Abstract: A system and method are provided for wireless data broadcasting. The system provides a hub for broadcasting data wirelessly to a plurality of end devices, such as light fixtures, and a plurality of nodes for retrieving at least a portion of the data broadcasted from the hub. Each node is associated with at least one corresponding end device, and transmits data retrieved to the end device. A method is provided for broadcasting the data using the system. The method includes interrogating the nodes and determining what data is required by the corresponding end devices. The hub then packetizes, in RF packets, the required data and transmits data to each of several nodes.

Abstract: A device, system, and method are provided for controlling a fixture, such as a lighting fixture. The device includes a fixture communication interface for transmitting data to a fixture using a first communication protocol, such as DMX, and an application communication interface for wirelessly receiving information using a second communication protocol, such as Bluetooth. The device further comprises a processor for converting the information received at the application communication interface from the second communication protocol to the first communication protocol. The first communication protocol requires more data than can be transmitted using the Bluetooth protocol, and converting the information may include adding default data or restored data to data being transmitted to the fixture.

Abstract: An end device having a controller and a method for controlling the end device are provided. The end device has a host module for processing commands received at the end device and for applying commands received to the end device, a radio module for receiving wireless communications to be provided to the host module as commands and for receiving wired communications to be provided to the host module as commands, and a DMX module for receiving wired communications to be provided to the host module as commands. When wired communications are received at the DMX module, those communications are provided to the radio module for relaying to the host module as a command. A method is provided for controlling the end device described.

Abstract: A method of operating a shopping notification system may include electronically recognizing a current presence of a customer at a store to provide recognized customer data. A database of previously purchased items of the customer may be accessed using the recognized customer data to provide frequently purchased items information associated with the customer. A category of items including any item in the frequently purchased items information may be determined to have moved within the store in a time between a previous presence of the customer at the store and the current presence of the customer at the store to provide item relocation information and the item relocation information may be electronically provided to the customer.

Abstract: A device, system, and method are provided for controlling a fixture, such as a lighting fixture. The device includes a fixture communication interface for transmitting data to a fixture using a first communication protocol, such as DMX, and an application communication interface for wirelessly receiving information using a second communication protocol, such as Bluetooth. The device further comprises a processor for converting the information received at the application communication interface from the second communication protocol to the first communication protocol. The first communication protocol requires more data than can be transmitted using the Bluetooth protocol, and converting the information may include adding default data or restored data to data being transmitted to the fixture.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a fixture with integrated gateway capabilities is provided. In one embodiment, a fixture with integrated gateway may include an output, an input for receiving data formatted in an industry-standard communication protocol, a logic unit configured to selectively distribute received data, and an integrated gateway configured to receive the data formatted in the industry-standard communication protocol and convert the data to a second data format. A user interface, in communication with the integrated gateway, for receiving input commands from a user, may be provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a power supply apparatus and method of utilizing the same. In one embodiment of the present invention, a power supply comprises a plurality of outputs, each output configured for an assignable start address and a variable number of slots, an input for receiving data formatted in an industry-standard communication protocol, a logic unit configured to assign the start address and the number of slots for each output, the logic unit further configured to selectively distribute received data to each output, a power unit configured to provide power through each output, and a converter configured to receive the data formatted in the industry-standard communication protocol and convert the data to a protocol compatible with a load.

Abstract: A wireless control system and a method for controlling devices (e.g., luminaires, dimmers, effects devices, stepper motors, and the like) used in entertainment lighting applications is disclosed. Embodiments disclose a modular transceiver utilizing a wireless broadcasting transmission technique and a wireless control system where an interface between a controller and controlled devices is facilitated using the transceivers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a wireless control system and method thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to wireless radio transceiver control devices for use in entertainment technology applications, and methods of controlling entertainment fixtures utilizing same. In one embodiment, a radio transceiver system comprises a control system, a first radio transceiver for transmitting control data formatted in at least an industry-standard control protocol from the control system to at least a second radio transceiver, a second radio transceiver for receiving control data from the first radio transceiver and communicating the same to at least a load, wherein the control data is transmitted from the first radio transceiver to the second radio transceiver utilizing an frequency hopping spread spectrum broadcast.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to light occluding devices and methods. In one embodiment of the present invention, a light occluding device comprises a tapered sidewall extending from a first end having a first diameter to a second end having a second diameter, and a base. The base comprises a step ring having a uniform diameter greater than the first diameter of the tapered sidewall, and an optional flange fixed to a second end of the step ring, radially extending out from a center of the light occluding device. A shoulder is defined by an intersection of a first end of the step ring and the first end of the sidewall, and the first diameter of the first end of the sidewall is greater than the second diameter of the second end of the sidewall.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a portable lighting device and method thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable lighting device having a housing comprising a power supply, controller, and light-emitting diode (LED) panel. In one embodiment of the present invention, a portable lighting device comprises a housing having a base and a lid, a power supply and a controller disposed within the base, and at least one light-emitting diode (LED) panel disposed on an inner surface of the lid.

Abstract: A system and a method for operating devices (e.g., luminaries, light dimmers, effect devices, stepper motors, and the like) used in entertainment lighting applications is disclosed. Embodiments include a power supply operating a plurality of such devices coupled to selectively addressable outputs and having a converter of an industry-standard communication protocol (e.g., DMX512, RDM, or ACN protocol) in a communication protocol compatible with such devices.

Abstract: A wireless control system and a method for controlling devices (e.g., luminaires, dimmers, effects devices, stepper motors, and the like) used in entertainment lighting applications is disclosed. Embodiments disclose a modular transceiver utilizing a wireless broadcasting transmission technique and a wireless control system where an interface between a controller and controlled devices is facilitated using the transceivers.