WO2008146232A1

WO2008146232A1 - Lighting device

Info

Publication number: WO2008146232A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/052060
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lucas J. M. Schlangen; Lucius T. Vinkenvleugel
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date: 2007-05-29
Filing date: 2008-05-26
Publication date: 2008-12-04

Abstract

The invention provides a lighting device (1) comprising one or more light sources (10) arranged to generate light (11), a containing device (5) having an external boundary (2) which is at least partly transmissive and which is arranged to contain the one or more light sources (10) and a controller (40). The lighting device (1) can generate two types of light. One or more lighting parameters selected from the group consisting of the first luminous intensity of the first type of light (111), the second luminous intensity of the second type of light (112), the color point of the first type of light (111) and the color point of the second type of light (112) can be controlled. This allows task lighting and atmosphere lighting.

Description

Lighting device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a lighting device comprising one or more light sources capable of generating different types of light of different colors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lighting devices comprising one or more light sources capable of generating different types of light of different colors are known in the art.

For instance, BE 1015507 describes a lighting assembly with two or more white lights, of which at least one is dimmable, and on one side a separate color filter is provided for each light and on the other side there are no or no different color filters.

US 6688753 describes a lighting device comprising a first lighting element, preferably a compact fluorescent discharge vessel and a second lighting element, preferably comprising a plurality of LEDs. During operation, the first lighting element has a comparatively high light output. The second lighting element has a light output, in operation, which is relatively low in comparison with that of the first lighting element. The first lighting element or the second lighting element or both lighting elements can be switched on. The lighting device enables remote-controlled switching between orientation light (night lamp) and normal light, using a toggle function in the lighting device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These prior art lamps have one or more of the drawbacks that they are relatively bulky and do not have the ability to provide a lamp with two functions, such as an illumination function (task lighting) and atmospheric lighting function (mood lighting) with variable colors. However, in many home environments space is limited. This restricts the number of luminaries that a consumer likes to install. Space limitations or luminaire form factors may prevent end-users from applying colored lighting objects in their home lighting in addition to lamps for task lighting.

The present invention proposes a multifunctional lighting object that, in an embodiment within one single lighting object, combines white (functional) lighting with (atmosphere providing) adjustable colored lighting. Hence, it is an aspect of the invention to provide an alternative lighting device, which in an embodiment further obviates one or more of the drawbacks described above. In a specific embodiment, it is an aspect of the invention to provide a lighting device wherein two general functions of lighting, especially task lighting and mood lighting, within one single device are combined.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a lighting device comprising a. one or more light sources arranged to generate light; b. a containing device having an external boundary which is at least partly transmissive and which is arranged to contain the one or more light sources; and c. a controller connected to the one or more light sources; wherein a first part of the external boundary and the one or more light sources is arranged to provide at least part of the light through the first part of the external boundary, thereby providing a first flux of a first type of light, having a variable color and a first luminous intensity; a second part of the external boundary and the one or more light sources is arranged to provide at least part of the light through the second part of the external boundary, thereby providing a second flux of a second type of light, being white light and having a second luminous intensity; and the controller is arranged to control one or more lighting parameters selected from the group consisting of the first luminous intensity of the first type of light, the second luminous intensity of the second type of light, the color point of the first type of light and the color point of the second type of light. In this way, advantageously, an alternative lighting device is provided, which in an embodiment especially allows illumination (the second type of light), for instance of illumination walls in a room, thereby providing a mood, ambiance, or atmosphere light function, whereas the first type of light may provide functional illumination, thereby allowing tasks such as reading etc. The former function is non-functional lighting herein shortly indicated as atmosphere function or atmosphere lighting. Since colored light is usually not appreciated for visual tasks, the device of the invention provides in an embodiment, on the one hand, the atmosphere light function and, on the other hand, the lumination or lighting function, that can be used for visual tasks such as reading, working, etc. The white and colored light can be used simultaneously. Moreover, the directions of the light emission and the angular distributions of the white and colored light sources can be different. Direct whitish light may be used for functional/task lighting, whereas (indirect) colored light may be used to influence the atmosphere of the room. The proposed white and colored light emitting object has the advantage that colored light can be added to the home environment without increasing the number of lighting objects or the space taken up by these objects. A luminaire designed as an object has a more attractive form factor as compared to more traditional luminaries. For example, a traditional whitish bed-side luminaire can be replaced by the proposed white and colored light emitting object. White light allows pleasant in-bed reading, whereas the separate color tunable light allows to simultaneously control the bed-room atmosphere. Hence, in a specific embodiment, the lighting device (or luminaire) is arranged to provide a white light emitting object (second type of light) which further provides colored light (first type of light).

