Tunable white light box

A tunable white light box includes light sources and a controller for individually controlling each of the light sources. The light sources each generate a light having a peak wavelength that differs from the peak wavelength generated by another one of the light sources. The controller individually adjusts each of the light sources to generate a color temperature for a translucent media containing an image.

BACKGROUND

Retailers pay billions of dollars each year to advertise their products. To achieve effective results from advertising in a retail environment, visual messaging is critical and message consistency is vital. In many cases, the messaging becomes diluted when advertisements viewed by potential consumers on television, on the Internet, and in print media look dramatically different from the way the products appear to those potential customers in advertisements showcased in a retail store. In particular, a small color change in an advertisement can cause a drastic change in the overall mood of a potential customer viewing the advertisement.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, a tunable white light box includes light sources and a controller for individually controlling each of the light sources. The light sources each generate a light having a peak wavelength that differs from the peak wavelength generated by another one of the light sources. The controller individually adjusts each of the light sources to generate a color temperature for a translucent media containing an image.

In some instances, different translucent media having a same image but produced with different manufacturing techniques may have different color temperatures when affixed to the tunable white light box for a given mixture of light intensities of the light sources in the tunable white light box. An advantage of the tunable white light box is that the controller may adjust the light intensities of the light sources, for example based on user input, so that the tunable white light box generates the same color temperature through different media.

In some embodiments, the tunable white light box includes a media sensor for measuring the color temperature of the translucent media when the translucent media is affixed to the tunable white light box. In these embodiments, the controller adjusts the light intensities of the light sources based on the measured color temperature to generate a predetermined color temperature of the translucent media. For example, the controller may adjust the light intensities of the light sources based on the measured color temperature and a user input indicating the predetermined color temperature so that the translucent media has the predetermined color temperature. In this way, the tunable white light box may be used to generate the predetermined color temperature of the translucent media quickly and easily.

In some embodiments, the tunable white light box includes an ambient light sensor for measuring the color temperature of ambient light. In these embodiments, the controller adjusts the light intensities of the light sources based on the measured color temperature of the ambient light to generate a same color temperature in different translucent media attached to the tunable white light box. For example, the controller may compute light intensity values for the light sources based on the measured color temperature of the ambient light and individually adjust the light intensities of the light sources based on the light intensity values.

In some embodiments, the tunable white light box includes a media light sensor for measuring a color temperature of a translucent media attached to the tunable white light box and an ambient light sensor for measuring the color temperature of ambient light. In these embodiments, the controller adjusts the light intensities of the light sources based on both the measured color temperature of the translucent media and the measured color temperature of the ambient light. For example, the controller may individually adjust the light intensities of the light sources so that the measured color temperature of the translucent media is the same as the measured color temperature of the ambient light.

A tunable white light box, in accordance with one embodiment, includes a light box and a controller. The light box includes light-emitting diode light sources for illuminating a translucent media comprising an image. Each of the light-emitting diode light sources is configured to generate a corresponding light having a peak wavelength. Moreover, the peak wavelength of the light generated by one of the light-emitting diode light sources is different from the peak wavelength of the light generated by another one of the light-emitting diode light sources. In various embodiments, the controller is operable to individually adjust each of the light-emitting diode light sources for adjusting a color temperature of the translucent media. In various embodiments, the controller is operable to individually adjust each of the light-emitting diode light sources for generating a same color temperature for different translucent media having different light diffusion characteristics. In some embodiments, the system includes a light sensor for measuring a color temperature of ambient light. In these embodiments, the controller is configured to individually adjust a light intensity of the light generated by each of the light-emitting diode light sources for generating a color temperature of a translucent media that is substantially the same as the measured color temperature.

A tunable white light box, in accordance with one embodiment, illuminates a translucent media comprising an image. The tunable white light box includes light emitting diode sources, an ambient light sensor, and a controller. Each of the light emitting diode sources is configured to generate a corresponding light having a peak wavelength. Moreover, the peak wavelength of the light generated by a first light-emitting diode light source is different from the peak wavelength of the light generate by a second light-emitting diode light. The ambient light sensor measures a light intensity of ambient light. The controller is configured to individually adjust a light intensity of the light generated by each light-emitting diode light source for generating a color temperature of the translucent media. The controller is further configured to adjust the light intensity of the light generated by the light-emitting diode light sources based on the measured light intensity

A method of illuminating a translucent image, in accordance with one embodiment, includes generating light from corresponding light-emitting diode light sources in a light box for illuminating a translucent media comprising an image. Each light generated by a light-emitting diode light source has a peak wavelength. Moreover, the peak wavelength of the light generated by one of the light-emitting diode light sources is different from the peak wavelength of the light generated by another one of the light-emitting diode light source. The method further includes measuring a color temperature of ambient light. Additionally, the method includes individually adjusting a light intensity of the light generated by each of the light-emitting diode light sources for generating a color temperature of the translucent media that is substantially the same as the measured color temperature.

