Abstract:
A system and method for assisting in aiming, designing, and demonstrating a lighting scheme for a target space. Aiming points in the actual physical space can be described either with descriptive terms, relative to a coordinate system, or otherwise. Those descriptions can be stored or recorded. The can then be recalled at another time to supply information relevant to aiming lighting fixtures, designing lighting systems for that target space, or demonstrating (either real or simulated) illumination of the target area. In one aspect, the foregoing method can be assisted with an apparatus or system which mounts an aiming module with a fixture or lighting modules or sources on a fixture or both. The aiming module can also project or guide a user as to superposing the light output distribution pattern of a fixture or light source to the target to help locate parts of the beam in the target.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to provisional application Ser. No. 61/619,995 filed Apr. 4, 2012, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to the field of lighting. Embodiments of the invention have particular application to LED and/or other solid state lighting sources, but may be applicable to all types of lighting. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    As explained below, a number of situations exist where lighting fixtures for illuminating an area or target, must be designed, demonstrated, and/or installed. Configurations could range from relatively simple and small scale to relatively complex and/or large scale (plural fixtures, elevated to substantial heights, with comprehensive lighting coordination). Just as the physics of light are esoteric and subtle, so are the needs and demands associated with efficient and effective design, demonstration, and installation of lighting systems. There is a vast number of available options in lighting (e.g. types of light sources, types of optics, color, color temperature, intensity, efficiency, etc.) and a wide variety of potential applications of illumination schemes for different applications; this presents complexities to lighting designers, manufacturers and installers. 
       Lighting Schemes 
       [0004]    Lighting schemes (i.e. light, typically from artificial sources applied according to a plan to a target area) attempt to create an ambient effect based on the interaction of artificial lighting with a target area, as perceived by viewers. Examples of effects include:
       a. sufficient (but not excess) lighting for a task or activity, such as walking, driving, reading, playing sports, etc.;   b. visual perceptions which convey mood, enhance or beautify an area or object, or emphasize or contrast one area or object compared to another;   c. displays of light which in themselves have aesthetic appeal;   d. avoiding illuminating or over-illuminating certain objects or areas which are in, near to, or outside the target area;   e. avoiding or reducing uplighting (light above horizontal, directed skyward);   f. avoiding subjective negative effects such as harshness or glare; and   g. other desired effects.       
 
         [0012]    Lighting schemes may be specified, in a first case, according to quantitative and qualitative values, such as lumens at given locations, color temperature, incident angle, etc., or in a second case, the scheme is more subjective (i.e. something like “a generally bright, warm, and cheerful effect, highlighting the architectural features of the area and providing good lighting for night time walking”). Both cases typically require considerable expertise from the lighting designer to provide lighting matching the expectations of the customer. In the second case particularly, the customer typically does not have sufficient knowledge of lighting to be able to provide measurable specifications. The result may be an inability to communicate what is desired to the designer such that the customer can only say “I&#39;ll know it when I see it.” 
       Lighting Design 
       [0013]    Lighting design is the art and science of creating a scheme of lighting which will create the desired effect. Typically a lighting designer attempts to create the scheme of lighting based on a description of the desired effect provided by someone concerned with a target area (“the customer”). The designer then specifies physical components of a lighting system. Specifications can include type (HID, incandescent, LED, etc.), number, size, and placement of light sources, as well as other factors such as varying basic lighting types, using lenses, reflectors, deflectors, etc., and changing the color, color temperature, intensity, and overall light output. Locations for lighting sources will be specified, including positioning relative to landmarks on the site and aiming coordinates relative to mounting location and/or the target area or landmarks. From these specifications, a specific group of components comprising a lighting system will be collected and physically installed in a location. Care will be taken during and following installation to adjust the lighting system in order to meet the original description and specifications. 
         [0014]    After a lighting system has been installed, the customer will evaluate the lighting system with reference to their original request. 
         [0015]    If, as in the first case above, the request was rather detailed and specific, usually the system as designed will meet the expectations of the customer. However during design or installation it may become apparent that lighting sources that exactly meet the desired specifications may not be available. Likewise it may become apparent that ambient conditions may be actually different than described because of error or because of a physical change in the target area. Thus considerable effort may be spent by the designer and installer to adjust the aim of the lighting sources in order to meet specifications. These adjustments must be made during night time hours, which can be quite inconvenient, since sunlight obscures the effect of night lighting. 
         [0016]    In the second, less specific, case above, in addition to the same problems of design and installation, the subjectivity of the specification can cause the customer not to be satisfied with the result. Although the system of lighting may perfectly match the specifications from the designer, the effect of the lighting as perceived by the customer may not be what was originally desired. The customer having previously said “I&#39;ll know it when I see it” now “sees it” and can only say “and this isn&#39;t what I wanted.” 
       Lighting Demonstration 
       [0017]    Another concern in the field of lighting is the difficulty of providing a demonstration of proposed lighting. Many more lighting projects might be undertaken if there were ways to show a potential client a realistic simulation or demonstration. For instance, if a live demonstration is attempted, much effort is often spent by a lighting supplier at night, after normal working hours before the lights can even be shown. Lights must be set up and manually aimed, then reconfigured by trial and error to demonstrate live to a customer different lighting schemes. This is difficult, time consuming, and labor intensive. 
         [0018]    Thus, there is need in the field of lighting for improvements (1) in the ability to create lighting schemes which accurately represent what the customer desires and (2) in the ability to adjust aim of lighting systems. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0019]    The invention envisions various methods, systems and apparatuses which provide these and other improvements. 
         [0020]    It is therefore a principle object, feature, advantage, or aspect of the present invention to improve over the state of the art and/or address problems, issues, or deficiencies in the art. 
         [0021]    One embodiment according to aspects of the invention uses point-by-point analysis to provide aiming points for fixtures by identifying a reference as well as lighting target locations and lighting installation locations with reference to the aiming point or other fixed reference points. One result of this analysis is the ability to identify points on a target area such as a field, lot, or building, which can be used as targets for aiming fixtures. This can be accomplished using traditional surveying type methods, GPS location, cameras, range finders, etc. 
