest neighbor light source at a distance dd 1. Thus, the distance dd1 indicated in the figure is thus also the average first shortest distance dd 1.

On the right side of FIG. 1a, a subset of the light sources of array 110 are turned on; the remaining light sources are not turned on. The former may be indicated as "active light source" and similar terms.

Note that instead of turning on and off, in other embodiments, the light source may be dimmed or dimmed. Thus, the subset of light sources may mainly provide the illumination system light and one or more other light sources of the plurality of light sources may also add to the illumination system light, but with only a relatively low power, such as equal to or less than 10% of the total power may be provided by light sources not within the subset providing the illumination system light. A light source may be considered active when it is not dimmed below about 10% of its maximum power.

In the subset of light sources on the right in fig. 1a, the distance between nearest neighbors (i.e. active light sources 10) providing the illumination system light is larger than the distance between the light sources 10 of the array 110 (this distance is dd 1). Here, the distance between the light sources 10 that are switched on in the subset is at least the size of the light source (which is indicated with d 1). The distance between these (active) light sources is indicated by dd 2. Thus, these light sources 10 providing a subset of the lighting system light during the operation mode have the second shortest distance dd 2. Here, these second shortest distances dd2 may be different, see also the figure, where the length of dd2 is different between different sets of light sources 10' and their nearest neighbors of an active source. The second shortest distances dd2 for each of the light sources 10 in the subset may be averaged, resulting in an average second shortest distance dd 2.

Hence, an embodiment of the illumination system 1000 is schematically provided at the right of fig. 1a, the illumination system 1000 comprising a plurality of light sources 10 configured to generate light source light. The lighting system 1000 comprises a 2D array 110 of at least a part of the total number of light sources 10, wherein nearest neighboring light sources 10 in the 2D array 110 have an average first shortest distance dd 1. Further, the illumination system 1000 is configured to generate in the operation mode illumination system light 1001, which illumination system light 1001 comprises light source light of a subset of the total number of light sources 10, wherein the nearest neighboring light source 10 (i.e. the active light sources forming the subset) configured to generate light source light for the illumination system light 1001 in the operation mode has an average second shortest distance dd2, wherein the average second shortest distance (dd 2) is larger than the average first shortest distance (dd 1). Here, the average second shortest distance dd2 is at least d 1.

The luminance of the prior art spotlight is constant. The appearance may be glaring or not, but it will not be perceived as sparkling. "glare" (also known as "beauty glare" or "fascinating glare") is based on spatial and/or temporal effects, among others. It is proposed herein, among other things, to increase the spatial (see, among others, the right hand side of fig. 1 a) and/or temporal dynamics by switching on and off LEDs in specific positions with little or no effect on the beam angle and/or the central beam intensity. The appearance of an object in a spotlight with a diffuse reflective surface may remain substantially constant, but an object with a specular reflective surface may show a sparkling effect. Also, when looking at the spotlight from a direction other than the light beam, the spotlight itself will have a flashing appearance.

In embodiments of the invention, a matrix array of LEDs (e.g., chip scale packages, medium power packages, or micro LEDs) extending over a particular area may be provided. Referring to FIG. 1b, at time t1, a fixed number of LEDs are turned on. They are patterned in specific areas to ensure that the correct beam is generated. At a later point in time t2, another group of LEDs is turned on, the other group having the same number but a different pattern (which still fills the particular area). At time t3, a third pattern with the same number of LEDs is selected … … to select the switching frequency to create a sparkle effect when looking at the optics from a fixed direction outside the beam or from a specularly reflecting object in the projected beam. This is schematically depicted in fig. 1 b. FIG. 1b schematically depicts an embodiment: where the same number of LEDs are turned on at different times, but in different patterns within a particular area.

At relatively very low frequencies, the appearance will still be sparkling when the viewing direction changes over time.

As schematically depicted with this 8 by 8 light source array, it is possible to create multiple (here 5 examples) subsets with the same number of light sources providing the illumination system light. By alternating the subsets over time, a flashlight effect may be created. Thus, for the illumination system 1000, it may be applicable that two or more different subsets of the total number of light sources 10 may be selected to generate illumination system light. Thus, the lighting system 1000 may particularly be configured to generate lighting system light in an operational mode while alternating over time between two or more of the two or more different subsets. In an embodiment, the lighting system 1000 may be configured to alternate between two or more different subsets at a frequency equal to or lower than 10 Hz. Hence, the control system (see also below) may be configured to cause the lighting system to generate lighting system light provided with different subsets of light sources alternating (over time), wherein the (alternating) frequency is equal to or lower than 10 Hz.

As also shown in fig. 1b, there may be little or substantially no effect on the beam shape (over time) of the illumination system light based on the light source light of the light sources 10 in the respective subset. Thus, the illumination system 1000 may be configured to alternate between two or more different subsets while maintaining a substantially fixed beam width of the illumination system light 1001. Likewise, a constant luminous flux of the lighting system light over time may be maintained (while alternating subsets during the operation mode).

