Patent Publication Number: US-6908214-B2

Title: Variable beam LED light source system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/815,321 filed Mar. 22, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,395, (published as 2002 0136010). 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention generally relates to illumination for theatrical, architectural and stage lighting systems, and, more particularly, to variable beam LED color changing luminaries. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   Longer life and more energy efficient sources of light have become increasingly important thus making alternative light sources important. Recent advances in light emitting diode (LED) technology particularly the development of multi-chip and multi-LED arrays have led to brighter LEDs available in different colors. LEDs are available in both visible colors and infrared. In addition to red, yellow, green, and amber-orange, which were the first available colors, LEDs are now available in blue and even white light. LEDs operate at lower currents and yet produce 100 percent color intensity and light energy. For many applications, LEDs can compete directly with incandescent filament light sources. 
   LEDs emit a focused beam of color light in a variety of different angles, in contrast to incandescent filament lamps, which emit only the full spectrum of light. In order to obtain color from an incandescent filament lamp, a specific color gel or filter in the desired color spectrum must be used. Such a system results in 90 percent or more of the light energy wasted by the incandescent filament lamp. LEDs on the other hand deliver 100 percent of their energy as light and so produce a more intense colored light. White light is also produced more advantageously by LEDs. White light is obtained from LEDs in two ways: first, by using special white light LEDs; and second, by using an additive mixture of red, green and blue (RGB) LEDs at the same intensity level so as to produce a white light. With regard to the second method, variable intensity combinations of RGB LEDs will give the full color spectrum with 100 percent color intensity and light output energy. The primary colors red, green, and blue of RGB LEDs can be mixed to produce the secondary colors cyan, yellow, magenta (CYM) and also white light. Mixing green and blue gives cyan, as is known in the art of colors. Likewise as is known in the art, mixing green and red gives yellow. Mixing red and blue gives magenta. Mixing red, green, and blue together results in white. Advances in light-emitting diode technology include the development of multi-chip and multi-LED arrays, which have led to brighter LEDs available in different colors. LEDs are available in both visible colors and infrared. 
   LEDs are more energy efficient as well. They use only a fraction of the power required by conventional incandescent filament lamps. The solid state design of LEDs results in great durability and robustness to withstand shock, vibration, frequent power cycling, and extreme temperatures. LEDs have a typical 100,000 hours or more usable life when they are operated within their electrical specifications. Incandescent filament lamps are capable of generating high-intensity light for only a relatively short period of time and in addition are very susceptible to damage from both shock and vibration. 
   Incandescent filament lamps of the MR and PAR type are the best known and most widely used technologies of the architectural, theatrical and stage lighting industry. Such lamps are available in different beam angles, producing beam angles ranging from narrow spot lights to wide flood focuses. Such types of lamps are very popular because they have long-rated lives up to 5,000 hours. 
   Light emitting diode LED technology including white light and full color red, green, blue (RGB) tile array modules have become common in certain areas of illumination, most commonly for large scale lighted billboard displays. Such LED light sources incorporate sturdy, fast-moving and animated graphics with full color. Such flat displays offer only one fixed viewing angle, usually at 100 degrees. 
   Another use of fixed flat panels for LED arrays are currently used in traffic lights and for stop lights and warning hazard lights mounted on the rear of automobiles. 
   A recent advance in LED lamp technology has been ICOLOR MR electronic controllers introduced by Color Kinetics Inc. The ICOLOR MR electronic controller is a digital color-changing lamp, which plugs into standard MR 16 type lighting fixtures. This lamp has the advantage of using variable intensity colored LEDS with a long-life of 100,000 hours or more. On the other hand, it has a fixed LED array that is limited to a fixed beam angle of 22 degrees (SPOT). Similarly, Boca Flashes, Inc. offers a compact LED array of up to 24 LEDS in a typical dicbroic coated glass reflector. The beam angle is limited to 20 degrees. 
   Another LED light source is use today takes the form of a flashing warning beacon. The LEDs are arranged in a cylindrical array around the circumference of a tube base. This configuration allows for viewing from a 360 degree angle. The same configuration is also used in wedge base type LED lamps as well as in LED bulbs mounted on a standard screw base. 
   MR and PAR type incandescent filament lamps are able to be controlled to produce complete control of output beam angles. MR and PAR lamps are fixed focus and are not adapted to control beam angles. LED technology to date does not offer complete control of output beam angles. 
   Some patents that have addressed this problem are as follows: 
   1) U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,766 issued to Bailey et al. on May 19, 1998, discloses a focusable lighting apparatus for illuminating area for visual display. A flexible base member, shown as a cylindrical flexible base or support member  20  in  FIG. 2 , is supported on a housing and an array of LEDs are supported on the flexible base. An actuator connected to the flexible base is operable to move the flexible base to selected working positions so as to direct LED generated light beams normally, inwardly or outwardly. The LEDs are supported on the flexible base  20 . Flexible base  20  can be deflected (see page 3, lines 45-49 and also page 4, lines 43-46) so that the optical axes  39   a  in a parallel mode to provide converging light beams indicated by lines  39   b  in FIG.  2 . The bending of flexible base  20  is accomplished by actuator  28  by way of a rod  26  with a second flexed position shown in phantom line in FIG.  2 . It is apparent that the range of beam angles that can be achieved by pulling or pushing flexible base  20  is limited by the unitary structure of flexible base  20 . Flexible base  20  itself is described as flexible so that stretching of the flexible base  20  itself is necessary to change the diode beam angles. The material composition of flexible base  20  is described as being made of any of various polymer or elastomer materials (page 4, lines 51-62). The unitary structure of flexible base  20  creates a built-in limitation position (page 4, lines 53-62. The invention described therein has a limitation to its usefulness in the field of stage and theatrical lighting. It is also noted that the limited strength of flexible base  20  itself to maintain constant diode beam angles is compromised so that the beam angles are significantly misdirected since the diodes  22  cannot maintain constant angles relative to the plane of flexible base  20  because flexible base  20  itself undergoes a warping effect and so maintains no constant plane angle except in the parallel beam mode. Also, the number of diodes  22  that can be mounted to flexible base  20  is limited by the “relatively thin” (page 2, line 59) flexible base  20 . Also, permanent molding of the light emitting elements seems necessary, which indicates a difficulty in replacing the elements when they fail. 
