Patents by Inventor Kevin Dowling

Kevin Dowling 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).

  • Publication number: 20070195526
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin Dowling, Frederick Morgan, Ihor Lys, Michael Blackwell, Alfred Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, George Mueller, Dawn Geary, Timothy Holmes
  • Publication number: 20070153514
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for illuminating environments, including aircraft environments. The methods and systems include facilities for providing both white and non-white illumination, with color and color temperature control, in programmed response to inputs. Methods and systems are also provided for improving the addressing of light systems in a network lighting configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin Dowling, Frederick Morgan, Michael Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20070115665
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: George Mueller, Alfred Ducharme, Kevin Dowling, Ihor Lys, Frederick Morgan, Charles Cella
  • Publication number: 20070115658
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: George Mueller, Alfred Ducharme, Kevin Dowling, Ihor Lys, Frederick Morgan, Charles Cella
  • Publication number: 20070086912
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus in which ultraviolet radiation is generated from at least one first LED, an object is irradiated with the ultraviolet radiation, and the ultraviolet radiation is controlled so as to generate at least one perceivable visual effect based on an interaction between the ultraviolet radiation and the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin Dowling, Frederick Morgan, George Mueller, Ihor Lys, Matthew Tullman
  • Publication number: 20070086754
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor Lys, Frederick Morgan, Kevin Dowling, Michael Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20060285325
    Abstract: LED-based light bulbs having one or more white LEDs, for replacing/retrofitting conventional light bulbs. An exemplary bulb includes at least one first white LED and at least one power connection having a form configured to engage mechanically and electrically with one of a conventional Edison-mount (screw-type) light bulb socket, a conventional fluorescent tube coupler arrangement, and a conventional halogen MR-16 socket arrangement. The bulb further includes at least one voltage transformation device configured to electrically transform a first voltage applied to the at least one power connection (via the corresponding conventional socket/coupler) to a second voltage that provides operating power to at least the white LED(s). The LED-based light bulb substantially corresponds in shape to a corresponding one of a conventional Edison-mount screw-type light bulb, a conventional fluorescent tube, and a conventional halogen MR-16 light bulb, based on the form of the at least one power connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Alfred Ducharme, Frederick Morgan, Ihor Lys, Kevin Dowling, George Mueller
  • Publication number: 20060262516
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided herein for illuminating a variety of household products and other items using color-controlled illumination systems that include lights under the control of processors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Dowling, Charles Cella, Josh Strauss, Michael Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20060262521
    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 an/or essentially white light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Colin Piepgras, Tomas Mollnow, Frederick Morgan, Kevin Dowling
  • Publication number: 20060221606
    Abstract: LED-based lighting subassemblies that serve as retrofit apparatus for conventional lighting fixtures, such as fluorescent lighting fixtures. Various retrofit subassemblies need not be configured to resemble and/or directly replace conventional light bulb types. Rather, the retrofit subassemblies may employ a variety of mechanical (and electrical) support configurations to facilitate outfitting a conventional lighting fixture with LED light sources. In some examples, pre-existing conventional lighting fixtures are incorporated as fixed or recessed structures in an architectural environment, and an LED lighting subassembly provides a convenient apparatus for retrofitting such fixtures with light sources having higher energy efficiencies as well as a wider scope of possible light generating capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventor: Kevin Dowling
  • Publication number: 20060208667
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing power to devices via an A.C. power source, and for facilitating the use of LED-based light sources on A.C. power circuits that provide signals other than standard line voltages. In one example, LED-based light sources may be coupled to A.C. power circuits that are controlled by conventional dimmers (i.e., “A.C. dimmer circuits”). Hence, LED-based light sources may be conveniently substituted for other light sources (e.g., incandescent lights) in lighting environments employing conventional A.C. dimming devices and/or other control signals present on the A.C. power circuit. In yet other aspects, one or more parameters relating to the light generated by LED-based light sources (e.g., intensity, color, color temperature, temporal characteristics, etc.) may be conveniently controlled via operation of a conventional A.C. dimmer and/or other signals present on the A.C. power circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor Lys, Kevin Dowling, Frederick Morgan
  • Publication number: 20060198128
    Abstract: Methods and means for embedding electronic components, such as LED-based light sources and associated control circuitry, into molded or continuously cast surface materials (e.g., material manufactured under the trademark CORIAN®). During the manufacture of the surface material, the components can be held in position using a scaffold or frame constructed of a sacrificial material, the same material as the finished surface material and/or another material used in the manufacture of the finished product. The embedded components can include control circuitry, e.g., printed circuit boards, for separately controlling each component, power conductors and data busses. Conductors and/or busses can be in the form of conductive rails, wire mesh or sheets. Access to the conductors in the finished product can be made by a number of methods, including but not limited to sanding, grinding, drilling into, screwing into, and/or inserting pins into the finished material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Colin Piepgras, Kevin Dowling
