Patents by Inventor Kevin J. Dowling

Kevin J. 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).

  • Patent number: 7309965
    Abstract: The present invention relates to smart lighting devices bearing processors, and networks comprising smart lighting devices, capable of providing illumination, and detecting stimuli with sensors and/or sending signals. Sensors and emitters can, in some embodiments, be removed and added in a modular fashion. Smart lighting devices and smart lighting networks can be used for communication purposes, building automation, systems monitoring, and a variety of other functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7303300
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Charles H. Cella, Josh Strauss, Michael K. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7300192
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for preparing signs and displays. The methods and systems include using a light engine for generating light of a plurality of colors to illuminate the body of a flexible conduit that receives light from the light engine. The conduit can be used as a sign, display, or similar lighting facility in many applications that traditionally used neon signs and displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Kevin J. Dowling, Ihor A. Lys, Charles H. Cella
  • Publication number: 20070263379
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are cove lighting apparatus for architectural surfaces, particularly, recessed cove lighting apparatus integrated with an architectural surface and employing LED-based light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventor: Kevin J. Dowling
  • Publication number: 20070258231
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Brad E. Koerner, Kevin J. Dowling
  • Patent number: 7255457
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating essentially white light. In one example, a white light generating apparatus comprises at least one first white LED characterized by a first spectrum, and at least one second white LED characterized by a second spectrum, wherein the first spectrum is substantially different than the second spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Alfred D. Ducharme, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Kevin J. Dowling, George G. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7248239
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys
  • Patent number: 7242152
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a system for generating control signals. The system may allow a user to generate an image, representation of an image, algorithm or other effect information. The effect information may then be converted to lighting control signals to be saved or communicated to a networked lighting system. An embodiment of the invention may enable the authoring, generation and communication of control signals such that an effect is generated in a space or area. An embodiment of the invention may provide systems and methods for the control of a plurality of lighting devices in an environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Brian Chemel, Michael K. Blackwell, John Warwick, Alfred D. Ducharme
  • Patent number: 7231060
    Abstract: Separating a source in a stereo signal having a left channel and a right channel includes transforming the signal into a short-time transform domain; computing a short-time similarity measure between the left channel and the right channel; classifying portions of the signals having similar panning coefficients according to the short-time similarity measure; segregating a selected one of the classified portions of the signals corresponding to the source; and reconstructing the source from the selected portions of the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Brian Chemel, Michael K. Blackwell, John Warwick
  • Patent number: 7228190
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for executing a lighting program to control a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) in response to at least one characteristic of an audio input. In one embodiment, the audio input is digitally processed to determine the at least one characteristic. In other embodiments, control signals for the LEDs are generated in response to a timer and/or input from a user interface, as well as in response to the at least one characteristic of the audio input. In another embodiment, the control signals for the LEDs are generated by a same computer that processes the audio input to transmit signals to speakers to audibly play the audio input. In a further embodiment, a GUI is provided to assist in authoring the lighting program. In another embodiment, the audio signal is processed before being played back. In a further embodiment, the lighting program anticipates changes in the audio input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Scott Johnston
  • Patent number: 7220015
    Abstract: Thermal indication methods and systems. In one example, electrical power is generated based on a temperature of a thermal surface, and at least one indication is provided, based on the generated electrical power, representative of the temperature of the thermal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventor: Kevin J. Dowling
  • Patent number: 7204622
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7202613
    Abstract: Described herein are lighting units of a variety of types and configurations, including linear lighting units suitable for lighting large spaces, such as building exteriors and interiors. Also provided herein are methods and systems for powering lighting units, controlling lighting units, authoring displays for lighting units, and addressing control data for lighting units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick M. Morgan, Kevin J. Dowling, Ihor A. Lys, Brian Roberge, Brian Chemel, Jeff Hyer, Michael K. Blackwell, John Warwick
  • Patent number: 7186003
    Abstract: High-brightness LEDs, combined with a processor for control, can produce a variety of pleasing effects for display and illumination. A system disclosed herein uses high-brightness, processor-controlled LEDs in combination with diffuse materials to produce color-changing effects. The systems described herein may be usefully employed to bring autonomous color-changing ability and effects to a variety of consumer products and other household items. The system may also include sensors so that the illumination of the LEDs might change in response to environmental conditions or a user input. Additionally, the system may include an interface to a network, so that the illumination of the LEDs may be controlled via the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, George G. Mueller, Dawn Geary
  • Patent number: 7187141
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for illumination of liquids in a variety of environments. In one example, multi-color LED-based light sources are employed to achieve a wide range of enhanced lighting effects in liquids. 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, or coupled together to form a networked lighting system to provide a variety of programmable and/or coordinated color illumination effects in the pool or spa environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Kevin J. Dowling
  • Patent number: 7161313
    Abstract: Various exemplary implementations of light emitting diode (LED) based illumination products and methods are disclosed including, but not limited to, glow sticks, key chains, toys, balls, various game accessories, light bulbs, night lights, wall lights, wall switches, wall sockets, wall panels, modular lights, flexible lights, automotive lights, wearable accessories, light ropes, decorative lights such as icicles and icicle strings, light tubes, insect control lights and methods, and lighted air fresheners/scent dispensers. Any of the foregoing devices may be equipped with various types of user interfaces (both “local” and “remote”) to control light generated from the device. Additionally, devices may be controlled via light control information or programs stored in device memory and/or transmitted or downloaded to the devices (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Colin Piepgras, George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys, Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7139617
    Abstract: The systems and methods described 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: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell, Kevin J. Dowling, Ihor A. Lys
  • Patent number: 7132635
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus that employ one or more light sources to reduce the ability to recognize or identify one or more objects. In various examples, one or more LED-based light sources are utilized in camouflaging techniques. The apparatus and methods disclosed relating to camouflaging techniques have wide applicability in a number of environments (and with a number of different objects) including, but not limited to, military, commercial, industrial, sporting, recreational, and entertainment applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventor: Kevin J. Dowling
  • Patent number: 7064498
    Abstract: High-brightness LEDs, combined with a processor for control, can produce a variety of pleasing effects for display and illumination. A system disclosed herein uses high-brightness, processor-controlled LEDs in combination with diffuse materials to produce color-changing effects. The systems described herein may be usefully employed to bring autonomous color-changing ability and effects to a variety of consumer products and other household items. The system may also include sensors so that the illumination of the LEDs might change in response to environmental conditions or a user input. Additionally, the system may include an interface to a network, so that the illumination of the LEDs may be controlled via the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, George C. Mueller, Dawn Geary
  • Patent number: 7042172
    Abstract: A lighting system associated with a machine vision system. The machine vision system may direct lighting control commands to the lighting system to change the illumination conditions provided to an object. A vision system may also be provided and associated with the machine vision system such that the vision system views and captures an image(s) of the object when lit by the lighting system. The machine vision system may direct the lighting system to change the illumination conditions and then capture the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys