Patent ID: 12203611

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are described herein in the context of devices called light engines or modules that may have the form factor of, for example, a wax candle or a light bulb with a threaded base that can be threaded into a conventional light bulb socket to provide electrical power. Embodiments can be scaled up or down within practical limits and do not have to be packaged with a conventional (e.g., threaded) light bulb base. And different interfaces to electrical power are of course possible within the current disclosure.

Further, the disclosure is not necessarily limited to solid-state light sources (which give off light by solid state electroluminescence rather than thermal radiation or fluorescence); other types of light sources may be driven in a similar regimen. And solid-state sources (e.g., LEDs, OLEDS, PLEDs, and laser diodes) themselves can vary. In one embodiment, the light source may be a red-green-blue (RGB) type LED comprising 5 wire connections (+, −, r, g, b). In another embodiment, the light source may be a red-green-blue-white (RGBW) type LED comprising 6 wire connections (+, −, r, g, b, w). In still another embodiment, the light source may be a single-color type LED which may be, in addition to red/green/blue/white, orange/warm white with a low color temperature of less than or equal to 4000 Kelvin, or bluish/cold white with a high color temperature of more than 4000 Kelvin. In embodiments, one or more light sources, individually or in combination, may be controlled and actuated with a controller, a control data line, a power line, a communication line, or any combination of these parts. In another embodiment, two groups of single color light sources (e.g., warm/orange color LEDs and cold/bluish color LEDs) may be arranged in an alternating pattern, and could be controlled and actuated with or without a control data line. For example, one acceptable type of LED is the NeoPixel® by Adafruit. In one embodiment, one or more light sources, individually or in combination, may be mounted on or into substrates which can be either rigid or flexible. In another embodiment, one or more light sources, individually or in combination, may be rigidly or flexibly connected by a power line, a data control line, a communication line, or any combination thereof. Accordingly, while LEDs are used in the examples provided herein, it shall be understood that any appropriate discrete light emission point (DLEP) may be used, including but not limited to LEDs and other light sources which are now known or later developed.

FIGS.1through4show an exemplary embodiment100of a lighting device according to the present invention. The lighting device100includes a substrate102, a plurality of discrete light emission points104individually labeled104a,104b, a controller108, a power source (e.g., a battery; a solar panel; another power source, whether now known or later developed; or an interface to an electrical power grid)109, and a translucent housing (or “illumination shape”)110.

The translucent illumination shape110has upper and lower ends110a,110band a hollow internal cavity112, and it may be desirable in some embodiments for the upper end110ato be open to the cavity112. The discrete light emission points104extend from (e.g., are mounted to) the substrate102and are electrically coupled to the power source109(e.g., through wiring109aand/or other appropriate power transmission hardware). The controller108is also mounted to the substrate102and powered by the power source109, and the controller108is in data communication with the discrete light emission points104. It may be particularly desirable for the substrate102, the discrete light emission points104, the controller108, and the power source109to be located inside the cavity112. However, in other embodiments, it may be impractical or nonsensical to locate the power source109in the cavity112.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.1and2, the discrete light emission points104may be positioned along a common horizontal plane that is raised away from the illumination shape lower end110b. While a stilt115is shown separating the substrate102from the illumination shape lower end110b, the substrate102may alternately be coupled to the illumination shape110(e.g., inner face111a) without being supported by the stilt115. Moreover, in various embodiments, there may be multiple levels of the discrete light emission points104inside the cavity112and/or the discrete light emission points104may be movable vertically inside the cavity112. For example, the substrate102may be mechanically movable along the stilt115such that the discrete light emission points may be lowered during use to simulate a change in height of the simulated flame.

The discrete light emission points104may each have a beam axis (illustrated by arrows105inFIGS.3and4) upon which emitted light is the most intense and peripheral emissions (illustrated by arrows106) upon which emitted light is less intense. In other words, the light emission points104may be directional. In some embodiments, the beam axis (or “beam direction”)105is fixed, while in other embodiments the beam axis105may be adjusted manually or through automation. The light from each discrete light emission point104shines on, and through, the illumination shape110, with the emitted light from each discrete light emission point104being the brightest along the respective beam directions105. InFIG.3, light from the discrete light emission point104ashines through the illumination shape110brightest at point105aon outer face111band light from the discrete light emission point104bshines through the illumination shape110brightest at point105bon the outer face111b. Points106a,107a, and107bon the outer face111bdo not lie along any beam direction105. However, the point106areceives light from peripheral emissions of both the discrete light emission point104aand the discrete light emission point104b. As such, if the discrete light emission points104a,104bhave generally equal outputs, brightness at the point106amay be the same or generally equivalent to brightness at the points105a,105b. As a result, area between points105a,105bmay be smoothly lit, and brightness may fade at points further away (e.g., at the points107a,107b). This can be altered if desired, however, by changing a thickness, translucency, or surface texture of areas of the illumination shape110.

