Systems and methods for emulating natural daylight with an interior luminaire

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides an interior luminaire system for emulating natural daylight. The system may include an artificial sunlight system and an artificial skylight system. The artificial sunlight system may include one or more first light sources and one or more first movable lenses paired with the first light sources, respectively. Each first light source may be configured to direct light only at the respective paired lens. Each first light source-lens pair may be operable to generate a set of substantially parallel rays of light. The artificial sunlight system may be operable to generate a movable substantially collimated beam of light comprising the sets of substantially parallel rays of light. The artificial skylight system may include one or more second light sources. Each second light source may be operable to generate omnidirectional rays of light. The artificial skylight system may be operable to generate diffuse illumination.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to home appliances, and in particular relates to emulating natural daylight with an interior luminaire.

BACKGROUND

Exposure to sunshine has been demonstrated to improve the sense of wellbeing and health; sunlight causes the body to release hormones, particularly serotonin, a key hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness. However, there are many places where having access to a sunlit window is simply impossible: for example, in the middle of large buildings, in basement rooms, or at high latitudes in winter when the sun sets early. Indeed, 4-6% of people are significantly affected by lack of sunlight—particularly in the winter months—due to a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Control System Overview

FIG.1illustrates an example electronic device100. In particular embodiments, the electronic device100may include, for example, any of various personal electronic devices102, such as a mobile phone electronic device, a tablet computer electronic device, a laptop computer electronic device, and so forth. In particular embodiments, as further depicted byFIG.1, the personal electronic device102may include, among other things, one or more processor(s)104, memory106, sensors108, cameras110, a display112, input structures114, network interfaces116, a power source118, and an input/output (I/O) interface120. It should be noted thatFIG.1is merely one example of a particular implementation and is intended to illustrate the types of components that may be included as part of the electronic device100.

In particular embodiments, the one or more processor(s)104may be operably coupled with the memory106to perform various algorithms, processes, or functions. Such programs or instructions executed by the processor(s)104may be stored in any suitable article of manufacture that includes one or more tangible, computer-readable media at least collectively storing the instructions or routines, such as the memory106. The memory106may include any suitable articles of manufacture for storing data and executable instructions, such as random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rewritable flash memory, hard drives, and so forth. Also, programs (e.g., an operating system) encoded on such a computer program product may also include instructions that may be executed by the processor(s)104to enable the electronic device100to provide various functionalities.

In particular embodiments, the sensors108may include, for example, one or more cameras (e.g., depth cameras), touch sensors, microphones, motion detection sensors, thermal detection sensors, light detection sensors, time of flight (ToF) sensors, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, or other similar sensors that may be utilized to detect various user inputs (e.g., user voice inputs, user gesture inputs, user touch inputs, user instrument inputs, user motion inputs, and so forth). The cameras110may include any number of cameras (e.g., wide cameras, narrow cameras, telephoto cameras, ultra-wide cameras, depth cameras, and so forth) that may be utilized to capture various 2D and 3D images. The display112may include any display architecture (e.g., AMLCD, AMOLED, micro-LED, and so forth), which may provide further means by which users may interact and engage with the electronic device100. In particular embodiments, as further illustrated byFIG.1, one more of the cameras110may be disposed behind, underneath, or alongside the display112(e.g., one or more of the cameras110may be partially or completely concealed by the display112), and thus the display112may include a transparent pixel region and/or semi-transparent pixel region through which the one or more concealed cameras110may detect light, and, by extension, capture images. It should be appreciated that the one more of the cameras110may be disposed anywhere behind or underneath the display110, such as at a center area behind the display110, at an upper area behind the display110, or at a lower area behind the display110.

In particular embodiments, the input structures114may include any physical structures utilized to control one or more global functions of the electronic device100(e.g., pressing a button to power “ON” or power “OFF” the electronic device100). The network interface116may include, for example, any number of network interfaces suitable for allowing the electronic device100to access and receive data over one or more cloud-based networks (e.g., a cloud-based service that may service hundreds or thousands of the electronic device100and the associated users corresponding thereto) and/or distributed networks. The power source118may include any suitable source of power, such as a rechargeable lithium polymer (Li-poly) battery and/or an alternating current (AC) power converter that may be utilized to power and/or charge the electronic device100for operation. Similarly, the I/O interface120may be provided to allow the electronic device100to interface with various other electronic or computing devices, such as one or more auxiliary electronic devices.

