Electrically controlled glass in a lamp

摘要

An apparatus for generating light may be comprised of a light source with a lens interposed in a light path from the light source. The lens may be comprised of two or more sections wherein at least one section may be comprised of smart glass. Electrical circuitry may be configured to control a transparency state of the smart glass lens sections. Another embodiment may have two reflectors wherein one of the reflectors may be interposed between the light source and the other reflector and may be comprised of smart glass with a transparent state and a reflective state so that two different reflection patterns may be created. A method for illumination wherein at least one area's illumination is controlled by a section of smart glass is also disclosed.

主权项

1. A lighting apparatus comprising:
a light source; a first reflector having a first reflection pattern of light from the light source; a second reflector having a second reflection pattern interposed between the light source and the first reflector, the second reflector comprising smart glass having a reflectivity state; electrical circuitry configured to control the reflectivity state of the smart glass; an enclosure, substantially the same size and shape as a typical incandescent light bulb, and at least partially surrounding the light source and the electrical circuitry; and an electrical connection for receiving power, the electrical connection comprising an Edison screw fitting base; wherein if the reflectivity state of the smart glass of the second reflector is substantially transparent, the lighting apparatus is configured to allow the light from the light source to pass through the second reflector and be reflected in the form of the first reflection pattern with the first reflector; and wherein if the reflectivity state of the smart glass of the second reflector is substantially reflective, the lighting apparatus is configured to substantially block light from the light source from reaching the first reflector and reflect the light from the light source in the form of the second reflection pattern with the second reflector.