Keyboard Operated Or Pattern Controlled Regulator Patents (Class 315/292)
  • Publication number: 20120086343
    Abstract: A light adjustable lamp, related to the lighting facilities has a power module supplying power to a driving unit which is controlled by a Pulse Width Modulation signal. The driving unit supplies power to the lamp; the power module supplies power to the touch signal converter and the microprocessor control unit; the touch signal converter receives the sensing signal of on, off or level from the sense key on the touch sensing keyboard, and converts the sensing signal to the corresponding control level signal to the microprocessor control unit; the microprocessor control unit analyses the control level signal from the touch signal converter and transmits the corresponding Pulse Width Modulation signal to control the driving unit to cut off the power to the lamp or supply power to the lamp with active current in provided level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: TSANN KUEN (ZHANGZHOU) ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiaqing Zhuang, Jingkun Xu, Kuoliang Lee, Shun Yung Chang
  • Patent number: 8143807
    Abstract: This invention discloses a color temperature controller and a color temperature control method of a light emitting diode (LED). The color temperature controller applied in an LED lamp includes touch switches and a control element. After a color of a color pattern on any touch switch is clicked and selected by a user, a signal of the color is outputted to the control element, and the control element outputs a corresponding pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to control either the current or the voltage of a three-color LED in the LED lamp, so that the LED lamp produces a same color temperature change of the signal of the color to improve the color temperature control of a conventional LED lamp, and provides a flexible color change of the LED lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventors: Wan-Yu Hsieh, Chi-Hsiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8138689
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a lighting control console for controlling a lighting system, wherein digital control commands are generated in the lighting control console and can be transmitted via data links to the lighting devices of the lighting system, and wherein the lighting control console includes at least one housing, in which the hardware components are arranged with protection against external influences, and wherein the lighting control console includes a plurality of operating elements, particularly keys, slide controls and/or rotary controls, which are arranged on the upper side of the housing and may be used for entering operating commands, and wherein the lighting control console includes at least one display device on which a user interface can be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: MA Lighting Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Adenau
  • Patent number: 8134461
    Abstract: The invention relates to controlling a lighting system by proximity sensing of a spotlight control device, particularly to controlling a spotlight generated by a lighting system such as a large LED lighting array by means of a spotlight control device. The invention provides a device (10) for controlling a lighting system (12) by proximity sensing of a spotlight control device (14), wherein a predefined area (24) around the spotlight control device (14) is illuminated if a proximity sensor (16) signals presence of the spotlight control device (14) within the predefined area (24). The invention has the main advantage that it allows to control complex lighting systems containing dozens or even thousands of lighting devices such as large LED arrays with one device, the spotlight control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Koninkiljke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Markus Gerardus Leonardus Maria Van Doorn
  • Patent number: 8120285
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, a driving device for a discharge lamp includes an alternating current supply section and a frequency switching section. The alternating current supply section supplies two electrodes of the discharge lamp with an alternating current. The alternating current includes a plurality of modulation periods with each modulation period including a highest frequency term and a lowest frequency term. The frequency switching section varies a frequency of the alternating current non-monotonically between the highest frequency term and the lowest frequency term of the modulation period in response to a predetermined condition being satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuo Terashima, Shigeyasu Soma, Kentaro Yamauchi
  • Publication number: 20120025734
    Abstract: A luminous device is provided. The luminous device can be controlled to emit light with different color and brightness. The luminous device is divided into a plurality of areas, a predetermined color and brightness values of the light emitted by the luminous device is stored in data storage of the luminous device. When the luminous device is touched, the luminous device determines the touch area first, and then accesses the corresponding color and luminance value of the determined area from the data storage, and controls the luminous device to emit light with the accessed color and brightness value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHIN-FENG CHEN, FANG-LUN WU
