[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2025010387A1 - Configuration de sources lumineuses multiples - Google Patents

Configuration de sources lumineuses multiples Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2025010387A1
WO2025010387A1 PCT/US2024/036839 US2024036839W WO2025010387A1 WO 2025010387 A1 WO2025010387 A1 WO 2025010387A1 US 2024036839 W US2024036839 W US 2024036839W WO 2025010387 A1 WO2025010387 A1 WO 2025010387A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
lighting
light
lens
sources
assembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/US2024/036839
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard E. Feinbloom
Moty SOLOMON
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Designs for Vision Inc
Original Assignee
Designs for Vision Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US18/218,503 external-priority patent/US12140748B2/en
Priority claimed from US18/664,080 external-priority patent/US12416801B2/en
Application filed by Designs for Vision Inc filed Critical Designs for Vision Inc
Publication of WO2025010387A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025010387A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V13/00—Producing particular characteristics or distribution of the light emitted by means of a combination of elements specified in two or more of main groups F21V1/00 - F21V11/00
    • F21V13/02—Combinations of only two kinds of elements
    • F21V13/04—Combinations of only two kinds of elements the elements being reflectors and refractors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V14/00—Controlling the distribution of the light emitted by adjustment of elements
    • F21V14/06—Controlling the distribution of the light emitted by adjustment of elements by movement of refractors
    • F21V14/065—Controlling the distribution of the light emitted by adjustment of elements by movement of refractors in portable lighting devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
    • F21V5/008—Combination of two or more successive refractors along an optical axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
    • F21V5/04—Refractors for light sources of lens shape
    • F21V5/048—Refractors for light sources of lens shape the lens being a simple lens adapted to cooperate with a point-like source for emitting mainly in one direction and having an axis coincident with the main light transmission direction, e.g. convergent or divergent lenses, plano-concave or plano-convex lenses
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V7/00—Reflectors for light sources
    • F21V7/04—Optical design
    • F21V7/041—Optical design with conical or pyramidal surface
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
    • F21V21/08—Devices for easy attachment to any desired place, e.g. clip, clamp, magnet
    • F21V21/084—Head fittings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V9/00—Elements for modifying spectral properties, polarisation or intensity of the light emitted, e.g. filters
    • F21V9/20—Dichroic filters, i.e. devices operating on the principle of wave interference to pass specific ranges of wavelengths while cancelling others
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2103/00—Elongate light sources, e.g. fluorescent tubes
    • F21Y2103/30—Elongate light sources, e.g. fluorescent tubes curved
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2107/00—Light sources with three-dimensionally disposed light-generating elements
    • F21Y2107/10—Light sources with three-dimensionally disposed light-generating elements on concave supports or substrates, e.g. on the inner side of bowl-shaped supports
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2113/00—Combination of light sources
    • F21Y2113/10—Combination of light sources of different colours
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • This application is related to the field of lighting and more particularly a system for providing uniform light distribution from a plurality of light sources.
  • Lighting devices are typically used in dental, medical and/or surgical fields to allow practitioners (e.g., dentist, doctor, surgeons, etc.) to apply light directly to the area where the practitioner is viewing.
  • Some lighting devices may be free-standing lamps that a practitioner may position about the work area.
  • Other lighting devices may be overhead lighting devices that operate on an arm that the practitioner may position about the work area.
  • User-wearable (e.g., head-mounted) lighting devices may also be used by a practitioner to provide a tight light beam directly coincident with the practitioner's line of sight. Head-mounted lighting devices are advantageous as the projected light is directly at the focus of the practitioner's eyes and the practitioner's shadow is not projected onto the work area as in the case of overhead lights.
  • a practitioner e.g., a dentist, a doctor, a surgeon adjusts the lighting element such that the light is projected onto a surface to which the practitioner's eyes are focused.
  • the practitioner may then control the light output in a manner as disclosed in the aforementioned US patents.
  • the light source may be composed of different lighting sources that may be used for different purposes.
  • the light sources may generate an ultra-violet light (non-visible wavelength range), a visible light (e.g., white, red, green, blue, etc.) or an Infra-red (IR) (non-visible wavelength), wherein the specific wavelength band may achieve a desired purpose.
  • IR Infra-red
  • the lighting devices may comprise one or more of the different light sources may be generating a corresponding light concurrently; the control of which may require wired or wireless control circuitry.
  • user-wearable devices are required to be compact and lightweight, which limits the number light emitting elements that may be used in emitting a light.
  • the limited number of lighting emitting elements limits the overall intensity of the light outputted by the head-mounted lighting device.
  • a lighting device for the generation of light from multiple lighting sources that provides a greater emission of the light from lighting devices.
  • a lighting device comprising a plurality of lighting sources, wherein each of the lighting sources is configurable to provide light to a desired point or region.
  • a lighting device comprising a plurality of lighting sources, wherein the lighting sources may be individually controlled while the light outputted by each of the lighting sources may be directed to a desired point or region
  • a lighting device comprising a plurality of lighting sources, wherein the lighting sources may be controlled electronically and physically to direct a light to a desired point or region
  • a lighting system that allows for the mixing of light from a plurality of lighting sources, wherein the light is focused onto at a desired point or region.
  • a lighting system comprising a plurality of lighting sources arranged concentrically about a central or optical axis of a lens system wherein the lighting sources are oriented with respect to the central axis such that the light emitted by the light sources targets the lens system at a point or region where the lens system projects the light to a desired focal point.
  • a lighting system comprising a plurality of lighting sources arranged substantially perpendicular to a central or optical axis of a lens system, wherein the light emitted by the lighting sources targets a light directorthat re-directs the emitted light to the lens system at a point or region where the lens system projects the light to a desired focal point.
  • a lighting device comprising a plurality of lighting sources arranged substantially skewed from an axis perpendicular to a central axis of a lens system, wherein the light emitted by the lighting sources targets a light director that re-directs the emitted light to the lens system at a point or region where the lens system projects the light to a desired focal point.
  • a lighting system comprising a plurality of lighting sources that are arranged to emit light individually, concurrently or sequentially in one of more light wavelength bands toward a light director, which redirects the light to a lens system that projects the light to a desired focal point.
  • FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of a lighting device comprising multiple light sources in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • FIG. IB illustrates a side view, through section A-A, of the first exemplary embodiment of the lighting device shown in FIG. 1A
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a second side view, through section A-A, of the first exemplary embodiment of the lighting device shown in FIG. 1A.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a second aspect of the first exemplary embodiment shown in FIGs. 1A, IB and 1C.
  • FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of a first aspect of a second exemplary embodiment of a lighting device 400 in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • FIG. 4B illustrates a side view, through section B-B, of the first aspect of the second exemplary embodiment of a lighting device shown in FIG. 4A.
  • FIG. 4C illustrates a front view of a second aspect of the second exemplary embodiment of a lighting device shown in FIG. 4A.
  • FIG. 5A illustrates a side view of a first aspect of a third exemplary embodiment of a lighting device comprising multiple light sources in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of a second aspect of the third exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5A.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a lighting device comprising multiple light sources in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a third aspect of the second exemplary embodiment of the lighting device shown in FIGs. 4A-4C.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a fourth aspect of the second exemplary embodiment of the lighting device shown in in FIGs. 4A-4C.
  • FIG. 9A illustrates a side view of a first aspect of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a lighting device in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • FIG. 9B illustrates a front view of the first aspect of the fifth exemplary embodiment of the lighting device shown in FIG. 9A.
  • FIG. 9C illustrates a front view of a second aspect of the fifth exemplary embodiment of the lighting device shown in FIG. 9A.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a third aspect of the fifth exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9A.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a lighting device in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • FIG. 12 Illustrates a front view of a head-mounted lighting configuration incorporating the lighting device disclosed herein.
