TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to illumination devices in general, and to illumination devices capable of illuminating a sector, in particular.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Portable illumination devices such as flashlights typically comprise a light bulb protected by a transparent cover and a power source, e.g. a battery. The light bulb may be mounted in a reflector which concentrates the light emitted from the bulb into a directional beam. As the intensity of light is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source, an object of interest located at a certain range from the flashlight would have to be pointed at directly by the beam in order to allow proper visibility. As a result, conventional flashlights provide limited ability to view at once a wide region of interest.

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 BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] One exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter is an apparatus comprising: at least one light source; a rotating deflection member rotatable around a rotation axis and configured to deflect a beam of light emanating from the at least one light source in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, whereby the beam of light is directed to repeatedly sweep a sector as the rotating deflection member rotates, wherein the sector is defined with respect to a circle, the centre of which is the rotating deflection member; and a motor for rotating the deflection member around the rotation axis at a speed as to cause the beam of light to sweep the sector at a frequency indiscernible to a human eye, whereby the sector is perceived as continuously and uniformly lit.

[0004] Another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter is a method comprising: providing at least one light source; configuring a rotating deflection member rotatable around a rotation axis to deflect a beam of light emanating from the at least one light source in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, whereby the beam of light is directed to repeatedly sweep a sector as the rotating deflection member rotates, wherein the sector is defined with respect to a circle, the centre of which is the rotating deflection member; and rotating the deflection member around the rotation axis at a speed as to cause the beam of light to sweep the sector at a frequency indiscernible to a human eye, whereby the sector is perceived as continuously and uniformly lit.

THE BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The present disclosed subject matter will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which corresponding or like numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. Unless indicated otherwise, the drawings provide exemplary embodiments or aspects of the disclosure and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0006] Figs. 1A-1B show a schematic vertical cross section view of an apparatus, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0007] Fig. 2A shows a schematic vertical cross section view of an apparatus, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0008] Fig. 2B shows a schematic horizontal cross section view of an apparatus, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0009] Figs. 3A-3B show a schematic horizontal cross section view of an apparatus, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; and

[0010] Fig. 4 shows a schematic horizontal cross section view of an apparatus, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] One technical problem dealt with by the disclosed subject matter is to provide an illumination device having a perceived wide illumination field.

[0012] One technical solution is to employ a rotating deflection member configured to distribute a directional light beam along a continuous horizontal line trajectory, the rotating deflection member being coupled to a motor configured to rotate the rotating deflection member at a high speed, whereby the beam repeatedly sweeps a sector at a frequency effective to cause a human eye to perceive all locations visited by the beam as being directly lit simultaneously. The illuminated sector may be referred to as the wide field that is being illuminated, without necessarily referring to the width of the sector.

[0013] One technical effect of utilizing the disclosed subject matter is to provide an illumination effect that covers a sector so as the sector is perceived by a human eye as continuously and uniformly lit.

[0014] Another technical effect of utilizing the disclosed subject matter is to produce illumination of high intensity and wide field of regard from light sources, such as conventional light sources that are commonly used in conventional flashlights. Additionally or alternatively, the perceived illumination at each point of the sector may not be reduced in comparison to using the same directional light beam statically on a single point, thereby providing an effect of increasing perceived illumination without increasing power requirements or requiring a different light source.