In a specific embodiment, the first type of light has a first color point, indicated by xl,yl (in the CIE diagram), and the second type of light has a second color point, indicated by x2,y2, and the difference in color point indicated by Δx, wherein Δx=|xl- x2|, or the difference in color point indicated by Δy, wherein Δy=|yl-y2| , or both differences Δx and Δy is (are) at least 0.005, for instance at least 0.01, especially at least 0.1. Hence, in a specific embodiment, the color of the first type of light and the color of the second type of light differ in x-coordinate or y-coordinate or both x- and y-coordinate in the CIE diagram by a value of at least 0.005, e.g. at least 0.01, especially at least 0.1. In a special embodiment, the color point of the second type of light, which is especially substantially white light, is on the black body locus (Planckian or Planckian locus) or close to the black body locus, especially within 10 SDCM (standard deviation of color matching), and more especially within 5 SDCM from the black body locus. The terms "SDCM" and black body locus or Planckian are well known in the art.

A further advantage of the lighting device according to the invention is that relatively small devices may be constructed and, as mentioned above, more functions can be combined in one lighting device. In a specific embodiment, the lighting device is arranged to generate the first type of light and the second type of light in substantially different directions relative to the lighting device. For instance, the second type of light may only illuminate part of the external boundary (through which at least part of the light is transmitted) of the lighting device, thereby providing a white light emitting object, whereas the first type of light is especially produced as a beam of light, for instance to illuminate a wall or a ceiling (exterior of the lighting device). In such case, the second type of light is distributed in a flux circumferentially surrounding at least part of the lighting device, whereas the first type of light is a beam, for instance with an opening angle of 60°. In another embodiment, the different types of light may be spatially separated, i.e. that there is no or substantially no overlap of the fluxes of light.

Since the types of light have a different character, even when the fluxes of light overlap or partially overlap, in the same radiation direction the ratio of the luminous intensity (in μW/lm/nm) of the first flux of the first type of light and the luminous intensity (in μW/lm/nm) of the second flux of the second type of light is equal to or smaller than 1/3, preferably equal to or smaller than 1/10. In this way, the colored light, i.e. the first type of light, does not substantially influence the color of the substantially white light, i.e. the lighting or illumination function of the second type of light is not substantially diminished by the first type of light. The lighting device may have one or more light sources. In an especially advantageous embodiment, the one or more light sources comprise a first light source (which may include a plurality of first light sources) and a second light source (which may include a plurality of first light sources), wherein the first light source and the first part of the external boundary are arranged to generate the first type of light, and wherein the second light source and the second part of the external boundary are arranged to generate the second type of light. In this way, one type of light sources is arranged to generate the first type of light, and another type of light sources is arranged to generate the second type of light. This functional distinction may enable a relatively easy control of the device. Note that herein the term "light source" may also include a plurality of light sources (see also below). Herein, the phrases "a first part of the external boundary and the one or more light sources are arranged to provide at least part of the light through the first part of the external boundary, thereby providing a first flux of a first type of light" and "wherein the first light source and the first part of the external boundary are arranged to generate the first type of light" and similar phrases take account of the embodiments wherein the color of the first type of light is substantially determined by the color of the light generated by the one or more light source(s) and of the embodiments wherein the color of the first type of light is substantially determined by the combination of the color of the light generated by the first light source(s) in combination with the optical properties of the first part of the external boundary. The latter may for instance be colored, thereby influencing the color of the first type of light. Likewise, this applies to similar phrases with respect to the second type of light and second part of the external boundary. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, optional color filters may further influence the color of the first and/or second type of light.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the second part of the external boundary comprises a translucent material. The term "translucent" is known to the person skilled in the art and herein especially means transmitting light but causing also diffusion of the light; the diffusion is sufficient to prevent perception of distinct images or objects. For instance, when trying to view this (these) translucent part(s) the interior of the lighting device is not or not substantially visible. The advantage of arranging a translucent part of the external boundary in front of the one or more light sources that generate the second type of light is that the second type of light is not substantially directed but is diffusively distributed after passing the second part of the external boundary. Hence, the lighting device is used for illumination, i.e. part of the wall is illuminated by one or more light sources, and thereby a lighting object is obtained, especially for providing task lighting, which may not provide an undesired glare effect.

