Abstract: Methods and systems are provided herein for illuminating a variety of household products and other items using color-controlled illumination systems that include lights under the control of processors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating and modulating white light illumination conditions. Examples of applications in which such methods and apparatus may be implemented include retail environments (e.g., food, clothing, jewelry, paint, furniture, fabrics, etc.) or service environments (e.g., cosmetics, hair and beauty salons and spas, photography, etc.) where visible aspects of the products/services being offered are significant in attracting sales of the products/services. Other applications include theatre and cinema, medical and dental implementations, as well as vehicle-based (automotive) implementations. In another example, a personal grooming apparatus includes one or more light sources disposed in proximity to a mirror and configured to generate variable color light, including essentially white light, whose color temperature may be controlled by a user.

Abstract: A color-changing device which includes an enclosure at least a portion of which is material which is desired to change color. There is also included an illumination device, such as an LED or collection of LEDs which can illuminate the material. There can also be included a controller which can take some form of input, such as from a network, or a sensor, and can convert that input into a signal to control the illumination. There is also included a method for performing such color change.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic configuration of devices that comprises a receiver for receiving information from a device that uniquely identifies the device, a controller capable of assigning an address to the device, and a communication link for transmitting said information from the receiver to the controller.

Abstract: Thermal indication methods and systems. In one example, electrical power is generated based on a temperature of a thermal surface, and at least one indication is provided, based on the generated electrical power, representative of the temperature of the thermal surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlled semiconductor-based illumination. In one example, one or more semiconductor-based illumination systems are configured to illuminate an area about the illumination system(s). A user interface facility is employed to instruct one or more of the semiconductor-based illumination systems to produce a desired mixed light output to illuminate the area about the illumination system(s).

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein show how such LED methods and systems, especially intelligent LED systems, can be used for photographic and cinematography applications and provide many benefits. Controlled LED illumination allows easy customization of these features to create a particular mood and can be used to create light of desired saturation and hue.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for medical and surgical lighting systems, including methods and systems wherein semiconductor illumination light sources are integrated into surgical tools for providing controlled lighting to a work area, such as a body cavity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating an information signal. Exemplary methods and apparatus may comprise (A) electrically associating at least one LED with a Seebeck power generator; (B) thermally associating the Seebeck power generator with a surface; and (C) heating the surface to cause the Seebeck power generator to generate electricity to energize the at least one LED. In one example, such methods and apparatus may be used to provide an indication of the temperature of a surface.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for controlling the conversion of data inputs to a computer-based light system into lighting control signals. The methods and systems include facilities for controlling a nonlinear relationship between data inputs and lighting control signal ouputs. The nonlinear relationship may be programmed to account for varying responses of the viewer of a light source to different light source intensities.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for illumination of liquids in a variety of environments. In one example, multi-color LED-based light sources are employed to achieve a wide range of enhanced lighting effects in liquids. In another example, a pool or spa is illuminated by one or more multi-color light sources that may be employed as individually and independently controllable devices, or coupled together to form a networked lighting system to provide a variety of programmable and/or coordinated color illumination effects in the pool or spa environment.

Abstract: A color-changing device which includes an enclosure at least a portion of which is material which is desired to change color. There is also included an illumination device, such as an LED or collection of LEDs which can illuminate the material. There can also be included a controller which can take some form of input, such as from a network, or a sensor, and can convert that input into a signal to control the illumination. There is also included a method for performing such color change.

Abstract: An illumination system according to the principles of the invention may include a first LED and a carrier material. The carrier material may be comprised of plastic, synthetic material, polymer, latex, rubber or other material. The carrier material may also contain a phosphor, fluorescent material, organic fluorescent material, inorganic fluorescent material, impregnated phosphor, phosphor particles, phosphor material, YAG:Ce phosphor, or other material for converting electromagnetic radiation into illumination or visible light.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating and modulating white light illumination conditions. Examples of applications in which such methods and apparatus may be implemented include retail environments (e.g., food, clothing, jewelry, paint, furniture, fabrics, etc.) or service environments (e.g., cosmetics, hair and beauty salons and spas, photography, etc.) where visible aspects of the products/services being offered are significant in attracting sales of the products/services. Other applications include theatre and cinema, medical and dental implementations, as well as vehicle-based (automotive) implementations. In another example, a personal grooming apparatus includes one or more light sources disposed in proximity to a mirror and configured to generate variable color light, including essentially white light, whose color temperature may be controlled by a user.

Abstract: In one example, a lighting apparatus comprises a processor wherein the processor is configured to control a color-changing lighting effect generated by the lighting apparatus; wherein the processor is further configured to monitor an operating power source; and wherein the processor is further configured to synchronize the color-changing lighting effect in coordination with a parameter of the operating power source.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided herein for illuminating a variety of household products and other items using color-controlled illumination systems that include lights under the control of processors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for computer-based control of light sources in a networked lighting system. In one example, a plurality of LED-based lighting systems are arranged as computer controllable “light strings.” Applications contemplated for such light strings include, but are not limited to, decorative and entertainment-oriented lighting applications (e.g., Christmas tree lights, display lights, theme park lighting, video and other game arcade lighting, etc.). Via computer control, one or more such light strings may provide a variety of complex temporal and color-changing lighting effects. In one example, lighting data is communicated in a given light string in a serial manner, according to a variety of different data transmission and processing schemes. In another example, individual lighting systems of a light string are coupled together via a variety of different conduit configurations to provide for easy coupling and arrangement of multiple light sources constituting the light string.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling illumination. In one example, one or more multi-color light sources are controlled based on one or more interruptions of power supplied to the light source(s). In another example, a pool or spa is illuminated by one or more multi-color light sources that may be employed as individually and independently controllable devices that may be controlled based on one or more interruptions in power. In another example, the selection of a particular illumination program for such light sources (e.g., by one or more interruptions in power) is indicated to a user via the radiation generated by the light sources.

Abstract: Described herein are lighting units of a variety of types and configurations, including linear lighting units suitable for lighting large spaces, such as building exteriors and interiors. Also provided herein are methods and systems for powering lighting units, controlling lighting units, authoring displays for lighting units, and addressing control data for lighting units.