         [0022]    Other embodiments according to aspects of the invention use multiple lasers to indicate the approximate extent of the light applied from a given lighting fixture to a given area, allowing estimation of light levels at a given isocandela contour (for instance at the 50% beam intensity curve) and approximate placement of lighting fixtures even during daylight hours. The lasers may be installed on lighting fixtures to provide direct aiming, or may be mounted such that their aiming coordinates may be transferred to light fixtures. The patterns from the laser arrays can indicate proper aiming at a desired overlap level at a given isocandela curve from the fixture. Additionally, for applications where avoiding unwanted light is important, lasers may be configured to indicate either zero light intensity, as might be used with a so-called “cutoff” fixture, or at a 10% intensity isocandela curve to ensure that light beyond a target area is limited to an acceptable level. 
         [0023]    Other embodiments according to aspects of the invention uses an apparatus such as a scope or camera which is aligned with a light source (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5A  reference numeral  40 ) to provide a view of the area which would be illuminated by a given isocandela curve from the fixture. This view could be used by itself for aligning a fixture, or it could be optically or electronically aligned with an overall view of the target area such as an image from a camera located at a known reference point. 
         [0024]    In conjunction with the above embodiments, or with the use of separately obtained images of a target area, in other embodiments according to aspects of the invention, software or hardware means could be employed to simulate many factors of a proposed illumination scheme for the target area, thereby providing a useful simulation of proposed lighting as well as technical specifications for fixtures and aiming parameters. Also envisioned are embodiments according to aspects of the invention which use other aspects of the invention to provide or facilitate provision of pricing quotations, placement diagrams, and installation plans. 
         [0025]    Other embodiments facilitate demonstrating lighting techniques and applications by reducing the amount of time spent at night in set up and trial and error, thereby improving the ability to show features and options of proposed lighting systems. 
         [0026]    These and other objects, features, advantages, or aspects of the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the accompanying specification. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    From time-to-time in this description reference will be taken to the drawings which are identified by figure number and are summarized below. 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  illustrates a laser array according to aspects of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 2A-G  illustrate a lighting source, applications, and embodiments according to aspects of the invention using an individual light source. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 3A-E  illustrates a lighting source, applications, and embodiments according to aspects of the invention using two or more individual light sources installed in one or more fixtures. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 4A  and B illustrate an alignment method and embodiments according to aspects of the invention using a fiberoptic viewing apparatus. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 5A-B  illustrate an alignment method and embodiments according to aspects of the invention using a camera viewing apparatus. 
           [0033]      FIGS. 6A-E  illustrate an alignment method and embodiments according to aspects of the invention using a camera viewing apparatus and associated display method. 
           [0034]      FIGS. 7A-B  illustrates an alignment method and embodiments according to aspects of the invention using a central reference point to create separate aiming points. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that variations to the embodiments specifically discussed herein are possible. 
       Overview 
       [0036]    Lighting fixtures often have a projected beam which varies in intensity from the highest intensity (100%) at a central point along the central axis to a point at some angle where the light is diminished to very little usefulness (typically defined as 10% of the central value). At some angle in-between the central point and the 10% extent, the beam will have an intensity of 50% of the central value. When this beam is projected normal to a surface, the points on the surface having that 50% intensity may be described as the “50% isocandela curve” (or “50% curve”). When two lights are aimed such the 50% curve from each light source are partially intersecting, the effect will be illumination that is close to 100% of the value of one fixture across most of the area which is illuminated simultaneously by both lights. This becomes a principle for aiming lights which generally provides good results. Note that these points are determined using a light meter, but are not obvious to the casual observer. This contributes to the impression of even lighting in a given area, but can make precise aiming difficult. 
         [0037]    In general, the present invention relates to methods, apparatus and systems that can be beneficial to the design, demonstration and/or installation of lighting systems. As described in the Background of Invention, conventional practice is to gather information from a customer about what the illumination should be like, design the system based on lighting design knowledge and skills, and either attempt to demonstrate it with simulation before installation or install it. Some of the difficulties with conventional processes have been discussed above. Some of the subtleties include but are not limited to the following. Any such lighting systems have significant capital costs. Supporting structures to elevate the fixtures, in-ground foundations, multiple fixtures and light sources, wiring and other electrical components are required. Thus, installation according to a design which does not result in approval by the customer risks loss to the installer if equipment must be changed. Just the loss regarding having to adjust the installed equipment can be significant. Conversely, if any installer tries to rig up a simulation of a lighting design before installation of it permanently, it is difficult to simulate, especially if the plan calls for elevated fixtures and a lot of them. It is difficult too, on a temporary basis for demonstration, to both have the right equipment and produce an accurate simulation. Still further, there is room for improvement on the front end—namely in designing the lighting plan. There are a number of computerized lighting design programs some of which are commercially available, that let lighting designers input design criteria and help create such things as placement and aiming of fixtures based on the input criteria and parameters like (light levels, color, etc.). However, there are subtle limitations and issues with such conventional programming and processes. For example, most such programs require a high level of lighting knowledge and design expertise to operate and evaluate. Another example is that existing programming does not allow easily understandable simulations or demonstrations of selected designs to the designer or customers, installers, or other interested parties. Still further, there is a need for better tools to assist in such things as not only demonstrating a proposed lighting design in an efficient and easy manner but also to efficiently set up either demonstration or installation of a design or assist in easy and quick adjust of either a demonstration, preliminary, or final installed lighting system. There is a need for improved lighting design tools. 
         [0038]    For a better understanding of the invention, specific embodiments of aspects of the invention will now be set forth. It is to be understood that these specific embodiments are for the purposes of illustrating some of the different forms the invention can take and not by way of limitation to the invention. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0039]    One embodiment according to aspects of the invention uses point-by-point analysis to provide aiming points for fixtures. The result of this analysis is the ability to identify points on a target area such as a field, lot, or building, which can be used as targets for aiming fixtures. Frequent reference should be taken to  FIGS. 7A  and B. This example, illustrated through  FIGS. 7A  and B, pertains to an illumination task for buildings and other objects on a property. The  FIGS. 7A  and B show an image that could be displayed on screen  650  of, for example, a digital camera, or some display associated with a computer (laptop, PDA, smart phone, desktop, etc.). However, in this example, the methodology is applied to the physical property in the following way. 
