Articles & Interviews Collection

Smart Lighting + IoT | Usability | LpR Article | Resources | Software | Jan 26, 2017
Enhancing the LED Experience - UI & UX as Success Factors for IoT Based Lighting Controls
Enhancing the LED Experience - UI & UX as Success Factors for IoT Based Lighting Controls As LED lighting systems become part of the Internet of Things, getting the interface right is essential if all of the potential benefits are to be realized. Karl Jónsson and Christian Moormann of Tridonic explain why UI and UX are crucial for the acceptance of the “Internet of Things”, give design hints and describe what this type of user interface that accommodates scalability, simplicity and ease of handling could look like. The authors also discuss examples based on a system Tridonic pre-launched in 2016. Read more »
LpR Article | Smart Lighting + IoT | Event-Reports | Sustainability | Human Centric Lighting | Manufacturing | Resources | Jan 26, 2017
Swiss Photonics Workshop on Intelligent Efficient Solid State Lighting
Swiss Photonics Workshop on Intelligent Efficient Solid State Lighting Swiss Photonics held their Swiss Solid State Lighting Workshop in the Pantheon at Muttenz near Basel on December 12th of last year. The ambience of the automobile museum was perfect! The program covered a broad range of topics including Human Centric Lighting, Internet of Things and the results of the LASSIE project (Large Area Solid State Lighting Intelligent Efficient: A 7th Framework Program for Research and Technological Development). In the following article, Arno Grabher-Meyer, Editor-in-Chief at LED professional, summarizes the highlights. Read more »
Resources | LpR Article | Event-Reports | Business | Technologies | Applications | Jan 26, 2017
LuxLive and SILE Sharpen Focus on End-Users
LuxLive and SILE Sharpen Focus on End-Users On November 23rd and 24th, as in previous years, LuxLive was held in the Excel Center close to London’s City Airport. This year, for the second time since the merger of Revo Media and Pennwell, LuxLive and Strategies in Light Europe were co-located. Arno Grabher-Meyer, Editor-in-Chief at LED professional, summarizes his impressions of the event, picking out the more technical oriented lectures held in the different "arenas". Read more »
Resources | LpR Article | Tech-Talks Bregenz | Light Conversion | Jan 26, 2017
Tech-Talks BREGENZ - Dr. Rubén D. Costa, Group Leader, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
Tech-Talks BREGENZ - Dr. Rubén D. Costa, Group Leader, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Light quality and costs of LED systems remain an important topic even though big improvements have been made. New approaches are always welcome and stir up hope. It was exactly a year ago that LED professional published the article by Dr. Rubén D. Costa, Liebig Group Leader at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, about his amazing new „Bio-Hybrid“ white LED approach. At LpS 2016 his presentation on the latest research results and improvements also won him the LpS 2016 Scientific Award. Consequently, we just had to invite him to a Tech-Talk Bregenz! In the interview below he gives us some interesting background information about why he started the project, how it works and what he expects in the future. He also gives us his views on LEDs and lighting in general. Read more »
Commentary | Smart Lighting + IoT | Resources | LpR Article | Jan 26, 2017
Lighting Up Smart Cities, Dr. Wu Chou, Huawei
Lighting Up Smart Cities, Dr. Wu Chou, Huawei Although streetlights have been associated with cities for more than a thousand years, they are rarely considered for functions other than luminary purposes. One of the distinct features of streetlights is their geographic location. In particular, streetlights follow the roads and streets that are the arteries of the city, and at night they outline the city so it can be seen from many miles away. Read more »
Trends | Smart Lighting + IoT | Resources | LpR Article | Nov 28, 2016
Smart Lighting Market and Technology Trends
Smart Lighting Market and Technology Trends Intelligent lighting technology that enables its users to control lighting through connected devices such as smart phones or remote controls is a big topic in the industry. A new report sheds light on different aspects of this business including drivers, restraints and opportunities. Jasmine Hinduja, Research Analyst at The Insight Partners, summarizes the major findings and how the trend to intelligent systems affects the companies regarding technology skills and strategies. Read more »
Trends | Smart Lighting + IoT | Resources | LpR Article | Nov 28, 2016
Flicker: Standards and Test Methods
Flicker: Standards and Test Methods Much has been written and said about Temporal Light Artifacts (TLAs). What is essential about TLAs is that they consist of flicker and/or stroboscopic effects induced by a light stimulus whose luminance or spectral distribution fluctuates with time and causes undesired changes in visual perception for an observer in a certain environment. Walter Parmiami, Senior Engineer at UL International Italia S.r.l., discusses the current status of regulations and measurement standards and proposes a certification to help manufacturers to generate user confidence, and consumers and specifiers to find the right product for an application Read more »
