Abstract:
A light beam collection engine  320  for LED array or other multi-source light luminaries  360.  The light beam collection system incorporates a light integrator  306  which collects and integrates/homogenizes the light from a plurality of light sources  140  in configured in a array  130.  The engine  320  is particularly useful in luminaries  360  that are used in light systems that employ beam modulation elements  362, 364, 366  where it is desirable to have a tight or narrow light beam.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This application is a utility continuation application of utility application Serial No. 12729079 filed 22 Mar. 2010 which is a continuation of utility application Serial No. 12581788 filed 19 Oct. 2009 all of which claim priority of provisional application 61/106,969 filed on 20 Oct. 2008. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a method for controlling the light output from an array of LEDs when used in a light beam producing luminaire, specifically to a method relating to improving light collection efficiency and beam homogenization. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    High power LEDs are commonly used in luminaires for example in the architectural lighting industry in stores, offices and businesses; and/or in the entertainment industry in theatres, television studios, concerts, theme parks, night clubs and other venues. These LEDs are also being utilized in automated lighting luminaires with automated and remotely controllable functionality. For color control it is common to use an array of LEDs of different colors. For example a common configuration is to use a mix of Red, Green and Blue LEDs. This configuration allows the user to create the color they desire by mixing appropriate levels of the three colors. For example illuminating the Red and Green LEDs while leaving the Blue extinguished will result in an output that appears Yellow. Similarly Red and Blue will result in Magenta and Blue and Green will result in Cyan. By judicious control of the LED controls the user may achieve any color they desire within the color gamut set by the LED colors in the array. More than three colors may also be used and it is well known to add an Amber or White LED to the Red, Green and Blue to enhance the color mixing and improve the gamut of colors available. 
         [0004]    The optical systems of such luminaires may include a gate or aperture through which the light is constrained to pass. Mounted in or near this gate may be devices such as gobos, patterns, irises, color filters or other beam modifying devices as known in the art. 
         [0005]    A typical product will often provide control over the pan and tilt functions of the luminaire allowing the operator to control the direction the luminaire is pointing and thus the position of the light beam on the stage or in the studio. Additionally the light may offer multiple remotely selectable patterns or gobos containing images that the operator can select and project. Such gobos may be rotatable, also under remote control, or static. The light may further offer color control systems that provide either or both fixed color filters or color mixing systems based on subtractive colors. 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  illustrates a prior art system  100  where a light source  102  is positioned at or close to one of the focal points  104  of an elliptical reflector  106  such that the light  108  from light source  102  is reflected by the reflector  106  towards the second focal point  110  of the reflector  106 . Aperture  112  is positioned close to the second focal point  110  of reflector  106  and a substantial proportion of the light  108  from light source  102  will pass through this aperture  112  and into downstream optics (not shown). 
         [0007]      FIG. 2  illustrates a system  120  resulting from attempts to mimic a beam generation systems like the ones illustrated in  FIG. 1  with an array  130  of LEDs  140 . Each LED  140  has an associated optical system which may include reflectors, TIR devices, diffusers, gratings or other well known optical devices so as to direct the light from the LED  140  in a narrow beam towards aperture  112 . However, the array of LEDs  140  may be large compared to the aperture  112  and each LED  140  may be of differing colors. This causes the light beam when it passes through the aperture  112  to be non-homogeneous with respect to color and distribution resulting in an unsatisfactory output from the luminaire where different areas are different in color and output. An example of such a system  120  is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,152,996 by Luk. These attempts have also been made where the LEDs  140  are configured to mimic the shape of the elliptical reflector  106  like that in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0008]    Additionally the large size of the LED array  130  and the necessary spacing between the LED array  130  and the aperture  112  compared to the aperture  112  may result in very inefficient coupling of light from the array  130  through the aperture  112  with much of the light  108  from LEDs  140  missing aperture  112  or spreading outside of its periphery. 