         [0040]    An efficient way to set up a demonstration of lighting or install lighting for illuminating the house, the trees to the right of the house, and the statue to the left of the house, would be to establish in real space aiming points on the targets (house, trees, statue) from a fixed reference location ( 710 ). These points  740 - 748 , from known reference position  710  can be found through any of a number of known ways to define the relationship between points  740 - 748  and the reference location  710 . Examples are Cartesian, spherical, or polar coordinate systems for three-dimensions. Other relationships that would define the same are possible. A number of aiming points can be selected according to need or desire. Additional points or measurements could be included, for example, to define a perimeter of one of the objects or the entire area of the target. 
         [0041]    These measurements defining known physical space relationships to the reference  710  can be stored or recorded by any number of means. One convenient way would be with some sort of digital device that allows input. Another way would be use of commercially available equipment such as used in surveying which has integrated with it the capacity to store similar data. Once this is captured and recorded, a physical space framework is defined. One example of information that could be recorded would be a physical description of the location of each point  740 - 748 . For example point  740  could be characterized in the recorded data as the middle belt line of the statue to the left of the house. Point  748  could be defined as the middle of the middle trees to the right of the house. Point  741  could be defined as midpoint between middles of left-most two windows at top of house. 
         [0042]    Such a recorded characterization of actual physical space of the target can be preserved and then recalled for a number of beneficial uses. One would be for the lighting designer. Reference points to the known reference  710  could be used as aiming points for lighting fixtures or in some way correlation points to aiming for lighting fixtures. As indicated in  FIG. 7B , the position of the fixtures  720  and  730 , there shown elevated on poles and away from the reference point  710 , is not the same as reference point  710 . But the lighting designer could use those aiming points in the design plan and correlate the lighting fixtures thereto. Another example would be a demonstration of a lighting system. Having the pre-known aiming points  740 - 748  could allow quick setup of a temporary demonstration of lighting allowing the person setting up the demonstration to have pre-known, well identifiable physical aiming points. The quick and easy aiming could be accomplished by estimating with tilt and pan orientation of each fixture to its aiming point. Alternatively, more precise ways could be used such as using some sort of a device as a laser or surveying matching to provide the correct vector to the aiming point. 
         [0043]    In any event, the system of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  has several benefits over conventional processes. One benefit of the system of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  is improving accuracy and reproducibility of demonstrations. Since precise aiming points are identified, lighting can be aimed without guesswork. Aiming points are not dependent on an operator&#39;s memory of a site, and are normally preserved regardless of time interval between site measurement, demonstration, and final installation. Further, if modifications to the installation are desired, any amount of the original lighting installation might be removed and replaced without requiring a repeat of the initial site measurement. Thus less care might be needed in removing the lighting installed according to the system of  FIGS. 7A and 7B , since aiming parameters are easily reproducible. 
         [0044]    Another benefit of the system of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  is making it possible to simulate proposed lighting for a site while at a location distant from the site. Lighting demonstrations via display can show views of proposed lighting, including variations in intensity, balance, color/color temperature, etc., which can be reproduced with a high degree of fidelity in the actual installation. 
         [0045]    Another benefit of said system relating to demonstration is the ease of performing demonstrations via simulation remotely from both the installation site and from the site performing the analysis and demonstration of the lighting installation. For instance, a customer headquartered in New York might be interested in lighting a location in Texas. After a technician has visited the site in Texas, the information about the site may be transmitted electronically to a site in Iowa where the analysis is performed. The display of the demonstration may be transmitted electronically to the customer in New York. Changes requested from New York could be instantly shown from the remote location. Or local and distance demonstrations could be combined. 
         [0046]    The remote demonstrations could be accomplished through commercially available methods such as internet, dedicated phone lines, video phone service, etc. 
         [0047]    Another benefit of said system is providing the ability to record site information in a standardized format. Even if limited or no use is made of the above features, the description of the site and its features would provide information that could be useful for conventional lighting design. 
         [0048]    Another benefit of said system is the ability to provide information in order to quickly set up temporary or permanent lighting installations. A technician might visit a site, design a lighting system, install and aim the system all during daylight hours. Then a customer could be shown a system on that same night. The system could be further adjusted or could be used as the permanent installation or the model for a permanent installation. This is a significant improvement in timeliness and ability to reliably demonstrate a proposed lighting system, and provides potential for reduction in cost for lighting design. 
         [0049]    Further discussion of the embodiment of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  follows. 
         [0050]    As envisioned, a reference point at some distance from the target area is identified as to geographical location and elevation. This identification can be absolute, for example based on GPS information, or relative to a landmark at the site, such as by specifying a distance and angle from a particular landmark, or by specifying a distance from multiple landmarks. The reference point location is correlated to the location of the target area and dimensional data is recorded for the site. This data may include measurements of distance, angle, and elevation relative to landmark(s) and relative to the target area. Optical instruments such as rangefinders, transits, theodolites, etc. may be used to find position information. A digital camera or other recording device may be used to capture sight information. In one embodiment, a laser transit  710 ,  FIG. 7A , is used both to record distance and angular position information as well as to provide a visual “laser dot” aiming point on the target area. 
         [0051]    Information recorded relative to the reference point, as well as visual observations on-site, is used to create a point-by-point aiming plan. This plan specifies individual locations  740 - 748 ,  FIG. 7A , on the target area as aiming points for individual fixtures. From this information, a lighting plan is devised for the site which specifies fixture locations  720  and  730  ( FIG. 7B ) and also type and number of fixtures. Then for demonstration or permanent installation, the fixtures are installed and aimed at the specific locations on the target area. 
         [0052]    This aiming may be accomplished by using the existing aiming device (for example the laser transit) to recreate the aiming points on the target area. For example, visible laser dots are projected onto the target area. Then, using aiming methods previously discussed, the central axes of the fixtures are aimed to the laser dots as illustrated in  FIG. 7B . 
         [0053]    These methods may be implemented also, for example, using a camera to record a digital photo of a target area. Specific features of the target area may serve, by themselves, or in combination with measuring and analysis methods, to provide the aiming points. In other words, something equivalent to saying “the upper right corner of the first window from the left on the top” may be a sufficiently accurate description for the aiming methods previously described, such as using a laser beam which is coaxial with the central axis of the fixture. 