A method of illuminating a translucent image, in accordance with one embodiment, includes generating a plurality of light from a corresponding plurality of light-emitting diode light sources for illuminating a translucent media comprising an image. Each light of the plurality of light has a peak wavelength. Moreover, the peak wavelength of the light generated by a first light-emitting diode light source of the plurality of light-emitting diode light sources is different from the peak wavelength of the light generate by a second light-emitting diode light source of the plurality of light-emitting diode light sources. The method further includes measuring a light intensity of ambient light. Additionally, the method includes individually adjusting a light intensity of the light generated from each light-emitting diode light source of the plurality of light-emitting diode light sources for generating a color temperature of the translucent media. Further, the method includes adjusting the light intensity of the plurality of light-emitting diode light sources based on the measured ambient light for adjusting a light intensity of the translucent media while maintaining the color temperature of the translucent media.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In various embodiments, a tunable white light box individually controls light sources having different peak wavelengths. Additionally, the tunable white light box individually adjusts each of the light sources to generate a color temperature of a translucent media attached to the tunable white light box. In some embodiments, the tunable white light box measures the color temperature of the translucent media and individually adjusts each of the light sources based on the measured color temperature to generate the color temperature of the translucent media containing the image.

In various embodiments, the tunable white light box can color balance printed images in different mediums or color balance printed images that are printed with different printers, or both. In some embodiments, the tunable white light box can adjust the color of a printed image to compensate for an ambient light source.

FIG. 1illustrates a tunable white light box100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The tunable white light box100includes a light box frame105having a recess110, a plurality of light sources115(e.g., light sources115a-c), and a controller125. The controller125is electrically coupled to each the light sources115. The light box frame105may be any type of housing for containing the light sources115in the recess110of the light box frame105. For example, the light sources115may be mounted to the light box frame105. In some embodiments, the controller125is mounted to the light box frame105, for example within the recess110of the light box frame105. In other embodiments, the controller125is not mounted to the light box frame105.

In various embodiments, each of the light sources115generates light having a peak wavelength, which is a wavelength at which the light was a highest light intensity. In some embodiments, a light source115generates light in a range of wavelengths including the peak wavelength. For example, the light source115may include a light-emitting diode (LED) that generates light predominately at a peak wavelength within a range of wavelengths. Moreover, the combination of the lights generated by the light sources115have a color temperature when mixed with each other.

In various embodiments, the tunable white light box100includes two or more light sources115, each of which generates light at a different peak wavelength. In embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 1, the tunable white light box100includes three light sources115a,115b, and115c, each of which has a different peak wavelength. For example, the light source115amay generate light having a peak wavelength such that the color temperature of the generated light is 3,000 Kelvin (3,000 K), the light source115bmay generate light having a peak wavelength such that the color temperature of the generated light is 4,000 Kelvin (4,000 K), and the light source115cmay generate light having a peak wavelength such that the color temperature of the generated light is 7,000 Kelvin (7,000 K). Further in the example, the tunable white light box100may generate light having a color temperature in the range of 3,000 Kelvin (3,000 K) to 7,000 Kelvin K by adjusting the light intensity of each light source115.

Color temperature is a term often used to characterize the color of light and indicates a mixture of light intensities of light wavelengths in light. Although lights may have the same color temperature, those lights may have different overall light intensities. Conversely, lights that have the same overall light intensity may have different color temperatures. Generally, light having predominant components with higher light intensities at lower wavelengths of the visible light spectrum have lower color temperatures than light having predominant components with higher light intensities at higher wavelengths of the visible light spectrum. Examples of color temperatures are provided in Table 1.

In various embodiments, the controller125adjusts the light intensity of the lights generated by the light sources115based on an input to generate a color temperature of the combination of the lights emitted from the tunable white light box100. For example, the input to the controller125may be a user input. In further embodiments, the controller125adjusts the overall light intensity of the combination of light emitted from the tunable white light box100based on the input while maintaining the color temperature of the light emitted from the tunable white light box100.

In some embodiments, the tunable white light box100includes an optional media light sensor120for measuring a color intensity of a translucent image located adjacent to the light sources115. For example, the translucent image may be attached to the light box frame105over the recess110in the light box frame105. In these embodiments, the controller125stores a measured color temperature of the translucent image based on an input. For example, a user may provide a user input to the controller125for adjusting the color temperature of the translucent media and may then provide another input to the controller125for causing the controller125to store the color temperature of the translucent media measured by the media light sensor120.

