Patents by Inventor Craig Alan Casey

Craig Alan Casey 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).

  • Patent number: 11570868
    Abstract: A device may be configured to detect a glare condition and may comprise a photo sensing circuit and a visible light sensing circuit. The photo sensing circuit may be configured to periodically generate an illuminance signal that indicates an illuminance value. The visible light sensing circuit may be configured to periodically record images of the space at an exposure time. The device may receive an illuminance signal from the photo sensing circuit and determine a present illuminance based on the illuminance signal. The device may adjust the frequency at which the visible light sensing circuit records images based on the present illuminance. The exposure time may be determined based on the present illuminance and a glare condition type. An image recorded at a respective exposure time may wash out pixels above a certain illuminance value. The device may detect a glare condition at the location of washed out pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Craig Alan Casey, Brent Protzman
  • Patent number: 11564293
    Abstract: A load control device may be configured to provide a user interface for controlling the intensity and/or color of one or more lighting loads. The user interface may include separate actuation members for setting the intensity and/or color of the lighting loads. The user interface may include one actuation member configured to operate in an intensity and/or color control mode. The control mode of the actuation member may be set via a button, a lever, a rotary switch, a rotary knob, etc. The user interface may include a touch sensitive element capable of sensing a user's touch and translate the touch into a control signal. Feedback may be provided on the user interface to indicate the type of control being adjusted and/or amount of control being applied to the lighting loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Craig Alan Casey, Thomas M. Shearer
  • Publication number: 20220365491
    Abstract: A sensor and/or system controller may process an image multiple times at multiple resolutions to detect glare conditions. A glare condition threshold used to determine whether a glare condition exists may be based on the resolution of the image. When the resolution of the image is higher, the glare condition threshold may be higher. The sensor and/or system controller may organize one or more adjacent pixels having similar intensities into pixel groups. The pixel groups may vary in size and/or shape. The sensor and/or system controller may determine a representative group luminance for the pixel group (e.g., an average luminance of the pixels in the group). The sensor and/or system controller may determine a group glare condition threshold, which may be used to determine whether a glare condition exists for the group of pixels and/or may be based on the size of the group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Craig Alan Casey, Brent Protzman
  • Patent number: 11503682
    Abstract: Methods and systems may be used for controlling the color temperature of one or more light sources (e.g., discrete-spectrum light sources) based on fixture capability information. Fixture capability information may be obtained using a configuration tool. The fixture capability information may be determined by the configuration tool, and the fixture capability information determined by the configuration tool may be stored and/or processed. The fixture may have a memory for storing the fixture capability information. The fixture capability information may also be stored in a remote network device. A system controller may obtain the fixture capability information from the fixture or the remote control device. The system controller may generate control instructions based on the fixture capability information and send the control instructions to the fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ethan Charles Biery, Craig Alan Casey, Venkatesh Chitta, Brent Protzman, Thomas M. Shearer, Mark S. Taipale
  • Patent number: 11497100
    Abstract: A load control system may be configured using a graphical user interface (GUI) software. The GUI software may be implemented to collect control devices and add the control devices to the load control system for configuration. Programming data may be automatically determined for the added control devices based on the type of control device, the location of the control device, and/or the load type controlled by the control device. The programming data may include control settings for a scene, a schedule, or an automated control feature. The programming data may be displayed for being viewed and/or adjusted by a user. The programming data may be transmitted to the control devices and/or a system controller for being implemented in performing load control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin F. Bard, Craig Alan Casey, Erica L. Clymer, Christina Evans, Christoper Matthew Jones, Sanjeev Kumar, John Nill, Neil R. Orchowski, Brent Protzman
  • Publication number: 20220341256
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment may include a roller tube, a covering material that is attached to the roller tube, and a motor drive unit configured to be located within the roller tube. The motor drive unit may include a motor drive shaft defining a motor drive shaft rotational axis in a longitudinal direction. The motor drive shaft may be configured to rotate the roller tube to adjust the covering material between a raised position and a lowered position. The motorized window treatment may be configured to adjust a visible light transmittance of the covering material by rotating the roller tube, for example, when the covering material is in a fixed position between the raised position and the lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Craig Alan Casey, Kevin Dalbey, David A. Kirby, Sanjeev Kumar, Joan S. Kurylak, Somesh Rahul
  • Publication number: 20220292835
    Abstract: A visible light sensor (VLS) may be configured to sense environmental characteristics using images of a space. The VLS may be controlled in one or more modes, including a daylight glare sensor mode, a daylighting sensor mode, a color sensor mode, and/or an occupancy/vacancy sensor mode. In the daylight glare sensor mode, the VLS may be configured to decrease or eliminate glares. In the daylighting sensor mode and/or color sensor mode, the VLS may be configured to provide a preferred amount of light and color temperature, respectively, within the space. In the occupancy/vacancy sensor mode, the VLS may be configured to detect an occupancy/vacancy condition within the space and adjust one or more control devices according to the occupation or vacancy of the space. The visible light sensor may be configured to protect the privacy of users within the space via software, a removable module, and/or a special sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Craig Alan Casey, Galen Edgar Knode, Brent Protzman, Thomas M. Shearer, James P. Steiner
