PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10101002-B2
Application Number: US-201514936493-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Light fixture with fabric layer having printed dots

Abstract:
A light fixture is disclosed. The light fixture includes a frame, a light source disposed within and coupled to the frame, and a lens coupled to the light source. The light also includes a first fabric layer coupled to the frame at a first distance from the lens and a second fabric layer coupled to the frame at a second distance from the lens. The first fabric layer has a plurality of dots printed thereon.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A light fixture comprising:
 a frame; 
 an array of light sources disposed within and coupled to the frame; 
 a lens coupled to each light source; 
 a first fabric layer disposed within and coupled to the frame at a first distance from the lenses and having a plurality of dots printed thereon, wherein the first fabric layer extends across a width and a length of the frame; and 
 a second fabric layer disposed within and coupled to the frame at a second distance from the lenses, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance, and wherein the second fabric layer extends across a width and a length of the frame. 
 
     
     
       2. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the second fabric layer encloses the array of light sources, the lenses, and the first fabric layer within the frame. 
     
     
       3. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the dots comprise ink. 
     
     
       4. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the dots form a matrix. 
     
     
       5. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the dots are uniformly distributed on the first fabric layer. 
     
     
       6. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the first fabric layer comprises a lightly woven fabric. 
     
     
       7. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the first fabric layer comprises a translucent fabric. 
     
     
       8. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the first fabric layer comprises gauze. 
     
     
       9. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the first fabric layer comprises a sheer fabric. 
     
     
       10. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the second fabric layer comprises a finished fabric. 
     
     
       11. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the array of light sources comprises a light-emitting diode. 
     
     
       12. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises an acoustical panel. 
     
     
       13. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the lenses comprise a diverging lens. 
     
     
       14. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the second fabric layer comprises a light diffuser. 
     
     
       15. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the second fabric layer comprises glass fiber. 
     
     
       16. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the second fabric layer comprises polyester. 
     
     
       17. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the first fabric layer is configured to adjust a color characteristic of light emanating from the array of light sources by a combination of reflecting light, passing light through areas of the first fabric layer without dots, and passing light through the dots. 
     
     
       18. A light fixture comprising:
 a frame; 
 a light source disposed within and coupled to the frame; 
 a lens coupled to the light source; 
 a first fabric layer coupled to the frame at a first distance from the lens and having a plurality of dots printed thereon; and 
 a second fabric layer coupled to the frame at a second distance from the lens, 
 wherein the first fabric layer is configured to adjust a color characteristic of light emanating from the light source by interaction with the dots. 
 
     
     
       19. The light fixture of  claim 18 , wherein the color characteristic comprises color temperature. 
     
     
       20. A method of producing light with desired color characteristics comprising:
 diverging light emanating from an array of light sources through lenses coupled to the light sources; 
 passing the light through a first fabric layer having a plurality of dots disposed thereon, the first fabric layer disposed at a first distance from the lenses; and 
 passing the light through a second fabric layer configured to diffuse the light, the second fabric layer disposed at a second distance from the lenses, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance, 
 wherein the color characteristics of the light are altered by the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer. 
 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 20 , wherein the dots comprise ink. 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 20 , wherein the dots are printed on the first fabric layer. 
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 20 , wherein the dots are disposed in a pattern on the first fabric layer. 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 20 , wherein the color characteristics comprise color temperature. 
     
     
       25. The method of  claim 20 , wherein the produced light is homogeneous throughout the second fabric layer. 
     
     
       26. A method of making a light capable of producing light with desired color characteristics comprising:
 selecting light sources that approximate the desired color characteristics; 
 printing a plurality of ink dots on a first fabric layer; 
 passing light emanating from the light sources through the first fabric layer, and a second fabric layer, wherein the second fabric layer is disposed below and spaced apart from the first fabric layer; 
 measuring color characteristics of the light; and 
 adjusting a parameter of the plurality of printed ink dots based on measuring the color characteristics. 
 