In particular embodiments, the electronic device100is a mobile device or remote-control device that is programmed to communicate with an interior luminaire system190that comprises a compatible I/O interface. In other particular embodiments, the electronic device100is not a mobile device, but is instead integrated into the interior luminaire system190. As an example, and not by way of limitation, any of the one or more processors104, the memory106, the I/O interface120, or other components of the electronic device may be integrated into a system on a chip (SoC), which is further integrated into the interior luminaire system190. In particular embodiments, the electronic device100may be used to control the interior luminaire system190. As an example, and not by way of limitation, the electronic device100may be programmed to control the operation of one or more light sources and one or more lenses of the interior luminaire system, as explained herein with greater specificity. As an example, and not by way of limitation, the electronic device100may be programmed to control the orientation of one or more light sources or lenses, or the quality, color, or other characteristics of the light emitted from the one or more light sources. As an example, and not by way of limitation, the electronic device100may be programmed to control a movable beam of light, as further explained herein. Although this disclosure describes the electronic device100controlling the interior luminaire system190in a particular manner, this disclosure contemplates the electronic device100controlling the interior luminaire system190in any suitable manner, in accordance with the various embodiments of the interior luminaire system190.

Interior Luminaire System for Emulating Natural Daylight

In particular embodiments, this disclosure provides a luminaire which mimics a window with realistic sunshine, and which may be used for places or times when it would otherwise be impossible to have natural light. Such a luminaire could have wide application as an aid to improving health and wellness for individuals without adequate access to natural daylight. In particular embodiments, the luminaire may emulate natural daylight by providing emulated sunlight using one or more first light sources and emulated skylight using one or more second light sources.

In particular embodiments, an intense beam of light can be generated by an array of light sources in combination with a (parallel) array of lenses. The light sources can be placed at the focus of the lenses so that the emerging light is collimated—producing a beam, the size of the lens, which diverges only slightly. Each light source may ‘talk’ to substantially only one lens. The array of ‘beams’—one from each lens, may be parallel and generate a field of intense, parallel beams. By moving the relative position of the lens and source, the direction of the beam can be steered to emulate the movement of the sun. An observer looking into the light field may perceive a source that appears to be at infinity, and that appears to move if the observer does (the parallax effect). A color-tunable source can be used for emulating the solar spectrum and the color change throughout the day—e.g. a LED that has an emission close to that of a black-body and can be color-tuned along the black-body curve.

FIG.2Aillustrates an example interior luminaire system190. In particular embodiments the first light sources202and second light sources203may be arranged on a circuit board220. In particular embodiments, to provide the emulated sunlight, the luminaire190may also use one or more lenses204to collimate light from the first light sources202, thereby producing parallel rays of light. As depicted inFIG.2A, the one or more lenses204may be arranged into a lens array206, which may be steerable. The lenses204should have a positive focal-length, but can be of any style, e.g. Fresnel lenses or conventional lenses, and can be single- or multi-element.

In particular embodiments, the interior luminaire system190can emit an intense, movable, substantially collimated beam of light that casts convincing shadows and exhibits a correct parallax effect, appearing to be at infinity. As an example, and not by way of limitation, the illuminance level emitted may be over 100,000 lux at midday. In particular embodiments, the electronic device100may be programmed to control the interior luminaire system190to change the direction of the beam throughout the day, mimicking the movement of the sun. In particular embodiments, the color of the emulated sunlight can also be changed over the course of the day, such that it is different at noon compared with early morning and late afternoon. In particular embodiments, the electronic device100can be programmed to subtly change the quality of emulated sunlight such that it is more diffused early and late in the day. Moreover, the electronic device100can be programmed to vary the angle and intensity of the emulated sunlight according to the time of day and the season. In particular embodiments, the spectrum of the emulated sun light can closely mimic the actual spectrum of sunlight. In addition, the luminaire system190may emit emulated skylight light from an artificial ‘sky’. In particular embodiments, the ‘skylight’ is not collimated, but instead is omnidirectional and provides diffuse illumination without casting substantial shadows. In particular embodiments, the electronic device100can be programmed to change the sky color change throughout day. In particular embodiments, the emulated skylight can mimic cloudy or overcast conditions. In particular embodiments, the interior luminaire system190can be window sized. As an example, and not by way of limitation, the interior luminaire system190can be a minimum of about 24″×36″ with a depth of no more than 6″ such that it can retrofit existing walls or ceilings.

As used herein, “sunlight” may refer to the light provided by the sun during the daytime hours.

As used herein, “skylight” may refer to the light provided by the sky during the daytime hours. Skylight generally appears blue, although its color may vary throughout the day.

As used herein, “daylight” may refer to the light provided by the sun and the sky during the daytime hours, daylight being comprised of sunlight and skylight.

As used herein, “light source” may refer to any artificial source of light. As an example, and not by way of limitation, a light-emitting diode (LED) is a light source. As another example, and not by way of limitation, a liquid-crystal display (LCD) is a light source. Although this disclosure describes particular artificial sources of light being used as light sources, this disclosure contemplates any suitable artificial sources of light being used as light sources.