  • Patent number: 11435704
    Abstract: A sensor and/or system controller may process an image multiple times at multiple resolutions to detect glare conditions. A glare condition threshold used to determine whether a glare condition exists may be based on the resolution of the image. When the resolution of the image is higher, the glare condition threshold may be higher. The sensor and/or system controller may organize one or more adjacent pixels having similar intensities into pixel groups. The pixel groups may vary in size and/or shape. The sensor and/or system controller may determine a representative group luminance for the pixel group (e.g., an average luminance of the pixels in the group). The sensor and/or system controller may determine a group glare condition threshold, which may be used to determine whether a glare condition exists for the group of pixels and/or may be based on the size of the group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Craig Alan Casey, Brent Protzman
  • Publication number: 20220170320
    Abstract: A sensor and/or system controller may process an image multiple times at multiple resolutions to detect glare conditions. A glare condition threshold used to determine whether a glare condition exists may be based on the resolution of the image. When the resolution of the image is higher, the glare condition threshold may be higher. The sensor and/or system controller may organize one or more adjacent pixels having similar intensities into pixel groups. The pixel groups may vary in size and/or shape. The sensor and/or system controller may determine a representative group luminance for the pixel group (e.g., an average luminance of the pixels in the group). The sensor and/or system controller may determine a group glare condition threshold, which may be used to determine whether a glare condition exists for the group of pixels and/or may be based on the size of the group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Craig Alan Casey, Yogesh Gopalan, Brent Protzman
  • Publication number: 20220170321
    Abstract: A sensor and/or system controller may process an image multiple times at multiple resolutions to detect glare conditions. A glare condition threshold used to determine whether a glare condition exists may be based on the resolution of the image. When the resolution of the image is higher, the glare condition threshold may be higher. The sensor and/or system controller may organize one or more adjacent pixels having similar intensities into pixel groups. The pixel groups may vary in size and/or shape. The sensor and/or system controller may determine a representative group luminance for the pixel group (e.g., an average luminance of the pixels in the group). The sensor and/or system controller may determine a group glare condition threshold, which may be used to determine whether a glare condition exists for the group of pixels and/or may be based on the size of the group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Craig Alan Casey, Yogesh Gopalan, Brent Protzman
  • Publication number: 20220007476
    Abstract: A load control device may be configured to provide a user interface for controlling the intensity and/or color of one or more lighting loads. The user interface may include separate actuation members for setting the intensity and/or color of the lighting loads. The user interface may include one actuation member configured to operate in an intensity and/or color control mode. The control mode of the actuation member may be set via a button, a lever, a rotary switch, a rotary knob, etc. The user interface may include a touch sensitive element capable of sensing a user's touch and translate the touch into a control signal. Feedback may be provided on the user interface to indicate the type of control being adjusted and/or amount of control being applied to the lighting loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Craig Alan Casey, Thomas M. Shearer
  • Publication number: 20210307137
    Abstract: Devices of a load control system may communicate with each other via a network. The load control system may include different control devices, such as load control devices, input devices, or other devices capable of communicating with each other to perform load control. These control devices may be capable of providing feedback to a user that indicates different network information that may be used for network diagnostics and/or configuration. For example, a lighting control device may be capable of providing feedback via a corresponding lighting load that indicates network information that may be used in network diagnostics and/or configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Richard S. Camden, Jordan H. Crafts, Vidur Garg, Galen Edgar Knode, Prasad P. Kulkarni, Craig Alan Casey, John F. Yamrick
  • Patent number: 11129251
    Abstract: A load control device may be configured to provide a user interface for controlling the intensity and/or color of one or more lighting loads. The user interface may include separate actuation members for setting the intensity and/or color of the lighting loads. The user interface may include one actuation member configured to operate in an intensity and/or color control mode. The control mode of the actuation member may be set via a button, a lever, a rotary switch, a rotary knob, etc. The user interface may include a touch sensitive element capable of sensing a user's touch and translate the touch into a control signal. Feedback may be provided on the user interface to indicate the type of control being adjusted and/or amount of control being applied to the lighting loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Craig Alan Casey, Thomas M. Shearer
  • Publication number: 20210270675
    Abstract: Color temperature in a space may be adjusted by controlling one or more lighting control devices (e.g., which control one or more lighting fixtures). Light may enter the space through a window. As a result of daylight control devices associated with the window, the color temperature of light that is entering the space may not be equal to a color temperature of light from outside of the space. A desired color temperature for the space may be input. The color temperature of light emitted by one or more lighting fixtures (e.g., controlled by one or more lighting control devices) may be adjusted to attain the desired color temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Craig Alan Casey, Thomas M. Shearer