         [0054]    Additionally, since several factors relating to the surface finish characteristics of the target area will have significant influence on the amount of light required to be supplied to the surface in order to achieve a desired visual effect, the point-by-point analysis may also be combined with a visual evaluation and/or luminance readings in order to make adjustments to calculations for the lighting plan. In other words, if the area surrounding point  747 ,  FIG. 7A  is painted a significantly darker color than the other areas on the building, possibly twice as much light will be needed to be provided to that area in order to create the desired visual effect. These observations or calculations may be recorded informally, included in manual calculations, or incorporated into automated calculations or design software. 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0055]    Variation on the concept of helping define aiming points or assisting in characterizing how lighting would actually apply to a given lighting task are illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A-G, and  3 A-E. Instead of utilizing some reference points with range and azimuth measurement capabilities to then record a description of aiming points or other locations at the physical target, the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A-G, and  3 A-E utilize one or more laser beams that would project from either a demonstration location, tentative installation location, or permanent installation location for a light fixture to the actual target. Among other things, the lasers can be used to assist in several useful procedures. The procedures include, but are not limited to: visualizing how a fixture&#39;s light beam would place on the target; aiming (either from the aiming location for the fixture or from the fixture itself to the target), or helping characterize the light beam pattern on the target. 
         [0056]    In these examples, when a light fixture is referenced, it relates to a fixture having one or more LED or solid state light sources. The LED light source can be fixed in position in the fixture or, as with any of the examples, could be individually adjustable in orientation relative its fixture. Of course, each LED source could be of a variety of different light output characteristics including beam pattern, intensity, color, etc. For purposes of illustration and not limitation, the drawings illustrate some fixtures with plural LED sources (four). Of course, it could be one, two, three, four, ten, one hundred, or even more per fixture. 
         [0057]    Another commonality of the embodiments under the second embodiment is the use of a laser beam in association with the light fixture. The laser beam could be a single laser such as is diagrammatically illustrated at reference number  70  in  FIG. 2B , such as are quite inexpensive (a few dollars) and purchasable commercially off the shelf and can provide a reasonably straight beam on the order of 500 feet. Alternatively, they can be more expensive lasers certified to be with close tolerance coaxial with their housing. The more expensive certified lasers would take less calibration than the cheaper ones in their functions with the exemplary embodiments. The lasers are mounted relative to a lighting fixture so that their beam projects in a known relationship with some attribute of the fixture (for example with the central aiming axis of the fixture or a light source of the fixture). Alternatively, they could be aimed to help visually define some aspect of a beam pattern from either the fixture compositely or individual light sources of a fixture. An example of an inexpensive laser can be found at U.S. 2006/0245189 (incorporated by reference herein) or, for example, the “Apollo VMP-1200 Laser Pointer, available from B&amp;H Photo and Video (www.bhphotovideo.com/). 
         [0058]    An example of LED fixtures can be found at U.S. 2009/0323330 (incorporated by reference herein). 
         [0059]    In particular, as implied diagrammatically at  FIG. 2A  (an isolated diagrammatic depiction of an LED fixture), each LED source  50  could be mounted in a mount  60  on fixture  37  where the mount allows adjustability (pan and tilt) of source  50  relative to fixture  37 . The adjustability can be made in a number of ways to set the central aiming axis of each source  50  in a desired direction relative to fixture  37 . Alternatively, it is to be understood that a fixture  37  could be made by any of a number of well known fabrication techniques (e.g. computer numerical control metal cutters or mills), to produce receivers for the holders  60  of the sources  50  such that when the holders  60  are mounted in the receivers in fixture  37  source  50  would be precisely aimed in a predetermined direction. As can be further appreciated and with reference to the foregoing patents, the arrangement of sources  50  on fixture  37  could vary.  FIG. 2A  shows a radial pattern of four, another conventional arrangement would be aligning plural LEDs in one or more rows on fixture  37 . Examples of adjustable LED&#39;s in fixtures are described at U.S. Pat. No. 8,356,916, incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0060]    Another embodiment according to aspects of the invention uses multiple lasers (or other sources of collimated or highly directed light, hereafter simply “lasers”) to indicate the approximate extents of the light applied from a given lighting fixture to a given area, here area  95 ,  FIG. 2D  (e.g. athletic field, parking lot, or the like).  FIG. 2E  shows two light fixtures  40  and  41  which are aimed at a target area and which have 50% curves  90  and  91  touching. This situation represents a typical aiming pattern. Another aiming pattern might be 10% curves  80  and  81  touching. But in either case, the isocandela curves represent a fixed geometric relationship to the centerline of the light beam as represented by center points  75  and  76 . 
         [0061]    Laser array  10 ,  FIG. 1 , comprises several lasers  20  which can be precisely oriented angularly relative to the centerline of the fixture and radially relative to a fixed location such as a mounting point  30 . Laser  25 , if used, is installed coaxially with the central axis of the array. Lasers  20  and  25  can be relatively inexpensive lasers that project a highly collimated, narrow beam a substantial distance and could be mounted in a reasonably rigid, robust, and environmentally solid mount. Power could be supplied through power cables  35  which could be connected to appropriate electrical power.  FIG. 2E  illustrates points of laser light  150  and  151  which approximately outline the 50% curves  90  and  91 . These points of light are generated by laser arrays  10  and  11  which are affixed to fixtures  40  and  41  on poles  100  and  110  respectively such that the central axis of the fixtures, as represented by points  75  and  76 , are coaxial with the centerline of the laser arrays  10  and  11  as represented by laser light dots  155  and  156 . This group of laser dots improves the ease with which lights may be aimed at night. There can be both the center dots  155 / 156  and the radial sets  150 / 151  projected to the target, a well as the light patterns from fixtures  40  and  41 . The users can better identify the 50% or 10% curves of those beams, and their centers. 
         [0062]    As can be seen by the diagrammatic view of the laser array  10  in  FIG. 1 , each laser  20  can be in a housing that either can be adjustably positioned in the overall array base  10  or, as previously suggested, the plate or base  10  can be fabricated using precisely controlled fabricating machines to form receivers for each laser  20  such that when lasers  20  are installed in the receivers, they are precisely (within reasonable tolerance) aimed in a predetermined direction from the array base or plate  10 . In this manner, the number of lasers  20 , and their beam directions can be predetermined for each array  10  and assembled without having to calibrate or adjust each one. As further diagrammatically illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a power cord  35  could be operatively connected to each laser  20 / 25  and connected to an appropriate source of electrical power such that can be turned on or off as needed with an appropriate switch. 