     
     
       27. The method of  claim 26 , wherein adjusting a parameter comprises adjusting a pattern of the printed ink dots. 
     
     
       28. The method of  claim 26 , wherein adjusting a parameter comprises adjusting a color of the printed ink dots. 
     
     
       29. The method of  claim 26 , wherein adjusting a parameter comprises adjusting a shape of the printed ink dots. 
     
     
       30. The method of  claim 26 , wherein adjusting a parameter comprises adjusting a size of the printed ink dots. 
     
     
       31. The method of  claim 26 , wherein adjusting a parameter comprises adjusting a density of the printed ink dots. 
     
     
       32. The method of  claim 26 , further comprising adjusting a color of the second fabric layer.

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to a light fixture and specifically to a light fixture that produces light having particular color characteristics. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Light fixtures may be used to provide light, for example, in a retail setting. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure details systems, apparatuses, and methods related to light fixtures that produce light with particular color characteristics. A light fixture may include a frame, a light source disposed within and coupled to the frame, a lens coupled to the light source, a first fabric layer coupled to the frame at a first distance from the lens and having a plurality of dots printed thereon, and a second fabric layer coupled to the frame at a second distance from the lens. 
     In some embodiments, the second fabric layer encloses the light source, the lens, and the first fabric layer within the frame. In some embodiments, the dots comprise ink. In some embodiments, the dots form a matrix. In some embodiments, the dots are uniformly distributed on the first fabric layer. 
     In some embodiments, the first fabric layer comprises a lightly woven fabric. In some embodiments, the first fabric layer comprises a translucent fabric. In some embodiments, the first fabric layer comprises gauze. In some embodiments, the first fabric layer comprises a sheer fabric. 
     In some embodiments, the second fabric layer comprises a finished fabric. In some embodiments, the light source comprises a light-emitting diode. In some embodiments, the frame comprises an acoustical panel. In some embodiments, the lens comprises a diverging lens. In some embodiments, the second fabric layer comprises a light diffuser. In some embodiments, the second fabric layer comprises glass fiber. In some embodiments, the second fabric layer comprises polyester. 
     In some embodiments, the first fabric layer is configured to adjust a color characteristic of light emanating from the light source by interaction with the dots. In some embodiments, the color characteristic comprises color temperature. In some embodiments, the first fabric layer is configured to adjust a color characteristic of light emanating from the light source by a combination of reflecting light, passing light through areas of the first fabric layer without dots, and passing light through the dots. 
     According to some embodiments, a method of producing light with desired color characteristics includes diverging light emanating from a light source through a lens, passing the light through a first fabric layer having a plurality of dots disposed thereon, and passing the light through a second fabric layer configured to diffuse the light. In some embodiments, the color characteristics of the light are altered by the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer. 
     In some embodiments, the dots comprise ink. In some embodiments, the dots are printed on the first fabric layer. In some embodiments, the dots are disposed in a pattern on the first fabric layer. In some embodiments, the color characteristics comprise color temperature. In some embodiments, the produced light is homogeneous throughout the second fabric layer. 
     According to some embodiments, a method of making a light capable of producing light with desired color characteristics includes selecting a light source that approximates the desired color characteristics, printing a plurality of ink dots on a first fabric layer, passing light emanating from the light source through a lens, the first fabric layer, and a second fabric layer, measuring color characteristics of the light, and adjusting a parameter of the plurality of printed ink dots based on measuring the color characteristics. 
     In some embodiments, adjusting a parameter comprises adjusting a pattern of the printed ink dots. In some embodiments, adjusting a parameter comprises adjusting a color of the printed ink dots. In some embodiments, adjusting a parameter comprises adjusting a shape of the printed ink dots. In some embodiments, adjusting a parameter comprises adjusting a size of the printed ink dots. In some embodiments, adjusting a parameter comprises adjusting a density of the printed ink dots. In some embodiments, the method further includes adjusting a color of the second fabric layer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a front perspective view of rooms including a light fixture according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a ceiling system including a light fixture according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  shows a cross-section view of a light fixture according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  shows a light-emitting diode and lens of a light fixture according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  shows a first and second fabric layer of a light fixture according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  shows a close-up photographic view of a portion VI of the first fabric layer schematically represented in  FIG. 5  according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  shows a graph of a black body curve. 
         FIG. 8  shows a schematic of a light fixture according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  shows a process for designing a light fixture according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  shows a schematic of a first fabric layer according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  shows a method of producing light according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  shows a method of making a light fixture according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the claims. 