  • Patent number: 8106879
    Abstract: An exemplary backlight control circuit for changing a brightness of a light source includes a coarse adjusting circuit and a fine adjusting circuit. The coarse adjusting circuit is configured to coarsely adjust a DC voltage according to one received coarse adjusting signal. The fine adjusting circuit is configured to finely adjust the DC voltage according to one received fine adjusting signal. A change of the DC voltage generated by the coarse adjusting circuit is greater than another change of the DC voltage generated by the fine adjusting circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Innocom Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Chimei Innolux Corporation
    Inventor: Shun-Ming Huang
  • Patent number: 8049437
    Abstract: A method for real time control of lighting system includes the steps of: providing a computer, a SCM (2), a digital-to-analog converter (3), and at least one power amplifier (41, 42, 43) connected to the digital-to-analog converter, each of the at least one power amplifiers connects with a lamp; receiving light control data inputted by a user; transmitting the light control data to the SCM; processing the light control data received by the SCM, and generating digital signals by the SCM; transmitting the digital signals to the digital-to-analog converter; converting the digital signals into an analog signals by the digital-to-analog converter, and transmitting the analog signals to the at least one power amplifier; and amplifying the analog signals and controlling the corresponding lamp connected to the at least one power amplifier. A system for real time control of the lighting system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Kuang Chang, Li Jiang, Dong-Hai Li
  • Patent number: 8035320
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing illumination in a manner that is energy efficient and intelligent. In particular, the present invention uses distributed processing across a network of illuminators to control the illumination for a given environment. The network controls the illumination level and pattern in response to light, sound, and motion. The network may also be trained according to uploaded software behavior modules, and subsets of the network may be organized into groups for illumination control and maintenance reporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: W. Olin Sibert
  • Publication number: 20110169419
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to facilitate the indication of visual signals, such as SOS signals, strobe signals, and/or types of signals using a portable lighting system. The system may be implemented as a flashlight, a headlamp, or other type of lighting system. The system may be operated using a push-button switch, a rotatable potentiometer, or other appropriate types of user control interfaces. In one example, the system includes a light source adapted to emit light. The system also includes a user control interface adapted to receive user input and generate one or more control signals based on the user input. The system further includes a control circuit adapted to receive the one or more control signals from the user control interface, determine a function sequence based on a pattern provided by the one or more control signals, and cause the light source to operate in accordance with the function sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, William A. Hunt
  • Patent number: 7911158
    Abstract: A system (120) and/or corresponding method introduces a minor change to a given set of parameters (110) that affect an ambiance (130) associated with an environment, and collects the user's response to the change. Based on the user's response, the system learns which changes to which parameters lead to an improved effect. By repeating the change-feedback sessions, the system approaches an optimal setting for achieving the desired ambiance in the given environment. Preferably, the change-feedback session is non-obtrusive, and occurs, for example, each time a light is turned on, and the feedback is collected when the light is turned off, using a multiple switch arrangement. If the light is turned off using one switch, the feedback is positive; if the light is turned off using an alternative switch, the feedback is negative. Alternatively, the system can be placed in a rapid-learning mode, wherein the change-feedback cycles occur more frequently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Stefan Marcus Verbrugh, Michael Cornelis Van Beek, Constantinus Carolus Franciscus Frumau
  • Patent number: 7906873
    Abstract: A device is provided and includes an actuator, mounted to a wall box, including a power supply, a semi-conductor switch, an electrical load controller and a terminal coupled to the power supply and the controller, an actuator interface disposed to receive first commands relating to basic electrical load control by the controller and a separate interface, including a header to communicate with the terminal whereby the separate interface receives power and communicates with the controller, the separate interface being supportable at the wall box and, when the header and terminal communicate, configured to identify a type of the semi-conductor switch of the actuator and to receive second commands of a type unique to the identified actuator type and relating to the basic and enhanced electrical load control by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Inncom International Inc.