In addition to this lighting, the lighting device may also provide (colored) illumination of external objects such as walls, ceilings, etc., i.e. atmosphere lighting. In another embodiment, the first part of the external boundary may (also) comprise a translucent material, in this way the colored light is also diffusively distributed. However, in an embodiment only the second part of the external boundary is translucent.

Herein, the term "external boundary" refers to the external wall of the container. It indicates the limit of the device and refers to the outer part(s) of the device which may seen by an observer when a substantially intact device is in use.

The controller may have a number of functions (see below), at least those of controlling one or more of the lighting parameters luminous intensity and/or the color point of one or both types of light, for instance as a function of one or more input signals selected from the group consisting of a user input signal, a clock, a sensor input signal (from a sensor) and memory settings from a memory of the controller. Further, the lighting object comes with an optionally remote controlled user interface (user input device) that allows independent control over the one or more of the lighting parameters defined herein. Hence, the controller may communicate with the one or more light sources (during use).

In a specific embodiment, the controller is arranged to control one or more lighting parameters selected from the group consisting of the first luminous intensity of the first type of light, the second luminous intensity of the second type of light, the color point of the first type of light and the color point of the second type of light. Hence, in addition to the minimum lighting parameters to be controlled by the controller, as defined in claim 1 , the controller may control more parameters. The advantage is that the user may have more diverse lighting, for instance dedicated to specific tasks, times of day, his/her mood (i.e. state of mind), etc. In this way, both types of light can be controlled with respect to color and intensity. In a specific embodiment, the controller is arranged to control at least the color point of the first type of light and one or more lighting parameters selected from the group consisting of the first luminous intensity of the first type of light, the second luminous intensity of the second type of light and the color point of the second type of light. In a more specific embodiment, the controller is arranged to control at least the color point of the first type of light, the first luminous intensity of the first type of light, the second luminous intensity of the second type of light and the color point of the second type of light.

As mentioned above, the lighting device may perform the task of atmosphere lighting and task lighting, and optionally, the user (or other parameters) may influence the lighting parameters as described herein. In a specific embodiment, the lighting device according to the invention further comprises a sensor, (during use) in communication with the controller, arranged to sense one or more sensor parameters selected from the group consisting of the number of people, the mood of people, the facial expression of people, the activities of people, the conversation of people and the behavior of people in a room. The term, "a sensor" may include one or more sensors, i.e. one or a plurality of sensors. The sensor may be integrated with the lighting device or may be separate, i.e. arranged separate from the lighting device. This may advantageously provide an intelligent device, that automatically adapts the one or more light parameters as described herein, depending upon its sensor signals. In an especially advantageous embodiment, one or more of the one or more lighting parameters selected from the group consisting of the luminous intensity and the color point of the first type of light are dependent upon one or more lighting parameters selected from the group consisting of the luminous intensity and the color temperature of the second type of light. This advantageously provides for instance effects wherein a high intensity white light (second type of light), for instance to perform one or more tasks, is accompanied by cool colors of the first type of light. It appears that this is preferred by users. Likewise, when the white light is reduced in intensity, i.e. the luminous intensity is reduced, this may be accompanied by relatively warm colors of the first type of light. For instance, when reducing the intensity during the evening when reading a book, warm colors as atmosphere light seem to be appreciated in general. The terms "control" and "controlling" are known in the art. Controlling the luminous intensity herein especially refers to embodiments wherein the luminous intensity may have a plurality of different values, especially at least 3 different values, such as 100%, 70% and 30% of its maximum, more especially at least 10 different values. In an embodiment the luminous intensity may be varied stepwise and in another embodiment substantially continuously. Controlling the color point herein especially refers to embodiments wherein the color point may have a plurality of different values, especially at least 2 different values, more especially at least 10 different values. In an embodiment the color point may be varied stepwise and in another embodiment substantially continuously. In a specific embodiment, one light source, or one type of light source may be applied. In this specific embodiment, the lighting device further comprises a variable optical filter arranged to filter part of the light of the one or more light sources thereby generating the first type of light having a variable color and the second type of light being white light. Such color filters, or for instance color filter wheels, are known in the art. Advantageously, one type of light sources, and its optionally concomitant peripheral equipment needs to be used. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for providing an atmosphere light and a functional light, wherein the method comprises providing a lighting device as described herein, and generating a first flux of a first type of light of a variable color and a first luminous intensity, and a second flux of a second type of light, being white light and having a second luminous intensity in substantially different directions relative to the lighting device. Hence, in this way indirect, ambient or atmosphere light and a direct, functional or reading light are provided by one (single) device, which saves space and which allows the user to tune the light to a specific task to be performed and (desired) mood.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts: Figure 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of the lighting device according to the invention;

Figures 2a and 2b schematically depict alternative lighting devices according to embodiments of the invention;

Figure 3 schematically depicts a lighting device in a room; and Figure 4 schematically depicts a general embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Referring to figures 1, 2a and 2b, embodiments of the invention are depicted schematically. Figures 1 , 2a and 2b schematically depict a lighting device 1 comprising one or more light sources 10 which are arranged to generate light. Light is indicated with reference number 11. The lighting device 1 comprises a containing device or container 5 having an external boundary or wall 2 which is at least partly transmissive and which is arranged to contain the one or more light sources 10. The boundary or wall 2 of the device 1 may be an integral piece or may consist of one or more pieces (assembled to a containing device 5). The containing device 5 is arranged to circumferentially surround the one or more light sources 10. The containing device 5 may have any shape. In an embodiment, the boundary 2 is arranged such that substantially no light 11 of the one or more light sources at all escapes from the lighting device 1 than through boundary 2. Hence, the containing device 5 and boundary 2 circumferentially surround the one or more light sources 10.

The lighting device 1, more precisely, the boundary or wall 2 of the containing device 5 comprises a first part 21, which allows part of the light of the one or more light sources 10 to escape to the exterior of the containing device 5, i.e. the first part 21 of the external boundary 2 and the one or more light sources 10 are arranged to provide at least part of the light 11 through the first part 21 of the external boundary 2. Thereby, a first flux of a first type of light 111 is provided. This first type of light 111 has a variable color and a first luminous intensity (which may also be variable).

Further, the lighting device 1, more precisely, the boundary or wall 2 of the containing device 5 comprises a second part 22, which allows part of the light of the one or more light sources 10 to escape to the exterior of the containing device 5, i.e. the second part 22 of the external boundary 2 and the one or more light sources 10 are arranged to provide at least part of the light 11 through the second part 22 of the external boundary 2, thereby providing a second flux of second type of light 112. This second type of light 112 is white light and has a second luminous intensity.

The at least one or more light sources 10 may comprise one or more lamps selected from the group consisting of filament lamps, fluorescent lamps (especially tubular luminescent (TL) lamps and compact fluorescent lamps (CFL)), halogen lamps, low-pressure gas discharge lamps, high pressure gas discharge lamps, LEDs, and optionally also OLEDs. In an embodiment, lamp 10 comprises one or more lamps selected from the group consisting of low-pressure gas discharge lamps (CFL, TL) and LEDs. Herein, the term "LED(s)" (light emitting diode(s)) does not include OLED(s) (organic light emitting diode(s)). The herein described light sources 10 may be lamps known to the person skilled in the art. In an embodiment, the one or more light sources 10 comprise LEDs or a combination of LEDs and halogen lamps.

