Patent Publication Number: US-10317043-B2

Title: Method and apparatus for distributing light

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to lighting systems, and more particularly to a system for distributing light in a specified range. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been utilized since about the 1960s. However, for the first few decades of use, the relatively low light output and narrow range of colored illumination limited the LED utilization role to specialized applications (e.g., indicator lamps). As light output improved, LED utilization within other lighting systems, such as within LED “EXIT” signs and LED traffic signals, began to increase. Over the last several years, the white light output capacity of LEDs has more than tripled, thereby allowing the LED to become the lighting solution of choice for a wide range of lighting solutions. 
     LED lighting solutions have introduced other advantages, such as increased reliability, design flexibility, and safety. For example, traditional turn, tail, and stop signal lighting concepts have been integrated into full combination lamps. Lighting solutions may be designed to optimize light distribution for a number of applications, such as in fair or adverse weather conditions (e.g., dust, fog, rain, and/or snow). For example, a lighting solution may emit light in short or long range, produce a wide or a narrow beam pattern, and/or produce a short or a tall beam pattern. 
     LED lighting solutions may include LEDs, a printed circuit board (PCB), and associated control circuitry. Various elements of each lighting solution may be selected to optimize travel of light away from the LED (e.g., to produce a particular beam pattern). 
     Due to the vast amount of variability in selecting elements of a lighting solution, efforts continue to develop particular directional and patterned beams which cater to the specific application for which it was intended. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a lighting component comprises a reflector having an open rearward end and an open forward end. A light source is configured to pass emitted light through the reflector from the rearward end to the forward end. The reflector includes a first reflective surface extending between the rearward end and the forward end. The first reflective surface is configured to transform a portion of the emitted light into a first subtended span. The reflector includes a second reflective surface extending between the rearward end and the forward end. The second reflective surface is configured to transform a portion of the emitted light into a second subtended span. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a light fixture comprises a PCBA coupled to a housing of the light fixture, and one or more reflectors coupled to the PCBA. Each reflector has an open rearward end and an open forward end. One or more first LEDs are coupled to the PCBA and configured to pass emitted light through respective reflectors from the rearward end to the forward end. Each reflector may include two or more reflective surfaces extending between the rearward end and the forward end. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a method of emitting light from a light fixture comprises emitting light from one or more first LEDs through a rearward end of a reflector. The method further includes subtending at least a portion of the emitted light into a first subtended span with a first reflective surface extending from the rearward end to a forward end of the reflector. The method further includes subtending at least a portion of the emitted light into a second subtended span with a second reflective surface extending from the rearward end to the forward end. The method further includes passing the first and second subtended spans through the forward end of the reflector. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon review of the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates one or more lighting components employed within a light fixture, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric view of one of the lighting components of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an isometric view of one of the lighting components of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of one of the lighting components of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the light fixture of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the light fixture of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the light fixture of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the light fixture of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an isocandela diagram of a target luminance of light emitted by one of the lighting components of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a flow chart of a method for providing light forming a beam pattern with a target luminance. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Generally, the various embodiments of the present invention are applied to an apparatus for and/or a method of distributing light. Specifically, a lighting component may subtend light from a light source (e.g., a light emitting diode, or LED) by transforming (e.g., reflecting) light received by the lighting component. Subtending may include any transformation of light rays. For example, subtending may include one or more of reflecting light rays and refracting light rays. In another example, subtending may include changing any characteristics of the light rays, including any one or more of amplitude, frequency, and wavelength. 
     It may be desirable to produce a beam pattern having specific areas of high luminous intensity and/or low luminous intensity light. Accordingly, the lighting component may subtend light so that it falls within a specified range or target luminance. Target luminance may refer to the luminous intensity of light as it passes through a two-dimensional surface in a direction non-parallel to the two-dimensional surface, where the luminous intensity varies per unit of projected area. The lighting component may include one or more reflectors to magnify and/or diversify the target luminance of the lighting component. The lighting component may be coupled to a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). An LED may be coupled to the PCBA, and may emit light through the lighting component from a rearward end to a forward end. 
     One or more reflective surfaces may be positioned within the reflector to cause a portion of the emitted light to be subtended into one or more subtended spans. The shapes, dimensions, and/or surface qualities of each reflective surface may be varied to optimize the resulting beam pattern. Further, the size and quantity of reflective surfaces may be varied to optimize the resulting beam pattern. For example, each reflective surface may extend from the rearward end to the forward end, or some distance less. In another example, each reflective surface may have unique and/or different foci. In another example, at least one of the reflective surfaces may be configured to subtend emitted light into a narrow, or collimated beam (e.g., a spot beam), and at least one of the reflective surfaces may be configured to subtend emitted light into a wide, or diffused beam (e.g., a flood beam). 
     Where the lighting component includes more than one reflector, each reflector may be oriented in a series or an array of reflectors (e.g., side-by-side, or end-to-end, or both). For example, reflectors may appear in a row or column of one, two, three, four, or more reflectors. In another example, reflectors may appear in a row of nine reflectors. In another example, reflectors may appear in an array having two or more rows and two or more columns. In another example, at least one row and/or column in an array of reflectors may be offset from the at least one other row and/or column. 
     The lighting component may be used in a light fixture. The light fixture may provide power to the PCBA, and the PCBA may provide power to one or more LEDs. In one example, the one or more LEDs may emit light through the one or more reflectors. In another example, one or more LEDs may emit light behind the one or more reflectors (e.g., exterior to an internal cavity of the reflectors). Light emitted external to the one or more reflectors may cause a backlighting effect within the lighting fixture. 