While the intensity (or “brightness”) of each light emission point104is shown to be generally uniform inFIG.3,FIG.4illustrates that the intensity and/or other properties can differ among the light emission points104. For example, the controller108can alter (e.g., through pulse width modulation or changing voltage and/or amplitude) the brightness, color, et cetera among discrete light emission points104. InFIG.5, because the discrete light emission point104bis brighter than the discrete light emission point104a, the point105bis illuminated more brightly than the point105a.

FIGS.5A through5Cillustrate an embodiment of an operation method of simulating a burning wax candle using the light engine100. Here, the controller108is altering the brightness of each discrete light emission point104a,104bover time. When brightness of a discrete light emission point104is increased, an increase in optimal chemistry about a real flame is simulated; when brightness of a discrete light emission point104is decreased, a decrease in optimal chemistry about a real flame is simulated.

At time T1(FIG.5A), the discrete light emission point104ahas an intensity value of 255 and the discrete light emission point104bhas an intensity value of 30. These values may be predetermined or randomly selected within a predetermined range (e.g., 0 to 300).

At time T2(FIG.5B; i.e., after time T1), the controller108selects a change value for each discrete light emission point104. While the change value may be common to all light emission points104, it may be particularly desirable for the change value to be independent for each discrete light emission point104. Further, it may be particularly desirable for the change value to be randomly generated (e.g., by the controller108) within a predetermined range (e.g., a range of plus/minus 7 units), though in some embodiments the change value(s) is/are predetermined. To simulate an increase in turbulence, the predetermined range may be increased (e.g., permanently, on demand from a user using an input in communication with the controller108, according to random selection by the controller108, or according to a preset program); and the predetermined range may be decreased (e.g., permanently, on demand from a user using an input in communication with the controller108, according to random selection by the controller108, or according to a preset program) to simulate a decrease in turbulence. In this example, the change value for the discrete light emission point104ais −5 and the change value for the discrete light emission point104bis +1. As such, the discrete light emission point104ahas an intensity value of 250 and the discrete light emission point104bhas an intensity value of 31.

At time T3(FIG.5C; i.e., after time T2), the controller108selects a change value for each discrete light emission point104generally as set forth above regarding time T2. Here, the change value for the discrete light emission point104ais −2 and the change value for the discrete light emission point104bis +2. As such, the discrete light emission point104ahas an intensity value of 248 and the discrete light emission point104bhas an intensity value of 33. One of skill in the art will appreciate that this process may continue as set forth above or as described below.

FIGS.6A through6Cillustrate another embodiment of an operation method of simulating a burning wax candle using the light engine100. Here, the controller108further includes a brightness target T—which may be randomly generated (e.g., by the controller108), selected by a user, or selected according to a preset program—to alter the brightness of each discrete light emission point104a,104bover time. As with above, when brightness of a discrete light emission point104is increased, an increase in optimal chemistry about a real flame is simulated; when brightness of a discrete light emission point104is decreased, a decrease in optimal chemistry about a real flame is simulated.

At time T1(FIG.6A), the discrete light emission point104ahas an intensity value of 255 and the discrete light emission point104bhas an intensity value of 30. As with the method discussed with reference toFIG.5A, these values may be predetermined or randomly selected within a predetermined range (e.g., 0 to 300). The target brightness TA1for the discrete light emission point104ais 251, and the target brightness TA2for the discrete light emission point104bis 32.