    Inventors: Philipp Roosli, Ryan Gardner, Rick Quirino
  • Patent number: 7888883
    Abstract: A lighting system is provided that includes at least one lighting device, at least one connector, and a plurality of external power sources. The at least one lighting device includes at least one lighting source, and an internal power source applying a first electrical current to illuminate the at least one lighting element, wherein the internal power source supplies the first electrical current. The at least one connector electrically connects to the at least one lighting device. The plurality of external power sources include at least first and second external power sources that are adapted to be electrically connected to the at least one lighting device by the at least one connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Crawford, David A. Spartano, Peter F. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20110032225
    Abstract: Decoration devices of various forms are disclosed, including decoration devices that connect with one or more decorative bodies having performances or routines. When decorative bodies are attached to decoration devices of various embodiments of the present invention, the activation and control of any performance or routine on one decoration device may result in the activation and control of any number of performances or routines on other decoration devices. Once a selection of a performance or routine is received or identified, information associated with the selection may be communicated among the decorative bodies and used to activate additional performances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Phu Dang, Ka Wai Ng
  • Patent number: 7868905
    Abstract: A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a housing having an illuminable portion. The computing device also includes a light device disposed inside the housing. The light device is configured to illuminate the illuminable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Duncan Kerr
  • Patent number: 7856152
    Abstract: A light condition recorder system and method including a light condition recorder (104) responsive to a lighting environment (102) and generating an environment signal (112), a light simulator (106) responsive to the environment signal (112) and generating a lamp control signal (114), and a lamp system (108) responsive to the lamp control signal (114) and generating a simulated lighting environment (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Elmo M. A. Diederiks, Martijn A. B. Santbergen, Bartel Marinus Van De Sluis, Tatiana A. Lashina, Astrid Van Spronsen, Andres Lucero Vera, Talitha Boom
  • Patent number: 7821160
    Abstract: A device is provided and includes an actuator, mounted to a wall box, including a power supply, an electrical load controller and a terminal coupled to the power supply and the controller, an actuator interface disposed on the actuator to receive first commands relating to basic electrical load control by the controller and a separate interface, including a header to communicate with the terminal whereby the separate interface receives power and communicates with the controller, the separate interface being supportable at the wall box and, when the header and terminal communicate, configured to identify a type of the actuator and to receive second commands of a type unique to the identified actuator type and relating to the basic and enhanced electrical load control by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Inncom International Inc.
    Inventors: Philipp Roosli, Ryan Gardner, Rick Quirino
  • Publication number: 20100262297
    Abstract: Lighting devices are configured to communicate with one another and with external systems. Sensors located at such lighting devices communicate with the external systems and with others of the lighting devices. Lighting is controlled to maintain safety, to drive customer traffic within a retail facility, or to conserve energy. An application programming interface provides a common mechanism for control of various lighting device types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: HID LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Moshe Shloush, Gregory Davis
  • Publication number: 20100188003
    Abstract: A control system and a method of controlling a light-emitting element thereof are disclosed. The control system is used to adjust a light-emitting element of an electronic device. The control system comprises a control module, a signal input module, and a signal output module. The signal output module has a register. The signal input module and the signal output module are electrically connected to the control module. The method of controlling the light-emitting element comprises the follow steps: determining whether there is a signal inputted by means of the control system; if the signal is detected, adjusting the setting of the register according to the signal; generating a control signal; and adjusting the brightness level of the light-emitting element according to the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Yu-Hsien Ku
  • Publication number: 20100164398
    Abstract: A system (120) and/or corresponding method introduces a minor change to a given set of parameters (110) that affect an ambiance (130) associated with an environment, and collects the user's response to the change. Based on the user's response, the system learns which changes to which parameters lead to an improved effect. By repeating the change-feedback sessions, the system approaches an optimal setting for achieving the desired ambiance in the given environment. Preferably, the change-feedback session is non-obtrusive, and occurs, for example, each time a light is turned on, and the feedback is collected when the light is turned off, using a multiple switch arrangement. If the light is turned off using one switch, the feedback is positive; if the light is turned off using an alternative switch, the feedback is negative. Alternatively, the system can be placed in a rapid-learning mode, wherein the change-feedback cycles occur more frequently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventor: Stefan Marcus Verburgh
  • Patent number: 7733033