     The one or more LEDs emitting light through the one or more reflectors and the one or more LEDs emitting light external to the one or more reflectors may emit white light, visible light of any other wavelength, and/or light from the non-visible spectrum (e.g., infrared light). For example, the light emitted by the one or more LEDs emitting light through the one or more reflectors may be different than the light emitted by the one or more LEDs emitting light external to the one or more reflectors. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a light fixture  100  with one or more lighting components  110  configured therein. For example, lighting components  110  may be placed within a housing  103  of light fixture  100  and/or may be secured between a transparent media  107  and one or more PCBAs  105 . PCBAs  105  may include one or more first LEDs (e.g., LEDs  550  of  FIG. 5A ) and one or more second LEDs (e.g., LEDs  570  of  FIG. 5A ) for emitting light from light fixture  100 . The transparent media  107  may enclose lighting components  110 , the first and second LEDs, and PCBA  105  within housing  103  (e.g., sealed therein). 
     For example, emitted light may pass through lighting components  110 , one or more panels  104 , transparent media  107 , and/or through any combination thereof. In another example, each lighting component  110  may be positioned to subtend light from corresponding first LEDs on PCBA  105 . In another example, each side panel  104  may be positioned to subtend light from corresponding second LEDs on PCBA  105 . In another example, a portion of light emitted by second LEDs may pass through transparent media  107  without interaction with lighting components  110  and/or panels  104  (e.g., through gaps  106  between lighting components  110  and housing  103 ). 
     Further, PCBAs  105  may have control circuitry for regulating power to the first and second LEDs. PCBAs  105  may receive power from an external power source (not shown) or may be powered internally (e.g., via a battery, not shown). For example, power may be received from a power cable  102  extending through housing  103 . The control circuitry of PCBA  105  may regulate flow of power to the first and second LEDs in order to provide one or more modes of operation. For example, the first and second LEDs may be regulated to emit light in an on mode, an off mode, an intermittent mode (e.g., flashing), and/or in any other mode capable of creating light illumination and/or signaling. In another example, the first LEDs may be operated independently of the second LEDs. In another example, the second LEDs may be operated independently of the first LEDs. 
     PCBAs  105  may be capable of receiving commands from a user via a user interface (e.g., a switch), to select any one of the modes of operation. For example, in one mode of operation, light may be emitted by the first LEDs (e.g., passing through the lighting components  110 ). In another example, in one mode of operation, light may be emitted by the second LEDs (e.g., without interaction with lighting components  110  and/or panels  104 ). In another example, in one mode of operation, light may be emitted by both the first and second LEDs. In another example, in one mode of operation, no light may be emitted. 
     Housing  103  of light fixture  100  may include heat sink fins  101  for dissipating heat away from first and second LEDs during operation thereof. For example, heat produced by first and second LEDs may be passed through housing  103  into heat sink fins  101  (e.g., via heat conduction). In another example, heat passed into heat sink fins  101  may be passed into an environment (e.g., via convection). 
     Lighting components  110  may be sized to fit within housing  103 , to subtend light emitted by first LEDs into a target luminance (e.g., a spot beam pattern), and/or to optimize the sizing of gaps  106 . Thus, light emitted by second LEDs may pass through gaps  106  without being subtended by lighting components  110 . Accordingly it may be desirable to optimize both light subtended by lighting components  110  (e.g., light emitted by first LEDs) and to optimize light not subtended by lighting components  110  (e.g., light emitted by second LEDs). For example, subtended light may produce a first target luminance, and non-subtended light may produce a second target luminance less than the first target luminance. 
     Panels  104  may be configured within housing  103  for creating light illumination and/or signaling. For example, panels  104  may be opaque, translucent, transparent, and/or may include one or more regions of transparency and/or translucence portions  108  to enable passage of light emitted by second LEDs. For example, regions  108  may be in the likeness of graphics to highlight a particular characteristic of light fixture  400  (e.g., branding). In another example, regions  108  may be in the likeness of icons (e.g., hazard indicator icons) to indicate hazard conditions. 
     First and second LEDs may emit light of any wavelength in the visible spectrum (e.g., red light), and outside the visible spectrum (e.g., infra-red light) to enable more than one luminance and/or signaling option. For example, first LEDs may emit white light. In another example, second LEDs may emit red light. 
     During operation, a first mode of operation may be selected corresponding to powering of the first LEDs. Thus, during the first mode, the first LEDs may emit light through lighting components  110 , and at least a portion of the emitted light may be subtended by one or more lighting components  110 . Further, in the first mode, subtended light may pass from light fixture  100  in a first target luminance (e.g., corresponding to a spot beam pattern). The first target luminance may represent a “primary light” mode of light fixture  100  (e.g., to enable the user to see environmental conditions and/or obstructions in non-daylight lighting conditions). 
     During operation, a second mode of operation may be selected corresponding to powering of the second LEDs. Thus, during the second mode, the second LEDs may emit light through regions  108  of panels  104 , or which passes through gaps  106  without being subtended by lighting components  110 . Further, in the second mode, light emitted by second LEDs may pass in a second target luminance (e.g., corresponding to a flood beam pattern). The second target luminance may represent a “back-lit” mode of light fixture  100  (e.g., to enable light fixture  100  to be seen in either daylight or non-daylight lighting conditions). 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric view of a lighting component  210  which may include one or more reflectors  220  (e.g., three reflectors). A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any number of reflectors  220  may be formed in a single lighting component. As exemplified in  FIG. 2 , reflectors  220  may be configured in a series orientation. In another example, reflectors  220  may be configured in an array. In another example, reflectors  220  may be removably connected to each other. 
     Each reflector  220  may include one or more reflective surfaces (e.g., first surface  221 , second surface  222 ) for subtending light emitted by corresponding LEDs (e.g., LEDs  550  of  FIG. 5A ). For example, each reflector  220  may include at least two reflective surfaces. In another example, each reflector  220  may include at least four reflective surfaces. 
     Each reflective surface may have unique or similar shapes, dimensions and/or surface qualities. For example, first surface  221  may have a first focus, such that emitted light may be subtended by first surface  221  into a first subtended span (e.g., span  665  of  FIG. 6B ). In another example, second surface  222  may have a second focus different from the first focus, such that emitted light may be subtended by second surface  222  into a second subtended span (e.g., span  566  of  FIG. 5B ) different from the first subtended span. 