  • FIGs. 13A-13C illustrate cut-away side views of examples of the lighting device shown in FIG. 8 in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a second aspect of a light director as shown in FIG. 8.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of the exemplary embodiment of the lighting device 815 shown in FIG. 15.
  • FIG. 17 illustrates a cut-away side view of a seventy exemplary embodiment of a lighting device comprising multiple lights sources in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates a graph of an exemplary filtering of light emitted from lighting device 1800.
  • FIG. 19 illustrates a cut-away side view of a further aspect of the exemplary embodiment of a lighting device shown in FIGs. 8 and 15.
  • FIG. 20 illustrates a cut-away side view of a further aspect of the exemplary embodiment of a lighting device shown in FIG. 8.
  • FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of a lighting device comprising multiple light sources in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • lighting device 100 comprises a housing 105 and a lens 102 through which lighting assembly 118 is visible.
  • Lens 102 closes a distal end of lighting device 100.
  • lighting sources 110 and 112 incorporated onto lighting assembly 118, wherein lighting sources 110, 112 are positioned concentrically around or about a central or optical axis 142, which is formed by lens 102.
  • Lighting sources 110 and 112 are oriented with respect to the central or optical axis 142 to direct the light output by the plurality of lighting modules to a point (not shown).
  • Lighting assembly 118 further includes control unit 116 that controls the operation of the lighting sources 110, 112 to emit light.
  • Control unit 116 may comprise one or more of resistors, transistors, diodes, capacitors that form dedicated hardware configuration and/or specialized hardware (e.g., ASIC, microcontroller, microprocessor) that enable control unit 116 to control the application of electrical energy to one or more of lighting sources 110, 112, etc.
  • FIG. IB illustrates a side view, through section A-A, of the first exemplary embodiment of the lighting device shown in FIG. 1A
  • lighting device 100 comprises lighting housing 105 into which lens assembly 101, comprising at least one objective lens 102, 104, is positioned at a first end of lighting housing 105.
  • the at least one objective lens 102, 104 are substantially concentric and define a central or optical axis 142 of lighting device 100.
  • the characteristics of lens 102, 104 form a focal point 140 onto which light 103 passing through lens assembly 101 converges.
  • lighting (or optical) assembly 118 Positioned at a second end of lighting housing 105 is lighting (or optical) assembly 118, which comprises control unit 116 and lighting sources 110 and 112. Connection between control unit 116 and lighting sources 110, 112 is provided by arms or extensions 120, 122. Arms 120, 122 provide a means for providing electrical energy to lighting sources 110, 112 and further providing for adjustment of lighting sources 110, 112 to change an angle of orientation of lighting source 110, 112 with respect of central or optical axis 142.
  • lighting assembly 118 and lens housing 101 may be mountable within light device 100 by a screw-thread connection (i.e., 124/126 150/151, respectively).
  • a screw-thread connection i.e., 124/126 150/151, respectively.
  • a snap-fit or a bayonet connection may be utilized for lighting assembly 118 and/or lens assembly 101.
  • lighting sources 110, 112 comprise holder 130, electronic section (i.e., printed circuit board) 132, light source 134 and lens 136.
  • Holder 130 provides a means for retaining lighting sources 110 (112) within lighting assembly 118.
  • Electronic section 132 may comprise a printed circuit board, including known components, such as resistors, transistors, capacitors, special hardware circuitry (e.g., ASIC), and/or microcontroller/microprocessor, which control a flow of electrical energy (voltage/current) to light element 134.
  • lighting element 134 may comprise a phosphor layer and a blue die positioned on the phosphor layer wherein the light emitted by light element 134 is primarily a white light.
  • Aperture holder (not shown) may include a passthrough which is sized to allow the blue die element of light element 134 to passthrough, while blocking light emitted by the phosphor layer.
  • An aperture, positioned on or within the aperture holder, may include a passthrough that may be sized to further reduce (adapt or configure) the amount of stray light of the phosphor layer to passthrough the aperture.
  • lighting source 110, 112 may include only electronic section 132 and light element 134, wherein at least one of the aperture holder, the aperture and dome lens 136 may not be utilized.
  • arm 120 provides electrical and mechanical connection from control unit 116 to lighting source 110.
  • control unit 116 may provide electrical energy to lighting source 110 such that a light may be emitted by lighting source 110.
  • a magnitude (i.e., a drive current) of the electrical energy provided to lighting source 110 may be adjusted such that the light output may transition from a low output light to a high output light or from a light ON condition to a light OFF condition.
  • Extension arm 120 may be adjustable in a manner that changes an orientation of lighting source 110 with respect of optical axis 142.
  • lighting source 110 is oriented with respect to an axis 182 wherein axis 182 is offset from an axis (not shown) that is substantially perpendicular to optical axis 142.
  • arm 120 may comprise a screw thread (not shown), which when turned in a first (e.g., clockwise) direction may decrease the angle of axis 180 with respect to optical axis 142. Whereas, when turned in a second (e.g., counterclockwise direction), the angle of axis 180 with respect to optical axis 142 may increase.
  • offset axis 180 may be preset in a manner to satisfy the angle characteristics presented herein, wherein a light emitted by lighting source 110 converges to a point a known distance from lens 102.
  • second lighting source 112 positioned opposite optical axis 142.
  • Second lighting source 112 is similar in construction and electrical and physical operation to first lighting source 110 and a detailed discussion of the construction and operation of second lighting source 112 is not believed necessary, as those skilled in the art would understand both the construction and operation of second lighting source 112 from the discussion associated with lighting source 110.
  • Control unit 116 may further provide electrical energy to one or more of lighting sources 110, 112 in a manner such that the light emitted by lighting sources 110, 112 may be emitted concurrently, individually or sequentially.
  • controller 116 is shown as an individual element, it would be understood that the control function of controller 116 may be incorporated into the electronic components associated with PCB 132.
  • the illustrated element 116 may merely comprise a base onto which arms 120, 122 are positioned, and the control function may be included in PCB 132.
  • the lighting sources 110 and 112 may be referred to as lighting module 110/116 and 112/116 to illustrate the distributive nature of the electronic components associated with controller 116 and PCB 132.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a second side view, through section A-A, of the first exemplary embodiment of the lighting device shown in FIG. 1A.
  • first lighting module 110/116 generates light directed along light path 220 toward lens assembly 101.
  • second lighting module 112/116 generates light directed toward lens assembly 101 along light path 222.
  • first lighting module 110/116 and second lighting module 112/116 passes through lens 104 and 102 and converges onto a known point 250.
  • known point 250 is illustrated to be approximately 16 inches from a lighting device 100.
  • sixteen inches is illustrated as the point of convergence 250 of the light emitted by lighting device 100, it would be understood that the use of the measurement of 16 inches is only to illustrate the convergence of the light and other distances or measurements from lighting device 100 may be achieved by changing the relationship between lighting modules 110/116, 112/116 and lens housing 101. Hence, other distances (or focal points) are considered within the scope of the invention claimed.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a second aspect of the first exemplary embodiment shown in FIGs. 1A, IB and 1C.
  • a plurality of lighting modules e.g., first lighting module 110/116, second lighting module 112/116, third lighting module 113/116 and fourth lighting module 114/116) are positioned concentrically around optical axis 142, wherein each of the plurality of lighting modules is attached to corresponding extensions (not shown), which are attached to base 116'. Electrically energy (voltage, current) may be applied to the lighting modules 110/116...114/116, through extensions (not shown) as previously discussed, wherein the electronic elements of controller 116/PCB 132 control the application of the voltage to corresponding lighting modules.
  • the plurality of lighting modules 110/116 ... 114/116 are oriented, as discussed, to direct the light outputted by the plurality of lighting modules to a focus point 250 (not shown).
  • FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of a first aspect of a second exemplary embodiment of a lighting device 400 in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • a plurality of lighting sources and associated distributed controllers (referred to as first lighting module 110/116, second lighting module 112/116, third lighting module 113/116 and fourth lighting module 114/116) are shown positioned along an inner circumference surface of lighting assembly 418.
  • light director 415 extending from base 406 of lighting assembly 418, wherein light director 415 is in a shape of a 4-sided pyramid.
  • each of the sides or lateral faces of the illustrated 4-sided pyramid 415 may include a reflective surface (e.g., aluminum, mirror, etc.) 440, 442, 444, 446, that redirects light emitted by one or more of the lighting modules toward lens assembly 101.
  • a reflective surface e.g., aluminum, mirror, etc.
  • light emitted by lighting modules 110/116, 112/116, 113/116, 114/116 is directed to a corresponding one of the lateral faces (which include reflective surfaces) such that the emitted light, which is in the plane of the paper, is redirected such that the emitted light is directed perpendicular to the plane of the paper.
  • the light emitted by lighting modules 110/116 ... 114/116 may be emitted individually, concurrently or sequentially.
  • FIG. 4B illustrates a side view, through section B-B, of the first aspect of the second exemplary embodiment of a lighting device shown in FIG. 4A.
  • lighting device 400 comprises a lighting housing 405 comprising lens assembly 101 positioned on a first end of lighting housing 405 and lighting assembly 418 positioned on a second, opposing end of light housing 405.
  • Lens assembly 101 comprises at least one objective lens 102, 104 forming an optical axis 142 on which focal point 250 is formed, as previously discussed.
  • lighting assembly 418 comprising a first lighting module 110/116 (as first lighting source 110 and associated controller 116) and second lighting module (second lighting source 112 and associated controllers 116) positioned around or about an inner circumference to lighting assembly 418.
  • the illustrated first lighting source 110 and second lighting source 112 are similar in construction to lighting source 110, 112 shown in, and described, with regard to FIGs. 1A, IB and 2. Although only two lighting modules are shown, it would be recognized that a greater number of lighting modules may be distributed about the inner surface of lighting assembly 418.
  • lighting assembly 418 is shown without a screw thread attachment to housing 405, it would be understood that lighting assembly 418 may be removably attached to lighting housing 405 through at least one of: a screw thread, a snap-fit, a bayonet, etc., type connection in a manner similar to that discussed with regard to lighting assembly 118 shown in FIG. IB, for example. Alternatively, lighting assembly 418 may be integrated into lighting housing 405.
  • first lighting module 110/116 and second lighting module 112/116 positioned along an internal circumference of lighting assembly 418, emit or generate a light that is substantially perpendicular to optical axis 142 along light path 460, 462, respectively.
  • Light director 415 operates to receive the emitted light and redirect the light emitted by first lighting module 110/116 and second lighting module 112/116 toward lens assembly 101, along light paths 420, 422, respectively.
  • light director 415 comprises a pyramid shaped element positioned on base 406, wherein the sides or lateral faces of light director 415 extend from base 406 at an angle oriented at substantially a forty-five ( 45) degree angle with respect to optical axis 142; forming a ninety (90) degree angle at an apex of light director 415, to allow light generated or emitted by first lighting module 110/116 and second lighting module 112/116 to be redirected toward lens assembly.
  • Light director 415 further comprises reflective surfaces 440, 442, on at least a portion of corresponding one of its lateral surfaces, wherein reflective surfaces 440, 442 operate to redirect a substantial portion of the light generated or emitted by first lighting module 110/116 and second lighting module 112/116 toward lens assembly 101.
  • light directed along light paths 420 and 422 is outputted by lens assembly 101 such that the light converges onto known point 250, as previously discussed.
  • lighting modules 110/116 and 112/116 are shown in a distributed controller configuration, it would be recognized that the controller 116 may be remote from lighting sources 110, 112 as shown in FIG. IB, for example, without altering the scope of the invention claimed.
  • FIG. 4C illustrates a front view of a second aspect of the second exemplary embodiment of a lighting device shown in FIG. 4A.
  • a plurality of lighting modules are shown positioned along an inner circumference surface of lighting assembly 418.
  • light director 415 extending from base 406 of lighting assembly 418, wherein light director 415 is in a shape of a tetrahedron (i.e., a 3-sided pyramid).
  • each of the lateral surfaces (or portions thereof) of light director 415 may include a reflective surface 441, 442, 443, respectively, to reflect a substantial portion of the light emitted by corresponding ones of the lighting modules.
  • light director 415 shown in FIG. 4A is shown as a 4-sided pyramid and shown in FIG. 4C as a 3-sided pyramid, it would be recognized that a number of sides or lateral faces of light director 415 may be increased without altering the scope of the invention.
  • the number of lateral faces of the light director 415 may be determined based on a number of lighting modules positioned along the inner circumference surface of lighting assembly 418.
  • light director 415 may include an infinite number of sides (i.e., a cone or conical shape), which is independent of the number of lighting modules.
  • FIG. 5A illustrates a side view of a first aspect of a third exemplary embodiment of a lighting device comprising multiple light sources in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • light device 500 comprises a housing 505 and lens assembly 101 comprising at least one lens 102, 104 forming an optical axis 142 onto which is formed focal point 250.
  • lighting assembly 518 positioned at a second end of housing 506.
  • Lighting assembly 518 comprises first lighting module 510/116 (i.e., lighting source 510 and controller 116) and second lighting module 512/116 (i.e., lighting source 512 and controller 116) positioned along an inner circumference surface of lighting assembly 518 and a light director 515.
  • first lighting source 510 and second lighting source 512 are similar to light sources 110, 112 shown and described with regard to FIG. IB.
  • lighting sources 510 and 512 lack one or more of the aperture holder, aperture, dome lens disclosed with regard to first lighting source 110 and second lighting source 112.
  • lighting sources 510, 512 lack dome lens 136.
  • lighting assembly 518 may, as with regard to lighting assembly 418, be removably attachable to housing 505 or integrated into housing 505.
  • Light director 515 is similar to light director 415, previously described. However, in this illustrated embodiment light director 515 is represented as a clipped pyramid or cone shaped element positioned on base 506. That is, the term "clipped pyramid or clipped cone” represents a geometrical pyramid (or cone) in which a top portion has been removed. When viewed as a 3-dimensional object, light director 515 is in the form of a 3-dimensional trapezoidal shaped object.
  • Light director 515 which is oriented at a substantially 45-degree angle with respect to optical axis 142, comprises reflective surfaces 440, 442 that operate to redirect light generated by first lighting module 510/116 and second lighting module 512/116, as discussed with regard to FIG. 4B.
  • lens 570 positioned substantially perpendicular to optical axis 142.
  • lens 570 is positioned in contact with light director 515 and is sized such that light redirected from reflective surfaces 440, 442 is captured by lens 570.
  • first lighting module 510/116 is directed along light path 560 and impinges upon reflective surface 440, which redirects the light along light path 520 toward lens 570.
  • second lighting module 512/116 is directed along light path 562 and impinges upon reflective surface 442.
  • Reflective surface 442 redirects the light along light path 522 toward lens 570.
  • Lens 570 concentrates the light directed along light paths 520, 522 toward lens assembly 101, which converges the light onto known point 250, as previously discussed.
  • lens 570 shown in FIG. 5A is depicted as extending a width of lighting assembly 518, it would be understood that lens 570 may be included within a holder that extends the width of lighting assembly 518, wherein the holder retains lens 570 in place and lens 570 may be sized to be sufficient to capture the light redirected by light director 515.
  • FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of a second aspect of the third exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5A.