     Retailers may use light fixtures to promote visibility and to enhance and contribute to the look and feel of the retail space. In some settings, particular light characteristics may be desired to convey certain messages or feelings to a customer. These characteristics can include a light&#39;s chromaticity coordinates as well as luminous flux. Chromaticity coordinates correspond to a particular correlated color temperature (CCT) and Duv value. Manufacturers of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), according to industry standards, categorize each LED into a bin that corresponds to a range of CCT and Duv values. Because the bins cover a range of values, commercially-available LEDs are not guaranteed to produce light having an exact CCT and Duv value. Accordingly, to provide light in the retail space having a particular CCT and Duv value, modifications to the color characteristics of an LED must be made. Thus, the inventors have found it desirable to provide a light fixture that can modify the color characteristics of commercially-available LEDs, as described herein. 
     The following disclosure relates to light fixtures that produce light having particular color characteristics. Light fixtures according to embodiments of the present invention may be used in a retail setting, as well as in other settings. For example, a light fixture may be used in a library, office, school, or home setting. Light fixtures may be provided as a ceiling light, wall light, or other type of fixture. 
     In some embodiments, light fixtures may include a frame, a light source (such as an LED), a lens, a first filter layer (e.g., a first fabric layer), and a second filter layer (e.g., a second fabric layer). As light emanates from the light source and passes through the lens and fabric layers, characteristics of the light are altered so that the light output produced by the light fixture has the desired characteristics. 
     In some embodiments, the light first passes through the lens, which diverges the light to emanate at a wider angle. The first fabric layer is disposed at a first distance from the lens and includes a plurality of dots disposed (e.g., printed) thereon. The dots may be a certain color, shape, and size. In addition, the dots may be printed in a pattern with a particular density. As the light passes through the first fabric layer, the characteristics of the light change. The light beams that pass through the dots mix with the light beams that only pass through the fabric itself. 
     The second fabric layer is disposed at a second distance from the lens and acts as a light diffuser. Some of the light reflects back towards the first fabric layer, thus further altering the color characteristics as some beams pass through the dots (for a first or second time). The mixture of the beams of various color characteristics produces light that passes through the second fabric layer having the desired characteristics. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
     A light fixture  100  according to some embodiments may be used in rooms  10 , as shown, for example, in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, light fixture  100  may be located on a ceiling  20  of room  10 . In some embodiments, light fixture  100  may be located on a wall  30  of room  10 . In some embodiments, room  10  includes a ceiling system  40  that has multiple light fixtures  100  disposed on ceiling  20 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     Light fixture  100  according to some embodiments is illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, light fixture  100  may include a frame  110 , a light source  120 , a lens  130 , a first filter layer  140  (e.g., first fabric layer  140 ), and a second filter layer  150  (e.g., second fabric layer  150 ). 
     Frame  110 , according to some embodiments, is the structure that supports light fixture  100  and provides an interface between light fixture  100  and the portion of the retail area that holds light fixture  100 , such as a ceiling or a wall. In some embodiments, frame  110  includes acoustical panels  115 . According to some embodiments, acoustical panels  115  may be disposed on the ceiling or the wall as part of frame  110 . In some embodiments, frame  110  partially encloses other components of light fixture  100 , such as light source  120 , lens  130 , and first fabric layer  140 . 
     In some embodiments, frame  110  is a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, frame  110  may be circular, oval, square, or other polygonal shape. Various lengths and widths may be used for frame  110 . In some embodiments, frame  110  may have a length that extends across a ceiling from one end to another end. See  FIG. 1  for example. For example, frame  110  may have a length of at least 50 feet, at least 80 feet, or at least 100 feet. Multiple light fixtures  100  and frames  110  may be used in a single retail setting to provide light across a room, as in  FIG. 1 . 
     In some embodiments, the inner surface  112  of frame  110  comprises a reflective material. For example, in some embodiments, the inner surface of frame  110  may be equipped with a reflective paint. 
     Light source  120 , according to some embodiments, is disposed within frame  110 . In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in  FIG. 4 , light source  120  may be disposed on a support member  125 , such as a beam or circuit board. In some embodiments, support member  125  is made of metal. Support member  125  may be attached directly to frame  110 . In some embodiments, frame  110  may act as support member  125 , and a separate support member may not be included. In some embodiments, multiple light sources  120  are disposed within frame  110 . In some embodiments, multiple light sources  120  are disposed on support member  125  and multiple support members  125  are disposed within frame  110 . Thus, in some embodiments, an array of light sources  120  are disposed within frame  110 . Light source  120 , as used herein, is therefore not limited to only a single light source  120 . 