         [0009]    There is a need for a light collection system for an LED array based luminaire which can efficiently gather the light emitted from the LED array, homogenize the beam and deliver it to an aperture and downstream optical systems. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate like features and wherein: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a prior art light collection beam generation system; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates another prior art light collection beam generation system; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates perspective view of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional layout diagram of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional layout diagram of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional layout diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional layout diagram of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-sectional layout diagram of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  illustrates a cross-sectional layout diagram of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  illustrates a cross-sectional layout diagram of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional layout diagram of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  illustrates a cross-sectional layout diagram of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  illustrates a cross-sectional layout diagram of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  illustrates a cross-sectional layout diagram of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  illustrates a cross-sectional layout diagram of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  illustrates a cross-sectional layout diagram of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  illustrates a cross-sectional layout diagram of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  illustrates a cross-sectional layout diagram of an embodiment of the invention and; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  illustrates an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the FIGUREs, like numerals being used to refer to like and corresponding parts of the various drawings. 
         [0032]    The present invention generally relates to a method for controlling the light output from an array of LEDs when used in a light beam producing luminaire, specifically to a method relating to improving light collection efficiency and beam homogenization of the array. 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of an LED collection system  300  the invention where an array of LED light sources  140  are mounted to a carrier  302  such that each LED light source in the array is generally aimed towards light integrator  306 . Each LED light source  140  may be fitted with its own optical element  304 . Optical element  304  is an optional component in the system and may be a lens, lens array, micro-lens array, holographic grating, diffractive grating, diffuser, or other optical device known in the art the purpose of which is to control and direct the light from LED light source  140  towards the entry port  314  of the light integrator  306 . Each LED light source element  140  may contain a single LED die or an array of LED dies utilizing the same optical element  304 . Such arrays of LED dies within LED light source  140  may be of a single color and type or may be of multiple colors such as a mix of Red, Green and Blue LEDs. Any number and mix of colors of LED dies may be used within each LED light source  140  without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0034]    Light integrator  306  is a device utilizing internal reflection so as to homogenize and constrain the light from LED light sources  140 . Light integrator  306  may be a hollow tube with a reflective inner surface such that light impinging into the entry port  314  may be reflected multiple times along the tube before leaving at the exit port  316 . As the light is reflected down the tube in different directions from each LED light source  140  the light beams will mix forming a composite beam where different colors of light are homogenized and an evenly colored beam is emitted. Light integrator  306  may be a square tube, a hexagonal tube, a circular tube, an octagonal tube or a tube of any other cross section. In a further embodiment light integrator  306  may be a solid rod constructed of glass, transparent plastic or other optically transparent material where the reflection of the incident light beam within the rod is due to total internal reflection (TIR) from the interface between the material of the rod and the surrounding air. The integrating rods may be circular, other polygonal or irregular cross-sectional shape. 
         [0035]    The homogenized light exits from the light integrator  306  and may then be further controlled and directed by other optical elements  308  and  310 . Optical system  308  and  310  may be condensing lenses designed to produce an even illumination for additional downstream optics (described below). 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  illustrates a layout diagram of an embodiment of the invention showing the approximate path of light as it passes through the system  320 . An array of LED light sources  140  each direct light  326  into the entrance aperture  324  of light integrator  322 . Within light integrator  322  the light beams  328  may reflect from the walls any number of times from zero to a number defined by the geometry of the tube  322  and the entrance angle and position of the incident light. This variation in path length and the different numbers of reflections causes homogenization of the light beams within light integrator  322 . A feature of a light integrator  322  which comprises a hollow or tube or solid rod where the sides of the rod or tube are essentially parallel and the entrance aperture  324  and exit aperture  330  are of the same size is that the divergence angle of light exiting the integrator  322  will be the same as the divergence angle for light  326  entering the integrator  322 . Thus a parallel-sided integrator  322  has no effect on the beam divergence. Light exiting the light integrator  322  is further controlled and directed by optical elements  308  and  310  which may form a conventional condensing lens system, to direct light towards aperture  112 . Condensor lens systems tend to