Patents by Inventor Alfred Ducharme

Alfred Ducharme has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20070258240
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating essentially white light. In one example, a white light generating apparatus comprises at least one first white LED characterized by a first spectrum, and at least one second white LED characterized by a second spectrum, wherein the first spectrum is substantially different than the second spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Alfred Ducharme, Frederick Morgan, Ihor Lys, Kevin Dowling, George Mueller
  • Publication number: 20070195526
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus involving at least two LEDs configured to generate at least two different spectra of radiation that are combined to produce white light. At least one parameter of the at least two different spectra of radiation generated by the at least two LEDs is controlled, based at least in part on at least one lighting control signal received by the apparatus over at least one wireless communication link, so as to control at least a color temperature of the white light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin Dowling, Frederick Morgan, Ihor Lys, Michael Blackwell, Alfred Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, George Mueller, Dawn Geary, Timothy Holmes
  • Publication number: 20070115665
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: George Mueller, Alfred Ducharme, Kevin Dowling, Ihor Lys, Frederick Morgan, Charles Cella
  • Publication number: 20070115658
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: George Mueller, Alfred Ducharme, Kevin Dowling, Ihor Lys, Frederick Morgan, Charles Cella
  • Patent number: 7186003
    Abstract: High-brightness LEDs, combined with a processor for control, can produce a variety of pleasing effects for display and illumination. A system disclosed herein uses high-brightness, processor-controlled LEDs in combination with diffuse materials to produce color-changing effects. The systems described herein may be usefully employed to bring autonomous color-changing ability and effects to a variety of consumer products and other household items. The system may also include sensors so that the illumination of the LEDs might change in response to environmental conditions or a user input. Additionally, the system may include an interface to a network, so that the illumination of the LEDs may be controlled via the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, George G. Mueller, Dawn Geary
  • Publication number: 20070047227
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventor: Alfred Ducharme
  • Patent number: 7161556
    Abstract: lighting system. In one example, a user interface is coupled to a programming device that is adapted to provide one or more selected addresses to a programmable lighting system, based on user input via the user interface. The system is also adapted to store the one or more selected addresses in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick Morgan, Alfred Ducharme, Brian Chemel, Ihor A. Lys
  • Publication number: 20060285325
    Abstract: LED-based light bulbs having one or more white LEDs, for replacing/retrofitting conventional light bulbs. An exemplary bulb includes at least one first white LED and at least one power connection having a form configured to engage mechanically and electrically with one of a conventional Edison-mount (screw-type) light bulb socket, a conventional fluorescent tube coupler arrangement, and a conventional halogen MR-16 socket arrangement. The bulb further includes at least one voltage transformation device configured to electrically transform a first voltage applied to the at least one power connection (via the corresponding conventional socket/coupler) to a second voltage that provides operating power to at least the white LED(s). The LED-based light bulb substantially corresponds in shape to a corresponding one of a conventional Edison-mount screw-type light bulb, a conventional fluorescent tube, and a conventional halogen MR-16 light bulb, based on the form of the at least one power connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Alfred Ducharme, Frederick Morgan, Ihor Lys, Kevin Dowling, George Mueller
  • Publication number: 20060152172
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Publication date: July 13, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: George Mueller, Alfred Ducharme, Kevin Dowling, Ihor Lys, Frederick Morgan, Charles Cella
  • Patent number: 7064498
    Abstract: High-brightness LEDs, combined with a processor for control, can produce a variety of pleasing effects for display and illumination. A system disclosed herein uses high-brightness, processor-controlled LEDs in combination with diffuse materials to produce color-changing effects. The systems described herein may be usefully employed to bring autonomous color-changing ability and effects to a variety of consumer products and other household items. The system may also include sensors so that the illumination of the LEDs might change in response to environmental conditions or a user input. Additionally, the system may include an interface to a network, so that the illumination of the LEDs may be controlled via the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, George C. Mueller, Dawn Geary
  • Publication number: 20060109649
