Patents by Inventor Joseph P. Chobot
Joseph P. Chobot 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: 9723696Abstract: A handheld device having a communication interface configured to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of lighting fixtures and control circuitry is described. In one embodiment, the circuitry is configured to effect selection of a first lighting fixture in a first group of lighting fixtures via the communication interface; identify the first group of lighting fixtures based on information from the first lighting fixture; determine new settings for the first group of lighting fixtures; and send the new settings to each of the first group of lighting fixtures via the communication interface, wherein the first group of lighting fixtures includes a defined plurality of lighting fixtures that are associated to operate in a coordinated manner.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Brian Carrigan, John J. Trainor, Joseph P. Chobot, Matthew Deese, Keith Bryan
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Patent number: 9723673Abstract: A handheld device for merging groups of lighting fixtures is disclosed. The handheld device includes a communication interface configured to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of lighting fixtures and control circuitry. In one embodiment, the control circuitry is configured to effect selection of a first lighting fixture or a first switch module that is grouped with a first group of lighting fixtures via the communication interface; identify the first group of lighting fixtures; effect selection of a device-to-be-added that is not initially associated with the first group of lighting fixtures via the communication interface; determine a new group by adding the device-to-be-added to the first group of lighting fixtures; create group assignment information for the new group; and send the group assignment information to each of the first group of lighting fixtures and the device-to-be-added of the new group via the communication interface.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Brian Carrigan, John J. Trainor, Joseph P. Chobot, Matthew Deese, Keith Bryan
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Patent number: 9717125Abstract: A lighting fixture having a light source, a light sensor, a communication interface, and circuitry is described. In addition to controlling the light source, the circuitry is adapted to monitor for a light signal provided from a handheld device via the light sensor; upon receiving the light signal, measure a signal level associated with the light signal; and effect transmission of the signal level to the handheld device via the communication interface. In one embodiment, the circuitry is further configured to receive an instruction to monitor for the light signal from the handheld device via the communication interface such that the circuitry begins monitoring for the light signal upon receiving the instruction.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Brian Carrigan, John J. Trainor, Joseph P. Chobot, Matthew Deese, Keith Bryan
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Patent number: 9706617Abstract: A handheld device having a light source, a communication interface, and control circuitry that is capable of interacting with a lighting fixture. The handheld device is capable of providing a light signal to the lighting fixture, receiving information from the lighting fixture, and selecting the lighting fixture as a selected lighting fixture based on the received information.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Brian Carrigan, John J. Trainor, Joseph P. Chobot, Matthew Deese, Keith Bryan
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Patent number: 9686832Abstract: A handheld device for merging groups of lighting fixtures is disclosed. The handheld device includes a communication interface configured to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of lighting fixtures and control circuitry. In one embodiment, the control circuitry is configured to effect selection of a first lighting fixture or a first switch module that is grouped with a first group of lighting fixtures via the communication interface; identify the first group of lighting fixtures; effect selection of a device-to-be-added that is not initially associated with the first group of lighting fixtures via the communication interface; determine a new group by adding the device-to-be-added to the first group of lighting fixtures; create group assignment information for the new group; and send the group assignment information to each of the first group of lighting fixtures and the device-to-be-added of the new group via the communication interface.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Brian Carrigan, John J. Trainor, Joseph P. Chobot, Matthew Deese, Keith Bryan
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Patent number: 9686831Abstract: A lighting fixture having a light source, a light sensor, a communication interface, and circuitry is described. In addition to controlling the light source, the circuitry is adapted to monitor for a light signal provided from a handheld device via the light sensor; upon receiving the light signal, measure a signal level associated with the light signal; and effect transmission of the signal level to the handheld device via the communication interface. In one embodiment, the circuitry is further configured to receive an instruction to monitor for the light signal from the handheld device via the communication interface such that the circuitry begins monitoring for the light signal upon receiving the instruction.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Brian Carrigan, John J. Trainor, Joseph P. Chobot, Matthew Deese, Keith Bryan
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Patent number: 9668310Abstract: A handheld device having a light source, a communication interface, and control circuitry that is capable of interacting with a lighting fixture. The handheld device is capable of providing a light signal to the lighting fixture, receiving information from the lighting fixture, and selecting the lighting fixture as a selected lighting fixture based on the received information.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Brian Carrigan, John J. Trainor, Joseph P. Chobot, Matthew Deese, Keith Bryan
