Seishin 精神

Philips have taken it into another level and developed a LED bulb that could create more than 16 million different color gradiation with the use of technology.

The “Hue” LED bulb created by Philips Electronics could be used with smartphones and tablets to create the exact color of lighting you want. The bulb is built-in with a wireless connection, so you can send information to it on a certain hue you like just by taking a photo of it with your smartphone, and it will mimic the color you have selected.

When combined with a global positioning system, this revolutionary new light enables users to turn it off when away, and switch it on when one is on their way home. This feature is also tied to a method to keep intruders and criminals away, as one can just switch on the light so outsiders would think that someone is at home…

Numerous software companies have already created applications that are compatible with the light bulb technology, including an app that is targeting hearing impaired people, which allows the bulb to switch on automatically with the help of certain sounds. Yu Sato of Philips Japan lauds the invention and said, “We believe that the hue, which combines these custom and advanced networking technologies, has a great potential as a future lighting system.”

Kyosuke Yamagata of Panasonic believes the advantages of using of LED bulbs lies in the ability of the user to control the “color, brightness and direction of the light.” He added, “This makes it possible to create an optimal lighting environment in various situations, such as for studying and at the theater, adding spice and color to your daily life.”

I always been fascinated by the mix of lights and technology. You can find “cyber” Japanese tatami mats with new LED-infused models in restaurants, lounges, and tea houses.

Called “Hikari tatami”, this new design has been around for some time but just recently caught the attention of people. A translucent material is woven on the traditional straw-made tatami mats and then LED lights are put under the mats to produce that eerie but cool effect.

The “cyber” mat teahouse from the above picture has been identified as “Shuhally” in Yokohama. Customers can rent the teahouse for the entire day for around 100,000 yen (about US$1,000). Aside from the cool lighted tatami mats, the design of the teahouse is different from other usual tea houses in Japan. In fact, it has won several design awards, including the Good Design Award back in 2010. However, it really is expensive to be stylishly cool as the hikari tatami mats costs around $2,000 per mat…

Finally, a team from Mexico and Japan also designed a newLED-powered (light-emitting diode) streetlamp that could drastically reduce the amounts of wasted light – These LED streetlamps will focus more light on street, and improve view of the stars!

I will post more news on the LED technology very soon. Stay tuned !

Watch the LED Next Stage 2014 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDlUn6DrlbY  (also featured at the top) 

The LED Next Stage 2014  is the largest “new lightings” show – held for 4 days from March 4 to 7 at the Tokyo Big Sight in Japan. As a comprehensive exhibition for new lighting such as LEDs and OLEDs, the LED Next Stage 2014 introduced latest technologies and pilot cases. Panasonic showcased innovative light control technologies and new possibilities that even explore the quality of light. Many unique products from Panasonic, like new LED products for the home, office, shop, and outdoor environments, and OLEDs, drew much attention. Last but not least, the new “Space Player,“ which creates a wonderful ambience using light and images, generated quite a buzz.

Source: Japan Daily Express, LED Next Stage 2014, Panasonic