Thus, fig. 1b also schematically depicts an embodiment, a plurality of different subsets may be used over time to generate illumination system light during an operation mode. These subsets differ in the spatial arrangement of the light sources within the subsets (during the operation mode). When there are two or more subsets, the different subsets may for example have at most 50%, such as at most 35%, of identical light sources.

Fig. 1b also schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the total number of light sources 10 in the 2D array 110 is equal to or greater than 36. Further, fig. 1b also schematically depicts an embodiment wherein during the operation mode equal to or less than 35% of the total number of light sources 10 is turned on. In particular, equal to or less than 35% of the total number of light sources 10 may be active during the operation mode.

Fig. 1c schematically depicts the possible subsets in more detail, but now in combination with a specific embodiment, wherein one or more light sources 10 are not arranged in the array 110, but outside thereof. These light sources are indicated with reference numeral 10 ". Thus, in embodiments, the light source (such as an LED) may be configured outside a certain area. Such light sources may be switched on and off, for example, in a selected pattern and/or frequency. The effect of these light sources on the far field intensity distribution may be very limited, but these light sources may be used to enhance the flashlight effect when looking at the optics from a direction other than the beam. The additional light sources may in particular be placed far enough away from the main light source that their peak intensity is outside the tail of the main light beam. Here, the distance of the additional light source to the nearest neighbor in array 110 is indicated by dd 3. Thus, fig. 1c schematically depicts an embodiment of the lighting system 1000, the lighting system 1000 comprising one or more light sources 10, the one or more light sources 10 being arranged at a third shortest distance dd3 from any nearest neighboring light source 10 of the light sources 10 from the 2D array 110, in particular the third shortest distance (dd 3) being at least five times the average first shortest distance (dd 1). In the examples, dd3 ≧ d 1. On average (average of the total number of light sources 10 ″ not configured within the array 110), dd3 may be equal to or greater than d1, such as equal to or greater than 1.1 × d 1.

When there are light sources 10 outside the array in addition to the light sources 10 in the array 110, generally the average value of dd3 will be greater than the average value of dd2, such as at least 10% greater, such as at least 20% greater, such as at least 50% greater.

Referring to fig. 1a, 1b and 1c, among others, a light source 10, such as a solid state light source, may have a first dimension d1 selected from the group of a first length, a first width, a first diagonal length, and a first diameter. In an embodiment, the first dimension may be selected from the range of 100 μm-2 mm. Further, in embodiments, the average second shortest distance dd2 may be equal to or greater than the first dimension d1, where the first dimension d1 is selected from a first length and a first width, such as a first width.

Fig. 1d schematically depicts the irregular array 110. Voronoi lines indicating the equal distances between adjacent light sources 10 are indicated. The cells sharing one edge comprise adjacent light sources 10.

The above embodiments are depicted and described without optical elements. Fig. 2a and 2b schematically depict some embodiments of an illumination system 1000 comprising an optical element. Here, an embodiment of the illumination system 1000 is depicted, the illumination system 1000 comprising a plurality of light sources 10 and optics 20, the plurality of light sources 10 being configured to generate light source light 11, the optics 20 being configured downstream of the light sources 10. As indicated above, the lighting system 1000 comprises a 2D array 110 of at least a part of the total number of light sources 10. The illumination system 1000 is further configured to generate illumination system light 1001, the illumination system light 1001 comprising light source light 11 of one or more light sources 10. In a particular mode of operation, the illumination system light 1001 comprises light source light 11 of a subset of the total number of light sources 10. Reference symbol O denotes an optical axis. Reference symbol θ indicates the angle of the beam 1002 of illumination system light 1001.

The optics 20 may in particular comprise light transmitting optics selected from the group consisting of a lens 21 (see fig. 2 a) and a collimator 22 (see fig. 2 b). The lens may be, for example, a fresnel lens. In particular, the optics 20 are configured to generate a beam 1002 of illumination system light 1001. As shown in fig. 2b, the optics are mounted on a carrier 35. Additional light sources 10 ″ mounted on the carrier 35 outside the 2D array 110 are not coupled with the optics 20, but only the light sources 10 located in the 2D array are optically coupled with the optics.

In a particular embodiment, wherein the optics 20 may be configured to generate a beam 1002 of illumination system light 1001, the beam 1002 has an opening angle θ equal to or smaller than 90 °. For spotlight applications, the opening angle may be smaller. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the optics 20 may be configured to generate a light beam 1002 of the illumination system light 1001, the light beam 1002 having an opening angle θ equal to or smaller than 40 °, such as equal to or smaller than 36 °, such as equal to or smaller than 25 °.