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Publication number: 20170150584Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lighting fixture that includes a driver module and at least one other module that provides a lighting fixture function, such as a sensor function, lighting network communication function, gateway function, and the like. The driver module communicates with the other modules in a master/slave scheme over a communication bus. The driver module is configured as a slave communication device, and the other modules are configured as master communication devices. As such, the other modules may initiate communications with the driver to send information to or retrieve information from the driver module.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2017Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: Arnold Motley, Joseph P. Chobot, Daniel J. Pope, John J. Trainor, Michael James Harris
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Publication number: 20170127491Abstract: Ambient light sensor circuitry includes a photodetector, a controllable current source, and control circuitry. The photodetector is coupled between a supply voltage and an intermediate node and configured to provide a photodetector current proportional to an amount of light detected thereby to the intermediate node. The controllable current source is coupled between the intermediate node and ground and configured to shunt a portion of the photodetector current from the intermediate node to ground based on a current control signal. The control circuitry is coupled to the intermediate node and the controllable current source and configured to provide the current control signal to the controllable current source, receive a measurement signal from the intermediate node, adjust the current control signal such that the measurement signal does not exceed a maximum input threshold of the control circuitry, and provide an ambient light measurement signal based on the current control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2015Publication date: May 4, 2017Inventors: Daniel J. Pope, Joseph P. Chobot
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Patent number: 9572226Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lighting fixture that includes a driver module and at least one other module that provides a lighting fixture function, such as a sensor function, lighting network communication function, gateway function, and the like. The driver module communicates with the other modules in a master/slave scheme over a communication bus. The driver module is configured as a slave communication device, and the other modules are configured as master communication devices. As such, the other modules may initiate communications with the driver to send information to or retrieve information from the driver module.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Arnold Motley, Joseph P. Chobot, Daniel J. Pope, John J. Trainor, Michael James Harris
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Patent number: 9554445Abstract: A portable device comprising a light detector, a correction calculator and a correction output element. In some aspects, (1) correction (and/or adjustment) is of color point, lumen output, or both, (2) the portable device is a smart phone or a computing device, and/or (3) a wireless correction signal is transmitted and received. Lighting system, comprising a light source, and a portable device that comprises a light detector, a correction calculator, and a correction output element. Lighting device comprising a light source and a receiver. A method comprising detecting light with a light detector of a portable device, generating a correction signal, and outputting the correction signal with a correction output element of the portable device. Method comprising placing a portable device in a calibration location, illuminating a lighting device, and detecting light emitted from the lighting device with a light detector of the portable device that has a correction calculator.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventor: Joseph P. Chobot
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Patent number: 9519095Abstract: An optical waveguide includes a coupling optic and a waveguide body. According to one embodiment, the body includes a first curved surface that extends between an input surface and an end surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The input surface has a first thickness disposed between the first and second surfaces and the end surface has a second thickness disposed between the first and second surfaces less than the first thickness.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, John W. Durkee, Craig D. Raleigh, Joseph P. Chobot
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Patent number: 9433061Abstract: Control of lighting fixtures in a lighting network may be distributed among the lighting fixtures. The lighting fixtures may be broken into groups that are associated with different lighting zones. At least some of the lighting fixtures will have or be associated with one or more sensors. Within the overall lighting network or the various lighting zones, the lighting fixtures may share sensor data from their sensors. Each lighting fixture may process sensor data provided by its own sensor, a remote standalone sensor, or lighting fixture, and process the sensor data according to the lighting fixture's own internal logic to control operation of the lighting fixture. The lighting fixtures may also receive control input from other lighting fixtures, control nodes, light switches, and commissioning tools. The control input may be processed along with the sensor data according to the internal logic to further enhance control of the lighting fixture.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventor: Joseph P. Chobot