         [0063]      FIG. 1  reference number  30  diagrammatically illustrates an attachment flange of array  10  for mounting on a light fixture. As can be appreciated, however, the attachment component could be more complex. It could be articulatable or adjustable or otherwise take a number of different forms such as are desired or appropriate for an application. 
         [0064]      FIG. 2F  represents the same situation and components as in  FIG. 2E . However, the light fixtures  40  and  41  are not illuminated. Laser dots  150  and  151  represent the 50% curve location of the fixtures, assuming that laser arrays  10  and  11  have been aligned with the centerline of fixtures  40  and  41 . This may be accomplished by aligning the central laser beam from the laser array with the laser beam from the fixture, or by other means such as using reference geometry. 
         [0065]    Embodiments according to  FIG. 2F  therefore allow the fixtures to be aimed relative to the target area and relative to each other, without energizing the light sources, simply by aligning the laser dots as shown. Further, laser arrays  10  and  11  may be installed in a location in place of the fixtures and aimed (see  FIG. 2G ). Their aiming coordinates relative to their spatial coordinates may be recorded or preserved and applied to the fixtures which may be installed separately. 
         [0066]    Light sources  40  and  41  are shown installed on separate mounting locations and poles  100  and  110 , but could be installed on a common pole or mounting location. Many fixtures, either on a single mounting location or on multiple mounting locations, could be used. Laser arrays could be dedicated to a single fixture, or could be used on many fixtures by simply mounting and aligning the center lasers of the fixture with the center laser of the array. Alternatively, the mounting provisions for the laser arrays and for the light sources could be designed to sufficient precision such that installing the laser array on a fixture, or installing a laser array on the same mounting location as the intended fixture would give results that were sufficiently accurate. 
         [0067]    A slightly different embodiment that could use the foregoing principles is illustrated at  FIGS. 2A-2D . A light fixture  37  (e.g. four hi-power LEDs  50 , each aimable) ( FIG. 2A ) has a single laser  70  mounted so as the laser beam has a known relationship to the central composite beam axis of the four LEDs of fixture  37  ( FIG. 2B ). Operation of laser  70  could help aim the fixture to a projected laser  75  at the target in a manner that its 50% curve  90  and/or 10% curve  80  (the intersection of the 10% intensity point  85  of the composite beam from plural LED&#39;s  58  of fixture  37  with the ground) can be applied in a desired manner to the target ( FIG. 2C ). Or, like  FIG. 2D , a laser ( 70  and  71 ), like laser  70  of  FIG. 2B , could be applied to fixtures  40  and  41  respectively to project a beam center point ( 75  and  76  respectively) to a target to assist in aiming fixtures  40  and  41 , and their respective beam patterns (e.g. 50% and 10% curves,  90 ,  91  and  80 ,  81 ) for efficient illumination coverage of the target. 
         [0068]    It can therefore be seen that each of the embodiments of FIGS.  1  and  2 A-G utilizes a laser that is mounted in a correlated way with some light output characteristic of a light fixture  37 ,  40 ,  41 , or alternatively is simply mounted in a position where a light fixture would be mounted for the application. The ability to project a single laser beam to some point on a target allows at least the following. First, it allows alignment of the fixture with a predetermined point on the target by communication of when the laser beam dot coincides with a predetermined point at the target. Taking from earlier examples, if it was predetermined that an aiming point  748 ,  FIG. 7A , of a fixture was the middle tree of the trees in  FIG. 7A , the fixture could be adjusted so that laser beam  70  coincides with a midpoint vertically and horizontally on the middle tree to confirm such aiming even from a long distance, tens if not hundreds of feet. This could allow aiming even in bright daylight conditions usually because utilizing sufficiently powered and collimated laser would allow a user at or near the trees to visually see the laser dot on the tree. Other methods for identifying alignment with the laser at a substantial distance away are described in U.S. 2006/0245189. 
         [0069]    If, for example, the beam from laser  70  was calibrated to indicate the center of the beam from its fixture  37  at that particular distance from fixture  37  relative to its target, either the installer or the customer could be given a visual image, even in daylight, of where that light would strike. For pre-aiming of fixture prior to a later demonstration, it allows the fixtures to be set up and ready to go for a later nighttime demonstration. 
         [0070]    See for example  FIG. 2C . Laser  70  in fixture  37  is calibrated to fixture  37  to indicate the center of the output pattern beam from fixture  37  when elevated on pole  100 . Thus a single laser beam would provide a perceivable and quite accurate visual marker of center of the beam of fixture  37 . As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is not always possible for the human eye to discern that center. By knowing the exact center  75 , the 50% and 10% curves can be estimated, if needed, even without the light sources of fixture  37  turned on. But, of course, the composite beam  85  of the plural LED sources in fixture  37 , once turned on, will produce the output pattern, in this example on the ground or horizontal surface. The center  75  of the beam, marked by laser  70 , can still be important to demonstrator, installer, or customer. 
         [0071]    One example of use of a single laser beam is illustrated in  FIG. 2D . Center of beam for fixture  40  is indicated from laser  70  by its projection to spot  75 . Similarly, spot  76  does the same for fixture  41  via laser  71 . By any number of means and pre-known information, even without the light beams on from fixtures  40  and  41 , if a person can see the center spot  75  and  76  projected on the target area, here a horizontal surface  95 , knowing characteristics of the output patterns of fixtures  40  and  41  would allow the person to aim the fixtures  40  and  41  so that, for example, their 50% curves  90  and  91  just touch but their 10% curves  80  and  81  overlap as illustrated in  FIG. 2D . 
