Patents by Inventor George Frederic Yianni

George Frederic Yianni 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: 11158317
    Abstract: A method of using speech recognition to control a utility, comprising: receiving a speech command spoken by a user and captured by at least one microphone; processing the speech command in order to automatically recognize and enact an intention of the user in each of a sequence of spoken elements in the command, the elements having an order from first to last in time, with at least one of the elements indicating an intention of the user to control the utility and a further one or more of the elements each specifying a respective parameter of the control intended by the user; and after the speaking of the first element in the voice command but prior to enacting the last element of the command, controlling illumination emitted by one or more luminaires of a lighting system to provide feedback to the user regarding the processing of the speech command, wherein the utility comprises one of: heating, air conditioning, ventilation, a window treatment, or play-out of media from an entertainment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Remco Magielse, George Frederic Yianni
  • Publication number: 20200168220
    Abstract: A method of using speech recognition to control a utility, comprising: receiving a speech command spoken by a user and captured by at least one microphone; processing the speech command in order to automatically recognize and enact an intention of the user in each of a sequence of spoken elements in the command, the elements having an order from first to last in time, with at least one of the elements indicating an intention of the user to control the utility and a further one or more of the elements each specifying a respective parameter of the control intended by the user; and after the speaking of the first element in the voice command but prior to enacting the last element of the command, controlling illumination emitted by one or more luminaires of a lighting system to provide feedback to the user regarding the processing of the speech command, wherein the utility comprises one of: heating, air conditioning, ventilation, a window treatment, or play-out of media from an entertainment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: REMCO MAGIELSE, GEORGE FREDERIC YIANNI
  • Patent number: 10165661
    Abstract: Methods, systems and computer-readable media or provided for implementing a proxy for a legacy lighting control component. A lighting unit (102) may be polled for data indicative of a lighting state of the lighting unit. It may be determined that the lighting state of the lighting unit corresponds to a predetermined lighting state. A predetermined lighting scene triggered by transition of the lighting unit into the predetermined lighting state may be identified, and one or more other lighting units may be caused to implement the predetermined lighting scene. In some embodiments, a user interface may be operable to create an association between a legacy switch or sensor (108) that controls a first lighting unit (102a) and a predetermined lighting scene to be implemented at least in part by a second lighting unit (102b-f), e.g., leaving a direct association between the first lighting unit and the legacy switch or sensor transparent to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Paulus Thomas Arnoldus Thijssen, George Frederic Yianni
  • Publication number: 20170150576
    Abstract: Methods, systems and computer-readable media or provided for implementing a proxy for a legacy lighting control component. A lighting unit (102) may be polled for data indicative of a lighting state of the lighting unit. It may be determined that the lighting state of the lighting unit corresponds to a predetermined lighting state. A predetermined lighting scene triggered by transition of the lighting unit into the predetermined lighting state may be identified, and one or more other lighting units may be caused to implement the predetermined lighting scene. In some embodiments, a user interface may be operable to create an association between a legacy switch or sensor (108) that controls a first lighting unit (102a) and a predetermined lighting scene to be implemented at least in part by a second lighting unit (102b-f), e.g., leaving a direct association between the first lighting unit and the legacy switch or sensor transparent to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: PAULUS THOMAS ARNOLDUS THIJSSEN, GEORGE FREDERIC YIANNI
  • Patent number: 9601008
    Abstract: A remote controller is arranged for selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources. The remote controller has an omnidirectional transmitter and is arranged to instruct, by means of the omnidirectional transmitter, the light sources to transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source. Further, the remote controller has a directional signal receiver, and is arranged to receive the directional signals from the light sources, and signal comparison circuitry connected with the directional signal receiver. The remote controller is arranged to select one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the remote controller comprises a transmission indicator, which is arranged to generate an indication signal, indicative of a successful omnidirectional transmission, and it is arranged to initiate the selection of one of the light sources by means of the indication signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Johan Cornelis Talstra, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, George Frederic Yianni, James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Patent number: 9468080
    Abstract: A lighting tool for setting lighting parameters of a plurality of light sources (1). A processor (2) is provided which is connectable to the plurality of light sources (1), and arranged to control lighting parameters of each of the plurality of light sources (1). A position storage unit (3) is connected to the processor (2) for storing spatial positions of the plurality of light sources (1). A camera arrangement (4) is connected to the processor (2) for providing a view of at least part of a scene illuminated by the plurality of light sources (1). The processor (2) is arranged to correlate a viewing area of the camera arrangement (4) and a retrieved spatial position of one or more of the plurality of light sources (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Robert Van Herk, George Frederic Yianni, Johanna Cornelia Maria Francisca Tielens-Aarts, James Joseph Anthony McCormack, Arend Jan Wilhelmus Abraham Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 9357613