    Abstract: In a lighting unit for operating lamps (LA1, LA2) of a different color temperature, a number of predetermined color points can be adjusted. The color points are chosen so that the color difference calculated in the CIELAB space is the same for subsequent adjustable color points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Hans Baaijens, Willem Potze, David Copplestone Payne, Paul Philip Thursfield
  • Publication number: 20100079083
    Abstract: Remote lighting control methods, devices and systems are disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention pertains to a light device. The light device includes a light source for emitting light and a control circuit for setting an intensity level of the light source based on receipt of control data via a power line when the light device is electrically coupled to the power line. The control data is generated in response to user input to an input panel of a remote lighting control module for the light device. In addition, the light device comprises a unique address associated with a region on the input panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dennis Seguine
  • Patent number: 7683772
    Abstract: An integrated LED warning and vehicle lamp has a base configured to replace an existing vehicle lamp by reception into the lamp's reflector shell. The integrated warning and vehicle lamp includes first and second arrays of LEDs arranged on a support projecting from the base. One array is used to reproduce the vehicle signal and the second array provides a warning light signal. A collimator organizes light from one or more LED in a direction aligned with the intended direction of light emission from the vehicle lamp. An interface electrical circuit connects one array of LEDs to the vehicle electrical system. A warning signal electrical circuit energizes the other array to produce a variety of warning signals and/or illumination patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100052567
    Abstract: This invention discloses a color temperature controller and a color temperature control method of a light emitting diode (LED). The color temperature controller applied in an LED lamp includes touch switches and a control element. After a color of a color pattern on any touch switch is clicked and selected by a user, a signal of the color is outputted to the control element, and the control element outputs a corresponding pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to control either the current or the voltage of a three-color LED in the LED lamp, so that the LED lamp produces a same color temperature change of the signal of the color to improve the color temperature control of a conventional LED lamp, and provides a flexible color change of the LED lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: WAN-YU HSIEH, CHI-HSIANG WANG
  • Publication number: 20100001660
    Abstract: The invention provides a product display system and a method for illuminating a product. The product display system 1? comprises a product carrier (20, 4?) and a lighting device comprising a plurality of light sources (10), each having two or more LEDs of different light colour, and a control device (26). The control device (26) can control the various light sources (10), and even the various LEDs in the light sources, in order, in this way, to achieve a different luminosity and/or light colour per light source. Thus, a flexible and energy-efficient system is obtained, by means of which special light effects can be obtained, such as promoting products by means of very bright lighting, or increasing the appeal of a product by adapting the lighting colour to the colour of the product (14, 16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Ireneus Johannes Theodorus Maria Pas
  • Patent number: 7642730
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conveying information. One or more information signals representing scalar or numeric information that is not associated with color is/are received from a data base, a network, the World Wide Web, or a software program. The information signal(s) is/are converted into one or more illumination control signals representing at least color information, and a color of illumination generated by one or more LED-based light sources is controlled in response to the illumination control signal(s) so as to convey the scalar or numeric information via at least the color of the generated illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Dowling, Frederick Morgan, Brian Chemel, Adriana Mincheva, Ihor A. Lys
  • Patent number: 7608948
    Abstract: A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load from an AC power source provides improved sensory feedback to a user of the load control device. The load control device comprises a touch screen actuator having a touch sensitive front surface responsive to a plurality of point actuations, each characterized by a position and a force. The touch screen actuator has an output operatively coupled to a controller for providing a control signal representative of the position of the point actuation. The load control device further comprises a visual display and an audible sound generator, both responsive to the controller. The controller is operable to cause the visual display to illuminate and the audible sound generator to generate an audible sound in response to the control signal of the touch screen actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Nearhoof, Gregory Altonen, Joel S. Spira
  • Publication number: 20090254623
    Abstract: A display device configured to display and/or playback information received from a remote computer over a network. The device includes a processor coupled to a visual display and a memory storing computer-executable instructions and a device identifier. The device is coupled to the network by a network interface configured to send a request including the device identifier periodically to the remote computer. The remote computer is configured to receive messages from other remote computers for display and/or playback by the display device. In response to each request, the remote computer uses the device identifier to identify messages for the display device stored in a device account, which are subsequently downloaded by the display device for display and/or playback thereby. The processor is operable to display and/or playback information in the downloaded message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: William G. Hones, Manh Hoang