         [0072]    The more complex laser assembly  10  of  FIG. 1  can be used as illustrated in  FIG. 2E  in a similar fashion to that of  FIG. 2D . Central laser  25  from laser array  10  could be operated alone to indicate center beam  75 . By knowing the output pattern of fixture  40 , the user could adjust fixture  40  so that center spot  75  is at a location on target area  95  such that the 50% curve  90  for fixture  40  would closely correspond to that corner of area  95  (with the 10% curve  80  spilling slightly outside). To help know the correct position, array  10  does so by concurrently projecting from its eight lasers  20  the 50% curve  90  for fixture  40 . The installer would simply call for fixture  40  to be adjusted until those laser dots  150  generally match the corner borders for area  95 . No other measurements are needed. Of course, laser array  10  would be pre-manufactured to produce beams that in turn produce the 50% curve outline on area  95  from the intended placement and elevation of fixture  40  relative area  95 . This can be done in a number of ways, including those that have been previously described. Array  10  would then be calibrated to have center laser  25  to accurately project to the center of the composite beam from fixture  40  (composite meaning the general center of the light output from all the LED sources  50  in fixture  40 ). The radial lasers  20  in array  10  would be pre-manufactured to produce an outline of the 50% curve for the composite beam  40 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 2E  shows that the same arrangement for another similar fixture  41  and another similar laser array  11  could allow that fixture to be easily aimed relative to area  95  in a complementary fashion to fixture  40  and array  10 . Fixture  41  would be adjusted such that the 50% curves visibly indicated on area  95  by dots  151  from laser array  11  would allow the installer to simply call for adjustment of fixture  41  until spots  151  appear as basically illustrated in  FIG. 2E . This could allow quite accurate alignment of the composite beam of fixture  41  relative to that of fixture  40  for good coverage and even coverage of that portion of area  95 . Of course, further additional fixtures and laser arrays could be added until comprehensive coverage of area  95  is achieved. Likewise, as would be understood by those skilled in the art, a similar aiming process could be used if aiming fixtures towards other types of targets, including but not limited to vertical structures such as houses, trees, statues and the like as illustrated in  FIG. 7A . The laser dots would project to a target in a manner that corresponds to how the output pattern for the fixture would project, including, if used, the center of the composite beam. 
         [0074]    It can be seen how the embodiments of FIGS.  1  and  2 A- 2 G can be beneficial in the context of the present application. For example they can be beneficial for designing lighting plans by allowing a designer to aim lights with a desired overlap of isocandela curves, without the use of light meters, even during daylight hours. Thus with limited or no planning, lights can be installed that will evenly cover a target area. In effect, the installation becomes the lighting plan. Once the field has been covered by aiming according to a desired isocandela pattern, the results can be recorded and temporary lighting replaced by permanent lighting; or, the lights as installed can be left as the permanent installation. It can be beneficial for aiming fixtures according to a designing plan by allowing general aiming to be confirmed by the isocandela overlap pattern, or by simply aiming the centerline of the fixture in accordance with pre-designated locations, rather than having to use lightmeters (which can only be used at night and can be very time-consuming) or having to rely on human perception of light levels, which can be both time-consuming and inaccurate. It can be beneficial to demonstrating a lighting plan by allowing the installation of temporary or permanent fixtures in a very timely fashion, without requiring nighttime hours for initial installation. Thus a lighting plan can be conceived, installed, and demonstrated in a single day, thereby saving technician time and providing quick and reliable service to the customer. It can be beneficial to preliminarily or permanently installing lighting fixtures by reducing the time necessary to accurately install lighting fixtures. The temporary installation can be used to prove out the look that will be provided by the permanent installation, or the designer and customer can both have assurance that a lighting plan will work on installation, thereby possibly eliminating the need for a temporary installation. 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0075]    Another embodiment according to aspects of the invention uses multiple light sources  40  installed in a fixture  300 ,  FIG. 3A . Laser arrays  10  could be installed on at least some of the light sources  40  and could be permanently or removably installed. Light sources  40  could be pre-aimed with reference to the entire fixture  300  such that the fixture would have a known beam pattern. Such beam pattern could be represented by the output from laser array  310 . Aiming laser  370  could be included to allow laser array  310  to be aimed coaxially with the fixture. In this configuration, the fixture  300  would function identically to the previously described light sources  40  represented in  FIG. 2D-2G .  FIG. 3B  shows fixtures  300  and  301  projecting 50% laser dots  350  and  351  and 10% curves  380  and  381 . Laser dots  350  and  351  correspond to the 50% curves  390  and  391 . 
         [0076]    Fixtures  300  and  301  could also be installed using “fixture laser array”  310  and  311  respectively, see also array  310  in  FIG. 3C , as shown, to provide initial aiming. Laser dots  361  of  FIG. 3C  represent a circular 50% curve representative of the composite beam pattern from the far light sources  40  of fixture  300 , and could be generated from the multiple lasers in fixture laser array  310 . Such a 50% curve would provide some illumination of sidewalk  97  but is not precisely matched to the sidewalk. Light sources  40 ,  FIG. 3D  could then be aimed to more accurately illuminate path  97 . Laser arrays  30  may be used to individually aim light sources  40  as previously outlined. Laser dot patterns represented by laser dots  371 ,  372 ,  373 ,  374  correspond to the 50% curves of the individual light sources  40 . This lighting effectively helps aim and illuminate areas  1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4  respectively in  FIG. 3D  (here a non-linear area).  FIG. 3E  shows the path as illuminated. The 50% curves  341 ,  342 ,  343  and  344  are evenly adjusted on the sidewalk, and the 10% curves  331 ,  332 ,  333  and  334  combine together to provide fairly even illumination over the entire area illuminated by fixture  300 . 