     In some embodiments, light source  120  is an LED. Light source  120  may be an LED having chromaticity coordinates that approximate the desired chromaticity coordinates for the light in the retail setting. Lens  130 , according to some embodiments, is coupled to light source  120 . In some embodiments, lens  130  is a diverging lens, thus providing a wide light emission angle for light from light source  120 . In some embodiments, lens  130  emits light at a light emission angle of at least 150 degrees. For example, lens  130  may emit light at a light emission angle of 150, 155, or 160 degrees. 
     First filter layer  140  may be any material that allows light to pass through, including, for example, plastic, glass, and fabric as in first fabric layer  140 . First fabric layer  140 , according to some embodiments, is disposed within frame  110  at a first distance from lens  130 . In some embodiments, first fabric layer  140  is disposed between two and twelve inches away from lens  130 . For example, first fabric layer  140  may be disposed two, three, six, nine, or twelve inches away from lens  130 . In some embodiments, first fabric layer  140  extends across the width and length of frame  110 . 
     In some embodiments, first fabric layer  140  includes a plurality of dots  145  disposed on first fabric layer  140 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 5 and 6 .  FIG. 5  schematically shows first fabric layer  140  and second fabric layer  150 .  FIG. 6  shows a photographic view of portion VI of first fabric layer  140  schematically represented in  FIG. 5 . 
     In some embodiments, dots  145  are disposed in a pattern, such as a matrix. In some embodiments, dots  145  are printed on first fabric layer  140 . For example, dots  145  may be printed on first fabric layer  140  with a digital printer. In some embodiments, the digital printer is specifically designed for printing on fabric material. In some embodiments, dots  145  comprise ink. Dots  145  may be circular, oval, square, rectangular, or other polygonal shape. The color, shape, and size of the dots may influence the chromaticity coordinates of the light emanating from light source  120 . In addition, the density of the pattern of dots  145  (e.g., a measure of the distance between adjacent dots  145 ), also may affect the chromaticity coordinates of the light emanating from light source  120 . 
     According to some embodiments, first fabric layer  140  is a lightly woven fabric, such as a sheer fabric or gauze. In some embodiments, first fabric layer  140  is translucent. For example, first fabric layer  140  may be loosely-woven so that it gives the impression that dots  145  are floating in air. For example, first fabric layer  140  may appear transparent. Some light passes through first fabric layer  140  while some light reflects back within frame  110 . In some embodiments, at least fifty percent of the light passes through first fabric layer  140  (e.g., 75%-90%). In some embodiments, at least ninety percent of the light passes through first fabric layer  140 . 
     Second filter layer  150  may be any material that allows light to pass through, including, for example, plastic, glass, and fabric as in second fabric layer  150 . Second fabric layer  150 , according to some embodiments, is disposed within frame  110  at a second distance from lens  130 . In some embodiments, the second distance from lens  130  is greater than the first distance from lens  130 . In some embodiments, second fabric layer  150  is disposed between six and twenty-four inches away from lens  130 . For example, second fabric layer  150  may be disposed six, nine, fifteen, eighteen, or twenty-four inches away from lens  130 . In some embodiments, second fabric layer  150  extends across the width and length of frame  110 . In some embodiments, second fabric layer  150  encloses light source  120 , lens  130 , and first fabric layer  140  within frame  110 . 
     In some embodiments, second fabric layer  150  comprises glass fiber. In some embodiments, second fabric layer  150  comprises polyester. According to some embodiments, second fabric layer  150  is a finished fabric. For example, second fabric layer  150  may comprise a chemical finish or may go through a mechanical finishing process. In some embodiments, the fabric finish may give second fabric layer  150  a consistent appearance across its surface. In some embodiments, second fabric layer  150  acts as a light diffuser. Thus, some light passes through second fabric layer  150  while some light reflects back within frame  110 . In some embodiments, at least fifty percent of the light that passed through first fabric layer  140  passes through second fabric layer  150  (e.g., 70%-80%). In some embodiments, at least eighty percent of it passes through second fabric layer  150 . Accordingly, the light produced by light fixture  100  is homogenous throughout second fabric layer  150  instead of having a bright spot at the position of light source  120 . In some embodiments, the fabric finish may improve the function of second fabric layer  150  as a light diffuser by providing a uniform surface from which to emanate through or reflect from. 
     According to some embodiments, light fixture  100  may be used to adjust overall chromaticity coordinates of a commercially available LED to reach specified target coordinates.  FIG. 7  depicts a graph of a black body curve in a color space, with x and y representing the chromaticity coordinates, which are derived from properties of light. As noted above, the chromaticity coordinates correspond to CCT and Duv values. Chromaticity coordinates below the black body curve correspond to a negative Duv value while chromaticity coordinates above the black body curve correspond to a positive Duv value. CCT values increase as they move along the black body curve to the left, with higher CCT values representing a cooler color temperature and lower CCT values representing a warmer color temperature. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , light emanating from light source  120  passes through lens  130  and then through first fabric layer  140  (or dot  145 ) and second fabric layer  150 . In some embodiments, lens  130  provides a wide light emission angle, as described above. The wide light emission angle leads to a variety of incident angles of light beams to first fabric layer  140 , which is the angle between the light beam and the normal of the surface of first fabric layer  140 . The larger the incident angle of a light beam to first fabric layer  140  (or dot  145 ) and second fabric layer  150 , the more the light is modified because it leads to a longer light path through first fabric layer  140  (or dot  145 ) and second fabric layer  150 . 