     One or more bumpers  240  may be configured on each lighting component  210  to facilitate in attachment of lighting component  210  within a housing (e.g., housing  103  of  FIG. 1 ) and/or securement of lighting component  210  between a transparent media and one or more PCBAs (e.g., transparent media  107  and PCBAs  105  of  FIG. 1 ). For example, at least one bumper  240  may extend across a forward portion  211  of lighting component  210  such that bumper  240  may contact the transparent media and/or forward portion  211  may be spaced from the transparent media. In another example, a bumper  240  may extend between each reflector  220  (e.g., a lighting component  210  with three reflectors  220  may have two bumpers  240  as exemplified in  FIG. 2 ). In another example, a lighting component  210  may have at least two bumpers to increase stability of the lighting component  210  when configured within the housing and/or secured between the transparent media and the PCBA. 
     Each bumper  240  may be formed of elastic material (e.g., rubber) to enable compression and/or deformation of the bumpers  240  when lighting component  210  is configured within the housing and/or secured between the transparent media and the PCBA. For example, the transparent media may exert a force on bumpers  240 , such that the force is transferred to lighting component  210  to retain lighting component  210  against the PCBA. In another example, the transparent media may exert a force on bumpers  240  causing bumpers  240  to deform, but where the force in insufficient to cause lighting component  210  to deform. Accordingly, lighting component  210  may be formed of an inelastic material as compared to bumpers  240 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an isometric view of a lighting component  310  which may include one or more reflectors  320  (e.g., three reflectors). For example, reflectors  320  may be formed integrally with each other. Each reflector  320  may include a rearward portion  312  with one or more legs  315  configured to contact one or more PCBAs (e.g., PCBAs  105  of  FIG. 1 ). For example, legs  315  may ensure an optimal separation distance between the PCBAs and reflectors  320 . In another example, legs  315  may ensure an optimal separation distance between LEDs (e.g., LEDs  650  of  FIG. 6A ) and reflectors  320 . In another example, each rearward portion  312  may include at least three legs  315  to enable a stable engagement between lighting component  310  and the PCBAs. 
     At least one of the one or more legs  315  may include a feature  316  configured to interconnect with the PCBAs (e.g., with a corresponding feature of the PCBAs). For example, feature  316  may ensure an optimal geometric configuration of lighting component  310  within a housing (e.g., housing  103  of  FIG. 1 ) and/or when secured between a transparent media (e.g., transparent media  107  of  FIG. 1 ) and the PCBAs. In another example, each leg  315  may include a feature  316  configured to interconnect with the PCBAs. In another example, at least three features  316  may extend from each reflector  320  to interconnect with the PCBAs to ensure the optimal geometric configuration. In another example, feature  316  may be in the likeness of a peg, and may interconnect with a corresponding slotted feature of the PCBA. 
     One or more bumpers  340  may be configured on each lighting component  310  to facilitate in attachment of lighting component  310  within the housing and/or for securement of lighting component  310  between the transparent media and the PCBAs. Each bumper  340  may include opposing ends with connectors  341  for attachment to lighting component  310 . For example, connectors  341  of bumper  340  may interconnect with corresponding connectors  318  of lighting component  310 . In another example, at least one bumper  340  may extend across a forward portion (e.g., forward portion  211  of  FIG. 2 ) of lighting component  310 . In another example, connectors  318  of lighting component  310  may be configured to face oppositely of the forward portion. In another example, each connector  341  may be in the likeness of a loop, and may attach with a corresponding hooked connector  318  of the lighting component  310 . 
     Each bumper  340  may be formed of elastic material (e.g., an elastomer) to enable stretching of the bumper  340  when attached to lighting component  310 . For example, a middle portion (e.g., middle portion  242  of  FIG. 2 ) may stretch across the forward portion when connectors  341  at opposing ends are attached to corresponding connectors  318  of lighting component  310 . In another example, stretching of the bumper  340  may cause an internal tensile force which facilitates in the attachment of connectors  341  to connectors  318 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of a lighting component  410  which may include one or more reflectors  420  (e.g., reflectors  420 A,  420 B,  420 C). Each reflector may include one or more reflective surfaces. For example, reflector  420 A may include a first surface  421 A, a second surface  422 A, a third surface  423 A, and a fourth surface  424 A. In another example, reflector  420 B may include a first surface  421 B, a second surface  422 B, a third surface  423 B, and a fourth surface  424 B. In another example, reflector  420 C may include a first surface  421 C, a second surface  422 C, a third surface  423 C, and a fourth surface  424 C. Each reflective surface may extend from a forward portion  411  to a rearward portion  412  of each respective reflector. 
     Each reflective surface may have unique or similar shapes for optimizing the subtending of light therefrom. For example, reflective surfaces may be flat, concave, and/or convex. In another example, reflective surfaces may be spherical, parabolic, elliptic, or may have other non-uniform curvatures. In another example, first  421 A, second  422 A, third  423 A, and fourth  424 A surfaces may be parabolic. 
     Each reflective surface may have unique or similar dimensions for the optimizing subtending of light therefrom. For example, first surface  421 A may have a first focus, such that emitted light may be subtended by first surface  421 A into a first subtended span (e.g., span  665  of  FIG. 6B ). In another example, second surface  422 A may have a second focus different from the first focus, such that emitted light may be subtended by second surface  422 A into a second subtended span (e.g., span  566  of  FIG. 5B ) different from the first subtended span. In another example, third surface  423 A may have a third focus different from the second focus and similar to the first focus, such that emitted light may be subtended by third surface  423 A into a third subtended span (e.g., span  667  of  FIG. 6B ) different from the second subtended span and similar to the first subtended span. In another example, fourth surface  424 A may have a fourth focus different from the first and third foci and similar to the second focus, such that emitted light may be subtended by fourth surface  424 A into a fourth subtended span (e.g., span  568  of  FIG. 5B ) different from the first and third subtended spans and similar to the second subtended span. 