At time T2(FIG.6B; i.e., after time T1), the controller108selects a change value for each discrete light emission point104. In this example, the change value is independent for each discrete light emission point104, though in other embodiments the change value may be common to all light emission points104. It may be particularly desirable for the change value to be randomly generated (e.g., by the controller108) within a predetermined range (e.g., a range of plus/minus 7 units), though in some embodiments the change value(s) is/are predetermined. To simulate an increase in turbulence, the predetermined range may be increased (e.g., permanently, on demand from a user using an input in communication with the controller108, according to random selection by the controller108, or according to a preset program); and the predetermined range may be decreased (e.g., permanently, on demand from a user using an input in communication with the controller108, according to random selection by the controller108, or according to a preset program) to simulate a decrease in turbulence. In this example, the change value for the discrete light emission point104ais 5 and the change value for the discrete light emission point104bis 1. The controller108compares the current value and the target brightness TA1of the discrete light emission point104aand adds or subtracts the change value to/from the current value to move in the direction of the target brightness TA1. Since the current value of the discrete light emission point104ais 255 and the target brightness TA1is 251, the controller108subtracts the change value of 5 from the current value and sets the brightness of the discrete light emission point104aat 250. Similarly, the controller108compares the current value and the target brightness TA2of the discrete light emission point104band adds or subtracts the change value to/from the current value to move in the direction of the target brightness TA2. Since the current value of the discrete light emission point104bis 30 and the target brightness TA2is 32, the controller108adds the change value of 1 to the current value and sets the brightness of the discrete light emission point104bat 31.

At time T3(FIG.6C; i.e., after time T2), the controller108selects a change value for each discrete light emission point104generally as set forth above regarding time T2inFIG.6B. Here, the change value for the discrete light emission point104ais 2 and the change value for the discrete light emission point104bis 2. Change values have been selected that are consistent with the change values used in the embodiment described inFIGS.5A through5Cto illustrate different results in the embodiment shown inFIGS.6A through6C. The controller108compares the current value and the target brightness TA1of the discrete light emission point104aand adds or subtracts the change value to/from the current value to move in the direction of the target brightness TA1. Since the current value of the discrete light emission point104ais 250 and the target brightness TA1is 251, the controller108adds the change value of 2 from the current value and sets the brightness of the discrete light emission point104aat 252. Similarly, the controller108compares the current value and the target brightness TA2of the discrete light emission point104band adds or subtracts the change value to/from the current value to move in the direction of the target brightness TA2. Since the current value of the discrete light emission point104bis 31 and the target brightness TA2is 32, the controller108adds the change value of 2 to the current value and sets the brightness of the discrete light emission point104bat 33. One of skill in the art will appreciate that this process may continue as set forth above or as described below.

FIGS.7A through7Cillustrate a variation of the embodiment shown inFIGS.6A through6C. The difference inFIGS.7A through7Cis that once a brightness passes the respective target brightness TA1, TA2in the method ofFIGS.7A through7C, a new target brightness is set. In some embodiments, the target brightness for only the respective discrete light emission point104which passes the target brightness TA1, TA2is reset; in other embodiments, the target brightness for more (up to all) of the discrete light emission points104is reset. Values have been selected that are consistent with the values used in the embodiment described inFIGS.6A through6Cto illustrate different results in the embodiment shown inFIGS.7A through7C.

The method shown inFIGS.7A and7Bproceeds the same as the method set forth inFIGS.6A and6B. However, once the brightness of the discrete light emission point104apasses the target brightness TA1inFIG.7Bat time T2, the controller108in the method ofFIGS.7A through7Cthen resets the target brightness TA1for the discrete light emission point104aand the target brightness TA2for the discrete light emission point104b. The new target brightness values TA1, TA2may be randomly generated (e.g., by the controller108), selected by a user, or selected according to a preset program. In this example, the new target brightness TA1is 280 and the new target brightness TA2is 25, as shown at time T3(FIG.7C; i.e., after time T2).

So at time T3inFIG.7C, the controller108compares the current value and the target brightness TA1of the discrete light emission point104aand adds or subtracts the change value to/from the current value to move in the direction of the target brightness TA1. Since the current value of the discrete light emission point104ais 250 and the target brightness TA1is now 280, the controller108adds the change value of 2 from the current value and sets the brightness of the discrete light emission point104aat 252. Similarly, the controller108compares the current value and the target brightness TA2of the discrete light emission point104band adds or subtracts the change value to/from the current value to move in the direction of the target brightness TA2. Since the current value of the discrete light emission point104bis 31 and the target brightness TA2is now 25, the controller108subtracts the change value of 2 from the current value and sets the brightness of the discrete light emission point104bat 29. One of skill in the art will appreciate that this process may continue as set forth above or as described below. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that supplemental operation methods may be used with the methods ofFIGS.5A through7Cand the other methods disclosed herein. For example, the controller108may cause the discrete light emission points104to flicker (or “blink”) at random or predetermined times.