The light transmissive optics particularly comprise a light transmissive material, particularly a light transmissive material. The light transmissive material may be transparent to one or more of UV radiation, visible light, and IR radiation, in particular at least visible light. The light transmissive material may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of transmissive organic materials, such as selected from the group consisting of: PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PC (polycarbonate), polymethyl acrylate (PMA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (Plexiglas or Perspex), Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB), silicone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (including in the examples (PETG) (glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate)), PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), and COC (cyclic olefin copolymer). In particular, the light transmissive material may comprise an aromatic polyester or copolymers thereof, such as for example Polycarbonate (PC), poly (methyl (meth) acrylate (p (m) MA), polyglycolide or polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), Polycaprolactone (PCL), polyethylene adipate (PEA), Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN); in particular, the light transmissive material may comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The light transmissive material is thus in particular a polymeric light transmissive material. However, in another embodiment, the light transmissive material may comprise an inorganic material. In particular, the inorganic light transmitting material may be selected from the group consisting of glass, (fused) quartz, a transmitting ceramic material, and silicone. Hybrid materials comprising both inorganic and organic fractions may also be applied. In particular, the light transmissive material comprises one or more of PMMA, transparent PC, or glass.

Fig. 2 a-2 b also schematically depict an embodiment wherein the lighting system 1000 further comprises a control system 30. In an embodiment, the control system 30 may be configured to alternate the subsets over time in the control mode. The control system 30 may also be configured to maintain a constant luminous flux of the lighting system light 1001 over time. The control system 30 may also be configured to control the lighting system light in other operation modes (or control modes). The control system 30 may be configured to control one or more of the color point, the color temperature, and the color rendering index. The control system may further be configured to select the subset during the operation mode such that the lighting system light is based on the light source light of the subset of light sources. When the subset is not changed to another subset over time, there may still be a flashing effect (see also above, among others, in fig. 1 a).

Fig. 2 a-2 b also schematically depict embodiments in which the light source 10 and the optical element 20 are comprised by a single illumination device 100. Thus, these figures also schematically depict embodiments in which the illumination system 1000 comprises an illumination device 100, wherein the illumination device 100 comprises a plurality of light sources 10 and optics 20. For example, in an embodiment, the lighting device 100 is a spotlight. The lighting device is particularly configured to generate lighting device light 101. Note that in an embodiment, the lighting device light 101 may be substantially lighting system light 1001. Hence, all embodiments described herein with respect to the illumination system light 1001 may also be applied to the illumination device light 101.

Reference numeral 25 refers to a reflector, such as having an aluminum layer or other specularly reflective material. Reference numeral 120 denotes a housing.

As schematically depicted in fig. 3 a-3 b, in an embodiment, the array 110 may comprise light sources, such as LEDs, which are configured to emit (mutually) different colors (i.e. different spectral power distributions). In an embodiment, individual shades may be increased to a certain white point at a particular point in time. In an embodiment, this may result in a color at the edge of the light beam, even if a mixing structure is applied. In embodiments, where clusters of rgb (w) LEDs are used (see fig. 3 b), in embodiments the color of each cluster may vary over time (where the time-averaged color is some white and the space-averaged color is some white).

In an embodiment, colored light sources (such as LEDs) may be configured outside (far away) a particular area, while light sources (such as LEDs) within a particular area are white. In this way, a colored flash is created outside the light beam (see e.g. fig. 3c, but also in particular fig. 1 c).

Referring to fig. 3 a-3 c, in an embodiment, two or more light sources 10 of the total number of light sources 10 may be configured to provide light source light 11, which light source light 11 differs in one or more of color point, color temperature, and color rendering index.

Very schematically, one application is shown in fig. 4. Here, the lighting system 1000 comprises two lighting devices (such as luminaires), each lighting device may generate a beam of lighting system light 1001/lighting device light 101 having a flashlight effect as described herein. For example, the lighting system 1000 may be used in a display room, a shop, a museum, or a reception area for illuminating objects.

The term "plurality" means two or more.

The terms "substantially" or "substantially" and similar terms herein will be understood by those skilled in the art. The terms "substantially" or "substantially" may also include embodiments having "all," "all," and the like. Thus, in embodiments, adjectives may also be substantially or essentially removed. Where applicable, the term "substantially" or the term "substantially" may also relate to 90% or more, such as 95% or more, in particular 99% or more, even more in particular 99.5% or more, including 100%.

The term "comprising" also includes embodiments in which the term "including" means "consisting of ….

The term "and/or" especially relates to one or more items mentioned before and after "and/or". For example, the phrase "item 1 and/or item 2" and similar phrases may refer to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term "comprising" may mean "consisting of …" in an embodiment, but may also mean "comprising at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species" in another embodiment.

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.

Herein, an apparatus, device, or system may be described during operation, among others. As will be clear to those of skill in the art, the present invention is not limited to methods of operation, or to apparatus, devices, or systems in operation.

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.

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

Use of the verb "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, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

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

The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device claim, the apparatus claim or the 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.

The present invention also provides a control system that may control a device, apparatus or system, or may perform a method or process described herein. Still further, the present invention also provides a computer program product which, when run on a computer functionally coupled to or comprised by such an apparatus, device or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such an apparatus, device or system.

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

The various aspects discussed in this patent may be combined to provide additional advantages. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may be combined, and that more than two embodiments may also be combined. Furthermore, some features may form the basis of one or more divisional applications.