     Thus, first surface  421 A may be similar to third surface  423 A. For example, first surface  421 A may have a similar focus to third surface  423 A. In another example, first surface  421 A may be symmetric to third surface  423 A about a central axis (e.g., central axis  525  of  FIG. 5B ) of reflector  420 A. In another example, first surface  421 A may be configured oppositely of third surface  423 A about the central axis. Further, second surface  422 A may be similar to fourth surface  424 A. For example, second surface  422  A may have a similar focus to fourth surface  424 A. In another example, second surface  422 A may be symmetric to fourth surface  424 A about the central axis of reflector  420 A. In another example, second surface  422 A may be configured oppositely of fourth surface  424 A about the central axis. Alternatively, first surface  421 A may be different from third surface  423 A (e.g., having different foci) and/or second surface  422 A may be different from fourth surface  424 A (e.g., having different foci). 
     Each reflective surface may have unique or similar surface qualities for optimizing the subtending of light therefrom. For example, reflective surfaces may be smooth, contoured, and/or rough. In another example, reflective surfaces may have high reflectivity (e.g., about 1), and/or some reflectivity less than the high reflectivity (e.g., about 0.5). Thus, some or all of the reflective surfaces may have the high reflectivity and/or some or all of the reflective surfaces may have some reflectivity less than the high reflectivity. In another example, first  421 A, second  422 A, third  423 A, and fourth  424 A surfaces may be smooth and may have the high reflectivity. 
     The shapes, dimensions, and/or surface qualities of reflectors  420 B and  420 C may be unique and/or similar to the shapes, dimensions, and/or surface qualities discussed above with reference to reflector  420 A. For example, each of first surfaces  421 A,  421 B, and  421 C may have unique and/or similar shapes, dimensions, and/or surface qualities. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various combinations of shapes, dimensions, and/or surface qualities may be employed to produce an assortment of subtended spans of light. 
     Furthermore, each reflective surface of reflector  420 A may occupy a portion of reflector  420 A (e.g., configured within a discrete position) to further optimize the subtending of light therefrom. As exemplified in  FIG. 4 , first surface  421 A may resemble a left side portion, second surface  422 A may resemble a bottom side portion, third surface  423 A may resemble a right side portion, and fourth surface  424 A may resemble a top side portion of reflector  420 A. In another example, each reflective surface may occupy approximately equal portions of reflector  420 A, such that in a reflector having four reflective surfaces, each reflective surface may occupy about 25 percent of an inner surface area of the reflector. In another example, each reflective surface may occupy less and/or greater than equal portions (e.g., a 20/30/20/30 percent split of the inner surface area). In another example, the configuration of reflective surfaces of reflectors  420 B and  420 C may be unique and/or similar to that of reflector  420 A. 
     Each reflective surface may have a perimeter which contacts forward portion  411 , rearward portion  412  and abutting reflective surfaces on opposing edges thereof. A difference in shape, dimension, and/or surface quality of abutting reflective surfaces may cause a nonalignment of corresponding edges (e.g., an edge of first surface  421 A may imperfectly abut an edge of second surface  422 A due to differences in foci). 
     Accordingly, a surface effect may be configured to create a transition between unaligned edges (e.g., surface effects  428 ,  429 ). For example, a single surface effect between abutting edges may extend entirely from forward portion  411  to rearward portion  412  (e.g., where a point of abutment lies outside of the range between forward portion  411  and rearward portion  412 ). In another example, a first surface effect  428  may extend from forward portion  411  toward rearward portion  412  and a second surface effect  429  may extend from rearward portion  412  toward forward portion  411 , such that the first and second surface effects terminate at an abutment point  426  some distance between the forward and rearward portions  411 ,  412 . Thus, abutment point  426  may represent a position at which abutting edges of corresponding reflective surfaces are equal in distance from the central axis of each reflector. In another example, first and second surface effects may terminate along an abutment line  427 , such that first surface effect  428  may be offset from second surface effect  429  (e.g., as exemplified in  FIG. 4 ). Thus, the greater the offset between first and second surface effects  428 ,  429 , the larger the overlap of corresponding reflective surfaces. 
       FIG. 4  exemplifies a configuration wherein abutment point  426  and/or abutment line  427  is substantially closer to forward portion  411  than to rearward portion  412 , such that forward portion  411  is substantially circular in shape whereas rearward portion  412  is substantially non-circular in shape. Nevertheless, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that abutment point  426  and/or abutment line  427  may be configured to be any distance between forward and rearward portions  411 ,  412 , at forward or rearward portions  411 ,  412 , and/or beyond forward or rearward portions  411 ,  412 , depending on the shapes, dimensions, and/or surface qualities of each reflective surface. 
     While  FIG. 4  exemplifies reflectors with four reflective surfaces, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that each reflector may have more or less reflective surfaces (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more reflective surfaces). Further, each reflector may include unique and/or similar quantities of reflective surfaces. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a cross-sectional view of a light fixture  500  with a component  510  and PCBA  505  enclosed within a housing  503 . Component  510  may include a single reflector  520 . Nevertheless, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the principles discussed herein may apply to lighting components having a greater number of reflectors (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more). Lighting component  510  may be spaced an optimal separation distance from PCBA  505  and/or a first LED  550  by one or more legs  515 . Further, lighting component  510  may be secured in an optimal geometric configuration with PCBA  505  by one or more features  516  extending from the one or more legs  515  for interconnection with one or more corresponding features  517  of PCBA  505 . 
     The optimal separation distance and optimal geometric configuration may ensure that light emitted by first LED  550  and/or an effective span  551  of light emitted by first LED  550  is directed through reflector  520  (e.g., during a “primary light” mode of operation). Alternatively, light emitted by second LED  570  may not be directed through reflector  520 . First LED  550  may be configured on PCBA  505  such that an axis of symmetry  552  of effective span  551  extends substantially through reflector  520 . For example, axis of symmetry  552  may be perpendicular to a surface of PCBA  505 . In another example, axis of symmetry  552  may be collinear with a central axis  525  of reflector  520  (e.g., central axis  525  may be an axis of symmetry of reflector  520 ). 