collimate the light and produce a more parallel beam. Although two optical elements  308  and  310  are herein illustrated the invention is not so limited and any optical system as known in the art may be utilized to direct the exit beam towards aperture  112 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  illustrates a layout diagram of a further embodiment  340  of the invention showing the approximate path of light as it passes through the system  340 . An array of LED light sources  140  directs light into the entrance aperture  344  of tapered light integrator  342 . Within tapered light integrator  342  the light beams  346  may reflect from the walls any number of times from zero to a number defined by the geometry of the tube and the entrance angle and position of the incident light. This variation in path length and the different numbers of reflections causes homogenization of the light beams within light integrator  342 . A feature of a tapered light integrator  342  which comprises a hollow or tube or solid rod where the sides of the rod or tube are tapered and the entrance aperture  344  is smaller than the exit aperture  350  is that the divergence angle of light exiting the integrator  342  will be smaller than the divergence angle for light entering the integrator  342 . The combination of a smaller divergence angle from a larger aperture  350  serves to conserve the etendue of the system  340 . Etendue is a measure of the light spread in an optical system and remains constant throughout the system. In this case the etendue relates to the product of the aperture size and the divergence angle into or out of that aperture. Increasing the size of the aperture causes a corresponding decrease in divergence angle and vice-versa. Thus a tapered integrator  342  may provide similar functionality to the condensing optical system  308  and  310  illustrated in  FIG. 4  and light may be delivered directly to aperture  112  without any need for further optical components to control and shape the beam. 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary embodiment  360  of the invention as it may be used in an automated luminaire  360 . An array of LED light sources  140  directs light into the entrance aperture of light integrator  306 . Within light integrator  306  variation in path length and the different numbers of reflections causes homogenization of the light beams. Light exiting the light integrator  306  is further controlled and directed by optical elements  308  and  310  which may form a conventional condensing lens system, to direct light towards the remainder of the optical system. Although two optical elements  308  and  310  are herein illustrated the invention is not so limited and any optical system as known in the art may be utilized to direct the light. 
         [0039]    The emergent homogenized light beam may be directed through a series of optical devices as well known within automated lights. Such devices may include but not be restricted to rotating gobos  362 , static gobos  364 , iris  366 , color mixing systems utilizing subtractive color mixing flags, color wheels, framing shutters, frost and diffusion filters and, beam shapers. The final light beam may then pass through a series of objective lenses  368  and  370  which may provide variable beam angle or zoom functionality as well as the ability to focus on various components of the optical system before emerging as the required light beam. 
         [0040]    Optical elements such as rotating gobos  362 , static gobos  364 , color mixing systems, color wheels and iris  366  may be controlled and moved by motors  372 . Motors  372  may be stepper motors, servo motors or other motors as known in the art. 
         [0041]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment  360  of the invention as it may be used in an automated luminaire  360 . An array of LED light sources  140  directs light into the entrance aperture of light integrator  306 . Within light integrator  306  variation in path length and the different numbers of reflections causes homogenization of the light beams. Light exiting the light integrator  306  is further controlled and directed by optical elements  308  and  310  which may form a conventional condensing lens system, to direct light towards the remainder of the optical system. Although two optical elements  308  and  310  are herein illustrated the invention is not so limited and any optical system as known in the art may be utilized to direct the light. 
         [0042]    The emergent homogenized light beam may be directed through a series of optical devices as well known within automated lights. Such devices may include but not be restricted to rotating gobo wheel  362  containing multiple patterns or gobos  624 , static gobo wheel  364  containing multiple patterns or gobos  622 , iris  366 , color mixing systems utilizing subtractive color mixing flags, color wheels, framing shutters, frost and diffusion filters and, beam shapers. The final light beam may then pass through a series of objective lenses  368  and  370  which may provide variable beam angle or zoom functionality as well as the ability to focus on various components of the optical system before emerging as the required light beam. 
         [0043]      FIG. 8  illustrates a further embodiment  400  of the invention incorporating individual light integrators  402 . Each element  140  in an array  130  of LED light sources  140  directs light into the associated entrance aperture  404  of an array of light integrators  405 . Within light integrators  402  the light beams may reflect from the walls any number of times from zero to a number defined by the geometry of the tube and the entrance angle and position of the incident light. This variation in path length and the different numbers of reflections causes homogenization of the light beams within light integrators  402 . The light integrators  402  further serve to move the effective optical position of the LED light sources  140  closer together and closer to the main integrator  410 . The output of the array of light integrators  405  is optionally directed into main light integrator  410  as disclosed in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . Alternatively the output of light integrators  402  may directly enter the aperture (not shown) and other optical systems (not shown) of the luminaire with no need for further integration of homogenization. 