Certain technical challenges exist for emulating natural daylight. One technical challenge may include generating a substantially collimated beam of light to emulate sunlight. One solution presented by the embodiments disclosed herein to address this challenge may be to use an array of light sources paired with an array of lenses to generate sets of parallel beams of light that together form a substantially collimated beam of light. Another technical challenge may include generating diffuse illumination that changes color over time to emulate natural skylight. One solution presented by the embodiments disclosed herein to address this challenge may be to use color-tunable LEDs and adjusting the color of the LEDs with computer programming.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein may provide one or more technical advantages. A technical advantage of the embodiments may include providing skylight that is not collimated, but instead is omnidirectional and provides diffuse illumination without casting shadows. Another technical advantage of the embodiments may include providing artificial sunlight that casts convincing shadows. Certain embodiments disclosed herein may provide none, some, or all of the above technical advantages. One or more other technical advantages may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the figures, descriptions, and claims of the present disclosure.

In particular embodiments, the interior luminaire system190may comprise an artificial sunlight system comprising one or more first light sources202and one or more first movable lenses204paired with the one or more of the first light sources202, respectively. As an example, and not by way of limitation, the one or more of the first light sources202may each comprise a color-tunable light emitting diode (LED). Each of these LEDs may be tunable to emulate a solar spectrum by changing, over a pre-determined time, a respective emission color of each LED within an approximate black-body curve. In particular embodiments, the electronic device100may be programmed to adjust the emission color of these LEDs to accurately match the diurnal changes in the solar color over the course of a day. As another example, and not by way of limitation, the first light sources202may comprise color-changing incandescent bulbs, which naturally emit a black-body spectrum, in combination with a color wheel to mimic the diurnal variation. Although this disclosure describes particular first light sources202being adjusted in a particular manner, this disclosure contemplates any suitable first light sources202being adjusted in any suitable manner.

In particular embodiments, each first light source202is configured to direct light only at the lens204with which it is respectively paired.FIG.2Adepicts one method of directing the light from the first light sources202to the paired lenses204, which is by using a mechanical assembly E3that restricts the emission angle of the first light sources202. In particular embodiments, the mechanical assembly E3may be made of a transparent material and feature a reflective coating on its interior.FIG.2Billustrates a close-up view of a first light source202ofFIG.2Aemitting a cone of light E5onto a lens204ofFIG.2Athrough restriction by the mechanical assembly E4. On the other hand,FIG.3illustrates a first light source202comprising an integral lens that can restrict the emission angle of the first light source202so that it directs light only at the lens204with which it is paired. As an example, and not by way of limitation, an integral lens of a first light source may restrict an emission angle of that light source to +−15 degrees. In such embodiments, the one or more second light sources203, which may also be LEDs, may be operable to emit diffuse illumination through one or more optical scattering layers230. Although this disclosure describes restricting the first light sources202to direct light onto paired lenses204in particular ways, this disclosure contemplates restricting the first light sources202to direct light onto paired lenses204in any suitable ways.

In particular embodiments, the one or more first light sources202and the one or more second light sources203comprise color-tunable light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned in an array.FIG.4illustrates an array of first light sources202and second light sources203, wherein the first light sources202are positioned at the focal points of the lenses204and second light sources203are positioned outside of a focal area of the lenses. Although the depiction ofFIG.4is 2-dimensional, the center of the lenses204could be positioned approximately directly above the first light sources202. Thus, in particular embodiments, the lenses204of a lens array206could be positioned intersect above the second light sources203. In particular embodiments, the lenses204could therefore collimate the light of the first light sources202, thereby generating sets of parallel rays of light. On the other hand, in particular embodiments, because the light of the second light sources203would not be focused by the lenses204, the second light sources203could simultaneously generate diffuse illumination as the light of the second light sources203could pass through the lenses204at a wide variety of angles and be subsequently scattered in an omnidirectional emission pattern. Although this disclosure describes arranging first light sources202and second light sources203in particular patterns and arrays, this disclosure contemplates arranging first light sources202and second light sources203in any suitable arrangement.

FIG.5illustrates a second example interior luminaire system. As depicted inFIG.5, in particular embodiments, the one or more first movable lenses204can be positioned in a lens array206, wherein the lens array206is steerable and can translate with at least two degrees of freedom, and wherein the artificial sunlight system is operable to move the substantially collimated beam of light by steering the lens array206. In particular embodiments, one or more adjustment mechanisms216may be operable to move each first light202source to a position relative to the first movable lens204with which it is paired that is at the focal point of that first movable lens204. As an example, and not by way of limitation, the adjustment mechanism216may be any mechanical apparatus driven using a driver board212and external controller214. In particular embodiments, allowing the first light sources202to be moved to the focal point of the lenses204allows the lenses204of the lens array206to collimate the light of the first light sources202into parallel rays of light that together form a movable beam of light. Although this disclosure describes using particular mechanical components to move the first light sources202to the focal points of the respective lenses204, this disclosure contemplates using any suitable mechanical components to move the first light sources202to the focal points of the respective lenses204in any suitable manner.