         [0077]    Embodiments of  FIGS. 4A  and B and  5 A and B have similarities to the previous embodiments. By calibrating the alignment of either the lighting in  410  relative to a lighting fixture  40 , e.g. aligning the field of view of sighting end  410  with basically the central aiming or beam axis of fixture  40 , and then pre-manufacturing a reticule that can be placed at the eyepiece  415  and provide an express visual and proportional representation of the composite beam pattern of fixture  40 , a viewer through eyepiece  415  can adjust fixture  40  and essentially move what will be the beam pattern of fixture  40  relative to the actual view of the target area until that beam pattern coincides where the designer wants it to be. The fixture can then be fixed in that orientation for operation. This can be extremely valuable when setting up the fixtures during the daytime when it would be difficult to see how the beam really relates to the target area. And, as indicated, the arrangement of  FIG. 4A  could be utilized with each fixture either by sequentially mounting it on each fixture as each fixture is adjusted, or, left in place in its calibrated position for each fixture so that multiple fixtures could be adjusted simultaneously ( FIG. 4B ). Instead of the borescope of  FIGS. 4A  and B, reasonably inexpensive digital cameras, with fiber optic connection to some display, or simply a camera on the fixture, could be used in a similar fashion such that essentially the analogue of a reticule, indicated at the dashed box on display  520  in  FIGS. 5A-5B , could be created on the display to indicate the beam pattern that would be produced by the fixture  40 . This would require that the reticule or other indicators of beam pattern be matched to the desire isocandela pattern for a given fixture. This could be easily done in some cases simply by matching the approximate field of vision angle of a particular camera model with the fixture spread. Or a fixed or adjustable reticule could be installed by the same technology used to create accurate rangefinders in cameras, duplicating the desired isocandela pattern. Or a particular camera could be calibrated to a distance and isocandela pattern of a given fixture on site, using some means of marking, even as simple as marking the isocandela pattern on the camera&#39;s LCD display. The dash line simulated reticule of  FIGS. 5A  and B could be applied in any number of ways including by physically marking the display screen  520  (e.g. with erasable ink, with non-erasable ink or paint, with some added template adhered, etc.). Small, relatively inexpensive digital cameras or video cameras, video cables, and small flat screen LCD-type displays are commercially available. 
       Fourth Embodiment 
       [0078]    Another embodiment according to aspects of the invention uses an apparatus which is coaxially aligned with a light source  40  to provide a view of the area which would be illuminated by a given isocandela curve from the fixture. The apparatus used in this case is similar to a flexible fiber optic borescope (commercially available, such as the Flexview VT Borescope 13552, available from Flexbar Machine Corporation, 250 Gibbs Road, Islandia, N.Y. 11749) having a sighting end  410 ,  FIG. 4A , which is affixed to and aligned with fixture  40 . Flexible shaft  411  contains an aligned array of optic fibers which allow an image from the field of view of sighting end  410  to be displayed in eyepiece  415 . The area illuminated at the 50% curve is represented by reticule  417  (which can be engraved, embedded, or otherwise positioned at eyepiece  415 ). Thus, when light source  40  is aimed at a target location, the viewer not only sees the relevant part of the target to which the fixture is aimed, but also the reticule of the eyepiece simultaneously shows the viewer the 50% curve of the beam relative the field of view. For example, if a portion of a football field is imaged (image  416 ) within eyepiece  415 ,  FIG. 4B  reticule  417  shows the viewer the basic 50% beam pattern that fixture  40  will cover on that portion of the field. In this example, the 50% curve for that first fixture  40  would cover the back left corner of the end zone and out to about the eighteen yard line (and along the sideline and inwardly about a third the width of the field). When another light source  40  with its own borescope is aimed at the same football field (approximately its 50% curve), it may be aligned such that its 50% curve represented by reticule  427  is aligned next to the 50% curve of the previous light source. The viewer can see how that second beam relates to coverage of the first beam. As shown in  FIG. 4B , by manual manipulation of the second fixture (or other adjustment), its aiming to the target can be adjusted until its 50% curve (beam coverage) begins at where the first beam 50% curve left off (the 15 yard line) and continue up the field, using field of view  426  and reticule  427  of the eyepiece  425  of borescope for the second fixture. This process could continue for successive fixtures to aim all of them. 
       Fifth Embodiment 
       [0079]    Another embodiment according to aspects of the invention uses a digital camera  510 ,  FIGS. 5A and 5B , having a separate display  520 , attached to a light source  40  such that the display view of the camera, or of a defined area within the viewing display of the camera, corresponds to a desired illumination curve of the fixture such as the 50% curve. Light sources would be aimed and adjusted in a similar fashion to Embodiment 3. The benefits of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  can be appreciated with further reference to the benefits described regarding the fourth embodiment of  FIGS. 4A  and B. 
       Sixth Embodiment 
       [0080]    Another embodiment according to aspects of the invention uses one or more digital cameras  610 ,  FIG. 6A , similar to embodiment five above. Each camera would be interfaced with a display device, such as a computer  640  with screen  650 . Another camera  670 , mounted on support  675 , is interfaced to display device  640 / 650  (e.g. via cables  615  to a multi-port connector  625 /cable  630  for plural camera inputs). In use, camera  670  is set up in a location which is documented as to geographical position (longitude, latitude, elevation, as well as camera orientation), either relative to one or more landmarks in the target area, or to an absolute GPS location. Display device  640 / 650  shows the target area as seen in daylight,  FIG. 6B , then is darkened by mechanical or software means to simulate a night time view,  FIG. 6C . A single camera  610  could be used, and transferred from one light source to another, or multiple cameras  610  could be used. As cameras  610  are aimed, their viewing area is illuminated on the display device as in  FIG. 6D . Finally, as the remaining lights are aimed, the entire area will appear illuminated on the display device  640 / 650  as seen in  FIG. 6E . This is a way to demonstrate on a computer both how the fixtures could be aimed and a simulation of what their night time illumination would look like relative to the target. 
         [0081]    Software or hardware means could be employed to vary the displayed illumination, simulating both changes in ambient light as well as the light applied from the light sources, including brightness, color, or color temperature. Software could be developed based on calculations or camera readings to simulate additional cameras and aiming points. Site geometry could be input into computers to provide additional information for simulating and displaying illumination schemes. Software could include site measurements and parameters to allow for further manipulation and display of options and alternatives as well as to generate light levels, parts lists, and price quotes. 
         [0082]    This embodiment would allow sophisticated pre-aiming of lighting sources during daylight hours, allowing night time demonstrations to be conducted in a few minutes rather than hours, and allowing a demonstration to lead to a firm quote for lighting. The quote would be based on, and could guarantee reproduction or provide documentation of the lighting as demonstrated. 
         [0083]    The combination shown at  FIGS. 6A-E  can take on a wide variety of beneficial forms. Below are a few examples. 
