Abstract: Flexible interconnection between substrates, where the substrates include one or more solid state light sources, mounted at varying angles are provided. A multi-dimensional lighting device is formed using such substrates. The multi-dimensional lighting device includes external mounting surfaces, each configured to provide mounting positions for one or more substrates. A flexible jumper device electrically couples a given substrate to an adjacent substrate, and provides a predefined clearance between surfaces of the same and exposed conductive surfaces of the lighting device. Each flexible jumper includes a surface mount device (SMD) capable of being placed by automated process, such as by pick-and-place machines. Such lighting devices are thus possible using automated processes in a high-volume, highly-precise manner.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing light-based communication (LCom) between a receiver device and one or more transmitting LCom-enabled luminaires. In accordance with some embodiments, LCom data to be transmitted may be allocated over multiple colors of light output by multiple LCom-enabled luminaires and transmitted in parallel across the multiple colors of light using a time division multiple access (TDMA) scheme. In some cases, the disclosed techniques can be used, for example, to allow for multiple LCom-enabled luminaires to communicate simultaneously over multiple active LCom channels with a single receiver device. In some instances, the disclosed techniques may be used, for example, to provide channel redundancy that facilitates successful completion of LCom data transmission when an LCom channel is broken. In some instances, the disclosed techniques may be used, for example, to provide more accurate positioning for indoor navigation.

Abstract: Flexible light engines capable of being cut, and methods thereof, are provided. A cuttable flexible light engine includes a flexible strip and strings of solid state light sources coupled in parallel. A voltage balancer establishes a desired current flow through the strings of solid state light sources when the flexible strip is cut to a desired length, and may be part of a connector placed where the strip is cut. The strings may be provided in a first set of strings coupled in parallel between a first conductive path and an intermediate conductive path and a second set of strings coupled in parallel between the intermediated conductive path and a second conductive path. A cuttable flexible light engine may also include test points positioned within the strings.

Abstract: Enclosures with grommetless strain relief are provided, each including a base and a cover. The base has a bottom and four sidewalls arranged to provide an open box-like structure. A first of the sidewalls of the base is configured with a wire routing slot at its perimeter. The cover has a top and four sidewalls arranged to provide an open box-like structure configured to couple with the base, so as to provide a strain relief for an electrical wire passing through the wire routing slot. The wire is pressed against a length of the first sidewall of the base by a first sidewall of the cover. The enclosure may include other features, such as rounded edges in the wire routing path, a wire guide and/or strap to inhibit wire movement between the first sidewalls, and/or one or more locking mechanisms configured to secure the cover to the base.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for obtaining a desired luminance and/or intensity distribution from any lighting fixture that is illuminated by a lightguide. The techniques can be used, for instance, to design a non-uniform surface texture (e.g., of light extraction features) for a lightguide, wherein the surface texture achieves a desired uniform or an intentionally non-uniform luminance distribution for a given lightguide shape/geometry, dimensions, and/or composition. In some embodiments, an iteration algorithm with illuminance distribution feedback is utilized to design a non-uniform surface texture (e.g., geometry, dimensions, quantity and/or spatial distribution of light extraction features) to achieve the target luminance distribution for a given lighting application.

Abstract: A vehicle light (1, 11) produces low-beam output using generally spherical distribution light source (7) with increased efficiency. The vehicle light (1) includes transmissive lens (2) through which light exits vehicle light (1); concave reflector (3); light occluding member (100) defining first sub-reflector (6); cut-off edge (4); and second sub-reflector (5). Concave reflector (3) extends upward above light occluding member (100) and directs low-beam light toward transmissive lens (2). Light occluding member (100) is disposed horizontally proximate a longitudinal axis of the vehicle light and low-beam light is reflected between concave reflector (3) and light occluding member (100) toward transmissive lens (2).

Abstract: A lamp (10) is formed of a lamp capsule (1) sealed with a press seal (2) penetrated by electrical lead-ins (12), the lamp (1) being received in an insulating base (16) that has external electrical pins (18). Power leads (20) interconnect respective capsule lead-ins (12) and base pins (18). Power leads (20) are formed of stranded wire having a plurality of intertwined strands.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for coding light-based communication (LCom) data in a manner that allows for detection thereof, for example, via a standard low-speed (e.g., 30 frames per second) smartphone camera. In accordance with some embodiments, the disclosed techniques can be used, for example, in encoding and decoding LCom data in a manner that: (1) prevents or otherwise minimizes perceivable flicker of the light output by a transmitting LCom-enabled luminaire; and/or (2) avoids or otherwise reduces a need for additional, specialized receiver hardware at the receiver computing device including the camera. In some cases, the disclosed techniques can be used, for example, to enhance the baud rate between a transmitting LCom-enabled luminaire and a receiver device.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for controlling a system including one or more light-based communication (LCom)-enabled luminaires. In some cases, the system may include: one or more LCom-enabled luminaires; a light sensor configured to detect LCom signals emitted from the luminaires; a computing device operatively coupled to the light sensor and configured to decode data from the LCom signals; and a controller configured to control the light output from at least one of the luminaires. The techniques may include calibrating, detecting, or otherwise setting up the system, such that the computing device knows at least one of the unique identification and position of each luminaire in the system. Once the initial set up is completed, the system can be controlled in a number of ways, such as manually or automatically controlling the light output from the luminaires for various applications, such as providing ambient light that complements video or audio content.