     Light beams either pass through a layer (refract) or reflect back. Originally, light beam  200  has particular chromaticity coordinates. In  FIG. 8 , reflected light beams are represented by dashed lines, while refracted light beams remain solid. As light beam  200  refracts through dot  145 , the chromaticity coordinates are modified to produce light beam  220 . In addition, light beam  230  is produced through reflection and also has modified chromaticity coordinates. Another light beam  200  may refract through first fabric layer  140  and reflect from second fabric layer  150 , thus producing light beam  210 . Light beam  210  may pass back through first layer  140  or dot  145 . Because the inner surface of frame  110  is provided with a reflective surface, the various light beams continue to travel through light fixture until the light emits from second fabric layer  150 . The combination of these various light beams, each traveling different paths through the layers of light fixture  100 , produces the desired characteristics of emitted light  240  for the retail setting. 
     The schematic in  FIG. 8  is only illustrative. Reflection can occur at either surface of a fabric layer and some light beams may pass through the layers multiple times. In addition, although not illustrated, the chromaticity coordinates may be modified as a light beam passes through first fabric layer  140  (and not dot  145 ) and/or second fabric layer  150 . The combination of all light beams produces the light that emits from light fixture  100 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a process for determining the specific configuration of light fixture  100  according to some embodiments. The process is an optimization scheme to identify the appropriate parameters of dots  145  on first fabric layer  140 . 
     In operation  400 , target chromaticity coordinates are defined. The target chromaticity coordinates, in some embodiments, may be defined to convey a particular message or feeling to a consumer in the retail store. For example, the warmth or coolness of the light may affect the feeling of a consumer. In operation  410 , the light source  120  and lens  130  are selected. In some embodiments, the light source  120  selected is an LED that approximates the target chromaticity coordinates. However, as described above, because LEDs are divided into commercially available LED bins that cover a range of chromaticity coordinates, the LED may not be an exact match to the target chromaticity coordinates. 
     In operation  420 , the size, shape, color, and density of dots  145  printed on first fabric layer  140  are selected. In operation  430 , the selected size and shape are used to test the resulting chromaticity coordinates. In operation  440 , it is determined by measuring the light output whether the chromaticity coordinates meet the target values. 
     If the chromaticity coordinates meet the target values in operation  440 , then it is determined by measuring the light output whether the luminous flux is acceptable in operation  450 . If the luminous flux is acceptable in operation  450 , then the appropriate light fixture  100  has been designed to successfully reach the target chromaticity coordinates in operation  460 . Because the luminous flux relates to the efficiency of light fixture  100 , whether the luminous flux is acceptable depends on the desired efficiency for light fixture  100 . If the luminous flux is too small with respect to the LED used in light fixture  100  then the light is inefficiently passing through light fixture  100 . In operation  452 , if the luminous flux is not acceptable, it is determined whether to try again by simply adjusting the dot print density, as in operation  454 , or to also re-select the size, shape, and color of dots  145 , by returning to operation  420 . If the dot print density is modified in operation  454 , then the process continues by determining whether the chromaticity coordinates now meet the target values in operation  440 . 
     If the chromaticity coordinates do not meet the target values in operation  450 , then the dot print color is modified in operation  442 . The process continues by determining whether the chromaticity coordinates now meet the target values in operation  444 . If the answer is yes, then it is determined whether the luminous flux is acceptable in operation  450 . If the answer is no, it is determined in operation  446  whether to modify the dot print color again, as in operation  442 , or to also re-select the size, shape, and density of dots  145 , by returning to operation  420 . The process continues until the target values have been reached. Operations  446  and  452  are part of the process for situations where the optimization after several cycles does not sufficiently converge to the target values. In these situations, rather than only modifying the dot print density or color, the shape and size of the dots  445  may also be modified. 
     An exemplary modification to dots  145  is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . For example, first fabric layer  140  having dots  145  may be modified or replaced with first fabric layer  340  having dots  345 . In some embodiments, the shape of the dots may be modified. For example, circular dots  145  may be replaced by square dots  345 . In some embodiments, the color of the dots may be modified. For example, dots  145  of a certain color may be replaced with dots  345  of a different color. In some embodiments, the size of the dots may be modified. For example, dots  145  may be replaced with enlarged dots  345 . In some embodiments, the density of dots may be modified. For example, fabric layer  140  having nine dots  145  within a given area may be replaced with first fabric layer  340  having sixteen dots  345  within the same size area. These modifications are only exemplary and any other change in size, shape, color, and density are within the scope of this disclosure. 