     Reflector  520  may include at least a lower surface  522  and an upper surface  524  for subtending light. Lower and upper surfaces  522 ,  524  may be unique and/or similar in shape, dimension, and/or surface quality. For example, where lower and upper surfaces  522 ,  524  are similar, each surface may share a common focus and/or a focus of lower surface  522  may be equal to a focus of upper surface  524 . In another example, where lower and upper surfaces  522 ,  524  are similar, each surface may be symmetrically spaced from and/or located oppositely of central axis  525  (e.g., and axis of symmetry  552  of LED  550 ). In another example, lower and upper surfaces  522 ,  524  may be parabolic. 
     For illustrative purposes, effective span  551  may be described in terms of one or more portions (e.g., portions  562 ,  564 ,  569 ) of light as each portion passes through reflector  520 . For example, a portion  562  may be emitted by LED  550  and may pass toward lower surface  522 . Portion  562  may contact lower surface  522  and/or may be subtended (e.g. reflected) by lower surface  522 . Thus, portion  562  may be transformed into subtended span  566 . In another example, a portion  564  may be emitted by LED  550  and may pass toward upper surface  524 . Portion  564  may contact upper surface  524  and/or may be subtended (e.g. reflected) by upper surface  524 . Thus, portion  564  may be transformed into subtended span  568 . In another example, a portion  569  may be emitted by LED  550  and may pass through reflector  520  without contacting and/or being subtended by either lower or upper surfaces  522 ,  524 . Thus, portion  569  may not be transformed. 
     The shapes, dimensions, and/or surface qualities of reflector  520  may determine how much of effective span  551  falls into portions  562 ,  564 , and  569 . For example, a relatively large dimension of reflector  520  along central axis  525  may result in a higher luminous intensity of emitted light falling within portions  562  and  564 , whereas a relatively small dimension along central axis  525  may result in higher luminous intensity of emitted light falling within portion  569 . In another example, a relatively large dimension of reflector  520  along an axis perpendicular to central axis  525  may result in higher luminous intensity of emitted light falling within portion  569 , whereas a relatively small dimension along an axis perpendicular to central axis  525  may result in higher luminous intensity of emitted light falling within portions  562  and  564 . In another example, altering the foci of the lower and upper surfaces  522 ,  524  may change the amount of emitted light falling within portions  562 ,  564 , and  569 . Thus, the shapes, dimensions, and/or surface qualities of reflector  520  may be optimized to produce a target luminance of subtended light (e.g., by subtended spans  566 ,  568 ), and/or to produce a target luminance of non-subtended light (e.g., by portion  569 ). 
     The target luminance of subtended light and the target luminance of non-subtended light may combine to form a target luminance of the system (e.g., during a first mode of operation of the system). For example, the system may include a lighting component with a single reflector (e.g., as exemplified in  FIG. 5B ). In another example, the system may include a lighting component with more than one reflector (e.g., three reflectors, as exemplified in  FIG. 4 ). In another example, the system may include more than one lighting component (e.g., three lighting components, each having three reflectors, as exemplified in  FIG. 1 ). 
     Furthermore, the shapes, dimensions, and/or surface qualities of lower and upper surfaces  522 ,  524  may influence the directionality of subtended spans  566  and  568 . For example, subtended span  566  may pass from reflector  520  as collimated light. In another example, subtended span  568  may pass from reflector  520  as focused light. In another example, subtended span  568  may pass from reflector  520  as diffused light. In another example, subtended spans  566 ,  568  may pass from reflector  520  with a similar directionality (e.g., both collimated, both focused, or both diffused). 
     Second LED  570  may be positioned on PCBA  505  so that an effective span  571  of light emitted thereby does not pass through reflector  520  (e.g., during a second mode of operation). For example, second LED  570  may be configured on PCBA  505  such that an axis of symmetry  572  of effective span  571  extends substantially perpendicular to a surface of PCBA  505  (e.g., parallel to axis of symmetry  552 ). In another example, axis of symmetry  572  may intersect an exterior surface  531  of reflector  520 . In another example, axis of symmetry  572  may pass beyond reflector  520  without intersection (e.g., through gap  506 ). 
     Effective span  571  may interact with one or more of exterior surface  531  of reflector  520 , a surface of PCBA  505 , and/or an interior surface of housing  503  in order to illuminate one or more of these surfaces with emitted light (e.g., during a “back-lit” mode of operation). For example, a portion  581  of effective span  571  may be absorbed by exterior surface  531 , may cause exterior surface  531  to be illuminated, and/or may be subtended (e.g., reflected) by exterior surface  531  toward the surface of PCBA  505 , the interior surface of housing  503 , and/or through gap  506 . In another example, a portion  582  of effective span  571  may be absorbed by the interior surface of housing  503 , may cause the interior surface of housing  503  to be illuminated, and/or may be subtended (e.g., reflected) by the interior surface of housing  503  toward exterior surface  531 , the surface of PCBA  505 , and/or through gap  506 . In another example, a portion  583  of effective span  571  may pass through gap  506  without interaction with exterior surface  531 , the interior surface of housing  503 , or the surface of PCBA  505 . 
     Thus, the interior of housing  503  may be illuminated by light emitted by second LED  570  to produce a lighting effect (e.g., backlighting during the “back-lit” mode of operation) within housing  503 , whereas environmental conditions outside of housing  503  may be illuminated by light emitted by first LED  550 . For example, first LED  550  may illuminate environmental conditions forward of light fixture  500  (e.g., in the direction indicated by axis of symmetry  552 ). In another example, second LED  570  may illuminate the interior of housing  503 , which may be viewable from a position forward of light fixture  500  (e.g., when viewing light fixture  500  from a direction opposite of the direction indicated by axis of symmetry  552 ). 