The term "light" herein, especially refers to visible radiation (VIS), i.e. radiation in the range of about 380-780 nm. For instance, as light source 10, a set of blue, green and red LEDs may be used. When such multiple sources of multiple colors (of the generated light), respectively, are used as light source(s) 10, the sources may be arranged to be able to generate white light (by color mixing). Likewise, this may be achieved by mixing blue light of a blue light emitting source and yellow light of a yellow light emitting source (including white LEDs based on blue LEDs and a yellow light emitting phosphor), as known in the art. The translucent material may be a roughened transparent material. Methods to make translucent materials are known in the art. Examples of suitable transparent materials which can be used to contain the light sources 10 may for instance be selected from the group consisting of glass, polymethylacrylate (PMA), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) (Plexiglas or Perspex), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), polycarbonate, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), and glycol modified polyethyleneterephthalate (PETG), which materials may be provided as transparent sheets. In another embodiment, the sheet material comprises an acrylate, for instance PMA or PMMA, especially PMMA. Such materials are also known in the art as transparent plastics. In yet another embodiment, the sheet comprises transparent plastics commercially known as PERSPEX or PRISMEX . Other substantially transparent materials known to the person skilled in the art may also be used. Combinations of two (or more) materials may be used.

The device 1 may, within the external boundary 2 further comprise diffusers, mirrors, optical filters, fiber optics, reflectors, etc, which are not shown. The device may use an external power supply or may use an internal power supply, such as (pen light) batteries, which are not shown.

The lighting device 1 further comprises a controller 40 connected to the light sources 10. This controller 40 may be arranged within the containing device 2, it may be arranged outside the containing device and the controller 40 may comprise a number of controller parts which are arranged within the containing device 5 and a number of controller parts which are arranged outside the containing device 5. The controller 40 is arranged to control one or more lighting parameters selected from the group consisting of the first luminous intensity of the first type of light 111, the second luminous intensity of the second type of light 112, the color point of the first type of light 111 and the color point of the second type of light 112. The controller 40 may control one or more of these lighting parameters, preferably at least two of these lighting parameters for instance as a function of a sensor signal or from a user (see below). Controller 40 may control one or more lighting devices 1.

The proposed lighting device 1 combines two functions: task lighting by means of (direct) whitish light 112 and atmosphere illumination by means of (especially indirect) colored light 111. For instance, figure 3 schematically depicts a device 1 in use. The lighting device 1 is arranged in a room 200. Further, a person is indicated that may be present in such a room 200. By way of example, the person has a user input device 43, such as a remote control. Further, room 200 may contain one or more sensors 300, although instead thereof or in addition thereto, the containing device may (also) contain one or more sensors 300.

In this way, advantageously lighting device 1 is provided, which in an embodiment especially allows illumination (the first type of light 111), for instance to illuminate walls in room 200, thereby providing a mood, ambiance, or atmosphere light function, whereas the second type 112 of light may provide functional illumination, thereby allowing tasks such as reading etc. The former function is non- functional lighting herein shortly indicated as atmosphere function or atmosphere lighting. Since colored light is usually not appreciated for visual tasks, the device of the invention provides in an embodiment, on the one hand, the atmosphere light function and, on the other hand, the lumination or lighting function, that can be used for visual tasks such as reading, working, etc. The terms "luminance" and "lumination are known in the art and refers to a measure of the brightness of a surface. The terms "illuminance" and "illumination" are also known in the art and refer to the amount of light falling on a surface.

As mentioned above and as further shown in figure 4, the lighting device 1 further comprises controller 40 (or control means) connected to the one or more light sources 10 (which are in an embodiment one or more light sources 101 and one or more light sources 102, respectively, see below and see figures 2a and 2b). In a specific embodiment, the controller 40 may comprise a processor 44 designed to process one or more input signals into one or more output signals e.g. based on executable instructions, which may be stored in a memory 41 connected to the processor 44. Furthermore, the processor 44 may be connected to an input-output unit 42, configured to (i) receive one or more input signals from one or more selected from the group consisting of (1) one or more sensors 300 and (2) user input device 43 and to (ii) send one or more output signals to control the intensity and/or color of the two types of light 111,112. The processor 44 may also be connected to a clock 45 (shown inside controller 40, but an external clock is also possible), which allows the processor 44 to drive device 1 in a time dependent manner.

The user input device 43 may be arranged to be in physical contact with the containing device 5 or may be integrated within containing device 5; however, as schematically depicted in figure 3, the user input device may also be an external user input device 43, i.e. a remote control.

The user input device 43 may comprise for instance switches such as touch controls, slide switches, etc. to control one or more of the lighting parameters described herein, such as the intensity of light source(s) 10, or to select the desired color of the different types of light 111,112, respectively, depending upon the application of lighting device 1 , the mood of the user, etc.