   2) U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,163 issued to Johnson on Dec. 3, 1996, discloses a plurality of light emitting elements including light bulbs and LEDs attached to a circular flexible membrane that in turn is connected to outer and inner housing that are movable relative to one another so as to flex the membrane in a predetermined manner. The inner housing is threaded into an adjusting nut that can be rotated to move the inner housing relative to the outer housing. The light emitting elements are correspondingly moved so that their collective light beams are selectively focused at a common area. In this invention, the mounting of the light emitting elements is restricted to a circular membrane. It is apparent that the number of light emitting elements are restricted.  FIG. 6  of the invention shows an increased number of light emitting elements but again this view emphasizes the limitation of lighting elements available on this device. The number of elements is limited primarily by the fact that the flexible membrane can support a restricted number of light emitting elements just as a weight bearing problem. It is further noted that because of the flexibility of the membrane holding the light emitting elements, each element will to some degree be significantly misdirected because of the warping effect of the flexible membrane as it is moved between positions. Also permanent molding of the light emitting elements are discussed, which indicates a difficulty in replacing the elements when they fail. 
   3) U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,326 issued to Roney on Mar. 31, 1992, discloses a lamp for a motor vehicle that discloses a plurality of light emitting diodes positioned in sockets that direct the diode generated light beams in overlapping relationship so as to meet photometric requirements set forth by law. The diodes are not selectively movable to different focal areas. 
   4) U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,804 issued to Schaier on Jan. 28, 1992, discloses a wide area lamp comprising a plurality of diodes mounted on a single flexible connecting path structure than can be moved to a number of shapes as required. The diodes of the disclosed lamp are not collectively and selectively adjustable in a uniform manner for being directed to a common focal area. 
   Luminaires that include a fixed light source are often used in combination with a specially designed front lens designed to provide optical characteristics that allow for different beam angle spreads. This is true for conventional filament and arc lamp type luminaires, as well as with some existing LED luminaires. 
   Such beam spreads include narrow spot, spot, medium spot, wide spot, narrow flood, flood, medium flood, wide flood, and very wide flood. Because there are so many possible combinations of lenses with the one luminaire, it because awkward and cumbersome to have to change the front lens every time a new beam spread is desired. An end-user would have to stock a variety of different spread lenses in order to have the one luminaire achieve any beam spread at any given time. The inventory of lenses and the manual labor of having to change out the lenses would be still greater when groups of luminaires are used. 
   The same inventory and time consumption program also occurs when an end-user wants a different color beam to be projected from the luminaire, more so for conventional filament and arc lamp type luminaires than with LED color changing luminaires. To achieve the different color beam outputs for conventional luminaires, a plastic color gel medium or colored glass lens is placed in front of the light source. 
   Based on the above, a lighting system consisting of multiple variable beam color changing LED light source luminaires becomes desirable. U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,687 for a variable color lighting system also teaches color changing LED light sources. And U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,016,038 and 6,150,774, both for multicolored LED lighting method and apparatus, disclose color control of LEDs. 
   Digital communications between a remote controller and color changing LED luminaires are known and are typically performed by cable wires including parallel or serial bus, in series wiring, star network wiring, parallel wiring, FDDI ring network wiring, token ring network wiring, etc. Other forms of wired communications control includes the DMX512 protocol, x10 and the CEBus (Consumer Electronics Bus) standard EIA-600 for communications over a power line. Wireless communication control can also be used with color changing LED lighting systems, including FCC approved RF Radio Frequency and IR Infrared control protocols. 
   Remote control of luminaires are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,756 for a method and apparatus for digital communications with multiparameter light fixtures; U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,813 for multiparameter device control apparatus and method; U.S. Pat. No. 6,357,893 for lighting devices using a plurality of light sources; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,459,217 for method and apparatus for digital communications with multiparameter light fixtures. These patents are incorporated herein by reference. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a lighting system that is capable of providing a plurality of selected different light beam angles from a single LED lighting system source; 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lighting system that is capable of selectively varying the common directional angles of a plurality of individual LED arrays arranged around a common central axis; 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lighting system that is capable of simultaneously and selectively moving a plurality of individual LED arrays about a common central axis to as to collectively arrange the totality of LED light beams arranged on individual arrays in a plurality of directional modes including a normal parallel mode of all of the LED generated light beams, a selected converging mode of all of the LED generated light beams, and a selected diverging mode of all of the LED generated light beams. 
   In accordance with the above objects and others that will be disclosed in the course of the disclosure of the present invention, there is provided a diode light source system for stage, theatrical and architectural lighting that includes a plurality of separate flat panels for mounting a plurality of light emitting diodes that emit a plurality of diode light beams to a common focus area, each separate panel being mounted with a plurality of grouped diodes of the plurality of diodes, each separate panel having an outer panel portion and an inner panel portion. A housing containing the panels has a center base portion and a circular rim defining a housing aperture aligned with a circular rim plane having a rim plane center that is arranged transverse to an axis aligned with the center base portion. A first connecting means flexibly secures each outer diode panel portion to the housing rim. A screw arrangement positions the panels at a plurality of selected positions wherein each of the panels is oriented at a selected angle relative to the axis and each of the grouped diodes emit diode light beams transverse to each separate panel. A second connecting means flexibly secures each inner panel portion to the screw arrangement. The panels are flat and rigid and have both the function of holding the diodes and of being electrical circuit boards for transmitting direct electrical current to the diodes grouped on each separate panel. The screw arrangement comprises an elongated externally threaded cylinder and a correspondingly internally threaded cylindrical nut, the externally threaded cylinder, which is rotatable about the axis, being threadably mounted within the cylindrical nut. The externally threaded cylinder has the circular rim plane. The first and second flexible connecting means can each be either a biasable or flexible member or a biasable spring. 
   A variable beam color changing LED lighting system is disclosed, in which digital data communications link each luminaire in the system to a remote controller. Integral or separate power communications link each luminaire in the system to a remote controller separately or can be included as a single power communications link linking each luminaire in the system to a remote controller. 