FIGS.8through10illustrate a supplemental operation method of simulating a burning wax candle using the light engine100that may be used with the other methods and light engines discussed herein, currently existing, or later created. More particularly, this operation method may utilize the controller (e.g., the controller108) to simulate tilt of a wax candle's flame.FIG.8shows an imaginary (or “simulated”) flame10without tilt, andFIGS.9and10show the same flame10with tilt.

Here, a flame tilt value (amount of tilt relative to vertical or horizontal) and a flame tilt direction (or “flame angle value”) are selected; this may be accomplished, for example, by being predetermined, randomly selected by the controller108within predetermined ranges, or user-selected within the predetermined ranges. To simulate a vertical flame (as inFIG.8), the flame tilt value is zero. Further, a predetermined range of limit angles is set and each discrete light emission point has a DLEP angle value that corresponds to its location. For example, as shown inFIG.10, discrete light emission point104ahas a DLEP angle value of 237 degrees and discrete light emission point104bhas a DLEP angle value of 270 degrees (and the discrete light emission point104bis offset 33 degrees relative to the discrete light emission point104a). In the following example, the predetermined range of limit angles is 100. It may be particularly desirable for the predetermined range of limit angles to be at least 90, though this is not required in all embodiments.

The tilt modifier (“TM”) for each respective discrete light emission point104may be determined by the controller108by the formulas:
angle delta 1=absolute value (DLEP angle value−flame angle value)
angle delta 2=360−angle delta 1
angle delta=the lesser value of (angle delta 1,angle delta 2)if angle delta>predetermined range of limit angles, then:if TM is a multiplier, TM=1if TM is additive, TM=0else
TM=(predetermined range of limit angles−angle delta)*flame tilt value

The tilt modifier may then be multiplied to or added to the DLEP's intensity value. Thus, for illustration, if the predetermined range of limit angles=100 degrees, flame angle value=204 degrees (FIG.10), and flame tilt value=1.03, then to simulate the flame shown inFIGS.9and10, the controller108determines that the discrete light emission point104ahas tilt modifier of 69 and that the discrete light emission point104bhas a tilt modifier of 35 and proceeds to actuate the discrete light emission points104a,104baccordingly (i.e., adding the calculated tilt modifiers to the intensity value of the respective DLEPs, though in other embodiments the tilt modifier may be a multiplier). The tilt modifier for the discrete light emission point104ais calculated as follows:
angle delta 1=absolute value (237−204)=33
angle delta 2=360−33=327
angle delta=the lesser value of (33,327)=33since 33<100, then:
TM=(100−33)*1.03=69

The tilt modifier for the discrete light emission point104bis calculated as follows:
angle delta 1=absolute value (270−204)=66
angle delta 2=360−66=294
angle delta=the lesser value of (66,294)=66since 66<100, then:
TM=(100−66)*1.03=35

Next, at time T2, the controller108selects a tilt change value, here randomly selected in the range of −0.03 and +0.03, and selected to be +0.025. The controller108then combines the tilt change value (0.025) with the prior tilt value (1.03) to determine a tilt value of 1.055. The controller also selects a tilt angle change value, here randomly selected in the range of −30 degrees to +30 degrees, and selected to be 23 degrees. The controller108then combines the tilt angle change value (23 degrees) with the prior tilt angle (204 degrees) to determine a tilt angle of 227 degrees. The controller108then determines that the discrete light emission point104ahas a tilt modifier of 95 and that the discrete light emission point104bhas a tilt modifier of 60 and proceeds to actuate the discrete light emission points104a,104baccordingly. One of skill in the art will appreciate that this process may continue as desired. At time T2, the tilt modifier for the discrete light emission point104ais calculated as follows:
angle delta 1=absolute value (237−227)=10
angle delta 2=360−10=350
angle delta=the lesser value of (10,350)=10since 10<100, then:
TM=(100−10)*1.055=95

At time T2, the tilt modifier for the discrete light emission point104bis calculated as follows:
angle delta 1=absolute value (270−227)=43
angle delta 2=360−43=317
angle delta=the lesser value of (43,317)=43since 43<100, then:
TM=(100−43)*1.055=60

FIGS.11and12illustrate simulation of a burning wax candle using a light engine with additional discrete light emission points104and the supplemental operation method described above. As a result, different areas of brightness104″ from the discrete light emission points104result on the illumination shape110over time. Overlapping areas104″ have increased brightness.