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Patent number: 9338858Abstract: Control of lighting fixtures in a lighting network may be distributed among the lighting fixtures. The lighting fixtures may be broken into groups that are associated with different lighting zones. At least some of the lighting fixtures will have or be associated with one or more sensors. Within the overall lighting network or the various lighting zones, the lighting fixtures may share sensor data from their sensors. Each lighting fixture may process sensor data provided by its own sensor, a remote standalone sensor, or lighting fixture, and process the sensor data according to the lighting fixture's own internal logic to control operation of the lighting fixture. The lighting fixtures may also receive control input from other lighting fixtures, control nodes, light switches, and commissioning tools. The control input may be processed along with the sensor data according to the internal logic to further enhance control of the lighting fixture.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventor: Joseph P. Chobot
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Patent number: 9155165Abstract: Control of lighting fixtures in a lighting network may be distributed among the lighting fixtures. The lighting fixtures may be broken into groups that are associated with different lighting zones. At least some of the lighting fixtures will have or be associated with one or more sensors. Within the overall lighting network or the various lighting zones, the lighting fixtures may share sensor data from the sensors. Each lighting fixture processes sensor data provided by its own sensor, a remote standalone sensor, or lighting fixture, and processes the sensor data according to the lighting fixture's internal logic to control operation of the lighting fixture. The lighting fixtures may also receive control input from other lighting fixtures, control nodes, light switches, and commissioning tools. The control input is processed along with the sensor data according to the internal logic to enhance control of the lighting fixture.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventor: Joseph P. Chobot
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Patent number: 9155166Abstract: Control of lighting fixtures in a lighting network may be distributed among the lighting fixtures. The lighting fixtures may be broken into groups that are associated with different lighting zones. At least some of the lighting fixtures will have or be associated with one or more sensors. Within the overall lighting network or the various lighting zones, the lighting fixtures may share sensor data from their sensors. Each lighting fixture may process sensor data provided by its own sensor, a remote standalone sensor, or lighting fixture, and process the sensor data according to the lighting fixture's own internal logic to control operation of the lighting fixture. The lighting fixtures may also receive control input from other lighting fixtures, control nodes, light switches, and commissioning tools. The control input may be processed along with the sensor data according to the internal logic to further enhance control of the lighting fixture.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventor: Joseph P. Chobot
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Patent number: 9066382Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a light emitting device that has an attribute that is adjustable responsive to a control signal carried on a power line from which the light emitting device receives an Alternating Current (AC) power signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Antony P. van de Ven, Joseph P. Chobot
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Patent number: 8975827Abstract: A lighting network where control of the lighting fixtures in the network may be distributed among the lighting fixtures. The lighting fixtures may be broken into groups that are associated with different lighting zones. Certain lighting fixtures will have or be associated with one or more sensors, such as occupancy sensors, ambient light sensors, and the like. Within the lighting network or the various lighting zones, lighting fixtures may share sensor data. Each lighting fixture may process sensor data provided by its own sensor, a remote standalone sensor, or lighting fixture, and process the sensor data according to the lighting fixture's own internal logic to control operation. The lighting fixtures may also receive control input from other lighting fixtures, control nodes, light switches, and commissioning tools. The control input may be processed along with the sensor data according to the internal logic to further enhance control of the lighting fixture.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Joseph P. Chobot, Michael James Harris
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Publication number: 20150048758Abstract: A handheld device for grouping a plurality of lighting fixtures is disclosed. In one embodiment, the handheld device includes a communication interface configured to wirelessly communicate with the plurality of lighting fixtures and control circuitry. The circuitry is configured to: effect selection of at least two lighting fixtures of the plurality of lighting fixtures via the communication interface; determine a first group for the at least two lighting fixtures; create first group assignment information for the first group; and send the first group assignment information to each of the at least two lighting fixtures via the communication interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Brian Carrigan, John J. Trainor, Joseph P. Chobot, Matthew Deese, Keith Bryan
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Publication number: 20150015145Abstract: A handheld device having a communication interface configured to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of lighting fixtures and control circuitry is described. In one embodiment, the circuitry is configured to effect selection of a first lighting fixture in a first group of lighting fixtures via the communication interface; identify the first group of lighting fixtures based on information from the first lighting fixture; determine new settings for the first group of lighting fixtures; and send the new settings to each of the first group of lighting fixtures via the communication interface, wherein the first group of lighting fixtures includes a defined plurality of lighting fixtures that are associated to operate in a coordinated manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Brian Carrigan, John J. Trainor, Joseph P. Chobot, Matthew Deese, Keith Bryan