Patents by Inventor Michael K. Blackwell
Michael K. Blackwell 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: 9955541Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell
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Patent number: 7809448Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Ihor A. Lys, Frederick M. Morgan, Kevin J. Dowling, Michael K. Blackwell
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Publication number: 20100204841Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing theatrical illumination. In one example, a modular lighting fixture (300) has an essentially cylindrically-shaped housing (320) including first openings (325) for providing an air path through the lighting fixture. An LED-based lighting assembly (350) is disposed in the housing and comprises an LED module (360) including a plurality of LED light sources (104), a first control circuit (368, 370, 372) for controlling the light sources, and a fan (376) for providing a flow of cooling air along the air path. An end unit (330) is removably coupled to the housing and has second openings (332). A second control circuit (384) is disposed in the end unit, and electrically coupled to and substantially thermally isolated from the first control circuit. The lighting assembly is configured to direct the flow of the cooling air toward the at least one first control circuit so as to effectively remove heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2008Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventors: Brian CHEMEL, Michael K. BLACKWELL, Colin PIEPGRAS, John WARWICK
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Patent number: 7659674Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 1, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.Inventors: George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys, Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred D. Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, Dawn Geary, Timothy Holmes
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Patent number: 7652436Abstract: 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.).Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Josh Strauss, Michael K. Blackwell
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Patent number: 7502034Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for lighting control, including a lighting system manager, a light show composer, a light system engine, and related facilities for the convenient authoring and execution of lighting shows using semiconductor-based illumination units.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Phillips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Brian Chemel, John Warwick, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell, Kevin McCormick, Ihor A. Lys
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Patent number: 7495671Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for lighting control, including a lighting system manager, a light show composer, a light system engine, and related facilities for the convenient authoring and execution of lighting shows using semiconductor-based illumination units.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Brian Chemel, John Warwick, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell, Kevin McCormick, Ihor A. Lys
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Patent number: 7453217Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing illumination in a marketplace. In one example, radiation comprising variable color light is generated using a plurality of LEDs. One or more articles in the marketplace are illuminated with the generated radiation, and the spectral content of the generated radiation is controllably varied over a period of time so that a customer of the marketplace perceives a change in color and/or an illusion of motion associated with the article(s) due to a selective color interaction between the generated radiation and the article(s). Examples of marketplaces include, but are not limited to, consumer environments, work environments, sporting environments, entertainment environments, retail establishments, restaurants, museums, art galleries and the like.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Ihor A. Lys, George G. Mueller, Michael K. Blackwell
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Publication number: 20080215391Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2007Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: Philips Solid-State Lighting SolutionsInventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell
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Publication number: 20080140231Abstract: Systems and methods for authoring and playing back lighting programs that define a plurality of states for a plurality of lights. The lighting programs may be stored in a data format that represents a data stream capable of controlling the plurality of lights, wherein the data stream is transferred to the plurality of lights without interpolating any of the data included therein to determine one of the plurality of states for the plurality of lights.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2008Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Michael K. Blackwell, Ihor A. Lys, John Warwick, Frederick M. Morgan, Adriana Mincheva
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Publication number: 20080130267Abstract: 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.).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: Philips Solid-State Lighting SolutionsInventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Josh Strauss, Michael K. Blackwell
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Patent number: 7353071Abstract: Systems and methods for authoring and playing back lighting programs that include a plurality of lighting sequences for controlling a plurality of lights. One aspect stores the lighting program in a data format that represents a final data stream capable of directly controlling the plurality of lights. Another aspect allows execution of the lighting program to be modified in response to external stimuli.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Michael K. Blackwell, Ihor A. Lys, John Warwick, Frederick M. Morgan, Adriana Mincheva
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Patent number: 7309965Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 14, 2003Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell
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Patent number: 7303300Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Charles H. Cella, Josh Strauss, Michael K. Blackwell
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Patent number: 7242152Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Brian Chemel, Michael K. Blackwell, John Warwick, Alfred D. Ducharme
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Patent number: 7233831Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a control system. The control system may be adapted to control one or more lighting systems (e.g. stand-alone or networked lighting systems). The control system may also have a user interface (e.g. dial or button) such that a user can make a program selection and/or alter a lighting control feature. The control system may also include an enablement system. In an embodiment, the enablement system may be arranged to provide a user and/or installer with the ability to enable a program, program setting or the like. For example, the control system may be programmed with three lighting control programs and the user may only want to select from two of the three programs once the control system is installed. The user may make a selection on the enablement system such that only the two desired programs are available from through the user interface.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventor: Michael K. Blackwell
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Patent number: 7231060Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Brian Chemel, Michael K. Blackwell, John Warwick
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Patent number: 7221104Abstract: Linear lighting systems and methods. In one example, two or more lighting elements having an essentially linear or curvilinear shape are coupled together to form a lighting system. Each lighting element includes a group of LEDs arranged so as to illuminate the essentially linear or curvilinear shape of the lighting element. Each element may include LEDs to generate the same color light, and/or LEDs to generate light of different colors. Additionally, each element may include one or more controllers to control the LEDs so as to create a variety of temporal and/or color-oriented lighting effects. The controller(s) may employ one or more of a variety of control techniques to control the LEDs, such as those involving analog control signals or pulse-width modulated (PWM) control signals. The lighting elements of the system may each be configured as a “stand alone” unit working within the system, producing respective lighting effects that may or may not be coordinated with each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Ihor A. Lys, George G. Mueller, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell
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Patent number: 7204622Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell
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Patent number: 7202613Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Frederick M. Morgan, Kevin J. Dowling, Ihor A. Lys, Brian Roberge, Brian Chemel, Jeff Hyer, Michael K. Blackwell, John Warwick