  • a plurality of lighting modules e.g., first lighting module 510/116, second lighting module 512/116, third lighting module 513/116 and fourth lighting module 514/116) are shown positioned along an inner circumference surface of lighting assembly 518. Further illustrated is light director 515 extending from base 506 of lighting assembly 518, wherein light director 515 is in a shape of a 4-sided clipped pyramid.
  • lens 570 positioned substantially perpendicular to the optical axis 142 within holder 590.
  • Holder 590 extends the width of lighting assembly 518 and retains lens 570 in place.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a lighting device comprising multiple light sources in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • lighting device 600 comprises housing 605 and lens assembly 101 comprising at least one lens 102, 104 forming an optical axis 142.
  • lighting assembly 618 comprising first lighting module 510/116 and second lighting module 512/116, positioned along an inner circumference surface of lighting assembly 618 and light director 415.
  • First lighting module 510/116 and second lighting module 512/116 are similar to those elements described with regard to FIG. 5A and light director 415 is similar to the light director 415 described with regard to FIGs. 4A, 4B.
  • Light director 415 whose sides or lateral surfaces are oriented at a substantially 45-degree angle with respect to optical axis 142 comprises reflective surfaces 440, 442, which operate to redirect light emitted by first lighting module 510/116 and second lighting module 512/116.
  • lens 570 positioned substantially perpendicular to optical axis 142.
  • Lens 570 is sized to capture light redirected from reflective surfaces 440, 442 and direct the capture light toward lens assembly 101.
  • first lighting module 510/116 directed along light path 660 and impinges upon reflective surface 440, which redirects light toward lens 570 and lens assembly 101, along light path 620.
  • second lighting module 512/116 directed along light path 562 impinges upon reflective surface 442, which directs light toward lens 570 and lens assembly 101 along light path 622.
  • light directed along light paths 620 and 622 is outputted by lens assembly 101 such that the outputted light converges onto known point 250
  • lens 570 shown in FIG. 6 is depicted as extending the width of optical assembly 618, it would be understood that lens 570 may be included within a holder that extends the width of optical assembly 618 in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 5B.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a third aspect of the second exemplary embodiment of the lighting device shown in FIGs. 4A-4C, wherein the lighting sources 110, 112 (or lighting modules 110/116, 112/116) are configured to cause light director 415 to redirect light to a known region 750 within lens assembly 101
  • lighting device 700 comprises lighting housing 405 comprising lens housing 101, wherein lens housings 101 includes lens 102 and 104, and lighting assembly 718 includes light director 415, as previously discussed.
  • lens housing 101 may be removably attachable to lighting housing 405, through the illustrated screw thread 715/716. Although a screw thread connection is shown it would be recognized that lens housing 101 and lighting housing 405 may comprise other forms of connections as previously discussed.
  • lighting assembly 718 may be removably attachable to housing 405 as shown in FIGs. 1A, IB, for example.
  • reflective surfaces 440 and 442 which reflect light at an angle equal to the angle of the light incident to reflective surfaces 440, 442, with respect to an axis 740, 742 normal to reflective surface 440, 442, respectively.
  • lighting sources 110 and 112 are positioned along the interior surface of lighting housing 405 at an angle 710, 712 with respect to optical axis 142. Accordingly, the light emitted by lighting sources 110, 112 (or lighting modules 110/116, 112/116) is not perpendicular to, but skewed (or slanted from) optical axis 142.
  • the angle at which light sources 110, 112 (or lighting modules 110/116, 112/116) is offset from the optical axis 142 may be selected or determined to cause the light projected or emitted by lighting sources 110, 112 (or lighting modules 110/116, 112/116) along light paths 460, 462, respectively, to be reflected from reflective surfaces 440, 442 along paths 720, 722 so as to be directed to known region 750 on lens assembly 101.
  • Region 750 may be determined, in part, based on the characteristics of lens 102, 104 such that the light emitted by lighting sources 110, 112 (or lighting modules 110/116, 112/116) converges at known point 250, as discussed previously.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a fourth aspect of the second exemplary embodiment of the lighting device shown in in FIGs. 4A-4C.
  • lighting device 800 comprises lighting housing 405 comprising lens housing 101, wherein lens housings 101 includes lens 102 and 104, removably attachable to lighting housing 405, and lighting assembly 818, similar to the configuration shown in shown in FIGs. 4A, 4B, comprising lighting sources 110, 112 (or lighting modules 110/116, 112/116) positioned about an inner circumference of light assembly 818.
  • lighting assembly 818 is shown integrated into lighting housing 405, it would be understood that lighting assembly 818 may similarly be removably attachable to lighting housing 405 as shown in FIGs. 1A, IB, for example.
  • light sources 110 and 112 are arranged along the interior surface of lighting housing 405 (or lighting assembly 818) such that light paths 460, 462 are substantially perpendicular to optical axis 142.
  • light director 815 which is similar to light director 415, including reflective surfaces 440, 442, which reflects light projected onto reflective surfaces 440, 442, at an angle equal to the angle of the light incident to light director 815.
  • the peak angle 850 of light director 815 is an obtuse angle (i.e., greater than 90 degrees) to enable the light emitted by lighting modules 110/116, 112/116, to be reflected toward region 750.
  • the light reflected by a reflective surface is reflected at an angle, with respect to a normal (i.e., axis 740, 742) that is equal to the angle of incidence of light, wherein reflected light, in a manner similar to that discussed with regard to FIG. 7, is directed along light paths 720, 722.
  • a normal i.e., axis 740, 742
  • FIG. 9A illustrates a side view of a first aspect of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a lighting device in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • lighting device 900 which is similar to lighting device 400, shown in FIGs. 4A, 4B, comprises a lighting housing 405 comprising a lens assembly 101 comprising at least one objective lens 102, 104 and lighting assembly 918 comprising a plurality of lighting sources 110, 112 (or lighting modules 110/116, 112/116) oriented about an inner circumference of lighting housing 405 and light director 815 comprising a peak angle 850 greater than ninety (90) degrees, as discussed with regard to FIG. 8, to redirect light contacting corresponding points on reflective surfaces 440, 442 towards point 750 on lens assembly 101.
  • lens assembly 101 and lighting assembly 918 may be removably attachable to lighting housing 405, as previously discussed.
  • lighting sources 110 and 112 are positioned at different points along the inner circumference of lighting assembly 918, such that light emitted by lighting source 110 (or lighting module 110/116), projected along light path 460, contacts light director 815 at a first point 961 and light emitted by lighting source 112 projected along light path 462 contacts light director 815 at a second point 962.
  • the light emitted by lighting source 110 (module 110/116) and lighting source 112 module 112/116) is re-directed toward region 750, as previously discussed.
  • a plurality of lighting sources 110 may be positioned about an inner circumference of lighting housing 405 in a first plane (in this illustrated case, the plane containing light path 460) and a plurality of second lighting sources 112(or modules 112/116) may be positioned about an inner circumference of lighting housing 405 in a second plane (in this illustrated case, the plane containing light path 462) wherein the first point of contact 961 of light emitted by lighting source 110 on reflective surfaces 440 is within the first plane, and the second point of contact 962 of light emitted by lighting modules 112/116 on reflective surfaces 442 is within the second plane.
  • lighting sources 110 may be configured to emit a white light (i.e., violet through red wavelength ranges) while lighting sources 112 (modules 112/116) may be configured to emit light in one or more specific wavelength bands (e.g., ultra-violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, etc.).
  • lighting sources 110 may comprise white light emitting elements
  • selected ones of lighting sources 112 may comprise lighting elements emitting light in a wavelength range (e.g., an ultra-violet wavelength range) while selected other ones of lighting sources 112 (module 112/116) may comprise lighting elements emitting light in a different wavelength range, e.g., blue wavelength range.
  • FIG. 9B illustrates a front view of the first aspect of the fifth exemplary embodiment of the lighting device shown in FIG. 9A.