FIG.6Aillustrates a beam of light produced by a steerable lens array206before the lens array206has been steered. As depicted inFIG.6A, each first light source-lens pair can be operable to generate a set of substantially parallel rays of light when each first light source202is positioned at approximately a focal point of the lens204with which it is paired. This may occur because each first light source202can shine on substantially only the lens204with which it is paired, as explained herein with more specificity. Thus, the interior luminaire system190can be operable to generate a substantially collimated beam of light comprising the sets of substantially parallel rays of light. However, in particular embodiments, the lenses204of the lens array206may also be steered laterally to move the substantially collimated beam of light laterally. Hence, the substantially collimated beam of light may be referred to as a “movable” beam of light.FIG.6Billustrates steering a beam of light by moving the lens array206laterally.FIG.6AandFIG.6Bare simplified drawings intended to focus on the lateral steering aspects, but the other components of the luminaire system depicted inFIG.5may also be present in particular embodiments.FIG.6Bdepicts how the lateral steering of the lens array206moves the light emitted from the first light sources202away from the focal points of the lenses204, thereby shifting the angle of the substantially collimated beam of light provided by the lens array206. However, in particular embodiments, steering the lens array206as such may cause some of the light of a first light source202to be directed at a lens204that it is not paired with, effectively introducing a level of “crosstalk.”FIG.7Aillustrates this unintended crosstalk in a single-depth lens array206of lenses204.

Hence, in particular embodiments, the lens array206may further comprise one or more second movable lenses205, wherein each of the one or more second movable lenses205is paired with one of the one or more first movable lenses204, respectively, and wherein each of the one or more second movable lenses205is configured to receive light substantially only from the respective paired first movable lens204.FIG.7Billustrates how second movable lenses205can eliminate or reduce crosstalk.

Referring again toFIG.5, in particular embodiments, the interior luminaire system190may comprise additional components such as a low-profile heat sink208and a diffusing layer210. In particular embodiments, the low-profile heat sink208can be used to absorb excess heat emitted by the interior luminaire system190. In particular embodiments, the diffusing layer210can be controlled by electronic device100which is programmed to make the emulated sunlight more diffuse at certain times of the day, mimicking natural sunlight.

In particular embodiments, the interior luminaire system190comprises a centralized light engine802that powers each of the one or more first light sources202, and wherein the centralized light engine802is tunable for color and luminescence.FIG.8illustrates a third example interior luminaire system190using a centralized light-engine802. In particular embodiments, one or more optic fibers804may connect the centralized light-engine802to the one or more first light sources202. As an example, and not by way of limitation, the optics fibers804may be between 0.1 and 2.0 millimeters thick and the movable lens array206may be 10 to 20 millimeters from the first light sources202. In particular embodiments, an edge-lit diffuser806may be used as a second light source203to generate emulated skylight. As an example, and not by way of limitation, the edge-lit diffuser806may be similar to a panel as might be used in a television or a computer monitor. In particular embodiments, the edge-lit diffuser806may comprise edge-lighting LEDs that are color tunable to allow the color and intensity of the panel806to be adjusted. In particular embodiments, because the fiber804penetrations are spatially dilute, they do not interfere with the light diffusion. In particular embodiments, the optic fibers806penetrate the panel used for the sky effect and terminate at its front surface. In particular embodiments, the numerical aperture of the fibers804are selected so that the light emerges into a restricted emission cone (to match the numerical aperture of the lens204), without the need of an additional restriction component. As an example, and not by way of limitation, the light-engine802may be a 30 W, color-tunable LED, or an incandescent source with a color-filter wheel. Although this disclosure describes incorporating a centralized light-engine802into an interior luminaire system190in a particular manner, this disclosure contemplates incorporating a centralized light-engine802into an interior luminaire system190in any suitable manner.

FIG.9illustrates a fourth example interior luminaire system using light pipes.FIG.9illustrates an alternative approach to generating the emulated sunlight via an optic-fiber fan-out approach as shown and described in reference toFIG.8. In particular embodiments, instead of a bundle of optic fibers804connecting a common light source802to a perforated diffuser panel806, this design uses a multitude of light pipes810, each light pipe810comprising one or more arms808. In particular embodiments, each light pipe has an independent LED812and is designed to split the light equally between several arms808. As an example, and not by way of limitation, each pipe810may have 10 arms808, but this value could range from 2-20 in various embodiments. Each arm808may be effectively the equivalent to one optic fiber806as depicted in and described in reference toFIG.8. The light pipe810design ofFIG.9can provide potential benefits in terms of ease of manufacturing. Although this disclosure describes light pipes810into an interior luminaire system190in a particular manner, this disclosure contemplates incorporating light pipes810into an interior luminaire system190in any suitable manner.