  • Publication number: 20060170376
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for customization of a workspace, including lighting in the workspace. Multiple LED-based lighting units arranged in a personal workspace may be conveniently controlled by an occupant of the workspace to customize or personalize workspace lighting. Workspace customization, including lighting conditions, further is facilitated by various power distribution schemes to allow convenient access to power in the workspace for lighting units and other electronic devices. Workspace dividers, partitions and walls may be particularly configured to accommodate power distribution systems and various components of networked lighting systems in the workspace environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Colin Piepgras, Tomas Mollnow, Kevin Dowling
  • Publication number: 20060158881
    Abstract: Color management and color-managed workflow concepts are applied to lighting apparatus configured to generate multi-colored light, including lighting apparatus based on LED sources. In particular, color management principles are employed to facilitate the generation of variable color light from a given lighting apparatus based on any of a number of possible input specifications for a desired color. In one example, a transformation between an arbitrary input specification for a desired color and a lighting command processed by the lighting apparatus is accomplished via the use of a source color management profile for the input specification of the desired color, a target color management profile for the lighting apparatus, and a common working color space. Colors defined in the common working color space may be reproduced or approximated (e.g., according to one or more rendering intents) by one or more lighting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Publication date: July 20, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventor: Kevin Dowling
  • Publication number: 20060152172
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Publication date: July 13, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: George Mueller, Alfred Ducharme, Kevin Dowling, Ihor Lys, Frederick Morgan, Charles Cella
  • Publication number: 20060109649
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus in which at least one first LED generates first radiation having a first spectrum, and at least one second LED generates second radiation having a second spectrum different than the first spectrum. One or more controllers control at least one of the first radiation and the second radiation so as to control at least a color temperature of visible radiation. In one example, one or more sensors monitor at least one characteristic of sample radiation and provide one or more sensor signals to the one or more controllers, which in turn control at least the color temperature of the visible radiation based at least in part on the at least one sensor signal. In various implementations, the sample radiation may be ambient illumination (e.g., natural-light and/or light from other light sources), may be the visible radiation itself (e.g., to provide feedback to the one or more controllers), or generally any desired lighting condition to simulate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Alfred Ducharme, Frederick Morgan, Ihor Lys, Kevin Dowling, George Mueller
  • Publication number: 20060104058
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlled lighting based on a reference color gamut that is shared amongst multiple lighting units. A reference color gamut may be determined for multiple lighting units based on spectral power distributions associated with the lighting units. Variable color light or variable color temperature white light subsequently may be generated consistently and predictably amongst multiple lighting units that are each controlled based on the reference color gamut. Lighting commands received by multiple lighting units may be appropriately processed in each lighting unit, based on a predetermined relationship between the lighting commands and the reference color gamut, to ensure consistent and predictable color or color temperature reproduction amongst the multiple units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Chemel, Frederick Morgan, Kevin Dowling
  • Publication number: 20060098077
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating two or more different colors or color temperatures of light over a significant range of different saturations or different color temperatures, in which luminance compensation is provided. In one example, generated light is compensated, at least in part, for the “Helmholtz-Kohlrausch” (HK) effect, which models the perception of different brightnesses for different colors or color temperatures, notwithstanding identical luminances. In another example, lighting apparatus including one or more LEDs to generate two or more different colors or color temperatures of light are configured to provide luminance compensation so as to mitigate, at least in part, the HK effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventor: Kevin Dowling
  • Publication number: 20060050509
    Abstract: A color-changing device which includes an enclosure at least a portion of which is material which is desired to change color. There is also included an illumination device, such as an LED or collection of LEDs which can illuminate the material. There can also be included a controller which can take some form of input, such as from a network, or a sensor, and can convert that input into a signal to control the illumination. There is also included a method for performing such color change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Dowling, George Mueller, Ihor Lys
  • Publication number: 20060022214
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick Morgan, Ihor Lys, Kevin Dowling, George Mueller