Abstract: Methods and apparatus for downloading one or more lighting programs including one or more lighting effects. The lighting program(s) may be downloaded from a web site to one or more LED-based lighting devices that are configured to execute the downloaded lighting program(s) so as to reproduce the lighting effect(s). In various examples, a variety of programming devices may be employed to facilitate wired or wireless downloading, including one or more computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, media players (e.g., MP3 players), and the like. Information may be uploaded to the web site to facilitate selection and/or creation of lighting effect(s) that are included in the downloaded lighting program(s).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for providing a luminous writing surface, whose color, color temperature, and/or brightness are controlled to achieve a desired contrast between the writing surface and markings removably made thereon. For example, LED-based light sources and/or LED-based controllable lighting units can be employed to back-light or edge-light a transparent or translucent material thereby providing the luminous writing surface.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: Light sources for illumination of liquids in a variety of environments. In one example, multi-color LED-based light sources are adapted to engage mechanically and electrically with various types of conventional light sockets, including light sockets conventionally found in a pool or spa environment. In another example, a light fixture for a pool or spa is particularly adapted to engage mechanically and electrically with a wedge type socket supported by a pool or spa. In another example, a light fixture for illumination of liquids includes an encapsulant to protect the light fixture from moisture, due to the characteristically humid environment encountered in liquid illumination applications.

Abstract: In one example, a lighting apparatus comprises a processor wherein the processor is configured to control a color-changing lighting effect generated by the lighting apparatus; wherein the processor is further configured to monitor an operating power source; and wherein the processor is further configured to synchronize the color-changing lighting effect in coordination with a parameter of the operating power source.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling illumination. In one example, one or more multi-color light sources are controlled based on one or more interruptions of power supplied to the light source(s). In another example, a pool or spa is illuminated by one or more multi-color light sources that may be employed as individually and independently controllable devices that may be controlled based on one or more interruptions in power. In another example, the selection of a particular illumination program for such light sources (e.g., by one or more interruptions in power) is indicated to a user via the radiation generated by the light sources.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to the collection of data regarding a plurality of customers in a retail or entertainment environment. Data may be collected via at least one sensor coupled to at least one lighting fixture in the retail or entertainment environment. In one exemplary implementation, data may be collected by one or more lighting fixtures, and data may be communicated via light generated by any one or more fixtures without perceivably affecting a quality of light generated by the one or more fixtures. A map may be generated based on the collected data to display traffic patterns and/or dwell times of the plurality of customers in the retail or entertainment environment, and such a map may be displayed, for example, via a graphical user interface.

Abstract: Lighting apparatus and methods involving a plurality of light-emitting devices configured to emit radiation having at least two different spectra, in which the plurality of light-emitting devices are controlled to produce composite radiation having at least one resulting spectrum that simulates a desired spectrum.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining displayed imagery stationary relative to the physical surroundings when the imagery is displayed on a display device which moves (e.g., translates and/or rotates) relative to the physical surroundings. To maintain an image's position relative to the physical surroundings, the position of the display device may be directly measured or otherwise tracked, and the position of the imagery as displayed on the display device adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating one or more scents in conjunction with light. Light of various colors, including dynamic lighting effects, may be generated such that at least one characteristic of the light may be based at least in part on one or more characteristics of a scent or scents, and/or proximate environmental conditions. In one example, one or more LED-based light sources are employed together with a scent-producing facility in a conventional household product (e.g., an integrated air-freshener/LED night light, an LED-simulated candle with scent, etc.).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing an inflatable device. In one example, a first component adapted to generate at least one of light and sound is coupled to a second component that is adapted to facilitate insertion into an inflatable device. The first component may be an LED-based light source configured to generate single or multi-colored light in an interior space of the inflatable device once inserted into the inflatable device. The second component may be particularly configured with one or more valves or seals to facilitate a transfer of a substance (e.g., an inflating substance) into the inflatable device once the first and second components are inserted into the inflatable device. The second component also may be configured to conveniently facilitate an effective seal between the second component and the inflatable device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing controllable power via an A.C. power source to LED-based lighting devices having an MR16 configuration. In one example, LED-based MR16 lighting devices may be coupled to A.C. power circuits that are controlled by conventional dimmers (i.e, “A.C. dimmer circuits”). 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.

Abstract: A tile lighting system is provided in which an interior space of a tile is lit by LEDs, such as in a grid or edge-lit formation, and a light diffusing panel is disposed over the interior space. The tile lighting system can be combined with others to tile any surface, such as a floor, ceiling, wall, or building exterior. Lighting control signals can be supplied to generate a wide range of effects on the tile lighting units, including effects coordinated among different tile lighting units. Two- and three-dimensional embodiments are contemplated.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing active and passive thermal or cooling facilities for LED lighting systems, including radiating and convective thermal facilities, including fans, phase change materials, conductive polymers, potting compounds, vents, ducts, and other thermal facilities.