  • a plurality of lighting sources 110 are arranged about an inner circumference surface of lighting assembly 418 in a first plane.
  • a plurality of lighting sources 112 are arranged about an inner circumference of lighting assembly 418, as discussed with regard to FIG. 9A.
  • lighting modules 112/116 are not visible as these modules are positioned behind lighting modules 110/116 as the light emitted by lighting sources 110, 112 are directed toward a same surface of light director 815.
  • light emitted by lighting sources 110, 112 is directed toward light director 815, which redirects the light toward lens assembly 101 (not shown), as previously discussed.
  • lighting sources 110 or lighting module 110/116) are shown, it would be recognized that the number of lighting modules included along the inner surface of lighting assembly 418 may be increased or decreased based on the number of reflective surfaces of light director 815.
  • FIG. 9C illustrates a front view, of a second aspect of the fifth exemplary embodiment of the lighting device shown in FIG. 9A.
  • a plurality of lighting sources 110 and 112 are arranged as pairs about an inner circumference surface of lighting assembly 418, wherein the lighting source pair 110/112 are controlled by a same controller 116.
  • light emitted by lighting sources 110, 112 is directed toward light director 815, which redirects the light toward lens assembly 101 (not shown), as previously discussed.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a third aspect of the fifth exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9A.
  • lighting device 900 comprises lighting housing 405 including lens housing 101 comprising lens 102 and lighting assembly 918 comprising light director 1015, wherein light director 1015 is shown as a cone or conical element to re-direct light emitted by lighting sources 110, 112 arranged along or about an inner circumference of lighting housing 405.
  • Conical element 1015 is advantageous as it represents a pyramid of an infinite number of sides.
  • Lighting sources 110, shown along (or about) an inner circumference of lighting housing 405 are arranged in a first plane and lighting sources 112 shown along (or about) an inner circumference of lighting housing 405 are arranged in a second plane (similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 9B).
  • both lighting sources 110 and 112 may be arranged on a same plane (i.e., the first plane and the second plane of FIG. 9B or a single plane of FIG. 4B) wherein the plurality of lighting modules 112/116 may be offset from the lighting modules 110/116.
  • conical shaped light direction 1015 allows for an increase in the number of lighting sources 110, 112 that may be utilized to project light onto focal point 250.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a lighting device in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • lighting device 1110 comprises lighting housing 405, comprising lens housing 101 and a lighting assembly 1118, similar to that shown in FIGs. 4A, 4B, wherein lens housings 101 includes lens 102 and 104 and lighting housing 1118 includes light director 415 and lighting sources 110 and 112 oriented at an angle 710, 712 with regard to an inner surface of lighting assembly 1118, as discussed with regard to FIG. 7.
  • lens housing 101 and lighting assembly 1118 may be removably attachable to housing 405 through one of a screw thread (715/716) a snap-fit connection, and a bayonet connection, etc.
  • lighting assembly 1118 further includes a reverse conical or parabolic element 1110 including a passthrough 1115 and conical or parabolic section 1120 positioned at or near an apex of light director 415.
  • Reverse conical section 1110 includes reflective surface 1112 and conical section 1120 includes reflective surface 1122 [0156]
  • the light emitted by lighting modules 110/116, and 112/116 in this case, is re-directed toward conic section 1120.
  • Conic section 1120 then reflects the received light back toward reverse conical section 1110, which directs light towards lens assembly 101.
  • Lens assembly 101 receiving the light reflected off reflective surfaces 1112 converges the light toward known point 250, as previously discussed.
  • FIG. 11 represents a configuration similar to that disclosed with regard to FIG. 8, wherein the lighting modules 110/116, 112/116 are shown substantially perpendicular to optical axis 142from lighting assembly 1118, it would be recognized that the principles of FIG. 11 may be applied to the configuration shown in FIG. 7, wherein lighting modules 110/116, 112/116 are offset to optical axis 142, without altering the scope of the invention claimed.
  • FIG. 12 Illustrates a front view of a head-mounted lighting configuration 1200 comprising an eyewear 1280 comprising a frame 1270 containing a left lens 1220a and a right lens 1220b into which are magnification devices 1225a, 1225b, respectively.
  • the head mounted lighting device illustrated refers to an eyewear 1280, it would be understood other types of head mounted light devices are considered within the scope of the invention.
  • USP RE 46463 whose contents have been incorporated by reference, herein, illustrate head mountings, such as a head strap and headband, which are considered within the scope of the term "head mounted”.
  • Lighting configuration 1200 further comprises a battery assembly 1250, an electronics section 1230 and a lighting device 100 as disclosed herein.
  • lighting device 100 Within lighting device 100 is shown, through lens 102, lighting assembly 118 similar to that discussed with regard to FIGs. 1A and IB.
  • the lighting device 100 shown in FIG. 12 is described with regard to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGs. 1A, IB, the lighting devices 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 and 1100 disclosed, herein, may be identified as lighting device 100 in relation to the configuration shown in FIG. 12.
  • the illustrated lighting assembly 118 may similarly be referred to as lighting assemblies 418, 518, 618, etc.
  • the light output from lighting device 100 may be selected to provide one or more different light outputs based on the composition of the lighting sources incorporated into lighting modules 110/116, 112/116, etc.
  • Sensing unit 1285 positioned along a top of battery assembly 1250.
  • Sensing unit 1285 may be one of a contact sensor, such as a capacitive touch sensor or a contactless sensor, such as an infra-red (IR) sensor, an ultra-sonic sensor, a proximity sensor, and other similar devices.
  • IR infra-red
  • sensing unit 1285 may be positioned on or in electrical contact with electronics section 1230.
  • Battery assembly 1250 incorporates a battery, therein, (not shown) that provides power (electrical energy in the form of a voltage and/or current) to lighting device 100.
  • a battery or other source e.g., AC/DC power converters
  • providing electrical energy to the lighting sources 110, 112 (or 512, 514), etc. may be remote from the head mounted lighting device 1200. See, for example, USP RE46463, whose contents have been incorporated by reference, herein.
  • Electronic section 1230 includes circuitry (not shown) that controls the application of the electrical energy (i.e., voltage/current) from the battery (not shown) contained within the illustrated battery assembly 1250 to lighting assembly 118 in lighting device 100.
  • Information from sensing unit 1285 to the circuitry within electronic section 1230 may also provide information suitable for controlling the state of the lighting modules 110/116, 112/116, etc., within lighting element 100.
  • light output by one or more of the lighting modules 110/116, 112/116 may be controlled by operation of the sensing element 1285, for example.
  • sensing element 1285 may operate to turn ON orturn OFF the light generated by each of the modules 110/116, 112/116 (510, 512), individually, sequentially or concurrently.
  • sensing element 1285 may operate to turn ON or turn OFF selected ones of the first lighting module 110/116 and second lighting module 112/116 so as to generate different light outputs.
  • FIGs. 13A-13C illustrate cut-away side views of examples of the lighting device shown in FIG. 8 in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • light directed toward region 750 is, after passing through lens 102, 104, is focused at a point 250 a known distance from lighting sources 110, 112; the known distance being determined in part by the illustrated apex angle associated with light director 815 and optical characteristics of lens 102, 104.
  • FIG. 13A illustrates a lighting configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 8, wherein the apex angle of light director 815 set at 90.44 degrees (i.e., greater than 90 degrees) such that the light emitted by corresponding ones of the lighting sources 110, 112 (or lighting modules 110/116, 112/116) is re-directed toward region 750 on lens 104, 102 along optical paths 720, 722, as previously discussed.
  • the apex angle of light director 815 set at 90.44 degrees (i.e., greater than 90 degrees) such that the light emitted by corresponding ones of the lighting sources 110, 112 (or lighting modules 110/116, 112/116) is re-directed toward region 750 on lens 104, 102 along optical paths 720, 722, as previously discussed.