   Current control means will be located within each luminaire to control RGB color LED intensity and motor means coupled to a centrally located actuator to move the LED-mounting panels. A separate current drive signal is provided for each color and for the beam focus. Methods of controlling the current in the LEDS besides DC voltage include PWM and PAM. 
   The luminaires can communicate with an external and remote controller console or can operate independently as a stand-alone luminaire that can execute internal programs. 
   The present invention will be better understood and the objects and important features, other than those specifically set forth above, will become apparent when consideration is given to the following details and description, which when taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, describes, illustrates, and shows preferred embodiments or modifications of the present invention and what is presently considered and believed to be the best mode of practice in the principles thereof. 
   Other embodiments or modifications may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings therein, and such other embodiments or modifications are intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope and spirit of the subjoined claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a frontal view of the variable beam lighting system that shows a plurality of diodes mounted on eight wedge-shaped mounting/circuit board diode panels in the normal, or parallel beam, mode of the diodes; 
       FIG. 2  is a side center sectional view of a outer flexible hinge area of the panels taken through line  2 — 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 2A  is a sectional view of the flexible inner flexible hinge area of the diode panels taken through line  2 A— 2 A of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 2B  is a sectional view taken though line  2 B— 2 B of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a frontal view of the lighting system as shown in  FIG. 1  with the eight diode panels in a full forward mode with one diode panel shown mounted with diodes for purposes of convenience; 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the lighting system taken through line  4 — 4  in  FIG. 3  showing the diode light beams in a converging beam mode; 
       FIG. 5  is a sectional side view of the lighting system analogous to the view shown in  FIG. 4  with the diode panels in the rearward mode showing the diode light beams in a diverging mode; 
       FIG. 6  is a sectional view of another embodiment of the lighting system analogous to the view shown in  FIG. 3  with a protective lens positioned across the front of the housing and with a front hand wheel; 
       FIG. 7  is a frontal view of another embodiment of the variable beam lighting system that in particular shows a plurality of diodes mounted on eight wedge-shaped mounting board/circuit board diode panels indicating one diode panel with diodes for purposes of convenience in the normal, or parallel beam, mode of the diodes with outer and inner springs connecting the diode panels with both the housing and a center hollow cylinder; 
       FIG. 8  is a sectional side view of the lighting system taken through line  8 — 8  of  FIG. 7  with the diode panels in the normal position showing the diode light beams in a parallel mode; 
       FIG. 9  is a frontal view of the lighting system as shown in  FIG. 7  with the eight diode panels in a forward mode with one diode panel shown mounted with diodes for purposes of convenience; 
       FIG. 10  is a sectional side view taken through line  10 — 10  in  FIG. 9  with the diode panels in rearward mode and showing the diode light beams in a converging mode; 
       FIG. 11  is a sectional side view of the lighting system analogous of the lighting system as shown in  FIG. 7  with the diode panels in the forward mode and the diode light beams in a diverging mode; 
       FIG. 12  is a sectional side view of another embodiment of the lighting system analogous to the view shown in  FIG. 8  with a protective lens positioned across the front of the housing and a front hand wheel. 
       FIG. 13  is a basic electrical diagram that relates to the selection of a single light emitting diode for a given direct current voltage; 
       FIG. 14  is a basic electrical diagram that relates to the selection of a plurality of light emitting diodes connected in series in electrical connection with a source of alternating current that has been converted to direct current voltage; 
       FIG. 15  is a basic electrical diagram that relates to the selection of a plurality of light emitting diodes connected in parallel in electrical connection with a source of alternating current that has been converted to direct current voltage; 
       FIG. 16  is a basic electrical diagram that relates to the selection of a plurality of light emitting diodes connected both in series and in parallel in electrical connection with a source of alternating current that has been converted to direct current voltage; 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  are front and side views, respectively, of an exterior luminaire incorporating the present invention including six rigid panels with (78) LEDs on each panel for a total of (468) LEDs in the luminaire; 
       FIGS. 19 and 20  are front and side views of an interior luminaire incorporating the present invention including six rigid panels with (78) LEDs on each panel for a total of (468) LEDs; and 
       FIG. 21  is a schematic diagram of a variable beam color changing LED lighting system in accordance with the present invention, consisting of a group of luminaires fitted with a cable communications and a power line communications system. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Reference is now made to the drawings and in particular to  FIGS. 1-16  in which identical or similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals throughout. 
   A light source system  10  for stage, theatrical and architectural lighting as shown in  FIGS. 1-6  includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)  12 , referred to as diodes herein, that are mounted on eight separate flat diode panels  14  so as to emit diode light beams  18  towards a common focus area as seen in one directional mode in FIG.  2 . The number of diode panels  14  are shown as eight for purposes of exposition only and can vary in number. A panel diode group  16  includes seventeen diodes  12  per diode panel  14  for a total of 136 diodes  12  for the total array of diodes  12  for light source system  10 . The number of diodes  12  per diode panel  14  is shown as seventeen for purposes of exposition only and can vary. Each diode group  16  emits a common group of seventeen diode light beams  18  in parallel relationship. 
     FIG. 2  shows a housing  19  for containing and holding diode panels  14  and diodes  12 . Housing  19  defines a concave hollow volume shown as semi-spherical in configuration for purposes of exposition but the configuration of housing  19  is preferably of any regular configuration such as semi-ellipsoidal, cone-shaped, and parabolic. Housing  19  has a housing wall  20  preferably having an arced microreflective inner surface  21 . Housing  19  has a center base portion  22  and a circular housing rim  24  that in turn defines a circular aperture  26  that lies in a housing rim aperture plane  28 . The center of circular aperture  26  is in an axial alignment indicated in  FIG. 3  as housing axis  30  with center base portion  22 . Each separate diode panel  14  is configured as a wedge with a panel outer arc edge  32  and a panel inner arc edge  34  and panel linear side edges  36  that taper inwardly from panel outer arc edge  32  to panel inner arc edge  34 . All diode panels  14  are movable between adjacent panel relationships and separated panel relationships. 
   A beam direction selection screw mechanism or arrangement  38  positions each diode panel  14  between a plurality of selected positions relative to housing axis  30  wherein each diode panel  14  is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to housing axis  30 . As a result, each panel diode group  16  emits diode light beams  18  at a beam angle transverse to the predetermined angle of panels  14 . Screw arrangement  38  is secured to housing  19  and to each diode panel  14  at panel inner arc edge  34 . 