In particular embodiments, the interior luminaire system190may comprise an artificial skylight system comprising one or more second light sources203, wherein each second light source203is operable to generate omnidirectional rays of light, and wherein the artificial skylight system is operable to generate diffuse illumination. As explained further above, the one or more second light sources203of the artificial sky-light system may comprise a transparent panel806comprising optical scattering sites and color-tunable light emitting diodes (LEDs), and wherein the color-tunable LEDs are operable to provide edge-illumination. Thus, in particular embodiments, the one or more second light sources may be color-tunable LEDs (FIGS.2-5) or a transparent panel806edge-lit by color-tunable LEDs (FIGS.8-9). But those embodiments are examples only. For example, in particular embodiments, the one or more second light sources203of the artificial skylight system comprise a transparent panel comprising a dilute concentration of one of blue fluorescent or blue phosphorescent particles, and wherein the particles are operable to be excited by edge illumination using ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LEDs). Moreover, in particular embodiments the one or more second light sources203of the artificial skylight system may comprise one or more tinted polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) panels, and each of the one or more tinted PDLC panels may be operable to alter one or more characteristics of the diffuse illumination when a voltage is applied to that panel.

In particular embodiments, the disclosure systems and methods for realistically mimicking ‘real sunshine’ streaming into a window. Throughout the course of the day the scattering of real sunlight by the atmosphere may change, due to the azimuth of the sun (at lower angles the sunlight traverses a longer path through the atmosphere), or due to mist, clouds, smoke, rain, or other atmospheric conditions. Additionally, with increased atmospheric scattering, the ‘sharpness’ of shadows may change. In the case of very high scattering by clouds on an overcast day, the lighting becomes very diffused and the shadows may be absent. Particular embodiments include a method for mimicking these variable scattering effects. Particular embodiments include optical devices with scattering properties that can be changed under electrical control programmatically determined using electronic device100, including liquid-crystals (of several classes), including Polymer-Dispersed-Liquid-Crystals (PDLCs). In particular embodiments, color-tinted PDLCs can be used to modify the color of light to mimic sky-color changes throughout a day. In particular embodiments, an electrically controlled PDLC film can be placed on the outside of the interior luminaire system190to modify the emitted light, and to emulate variable atmospheric scattering.

FIG.10Aillustrates adjustable scattering with a white light source1001and a white PDLC film1002by varying an applied voltage.FIG.10Adepicts that when light from a white light source1001hits a white PDLC film1002with a high voltage applied to the film1002, then it can produce highly scattered white light1012. However, when light from the white light source1001hits the white PDLC film1002with a moderate voltage less than the high voltage applied to the film1002, then it can produce moderately scattered white light1013which is scattered less than the highly scattered white light1012. Finally, when light from the white light source1001hits the white PDLC film1002with no voltage applied to the film1002, then it can produce white light which is not scattered at all1014.

FIG.10Billustrates adjustable scattering with a white light source1001and a first color PDLC film1022by varying an applied voltage.FIG.10Bdepicts that when light from a white light source1001hits a first color PDLC film1022with a high voltage applied to the film1022, then it can produce highly scattered light of the first color1032. However, when light from the white light source1001hits the first color PDLC film1022with a moderate voltage less than the high voltage applied to the film1022, then it can produce moderately scattered light of the first color1033which is scattered less than the highly scattered light of the first color1032. The moderately scattered light of the first color1033may be a lighter shade of the first color than the highly scattered light of the first color1032. Finally, when light from the white light source1001hits the first color PDLC film1022with no voltage applied to the film1022, then it can produce white light which is not scattered at all1014.

FIG.10Cillustrates adjustable color control with a white light source1001, a first color PDLC film1022, and a second color PDLC film1042by varying applied voltages. When a voltage is applied to the first color PDLC film1022, but not the second color PDLC film1042, then light from the white light source1001is scattered when passing through the films and can emerge as scattered light of the first color1052. Conversely, when a voltage is applied to the second color PDLC film1042, but not the first color PDLC film1022, then light from the white light source1001is scattered when passing through the films and can emerge as scattered light of the second color1053. However, when no voltage is applied to either the first PDLC film1022or the second PDLC film1042, then light from the white light source1001is not scattered when passing through the films and can emerge as white light which is not scattered at all1014. Although this disclosure describes using PDLC films to adjust the level of scattering and color of light in particular ways, this disclosure contemplates using PDLC films to adjust the level of scattering and color of light in any suitable ways.