Abstract: A solid state light source driver circuit that operates in either a buck convertor or a boost convertor configuration is provided. The driver circuit includes a controller, a boost switch circuit and a buck switch circuit, each coupled to the controller, and a feedback circuit, coupled to the light source. The feedback circuit provides feedback to the controller, representing a DC output of the driver circuit. The controller controls the boost switch circuit and the buck switch circuit in response to the feedback signal, to regulate current to the light source. The controller places the driver circuit in its boost converter configuration when the DC output is less than a rectified AC voltage coupled to the driver circuit at an input node. The controller places the driver circuit in its buck converter configuration when the DC output is greater than the rectified AC voltage at the input node.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed herein for a lighting interface system configured to adjust tunable lighting characteristics output by one or more lighting devices based on a plurality of simple, intuitive touch-gestures without necessarily providing visual indicators via a display screen or other feedback elements. The lighting interface system may be implemented as a relatively simple touchpad device that may be wall-mounted and/or portable depending on a desired configuration. The lighting interface system may be configured to capture user-gestures via the touchpad device and translate the same into target lighting characteristics and an adjustment value to adjust each of the target lighting characteristics thereby. User gestures may be adjustably mapped to lighting characteristics including, for example, intensity, color temperature, hue and color saturation.

Abstract: An accent lamp (10) having a solid state light source (4), such as LEDs, is attachable to a rear surface of an automotive headlamp (40) opposite the light-generating capsule (44). Accent lamp (10) has first retaining member (20), such as a clamp, formed above printed circuit board (8) on which LED (4) is mounted. Headlamp base (60) defines light passageway (45), formed as a light guide (42), extending from outermost peripheral surface (63) to an upper surface (61) on which lamp capsule (44) is retained. Accent lamp (10) is readily detachably mounted to headlamp (40), preferably by resilient first and second retaining members (20, 24), and, when mounted, can be biased to promote optical coupling of light source (4) to light guide (42).

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for maintaining consistent lumen output of a lighting assembly over time. By maintaining a consistent lumen output, it is possible to maintain acceptable color stability where color mixing of multiple outputs is used. The lighting assembly may be any lighting configuration that might suffer from lumen depreciation and/or color drift over time, and may include any type(s) of light source(s) that may be monitored and driven accordingly. The lighting assembly, in addition to light source(s), includes a photo detector and a directed light source, such as a laser. The directed light source provides a golden sample for use in calibrating the photo detector, which in turn monitors lumen output of the light source(s). Drive signals are adjusted to account for lumen depreciation of the monitored light source(s).

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for sampling an LCOM message and accurately reconstructing the entire LCOM message using a light receiver (e.g., digital camera) of a typical mobile computing device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile computing device. These including receiving segments of an LCOM signal from at least two repetitions of the LCOM signal. The location of each segment within the LCOM signal is identified and each segment is stored in a corresponding location in a buffer configured to have a length equal to the LCOM signal. The buffer is a ring buffer, in some embodiments.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that allow a lighting system to self-determine the relative positions of its different light sources. Direct light source to light source distances are measured and trilateration is used to locate each light source in three dimensional space. The relative position of each light source is provided with regard to the lighting system itself and does not need to refer to a GPS system or to the position or orientation of the installation. The self-determining system allows lighting systems to be quickly installed and later commissioned using the positioning information provided by the lighting system itself.

Abstract: An illumination optical system with a tunable beam angle (IOSTBA) is presented to achieve different beam angles without changing parts. The IOSTBA includes a light source and a post having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end in optical communication with the light source, an internal area of the post having a reflective surface. Also shown is a diffuser disposed across the end of the post, the diffuser in optical communication with the post and a reflector surrounding a portion of the post, the reflector movable along a length of the post. A position of the reflector along the post determines a beam angle of a resulting light beam exiting the IOSTBA. The system features a simple and cost effective optical design which works with a variety of light sources, including color mixing and champing strategies.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering energy on a bus used for communication between devices are provided. Systems and methods dynamically provide a predetermined recovery time between communication messages calculated from forward and response message types and/or length, and a model of the energy reserve in the network devices to allow time for energy storage circuits in the devices to charge. In addition or alternatively, systems and methods provide an extra recovery time between messages to allow the bus voltage to recover from a fold-back mode and/or include an extra current limit circuit to increase a power supply current when the combined energy required by the network devices is greater than a current limit on a power supply.