         [0084]    By any number of well known programming techniques, the system of  FIG. 6A  could be used beneficially to actually aim fixtures like fixtures  40  with camera  610  in an analogous way as described with  FIGS. 5A  and B. Camera  670 , in a position that could be a known physical geographic reference position, could produce an image of the entire target area to be illuminated. Individual cameras  610 , calibrated and mounted so as to coincide with the center aiming axis of their corresponding fixture  40 , could have a video feed that could be switched on for computer display  650  such that its field of view would be the only one on video display  650 . By utilizing the simulating reticule as described with regard to  FIGS. 5A  and B, the putative composite beam from the fixture  40  for that camera  610  could then be displayed to the PC operator who could adjust the fixture or instruct a co-worker to adjust the fixture to aim the fixture to a predetermined aiming point relative the target area (in manners similar to those previously described). 
         [0085]    The next fixture with camera  610  could be aimed in a similar fashion. 
         [0086]    Optional programmable features might be as follows: 
         [0087]    1. The fixed overall view from camera  670  could be displayed as a fixed background on screen  650 . The field of view of one or more cameras  610  could then be overlaid the base image in a manner in which somehow the more limited camera  610  field of view is independently discerned on screen  650 . This would allow the person at computer  640  to see where each fixture/camera  40 / 610  is being aimed and instruct a desired aiming accordingly. As can be further appreciated, straight forward calculations, if the location of fixtures  40  relative to the actual target area or camera  670  is known, and there is some known relationship between camera  670  and the actual target, it may be possible to calculate or derive the angular position of fixtures  40  relative the actual target and have the computer  640  compute the same. In the reverse, it might be possible for an known lighting plan to call for a given orientation of each fixture and have the computer compute a given aiming direction of a fixture  40  to the displayed and instructed orientation and the computer user could instruct a co-worker or him/herself to adjust the fixture until those values match on the computer screen  650  as three-dimensional or two-dimensional coordinants. 
         [0088]      FIG. 6A-E  suggests many other beneficial possibilities regarding any of design, aim, demonstrate, potential illumination designs. One example is taking a digital image of the target area such as is indicated at  FIGS. 6B-6E . By programming techniques and programs within the skill of those skilled in the art, a lighting designer could have a menu or inventory of virtual lighting fixtures in a toolbox on the computer. A customer or a designer could darken screen  650  in a manner to simulate nighttime for the target area. The designer or customer could then start trying different lights from the inventory. For example, a first light of a certain light output characteristic (beam width, intensity, color, etc.) could be a distinguishable icon from a light of different output characteristics on the screen or on a menu for the computer user. The user might be able to drag that icon to an aiming location and aim it to an aiming point on the virtual target. The software would automatically calculate how that light fixture would illuminate the target (see  FIG. 6D ), where for example two light fixtures have been selected and aimed at different aiming points (corresponding to points  741  and  745  in  FIG. 7B ). A computer user (whether designer, customer, or other) can then have a simulation of how that selected lighting fixture might illuminate the target.  FIG. 6D  also shows selection of another fixture that would illuminate the statue to the left (corresponding to aiming point  740 ) in  FIG. 7B . Selection can continue until all aiming points or a first preliminary virtual illumination of the entire desired target ( FIG. 6D ) is accomplished. Of course, the software could, through conventional programming techniques, simulate the illumination on a pixel by pixel basis on display  650  according to how the chosen virtual fixtures would project light from an installation location a distance and angle to the particular surface or object being illuminated, including decrease in intensity from the center of the beam towards its periphery (towards its 50% and 10% curves for example). By conventional programming means, the computer user might even be able to place the curser across the target and the display would display numerical values for such things as intensity at that point, color, etc. 
         [0089]    Below is an example of the basic concepts of software according to this embodiment: 
       1. Inputs 
       [0090]    The programmer can gather information regarding a number of different lighting sources with different lighting output characteristics, including how they would illuminate surfaces at any of a range of distances away from a virtual position relative the target. Placement by dragging the fixture in the scene of the display  650  would cause the programming to calculate or select from some database data which could then simulate exactly how the light output pattern from the fixture would project on and illuminate. 
         [0091]    The target can be a digital picture taken of the actual target or a simulated rendering. Part of the input would be to somehow characterize the target for example its surfaces (vertical, horizontal, or other), any finish on the surface (paint, color of paint or materials, shiny, matte, etc.). Depending on the software, image recognition techniques could be used to know the boundaries of objects on the target (e.g. the outline of the house, the outline of the statue, etc.). 
       2. Tools 
       [0092]    Not only then could there be icons representing different lighting fixtures to drag into place and commence this lighting simulation, other tools are possible. Examples might be the ability to place or overlay aiming points onto the target. The aiming points could be pre-calculated or selected and then displayed so that the designer or user could know how many lights and where they should be aimed. Other overlays or additional functions or tools are, of course, possible. 
         [0093]    And, of course, the programming could allow interchangeability of virtual fixtures. The designer or user could try one type of fixture and then try another to see quickly and effectively how the fixture might change the illumination on the target. 
         [0094]    Finally, the software could provide information to the user that could be valuable either for preserving a record of a desired lighting plan including such things as the type of fixtures, their placement relative to the target, and the like. Alternatively, it could produce or store for later recall the lighting plan so that it could be created off-site or quickly on-site and then the lighting plan used to create an actual either temporary or permanent installation of those lighting fixtures in those locations. As described earlier, one example would be that such a virtual simulation could result in a lighting plan given to workers that could then go to the site and put up a temporary demonstration set of fixtures knowing placement, aiming to aiming points, and type of fixtures. During the demonstration, the same programming computer could be used to show the customer how different fixtures might change the illumination and might allow change over of the actual demonstration fixtures right then for the customer. Of course, such a virtual plan on the computer could also be used for installers to go out and install the permanent final version that had been planned with the software. 
         [0095]    As can be appreciated, other functions and features of the software could be implemented. 
       Options And Alternatives 
       [0096]    The above description includes some of the many possible embodiments, and is not intended be an exhaustive description. For example: Different isocandela curves, beam types (e.g. NEMA types, hard cutoffs, etc.), numbers and types of lasers or other “dot” sources could be used. Other alignment points than centerlines could be chosen. Alignment markings or outlines could be provided by a single laser source manipulated mechanically or by mirrors or other means. A single camera might be able to interface with positioning information from the lights as aimed, given coordinates from potentiometers or other adjustment indicators. Aiming and illumination displays could be transmitted over the internet for live, remote demonstrations. And many other options and alternatives are envisioned. 
         [0097]    As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, variations to the embodiments described above are possible and included within the invention, which is not limited by the described embodiments.