[0015] Referring now to Figures 1A-1B showing a schematic vertical cross section view of an apparatus in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, Apparatus 100 may comprise a Light Source 102, a Rotating Deflection Member 104 and a Motor 106. Rotating Deflection Member 104 may be configured to rotate around Rotation Axis 110. Motor 106 may be coupled to Rotating Deflection Member 104. Motor 106 may be configured to rotate Rotating Deflection Member 104 at a desired speed. The desired speed may be a speed which causes beam of light to sweep the sector at a frequency indiscernible to a human eye, such as at a frequency of at least about 24 Hertz, preferably of 48 Hertz or higher. In some exemplary embodiments, using Rotation Deflection Member 104 having a plurality of side facets the rotation speed may be reduced while still achieving a desired target sweeping frequency. For example, in case of Rotation Deflection Member 104 is shaped as a hexagonal prism, having six side facets, the sweeping speed of the target sector may be six times the rotation speed of Rotation Deflection Member 104. Light Source 102 and Rotating Deflection Member 104 may be configured to cause the deflected beam of light to sweep the sector from a first end of the sector to a second end of the sector and starting again at the first end without completing a full rotation in between.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, Rotating Deflection Member 104 may be composed of a plurality of mirrors disposed in a polygonal arrangement, for example, on side facets of a hexagonal prism, of a hexagonal frustum, of an octagonal prism, and the like. The mirrors may be composed of a planar surface. Alternatively, the mirrors may be composed of a curved surface configured to focus a beam of light hitting the surface. Additionally or alternatively, the mirrors may be composed of reflectors having different shapes so as to widen the spread of the light deflected off Rotating Deflection Member 104. Additionally or alternatively, the mirrors may be composed of deflectors having different shapes so as to focus a beam of light hitting Rotating Deflection Member 104 into a desired form. Additionally or alternatively, the mirrors may be fashioned into lenses that reflect light in a similar manner as mirrors.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, Light Source 102 may be located below Rotating Deflection Member 104, and the facets of Rotating Deflection Member 104 may be faced downwardly to Light Source 102, in a vertical angle of about 45 degrees with Rotation Axis 110, forming a shape of a frustum, as shown in Figure 1A.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, Light Source 102 may be located above Rotating Deflection Member 104, and the facets of Rotating Deflection Member 104 may be faced upwardly to Light Source 102, in a vertical angle of about 45 degrees with Rotation Axis 110, as shown in Figure IB.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, the angle of the facets of Rotating Deflection Member 104 may be positioned in a vertical angle so as that when a directional light from Light Source 102 hits each facet, the directional light is deflected towards a horizontal plane that is substantially perpendicular to Rotation Axis 110. Such vertical angle may be dependent upon the target sector which is to be lit by Apparatus 100 and the vertical angle of the directional light when hitting Rotating Deflection Member 104.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, Rotating Deflection Member 104 may be configured to deflect a light beam emitted from Light Source 102 in a direction perpendicular to Rotation Axis 110. As Rotating Deflection Member 104 revolves around Rotation Axis 110, the angle of incidence at which the beam hits a facet of Rotating Deflection Member 104 may grow larger or smaller as the facet orients towards or away from Light Source 102 respectively. Accordingly the beam may be reflected from the facet so as to sweep repeatedly a sector of a circle centered at Rotation Axis 110.

[0022] Referring now to Figure 2A showing a schematic vertical cross section view of an apparatus in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, Apparatus 200 may comprise Light Sources 202a and 202b, a Rotating Deflection Member 204 and a Motor 206. Rotating Deflection Member 204 may be configured to rotate around Rotation Axis 210. Motor 206 may be coupled to Rotating Deflection Member 204. Motor 206 may be configured to rotate Rotating Deflection Member 204 at a desired speed.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, Light Source 202a may be mounted on a first plane perpendicular to Rotation Axis 210. Light Source 202b may be mounted on a second plane perpendicular to Rotation Axis 210. The second plane may be different from, and positioned below the first plane. Rotating Deflection Member 204 may comprise two polygonal arrangements of mirrors facing opposite directions, one towards Light Source 202a and the other towards Light Source 202b. In some exemplary embodiments, light beam emitted from Light Source 202a may be deflected towards a same horizontal plane as the plane to which light beam emitted from Light Source 202b is deflected. As both light beams are deflected towards the same plane, they may combine to achieve increased illumination of the target sector. [0025] In some exemplary embodiments, Apparatus 200 may comprise one or more Power Sources 208, such as for example battery, power adapter, or the like, coupled to Motor 206 and to Light Sources 202a and 202b for energy supply. Additionally or alternatively, Apparatus 200 may be connectable to electrical grid, such as using an electric socket.

[0026] In some exemplary embodiments, Apparatus 200 may comprise a Housing 220 for accommodating Light Sources 202a and 202b, Rotating Deflection Member 204, Motor 206 and Power Sources 208. Housing 220 may comprise a switch 230 for turning Apparatus 200 on and off. Housing 220 may be configured to limit the width of the sector such that the light is not deflected out of the sector.

[0027] Referring now to Figure 2B showing a schematic horizontal cross section view of Apparatus 200 of Figure 2A in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, Rotating Deflection Member 204 may be configured to deflect a light beam emitted from Light Source 202 in a direction perpendicular to Rotation Axis 210. As Rotating Deflection Member 204 revolves around Rotation Axis 210, the angle of incidence at which the beam hits a facet of Rotating Deflection Member 204 may grow larger or smaller as the facet orients towards or away from Light Source 202 respectively. Accordingly the beam may be reflected from the facet so as to sweep repeatedly a circular sector centered at Rotation Axis 210.

[0029] In some exemplary embodiments, Rotating Deflection Member 204 may have a proximal portion facing the sector and a distal portion opposite to the sector. Light Source 202 may be arranged so as to cause the beam of light emitted from Light Source 202 to hit Rotating Deflection Member 204 at the proximal portion. It will be noted that the proximal portion and the distal portion are defined per a specific positioning of Rotating Deflection Member 204 and as Rotating Deflection Member 204 rotates the distal and proximal portions change.

[0030] In some exemplary embodiments, the central angle of the sector may range between about 30 degrees and 180 degrees. In some further exemplary embodiments, the central angle of the sector may range between about 60 degrees and 140 degrees. In yet some further exemplary embodiments, the central angle of the sector may be between about 90 degrees and 120 degrees.