The controller 40 may have pre-defined settings or user-selectable settings or both. Possibly intelligent biophysical input parameters may be used to automatically translate someone's behavior (motion, voice, music selected, facial expression as monitored by a camera) or activities (waking up, reading, cooking, wining, dining) into a certain setting of the lighting object. These parameters may be sensed by one or more sensors 300. Hence, the lighting device 1 may perform the task of atmosphere lighting and task lighting, and optionally, the user (or other parameters) may influence the lighting parameters as described herein. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the lighting device 1 further comprises one or more sensors 300 arranged to sense one or more sensorial parameters selected from the group consisting of the number of people, the mood of people, the facial expression of people, the activities of people, the conversation of people and the behavior of people in room 200. Further, the intensity and/or color of the first and second types of light 111 and 112, respectively, may be dependent upon external parameters such as time, temperature, light intensity of external sources (such as the sun), which may be measured by one or more sensors, indicated with reference number 300. The controller 40 may control the intensity of one or more of the light sources 10 respectively, via means known in the art to control such light sources 10, such as ballasts (not depicted). In a specific embodiment, in use, the second type of light 112 illuminates the room 200, thereby enabling the person to perform one or more desired tasks, whereas the first type of light 111, in an embodiment especially directed to the ceiling, provides a beam of light which provides atmosphere lighting. The lighting device 1 of the invention can be applied in any environment where general lighting and atmosphere light may be needed, such as living rooms, bedrooms, shops, hospitals, clinics, offices, corridors, tunnels, gangways (in for instance planes or coaches), elevators, escalators, hospitality areas such as pubs, restaurants, hotels, etc.

Now, some specific embodiments, schematically depicted in figures 1 , 2a and 2b, respectively are described.

Figure 1 schematically depicts an embodiment further comprising a (variable) optical filter 20 arranged to filter part of the light 11 of the one or more light sources 10, thereby generating the first type of light 111 having a (variable) color and the second type of light 112 being white light. The filter 20 only filters part of the light 11. In this way, part of the light may be colored, thereby providing colored light 111 (first type of light), whereas the second type of light, 112 is substantially white. In this embodiment, the one or more light sources 10 substantially provide white light. Such sources 10 might be white emitting LEDs, triband lamps or other lamp types that provide light, either by themselves or in combination. More preferred are, however, the embodiments schematically depicted in figures 2a and 2b. Here, there are two types of light sources 10, i.e. first source 101 for providing the first type of light 111 and second source 102 for providing the second type of light 112. Here, the first source(s) is (are) indicated as LEDs. Note that no color filter 20 is depicted. However, one or more of such color filters may optionally be present. Here, the one or more light sources 10 comprise first light sources 101 and second light sources 102. In this embodiment the first sources 101 are arranged in a cavity 110, which is formed by first part 21 and a body 400. Cavity 101 may have the form and properties of a reflector 602. However, the containing device 5 may also contain one or more separate reflectors 602 to house the one or more light sources 10, more especially the one or more first light sources 101 and to especially collimate light from these light sources, respectively. Body 400 may comprise a cooling element or may consist of a cooling element. Body 400 may further comprise controller 40 or in one embodiment such controller 40 may be attached to body 400, although this controller is not necessarily integrated with this body 400 or with containing device 5. Lighting device 1 further comprises the second type of sources 102, which in this embodiment may be a fluorescent (white emitting) lamp or a plurality of such lamps.

In this embodiment, the containing device 5 is constructed to have at least two substantially separated cavities. A first cavity 110 is arranged and constructed to contain first light source(s) 101 and is arranged and constructed to allow at least part of the light of the first light sources to pass through at least part of the first part 21 of the boundary 2, thereby, during use, generating the first type of light 111. A second cavity 120 is arranged and constructed to contain second light source(s) 102 and is arranged and constructed to allow at least part of the light of the second light sources to pass through at least part of the second part 22 of the boundary 2, thereby, during use, generating the second type of light 112. In one embodiment, the first and second cavities 110,120 are constructed to prevent substantial mixing of the light of the first light sources and the second light sources 101,102, respectively, within boundary 2 of containing device 5.