In further embodiments, the controller125may adjust the light intensities of the lights generated by the light sources115based on a color temperature measured by the media light sensor120and the color temperature stored in the controller125so that the translucent media has the same as the color temperature as the color temperature stored in the controller125. For example, a user may provide a user input to the controller125for adjusting the color temperature of a first translucent media adjacent to the light sources115and may then provide another input to the controller125for causing the controller125to store the color temperature of the translucent media measured by the media light sensor120. A user may then replace the first translucent media with a second translucent media that has different light diffusion characteristics than the first translucent media. A user may then provide another input to the controller125for causing the controller125to adjust the light intensities of the lights sources115so that the color temperature of the second translucent media measured by the media light sensor120is the same as the stored color temperature. In this way, the controller125color balances the first and second translucent media.

In still further embodiments, the media light sensor120may measure the overall light intensity of the first translucent image and the controller125may store the light intensity based on an input, such as a user input. In these embodiments, the controller125may adjust the light intensities of the lights generated by the light sources115so that the light intensity of the second translucent media is the same as the light intensity stored in the controller125. Moreover, the controller125adjusts the light intensities of the lights generated by the light sources115to adjust the light intensity of the second translucent image while maintaining the color temperature of the second translucent image.

In some embodiments, the tunable white light box100includes an ambient light sensor130for measuring a color intensity of an ambient light external to the tunable white light box100. For example, the ambient light may be lighting in a retail store. In these embodiments, the controller125adjusts the light intensities of the lights generated by the light sources115to adjust the light intensity of a translucent image adjacent to the light sources115while maintaining the color temperature of the translucent image. In some embodiments, the controller125may continually adjust the light intensities of the lights generated by the light sources115in response to changing light intensities measured by the ambient light sensor130.

In some embodiments, the controller125stores the light intensity of the translucent image measured by the ambient light sensor130based on an input. For example, a user may provide a user input to the controller125for adjusting the light intensity of the translucent media and may then provide another input to the controller125for causing the controller125to store the light intensity of the translucent media measured by the media light sensor120. The controller125may then adjust the light intensity of a translucent media adjacent to the light sources115based on a light intensity measured by the ambient light sensor130so that the measured light intensity is the same as the stored light intensity. Moreover, the controller125may adjust the light intensity while maintaining the color temperature of the translucent media.

FIG. 2illustrates the tunable white light box100and a translucent media200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As may be envisioned fromFIG. 2, the translucent media200is adjacent to the light sources115in the recess110of the light box frame105. For example, the translucent media200may be in close proximity to the light box frame105so that the light generated by the light sources115illuminates the translucent media200. As another example, the translucent media200may be attached to the light box frame105so that the translucent media200covers the recess110of the light box frame105and the light generated by the light sources115illuminates the translucent media. In some embodiments, the translucent media200includes an image205. For example, the image205may include objects and text of an advertisement for a retail product.

FIG. 3illustrates a side view of the tunable white light box100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the tunable white light box100generates a light305and emits the light305from the recess110of the light box frame105. The light305emitted from the tunable white light box100has a color temperature and a light intensity. Moreover, the light305generated by the tunable white light box100is considered to be an undiffused light when the light305is not diffused by a translucent media.

In embodiments including the ambient light sensor130, the ambient light sensor130measures a color temperature of an ambient light300. In some embodiments, the ambient light sensor130also measures an overall light intensity of the ambient light.

FIG. 4illustrates a side view of the tunable white light box100and a translucent media adjacent to the recess110of the light box frame105, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As may be envisioned fromFIGS. 3 and 4, the undiffused light305generated by the tunable white light box100is diffused by the translucent media200and becomes a diffused light405. In this way, the light generated by the tunable white light box100illuminates the translucent media200to a color temperature and a light intensity. In embodiments including the media light sensor120, the media light sensor120measures the color temperature of the translucent media200by measuring the color temperature of the diffused light405. In some embodiments, the media light sensor120also measures an overall light intensity of the translucent media200by measuring the light intensity of the diffused light405.

FIG. 5illustrates operation of the tunable white light box100for two translucent media200aand200bhaving different light diffusion characteristics, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As may be envisioned fromFIG. 5, the tunable white light box100generates an undiffused light305ahaving a color temperature of 6,000 degrees Kelvin (6,000 K). The translucent media200ahas an image205aand generates a diffused light405aby diffusing the undiffused light305agenerated by the tunable white light box100. The color temperature of the diffused light405ahas a temperature of 5,200 degrees Kelvin (5,200 K) because of the light diffusion characteristics of the translucent media200a.