         [0044]      FIG. 9  illustrates a further embodiment  500  of the invention similar to the embodiment  400  illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The embodiment  500  in  FIG. 9  illustrates an integrator that incorporates both the main integrator  410  with the individual LED light integrators  402 . The integrator  502  has multiple extensions  504  with entry apertures  506  for receiving light from the LEDs  140  in the array  130 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 10  illustrates a layout diagram of an embodiment of the invention showing the approximate path of light as it passes through the system  520 . An LED or an array of LED light sources  140  may be mounted within reflector  152  such that light  154  is directed both directly, and via reflection from reflector  152 , into the entrance aperture  324  of light integrator  322 . Reflector  152  may be an ellipsoidal reflector, a spherical reflector, a parabolic reflector or other aspheric reflector shapes as well known in the art. Light source  140  may be positioned at or near to a focal point of reflector  152 . Within light integrator  322  the light beams  328  may reflect from the walls any number of times from zero to a number defined by the geometry of the tube  322  and the entrance angle and position of the incident light. This variation in path length and the different numbers of reflections causes homogenization of the light beams within light integrator  322 . Light exiting the light integrator  322  is optionally further controlled and directed by optical elements  308  and  310  which may form a condensing lens system, to collimate and direct light towards aperture  112 . Condensor lens systems tend to collimate the light and produce a more parallel beam. Although two optical elements  308  and  310  are herein illustrated the invention is not so limited and any optical system as known in the art may be utilized to direct the exit beam towards aperture  112 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 11  illustrates a layout diagram of an embodiment of the invention showing the approximate path of light as it passes through the system  540 . Multiple LED or arrays of LED light sources  140  may each be mounted within reflectors  162  such that light  164  is directed both directly, and via reflection from reflectors  162 , into the entrance aperture  324  of light integrator  322 . Reflectors  162  may be ellipsoidal reflectors, spherical reflectors, parabolic reflectors or other aspheric reflector shapes as well known in the art. Light sources  140  may be positioned at or near to focal points of reflectors  162 . Within light integrator  322  the light beams  328  may reflect from the walls any number of times from zero to a number defined by the geometry of the tube  322  and the entrance angle and position of the incident light. This variation in path length and the different numbers of reflections causes homogenization of the light beams within light integrator  322 . Light exiting the light integrator  322  is optionally further controlled and directed by optical elements  308  and  310  which may form a condensing lens system, to collimate and direct light towards aperture  112 . Condensor lens systems tend to collimate the light and produce a more parallel beam. Although two optical elements  308  and  310  are herein illustrated the invention is not so limited and any optical system as known in the art may be utilized to direct the exit beam towards aperture  112 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 12  illustrates a further embodiment  600  of the invention incorporating individual fiber optic integrators  602 . Each element  140  in an array  130  of LED light sources  140  directs light into the associated entrance aperture of an array  605  of fiber optic integrators  602 . The mechanism of total internal reflection within a solid fiber optic whose refractive index is greater than the surrounding air is well known to those skilled in the art. Within fiber optic integrators  602  the light beams may reflect from the walls any number of times from zero to a number defined by the geometry of the fiber and the entrance angle and position of the incident light. This variation in path length and the different numbers of reflections causes homogenization of the light beams within fiber optic integrators  602 . The fiber optic integrators  602  further serve to move the effective optical positions of the LED light sources  140  closer together and closer to the main integrator  610  while separating the LED light sources  140  so as to facilitate their heat management. The output of the array of fiber optic integrators  605  is optionally directed into main light integrator  610  as disclosed in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . Alternatively the output of light integrators  602  may directly enter the aperture (not shown) and other optical systems (not shown) of the luminaire with no need for further integration or homogenization. Light entering the main light integrator  610  may be further controlled and directed by optical elements  606  which may form an optional condensing lens system, to collimate and direct light towards entrance aperture  612 . Condensor lens systems tend to collimate the light and produce a more parallel beam. Although a single optical element  606  is herein illustrated the invention is not so limited and any optical system as known in the art may be utilized to direct the exit beam towards aperture  612 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 13  illustrates another embodiment  620 . In this alternative embodiment, a plurality of the plurality of individual light integrators  604  may abut or enter the aperture  612  of the main light integrator  610 . This embodiment differs from the embodiment  600  from  FIG. 12  in that there is no optical element  606  between the light integrators and the main light integrator. 