FIGS.13and14illustrate a method similar to that discussed above regardingFIGS.8through12, but the light engine inFIGS.13and14further includes a central discrete light emission point104zbelow the base of the simulated flame10. The tilt modifier for the discrete light emission point104zmay be determined by the controller108at the various times by the following formulas, and the tilt modifier may then be multiplied to or added to the DLEP's intensity value as appropriate.if TM is a multiplier, then:
if flame tilt value=0,TM=1
if flame tilt value≠0,TM=1/(absolute value (flame tilt value))
if TM is additive,TM=(1−flame tilt value)*constant

While the supplemental methods above identify changes in flame location using angles, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these principles will translate to other identification methods, such as x-y-z coordinate identification of a center point of the simulated flame10, and that the intensity of the discrete light emission points104may still be altered accordingly.

FIGS.15and16show another light engine200that is substantially similar to the embodiment100, except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment100(and thus the embodiment200) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between 200 and 299 may be used to indicate parts corresponding to those discussed above numbered between 100 and 199 (e.g., substrate202corresponds generally to the substrate102, discrete light emission points204correspond generally to the discrete light emission points104, controller208corresponds generally to the controller108, battery209corresponds generally to the battery109, and housing210corresponds generally to the housing110), though with any noted or shown deviations.

Embodiment200differs from the embodiment100in two apparent ways, though in other embodiments either of these differences can be implemented into the embodiment100without the other. First, the embodiment200includes additional discrete light emission points (labeled204a,204b,204c,204d, and204e). Four of the discrete light emission points (204a,204b,204c,204d) are spaced about a perimeter of the circular substrate202, and one of the discrete light emission points (204e) is generally centered on the substrate202.

Second, the housing210is shown to have a closed upper end210aand an open lower end210b, with the hollow internal cavity212being accessible through the open lower end210b. As with the embodiment100, the substrate202may be supported by a stilt or coupled to the housing210.

The methods of operation discussed elsewhere herein, as well as other methods now known or later developed, may be used to actuate the discrete light emission points204.FIG.17shows each discrete light emission point204shining through the illumination shape210at a respective brightest point204′ on outer face211band having an area of brightness204″ on outer face211b. While the areas of brightness204″ are not shown to overlap, the areas of brightness204″ may in fact overlap if desired (similar to the overlap of light from peripheral emissions discussed above).

FIG.18shows another light engine300that is substantially similar to the embodiment200, except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment200(and thus the embodiment300) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between 300 and 399 may be used to indicate parts corresponding to those discussed above numbered between 200 and 299 (e.g., substrate302corresponds generally to the substrate202, discrete light emission points304correspond generally to the discrete light emission points204, controller308corresponds generally to the controller208, and housing310corresponds generally to the housing210), though with any noted or shown deviations.

Embodiment300differs from the embodiment200primarily by including additional discrete light emission points (labeled304f,304g,204h, and304i). The discrete light emission points304are illustrated to be directional with the discrete light emission points304a,304b,304c,304dbeing directed generally outwardly and the discrete light emission points304e,304f,304g,304h,304ibeing directed generally upwardly. The methods of operation discussed elsewhere herein, as well as other methods now known or later developed, may be used to actuate the discrete light emission points304.

FIGS.19and20illustrate that optical lenses401may be used with any of the discrete light emission points discussed above (i.e.,104,204,304) to focus light at a desired point on the various illumination shapes (i.e.,110,210,310).FIG.19illustrates the light being focused upwardly, whileFIG.13illustrates the light being focused outwardly.

FIGS.21and22illustrate that any of the illumination shapes discussed above (i.e.,110,210,310) may have an extrusion (e.g., a conical extrusion)510′. However, it may be particularly desirable for the extrusion510′ to be used with an embodiment having a discrete light emission point aligned therebelow. While the extrusion510′ is shown to be generally solid, it may instead be hollow.

FIGS.23and24illustrate an extrusion610′ similar to (and interchangeable with) the extrusion510′, though the extrusion610′ is shown to be generally cylindrical and hollow. In some embodiments, the extrusion610′ is configured as a light pipe and directs light substantially out of an upper end of the extrusion610′.