Further, in particular embodiments, by careful time synchronization for switching the PDLC and the ‘sun’ source, it is possible to scatter the emulated skylight, without scattering the emulated sunlight. Moreover, in particular embodiments, it is possible to use a blue-tinted PDLC to produce diffuse skylight light directly from the collimated emulated sunlight. Particular embodiments accomplish the foregoing using pulse width modulation (PWM), which may be understood as a sequence of square electrical pulses with a variable ON/OFF ratio.

FIG.11Aillustrates PWM control of a PDLC sheet to produce diffuse colored backlight and collimated sunlight with one light source. A duty cycle determined by electronic device100can change the relative brightness of collimated and scattered light, while using different voltages can adjust the color and scattering intensity.FIG.11shows that when light from a white light source1001passes through a first color PDLC sheet with a voltage applied1110, then the output is scattered light of the first color1111.FIG.11also shows that when light from a white light source1001passes through a first color PDLC sheet with no voltage applied1120, then the output is white light which is not scattered at all1014.FIG.11Billustrates a graph of a duty cycle corresponding to the output depicted inFIG.11A. InFIG.11B, the x-axis represents time, while the y-axis represents voltage. In the depicted example ofFIG.11AandFIG.11B, a voltage is applied to the PDLC at the times from T1 to T2, T3 to T4, and T5 to T6, but there is no voltage applied to the PDLC at the times from T2 to T3 and T4 to T5. Thus, in particular embodiments, the emulated sunlight and the emulated can be created by a single type of light source (e.g., the first light source202), for example, using LEDs. The light1111that is generated by the first color PDLC sheet with a voltage applied1110is the emulated skylight, which can be diffuse and colored (e.g., blue). And the light1014that is generated by the first color PDLC sheet with no voltage applied1120is the emulated sunlight, which can be substantially collimated and white. In particular embodiments, as long as the frequency of the pulses is high enough, when the two types of emitted light,1111,1014hit the human eye, there will be no perceptible irregularity and the viewer will perceive both the emulated skylight and the emulated sunlight. As an example, and not by way of limitation, the frequency of the pulses may be 60-100 Hz or more. Although this disclosure describes using PWM control of a PDLC sheet to produce diffuse colored backlight and collimated sunlight with one light source in a particular manner, this disclosure contemplates using PWM control of a PDLC sheet to produce diffuse colored backlight and collimated sunlight with one light source in any suitable manner.

FIG.12illustrates a fifth example interior luminaire system190using a steerable LED array with a collimator1202. Particular embodiments may include an edge-lit diffusion panel806, as well as a as a panel with a PDLC film1204for controllable scattering as described in reference toFIGS.10-11. As depicted, particular embodiments can provide an oblique illumination into a room, without the viewer seeing the ‘sun’ that provides the emulated sunlight directly. In particular embodiments, the emulated ‘sun’ can be placed at the edge of the panel and be obliquely angled into a room. In particular embodiments, the source of the emulated sunlight can be LEDs or another first light source202. In particular embodiments, the ‘sun’ source can be a single element or an array of elements. In particular embodiments, the emulated sunlight can be collimated by using individual lenses, lens arrays, mirrors or total-internal-reflection (TIR) parabolic reflectors. In the depicted embodiment, the source consists of an array of LEDs each collimated by a plastic TIR reflector1202. In the depicted embodiment, the motion of the source can be achieved by a mechanical linkage—all the TIR reflectors can be ganged together so they move in parallel. In particular embodiments, the emulated sunlight can pass through a clear glass window1206after passing through the PDLC panel1204. In particular embodiments, the window may have features to give a parallax effect against the diffuser panel806. In particular embodiments, the diffuser panel806size may be larger than opening to help with the illusion of depth. Thus, in particular embodiments, an emulated ‘sun’ cannot be seen directly by a viewer, but a beam of sunshine may appear to illuminate surrounding walls. Although this disclosure describes providing an oblique window impression to a viewer in a particular manner, this disclosure contemplates producing an oblique window impression in any suitable manner.

As explained, further herein throughout this disclosure, the disclosure also provides various methods of using an interior luminaire system190. Wherein the one or more second light sources203of the artificial sky-light system comprise one or more tinted polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) panels, one example method comprises applying a voltage to each of the one or more tinted PDLC panels to alter one or more characteristics of the diffuse illumination. Wherein each first light source202and each second light source203is tunable for color another example method comprises changing, over a pre-determined time, a respective emission color of each of the first light sources202within an approximate black-body curve to emulate a solar spectrum; and changing, over the pre-determined time, a respective emission color of each of the second light sources203to emulate skylight, wherein the emulated skylight comprises natural variations in skylight color caused by changing environmental conditions. Wherein the one or more first movable lenses204are positioned in an array206, another example method comprises moving, over a pre-determined time, the array206to change a direction of the substantially collimated beam of light to emulate a natural movement of the sun, wherein the array206is moved by translating a position of each first light source202relative to the lens204with which it is paired. Although this disclosure describes using an interior luminaire system190in particular manners, this disclosure contemplates using an interior luminaire system190in any suitable manner.