         [0049]      FIG. 14  illustrates a further embodiment  700  of the invention incorporating individual fiber optic integrators  702 . Each element  140  in an array  130  of LED light sources  140  directs light into the associated entrance aperture of an array  705  of fiber optic integrators  702 . Each element  140  may incorporate an output lens such that light is directed into the entrance apertures of fiber optic integrators  702 . The mechanism of total internal reflection within a solid fiber optic whose refractive index is greater than the surrounding air is well known to those skilled in the art. Within fiber optic integrators  702  the light beams may reflect from the walls any number of times from zero to a number defined by the geometry of the fiber and the entrance angle and position of the incident light. This variation in path length and the different numbers of reflections causes homogenization of the light beams within fiber optic integrators  702 . Separate fiber optic integrators  702  may be combined into a single larger fiber optic integrator portion  703  such that a single homogenized light beam entrained by total internal reflection is produced as a combination of the output from all light sources  140 . The fiber optic integrators  702  and  703  further serve to move the effective optical positions of the LED light sources  140  closer together and closer to the main integrator  710  while separating the LED light sources  140  so as to facilitate their heat management. The output of fiber light integrator  703  is optionally directed into main light integrator  710  as disclosed in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . Alternatively the output of fiber light integrator  703  may directly enter the aperture (not shown) and other optical systems (not shown) of the luminaire with no need for further integration or homogenization. Light entering the main light integrator  710  may be further controlled and directed by optical elements  706  which may form an optional condensing lens system, to collimate and direct light towards entrance aperture  712 . Condensor lens systems tend to collimate the light and produce a more parallel beam. Although a single optical element  706  is herein illustrated the invention is not so limited and any optical system as known in the art may be utilized to direct the exit beam towards aperture  712 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 15  illustrates a further embodiment  720  of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 14  incorporating individual fiber optic integrators  704 . Each element  140  in an array  130  of LED light sources  140  directs light into the associated entrance aperture of an array  705  of fiber optic integrators  704 . Each element  140  may utilize LEDs manufactured with a photonic lattice output such that light is directed into the entrance apertures of fiber optic integrators  704 . The embodiment  720  illustrated in  FIG. 15  also differs from the embodiment  700  illustrated in  FIG. 14  in the absence of optical element  706  and abutting or inserting the light integrator portion  703  against/into the aperture  712  of main integrator  710 . 
         [0051]    In alternative embodiments of the embodiments illustrated in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 , if the larger integrator portion  703  is sufficiently long, there may be no need for the main integrator  710 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 16  illustrates a layout diagram of an embodiment  804  of the invention showing the approximate path of light as it passes through the luminaire system  804 . An array  802  of multiple LEDs  806  or arrays of LED light sources  806  (i.e.  806  may be a single packaged LED or a packaged tight array of LEDs) are mounted on a planar circuit board and/or heat sink  808 . Each source  806  may be mounted with an corresponding optical systems  810 ,  812 ,  814 ,  816 ,  818 ,  820  such that light  164  from each source  806  is directed into the entrance aperture  324  of light integrator  322 . Optical systems  810 ,  812 ,  814 ,  816 ,  818 ,  820  may be lenses, TIR lenses, ellipsoidal reflectors, spherical reflectors, parabolic reflectors or other aspheric reflector shapes as well known in the art. Light sources  806  may be positioned at or near to the focal points of optical systems  810 ,  812 ,  814 ,  816 ,  818 ,  820 . Within light integrator  322  the light beams  328  may reflect from the walls any number of times from zero to a number defined by the geometry of the tube  322  and the entrance angle and position of the incident light. This variation in path length and the different numbers of reflections causes homogenization of the light beams within the light integrator  322 . Light exiting the light integrator  322  is optionally further controlled and directed by optical elements  308  and  310  which may form a condensing lens system, to collimate and direct light towards aperture  112 . Condensor lens systems tend to collimate the light and produce a more parallel beam. Although two optical elements  308  and  310  are herein illustrated the invention is not so limited and any optical system as known in the art may be utilized to direct the exit beam towards aperture  112 . Optical systems  810 ,  812 ,  814 ,  816 ,  818 ,  820  may each have different optical properties so as to match the varying physical positions of LED light sources  806  in relation to entrance aperture  324  of light integrator  322 . One advantage of this embodiment is that the LED light sources  806  are mounted on a single plane and thus may readily be attached to a single planar plate or heat-sink  808  to more easily and economically facilitate good heat transfer and cooling. This both simplifies construction and improves heat transfer. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 16  each of the optical devices  810 ,  812 ,  814 ,  816 ,  818 ,  820  is a separate device, each mounted individually with its associated LED light source  806 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 17  illustrates a layout diagram of an embodiment  805  of the invention showing the approximate path of light as it passes through the luminaire system  805 . An array  802  of multiple LEDs or arrays of LED light sources  806  (i.e.  806  may be a single packaged LED or a packaged tight array of LEDs) on a planar circuit board and/or heat sink  808 . The array of sources  806  may be mounted with a combined optical system  830  such that light  164  from each source is directed into the entrance aperture  324  of light integrator  322 .  FIG. 17  illustrates the combined optical system  830  to be one part. In alternative embodiments the  830  may be a plurality of parts each of which cover a plurality of LED sources  806  in LED array  802 . 
