Multi-mode illumination module and related method
US11512836B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 2017 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF21Y2115/30
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The illumination module for emitting light (5) can operate in at least two different modes, wherein in each of the modes, the emitted light (5) has a different light distribution. The module has a mode selector (10) for selecting the mode in which the module operates, and it has an optical arrangement. The arrangement includes—a microlens array (LL1) with a multitude of transmissive or reflective microlenses (2) which are regularly arranged at a lens pitch P (P1);—an illuminating unit for illuminating the microlens array (LL1). The illuminating unit includes a first array of light sources (S1) operable to emit light of a first wavelength L1 each and having an aperture each. The apertures are located in a common emission plane which is located at a distance D (D1) from the microlens array (LL1). In a first one of the modes, for the lens pitch P, the distance D and the wavelength L1 applies P2=2·L1·D/N wherein N is an integer with N≥1.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.