MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONPUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION
7-3, Marunouchi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-8310 JapanFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

No. 3215

Customer Inquiries

Media Inquiries

Advanced Technology R&D Center
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
www.MitsubishiElectric.com/ssl/contact/company/rd/form.html
www.MitsubishiElectric.com/company/rd/

Public Relations Division
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
prd.gnews@nk.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp
www.MitsubishiElectric.com/news/

Mitsubishi Electric’s New Lighting System Mimics
Blue Skies, Sunrises and Sunsets
Will enhance indoor lighting with sky-like depth and colors adjusted to time of day to make indoor spaces
feel larger and more open
TOKYO, September 27, 2018 – Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that it
has developed an indoor lighting technology that mimics the daily change of natural light from sunrise to blue
sky to sunset. The system, which consists of a thin panel and frame measuring less than 100mm, incorporates
a proprietary edge-lit method that emits LED light from the side of the light panel to achieve highly naturallight with the depth and color of the sky. Mitsubishi Electric will exhibit its new technology during CEATECJAPAN 2018 at the Makuhari Messe exhibition complex in Chiba, Japan from October 16 to 19. The timingof the envisioned commercial release will be announced later.

Blue sky panel

Frame
Prototype simulating blue sky

Basic structure of prototype

Sample application as skylights

Sample application as skylights and windows

1/2Modern workplaces are being upgraded to create comfortable environments that stimulate and motivate
employees. This includes the enhancement of lighting in offices that have darkened or covered windows or nowindows altogether. Mitsubishi Electric’s new system, unlike conventional LED lighting system, produces
highly natural light, including colors similar to those of sunrises and sunsets as well as blue skies, and createsa sense of depth to make indoor spaces feel larger and more open.
Main Features
1)

Thin package produces light with depth and colors similar to real sky- Edge-lit panel emits LED light from the side to mimic the sky’s Rayleigh scattering effect, which
occurs when sunlight strikes atmospheric air molecules in the daytime and scatterings shortwavelength blue light more strongly than long-wavelength red light, making the sky appear blue whenviewed from below.
- Panel and frame thickness measure less than 100mm combined, comparable to an ordinary lighting
fixture, for wide-ranging applications in offices and public facilities. Also, panels can be tiled to coverlarge ceilings.

2)

Replicates colors of blue sky and both sunrises and sunsets- LED light source colors are controlled automatically throughout the day to replicate daily transitionsof natural light from sunrise to midday sunlight to sunset.

Future Developments
Going forward, Mitsubishi Electric will develop applications that provide pleasing natural-like light in offices,public facilities and other environment where natural light is limited or unavailable.
Patents
The patents for the developed technology in this press release number five in Japan and one abroad.
###About Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
With nearly 100 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products, Mitsubishi ElectricCorporation (TOKYO: 6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electricaland electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite
communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment.
Embracing the spirit of its corporate statement, Changes for the Better, and its environmental statement, EcoChanges, Mitsubishi Electric endeavors to be a global, leading green company, enriching society withtechnology. The company recorded consolidated group sales of 4,444.4 billion yen (in accordance with IFRS;
US$ 41.9 billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018. For more information visit:
www.MitsubishiElectric.com*At an exchange rate of 106 yen to the US dollar, the rate given by the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on
March 31, 20182/2