         [0054]    Individual discrete optical elements  840 ,  842 ,  844 ,  846 ,  850  of combined optical system  830  form an optical array  830  (or optical sub-array where  830  is composed of a plurality of parts). The discrete optical elements  840 ,  842 ,  844 ,  846 ,  850  may be comprised of TIR lenses, ellipsoidal reflectors, spherical reflectors, parabolic reflectors or other aspheric reflector shapes as well known in the art. And are designed to behave in virtually the same manner as the separate optical systems  810 ,  812 ,  814 ,  816 ,  818 ,  820  illustrated in  FIG. 16 . Light sources  806  the discrete optical elements  840 ,  842 ,  844 ,  846 ,  850  of optical array  830 . Within light integrator  322  the light beams  328  may reflect from the walls any number of times from zero to a number defined by the geometry of the tube  322  and the entrance angle and position of the incident light. This variation in path length and the different numbers of reflections causes homogenization of the light beams within light integrator  322 . Light exiting the light integrator  322  is optionally further controlled and directed by optical elements  308  and  310  which may form a condensing lens system, to collimate and direct light towards aperture  112 . Condensor lens systems tend to collimate the light and produce a more parallel beam. Although two optical elements  308  and  310  are herein illustrated the invention is not so limited and any optical system as known in the art may be utilized to direct the exit beam towards aperture  112 . Portions of optical system  830  may each have different optical properties so as to match the varying physical positions of LED light sources  806  in relation to entrance aperture  324  of light integrator  322 . One advantage of this embodiment is that the LED light sources  806  are mounted on a single plane and thus may readily be attached to a single planar plate or heat-sink  808  to enable good heat transfer and cooling. This both simplifies construction and improves heat transfer. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 17  there is a single optical device  830  which incorporates the individual optical devices  810 ,  812 ,  814 ,  816 ,  818 ,  820  of  FIG. 16  in a single component. Optical device  830  may advantageously be manufactured in a single piece through an optical molding process. In further embodiments optical component  830  may be manufactured in more than one piece. For example, it may be manufactured as three separate concentric rings, or as four quadrants without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such changes in the manufacturing technique are well known. 