[0031] In some exemplary embodiments, the width of the central angle of the sector may be determined by the ratio between the diameter of the beam of light hitting Rotating Deflection Member 204 and the dimensions of the facet at which the beam of light hits, i.e. the distance between opposing vertical edges of the facet. As that ratio grows smaller the angle may grow wider and vice versa.

[0032] Referring now to Figures 3A-3B showing a schematic horizontal cross section view of an apparatus in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0033] In some exemplary embodiments, Apparatus 300 may comprise a Light Source 302, a Rotating Deflection Member 304 and a Motor 306. Rotating Deflection Member 304 may be configured to rotate around Rotation Axis 310. Motor 306 may be coupled to Rotating Deflection Member 304. Motor 306 may be configured to rotate Rotating Deflection Member 304 at a desired speed.

[0034] In some exemplary embodiments, Rotating Deflection Member 304 may compose two or more prisms. The prisms may be adjoined together at an attachment surface. Each of the prisms may be configured to disperse a beam of light emitted from Light Source 302 when incoming at an exposed surface (320) of the prism, and to recompose the dispersed beam of light transferred from an adjoined prism at the attachment surface (330). As Rotating Deflection Member 304 revolves around Rotation Axis 310, the angle at which the beam hits an exposed surface of a first prism may grow larger or smaller as the exposed surface orients towards or away from Light Source 302 respectively. Accordingly the dispersed beam may be recomposed and deflected by a second prism adjoined to the first prism, so as to sweep repeatedly a sector of a circle having a center at Rotation Axis 310.

[0035] In some exemplary embodiments, Rotating Deflection Member 304 may have a proximal portion facing the sector and a distal portion opposite to the sector. Light Source 302 may be arranged so as to cause the beam of light emitted from Light Source 302 to hit Rotating Deflection Member 304 at the distal portion. In some exemplary embodiments, Rotation Deflection Member 304 is configured to allow light beams that hit the distal portion to pass through Rotation Deflection Member 304 and exit via the proximal portion, potentially in a deflected angle.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, in a first position of Rotating Deflection Member 304, as shown in Figure 3 A, a first prism of the two or more prisms composing Rotating Deflection Member 304 may be configured to disperse the beam of light emitted from Light Source 302. In some exemplary embodiments, in the first position of Rotating Deflection Member 304, as shown in Figure 3 A, a second prism of the two or more prisms may be configured to recompose the dispersed beam of light.

[0037] In some exemplary embodiments, in a second position of Rotating Deflection Member 304, as shown in Figure 3B, the second prism may be configured to disperse the beam of light emitted from Light Source 302. In some exemplary embodiments, in the second position of Rotating Deflection Member 304, as shown in Figure 3B, the first prism may be configured to recompose the dispersed beam of light.

[0038] In some exemplary embodiments, Motor 306 may be configured to repeatedly position Rotating Deflection Member 304 in plurality of positions, such as including the first and second positions.

[0039] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least two prisms may be configured to be rotated at a same speed by Motor 306.

[0040] Referring now to Figure 4 showing a schematic horizontal cross section view of an apparatus in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, Apparatus 400 may comprise Light Sources 402a and 402b, a Rotating Deflection Member 404 and a Motor 406. Rotating Deflection Member 204 may be configured to rotate around Rotation Axis 410. Motor 406 may be coupled to Rotating Deflection Member 404. Motor 406 may be configured to rotate Rotating Deflection Member 404 at a desired speed.

[0042] In some exemplary embodiments, Rotating Deflection Member 404 may be composed of a plurality of mirrors disposed in a polygonal arrangement.

[0043] In some exemplary embodiments, Light Sources 402a and 402b may be mounted on either sides of Rotating Deflection Member 404. [0044] In some exemplary embodiments, Rotating Deflection Member 404 may be configured to deflect a light beam emitted from Light Sources 402a and 402b in a direction perpendicular to Rotation Axis 410. As Rotating Deflection Member 404 revolves around Rotation Axis 410, the angle of incidence at which the beam hits a facet of Rotating Deflection Member 404 may grow larger or smaller as the facet orients towards or away from one of Light Sources 402a and 402b respectively. Accordingly a first beam originating from Light Source 402a may be reflected from a first facet of Rotating Deflection Member 404 so as to sweep repeatedly a first half of a circular sector centered at Rotation Axis 410, and a second beam originating from Light Source 402b may be reflected from a second facet of Rotating Deflection Member 404 so as to sweep a second half of the sector.

[0045] In some exemplary embodiments, Apparatus 400 may be a headlamp configured in size and shape to be mounted on a head of a person, whereby the person wearing the headlamp is provided with relatively wide illumination field in front of him when Apparatus 400 is operating. The illuminated field in such an arrangement may be a sector having a central angle of about 120°.

[0046] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. [0047] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0048] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.