   Screw arrangement  38  comprises an elongated externally spirally threaded solid cylinder  39  that includes a threaded portion  40  and an unthreaded portion  41 , which extends between threaded portion  40 , and center base portion  22  and a correspondingly internally threaded cylindrical nut  42  Externally threaded solid cylinder  39  is threadably mounted within cylindrical nut  42 . Externally threaded solid cylinder  39  is rotatably aligned with housing axis  30  of housing  19  and extends external to housing rim aperture plane  28 . 
   Externally threaded cylinder  39  has opposed inner and outer end portions  44  and  46 , respectively. Inner end portion  44  is rotatably mounted to housing  19  at center base portion  22 . Outer end portion  46  is positioned spaced from housing rim aperture plane  28 . Internally threaded cylinder nut  42  has a cylindrical outer surface  48 . Center base portion  22  defines an aperture wherein is mounted bearings  50  through which externally threaded solid cylinder  39  extends external to housing  19 . A handwheel  52  is mounted to externally threaded solid cylinder  39  external to housing  19 . 
   A flexible and biasable cylindrical outer connecting ring  54  has an arced outer edge that is connected to an arced microreflective inner surface  21  of housing wall  20  at the circular inner side of the circular housing rim  24  by a means known in the art. Housing  19  and outer connecting ring  54  are preferably made of plastic and can be connected one to the other by a means known in the art such as by heat fusing. Alternatively, fixing pins (not shown) can be extended through wall surface  21  and a flap (not shown) of connecting ring  54 . Outer connecting ring  54  further has an arced inner edge that is connected to panel outer arc edge  32  in a manner know in the art, for example, by fixing pins. A flexible and biasable cylindrical inner connecting ring  56  has an arced outer edge that is connected to panel inner arc edge  34  by a means known in the art, for example, by fixing pins. Cylindrical inner connecting ring  56  has an arced inner edge that is connected to the cylindrical wall of nut  42  by a means known in the art. For example, nut  42  is preferably made of a rigid plastic material and inner connecting member is likewise of plastic so that nut  42  and inner connecting ring  56  can be heat fused. 
     FIG. 2A  shows an alternate flexible connecting ring  54 A that secures inner panel arc edge  34  to connecting nut  42  wherein connecting ring  54 A is creased to stretch and to compress by unfolding and folding, respectively, in the manner of an accordion or bellows between a normal folded mode as shown in FIG.  2 A and an expanded mode (not shown). 
     FIG. 2B  shows an alternate flexible connecting ring  56 A that secures outer panel arc edge  32  to the circular housing rim  24  wherein connecting ring  556 A is creased to stretch and to compress by unfolding and folding, respectively, in the manner of an accordion between a normal folded mode as shown in FIG.  2 B and an expanded mode (not shown). 
   Screw arrangement  38  is operable by rotation of handwheel  52  at inner end portion  44  in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. When handwheel  52  is rotated in the clockwise direction when diode panels  14  are in the position shown in  FIG. 2 , wherein diode panels  14  lie in housing rim aperture plane  28  as shown in  FIG. 2 , and externally threaded solid cylinder  39  rotates clockwise relative to cylindrical nut  42  wherein panel linear side edges  36  are drawn inwardly, or apart. Continued counterclockwise rotation can continue until cylindrical nut  42  is restrained by an internal cylindrical stop  58  connected to externally threaded cylinder  39 , a position shown in FIG.  4 . Internal stop  58  is positioned spaced from center base portion  22 . When handwheel  52  is rotated in the clockwise direction from the position shown in  FIG. 2 , externally threaded solid cylinder  40  rotates clockwise relative to cylindrical nut  42  wherein panel linear side edges  36  are pushed outwardly, or apart. Continued counterclockwise rotation can continue until cylindrical nut  42  is retrained by an external cylindrical stop  60  positioned at outer end portion  46  of externally threaded cylinder  40 , a position shown in FIG.  5 . 
     FIGS. 1 and 2  show all diode panels  14  in a selected position wherein diode panels  14  are aligned with housing rim aperture plane  28  wherein diode panels  14  are aligned with housing rim aperture plane  28  and also are aligned at a 90 degree angle relative to housing axis  30  and to threaded cylinder  40 . In this selected position diode light beams  18  of all diode panels  14  are oriented in parallel relative to housing axis  30  wherein the diode beam angle is in a normal beam mode towards a common focus area. 
     FIGS. 3 and 4  show all diode panels  14  in a selected position wherein diode panels  14  are positioned oriented at a selected common obtuse angle A as measured relative to housing axis  30 , that is, to externally threaded cylinder  40 , and inner end portion  44  of cylinder  40 . In this position diode light beams  18  emanating from diodes  12  positioned on of all diode panels  14  are in a converging mode. The selected converging mode of diode light beams  18  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is at the maximum converging mode of diode light beams  18  wherein cylindrical nut  42  is positioned in contact with a cylindrical internal stop  58  connected to externally threaded cylinder  40  that is spaced from inner end portion  44  of externally threaded cylinder  40  and in particular is located at the inner end of threaded portion  40 . Any of a plurality of converging mode orientations of diode light beams  18  can be selected by positioning cylindrical nut  42  at any of a plurality of selected positions between the normal, or parallel light beam mode, of diode light beams  18  as shown in FIG.  2  and the maximum converging mode of diode light beams  18  towards a common focus area as shown in FIG.  4 . In the maximum converging mode diode light beams  18  by pass outer end portion  46  of externally threaded cylinder  40 . 
     FIG. 5  shows all diode panels  14  in a selected position wherein diode panels  14  are positioned oriented at a selected common acute angle B relative to housing axis  30  as measured relative to housing axis  30 , that is, to externally threaded cylinder  40 , and inner end portion  44  of threaded cylinder  40 . In this position diode light beams  18  emanating from all diodes  14  positioned on diode panels  14  are focused toward a common focus area. In this position diode light beams  18  are in a diverging mode. The selected diverging mode of diode light beams  18  as shown in  FIG. 5  is at the maximum diverging mode of diode light beams  18  wherein cylindrical nut  42  is positioned in contact with a cylindrical external stop  60  connected to outer end portion  46  of externally threaded cylinder  40 . 