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus in which at least one first LED generates first radiation having a first spectrum, and at least one second LED generates second radiation having a second spectrum different than the first spectrum. One or more controllers control at least one of the first radiation and the second radiation so as to control at least a color temperature of visible radiation. In one example, one or more sensors monitor at least one characteristic of sample radiation and provide one or more sensor signals to the one or more controllers, which in turn control at least the color temperature of the visible radiation based at least in part on the at least one sensor signal. In various implementations, the sample radiation may be ambient illumination (e.g., natural-light and/or light from other light sources), may be the visible radiation itself (e.g., to provide feedback to the one or more controllers), or generally any desired lighting condition to simulate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Alfred Ducharme, Frederick Morgan, Ihor Lys, Kevin Dowling, George Mueller
  • Publication number: 20060012987
    Abstract: A lighting fixture for producing a beam of light having a prescribed luminous flux spectrum. In one example, the lighting fixture comprises a plurality of groups of light-emitting devices, each such group configured to emit light having a distinct luminous flux spectrum, and a controller configurable to supply selected amounts of electrical power to the plurality of groups of light-emitting devices, such that the groups cooperate to produce a composite beam of light having a prescribed luminous flux spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Alfred Ducharme, Frederick Morgan, Ihor Lys, Kevin Dowling, George Mueller
  • Patent number: 6897624
    Abstract: An embodiment of this invention relates to an intelligent lighting device that can receive signals and change the illumination conditions as a result of the received signals. The lighting device can change hue, saturation, and brightness as a response to received signals. One example of using such a lighting device is to display particular colors as a response to certain events. Among others, embodiments may include vehicle lighting systems, an information cube, a back lighting system for a display panel, and an indicator of a condition of a package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor A. Lys, Alfred Ducharme
  • Publication number: 20050062440
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Publication date: March 24, 2005
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ihor Lys, Frederick Morgan, Michael Blackwell, Alfred Ducharme
  • Publication number: 20050040774
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: George Mueller, Alfred Ducharme, Kevin Dowling, Ihor Lys, Frederick Morgan, Charles Cella
  • Publication number: 20050041424
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred Ducharme
  • Publication number: 20050030744
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating essentially white light. In one example, a white light generating apparatus comprises at least one first white LED characterized by a first spectrum, and at least one second white LED characterized by a second spectrum, wherein the first spectrum is substantially different than the second spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Alfred Ducharme, Frederick Morgan, Ihor Lys, Kevin Dowling, George Mueller
  • Publication number: 20030214259
    Abstract: High-brightness LEDs, combined with a processor for control, can produce a variety of pleasing effects for display and illumination. A system disclosed herein uses high-brightness, processor-controlled LEDs in combination with diffuse materials to produce color-changing effects. The systems described herein may be usefully employed to bring autonomous color-changing ability and effects to a variety of consumer products and other household items. The system may also include sensors so that the illumination of the LEDs might change in response to environmental conditions or a user input. Additionally, the system may include an interface to a network, so that the illumination of the LEDs may be controlled via the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, George G. Mueller, Dawn Geary
  • Publication number: 20030206411
    Abstract: High-brightness LEDs, combined with a processor for control, can produce a variety of pleasing effects for display and illumination. A system disclosed herein uses high-brightness, processor-controlled LEDs in combination with diffuse materials to produce color-changing effects. The systems described herein may be usefully employed to bring autonomous color-changing ability and effects to a variety of consumer products and other household items. The system may also include sensors so that the illumination of the LEDs might change in response to environmental conditions or a user input. Additionally, the system may include an interface to a network, so that the illumination of the LEDs may be controlled via the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, George G. Mueller, Dawn Geary
  • Patent number: 6608453
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for computer-based control of light sources and other devices in a networked lighting system. Conventional light sources may be controlled in combination with LED-based (e.g., variable color) light sources to provide enhanced lighting effects for a variety of space-illumination applications (e.g., residential, office/workplace, retail, commercial, industrial, and outdoor environments). Individual light sources or groups of light sources may be controlled independently of one another based on data transported throughout the network. In one example, one or more other controllable devices (e.g., various actuators, such as relays, switches, motors, etc.) and/or sensors (e.g., heat, light, sound/pressure, or motion sensors) also may be coupled to the network to facilitate automated lighting applications based on a variety of feedback stimuli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick Morgan, Alfred Ducharme, Brian Chemel, Robert Laszewski, Kevin Dowling