         [0055]      FIG. 18  illustrates a layout diagram of an embodiment  864  of the invention showing the approximate path of light as it passes through the system  864 . An array  802 , of multiple individually packaged LEDs or packaged tight array of LED light sources  806  may each be mounted with an associated optical systems  810 ,  812 ,  814 ,  816 ,  818 ,  820  such that light  164  is directed towards aperture  112 . Light  164  is optionally further controlled and directed by optical elements  308  and  310  which may form a condensing lens system, to collimate and direct light towards aperture  112 . Condensor lens systems tend to collimate the light and produce a more parallel beam. Although two optical elements  308  and  310  are herein illustrated the invention is not so limited and any optical system as known in the art may be utilized to direct the exit beam towards aperture  112 . In this embodiment. Optical systems  810 ,  812 ,  814 ,  816 ,  818 ,  820  may each have different optical properties so as to match the varying physical positions of LED light sources  806  in relation to entrance aperture  324  of light integrator  322 . One advantage of this embodiment is that the LED light sources  806  are mounted on a single plane and thus may readily be attached to a single planar plate or heat-sink  808  to enable good heat transfer and cooling. This both simplifies construction and improves heat transfer. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 18  each of the optical devices  810 ,  812 ,  814 ,  816 ,  818 ,  820  is a separate device, each mounted individually with its associated LED light source  806 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 19  illustrates a layout diagram of an embodiment  865  of the invention showing the approximate path of light as it passes through the system  865 . An array  802  of multiple packaged single LEDs or packaged tight array of LED light sources  806  may each be mounted with an optical array  830  such that light  164  is directed towards aperture  112 .  FIG. 19  illustrates the combined optical system  830  to be one part. In alternative embodiments the  830  may be a plurality of parts each of which cover a plurality of LED sources  806  in LED array  802 . Individual discrete optical portions  840 ,  842 ,  844 ,  846 ,  848 ,  850  of optical array  830  may be lenses, TIR lenses, ellipsoidal reflectors, spherical reflectors, parabolic reflectors or other aspheric reflector shapes as well known in the art. And are designed to behave in the same manner as the separate optical systems illustrated in  FIG. 16 ,  17  and/or  18 . Light sources  806  and the focal points or axis of the discrete optical elements  840 ,  842 ,  844 ,  846 ,  848 ,  850  of optical array  830  are aligned. Light  164  is optionally further controlled and directed by optical elements  308  and  310  which may form a condensing lens system, to collimate and direct light towards aperture  112 . Condensor lens systems tend to collimate the light and produce a more parallel beam. Although two optical elements  308  and  310  are herein illustrated the invention is not so limited and any optical system as known in the art may be utilized to direct the exit beam towards aperture  112 . Portions of optical system  830  may each have different optical properties so as to match the varying physical positions of LED light sources  806  in relation to entrance aperture  324  of light integrator  322 . One advantage of this embodiment is that the LED light sources  806  are mounted on a single plane and thus may readily be attached to a single planar plate or heat-sink  808  to enable good heat transfer and cooling. This both simplifies construction and improves heat transfer. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 19  there is a single optical device  830  which incorporates the individual optical devices  810 ,  812 ,  814 ,  816 ,  818 ,  820  of  FIG. 16  in a single component. Optical device  830  may advantageously be manufactured in a single piece through an optical molding process. In further embodiments optical component  830  may be manufactured in more than one piece. For example, it may be manufactured as three separate concentric rings, or as four quadrants without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such changes in the manufacturing technique are well known. 
         [0057]      FIG. 20  illustrates an embodiment of the invention showing four specific examples  870 ,  872 ,  874 ,  876  of the packaged tight arrays of LEDs as may be used as LED sources  806  in the luminaire systems illustrated in  FIGS. 16 ,  17 ,  18  and  19 , tight LED arrays  870 ,  872 ,  874 , and  876  may each comprise multiple LED dies in differing colors. In the examples illustrated each of the LED arrays comprises red R, green G, blue B and white W emitters. It is desirable that these colors mix to form a single homogenized mixed color in the final light beam, To further aid homogenization of the light beam, and in particular of the different colors of light within that beam, each instance of the otherwise identical LED arrays may be rotated with respect to its fellow. In the example illustrated, each LED array going clockwise  870 ,  872 ,  874 ,  876  is rotated 90° in a clockwise fashion with respect to the prior array. By this means the red, green, blue and white light beams will overlay each other and produce improved homogenization. Within the entire system shown in  FIG. 18  and  FIG. 19 , each of the LED arrays  806  may be similarly rotated with respect to its fellows such that one quarter of the LED arrays  806  are in a first orientation, a further quarter are in a second orientation rotated 90° with respect to the first orientation, a further quarter are in a third orientation rotated 180° with respect to the first orientation, and the final quarter are in a third orientation rotated 270° with respect to the first orientation, Although four differently colored emitters are shown here, the invention is not so limited and any number of different colors of LED emitters may be used. Similarly, although a rotation of 90° is shown here, any angular rotation that provides optical overlay of the different colors may be used, Rotation of the LED arrays may be utilized with any of the embodiments of the invention described herein as a means to further aid homogenization of the light beams. 
         [0058]    In each of the embodiments described and in further embodiments, the LED light sources  140  may be a single LED or a sub-array of LEDs (LED die array) and may be of a single color and type or may be of multiple colors such as a mix of Red, Green and Blue LEDs. Any number and mix of colors of LEDs may be used within each LED light source  140  without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0059]    While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as disclosed herein. The invention has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.