FIG.25illustrates that the illumination shapes discussed above (i.e.,110,210,310) may either have an open or transparent top, and a sidewall (e.g., inner face111a) that is reflective. In such embodiments, no light from a discrete light emission point is emitted through the sidewall (e.g., to point705a); instead, light is reflected at the point705a′ back through the top of the illumination shape.

While some embodiments are directed to simulating a single flame in a burning wax candle,FIG.26illustrates that the substrates discussed above (102,202,302) and the discrete light emission points discussed above (104,204,304) may be configured in various shapes (e.g., racetrack-shaped) and also that multiple flames10may be simulated using the methods disclosed herein or other methods now known or later developed.

FIG.27illustrates alternate discrete light emission points704that may be used with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. The discrete light emission points704are omnidirectional light sources, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

FIGS.28through30show a system1000that includes a lighting device800and a candle1001. The lighting device800is substantially similar to the embodiment200, except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment200(and thus the embodiment800) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between 800 and 899 may be used to indicate parts corresponding to those discussed above numbered between 200 and 299 (e.g., substrate802corresponds generally to the substrate202, discrete light emission points804correspond generally to the discrete light emission points204, controller808corresponds generally to the controller208, power source809corresponds generally to the power source209, housing810corresponds generally to the housing210, and housing upper end810acorresponds generally to the housing upper end210a), though with any noted or shown deviations.

Embodiment800differs from the embodiment200primarily by including a heat resistant face810a′ at the upper end810a. The heat resistant face810a′ supports the candle1001, which may be a traditional candle or any appropriate candle later developed. In use, the lighting device800may operate in accordance with the methods of operation discussed elsewhere herein, as well as through other methods now known or later developed (e.g., constantly on, fading patterns, flashing patterns, et cetera). As such, the discrete light emission points804may illuminate both the illumination shape810and the candle1001. While it may be preferred in some embodiments for the heat resistant face810a′ to be translucent (at least in areas), in some embodiments it may be preferred for the heat resistant face810a′ to instead, or also, include transparent or open areas for light to pass through.

FIG.31shows a system2000that is generally similar to the system1000. Embodiment2000differs from the embodiment1000primarily by including a pedestal819under the lighting device800. The pedestal819may be formed with, permanently coupled to, or removably coupled to the housing810.

FIG.32shows a system3000that is generally similar to the system1000. Embodiment3000differs from the embodiment1000primarily by omitting the candle1001and instead including a display object3001(e.g., a semi-translucent glass).

FIG.33shows a system4000that is generally similar to the system2000. Embodiment4000differs from the embodiment2000by including an enclosure850having openings852. Further, instead of, or in addition to, an upper side of the substrate having discrete light emission points, a lower side of the substrate may have discrete light emission points in the embodiment4000. Such discrete light emission points may be incorporated into any of the embodiments disclosed herein and may be actuated in accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein; and if discrete light emission points are included both on the upper and lower sides of the substrate, then it may be particularly desirable for the discrete light emission points on the underside to generally correspond with the discrete light emission points on the upper side and for corresponding discrete light emission points to be actuated together.

FIG.34shows a system4000′ that is generally similar to the system4000. Embodiment4000′ differs from the embodiment4000primarily by substituting a different enclosure850′ having openings852′ for the enclosure850.

FIGS.35and36show a system5000that is generally similar to the system4000. The system5000includes an enclosure950that is similar to the enclosure850, though the housing950includes side openings952aand also upper openings952b. Though not shown inFIGS.35and36, textured glass, polycarbonate, or other translucent material may be located in the openings952aand/or the openings952b. The substrate902, which is substantially similar to the substrate102, includes discrete light emission points904similar to the discrete light emission points104on both upper and lower sides as discussed above regarding the embodiment4000. A translucent cover953is between the substrate902and the upper openings952b. During operation as discussed in the various embodiments herein, light may be directed both through the openings952a,952band also off internal structure955.

FIGS.37through39show another system6000that is generally similar to those discussed above except as is apparent. More particularly, the system6000has a pedestal919and the DLEPs shine through a lower glass enclosure950′ and/or through openings952cin a lower enclosure950′. A controller in the system6000may operate the DLEPs as described in the various embodiments above.

Many additional embodiments may incorporate the various features disclosed herein. In the various embodiments where light is directed through an illumination shape, enclosure, or opening, the shape and material (if any) present in the illumination shape, enclosure, or opening may be selected to provide desired illumination patterns and shadows during operation.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Various steps in described methods may be undertaken simultaneously or in other orders than specifically provided.