    Abstract: The invention provides a display and lighting arrangement (100) comprising a display unit (110), a sensor system (120), a control unit (130) and a lighting system (140), wherein the sensor system (120) is configured to sense a person (1) in a predetermined area (2) and to generate a corresponding sensor system signal. The lighting system (140) comprises a first light source (141) configured to provide front face light (41) to the person (1) and a second light source (142) configured to provide top light (42) to the person (1) in the predetermined area (2). The control unit (130) is configured to derive a person feature from the sensor system signal and to control, based on the person feature, the light (41) of the first light source (141) and the light (42) of the second light source (142). The display unit (110) is configured to display an image (5) of the person (1) located in the predetermined area (2) to the person (1) in the predetermined area (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Willem Piet Van Hoof, Erik Paul Paul Boonekamp, Elena Tiziana Ferrari, George Frederic Yianni
  • Patent number: 9049757
    Abstract: The invention relates to selecting a light source from a plurality of light sources, particularly to the selecting of a light source by pointing to it with a light source selection device. An embodiment of the invention relates to a light source selection device (10) comprising—at least one photosensor (36, 38, 40) with a field of view (20, 22, 24), wherein light (26, 28, 30) from one or more light sources (32, 34) may be received by the photosensor within the field of view, and—a photosensor output signal processing unit (42) being adapted to select one or more light sources by processing the light received by each photosensor. The present invention may be for example used to select appliances or devices or objects provided with the ability to transmit coded light in the ultra violet, visible or infra red spectra, for example lights, climate, curtains, kitchenware, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: George Frederic Yianni, Jacob Cornelis Paul Den Dulk, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, Lucius Theodorus Vinkenvleugel
  • Patent number: 9041296
    Abstract: A controller for a lighting arrangement is provided, comprising a detector unit having a field of view and a pointing direction. The controller furthermore includes an interface unit for interfacing with the lighting arrangement, and a processing unit connected to the detector unit and the interface unit. The detector unit is arranged to provide detection data including parameters related to one or more identifiable beacons within the field of view of the detector unit. The processing unit is arranged to associate the detection data with a set of lighting parameters for the lighting arrangement and to control the lighting arrangement via the interface unit in accordance with the set of lighting parameters. Also a method of controlling alighting arrangement is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijkle Philips N.V.
    Inventors: George Frederic Yianni, Gerardus Henricus Adrianus Johannes Broeksteeg, Lorenzo Feri
  • Patent number: 8994517
    Abstract: A remote controller is arranged for selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources. The remote controller has an omnidirectional transmitter and is arranged to instruct, by means of the omnidirectional transmitter, the light sources to transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source. Further, the remote controller has a directional signal receiver, and is arranged to receive the directional signals from the light sources, and signal comparison circuitry connected with the directional signal receiver. The remote controller is arranged to select one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the remote controller comprises a transmission indicator, which is arranged to generate an indication signal, indicative of a successful omnidirectional transmission, and it is arranged to initiate the selection of one of the light sources by means of the indication signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijkle Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Cornelis Talstra, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, George Frederic Yianni, James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Patent number: 8981912
    Abstract: A method of selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources by means of a remote controller includes the remote controller: instructing, by omnidirectional transmission, the light sources to each transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source; —receiving the directional signals from the light sources; and selecting one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the method includes: generating, remotely of the light sources, codes to be transmitted by the light sources; and—the remote controller instructing each one of the light sources which one of the remotely determined codes to transmit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijkle Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Cornelis Talstra, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, George Frederic Yianni
  • Publication number: 20150022325
    Abstract: A remote controller is arranged for selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources. The remote controller has an omnidirectional transmitter and is arranged to instruct, by means of the omnidirectional transmitter, the light sources to transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source. Further, the remote controller has a directional signal receiver, and is arranged to receive the directional signals from the light sources, and signal comparison circuitry connected with the directional signal receiver. The remote controller is arranged to select one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the remote controller comprises a transmission indicator, which is arranged to generate an indication signal, indicative of a successful omnidirectional transmission, and it is arranged to initiate the selection of one of the light sources by means of the indication signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Johan Cornelis TALSTRA, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria PENNING DE VRIES, George Frederic YIANNI, James Joseph Anthony MCCORMACK
  • Patent number: 8917023
    Abstract: This invention relates to an illumination system (100) comprising a plurality of luminaires (101a-d). The luminaires are each arranged to transmit in the light emitted an identification code ID. To ensure sufficient detection of the identification codes during selection with a selection device (120), the system further comprises a control unit (130) which is arranged for identification of any luminaire which has a nominal drive value equal to or below a minimum preset value, or equal to or above a maximum preset value. The control unit sets (or instructs a driver to set) the nominal drive value of such identified luminaire to a predetermined value to achieve a corresponding predetermined light output from the luminaire ensuring a sufficient signal for the transmission of the identification code ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Cornelis Talstra, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, George Frederic Yianni, Lucius Theodorus Vinkenvleugel, Franciscus Wilhelmus Adrianus Alphonsus Van Leeuwen