     FIG. 6  shows a diode lighting system embodiment  62  generally analogous to diode lighting system  10  that includes housing  19  with the circular housing rim  24  defining circular aperture  26  and diodes  12  mounted to eight diode panels  14 . Screw arrangement  38  including externally threaded solid cylinder  40  having opposed inner and outer end portions  44  and  46 , respectively, and internally threaded cylindrical nut  42  threaded thereto is mounted in housing  19  at inner end portion  44  in alignment with a central housing axis  30 . An optional handwheel  64  is positioned external to housing  19  at inner end portion  44 . Eight diode panels  14  having diodes  12  mounted thereto are connected to housing  19  at circular housing rim  24  exactly as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Flexible internal and outer connecting rings  54  and  56 , respectively, connect diode panels  14  to cylindrical nut  42  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Internal and external stops  58  and  60 , respectively, are mounted to externally threaded cylinder  40  as described in relation to diode lighting system  10  and as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 6 , a cylindrical extension member  66  that includes a cylindrical wall  68  is connected to the circular housing rim  24  in axial alignment with housing axis  30  of housing  19 . Cylindrical extension member  66  defines an extension member outer circular rim  70  that defines a circular aperture  72  that in turn lies in an extension member rim plane  74  that is perpendicular to housing axis  30 . Extension member rim  70  and extension member rim plane  74  are spaced outwardly from outer end portion  46  and from external stop  60 . A cylindrical protective lens  76  is mounted to extension member  66  in association with outer rim  70  and plane  74  in perpendicular relationship with housing axis  30 . Lens  76  is mounted to outer rim  70  by any suitable means known in the art such as the interior side of rim  70  defining a circular groove  78  into which the circular edge of lens  76  is mounted. A cylindrical axial extension  80  of cylindrical threaded cylinder  40  is connected to outer end portion  46  and extends to an axial extension end  82  that is outwardly spaced from rim plane  74  and lens  76 . An outer handwheel  84  is connected to axial extension end  82 . Lens  76  defines an axially aligned circular lens aperture  86  that has a lens aperture diameter. Cylindrical axial extension  80  has an axial extension diameter that is less than the diameter of circular lens aperture  86 . An operator can rotate outer handwheel  86  in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. When handwheel  86  is rotated in a clockwise direction, cylindrical nut  42  is moved axially towards external stop  60  wherein diode panels  14  are moved to the acute angle mode and diode light beams are moved towards the diverging mode shown in FIG.  5 . When handwheel  86  is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, cylindrical nut  42  is moved axially towards internal stop  58  wherein diode panels  14  are moved to the obtuse angle mode and diode light beams are moved towards the converging mode shown in FIG.  4 . Rotation of outer handwheel  84  in either rotational direction give the operator the option of moving diode panels  14  to any of a plurality of preselected positions. 
   An alternate embodiment of light source system  10  is light source system  88  shown in  FIGS. 7-12 . Light source system  88  includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)  90 , referred to as diodes herein, that are mounted on eight separate flat diode panels  92  so as to emit diode light beams  94  towards a common focus area as seen in one directional mode in FIG.  8 . The number of diode panels  92  are shown as eight for purposes of exposition only and can vary in number. A panel diode group  96  includes seventeen diodes  90  per diode panel  92  for a total of  136  diodes for the total array of diodes for light source system  88 . The number of diodes  90  per diode panel  92  is shown as seventeen for purposes of exposition only and can vary. Each diode group  96  emits a common group of seventeen diode light beams  94  in parallel relationship. 
     FIGS. 7 and 8  show a housing  97  for containing and holding diode panels  92  and diodes  90 . Housing  97  defines a concave hollow volume shown as semi-spherical in configuration for purposes of exposition but the configuration of housing  97  is preferably of any regular configuration such as semi-ellipsoidal, cone-shaped, and parabolic. Housing  97  has a housing wall  98  preferably having a microreflective inner surface  99 . Housing  97  has a center base portion  100  and a circular rim  102  that in turn defines a circular aperture  104  that lies in a housing aperture plane  106 . The center of circular aperture  104  is in an axial alignment indicated in  FIG. 8  as axis  108  with center base portion  110 . Each separate diode panel  92  is configured as a wedge with a panel outer arc edge  112  and a panel inner arc edge  114  and panel linear side edges  116  that taper inwardly from panel outer arc edge  112  to panel inner arc edge  114 . All diode panels  92  are movable relative to one another so that all panel side edges  116  are movable between adjacent panel relationships and separated panel relationships between a plurality of selected positions relative to axis  108  wherein each diode panel  92  is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to axis  108 . As a result, each panel diode group  96  emits diode light beams  94  at a beam angle transverse to the predetermined angle of panels  92 . A beam direction selection screw mechanism or arrangement  118  is secured to housing  97  and to each diode panel  92  at panel inner arc edge  114 . 
   Screw arrangement  118  positions each diode panel  92  between a plurality of selected positions relative to axis  108  wherein each diode panel  92  is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to axis  108 . As a result, each panel diode group  96  emits diode light beams  94  at a beam angle transverse to the predetermined angle of panels  92 . Screw arrangement  118  is secured to housing  97  and to each diode panel  92  at panel inner arc edge  114 . 
   Screw arrangement  118  comprises an elongated externally spirally threaded solid cylinder  119  having a threaded portion  120  and an unthreaded portion  121  that extends between center base portion  110  and threaded portion  120  and a correspondingly internally threaded cylindrical nut  122  Externally threaded solid cylinder  119  is threadably mounted within an internally threaded cylindrical nut  122 . Externally threaded solid cylinder  119  is rotatably aligned with axis  108  of housing  97  and extends external to housing rim aperture plane  106 . Externally threaded cylinder  119  has opposed inner and outer end portions  124  and  126 , respectively. Inner end portion  124  is rotatably mounted to housing  97  at center base portion  100 . Outer end portion  126  is positioned spaced from housing rim plane  106 . Internally threaded cylindrical nut  122  has a cylindrical outer surface  128 . Center base portion  100  defines an aperture wherein is mounted bearings  130  through which externally threaded cylinder  119  extends external to housing rim plane  106 . A handwheel  132  is mounted to externally threaded solid cylinder  119  external to housing wall  98 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 7-12 , diode panels  92  are flexibly and biasedly connected to housing  97 . Each panel outer arced edge  114  of each diode panel  92  is connected to housing wall  98  at circular rim  102  by two outer springs  134  that are secured both to each panel outer arc edge  112  and to housing wall  98  at housing rim  102  by a suitable means known in the art, for example by hook and ring. Two outer springs  134  are shown for purposes of exposition only and more that two outer springs  136  can be used. 