FIG.13illustrates is a flow diagram of a method1300for emulating natural daylight with an interior luminaire, in accordance with the presently disclosed embodiments. The method1300may be performed utilizing one or more integrated or external processing devices (e.g., electronic device100) that may include hardware (e.g., a general purpose processor, a graphic processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-chip (SoC), a microcontroller, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a visual processing unit (VPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), a neural decision processor (NDP), or any other processing device(s) that may be suitable for processing 2D and 3D image data, software (e.g., instructions running/executing on one or more processors), firmware (e.g., microcode), or some combination thereof.

The method1300may begin at step1310with providing a movable substantially collimated beam of light by an artificial sunlight system, wherein the artificial sunlight system comprises: one or more first light sources; and one or more first movable lenses paired with the one or more of the first light sources, respectively, wherein each first light source is configured to direct light only at the respective paired lens, and wherein each first light source-lens pair is operable to generate a set of substantially parallel rays of light when each first light source is positioned at approximately a focal point of the lens with which it is paired. The method1300may then continue at step1320with providing diffuse illumination by an artificial skylight system, wherein the artificial skylight system comprises one or more second light sources, and wherein each second light source is operable to generate omnidirectional rays of light.

Particular embodiments may repeat one or more steps of the method ofFIG.13, where appropriate. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular steps of the method ofFIG.13as occurring in a particular order, this disclosure contemplates any suitable steps of the method ofFIG.13occurring in any suitable order. Moreover, although this disclosure describes and illustrates an example method for emulating natural daylight with an interior luminaire including the particular steps of the method ofFIG.13, this disclosure contemplates any suitable method for emulating natural daylight with an interior luminaire including any suitable steps, which may include all, some, or none of the steps of the method ofFIG.13, where appropriate. Furthermore, although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular components, devices, or systems carrying out particular steps of the method ofFIG.13, this disclosure contemplates any suitable combination of any suitable components, devices, or systems carrying out any suitable steps of the method ofFIG.13.

Systems and Methods

FIG.14illustrates an example computer system1400that may be utilized to perform emulating natural daylight with an interior luminaire, in accordance with the presently disclosed embodiments. In particular embodiments, one or more computer systems1400perform one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein. In particular embodiments, one or more computer systems1400provide functionality described or illustrated herein. In particular embodiments, software running on one or more computer systems1400performs one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein or provides functionality described or illustrated herein. Particular embodiments include one or more portions of one or more computer systems1400. Herein, reference to a computer system may encompass a computing device, and vice versa, where appropriate. Moreover, reference to a computer system may encompass one or more computer systems, where appropriate.

This disclosure contemplates any suitable number of computer systems1400. This disclosure contemplates computer system1400taking any suitable physical form. As example and not by way of limitation, computer system1400may be an embedded computer system, a system-on-chip (SOC), a single-board computer system (SBC) (e.g., a computer-on-module (COM) or system-on-module (SOM)), a desktop computer system, a laptop or notebook computer system, an interactive kiosk, a mainframe, a mesh of computer systems, a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a server, a tablet computer system, an augmented/virtual reality device, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, computer system1400may include one or more computer systems1400; be unitary or distributed; span multiple locations; span multiple machines; span multiple data centers; or reside in a cloud, which may include one or more cloud components in one or more networks.

Where appropriate, one or more computer systems1400may perform without substantial spatial or temporal limitation one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein. As an example, and not by way of limitation, one or more computer systems1400may perform in real time or in batch mode one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein. One or more computer systems1400may perform at different times or at different locations one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein, where appropriate.

In particular embodiments, computer system1400includes a processor1402, memory1404, storage1406, an input/output (I/O) interface1408, a communication interface1410, and a bus1412. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates a particular computer system having a particular number of particular components in a particular arrangement, this disclosure contemplates any suitable computer system having any suitable number of any suitable components in any suitable arrangement. In particular embodiments, processor1402includes hardware for executing instructions, such as those making up a computer program. As an example, and not by way of limitation, to execute instructions, processor1402may retrieve (or fetch) the instructions from an internal register, an internal cache, memory1404, or storage1406; decode and execute them; and then write one or more results to an internal register, an internal cache, memory1404, or storage1406. In particular embodiments, processor1402may include one or more internal caches for data, instructions, or addresses. This disclosure contemplates processor1402including any suitable number of any suitable internal caches, where appropriate. As an example, and not by way of limitation, processor1402may include one or more instruction caches, one or more data caches, and one or more translation lookaside buffers (TLBs). Instructions in the instruction caches may be copies of instructions in memory1404or storage1406, and the instruction caches may speed up retrieval of those instructions by processor1402.