Resources | LpR Article | Technologies | Optics | Nov 28, 2016
Structured Glass Light Guides for Efficient Lighting
Structured Glass Light Guides for Efficient Lighting Glass injection molding technology (GIMT) for precision glass optics is a relatively new manufacturing technology. This expertise allows for producing efficient glass optics for LED lighting applications with special properties like undercut geometry or mounting flanges. A lot of progress has been made since it was introduced. Christian Passlick, Optical Engineer at Auer Lighting, shows how this improved technology supports making state-of-the-art light mixing structures for RGB/RGBW LED systems. Read more »
Resources | LpR Article | Technologies | Manufacturing | LEDs | CoB LEDs | Nov 28, 2016
Comparing New Dielectric Materials for Chip-on-Board LED Packages
Comparing New Dielectric Materials for Chip-on-Board LED Packages Thermal management is still one of the most challenging issues in solid state lighting. With the increased application of COB LED technology, the portion of the dielectric material on the overall thermal resistance has become an important topic. Different solutions and new materials have been proposed over the last few years. Hui Zhang, Max Wagner, and Prof. Tran Quoc Khanh from the Laboratory of Lighting Technology at the Technische Universität Darmstadt compared different materials and present the results of their extensive research. Read more »
LpR Article | Research | Nov 28, 2016
The Perspective of Bio-Hybrid White Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Rubber-Like Down- Converting Coatings
The Perspective of Bio-Hybrid White Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Rubber-Like Down- Converting Coatings At first, white LED technology seems to be mature. But in truth, the technology is still far from being perfect and research on all LED materials and components is ongoing. At the LpS 2016 the research of Rubén D. Costa, Lukas Niklaus, Katharina Weber and Prof. Uwe Sonnewald from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) was honored with the LED professional Scientific Award. These authors investigated the use of organic light conversion materials for white LEDs. Their research shows that these bio-hybrid white LEDs could lower costs and improve light quality. The article describes the current status of the research and future perspectives. Read more »
LpR Article | Innovation | Nov 24, 2016
On-Chip Beam Forming Optics Paves the Way for New Luminaire Designs
On-Chip Beam Forming Optics Paves the Way for New Luminaire Designs An LED luminaire’s optical system usually consists of primary and secondary optics. This concept always causes a trade-off between light quality, system size, efficiency and light distribution. New concepts to make secondary optics obsolete have already been researched. Paul Drosihn, Head of Modular Products, and Samir Mezouari, Optics & Lighting Design Specialist at Plessey Semiconductors present the first of its kind chip scale beam forming technology, StellarTM. They explain how it works and how it helps to overcome the limitations of traditional optical solutions for LED lighting. Read more »
Tech-Talks Bregenz | Nov 24, 2016
Tech-Talks BREGENZ - Prof. Christian Cajochen, Univ. Basel, Head of Center of Chronobiology
Tech-Talks BREGENZ - Prof. Christian Cajochen, Univ. Basel, Head of Center of Chronobiology Human Centric Lighting has become a catchphrase used by industry and the press. But the press has also started reporting that research emphasizes the danger of LED lighting in connection to our health and has coined the term “Blue Light Hazard”. These claims have caused confusion amongst end users and throughout the lighting community. Prof. Christian Cajochen, Head of the Centre for Chronobiology at the University of Basel - an expert on this topic - held a lecture at the LpS 2016 entitled “Light Beyond Vision”. Afterwards, LED professional seized the opportunity to talk to him personally and get some in-depth information about the risks and benefits of LED lighting. Read more »
Commentary | Interview | Nov 24, 2016
Review of the LED Lighting Design Approach
Review of the LED Lighting Design Approach A rapidly changing world leaves little time to react to new trends. Nokia lost its lead position because it failed to recognize market changes and take appropriate action in time. This has caused anxious industries to react quickly when changes come about. But, in some cases, such hasty reactions can also be harmful. Read more »
LpR Article | Sep 06, 2016
LEDs Reveal Paintings Hidden in Paintings
LEDs Reveal Paintings Hidden in Paintings Artists are often early adopters of new technologies and new solutions and methods that bring art to a new level. For fine arts artist, light and their material are the two major elements to play with. It’s no wonder that LED lighting has become an important element for them. The artist, Clint Eccher, and Arno Grabher-Meyer from LED professional show how LED lighting is used to transform static paintings into some of the most advanced paintings in the world, in dynamic, “living” pieces that transform their appearance with LED light. Clint Eccher's work, how it is done, and the role of LED technology will be explained. Read more »
Health + Environment | LpR Article | Sep 06, 2016
Botanical Light Pollution - Red is the New Blue