  • Publication number: 20210256270
    Abstract: A visible light sensor may be configured to sense environmental characteristics of a space using an image of the space. The visible light sensor may be controlled in one or more modes, including a daylight glare sensor mode, a daylighting sensor mode, a color sensor mode, and/or an occupancy/vacancy sensor mode. In the daylight glare sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to decrease or eliminate glare within a space. In the daylighting sensor mode and the color sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to provide a preferred amount of light and color temperature, respectively, within the space. In the occupancy/vacancy sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to detect an occupancy/vacancy condition within the space and adjust one or more control devices according to the occupation or vacancy of the space. The visible light sensor may be configured to protect the privacy of users within the space via software, a removable module, and/or a special sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Craig Alan Casey, Brent Protzman, James P. Steiner
  • Publication number: 20210248383
    Abstract: A visible light sensor may be configured to sense environmental characteristics of a space using an image of the space. The visible light sensor may be controlled in one or more modes, including a daylight glare sensor mode, a daylighting sensor mode, a color sensor mode, and/or an occupancy/vacancy sensor mode. In the daylight glare sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to decrease or eliminate glare within a space. In the daylighting sensor mode and the color sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to provide a preferred amount of light and color temperature, respectively, within the space. In the occupancy/vacancy sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to detect an occupancy/vacancy condition within the space and adjust one or more control devices according to the occupation or vacancy of the space. The visible light sensor may be configured to protect the privacy of users within the space via software, a removable module, and/or a special sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Craig Alan Casey, Brent Protzman, James P. Steiner
  • Patent number: 11041762
    Abstract: Color temperature in a space may be adjusted by controlling lighting control devices and motorized window treatments. A position of a motorized window treatment may be controlled based on a control mode or user preference. Outside color temperature values may be limited from entering the space by closing the shade fabric of the motorized window treatment when the outside color temperature exceeds a threshold. A color temperature of outside light entering the space may be determined after the shades are adjusted. The color temperature of outside light entering the space may be determined by considering the shade fabric characteristics. The color temperature of light emitted by one or more lighting fixtures may be adjusted based on the color temperature of the light entering the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Craig Alan Casey, Thomas M. Shearer
  • Publication number: 20210180399
    Abstract: A blind system may control (e.g., automatically control) an amount of daylight entering a window on a façade of a building to prevent direct sunlight from shining into the building, while maximizing the amount of indirect sunlight in the building. The blind system may tilt one or more slats into a view tilt position in which the slats are horizontal, a slanted tilt position in which the slats may block direct sunlight from shining into the building, and a privacy tilt position in which the slats are vertical. The drive unit may tilt the slats according to a timeclock having the event times determined from a predicted position of the sun, such that the slats are tilted to the slanted tilt position when the predicted position of the sun indicates that direct sunlight is incident on the façade. A facing direction of the façade may be configured using a mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Robert Barnes, Craig Alan Casey, Brian A. Jay, Kyle T. Barco, Robert T. Nachtrieb, Jennifer Wong, Roopshree das Gupta
  • Patent number: 11019709
    Abstract: A visible light sensor may be configured to sense environmental characteristics of a space using an image of the space. The visible light sensor may be controlled in one or more modes, including a daylight glare sensor mode, a daylighting sensor mode, a color sensor mode, and/or an occupancy/vacancy sensor mode. In the daylight glare sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to decrease or eliminate glare within a space. In the daylighting sensor mode and the color sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to provide a preferred amount of light and color temperature, respectively, within the space. In the occupancy/vacancy sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to detect an occupancy/vacancy condition within the space and adjust one or more control devices according to the occupation or vacancy of the space. The visible light sensor may be configured to protect the privacy of users within the space via software, a removable module, and/or a special sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Craig Alan Casey, Brent Protzman, James P. Steiner
  • Patent number: 11013093
    Abstract: A visible light sensor may be configured to sense environmental characteristics of a space using an image of the space. The visible light sensor may be controlled in one or more modes, including a daylight glare sensor mode, a daylighting sensor mode, a color sensor mode, and/or an occupancy/vacancy sensor mode. In the daylight glare sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to decrease or eliminate glare within a space. In the daylighting sensor mode and the color sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to provide a preferred amount of light and color temperature, respectively, within the space. In the occupancy/vacancy sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to detect an occupancy/vacancy condition within the space and adjust one or more control devices according to the occupation or vacancy of the space. The visible light sensor may be configured to protect the privacy of users within the space via software, a removable module, and/or a special sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Craig Alan Casey, Brent Protzman, James P Steiner