  • region 750 is selected to enable the light emitted by corresponding ones of the lighting sources 110, 112 (or lighting modules 110/116, 112/116), and re-directed by light director 815, to be focused on point 250 at a known distance from lens 102, 104 and/or lighting sources 110, 112 (or lighting modules 110/116, 112/116) after passing through lens 102, 14.
  • light emitted by lighting sources 110, 112 (or lighting modules 110/116, 112/116) is directed along light paths 720, 722, respectively, wherein the light along light paths 720, 722 after passing though lens 102, 104 is focused onto a point 250, which is selected as 16 inches from the light sources 110, 112.
  • FIG. 13B illustrates a lighting configuration, similar to that shown in FIG. 8, wherein the angle of light director 815 set at 90.27 degrees (i.e., greater than 90 degrees), such that light emitted by lighting sources 110, 112 is re-directed toward region 750 on lens 104, 102 along optical paths 720, 722, as discussed with regard to FIG. 13A.
  • the angle of light director 815 set at 90.27 degrees (i.e., greater than 90 degrees), such that light emitted by lighting sources 110, 112 is re-directed toward region 750 on lens 104, 102 along optical paths 720, 722, as discussed with regard to FIG. 13A.
  • region 750 is selected to enable the light emitted by corresponding ones of the lighting sources 112/116, and re-directed by light director 815, to be focused on point 250 a known distance from lens 102, 104 and/or lighting sources 110, 112.
  • light emitted by lighting sources 110, 112 is focused onto point 250, which in this illustrated example is selected as 20 inches from the light sources 110, 112.
  • FIG. 13C illustrate a lighting configuration, similar to that shown in FIG. 8, wherein the angle of light director 815 set at 90.18 degrees (i.e., greater than 90 degrees), wherein the illustrated angle is set to re-director light toward region 750 on lens 104, 102 along optical paths 720, 722, as discussed with regard to FIG. 13A.
  • region 750 is selected to enable the light emitted by corresponding ones of the lighting sources 110, 112 (or lighting modules 110/116, 112/116), and re-directed by light director 815, to be focused on point 250 at a known distance from lens 102, 104 or lighting sources 110, 112.
  • light emitted by the lighting sources 110, 112 is focused onto point 250, which in this illustrated example is selected to be 23 inches from the light sources 110, 112, in a manner similar to that discussed above.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates an expanded view of the area identified as fig. 14 in FIG. 13A.
  • a media of different reflective indices e.g., air-glass; glass-air
  • the degree of alteration in the direction of the path being determined by at least one optical characteristic associated with at least one objective lens. More specifically, the degree of alteration of the direction of the path of light passing through the objective lens is based on at least a ratio of the indices of reflectivity of the different media.
  • region 750 is selected such that the direction of light travelling along optical paths 720, 722, and falling within region 750, is directed by illustrated lens 104 along light paths 1420, 1422 to be focused onto an object or plane (not shown) at a desired distance from the lighting sources.
  • lens 104 for example, comprises a compound (e.g., bi-convex, aspheric, etc.) lens, wherein light passing along light paths 720, 722 is refracted, by the difference in the reflective indices of the material, to exit lens 104 along light paths 1422, 1424, Accordingly, light paths 1422, 1424 are shown being in a non-parallel relation with respect to optical axis 142 to allow for the convergence of light along light paths 1422, 1424 onto a point 250 (i.e., an object or plane a known distance from lens 104.
  • a compound e.g., bi-convex, aspheric, etc.
  • a determination of the apex angle of light director 815 may consider at least one of:
  • FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a another embodiment of a light director similar to that shown in FIG. 8.
  • light director 1515 comprises lighting assembly 1518, which is similar to lighting assembly 818 shown in FIG. 8, comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces 1540, 1542, which include at least one of a mirror surface, and a highly polished metal surface (e.g., aluminum), etc.) arranged in an angular relationship extending from base of lighting assembly 1518 at an angle.
  • the plurality of reflective surfaces 1540, 1542 may extend from the base at an acute angle such that an obtuse apex angle is formed.
  • lighting sources 110, 112 (or lighting modules 110/116, 112/116) arranged on an inner circumference of assembly 1518, such that light projected by lighting sources 110, 112, is substantially perpendicular to optical axis 142, similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 8.
  • light director 1515 comprises surfaces 1540, 1542 (which are similar to reflective surfaces 440, 442) arranged such that angle (i.e ., an apex angle) between surfaces 1540, 1542 is greater than ninety (90) degrees (i.e., obtuse), as discussed with regard to FIG. 8 as and light director 815.
  • light emitted by lighting modules 110/116, 112/116 is re-directed by surfaces 1540, 1542 toward lens assembly 101 (i.e., lenses 102, 104) and converged onto point 250, a known distance from lens assembly 101 as discussed with regard to FIGs. 8, and 13A-13C.
  • the selected angle of the highly reflective surfaces 1540, 1542 may be fixed in place by an adhesive (e.g., epoxy) to retain reflective surfaces 1520, 1524 in place.
  • the light director 1515 is discussed as being comparable to the light director 815 and the lighting sources 110, 112 configurated shown in FIG. 8, it would be recognized that configuration of light director 1515 (i.e., a plurality of highly reflective surfaces) would be applicable to the configuration shown in FIG. 7, wherein the apex angle between surfaces 1540, 1542 is a perpendicular angle and the lighting sources 110, 112 are arranged at an angle with respect to the optical axis 142 (not shown).
  • surfaces 1540, 1542 are illustrated as being planar, it would be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to incorporated surfaces that are spherical or parabolic to direct light as discussed herein.
  • FIG. 15 Although the configuration shown in FIG. 15 is discussed with reference to FIG. 8, it would be understood by those skilled in the art that the principles discussed with regard to FIG. 7 would be applicable to a configuration of a light director as discussed with regard to FIG. 15.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of the exemplary embodiment of the lighting assembly 1518 shown in FIG. 15.
  • reflective surfaces 1540, 1542, extending from a base of assembly 1518 are joined together to form an apex angle 850.
  • Adjustment mechanism 1620 positioned between the reflective surfaces 1540, 1542. Adjustment mechanism 1620 may be configured to alter the orientation of reflective surfaces 1540, 1542 with respect to each other, such that apex angle 850 between the reflective surfaces 1540, 1542 may be altered.
  • adjustment mechanism 1620 may comprise a screw thread that allows for the expansion or contraction of apex angle 850 formed by surfaces 1540, 1542. After a desired apex angle is achieved, reflective surfaces 440, 442 may be retained in place by an epoxy.
  • the adjustment device shown in FIG. 16 may determine apex angle 850 with respect to focusing light onto point 250, when one or more of the distance to point 250 is changed or when one or more of the characteristics of the lens 102, 104 in lens assembly 101 is changed.
  • the adjustment device shown in FIG. 16 is presented as a screw thread device, it would also be known in the art that the housing containing the plurality of reflective elements may be prefabricated to position the reflective elements at a known angle when the optical characteristics of the at least one lens is known and fixed.
  • FIG. 17 illustrates a cut-away side view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of a lighting device comprising multiple lights sources in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • light device 1700 which is similar to that discussed with regard to FIG.s 7 and 8, comprises lens housing 101 including lens 1 102, 104 and lighting housing 405, in which comprises lighting assembly 1718.
  • Lighting assembly 718 comprises a plurality of lighting sources 1710, 1712 (or lighting modules 1710/116, 1720/116, which are comparable to lighting sources 110, 112, previously discussed.
  • light director 1715 which as discussed with regard to light director 415 is orientated at a 45 degree angle with respect of base 405.
