Patents Assigned to Color Kinetics Incorporated
  • Patent number: 7204622
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for illuminating environments, including aircraft environments. The methods and systems include facilities for providing both white and non-white illumination, with color and color temperature control, in programmed response to inputs. Methods and systems are also provided for improving the addressing of light systems in a network lighting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7202613
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick M. Morgan, Kevin J. Dowling, Ihor A. Lys, Brian Roberge, Brian Chemel, Jeff Hyer, Michael K. Blackwell, John Warwick
  • Patent number: 7187141
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Kevin J. Dowling
  • 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: 7180252
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating at least one variable color lighting effect over at least a two-dimensional observation area. In various examples, at least first radiation having a first spectrum and second radiation having a second spectrum different than the first spectrum are generated from a plurality of LEDs. One or more geometric panels are disposed with respect to the LEDs so as to at least partially diffuse the first radiation and the second radiation to provide a mixed spectrum when both the first radiation and the second radiation are generated. A first intensity of the first radiation and a second intensity of the second radiation are independently controlled at a plurality of graduated intensities from a minimum intensity to a maximum intensity so as to generate a variety of dynamic lighting effects over one or more two-dimensional observations areas covered by the one or more geometric panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor Lys, George G. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7178941
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for lighting systems, including high output linear lighting systems for various environments. The linear lighting systems may include power systems for driving light sources in high-voltage environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Roberge, Colin Piepgras, Jeffrey Hyer, Kevin McCormick, Peter Swai, Frederick M. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7161311
    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: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7161313
    Abstract: Various exemplary implementations of light emitting diode (LED) based illumination products and methods are disclosed including, but not limited to, glow sticks, key chains, toys, balls, various game accessories, light bulbs, night lights, wall lights, wall switches, wall sockets, wall panels, modular lights, flexible lights, automotive lights, wearable accessories, light ropes, decorative lights such as icicles and icicle strings, light tubes, insect control lights and methods, and lighted air fresheners/scent dispensers. Any of the foregoing devices may be equipped with various types of user interfaces (both “local” and “remote”) to control light generated from the device. Additionally, devices may be controlled via light control information or programs stored in device memory and/or transmitted or downloaded to the devices (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Colin Piepgras, George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys, Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan
  • 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: 20060273741
    Abstract: A controllable dimmer/relay used in combination with a power cycle control lighting device, wherein the controllable dimmer/relay serves as a network interface for the power cycle control lighting device. The controllable dimmer/relay is controlled by lighting commands formatted according to any of a variety of communications protocols, which instruct the controllable dimmer/relay to output one or more power cycles (interruptions in power) rather than gradual increases or decreases in power. In response to the power cycle(s) output by the controllable dimmer/relay, the power cycle control lighting device alters some aspect of the generated light (e.g., change one or more of color, color temperature, overall brightness, dynamic effect, etc.). In this manner, a power cycle control lighting device may be made responsive, via the controllable dimmer/relay, to lighting control commands formatted according to any of a variety of industry standard (e.g., DMX, Ethernet, DALI, X10) or proprietary protocols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 7, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventor: John Stalker
  • Publication number: 20060262521
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing sources of light, or mechanical and/or electrical connections for light sources, via a grid system of a suspended ceiling. All or a portion of a grid system for a suspended ceiling may be configured to support the generation of light. Lighting units may be coupled to various portions of the grid system in a removable and modular fashion, so as to be completely or substantially recessed above the ceiling surface, or as pendant components hanging below the ceiling surface. Lighting interface components of the grid system also may be configured to facilitate significant thermal dissipation from lighting units. In one exemplary implementation, one or more LED-based lighting units may be coupled to one or more lighting interface components of the grid system so as to provide controllable multi-color an/or essentially white light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Colin Piepgras, Tomas Mollnow, Frederick Morgan, Kevin Dowling
  • Publication number: 20060262545
    Abstract: Modular lighting fixtures that allow convenient installation and removal of LED-based light-generating modules and controller modules. In one example, a modular lighting fixture includes a housing configured to be recessed into or disposed behind an architectural surface such as ceiling, wall, or soffit, in new or existing construction scenarios. The fixture housing includes a socket configured to facilitate one or more of a mechanical, electrical and thermal coupling of the light-generating module to the fixture housing. The ability to easily engage and disengage the LED-based light-generating module with the socket, without removing the fixture housing itself, allows for straightforward replacement of the light-generating module upon failure, or exchange with another module having different light-generating characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Colin Piepgras, Tomas Mollnow, Michael Blackwell, Brian Chemel, Frederick Morgan, Kevin McCormick, Michael Bass
  • Publication number: 20060262544
    Abstract: Modular lighting fixtures that allow convenient installation and removal of LED-based light-generating modules and controller modules. In one example, a modular lighting fixture includes a housing configured to be recessed into or disposed behind an architectural surface such as ceiling, wall, or soffit, in new or existing construction scenarios. The fixture housing includes a socket configured to facilitate one or more of a mechanical, electrical and thermal coupling of the light-generating module to the fixture housing. The ability to easily engage and disengage the LED-based light-generating module with the socket, without removing the fixture housing itself, allows for straightforward replacement of the light-generating module upon failure, or exchange with another module having different light-generating characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Colin Piepgras, Tomas Mollnow, Michael Blackwell, Brian Chemel, Frederick Morgan, Kevin McCormick, Michael Bass
  • Patent number: 7139617
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate in part to intuitive methods for creation and design of lighting sequences, e.g., for theatrical, entertainment, or advertising purposes, using a software interface. Additionally, the lighting sequences can be coordinated with control of additional devices. Also described herein is a controller capable of executing programs for lighting sequences and modifying the output and/or execution of the program based on external signals. In this way, the final output can be made responsive to external stimuli, or even interactive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell, Kevin J. Dowling, Ihor A. Lys
  • Patent number: 7135824
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor A. Lys, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred D. Ducharme
  • Patent number: 7132635
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus that employ one or more light sources to reduce the ability to recognize or identify one or more objects. In various examples, one or more LED-based light sources are utilized in camouflaging techniques. The apparatus and methods disclosed relating to camouflaging techniques have wide applicability in a number of environments (and with a number of different objects) including, but not limited to, military, commercial, industrial, sporting, recreational, and entertainment applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventor: Kevin J. Dowling
  • Patent number: 7132785
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventor: Alfred D. Ducharme
  • Patent number: 7132804
    Abstract: Track lighting methods and apparatus. In various examples, power and data are provided to a plurality of lighting fixtures via at least one pair of essentially rigid electrically conductive tracks that are mechanically coupled to an essentially rigid linear or curvilinear-shaped housing. The plurality of lighting fixtures includes at least one LED-based lighting fixture mechanically coupled to the housing, electrically coupled to the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks, and configured to be responsive to the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor A. Lys, George G. Mueller