As may also be envisioned fromFIG. 5, the tunable white light box100generates an undiffused light305bhaving a color temperature of 6,000 degrees Kelvin (6,000 K). The translucent media200bhas an image205band generates a diffused light405bby diffusing the undiffused light305bgenerated by the tunable white light box100. The color temperature of the diffused light405bhas a temperature of 5,800 degrees Kelvin (5,800 K) because of the light diffusion characteristics of the translucent media200b. Thus the color temperature of the translucent media200ais less than the color temperature of the translucent media200bfor respective undiffused lights305aand305bgenerated by the tunable white light box100having the same color temperature. In addition to having different color temperatures, the translucent media200aand200bmay have different light intensities because of the different diffusion characteristics (e.g., different opacities) of the translucent media200aand200b.

FIG. 6illustrates operation of the tunable white light box100for the two translucent media200aand200b, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As may be envisioned fromFIG. 6, the tunable white light box100generates an undiffused light305ahaving a color temperature of 6,000 degrees Kelvin (6,000 K). A translucent media200ahaving an image205agenerates a diffused light405aby diffusing the undiffused light305agenerated by the tunable white light box100. The color temperature of the diffused light405ahas a temperature of 5,200 degrees Kelvin (5,200 K) because of the light diffusion characteristics of the translucent media200a.

As may also be envisioned fromFIG. 6, the tunable white light box100generates an undiffused light305bhaving a color temperature of 5,400 degrees Kelvin (5,400 K). A translucent media200bhaving an image205bgenerates a diffused light405bby diffusing the undiffused light305bgenerated by the tunable white light box100. The color temperature of the diffused light405bhas a temperature of 5,200 degrees Kelvin (5,200 K) because of the light diffusion characteristics of the translucent media200b. Thus the color temperature of the translucent media200ais the same as the color temperature of the translucent media200bfor respective undiffused lights305aand305bgenerated by the tunable white light box100having different color temperatures. In this way, the tunable white light box100matches the color temperatures of the two translucent media200aand200bby adjusting the color temperature of the lights305aand305bgenerated by tunable white light box100. Furthermore, the tunable white light box100may match the light intensities of the two translucent media200aand200bby adjusting the overall light intensity of the light305bgenerated by tunable white light box100while maintaining the color temperatures of the translucent media20b.

In various embodiments, a user may provide input to the tunable white light box100to adjust the color temperature of a translucent media200. For example, a user may provide input to the tunable white light box100to match the color temperature of a translucent media200with the color temperature of another translucent media200attached to another white tunable light box100. As another example, a user may provide input to the tunable white light box100to match the color temperature of a translucent media200with the color temperature of a reference media. Further in the example, the reference media may include the same image205of the translucent media and need not be translucent. One example of the reference media is a photograph containing the image205.

FIG. 7illustrates the light source115, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The light source115includes a light strip700, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs)705, and a light-emitting diode driver (LED driver)710. The light-emitting diode driver710is electrically coupled to the light-emitting diodes705and the controller125. Furthermore, the light-emitting diode driver710is and the light-emitting diodes705are attached to the light strip700. The light strip700is mechanically coupled to the light box frame105. For example, the light strip700may be attached to the light box frame105.

In various embodiments, the controller125individually controls each of the light sources115by individually controlling the light-emitting diode drivers710of the light sources115. In some embodiments, the controller125individually controls the light-emitting diode drivers710of the light sources115by generating and providing a respective pulse width modulated control signal to each of the light-emitting diode drivers710. In turn, the light-emitting diode driver710of each light source115generates a driver signal, based on the pulse width modulated signal received from the controller125by the light-emitting diode driver710, for providing electrical power to the light-emitting diodes705of the light strip700. In contrast to these embodiments of the light strip700, other light box systems provide pulse width modulated signals including electrical power to a light strip for directly powering light-emitting diodes on the light strip.

An advantage of these embodiments of the light source115is the controller125generates the pulse width modulated signals for controlling the light strips700and the light-emitting drivers710generate the driver signals including the electrical power for powering the light-emitting diodes705. In this way, each of the light strips700may have a respective power supply which allows the controller125to control a larger number of light strips700in contrast to other light box systems that have a single power supply and provide electrical power to light strips directly through pulse width modulated signals.

FIG. 8illustrates a method800of generating a color temperature of a translucent media, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In step805, lights having different peak wavelengths are generated for illuminating a translucent media. In various embodiments, the light sources115of the tunable white light box100generate the lights based on control signals generated by the controller125of the tunable white light box100. The method800then proceeds to step810.