     First LED  550  and second LED  570  may emit light in the visible spectrum such that the primary light and back-lit modes of operation are visible to any human eye. For example, light may be emitted having a wavelength of between about 400 nanometers and about 760 nanometers individually or collectively. In another example, first LED  550  may emit white light and second LED  570  may emit colored light. In another example, first LED  550  and second LED  570  may be capable of varying the wavelength of light output (e.g., an RGB LED). Further, first LED  550  and second LED  570  may emit radiation in the non-visible spectrum so that one or more modes of operation are not visible to any human eye, but may be viewable by animals and/or with visibility enhancement systems (e.g., night vision). For example, infrared light may be emitted (e.g., with a wavelength between about 760 nanometers and about 1,000,000 nanometers). In another example, ultraviolet light may be emitted (e.g., with a wavelength between about 100 nanometers and about 400 nanometers). 
     While LED  550  and LED  570  have been described as singular LEDs, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional first LEDs and additional second LEDs may be incorporated into the present invention in order to increase light output within housing  503 , outside of housing  503 , or both. Further, it is understood that PCBA  505  may incorporate control circuitry for regulating power provided to the first LEDs and/or second LEDs in accordance with one or more modes of operation (e.g., as discussed with reference to  FIG. 1 ). 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a cross-sectional view of a light fixture  600  with a component  610  and PCBA  605  enclosed within a housing  603 . Component  610  may include at least one reflector  620  for subtending light emitted by a first LED  650 . For example, first LED  650  may be configured on PCBA  605  to emit light and/or to emit an effective span  651  of light through reflector  620  (e.g., during a “primary light” mode of operation). In another example, second LED  670  may be configured on PCBA  605  to emit light and/or emit an effective span  671  of light not passing through reflector  620  (e.g., during a “back-lit” mode of operation). Effective span  651  may have an axis of symmetry  652  extending substantially through reflector  620 , whereas effective span  671  may have an axis of symmetry  672  not passing through reflector  620  (e.g., intersecting an exterior surface  631  of reflector  620  or passing beyond reflector  620  through gap  606 ). 
     Reflector  620  may include at least a left surface  621  and a right surface  623  for subtending light. Left and right surfaces  621 ,  623  may be unique and/or similar in shape, dimension, and/or surface quality. For example, where left and right surfaces  621 ,  623  are similar, each surface may share a common focus and/or a focus of left surface  621  may be equal to a focus of right surface  623 . In another example, where left and right surfaces  621 ,  623  are similar, each surface may be symmetrically spaced from and/or located oppositely of a central axis  625  of reflector  620  (e.g., and axis of symmetry  652  of LED  650 ). In another example, left and right surfaces  621 ,  623  may be parabolic. 
     For illustrative purposes, effective span  651  may be described in terms of one or more portions (e.g., portions  661 ,  663 ,  669 ) of light as each portion passes through reflector  620 . For example, a portion  661  may be emitted by LED  650  and may pass toward left surface  621 . Portion  661  may contact left surface  621  and/or may be subtended (e.g. reflected) by left surface  621 . Thus, portion  661  may be transformed into subtended span  665 . In another example, a portion  663  may be emitted by LED  650  and may pass toward right surface  623 . Portion  663  may contact right surface  623  and/or may be subtended (e.g. reflected) by right surface  623 . Thus, portion  663  may be transformed into subtended span  667 . In another example, a portion  669  may be emitted by LED  650  and may pass through reflector  620  without contacting and/or being subtended by either lo left or right surfaces  621 ,  623 . Thus, portion  669  may not be transformed. 
     The shapes, dimensions, and/or surface qualities of reflector  620  may determine how much of effective span  651  falls into portions  661 ,  663 , and  669 . For example, a relatively large dimension of reflector  620  along central axis  625  may result in higher luminous intensity of emitted light falling within portions  661  and  663 , whereas a relatively small dimension along central axis  625  may result in higher luminous intensity of emitted light falling within portion  669 . In another example, a relatively large dimension of reflector  620  along an axis perpendicular to central axis  625  may result in higher luminous intensity of emitted light falling within portion  669 , whereas a relatively small dimension along an axis perpendicular to central axis  625  may result in higher luminous intensity of emitted light falling within portions  661  and  663 . In another example, altering the foci of the left and right surfaces  621 ,  623  may change the amount of emitted light falling within portions  661 ,  663 , and  669 . Thus, the shapes, dimensions, and/or surface qualities of reflector  620  may be optimized to produce a target luminance of subtended light (e.g., by subtended spans  665 ,  667 ), and/or to produce a target luminance of non-subtended light (e.g., by portion  669 ). Thus, the target luminance of subtended light and the target luminance of non-subtended light may combine to form a target luminance of the system (e.g., during a first mode of operation of the system). 
     Furthermore, the shapes, dimensions, and/or surface qualities of left and right surfaces  621 ,  623  may influence the directionality of subtended spans  665  and  667 . For example, subtended span  665  may pass from reflector  620  as collimated light, focused light, or diffused light. In another example, subtended span  667  may pass from reflector  620  as collimated light, focused light, or diffused light. In another example, subtended spans  665 ,  667  may pass from reflector  520  with a similar directionality. 
     Effective span  671  may interact with one or more of exterior surface  631  of reflector  620 , a surface of PCBA  605 , and/or an interior surface of housing  603  in order to illuminate one or more of these surfaces. For example, a portion  681  of effective span  671  may be absorbed by exterior surface  631 , may cause exterior surface  631  to be illuminated, and/or may be subtended (e.g., reflected) by exterior surface  631 . In another example, a portion  682  of effective span  671  may be absorbed by the interior surface of housing  603 , may cause the interior surface of housing  603  to be illuminated, and/or may be subtended (e.g., reflected) by the interior surface of housing  603 . In another example, light subtended by one or both of exterior surface  631  and/or the interior surface of housing  603  may pass outward through gap  606 , onto each other, and/or toward a surface of PCBA  605 . In another example, a portion  683  of effective span  671  may pass through gap  606  without interaction with exterior surface  631 , the interior surface of housing  603 , or the surface of PCBA  605 . 
