Abstract: An ambient light sensor measures an ambient light level at one point in an illuminated environment, such as a warehouse, office, shop, cold-storage facility, or industrial facility, and provides an indication of the measured ambient light level to a processor. The processor maps the measured ambient light level to an estimated ambient light level at a different point in the illuminated environment from the measured ambient light level (e.g., a “task height” about three feet from a warehouse floor). The processor may determine the difference between the estimated ambient light level and a desired light level at the task height, and may change the artificial illumination provided by a light fixture to make the actual ambient light level at task height match the desired light level at the task height.

Abstract: Digital Control Ready (DCR) is a two-way open standard for controlling and managing next-generation fixtures. A DCR-enabled lighting fixture responds to digital control signals from a separate digital light agent (DLA) instead of analog dimming signals, eliminating the need for digital-to-analog signal conditioning, fixture-to-fixture variations in response, and calibration specific to each fixture. In addition, a DCR-enabled lighting fixture may also report its power consumption, measured light output, measured color temperature, temperature, and/or other operating parameters to the DLA via the same bidirectional data link that carries the digital control signals to the fixture. The DLA processes these signals in a feedback loop to implement more precise lighting control. The DCR-enabled lighting fixture also transforms AC power to DC power and supplies (and measures) DC power to the DLA via a DCR interface.

Abstract: The present invention provides photobioreactors, solar energy gathering systems, and methods for thermal control of a culture medium containing a phototrophic organism in a photobioreactor, that allow temperature control in a cost effective manner, reducing the energy required for temperature control of a culture medium containing phototrophic microorganisms in a photobioreactor.

Abstract: Lighting apparatus and methods employing LED light sources are described. The LED light sources are integrated with other components in the form of a luminaire or other general purpose lighting structure. Some of the lighting structures are formed as Parabolic Aluminum Reflector (PAR) luminaires, allowing them to be inserted into conventional sockets. The lighting structures display beneficial operating characteristics, such as efficient operation, high thermal dissipation, high output, and good color mixing.

Abstract: The present invention provides photobioreactors, solar energy gathering systems, and methods for thermal control of a culture medium containing a prototrophic organism in a photobioreactor, that allow temperature control in a cost effective manner, reducing the energy required for temperature control of a culture medium containing phototrophic microorganisms in a photobioreactor.

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.

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 and/or essentially white light.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for LED modules that include an LED die integrated in an LED package with a submount that includes an electronic component for controlling the light emitted by the LED die. The electronic component integrated in the submount may include drive hardware, a network interface, memory, a processor, a switch-mode power supply, a power facility, or another type of electronic component.

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 and/or essentially white light.

Abstract: The present invention provides photobioreactors, solar energy gathering systems, and methods for thermal control of a culture medium containing a prototrophic organism in a photobioreactor, that allow temperature control in a cost effective manner, reducing the energy required for temperature control of a culture medium containing phototrophic microorganisms in a photobioreactor.

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: Methods and apparatus for generating and modulating white light illumination conditions. Examples of applications in which such methods and apparatus may be implemented include retail environments (e.g., food, clothing, jewelry, paint, furniture, fabrics, etc.) or service environments (e.g., cosmetics, hair and beauty salons and spas, photography, etc.) where visible aspects of the products/services being offered are significant in attracting sales of the products/services. Other applications include theatre and cinema, medical and dental implementations, as well as vehicle-based (automotive) implementations. In another example, a personal grooming apparatus includes one or more light sources disposed in proximity to a mirror and configured to generate variable color light, including essentially white light, whose color temperature may be controlled by a user.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for providing controlled lighting, including methods and systems for providing both white and non-white colored lighting, including color temperature controlled lighting. Such methods and systems include optical facilities for modifying light from a lighting unit, such as an LED-based lighting unit, including variable optical facilities and fixed optical facilities. Also provided are methods and systems for using multi-color lighting units in a variety of commercial applications. Also provided are methods and systems for lighting control, including methods to assist lighting designers and installers to improve the quality of lighting in environments. Also provided are intelligent dimmers, switches, sockets and fixtures, as well as facilities for programming and using them. Also provided are various sensor-feedback applications of lighting technology, including sensor-feedback involving light sensors and forward voltage sensors.

Abstract: The systems and methods descried 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.

Abstract: Lighting apparatus and methods employing LED light sources are described. The LED light sources are integrated with other components in the form of a luminaire or other general purpose lighting structure. Some of the lighting structures are formed as Parabolic Aluminum Reflector (PAR) luminaires, allowing them to be inserted into conventional sockets. The lighting structures display beneficial operating characteristics, such as efficient operation, high thermal dissipation, high output, and good color mixing.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for LED modules that include an LED die integrated in an LED package with a submount that includes an electronic component for controlling the light emitted by the LED die. The electronic component integrated in the s submount may include drive hardware, a network interface, memory, a processor, a switch-mode power supply, a power facility, or another type of electronic component.

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: Methods and apparatus involving at least two LEDs configured to generate at least two different spectra of radiation that are combined to produce white light. At least one parameter of the at least two different spectra of radiation generated by the at least two LEDs is controlled, based at least in part on at least one lighting control signal received by the apparatus over at least one wireless communication link, so as to control at least a color temperature of the white light.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for LED modules that include an LED die integrated in an LED package with a submount that includes an electronic component for controlling the light emitted by the LED die. The electronic component integrated in the submount may include drive hardware, a network interface, memory, a processor, a switch-mode power supply, a power facility, or another type of electronic component.

Abstract: Methods for allocating power amongst different source spectrums, or “channels,” of a multi-channel lighting unit, and apparatus that employ such methods. Power allocation methods exploit the total light-generating capability of a lighting unit while maintaining safe operating power conditions, so as to avoid damage to the lighting unit due to excessive thermal power generation. In one example, a power allocation method ensures that a lighting unit operates at or near its maximum power handling capability for a variety of possible high brightness lighting conditions by ascribing a maximum per channel operating power equal to the maximum power handling capability of the lighting unit.