Botanical Light Pollution - Red is the New Blue In the beginning, the industry argued that LED lighting could help reduce light pollution. Meanwhile, various organizations claim the opposite effect is true and often sight light color as an issue. The opinions of different groups are frequently quite the contrary to those of other groups. Ian Ashdown, FIES Chief Scientist at byHeart Consultants & Lighting Analysts, demonstrates and discusses the negative effects of light pollution through LED lights and how different light sources affect vegetation. Read more »
Lp Article | Technologies | Sep 06, 2016
LightSpeed Experience Center
LightSpeed Experience Center On August 26th, 2016 the editors of LED professional Review were invited by EBV Elektronik to visit their newly established “LightSpeed Experience Center” in Poing near Munich. It’s a very special meeting center, where you can view advanced and future technologies in the optoelectronics world. You could call it a tech incubator and think tank that enables innovation and creativity to combine. Read more »
LpR Article | Sep 05, 2016
Lighting Fabrics - A New Approach for Flexible Light Sources
Lighting Fabrics - A New Approach for Flexible Light Sources Different groups from the lighting business have been dreaming of truly flexible light sources for a long time. OLEDs are being promoted as the solution of the future but there are other solutions already on the market. Managing Director R&D at Carpetlight GmbH, Mr. Till Sadlowski, takes a look at the common history of light and fabrics, the evolution of flexible circuity and the latest development in form free scalable light sources. Read more »
LpR Article | Technologies | Sep 05, 2016
Technologies for Engineering an LED Light Closest to Sunlight
Technologies for Engineering an LED Light Closest to Sunlight TRI-R is a next-generation LED light source made possible by Toshiba Materials technology and commercialization together with TOL STUDIO. Using natural light that recreates the solar spectrum, TRI-R suppresses glare, prevents the loss of object color, and gives fresher, clearer expression to textures and details. Based on professional research examining the relationship light has with humans and the environment, this is illumination technology that provides the world surrounding us with the true and real value of light. Masahiko Yamakawa, Senior Specialist of Toshiba Materials Co.LTD., presents how this technology was developed and applied in some projects. Read more »
LpR Article | Sep 05, 2016
Easing Lighting System Design with Online Tools
Easing Lighting System Design with Online Tools The technical intricacies of an LED lighting system design can be quite complicated. The interdependencies of design parameters such as light source flux, efficacy, lumen maintenance, drive current, series/parallel light source layout, compatible optics, compatible drivers, thermal dissipation and others make the calculation of system performance a laborious process if performed manually. One simple change in one parameter could potentially force the lighting designer to consult the datasheet for every other component considered in the design in order to calculate the impact on the system as a whole. Patrick Durand, Worldwide Technical Director, Future Lighting Solutions demonstrates the capabilities of modern online tools to solve these problems giving a typical application example based on the Future Lighting System Creator (LSC). Read more »
LpR Article | Sep 05, 2016
How to Design with LEDs: Concurrent Engineering Yields Fully Optimized Lighting Systems
How to Design with LEDs: Concurrent Engineering Yields Fully Optimized Lighting Systems LEDs are often viewed as a replacement for other light sources. The right starting point for designing an appropriate replacement is crucial to the result. Brian S. Jasenak, Optical and Process Engineer at Kopp Glass, describes a concurrent engineering approach that optimizes the optics and other system components, and may help to reduce the number of LEDs needed as well as the overall cost of the LED lighting fixture. Read more »
Tech-Talks Bregenz | Sep 02, 2016
Tech-Talks BREGENZ - Sebastian Huelck, Director Lighting, EBV Elektronik
Tech-Talks BREGENZ - Sebastian Huelck, Director Lighting, EBV Elektronik Solid State Lighting has not only changed the way that light is generated but also how areas or objects are illuminated. It has changed the whole industry and business. Sebastian Huelck, Director of Segment Lighting at EBV Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG, discussed these changes and the new requirements for modern distribution with Siegfried Luger and Dr. Guenther Sejkora. He explained the transition of distributors from pure logistic specialists to one-stop shops and full service providers, and commented on regional differences. He finished off by giving insights into the future projects of the company. Read more »
Commentary | Interview | Sep 02, 2016
The Good the Bad and the Ugly
The Good the Bad and the Ugly We sit as lighting designers in our offices and look at beautiful pictures of beautiful lighting scenarios in beautiful glossy magazines. We are inspired by possibilities that new lighting technologies can offer us and allow ourselves to dream of the beautiful projects to come. Read more »
LpR Article | Research | Aug 11, 2016