   Also, as shown in  FIGS. 7-12 , diode panels  92  are flexibly and biasedly connected to cylindrical nut  122  and in particular are connected to outer end portion  126  of externally threaded cylinder  119 . 
   Screw arrangement  118  is operable by rotation of handwheel  132  at inner end portion  124  in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. When handwheel  132  is rotated in the clockwise direction when diode panels  92  are positioned in the housing rim aperture plane  106  shown in  FIG. 8 , externally threaded solid cylinder  119  rotates clockwise relative to cylindrical nut  122  wherein panel inner edges  114  are drawn inwardly relative to housing rim  102 . Continued counterclockwise rotation can continue until cylindrical nut  122  is retrained by an internal cylindrical stop  138  connected to threaded solid cylinder  119  at a position spaced from center base portion  110  in particular at the inner end of threaded portion  121 , a position shown in FIG.  10 . When handwheel  132  is rotated in the clockwise direction when diode panels  92  are in the position shown in  FIG. 8  externally threaded solid cylinder  119  rotates clockwise relative to cylindrical nut  122  so that panel linear side edges  116  are pushed outwardly, or apart, relative to rim  102 . Continued counterclockwise rotation will result in cylindrical nut  122  being retrained by an external cylindrical stop  140  positioned at outer end portion  126  of externally threaded cylinder  119 , a position shown in FIG.  11 . 
     FIGS. 7 and 8  show all diode panels  92  in a selected position wherein diode panels  92  are aligned with housing rim aperture plane  106  and also are aligned at a 90 degree angle relative to housing axis  108  and to threaded cylinder  119 . In this selected position diode light beams  94  of all diode panels  92  are oriented relative to axis  108  wherein the angle of diode panels  92  is a diode panel angle of 90 degrees wherein the direction of diode beams is in a normal beam mode parallel to axis  108  towards a common focus area. 
     FIGS. 9 and 10  show all diode panels  92  in a selected position wherein diode panels  92  are positioned oriented at a selected common obtuse angle A as measured relative to housing axis  108 , that is, to externally threaded cylinder  119 , and inner end portion  124  of externally threaded cylinder  119 . In this position diode light beams  94  emanating from diodes  90  that are positioned on diode panels  92  are directed to a common focus area in a converging mode. The selected converging mode of diode light beams  94  as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  is at the maximum converging mode of diode light beams  94  wherein cylindrical nut  122  is positioned in contact with cylindrical internal stop  138  connected to externally threaded cylinder  119 . Any of a plurality of converging mode orientations of diode light beams  94  can be selected by positioning cylindrical nut  122  at any of a plurality of selected positions between the normal, or parallel light beam mode, of diode light beams  94  as shown in FIG.  8  and the maximum converging mode of diode light beams  94  shown in FIG.  10 . In the maximum converging mode, diode light beams  94  bypass outer end portion  126  of externally threaded cylinder  119  and external stop  140 . 
     FIG. 11  shows all diode panels  92  in a selected position wherein diode panels  92  are positioned oriented at a selected common acute angle B relative to axis  108  as measured relative to housing axis  108 , that is, to externally threaded cylinder  119 , and inner end portion  124  of externally threaded cylinder  119 . In this position diode light beams  94  emanating from all diodes  90  positioned on diode panels  92  are directed towards a common focus area. In this position diode light beams  94  are in a diverging mode. The selected diverging mode of diode light beams  94  as shown in  FIG. 11  is at the maximum diverging mode of diode light beams  94  wherein cylindrical nut  122  is positioned in contact with a cylindrical external stop  60 . 
     FIG. 12  shows a diode lighting system embodiment  142  generally analogous to diode lighting system  88  that includes housing  97  and housing wall  98  with housing rim  106  defining circular aperture  104  lying in a housing rim aperture plane  106  and seventeen diodes  90  mounted to eight diode panels  92 . Externally threaded solid cylinder  119  and the center of housing circular aperture  104  are aligned with an axis  108 . Screw arrangement  118  including externally threaded solid cylinder  119  having opposed inner and outer end portions  124  and  126 , respectively, and internally threaded cylindrical nut  122  threaded thereto is mounted within housing  97  with inner end portion  124  in alignment with central housing axis  108 . An optional handwheel  144  is positioned external to housing wall  98  at inner end portion  124 . Eight diode panels  92  having diodes  90  mounted thereto are connected to housing  97  at circular rim  102  as shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  9 , and  10 . An internal cylindrical stop  138  is connected to threaded solid cylinder  119  at a position spaced from inner end portion  124 . Also, an external cylindrical stop  140  is connected to threaded solid cylinder  119  at outer end portion  126  of threaded solid cylinder  119 . 
   As discussed previously in relation to  FIGS. 7-11 , embodiment  142  as shown in  FIG. 12  includes eight diode panels  92  are flexibly and biasedly connected to housing  97 . Each panel outer arced edge  112  of each diode panel  92  is connected to housing wall  98  at circular rim  102  by two outer springs  134  that are secured both to each panel outer arc edge  112  and to housing wall  98  at housing rim  102  by a suitable means known in the art, for example by hook and ring. Two outer springs  134  are shown for purposes of exposition only and more that two outer springs can be used. Embodiment  142  also shows eight diode panels  92  being flexibly and biasedly connected to cylindrical nut  122 . Each panel inner arced edge  114  of each diode panel  92  is connected to cylindrical nut  122  by an inner spring  136 . Connection is made by any suitable means known in the art, for example by hook and ring. More than one inner spring  136  can be used. 