  • lighting sources 1712 (or lighting module 1712/116) is positioned along an inner circumference of assembly 1718 and lighting source 1710 (or lighting module 1710/116) is positioned on base element 405 of light assembly 1718, substantially along optical axis 142. Accordingly, light emitted by lighting source 1710 is projected along optical axis 142 toward point 250.
  • lighting source 1710 similar to lighting source 110, may emit a white light, which lighting source 1712, similar to lighting source 112, may emit a non-white light (e.g., Ultra-violet, blue, red, infra-red, etc.)
  • Light director 1715 similar to light director 415, comprises reflective surface 1716 configured to receive light 1762 emitted by lighting source 1712, and redirect the emitted light along optical axis 142, wherein light emitted by lighting sources 1710 and 1712 are combined into a single light projected along optical axis 142.
  • reflective surface 1716 may include an optical coating 1717, which allows for the transmission of light 1760 emitted by lighting source 1710 (or lighting module 1710/116), such that light from lighting sources 1710, while reflecting light emitted by lighting source 1712. In this manner light emitted by lighting sources 1710 andl712 are projected onto common point 250 positioned along the optical axis 142.
  • optical coating 1717 may further include a filter characteristic that may be utilized to structure or limit a wavelength range of the light emitted by lighting device 1700.
  • lighting device 1700 may include filter 1742 positioned on a distal end of lighting device 1700. Filter 1742, similar to the filter characteristics of optical coating 1717 may be utilized to structure or limit a wavelength range of the light emitted by lighting device 1700.
  • FIG. 17 is discussed with regard to a configuration wherein a white light source is positioned on base 406 and a non-white source is positioned on an inner circumference of housing 405, it would be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to alter the positioning of the lighting sources to achieve a combined light output based on the teachings of the invention presented herein.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates a graph of an exemplary filtering of light emitted from lighting element 1700.
  • optical coating 1717 (or filter 1742)shown in FIG. 17, is configured to allow the passage of light emitted by device 1700 to a first wavelength range, wherein the first wavelength is in range of 400 and 670nm.
  • lighting source 1710 may emit a white light (i.e., 400-700nm)
  • the light emitted by lighting device 1700 is limited to a range of 400-60nm.
  • optical coating 1717 (or filter 1742) may be further configured to allow passage of light within a range of 730-780nm.
  • filter 1742 limits the light emitted by lighting device 1700 to be within a range of 730-780nm.
  • the light projected onto point 250 is limited to wavelength ranges that are allowed to pass through coating 1717 and/or filter 1742.
  • a combination of coating 1717 and filter 1742 may be utilized to allow passage or emission of a light having desired wavelength ranges for the combination of light.
  • the wavelength ranges associated with coating 1717 are arbitrarily chosen merely to describe the optical characteristics of the coating or filtering. It would be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to select other band-pass wavelength configurations without undue experimentation to achieve a light emitted by the devices discussed, herein, to have other desired wavelength characteristics.
  • FIG. 19 illustrates a cut-away side view of a further aspect of the exemplary embodiment of a lighting device shown in FIGs. 8 and 15.
  • lighting device 1900 comprises lens assembly 101 and lighting assembly 1518, comprising light director 1515 and a plurality of lighting sources 110, 112 (1710, 1712) (or lighting modules 110/116, 112/116).
  • light director 1515 comprises a plurality of reflective surface 1540, 1542 arranged at an apex angle 850 wherein in one aspect of the invention, the apex angle is greater than 90 degrees.
  • reflective surfaces 1540, 1542 fail to meet at their apex. Rather, surfaces 1540, 1542 are sized to create a gap 1930 at their apex through which light may pass.
  • lighting sources 110, 112 (1710, 1712) (or lighting modules 110/116, 112/116), positioned on an inner circumference of housing 405.
  • Lighting sources 110, 112 (modules 110/116, 112/116) as previously discussed with regard to FIGs. 8 and 15, emit light that is reflected by reflecting surfaces 1540, 1542, respectively, wherein the reflected light is projected along light path 720, 722, respectively, onto region 750.
  • light within region 750, after passing through lens assembly 101 is focused onto point 250, at a known distance from lens assembly 101.
  • an additional lighting source 1710 (module 1710/116) positioned on base 405. As previously discussed with regard to FIG. 17, is configured to emit a light along optical axis 142 formed by lens 102, 104. In this illustrated example, light emitted by lighting source 1710 passes unaltered through gap 1930 to project light onto region 750.
  • light emitted by lighting sources 110, 112, and 1710 may be combined within region 750, wherein the combined light is focused onto point (i.e., object, plane) 250, as previously disclosed.
  • lighting source 1710 may emit a white light and lighting sources 110, 112 may emit light in one or more colored light wavelength bands (i.e., non-white).
  • lighting source 110 has been described with regard to emitting a white light, in the previously discussed devices, it would be understood that the disclosed light emitted by lighting sources 110. 112, 114, 1710, 1712 may be altered without altering the scope of the invention claimed.
  • lighting source 1710 may emit a white light and lightings sources 110, 112 may emit a same colored light (e.g., blue light, green light, red light, etc.), or may emit light within a same color wavelength band (i.e., blue light wavelength band, green light wavelength band, etc.) or within different colored light wavelength bands. Or lighting source may emit light in a colored wavelength band and lighting sources 110, 112 may emit light in a same or different colored wavelength band.
  • a white light e.g., blue light, green light, red light, etc.
  • a same color wavelength band i.e., blue light wavelength band, green light wavelength band, etc.
  • lighting source may emit light in a colored wavelength band and lighting sources 110, 112 may emit light in a same or different colored wavelength band.
  • lighting element 1900 may further comprise one or more filter elements 1940 (1942) that may be used to limit one or more wavelength ranges emitted by lighting element 1900 similar to that discussed with regard to FIGs. 17 and 18, for example.
  • filter 1940 may be inserted within, or proximate to, gap 1930 between reflective surfaces 1542, 1544.
  • light emitted by lighting source 1710 may be limited in a desired wavelength range. For example, blue light wavelength range or limited white light wavelength range similar to that shown in FIG. 18.
  • FIG. 20 illustrates a cut-away side view of a further aspect of the exemplary embodiment of a lighting device shown in FIG. 8.
  • lighting device 2000 including lens assembly 101 and housing 405, which includes lighting assembly 2018 comprising lighting sources 110, 112 (modules 110/116, 112/116) positioned on an inner surface associated with lighting assembly 20185 and lighting module 1710/116 positioned on base 406, similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 19.
  • light director 2015 which similar to light director 815, previously discussed, comprises reflective surfaced 440, 442 orientated at an angle with respect to base 405, wherein reflective surfaces 440, 442 merge at an apex; the angle at which similar to light director 815 is greater than ninety (90) degrees.
  • light director 2015 further comprises passage or tunnel 2030, extending from the illustrated apex to base 406, wherein light emitted by lighting module 1710/116 passes to lens 102, 104.
  • light director 2015 operates in a manner similar to that discussed with regard to light director 815 and 1515 (see FIGs. 8, 15 andl9) in that light from lighting sources 110, 112 is reflected by reflective surfaces 442, 444 toward region 750 and light emitted by lighting source 1710 is directed to region 750 on lens 104, 102 along optical axis 142.
  • the combined light may converge onto point 250 in a manner as previously discussed.
  • filters 1940, 1942 that may limit a wavelength range of the light emitted by lighting device 2000 as discussed previously, with regard to FIGs. 17, 18 and 19.
  • FIGs. 21A, 21B illustrated exemplary aspects of the invention discussed in FIG. 20.
  • FIG. 21A illustrates a front view of the first aspect of the lighting device shown in FIG. 20.
  • a plurality of lighting sources 110, 112 are arranged about an inner circumference surface of lighting assembly 2018 in a first plane.
  • Light emitted by lighting sources 110, 112 is directed toward light director 2015, which redirects the light toward lens assembly 101 (not shown), as previously discussed.