Data in the data caches may be copies of data in memory1404or storage1406for instructions executing at processor1402to operate on; the results of previous instructions executed at processor1402for access by subsequent instructions executing at processor1402or for writing to memory1404or storage1406; or other suitable data. The data caches may speed up read or write operations by processor1402. The TLBs may speed up virtual-address translation for processor1402. In particular embodiments, processor1402may include one or more internal registers for data, instructions, or addresses. This disclosure contemplates processor1402including any suitable number of any suitable internal registers, where appropriate. Where appropriate, processor1402may include one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs); be a multi-core processor; or include one or more processors1402. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates a particular processor, this disclosure contemplates any suitable processor.

In particular embodiments, memory1404includes main memory for storing instructions for processor1402to execute or data for processor1402to operate on. As an example, and not by way of limitation, computer system1400may load instructions from storage1406or another source (such as, for example, another computer system1400) to memory1404. Processor1402may then load the instructions from memory1404to an internal register or internal cache. To execute the instructions, processor1402may retrieve the instructions from the internal register or internal cache and decode them. During or after execution of the instructions, processor1402may write one or more results (which may be intermediate or final results) to the internal register or internal cache. Processor1402may then write one or more of those results to memory1404. In particular embodiments, processor1402executes only instructions in one or more internal registers or internal caches or in memory1404(as opposed to storage1406or elsewhere) and operates only on data in one or more internal registers or internal caches or in memory1404(as opposed to storage1406or elsewhere).

One or more memory buses (which may each include an address bus and a data bus) may couple processor1402to memory1404. Bus1412may include one or more memory buses, as described below. In particular embodiments, one or more memory management units (MMUs) reside between processor1402and memory1404and facilitate accesses to memory1404requested by processor1402. In particular embodiments, memory1404includes random access memory (RAM). This RAM may be volatile memory, where appropriate. Where appropriate, this RAM may be dynamic RAM (DRAM) or static RAM (SRAM). Moreover, where appropriate, this RAM may be single-ported or multi-ported RAM. This disclosure contemplates any suitable RAM. Memory1404may include one or more memory devices1404, where appropriate. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular memory, this disclosure contemplates any suitable memory.

In particular embodiments, storage1406includes mass storage for data or instructions. As an example, and not by way of limitation, storage1406may include a hard disk drive (HDD), a floppy disk drive, flash memory, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc, magnetic tape, or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive or a combination of two or more of these. Storage1406may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media, where appropriate. Storage1406may be internal or external to computer system1400, where appropriate. In particular embodiments, storage1406is non-volatile, solid-state memory. In particular embodiments, storage1406includes read-only memory (ROM). Where appropriate, this ROM may be mask-programmed ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), electrically alterable ROM (EAROM), or flash memory or a combination of two or more of these. This disclosure contemplates mass storage1406taking any suitable physical form. Storage1406may include one or more storage control units facilitating communication between processor1402and storage1406, where appropriate. Where appropriate, storage1406may include one or more storages1406. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular storage, this disclosure contemplates any suitable storage.

In particular embodiments, I/O interface1408includes hardware, software, or both, providing one or more interfaces for communication between computer system1400and one or more I/O devices. Computer system1400may include one or more of these I/O devices, where appropriate. One or more of these I/O devices may enable communication between a person and computer system1400. As an example, and not by way of limitation, an I/O device may include a keyboard, keypad, microphone, monitor, mouse, printer, scanner, speaker, still camera, stylus, tablet, touch screen, trackball, video camera, another suitable I/O device or a combination of two or more of these. An I/O device may include one or more sensors. This disclosure contemplates any suitable I/O devices and any suitable I/O interfaces1406for them. Where appropriate, I/O interface1408may include one or more device or software drivers enabling processor1402to drive one or more of these I/O devices. I/O interface1408may include one or more I/O interfaces1406, where appropriate. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates a particular I/O interface, this disclosure contemplates any suitable I/O interface.

In particular embodiments, communication interface1410includes hardware, software, or both providing one or more interfaces for communication (such as, for example, packet-based communication) between computer system1400and one or more other computer systems1400or one or more networks. As an example, and not by way of limitation, communication interface1410may include a network interface controller (NIC) or network adapter for communicating with an Ethernet or other wire-based network or a wireless NIC (WNIC) or wireless adapter for communicating with a wireless network, such as a WI-FI network. This disclosure contemplates any suitable network and any suitable communication interface1410for it.

Miscellaneous

Herein, “automatically” and its derivatives means “without human intervention,” unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context.