  • Patent number: 7598686
    Abstract: Organic light emitting diode (OLED) methods and apparatus in which at least one first OLED generates first radiation having a first spectrum, and at least one second OLED generates second radiation having a second spectrum different from the first spectrum. In one example, an addressable controller is coupled to the first OLED and the second OLED for independently controlling a first intensity of the first radiation and a second intensity of the second radiation based on a network signal including lighting information for a plurality of light-generating apparatus. An OLED controller may be in communication with a user interface to control different OLED-generated spectrums in response to user operation of the user interface. In one aspect, a controller may be configured to implement a pulse width modulation (PWM) technique to control the OLEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ihor A. Lys, Frederick M. Morgan, George G. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20090243509
    Abstract: A system apparatus for controlling a lighting environment having one or more remote switches that control one or more lighting loads, has an active mode under which the system operates for a user, a linking mode to connect one or more switches to one or more lighting loads, an unlinking mode to disconnect one or more switches from the one or more lighting loads, one or more channels connecting one or more switches to one or more lighting loads, and a scene mode connecting one or more channels and dimming all the lighting loads to a desired dimness level in all connected channels to create a scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Alan Barnett, Jeffrey Iott, John Gerard Finch, Jian Xu, Ryan Scribner
  • Publication number: 20090237002
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a plurality of light fixtures to create light and music, including a processor having a memory. Software is loaded in the memory and is executable by the processor to operate a plurality of light fixtures and at least one music speaker. At least one DMX controller is operable by the software to control the color of at least one of the plurality of light fixtures, the at least one light fixture controllable by the DMX controller including an LED light engine. The system and method generates light and sound displays by operating the lights in synchronization with music played through the music speaker. The color of at least one of the plurality of light fixtures is altered in synchronization with the music by the DMX controller. Also disclosed is a light fixture suitable for use in the light and music displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Harris, Adrian Ehresman, Stephen Faber, Paul Koren, Roy Archer
  • Publication number: 20090224690
    Abstract: A lighting control system determines a lumen output of a lighting load and selectively reduces power of that load until the power provided is the least power that can be provided to approximate the stated lumen output of that load. The system further includes a receiver/controller (“RC”) operable to selectively power a dimmable load and an eco-mode button operable to command the RC to reduce a luminance of the dimmable load by predetermined amounts such that the reduction in power reduces the luminance of the dimmable load but is visibly undetectable by a majority of viewers. The predetermined amount is within a range of 80-99% of the first luminance. The button is also operable to command the RC to revert to the first luminance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Jian Xu, Jeffrey Iott
  • Publication number: 20090189528
    Abstract: An illuminating device (10) includes a light source module (11) and an electronic module (15) detachably connected with the light source module. The light source module includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (112). The electronic module includes a receiver (151), a control circuit (152) electronically coupled to the receiver, and a driver circuit (150) for driving the light emitting diodes. The receiver is used to receive a wireless control signal from a remote controller (19), and the control circuit is used to control the driver circuit according to the received control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: FOXSEMICON INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: CHUN-WEI WANG, CHIH-MING LAI
  • Patent number: 7567041
    Abstract: In a lamp lighting apparatus for lighting a high intensity discharge lamp, which is used for a projector, it is possible to carry out high speed modulation of brightness of the discharge lamp, in synchronization with a conversion operation to sequential color light flux which is carried out by using a dynamic filter such as a rotation color wheel, and it is also possible to switch modulation patterns by electric control. A lamp current detection signal conversion circuit has two or more switching elements whose ON/OFF state is controlled corresponding to truth/false of respective bits of modulation signal, in which a gain can be changed by a combination of truth and false of the respective bits of the modulation signal. When a modulation switching timing signal is received, an original modulation signal is updated by selecting a bit set corresponding to a value counted by a modulation change count section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masashi Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20090179586
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting device (1) comprising a lighting unit (2) and a user interface (3) for controlling the lighting color and/or intensity of the lighting unit (2). The user interface (3) comprises a physical object (4), which is shaped as a polyhedron, for instance a cube. Orienting the physical object (4), i.e. choosing which side is up, serves to select the color, and rotating the physical object (4) about the side on which it rests serves to change the intensity setting. The user interface (3) generates an output signal, which is the input for a processing unit (9). This processing unit (9) converts this signal into a driving signal suitable for controlling the lighting unit (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Hubertus Maria Rene Cortenraad, Anthonie Hendrik Bergman, Elmo Marcus Attila Diederiks, Martijn Adrianus Bernardus Santbergen