The only difference of the embodiment schematically depicted in figure 2b from the embodiment schematically depicted in figure 2a is that instead of fluorescent lamps as second light source(s) 102 halogen lamp(s) are applied.

Especially, first light sources 101 are LEDs for providing colored light, such as triband LEDs or a plurality of LEDs whose light may be used to setup a gamut for the desired colors. Especially also second light sources 102 may for instance be LEDs, although also halogen lamps may be used.

As indicated in the figures 1, 2a and 2b, during use, the first type of sources 101 illuminate first part 21 of the boundary 2 and the second type of sources 102 illuminate the second part 22 of the boundary 2 of the containing device. The boundary 2 has an external surface 25 with a total surface area. In one embodiment, the external surface area of the first part 22 of the external boundary 2 comprises between about 2 and 50 %, more especially in the range of about 5-33% of the total surface area of the external boundary 2. In another embodiment, the external surface area of the second part 22 of the external boundary 2 comprises between 30 and 98%, more preferably in the range of about 44-95% of the total surface area of the external boundary 2. The exemplary examples schematically depicted in figures 1, 2a and 2b comprise a boundary 2 which essentially consists of only the first part 21 and the second part 22. However, part of the boundary 2 may in other embodiments also be non-transparent.

The external boundary 2 may further have parts that are non-transparent or non-translucent. The total surface area of surface 25 of the boundary 2 is substantially the sum of the external surface area of the first part 21, the external surface area of the second part 22 and the optional other parts, which may be non-transparent or non-translucent. In one embodiment, the lighting device 1 is constructed such that no more light from the one or more light sources 10 escapes from the containing device 5 than through the first and the second part of the barrier 2 from the lighting device 1. Hence, in such embodiment the containing device 5 can be described as a substantially closed container.

A number of further specific embodiments will be described in more detail below. As mentioned above, the lighting device 1 (or object) may simultaneously emit white 112 and colored 111 light, i.e. a lighting device 1 where part 22 of the outer wall 2 emits basically white light 112 (for task illumination) and another part 21 of the outer wall 2 produces a visible 111 (especially indirect, atmosphere-providing) effect, on for instance a nearby surface (e.g. wall, ceiling). Possible variations include: a) fixed setting of both white light 112 and colored light 111; b) adjustable intensity (and/or color temperature) of white light 112, fixed colored light 111; c) adjustable brightness and color (hue and saturation) of colored light 111, fixed white light 112; d) adjustable intensity (and/or color temperature) of white light 112, adjustable brightness and color (hue and saturation) of colored light 112; e) the device 1 can be designed for use while standing on the floor or table (as depicted in Figure 3) or for use while being suspended. In a preferred embodiment of the latter case the ceiling is illuminated by colored light, whereas the task light directed downward is basically white. The user interface or user input device 43 ("local" or "remote") controls the lighting generated by the light emitting object as selected by the user. The interface or input device may comprise control action buttons shown in an intuitive way, how the end user can navigate along the available settings. An intelligent microprocessor may allow a user to generate a dynamic effect via an algorithm. More than one lighting device 1 can be operated via a single-user interface device or user input device 43.

Intelligent (bio)physical input parameters and/or audio/video monitoring, can be used to automatically translate someone's behavior (motion, voice, music selected, facial expression) or activities (waking up, reading, cooking, wining, dining) into a certain setting of the lighting object or its dynamics. Various possibilities exist, which are non-limitedly summarized below:

To detect the users mood/emotion one or more sensors 300 can be applied as separate devices and/or combined within the user interface 43. Alternatively, video/audio recordings can be used to detect voice and/or facial expression (smiling, sad, laughing);

A direct connection to an (alarm) clock (45) can be used to assist the waking- up process with a (dynamic) lighting effect. Auditory signals generated by the (alarm) clock (45) can also be used as a trigger to (gradually) switch on the lighting device 1. The device 1 may also be used for dawn/dusk-simulation purposes during wake-up or falling asleep; - The lighting device 1 is equipped with a sound detector that classifies the choice of music played at home. The device 1 adjusts the settings of the lighting device 1 to the kind of music played.