     Thus, any surface within housing  603  may be illuminated by light emitted by second LED  670  to produce a lighting effect within housing  603 . Nevertheless, left and right surfaces  621 ,  623  may not be illuminated by light emitted by second LED  670 . For example, first LED  650  may illuminate environmental conditions forward of light fixture  600  (e.g., in the direction indicated by axis of symmetry  652 ). In another example, second LED  670  may illuminate the interior of housing  603 , which may be viewable from a position forward of light fixture  600  (e.g., when viewing light fixture  600  from a direction opposite of the direction indicated by axis of symmetry  652 ). In another example, first and second LEDs  650 ,  670  may emit light simultaneously and/or intermittently to enable any of the above viewing options. 
     While LED  650  and LED  670  have been described as singular LEDs, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional first LEDs and additional second LEDs may be incorporated into the present invention in order to increase light output within housing  603 , outside of housing  603 , or both. Further, it is understood that PCBA  605  may incorporate control circuitry for regulating power provided to the first LEDs and/or second LEDs in accordance with one or more modes of operation (e.g., as discussed with reference to  FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an isocandela diagram of a target luminance (e.g., beam pattern  780 ) of light emitted by an LED (e.g., LED  550  of  FIG. 5A ) and subtended by a lighting component (e.g., lighting component  510  of  FIG. 5A ). In general, isocandela plots illustrate the luminous intensity of a light source, or, as in this case, the luminous intensity of beam pattern  780 . As exemplified in the isocandela diagram of  FIG. 7 , beam pattern  780  may extend along a width-wise axis (e.g., L-R axis) and along a height-wise axis (e.g., U-D axis), such that the target luminance of emitted light passes through the plane formed by these axes. Furthermore, the incremental values extending along each axis approximately represent angles from an axis of symmetry (e.g., axis of symmetry  552  of  FIG. 5A ) of the light emitting LED. For example, the axis of symmetry may pass through the plane formed by the L-R &amp; U-D axes at the zero values along these axes (e.g., 0,0). In another example, the axis of symmetry may be perpendicular to the plane formed by the L-R &amp; U-D axes. 
     Light forming beam pattern  780  may be optimized to pass within one or more luminous regions (e.g., regions  791 - 794 ) by altering the shape, dimension, and/or surface quality of reflective surfaces of the lighting component (e.g., lower and upper surfaces  522 ,  524  and/or left and right  621 ,  623 ). For example, a first reflective surface (e.g., left surface  621 ) may be configured to subtend (e.g., focus) light into one of the luminous regions (e.g., region  791 ). In another example, a second reflective surface (e.g., lower surface  522 ) may be configured to subtend (e.g., collimate) light into one of the luminous regions (e.g., region  792 ). In another example, a third reflective surface (e.g., right surface  623 ) may be configured to subtend (e.g., focus) light into one of the luminous regions (e.g., region  793 ). In another example, a fourth reflective surface (e.g., upper surface  524 ) may be configured to subtend (e.g., collimate) light into one of the luminous regions (e.g., region  794 ). 
     A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape, dimension, and/or surface quality of each reflective surface may be varied to produce any configuration of luminous regions. For example, light subtended by two or more reflective surfaces may fall entirely within a single luminous region (e.g., two overlapping regions) to increase luminous intensity within that region (e.g., second and fourth reflective surfaces may subtend light within regions  792 ,  794 , which entirely overlap). In another example, light subtended by two or more reflective surfaces may fall into two partially overlapping luminous regions to increase luminous intensity over a portion of each region (e.g., first and second reflective surfaces may subtend light into partially overlapping regions  792 ,  791 , respectively). In another example, light subtended by two or more reflective surfaces may fall into two non-overlapping luminous regions to increase the span of subtended light into a wider spectrum (e.g., first and third reflective surfaces may subtend light into non-overlapping regions  791 ,  793 ). 
     Further, luminous regions may be similar and/or different in size, where smaller luminous regions may represent regions of higher luminous intensity and larger luminous regions may represent regions of lower luminous intensity (e.g., regions  792 ,  794  are exemplified as having a first size with relatively higher luminous intensity, while regions  791 ,  793  are exemplified as having a second size with relatively smaller luminous intensity). Nevertheless, differences in luminous intensity may also vary based on a proportionality of a surface area of each reflective surface. Thus, it may be advantageous to configure each reflective surface with unique and/or similar shapes, dimensions, and/or surface qualities. 
     In addition, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the quantity of reflective surfaces included within the lighting component may be varied to produce any number of luminous regions. For example, a lighting component may include four reflective surfaces (e.g., lighting component  410  with reflective surfaces  421 A- 424 A) which may produce between 1 common luminous region and 4 independent luminous regions. Thus, it may be advantageous to configure a lighting component with greater or fewer reflective surfaces. 
     Further, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the lighting component may include one or more reflectors, where each reflector may include unique and/or similar sets of reflective surfaces to magnify and/or diversify the target luminance of the lighting component. For example, a lighting component may include three reflectors (e.g., lighting component  410  with reflectors  420 A- 420 C) which each reflector having one or more reflective surfaces. Thus, it may be advantageous to configure the lighting component with greater or fewer reflectors. 