  • Publication number: 20090174343
    Abstract: A driver circuit driving at least a first light emitting diode. The driver circuit includes: a first bypass current source coupled in parallel to the first light emitting diode. The first bypass current source and the first light emitting diode form a first parallel circuit. A main current source is coupled in series with the first parallel circuit. A first regulator unit is configured to control a first bypass current of the first bypass current source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Lenz, Nicola Macri, Reiner Elmers, Adam Opielka
  • Publication number: 20090160359
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) control circuit can control a liquid crystal display (LCD). The LED control circuit includes a switch and a constant-current circuit. Typically, the switch includes an input terminal connected to a power source via an LED to be controlled, a control terminal configured for receiving a control signal to turn on or turn off the switch, and an output terminal. The constant-current circuit includes a first transistor and a first resistor. A collector of the first transistor is connected to a control terminal of the switch. An output terminal of the switch and a base of the first transistor are both connected to an emitter of the first transistor via the first resistor. If the switch is turned on according to the control signal, then the power source is connected to provide a constant current for controlling the LED to emit light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Chung Lee, Shih-Tse Tseng
  • Patent number: 7550935
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for downloading one or more lighting programs including one or more lighting effects. The lighting program(s) may be downloaded from a web site to one or more LED-based lighting devices that are configured to execute the downloaded lighting program(s) so as to reproduce the lighting effect(s). In various examples, a variety of programming devices may be employed to facilitate wired or wireless downloading, including one or more computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, media players (e.g., MP3 players), and the like. Information may be uploaded to the web site to facilitate selection and/or creation of lighting effect(s) that are included in the downloaded lighting program(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc
    Inventors: Ihor A. Lys, Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20090140667
    Abstract: A lighting control console for controlling a lighting control system including a digital processor and a digital storage unit. The lighting control console can comprise several control elements, in particular keys, linear regulators and/or induction regulators, which are arranged on the top of the casing and can be used to enter operating commands. The lighting control console encompasses a display device with at least one screen that is arranged on the top of the casing. The data for the user can be graphically displayed on the screen. The lighting control console can include a casing provided with at least one cover, which can be adjusted between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cover covers at least one extra control element arranged in or on the casing in its closed position, thereby protecting the extra control element against external influences in its closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: MA LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Adenau
  • Patent number: 7495398
    Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting apparatus includes: an inverter circuit including a switch circuit and a high-voltage transformer; a step-up circuit connected at the input stage of the inverter circuit; a control circuit to output a switch circuit controlling signal and a step-up circuit controlling signal; an on-off switching circuit connected at a input voltage line; and a switch signal buffering circuit connected between the control circuit and the switch circuit and adapted to relay the switch circuit controlling signal. A drive voltage is applied to the control circuit without going through the on-off switching circuit, and a drive voltage is applied to the switch signal buffering circuit via the on-off switching circuit. With such a structure, an excess rush current is inhibited from flowing into the discharge lamp thereby preventing its electrode wear and therefore increasing the product life of a lamp and enhancing reliability while achieving cost reduction and downsizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoji Sakamoto, Ryu Terada
  • Patent number: 7462997
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems including one or more first LEDs, each first LED configured to generate first radiation having a first spectrum, and one or more second LEDs, each second LED configured to generate second radiation having a second spectrum different than the first spectrum. A diffuser is employed to blend the first radiation and the second radiation, when generated, so as to provide a uniform color of light having a visible spectrum based on a combination of the first spectrum and the second spectrum. One or more controllers are configured to control the first LED(s) and the second LED(s) such that visible light provided by the diffuser is perceived as one or more colors. In different aspects, the apparatus/systems may be configured to generate white light and/or multicolor light, may be formed to resemble conventional light bulbs, and may be arranged as a linear chain of nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys
  • Publication number: 20080272714