   As shown in  FIG. 12 , a cylindrical extension member  146  that includes a cylindrical wall  148  is connected to housing rim  106  in axial alignment with axis  108 . Cylindrical extension member  146  defines an extension member outer circular rim  150  that defines a circular outer extension aperture  152  that in turn lies in an extension member rim plane  154  that is perpendicular to axis  108 . Extension member rim  150  and extension member rim plane  154  are spaced outwardly from outer end portion  126  and external stop  140 . A cylindrical protective lens  156  is mounted to extension member  146  in association with outer extension member outer rim  150  and plane  154  in perpendicular relationship with axis  108 . Lens  156  is mounted to extension member outer rim  150  by any suitable means known in the art such as the interior side of rim  150  defining a circular groove  158  into which the circular edge of lens  156  is mounted. A cylindrical axial extension  160  of cylindrical threaded cylinder  119  is connected to outer end portion  126  and extends to an axial extension end  162  that is spaced outwardly from extension member rim plane  154  and lens  156 . An outer handwheel  164  is connected to axial extension end  162 . Lens  156  defines an axially aligned circular lens aperture  166  that has a lens aperture diameter. Cylindrical axial extension  160  has an axial extension diameter that is less than the lens aperture diameter so that cylindrical axial extension  160  passes through lens aperture  166 . An operator can rotate outer handwheel  164  in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. When outer handwheel  164  is rotated in a clockwise direction, cylindrical nut  122  is moved axially towards external stop  140  to the position shown in  FIG. 11  wherein diode panels  92  are moved to the acute angle mode and diode light beams are moved towards the diverging mode shown in FIG.  11 . When outer handwheel  164  as shown in  FIG. 12  is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, cylindrical nut  122  is moved axially towards internal stop  138  wherein diode panels  92  are moved to the obtuse angle mode and diode light beams are moved towards the converging mode as shown in FIG.  10 . Rotation of outer handwheel  164  in either rotational direction gives the operator the option of moving diode panels  92  to any of a plurality of preselected positions. 
   Light emitting diodes  12  shown in conduction with diode lighting system  10  and likewise light emitting diodes  90  shown in conduction with diode lighting system  88  can be white light emitting diodes. Light emitting diodes  12  and  90  can also be colored light emitting diodes selected from the group consisting of red, green, and blue light emitting diodes. In addition, light emitting diodes can be light emitting diodes selected from the group consisting of cyan, yellow and magenta. 
   Basic electrical control of light emitting diodes can be accomplished in three different basic electrical structures or configurations that are set forth in  FIGS. 30 ,  31 ,  32  and  33  as discussed below. Before proceeding with a discussion of these electrical configurations, a basic comment is as follows. A light emitting diode is a special luminescent semiconductor device that when an adequate amount of forward drive current is passed through the diode, a particular color of light is emitted. This forward drive current is typically 20 milliamperes (20 mA) depending on individual light emitting diode characteristics. 
   In  FIGS. 13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16  the following is the legend: 
   ˜=VAC (Voltage Alternating Current) 
   V=VDC (Voltage Direct Current) 
   I=Current 
   R=Resistance 
   C=Capacitance 
   D=Light Emitting Diode 
   B=Diode Bridge Rectifier 
     FIG. 13  is an electrical diagram that shows the derivation of a forward current I driving a light emitting diode D by dividing the direct current voltage V by the resistor value, or resistance R, that is, I=V/R. With a constant voltage value, the resistance R can be selected to produce the necessary forward drive current for light emitting diode D. 
     FIG. 14  is an electrical diagram that shows alternating current voltage passing through diode bridge rectifier B and becoming direct current voltage V to drive the light emitting diodes D 1 , D 2 , D 3  and D 4 . Resistance R is used to limit the forward drive current I, and the capacitance C is used to smooth out the ripple current of the direct current voltage and make it more constant. The light emitting diodes are connected in series such that the forward drive current is identical in all of the light emitting diodes D 1 , D 2 , D 3  and D 4 . Provided that the light emitting diodes D 1 , D 2 , D 3  and D 4  are the same, the actual voltage V divided by the actual number of light emitting diodes in the series, or in this case, V/4. 
     FIG. 15  is an electrical diagram that shows light emitting diodes D 1 , D 2 , D 3  and D 4  are now connected in parallel such that each individual light emitting diode receives the same direct current voltage V. The individual forward drive currents are derived as follows for each light emitting diode. For D 1  to D 4 , I 1 =V/R 1 ; for D 2 , I 2 =V/R 2 ; for D 3 , I 3 =V/R 3 ; and for D 4 , I 4 =V/R 4 . The total current I=I 1 +I 2 +I 3 +I 4 . 
     FIG. 16  is an electrical diagram that shows a combination of light emitting diodes connected in both series and parallel. Each series leg is connected in parallel to each other. As in  FIG. 15 , each series leg sees the same direct current voltage V. The total current I=I 1 +I 2 +I 3 +I 4 . The individual forward drive currents are derived as follows for each light emitting diode: For D 1  to D 4 , I 1 =V/R 1 ; for D 5  to D 8 , I 2 =V/R 2 ; for D 9  to D 12 , I 3 =V/R 3 ; and for D 13  to D 16 , I 4 =V/R 4 . Each light emitting diode in the individual series leg sees only a quarter of the overall voltage V. alternating current passing through a diode bridge rectifier B and becoming direct current voltage V to drive the light emitting diodes D 1 , D 2 , D 3  and D 4 . 
   Four diodes are shown in each of  FIGS. 13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16  for purposes of exposition only. More or fewer diodes can be used for each example without altering the fundamental derivations. 
   Added commentary on  FIGS. 13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16  follows. A fairly direct relationship exists between the forward drive current versus the relative output luminosity for a light emitting diode. The luminous intensity is normally at its maximum at the rated DC forward drive current operating at an ambient temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. When the drive current is less than the rated forward drive current, the output will be correspondingly lower. The described circuit arrangements, therefore, will cause the light emitting diodes to give out a lower light output when the input alternating current voltage is lowered. This makes the light emitting diodes and the related circuitry ideal replacements for existing incandescent filament lamps, because they can be operated with and be dimmed using conventional SCR type wall dimmers. 