     Each reflective surface may subtend light into at least one of the luminous regions (e.g., regions  791 - 794 ). Nevertheless, the luminous intensity of light subtended by each reflective surface may vary across each corresponding luminous region. For example, where luminous regions are separated, each luminous region may have a low intensity perimeter surrounding a high intensity spot which may be centered and/or offset within the low intensity perimeter. In another example, where luminous regions are overlapping (e.g., regions  791 - 794 ), each luminous region may have a low intensity perimeter surrounding a high intensity spot, but the overlapping nature of the luminous regions may produce a combined beam pattern (e.g., beam pattern  780 ). Thus, the luminous regions of the combined beam pattern may be indistinguishable. Further, the luminous regions of the combined beam pattern may form a target luminance of the lighting component (e.g., lighting component  510  of  FIG. 5A ). 
     The target luminance may by described in terms of a series of loops (e.g., bands  781 - 787 ) which indicate an intensity of beam pattern  780  along each respective loop. For example, a first band  781  may represent a first luminous intensity (e.g., about 269 candela), and may represent a boundary between luminous intensities below and above the first luminous intensity. In this example, points along the L-R and U-D axes and outside band  781  may be less than the first luminous intensity, and points along the L-R and U-D axes and inside band  781  may be greater than the first luminous intensity. 
     In another example, a second band  782  may represent a second luminous intensity (e.g., about 750 candela). In this example, points along the L-R and U-D axes and outside band  782  may be less than the second luminous intensity, and points along the L-R and U-D axes and inside band  782  may be greater than the second luminous intensity. For example, band  782  may lie interior to and/or may be entirely enclosed by band  781  (e.g., such that band  782  represents a higher luminous intensity than band  781 ). One or more additional bands may lie interior to band  782  (e.g., bands  783 ,  784 ,  785 ,  786 ,  787 ), and each subsequently interior band may represent an incrementally higher luminous intensity (e.g., 1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, 10000). 
     Thus, regions  791 - 793  may combine to form beam pattern  780  as represented by bands  781 - 787 . Regions  792 ,  794  may include high luminous intensity light. This may be, in part, due to substantially all the light subtended by second and fourth reflective surfaces (e.g., lower and upper surfaces  522 ,  524 ), due to portions of the light subtended by first and third reflective surfaces (e.g., left and right surfaces  621 ,  623 ), and/or due to overlapping portions of regions  791 ,  793 . Alternatively, regions  791 ,  793  may include high luminous intensity light insofar as they overlap with region  791 , and low luminous intensity light in the remaining portions. This distribution of luminous intensity may be exemplified by bands  781 - 787 . 
     Beam pattern  780  may have roughly a bowtie appearance as exemplified in  FIG. 7 . However, this appearance may be the result of the shape, dimension, and/or surface quality of the reflective surfaces which form regions  791 - 794 . A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the appearance of beam pattern  780  may vary in accordance with the principles discussed above. For example, while beam pattern  780  appears substantially symmetric about zero lines of the L-R and U-D axes, asymmetry may also be possible (e.g., by varying the shape, dimension, and/or surface quality of one or more reflective surfaces). 
     Thus, beam pattern  780 , as exemplified in  FIG. 7 , may be particularly suited to applications requiring a high luminous intensity spot directly in front of the lighting component (e.g., when installed a light fixture  100  of  FIG. 1 ), and lower luminous intensity peripheral lighting on opposing sides of the high luminous intensity spot (e.g., while mounted on a UTV). In accordance with the principles above, a beam pattern of a particular form may be specifically designed for a matching application, such that light is provided having a suitable target luminance for that application. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a flow chart of a method  800  for providing light forming a beam pattern with a target luminance. Light may be provided in accordance with a primary light mode of operation and/or in accordance with a back-lit mode of operation of a light fixture (e.g., light fixture  100  of  FIG. 1 ). For example, a first mode of operation may include generation of light by one or more first LEDs. In another example, a second mode of operation may include generation of light by one or more second LEDs. In another example, a third mode of operation may include generation of light by the one or more first LEDs and the one or more second LEDs. Thus, a user of the light fixture may select any one or more of the above mode of operations. Further, any of the above modes of operation may be operable in an on state, an off state, and an intermittent state (e.g., strobing). 
     For example, one or more first LEDs may generate emitted light (e.g., as in  801 ) in response to flow of power therethrough. The emitted light may pass through corresponding rearward ends of one or more reflectors (e.g., as in  804 ). At least a portion of the emitted light may be subtended into a first subtended span by a first reflective surface extending from the rearward end to a forward end of the reflector (e.g., as in  810 ). At least a portion of the emitted light may be subtended into a second subtended span by a second reflective surface extending from the rearward end to the forward end (e.g., as in  820 ). At least a portion of the emitted light may be subtended into a third subtended span by a third reflective surface extending from the rearward end to the forward end (e.g., as in  830 ). At least a portion of the emitted light may be subtended into a fourth subtended span by a fourth reflective surface extending from the rearward end to the forward end (e.g., as in  840 ). At least a portion of the emitted light may pass through the one or more reflectors without interacting with any of the first, second, third, and fourth reflective surfaces, as a non-subtended span (e.g., as in  850 ). Further, the subtended and non-subtended spans may be passed through the forward end of the reflector (e.g., as in  808 ). 
     In another example, the first subtended span may pass into a first region with a first luminous intensity (e.g., as in  811 ), the second subtended span may pass into a second region with a second luminous intensity (e.g., as in  821 ), the third subtended span may pass into a third region with a third luminous intensity (e.g., as in  831 ), and the fourth subtended span may pass into a fourth region with a fourth luminous intensity (e.g., as in  841 ). Further, the non-subtended span may pass into a fifth region with a fifth luminous intensity (e.g., as in  851 ). Each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth regions may collectively form a beam pattern with a target luminance (e.g., as indicated by  880 ). 
     In another example, one or more second LEDs may generate emitted light (e.g., as in  891 ) in response to flow of power therethrough. The emitted light may pass beyond the one or more reflectors so as to bypass the reflective surfaces (e.g., as in  894 ). Further, the emitted light of the one or more second LEDs may produce a back-lighting effect within the light fixture (e.g., as in  899 ). 
     Other aspects and embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended, therefore, that the specification and illustrated embodiments be considered as examples only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.