In step810, the color temperature of ambient light is measured. In various embodiments, the ambient light sensor130of the tunable white light box100measures the color temperature of the ambient light. In some embodiments, a user measures the color temperature of the ambient light in a subjective manner, for example by viewing the ambient light and forming an opinion of the color temperature. The method800then proceeds to step815.

In step815, the light intensities of the lights are adjusted based on the measured color temperature for generating a color temperature of the translucent media. In various embodiments, the controller125of the tunable white light box100adjusts the lights intensities of the lights generated by the tunable white light box100based on the measured color temperature for modifying the color temperature of a translucent media200. The method800then ends. In alternative embodiments, the method800returns to step805one or more times after step815before the method800ends.

In various embodiments, the method800may have more or fewer steps that the steps805-815described above and illustrated inFIG. 8. In some embodiments, one or more of the steps805-815may be performed in parallel with each other. In some embodiments, the steps805-815may be performed in a different order than that described above and illustrated inFIG. 8. In some embodiments, one or more of steps805-815may be performed more than once in the method800.

FIG. 9illustrates a method900of generating a color temperature of a translucent media, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In step905, lights having different peak wavelengths are generated for illuminating a translucent media. In various embodiments, the light sources115of the tunable white light box100generate the lights based on control signals generated by the controller125of the tunable white light box100. The method900then proceeds to step910.

In step910, a color temperature of the translucent media is measured. In various embodiments, the media light sensor120of the tunable white light box100measures the color temperature of a translucent media200. In some embodiments, a user measures the color temperature of the ambient light in a subjective manner, for example by viewing the translucent media200and forming an opinion of the color temperature. The method900then proceeds to step915.

In step915, the light intensities of the lights are adjusted based on the measured color temperature for modifying the color temperature of the translucent media. In various embodiments, the controller125of the tunable white light box100adjusts the lights intensities of the lights generated by the tunable white light box100based on the measured color temperature for modifying the color temperature of a translucent media200. The method900then ends. In alternative embodiments, the method900returns to step905one or more times after step915before the method900ends.

In various embodiments, the method900may have more or fewer steps that the steps905-915described above and illustrated inFIG. 9. In some embodiments, one or more of the steps905-915may be performed in parallel with each other. In some embodiments, the steps905-915may be performed in a different order than that described above and illustrated inFIG. 9. In some embodiments, one or more of steps905-915may be performed more than once in the method900.

FIG. 10illustrates a method1000of generating a color temperature of a translucent media, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In step1005, lights having different peak wavelengths are generated for illuminating a translucent media. In various embodiments, the light sources115of the tunable white light box100generate the lights based on control signals generated by the controller125of the tunable white light box100. The method1000then proceeds to step1010.

In step1010, a color temperature of a first translucent media is measured. In various embodiments, the media light sensor120of the tunable white light box100measures the color temperature of a first translucent media200. In some embodiments, a user measures the color temperature of the first translucent media200in a subjective manner, for example by viewing the ambient light and forming an opinion of the color temperature. The method1000then proceeds to optional step1015.

In optional step1015, a light intensity of the first translucent media is measured. In various embodiments, the media light sensor120of the tunable white light box100measures the light intensity of the first translucent media200. In some embodiments, a user measures the light intensity of the first translucent media200in a subjective manner, for example by viewing the translucent media200and forming an opinion of the light intensity. The method1000then proceeds to step1020.

In step1020, the light intensities of the lights are adjusted based on the measured color temperature for generating the measured color temperature in a second translucent media. In various embodiments, the controller125of the tunable white light box100adjusts the light intensities of the lights generated by the tunable white light box100based on the measured color temperature for generating the color temperature of the second translucent media200. In some embodiments, the controller125adjusts the light intensities of the lights based on user input. The method1000then proceeds to optional step1025.

In optional step1025, the light intensities of the lights are adjusted based on the measured light intensity for generating the measured light intensity in the second translucent media while maintaining the color temperature of the second translucent media. In various embodiments, the controller125of the tunable white light box100adjusts the lights intensities of the lights generated by the tunable white light box100based on the measured light intensity for generating the light intensity of the second translucent media200. In some embodiments, the controller125adjusts the light intensities of the lights based on user input. The method1000then ends. In alternative embodiments, the method1000returns to step1005one or more times after step1025before the method1000ends.

In various embodiments, the method1000may have more or fewer steps that the steps1005-1025described above and illustrated inFIG. 10. In some embodiments, one or more of the steps1005-1025may be performed in parallel with each other. In some embodiments, the steps1005-1025may be performed in a different order than that described above and illustrated inFIG. 10. In some embodiments, one or more of steps1005-1025may be performed more than once in the method1000.