   Likewise, instead of using a constant voltage source to supply current to a circuit containing light emitting diodes, a pulsed forward current can be used. A pulsed forward drive current, as obtained from pulse width or pulse amplitude modulation circuits with adjustable duty emitting diodes to see more drive current resulting in apparently brighter light outputs. Caution must be used when overdriving the light emitting diodes so as not to overheat the diodes and cause them to burn out prematurely. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , a luminaire  198  is shown in a front and side view, respectively, that can be used as part of a complete lighting system that provides not only a variable beam, as discussed above, but also provides color changing functionality. The luminaire  198  shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18  is intended for outdoor or exterior use and may correspond, for example, to a luminaire manufactured and sold by Altman Stage Lighting, Inc., under its Model No. OUTDOOR-PAR64. Thus, the luminaire  198  includes a housing  200  that can be placed outside and exposed to the elements, and includes a lens barrel  202  containing a weatherproof clear lens cover  204 . The barrel  202  is axially secured in press fit relationship against the housing  200 , with a seal interposed therebetween in a conventional manner to provide a seal to prevent moisture and water from entering into the housing  200 . Conventional retainers  206  are provided with spring clips  208  for maintaining the barrel  202  in press fit relationship against a suitable seal, although removing the clips  208  allows the barrel  202  to be separated from the housing  200  and provides access to the interior of the luminaire. 
   A conventional connector  210  can be used to secure a power/data cable  212  to the luminaire and the electronics that may be contained therein. 
   A conventional yoke  214  may be used to support the housing while enabling the housing to rotate about two orthogonal axes, namely, vertical axis Av and horizontal axis Ah. Any suitable mechanism may be used for locking the luminaire against rotation against any one of the aforementioned axes, a disk or plate  220  secured to the housing  200  being shown that can be clamped by a clamping member such as the head of a bolt and that can be tightened by means of finger lug  224 . By tightening the lug  224 , the head  222  clamps the plate  220  against the yoke  214  to lock it against rotation about the horizontal axis Ah. A similar or another mechanism can be used for locking the yoke against rotation about the vertical axis Av. These features are conventional and do not form part of the invention. However, referring to  FIG. 17 , a plurality of rigid panels  14   a - 14   f  are shown, each of which supports 78 LEDs for a total of 468 LEDs on the six panels. The specific number of LEDs on each panel and the number of panels are not critical, as indicated in the previous discussion. A motor drive within the housing  200  (not shown on  FIGS. 17-18 ) is arranged to change the angles of the panels in relation to the axis of the housing  200 , as described. If desired, a manual hand wheel adjustment (not shown) may be used to augment or supplement the motor drive with a centrally located actuated structure. In this way, the panels  14   a - 14   f  may be adjusted manually in the event of electronic failure and inability to energize the actuator. As in the previously discussed embodiments, the flat rigid panels  14   a - 14   f  are coupled to the fixture housing  200  by resilient means. The actuator structure, motor drive, LED and motor control electronics, fixture addressing and electronics, etc., may all be included within the fixture housing. While  FIGS. 17 and 18  suggest that the aforementioned electronics and power units are contained within the housing, it should be evident to those skilled in the art that any or part of such electronic and/or power modules may also be located outside of the housing  200 , and it may be advantageous to do so. While maintaining the electronics within the housing has the benefit that the unit is more compact, easier to transport and convenient to use, in some instance it may be beneficial to maintain some or all of these electrical/electronic units outside the housing  200  since this allows one unit to operate or control two or more luminaires and removes heat-generating components from the housing. The advantages and disadvantages, in each case, need to be determined by those skilled in the art in designing these luminaires to satisfy given parameters and design specifications for use in the field. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , these figures are similar to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , except that the luminaire  198 ′ is intended for interior use. Such an indoor luminaire may be similar to the indoor luminaire sold by Altman Stage Lighting Company under the trademark “STAR PAR”. It will be noted that the same flat rigid panels  14   a - 14   f  are contained within the housing  200 ′, a shorter clear lens cover  204 ′ being used to protect the LEDs on the interior and to prevent inadvertent injury to personnel that might result from exposure of the LEDs to touch. A conventional retainer support  228  may be used in conjunction with a holding clip or clamp  230  that may be used for supporting various optical components in front of the luminaire, such as color filters, gobos, etc. As in the embodiment  198  shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , a cable  212  is connected to the unit for introducing power and/or digital signals for controlling the colors of the LEDs. 
   Referring to  FIG. 21 , an overall lighting system is illustrated for use indoors. Thus, a plurality of indoor luminaires  188 ′ are shown connected to a controller  250  powered by an AC line  252 , which is also shown connected to each of the luminaires. The AC power may be converted within the luminaires or, in the alternative, the AC power can be converted remotely from the luminaires and the desired DC power transmitted to each of the luminaires and the desired DC power transmitted to each of the luminaires. 
   The control unit  250  has an output signal line  254  that is connected to each of the input data lines  212 . The internal electronics is more fully disclosed in the following U.S. Pat. Nos.: 4,962,687; 6,016,038; 6,150,774; 6,331,756; 6,331,813; 6,357,983; and 6,459,217. 
   This internal electronics can communicate with an external controller (not shown) or a remote controller console  250 , or can operate independently as a standalone luminaire that can execute internal programs. The specific method of control is not critical, and those skilled in the art are aware of the various methods of controlling luminaires. Some methods of communications with luminaires or linking same to control signals include DMX, DMX512, RS232, X10, and RF and IR wireless control. Other methods of controlling the current in the LEDs, besides DC voltage, include PWM, PAM and CEBus Standard EIA-600. 
   It will be appreciated that the use of colored LEDs include RGB and CYM for color changing and mixing. An important feature of the present invention is, however, the combining of such colored LEDs with variable beam control to provide a total lighting system of variable beam color changing luminaires. The present invention, therefore, allows both the color and beam angle to be automatically, simultaneously and conveniently controlled by means of electronics or programming, this being done at minimum cost, expense and inconvenience. The system, therefore, performs all of the functions conventionally required of such a system by means of a simple and inexpensive modification to heretofore known color changing systems. 
   The LEDs described herein can be such that produce white light. Colored LEDs can also be used to produce the primary colors red, green, and blue and also yellow and amber/orange. The LEDs described herein also can be multi-chip and multi-LED arrays. Furthermore the LEDs described herein can be infrared. 
   Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will, of course, be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the form, details, and arrangements of the parts without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the following claims.