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).
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Patent number: 11019709Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Craig Alan Casey, Brent Protzman, James P. Steiner
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Patent number: 11013093Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 3, 2020Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Craig Alan Casey, Brent Protzman, James P Steiner
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Publication number: 20210109484Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Craig Alan Casey, Brent Protzman
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Publication number: 20210051014Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2020Publication date: February 18, 2021Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Benjamin F. Bard, Craig Alan Casey, Erica L. Clymer, Christina Evans, Christoper Matthew Jones, Sanjeev Kumar, John Nill, Neil R. Orchowski, Brent Protzman
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Publication number: 20210045209Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2020Publication date: February 11, 2021Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Craig Alan Casey, Thoms M. Shearer
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Publication number: 20210045208Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2020Publication date: February 11, 2021Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Ethan Charles Biery, Craig Alan Casey, Venkatesh Chitta, Brent Protzman, Thomas M. Shearer, Mark S. Taipale
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Patent number: 10884382Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 14, 2019Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Craig Alan Casey, Brent Protzman
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Patent number: 10827581Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLPInventors: Craig Alan Casey, Thomas M. Shearer
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Patent number: 10827578Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 16, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Ethan Charles Biery, Craig Alan Casey, Venkatesh Chitta, Brent Protzman, Thomas M. Shearer, Mark S. Taipale
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Patent number: 10826697Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Benjamin F. Bard, Craig Alan Casey, Erica L. Clymer, Christina Evans, Christopher Matthew Jones, Sanjeev Kumar, John Nill, Neil R. Orchowski, Brent Protzman
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Publication number: 20200267822Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2020Publication date: August 20, 2020Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Craig Alan Casey, Brent Protzman
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Publication number: 20200253031Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2020Publication date: August 6, 2020Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Craig Alan Casey, Galen Edgar Knode, Brent Protzman, Thomas M. Shearer, James P. Steiner
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Publication number: 20200221552Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2020Publication date: July 9, 2020Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Craig Alan Casey, Thomas M. Shearer
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Publication number: 20200205275Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2020Publication date: June 25, 2020Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Craig Alan Casey, Brent Protzman, James P. Steiner
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Patent number: 10660185Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Craig Alan Casey, Galen Edgar Knode, Brent Protzman, Thomas M. Shearer, James P. Steiner
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Patent number: 10645777Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 5, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Craig Alan Casey, Thomas M. Shearer
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Patent number: 10616979Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 1, 2019Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Craig Alan Casey, Brent Protzman, James P. Steiner
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Publication number: 20200072674Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Craig Alan Casey, Thomas M. Shearer
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Publication number: 20200045786Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2019Publication date: February 6, 2020Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Ethan Charles Biery, Craig Alan Casey, Venkatesh Chitta, Brent Protzman, Thomas M. Shearer, Mark S. Taipale
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Publication number: 20190384232Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2019Publication date: December 19, 2019Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Craig Alan Casey, Brent Protzman