  • lighting source 1710 (or lighting module 1710/116) viewable through passage 2030 within light director 2023.
  • Lighting source 1710 emits light along optical axis 142 (not shown as it extends into the plane of the page the drawing is on) toward lens assembly 101 as previously discussed.
  • only four lighting sources 110, 112 (or lighting module 110/116, 112/116) are shown, it would be recognized that the number of lighting modules included along the inner surface of lighting assembly 2018 may be increased or decreased based on the number of reflective surfaces of light director 2015.
  • lighting source 1710 (and lighting sources 110, 112, 114) may comprise an array of lighting sources that may emit light in one of: a same or a different wavelength band.
  • FIG. 21B illustrates a front view, of a second aspect of the lighting device shown in FIG. 20.
  • a plurality of lighting sources 110 and 112 (or lighting modules 110/116, 112/116) arranged as pairs about an inner circumference surface of lighting assembly 2018, wherein the lighting source pair 110/112 are controlled by a same controller 116.
  • light emitted by lighting sources 110, 112 is directed toward light director 2015, which redirects the light toward lens assembly 101 (not shown), as previously discussed.
  • the number of lighting modules included along the inner surface of lighting assembly 2018 may be increased or decreased based on the number of reflective surfaces of light director 815.
  • the lighting devices discussed have been described with regard to two lighting modules, it would be understood that the multi-source lighting configurations shown, herein, may include a plurality of lighting sources suitable for emitting light of different light wavelength ranges (e.g. UV, violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, IR, etc.).
  • a lighting device which comprises a plurality of lighting modules or sources arranged at an offset angle from an optical axis of a lens assembly, wherein the light is directed toward a lens assembly in a manner that allows for the convergence of the light from the plurality of lighting sources upon a known point.
  • a lighting device comprising a plurality of lighting modules or sources arranged along an inner circumference surface of the device house and the light generated by the lighting sources is directed to a device for redirecting the light toward a lens assembly in a manner that allows for the convergence of the light from the plurality of lighting sources to a desired point.
  • the light director receiving light from the lighting modules or sources, may be configured to re-direct the light to a known region to enable the re-directed light to converge to a known point after passing through at least one projection (or objective) lens.
  • the lighting sources may be oriented with respect to the light director such that the light emitted by the lighting sources are re-directed by the light director such that the re-directed light is focused onto a known point on the objective lens.
  • the lighting sources are light emitting diodes (i.e., LEDs), it would be understood that other lighting sources may be incorporated into the invention disclosed without undue modification and, thus, considered within the scope of the invention claimed.
  • a light emitting diode may comprise a plurality of light emitting diode elements arranged in one of a matrix or circular pattern.
  • the plurality of light emitting diodes may be within a base dimension of the disclosed dome lens and the positioning of the at least one light emitting diode within a focal length of the dome lens is advantageous as it de-focuses and blurs the distinction of the light emitted by the individual light emitting diodes within the array or circular pattern.
  • the light emitted or output by the light emitting diode(s) is referred to being within a frequency or wavelength range, wherein the wavelength range represents a color (e.g., blue light approximately 400 nanometers to 450 nanometers) .
  • the wavelength range represents a color (e.g., blue light approximately 400 nanometers to 450 nanometers) .
  • light particularly with regard to light emitting diodes, may be further measured in color temperature, as degrees Kelvin.
  • a soft white light may be measured in a range of 2700° K -3000° K whereas a bright white light may be expressed in a range of 5000° K - 6000 ° K.
  • the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.
  • a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
  • the term “or” refers to an inclusive “or” and not to an exclusive “or”. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present); A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present); and both A and B are true (or present).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

Un ensemble d'éclairage comprend une pluralité de sources ou de modules d'éclairage agencés de manière concentrique autour d'une circonférence interne du dispositif d'éclairage, la pluralité de sources ou modules d'éclairage émettant de la lumière dans au moins une plage d'une pluralité de plages de longueurs d'onde (UV, visibles (par exemple, bleu, vert, jaune, orange, rouge, blanc, etc.), IR) sur un dispositif directeur d'éclairage qui redirige la lumière émise vers un système de lentille, le système de lentille focalisant la lumière sur un point de visualisation. Est en outre divulgué un passage à l'intérieur du dispositif directeur d'éclairage qui permet à la lumière positionnée sur une base du dispositif d'éclairage de passer à travers le directeur d'éclairage.
PCT/US2024/036839 2023-07-05 2024-07-04 Configuration de sources lumineuses multiples Pending WO2025010387A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US18/218,503 2023-07-05
US18/218,503 US12140748B2 (en) 2020-04-21 2023-07-05 Multiple light source configuration
US202463631327P 2024-04-08 2024-04-08
US63/631,327 2024-04-08
US18/664,080 US12416801B2 (en) 2020-04-21 2024-05-14 Multiple light source configuration
US18/664,080 2024-05-14

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025010387A1 true WO2025010387A1 (fr) 2025-01-09

Family

ID=94172366

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2024/036839 Pending WO2025010387A1 (fr) 2023-07-05 2024-07-04 Configuration de sources lumineuses multiples

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2025010387A1 (fr)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140204580A1 (en) * 2011-07-29 2014-07-24 Lg Innotek Co., Ltd. Lighting device and liquid crystal display device having the same
US20140293582A1 (en) * 2013-03-28 2014-10-02 Chang Hyuck LEE Optical lens, light emitting device, and lighting device
US20210396988A1 (en) * 2020-04-21 2021-12-23 Designs For Vision, Inc. User Wearable Fluorescence Enabled Visualization System

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140204580A1 (en) * 2011-07-29 2014-07-24 Lg Innotek Co., Ltd. Lighting device and liquid crystal display device having the same
US20140293582A1 (en) * 2013-03-28 2014-10-02 Chang Hyuck LEE Optical lens, light emitting device, and lighting device
US20210396988A1 (en) * 2020-04-21 2021-12-23 Designs For Vision, Inc. User Wearable Fluorescence Enabled Visualization System
US20220074577A1 (en) * 2020-04-21 2022-03-10 Designs For Vision, Inc. Multiple Light Source Configuration

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US12140748B2 (en) Multiple light source configuration
US6857762B2 (en) Ring illuminator
JP2007500546A5 (fr)
TWI388761B (zh) 用以照明一物件之照明裝置
JP2004529383A (ja) 照明装置及び物体の照明のための方法
JP5684816B2 (ja) 眼底カメラ用照明装置、眼底カメラおよび眼底カメラ用集光器
WO2017029790A1 (fr) Dispositif d'éclairage, dispositif imageur, et lentille
US12416801B2 (en) Multiple light source configuration
WO2025010387A1 (fr) Configuration de sources lumineuses multiples
US20250216668A1 (en) Multiple Light Source Configuration
EP4075055A1 (fr) Configuration de sources de lumière multiples
CN108761756B (zh) 多波段led荧光显微镜
JP4426026B2 (ja) マルチ光源ユニットおよびそれを用いた光学システム
US20230213746A1 (en) Methods and devices for optimizing contrast for use with obscured imaging systems
ES2600473T3 (es) Dispositivo para lectura de códigos grabados
KR20220009663A (ko) 광학계 및 이를 포함하는 카메라 모듈
JP4112064B2 (ja) 光路調整部材及びそれを備えた照明装置
US20250053013A1 (en) Visualization System with Lighting
US11762183B2 (en) Method and apparatus for generating reflective dark field (RDF) illumination for a microscope
TWI780823B (zh) 照明系統
AU2006298764B2 (en) Digital image acquisition vision sensor
JP2023061395A (ja) 照明装置および照明システム
KR20120115570A (ko) 광 발생기

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 24836606

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1