Quality and Health Aspects of LED Lamps for the European Residential Lighting Market
Quality and Health Aspects of LED Lamps for the European Residential Lighting Market Because of shortfalls in regards to consumer information about high quality, energy efficient, substitute products for incandescent lamps, there has been a significant amount of irritation on the side of the consumer. As part of the Intelligent Energy Europe Program of the European Union, Prof. Dr. Georges Zissis from the Paul Sabatier - University Toulouse and his team investigated 370 LED lamps. All relevant parameters of 95 different lamp types from store shelves in 12 European countries were measured and evaluated regarding quality and health issues. Read more »
LpR Article | Aug 11, 2016
LED Lamps Recycling Technology for a Circular Economy
LED Lamps Recycling Technology for a Circular Economy While having a long propagated lifetime, LED lighting products, especially lamps, have a foreseeable end of life. And since they contain many valuable elements they practically beg to be recycled. However, like other highly integrated electronics products recycling is not a simple task. Andrea Gassmann, Jörg Zimmermann, Roland Gauß, Rudolf Stauber and Oliver Gutfleisch from the Fraunhofer Project Group Materials Recycling and Resource Strategies IWKS and the Technische Universität Darmstadt Institute for Materials Science respectively, present and discuss a method that could open the way to successful recirculation of precious components and materials. Read more »
LpR Article | Technologies | Medical | Aug 11, 2016
High-End White Light Sources Fiber Optics Technology for Medical Applications
High-End White Light Sources Fiber Optics Technology for Medical Applications Often technologies that are too expensive for the mass market at the beginning are already adopted in medical applications. When reaching a certain level of maturity, costs usually become more reasonable and adaptations for the consumer market begins. Holger Laabs, Oliver Mehl and Henning Rehn from Osram GmbH present a light source technology and its prerequisites for fiber optics that could become one of these technologies. Read more »
LpR Article | Quality | Aug 11, 2016
TM-30 or the Quest for New Metrics to Measure Light Color Quality
TM-30 or the Quest for New Metrics to Measure Light Color Quality As the lighting industry’s need for an unambiguous measure of lighting color quality becomes more urgent, the TM-30 test method put forward by the Illumination Engineering Society of America (IES) is one approach that could offer a solution. Arno Grabher-Meyer, Editor in Chief at LED professional gives a quick status overview. Read more »
LpR Article | Technologies | Aug 11, 2016
Concepts to Overcome Lifetime Issues of LED Drivers
Concepts to Overcome Lifetime Issues of LED Drivers Lighting technology has changed significantly in recent years after a century of little to modest advancements. LED luminaires offer advancement in lower power consumption and expected life. Maggie Nadjmi, EE Product Manager at SL Power Electronics, explains why this new technology will probably not meet the life and reliability expectations if no attention is paid to the drivers and power supplies used to power LEDs. She discusses the main components affecting lifetime and how to eliminate them or design a product to still achieve the desired lifetime. Read more »
Commentary | Aug 10, 2016
Lifetime and Reliability by Günther Sejkora
Lifetime and Reliability by Günther Sejkora Although questions regarding lifetime and reliability of Solid-State-Lighting (SSL) products are essential for customers, knowledge about it is still fragmentary. It was easy to give answers to these questions in the times of conventional lamps (incandescent, fluorescent, high pressure): light output degraded over time and end of life was reached when light output fell below a certain level or when the lamp “burned out”. Read more »
LpR Article | Research | Aug 09, 2016
Flicker Beyond Perception Limits - A Summary of Lesser Known Research Results
Flicker Beyond Perception Limits - A Summary of Lesser Known Research Results Since the introduction of fluorescent lamps, the lighting industry knows about flicker issues. However, many aspects are still unclear. Especially effects beyond the flicker fusion threshold are mostly ignored, and sometimes even denied. Dr. Walter Werner, CEO of Werner Consulting, gives a summary of research results indicating that further research is needed and that for high quality lighting very likely a much higher PWM modulation frequency is required. Read more »
Tech-Talks Bregenz | Aug 09, 2016
Tech-Talks BREGENZ - Francis Wong, AVP Lighting Business Unit, Lextar
Tech-Talks BREGENZ - Francis Wong, AVP Lighting Business Unit, Lextar Francis Wong, Associate Vice President Lighting Business Unit at Lextar, visited the LED professional team for a Tech Talk in Bregenz after Light & Building 2016. Siegfried Luger, Arno Grabher-Meyer and Dr. Guenther Sejkora could discuss Lextar's history, current position, future orientation and strategies. Further exciting topics were the ongoing technology developments, the requirements on modern lighting systems, the latest lighting trends from Light & Building and the relevance of OLED and IoT technology for the company. Read more »
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