  • Patent number: 8731690
    Abstract: The invention relates to the control, for example the creation or modification of a lighting scene with a lighting system, and the invention particularly relates to a more easily and user oriented controlling of the creation and modification of the lighting scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: George Frederic Yianni, Mikhail Sorokin, Gertjan Cornelis Schouten
  • Publication number: 20130088154
    Abstract: The invention provides a display and lighting arrangement (100) comprising a display unit (110), a sensor system (120), a control unit (130) and a lighting system (140), wherein the sensor system (120) is configured to sense a person (1) in a predetermined area (2) and to generate a corresponding sensor system signal. The lighting system (140) comprises a first light source (141) configured to provide front face light (41) to the person (1) and a second light source (142) configured to provide top light (42) to the person (1) in the predetermined area (2). The control unit (130) is configured to derive a person feature from the sensor system signal and to control, based on the person feature, the light (41) of the first light source (141) and the light (42) of the second light source (142). The display unit (110) is configured to display an image (5) of the person (1) located in the predetermined area (2) to the person (1) in the predetermined area (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: HIGH TECH CAMPUS 5
    Inventors: Willem Piet Van Hoof, Erik Paul Paul Boonekamp, Elena Tiziana Ferrari, George Frederic Yianni
  • Publication number: 20130009036
    Abstract: The invention relates to selecting a light source from a plurality of light sources, particularly to the selecting of a light source by pointing to it with a light source selection device. An embodiment of the invention relates to a light source selection device (10) comprising—at least one photosensor (36, 38, 40) with a field of view (20, 22, 24), wherein light (26, 28, 30) from one or more light sources (32, 34) may be received by the photosensor within the field of view, and - a photosensor output signal processing unit (42) being adapted to select one or more light sources by processing the light received by each photosensor. The present invention may be for example used to select appliances or devices or objects provided with the ability to transmit coded light in the ultra violet, visible or infra red spectra, for example lights, climate, curtains, kitchenware, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: George Frederic Yianni, Jacob Cornelis Paul Den Dulk, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, Lucius Theodorus Vinkenvleugel
  • Publication number: 20120286670
    Abstract: A lighting tool for setting lighting parameters of a plurality of light sources (1). A processor (2) is provided which is connectable to the plurality of light sources (1), and arranged to control lighting parameters of each of the plurality of light sources (1). A position storage unit (3) is connected to the processor (2) for storing spatial positions of the plurality of light sources (1). A camera arrangement (4) is connected to the processor (2) for providing a view of at least part of a scene illuminated by the plurality of light sources (1). The processor (2) is arranged to correlate a viewing area of the camera arrangement (4) and a retrieved spatial position of one or more of the plurality of light sources (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Robert Van Herk, George Frederic Yianni, Johanna Cornelia Maria Francisca Tielens-Aarts, James Joseph Anthony McCormack, Arend Jan Wilhelmus Abraham Vermeulen
  • Publication number: 20120287334
    Abstract: The invention provides a video-lighting system (100). This video-lighting system comprises a lighting system (110) comprising a plurality of lighting units with unique lighting unit identifiers. The identifiers are embedded in the light. The system further comprises a lighting unit sensor (120) configured to sense light of the plurality of lighting units and configured to detect the unique unit identifiers of the plurality of lighting units and a video device (130) configured to generate an optical image (131). The video device has an on status and an off status. The system further comprises a video sensor (132) configured to sense the status of the video device and configured to generate a corresponding video sensor signal, and a controller (150) configured to control according to a lighting plan the intensity of the light of the plurality of lighting units as a function of the video sensor signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Feri, George Frederic Yianni
  • Publication number: 20120242231
    Abstract: A controller for a lighting arrangement (14) is provided, comprising a detector unit (12) having a field of view (20) and a pointing direction (21). The controller furthermore comprises an interface unit (11) for interfacing with the lighting arrangement (14), and a processing unit (10) connected to the detector unit (12) and the interface unit (11). The detector unit (12) is arranged to provide detection data comprising parameters related to one or more identifiable beacons (2) within the field of view (20) of the detector unit (12). The processing unit (10) is arranged to associate the detection data with a set of lighting parameters for the lighting arrangement (14) and to control the lighting arrangement (14) via the interface unit (11) in accordance with the set of lighting parameters. Also a method of controlling alighting arrangement is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: George Frederic Yianni, Gerardus Henricus Adrianus Johannes Broeksteeg, Lorenzo Feri
  • Publication number: 20120098436
    Abstract: This invention relates to an illumination system (100) comprising a plurality of luminaires (101a-d). The luminaires are each arranged to transmit in the light emitted an identification code ID. To ensure sufficient detection of the identification codes during selection with a selection device (120), the system further comprises a control unit (130) which is arranged for identification of any luminaire which has a nominal drive value equal to or below a minimum preset value, or equal to or above a maximum preset value. The control unit sets (or instructs a driver to set) the nominal drive value of such identified luminaire to a predetermined value to achieve a corresponding predetermined light output from the luminaire ensuring a sufficient signal for the transmission of the identification code ID.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Cornelis Talstra, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, George Frederic Yianni, Lucius Theodorus Vinkenvleugel, Franciscus Wilhelmus Adrianus Alphonsus Van Leeuwen