     The following general guidelines may assist in determining selection and modification of parameters in operations  420 ,  442 , and  454 . As the area of first fabric layer  140  containing dots  145  increases, the more the chromaticity coordinates are shifted and the luminous flux reduced. Thus, an increase in the size of dots  145  leads to an increased change of chromaticity coordinates and a decrease in luminous flux. Similarly, an increase in the density of dots  145  (i.e., less space between dots  145 ) leads to an increased change of chromaticity coordinates and a decrease in luminous flux. In addition, the more intense the color of dots  145 , the more the chromaticity coordinates are shifted. Whether the chromaticity coordinates will shift to be warmer or colder depends on the selected dot color. Using a dot color above the chromaticity coordinates of the light without dots  145  will tend to make the resulting light colder, while a dot color below the chromaticity coordinates of the light without dots  145  will tend to make the resulting light warmer. Both fabric layers  140  and  150  themselves will also affect the chromaticity coordinates of the light emanating from light fixture  100 . 
     A method for producing light with desired color characteristics according to some embodiments is illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 11 . In operation  500 , light emanating from a light source is diverged through a lens. In operation  502 , the light is passed through a first fabric layer having a plurality of dots disposed thereon. In operation  504 , the light is passed through a second fabric layer to diffuse the light. As the light is passed through the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer, the color characteristics of the light are altered as discussed above. 
     A method for making a light capable of producing light with desired color characteristics according to some embodiments is illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 12 . In operation  600 , a light source is selected. According to some embodiments, the light source approximates the desired color characteristics. In operation  602 , a plurality of ink dots is printed on a first fabric layer. In operation  604 , light emanating from the light source is passed through a lens, the first fabric layer, and a second fabric layer. In operation  606 , the color characteristics of the light after passing through the layers is measured. In operation  608 , a parameter of the plurality of printed ink dots is adjusted based on measuring the color characteristics. In some embodiments, the parameter adjusted is a pattern of the plurality of printed ink dots. In some embodiments, the parameter is a color of the plurality of printed ink dots. In some embodiments, the parameter is a shape of the plurality of printed ink dots. In some embodiments, the parameter is a size of the plurality of printed ink dots. In some embodiments, the parameter is a density of the plurality of printed ink dots. In some embodiments, more than one parameter is adjusted. In operation  610 , a color of the second fabric layer is adjusted. In some embodiments, the material of the second fabric layer is adjusted (e.g. polymer to glass fiber), which may also involve an adjustment in color. 
     The foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. These exemplary embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. All specific details described are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. 
     It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings, and that by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, one may readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. 
     The detailed description section is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The summary and abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the claims. 
     The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. 
     The phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan. 
     The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined in accordance with the claims and their equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20151109
Publication Date: 20181016
Grant Date: 20181016
Priority Date: 20151109
Inventors: RICHTER, BERND
FEENEY, Casey
COOK, MICHAEL
PEAK, CHRISTOPHER DANIEL
JÄCKL, MATTHAIS
RÖHRER, SEBASTIAN
Hennessy, Sean
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "F21V1/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V1/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21Y2115/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E04B9/32", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V11/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V1/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V1/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21Y2115/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21S8/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E04B2009/0492", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V1/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E04B2009/0492", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21S8/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V11/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E04B9/32", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V11/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V1/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21S8/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V13/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E04B2009/0492", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V1/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E04B9/32", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V1/16", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V1/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21Y2115/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V13/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V13/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 57389549