Part of the lighting device (or lighting object) emits white light 112, while part of the lighting object emits colored light 111, simultaneously, when desired. The intensity and color of the colored light can be set. Moreover, the intensity and color temperature of the white light can in an embodiment be set independently of the colored light setting. Hence, in one embodiment the invention provides lighting device 1 comprising one or more light sources 10 arranged to generate light 111,112, a containing device 5 having an external boundary 2 which is at least partly transmissive and which is arranged to contain the one or more light sources 10, and a controller 40. The lighting device 1 can generate two types of light 111,112. One or more lighting parameters selected from the group consisting of the first luminous intensity of the first type of light 111, the second luminous intensity of the second type of light 112, the color point of the first type of light 111 and the color point of the second type of light 112 can be controlled. This allows task lighting and atmosphere lighting.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a", "an" or "the"preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A lighting device (1) comprising a. one or more light sources (10) arranged to generate light (11); b. a containing device (5) having an external boundary (2) which is at least partly transmissive and which is arranged to contain the one or more light sources (10); and c. a controller (40) connected to the one or more light sources (10); wherein a first part (21) of the external boundary (2) and the one or more light sources (10) are arranged to provide at least part of the light (11) through the first part (21) of the external boundary (2), thereby providing a first flux of a first type of light (111), having a variable color and a first luminous intensity; a second part (22) of the external boundary (2) and the one or more light sources (10) are arranged to provide at least part of the light (11) through the second part (22) of the external boundary (2), thereby providing a second flux of a second type of light (112), being white light and having a second luminous intensity; and - the controller (40) is arranged to control one or more lighting parameters selected from the group consisting of the first luminous intensity of the first type of light (111), the second luminous intensity of the second type of light (112), the color point of the first type of light (111) and the color point of the second type of light (112).

2. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device (1) is arranged to generate the first type of light (111) and the second type of light (112) in substantially different directions relative to the lighting device (1).

3. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more light sources (10) comprise a first light source (101) and a second light source (102), wherein the first light source (101) and the first part (21) of the external boundary (2) are arranged to generate the first type of light (111), and wherein the second light source (102) and the second part (22) of the external boundary (2) are arranged to generate the second type of light (112).

4. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second part (22) of the external boundary (2) comprises a translucent material.

5. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (21) of the external boundary (2) comprises a translucent material.

6. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external surface area of the first part (22) of the external boundary (2) comprises between 5-33% of the total surface area of the external boundary (2).

7. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external surface area of the second part (22) of the external boundary (2) comprises between 44-95% of the total surface area of the external boundary (2).

8. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (40) is arranged to control one or more of the one or more lighting parameters as a function of one or more input signals selected from the group consisting of a user input signal (43), a clock (45), a sensor (300) input signal and memory settings from a memory (41) of the controller (40).

9. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding clams, wherein the lighting device (1) further comprises a sensor (300) in communication with the controller (40), arranged to sense one or more sensorial parameters selected from the group consisting of the number of people, the mood of people, the facial expression of people, the activities of people, the conversation of people and the behavior of people in a room (200).

10. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the same radiation direction, the ratio of the luminous intensity of the first flux of the first type of light (112) and the luminous intensity of the second flux of the second type of light (111) is equal to or smaller than 1/3, especially equal to or smaller than 1/10.

11. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the one or more lighting parameters selected from the group consisting of the luminous intensity and the color point of the first type of light (111) are dependent upon one or more lighting parameters selected from the group consisting of the luminous intensity and the color temperature of the second type of light (112).

12. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device (1) further comprises a variable optical filter arranged to filter part of the light (11) of the one or more light sources (10) thereby generating the first type of light (111) which has a variable color and the second type of light (112) which is white light.

13. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the color of the first type of light (111) and the color of the second type of light (112) differ in either x-coordinate or y-coordinate or both x- and y-coordinate in the CIE diagram by a value of at least 0.1.

14. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (40) further comprises a user input device (43).

15. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more light sources are one or more LEDs, respectively.

16. Method for providing an atmosphere light and a functional light, wherein the method comprises providing a lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and generating a first flux of a first type of light (111), having a variable color and a first luminous intensity, and a second flux of a second type of light (112), being white light and having a second luminous intensity in substantially different directions relative to the lighting device (1).