    Abstract: A flashlight (1) having a control unit (4) with a push button (12) for activating the flashlight (1). The control unit (4) connects to a computer via USB port, whereby user-configurable control information is downloaded. A computer program running on the computer enables operating conditions of the flashlight to be selected by a user according to predetermined types of activation e.g. of the push button (12). The operating conditions are collated into operating instructions associated with the predetermined types of activation. The operating instructions are converted into byte code and downloaded to and stored on a memory in the control unit (4). Upon detecting a predetermined activation type, the control unit accesses the operating conditions and configures the flashlight accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Barry Angus Noble, Fergus McPherson Noble
  • Publication number: 20080265797
    Abstract: A lighting system (100) includes at least one controllable light source (125) configured to provide a light having at least one attribute; an image renderer (135) configured to render at least one image; and a system controller (110) configured to select the image in corresponding to the selected attribute. The system controller (110) may be configured to receive at least one script associated with different light attributes such as different light intensity or brightness levels, and to change the image in response to changes of the light attribute in accordance with the script.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventor: Markus Gerardus Leonardus Maria Van Doorn
  • Publication number: 20080265798
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a color lighting device, comprising the following steps: (a) selecting in a user interface to generate a control instruction having various colors with different mixing ratios; (b) transmitting the control instruction to the color lighting device, and storing the control instruction in a memory of the color lighting device; and (c) adjustably emitting color lighting according to the control instruction of step (b). The present invention provides the users the capability of adjusting the color lighting device, thereby furnishing atmosphere of enjoyment to the life of the users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Bin-Juine Huang, Min-Sheng Wu, Yung-Ching Wang, Shing-Tung Chen, Heng-Lun Tseng, Po-Chien Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080265799
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing illumination in a manner that is energy efficient and intelligent. In particular, the present invention uses distributed processing across a network of illuminators to control the illumination for a given environment. The network controls the illumination level and pattern in response to light, sound, and motion. The network may also be trained according to uploaded software behavior modules, and subsets of the network may be organized into groups for illumination control and maintenance reporting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: W. Olin Sibert
  • Publication number: 20080231210
    Abstract: A remote-controlled decoration includes a decorative main body and a remote controller. The decorative main body includes an internal chamber, and a base mounted to a lower open end of the chamber. The base is provided with a circuit board connected to a power source, at least one LED light, and a receiver. The remote controller includes a signal transmitter for remotely transmitting a control signal to the receiver on the decorative main body, so as to control the LED light to light or extinguish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicants: ONE PLUS TWO ASSOCIATED., LTD., DBS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Donna Baker Schwenk
  • Publication number: 20080224633
    Abstract: A system and method map dimming levels of a lighting dimmer to light source control signals using a predetermined lighting output function. The dimmer generates a dimmer output signal value. At any particular period of time, the dimmer output signal value represents one of multiple dimming levels. In at least one embodiment, the lighting output function maps the dimmer output signal value to a dimming value different than the dimming level represented by the dimmer output signal value. The lighting output function converts a dimmer output signal values corresponding to measured light levels to perception based light levels. A light source driver operates a light source in accordance with the predetermined lighting output function. The system and method can include a filter to modify at least a set of the dimmer output signal values prior to mapping the dimmer output signal values to a new dimming level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: John L. Melanson, John J. Paulos
  • Patent number: 7391337
    Abstract: A bi-directional communication system communicates between a control station, which receives and outputs control signals, and one or more display cabinets. LEDs illuminate objects disposed about the cabinets. Addressable nodes interactively communicate with the control station and selectively operate the LEDs, each node being coupled to the control station and to associated LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: GELcore LLC
    Inventor: Nicolas St-Germain
  • Patent number: 7385359
    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: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Dowling, Frederick Morgan, Brian Chemel, Adriana Mincheva, Ihor A. Lys
  • Patent number: 7382100
    Abstract: A lighting control device for controlling the light intensity level of at least one lamp is disclosed. The lighting control device includes an actuator and a controller operable to cause the light intensity level of the at least one lamp to fade at a first fade rate that is based on the initial light intensity level of the at least one lamp upon a determination that the actuator has been actuated, to fade to off at a second fade rate upon a determination that the actuator has been actuated for only a single transitory duration, to fade from the initial intensity level to a preset desired intensity level at a third fade rate upon a determination that the actuator has been actuated for two successive transitory durations, and to fade to off in a predefined fade rate sequence upon a determination that the actuator has been actuated for more than a transitory duration. The first fade rate is based on a predefined fade-off time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Aaron Johnson, Glen Andrew Kruse, Jon Michael Keagy