Abstract: A lighting apparatus (100) includes one or more first LEDs (202) for generating a first spectrum of radiation (503), and one or more second LEDs (204) for generating a second different spectrum radiation (505). The first and second LEDs are electrically connected in series between a first node (516A) and a second node (516B), between which a series current (550) flows with the application of an operating voltage (516) across the nodes. A controllable current path (518) is connected in parallel with one or both of the first and second LEDs so as to at least partially divert the series current, such that a first current (552) through the first LED(s) and a second current (554) through the second LED(s) are different. Such current diversion techniques may be employed to compensate for shifts in color or color temperature of generated light during thermal transients, due to different temperature-dependent current-to-flux relationships for different types of LEDs.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating light output from an LED is provided. The system includes a support on which an LED is positioned, a photosensor to measure the light output from the LED, and means for calibrating and adjusting the light output of the LED. Calibration is accomplished by measuring the light output from the LED, comparing such output against a reference value, and adjusting the measured output against the reference value.

Abstract: A TIR collimator for an LED light source includes a body portion having a reflective surface, wherein the reflective surface includes a plurality of segments. Respective segments of the reflective surface have corresponding cross-sectional profiles defined by different low-order polynomial functions, such that the overall cross-sectional profile of the reflective surface constitutes a spline, i.e., a piecewise polynomial function. The respective segments are configured to achieve substantial collimation of the output light. In one example, the cross-sectional profiles of adjacent segments of the reflective surface are defined by different low-order polynomials. Additionally, two or more adjacent segments may have respective cross-sectional profiles which together are defined by a Bezier curve, so as to provide smooth transitions between adjacent segments of the spline reflective surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to the collection of data regarding a plurality of customers in a retail or entertainment environment. Data may be collected via at least one sensor coupled to at least one lighting fixture in the retail or entertainment environment. In one exemplary implementation, data may be collected by one or more lighting fixtures, and data may be communicated via light generated by any one or more fixtures without perceivably affecting a quality of light generated by the one or more fixtures. A map may be generated based on the collected data to display traffic patterns and/or dwell times of the plurality of customers in the retail or entertainment environment, and such a map may be displayed, for example, via a graphical user interface.

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.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for illuminating various materials using an LED system. These methods and systems can be applied to a plurality of materials, including biological entities, and may be employed to effect one or more changes in the illuminated material. Exemplary systems may be particularly configured and suitable for use in medical applications, including diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining displayed imagery stationary relative to the physical surroundings when the imagery is displayed on a display device which moves (e.g., translates and/or rotates) relative to the physical surroundings. To maintain an image's position relative to the physical surroundings, the position of the display device may be directly measured or otherwise tracked, and the position of the imagery as displayed on the display device adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating one or more scents in conjunction with light. Light of various colors, including dynamic lighting effects, may be generated such that at least one characteristic of the light may be based at least in part on one or more characteristics of a scent or scents, and/or proximate environmental conditions. In one example, one or more LED-based light sources are employed together with a scent-producing facility in a conventional household product (e.g., an integrated air-freshener/LED night light, an LED-simulated candle with scent, etc.).

Abstract: A projection lighting fixture includes multiple LED packages (e.g., chip-on-board or surface mount LED assemblies including one or more LED junctions) disposed on a common mounting board or substrate. Each LED package is associated with a corresponding collimator. The common mounting board on which the multiple LED package/collimator pairs are disposed includes a reference axis in the plane of the board (e.g., a vertical or horizontal axis of the board). One or more of the LED packages are disposed on the common mounting board such that they are rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise with respect to the reference axis, so that at least two of the LED packages have different rotations. The light projected from the respective collimators associated with the multiple LED packages at least partially overlaps in a target illumination field, and the different rotations of at least two of the LED packages facilitates substantially uniform illumination in the target illumination field.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling series-connected LEDs. Two or more LEDs are connected in series between a first node and a second node, wherein a series current flows between the nodes when an operating voltage is applied across the nodes. One or more controllable current paths are connected in parallel with at least a first LED for at least partially diverting the series current around at least the first LED. A controller monitors at least one parameter representative of the operating voltage, determines a maximum number of the series-connected LEDs that can be energized by the operating voltage, and controls the controllable current path(s) so as to increase an amount of the series current that is diverted around at least the first LED when the maximum number is less than a total number of all of the LEDs connected in series. In one example, the foregoing may be implemented as an integrated circuit package to provide a lighting apparatus suitable for automotive applications.

Abstract: A lighting fixture, and methods for powering and operating same. The fixture comprises a housing having multiple portions. One or more power and control circuit boards are disposed in a first portion of the housing, comprising one or more switching power supplies for receiving an A.C. line voltage and providing a D.C. output voltage, and a communication protocol converter for receiving first lighting instructions formatted according to a first communication protocol and converting at least some of the first lighting instructions to second lighting instructions formatted according to a second communication protocol. A plurality of modular circuit boards are disposed in the second portion of the housing and coupled to the power and control circuit board(s). Each modular circuit board comprises a plurality of LED-based lighting units coupled to the D.C. output voltage and responsive to the second lighting instructions formatted according to the second communication protocol.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes an LED-based lighting fixture having a housing and a gasketed face panel (e.g., a lens, diffuser or other optical cover), a protective flexible sleeve removably fitted over the housing, and a bezel for sealably retaining the gasketed face panel against the housing and connected to the housing with a non-adhesive connector, so that it can be readily removed therefrom. The flexible sleeve is made from a thermoplastic material and is removably secured over the lighting fixture by a compressive force. Applications for such lighting apparatus include theatrical and rental lighting, where fixtures are exposed to rigors of frequent handling.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to sources of diffuse illumination for providing substantially uniform illumination to a surface. The diffuse illumination arises from varying the diffusion angle of light generated by an LED system. To vary the diffusion angle, a translucent member is placed between the LED system and the surface. Light emitted from the LED system across the translucent member can subsequently can uniformly cover the surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for customization of a workspace, including lighting in the workspace. Multiple LED-based lighting units arranged in a personal workspace may be conveniently controlled by an occupant of the workspace to customize or personalize workspace lighting. Workspace customization, including lighting conditions, further is facilitated by various power distribution schemes to allow convenient access to power in the workspace for lighting units and other electronic devices. Workspace dividers, partitions and walls may be particularly configured to accommodate power distribution systems and various components of networked lighting systems in the workspace environment.