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).
-
Patent number: 7186003Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: 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: 7139617Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell, Kevin J. Dowling, Ihor A. Lys
-
Patent number: 7135824Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for controlling the conversion of data inputs to a computer-based light system into lighting control signals. The methods and systems include facilities for controlling a nonlinear relationship between data inputs and lighting control signal ouputs. The nonlinear relationship may be programmed to account for varying responses of the viewer of a light source to different light source intensities.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Ihor A. Lys, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred D. Ducharme
-
Patent number: 7064498Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: 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: 7038398Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of creating eye-catching displays by taking advantage of color-changing illumination provided by LED systems disclosed herein. Displays can be made to appear to change color or to move simply by changing the color of the light illuminating them. Also, the use of such light in projected is described. A vending machine, an article of clothing, and a container lit by these LED systems are specifically provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Color Kinetics, IncorporatedInventors: Ihor Lys, George G. Mueller, Michael K. Blackwell
-
Patent number: 6975079Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for controlling the conversion of data inputs to a computer-based light system into lighting control signals. The methods and systems include facilities for controlling a nonlinear relationship between data inputs and lighting control signal ouputs. The nonlinear relationship may be programmed to account for varying responses of the viewer of a light source to different light source intensities.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Ihor A. Lys, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred D. Ducharme
-
Publication number: 20040212320Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2002Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Brian Chemel, Michael K. Blackwell, John Warwick
-
Publication number: 20040160199Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2003Publication date: August 19, 2004Applicant: Color Kinetics, Inc.Inventors: Frederick M. Morgan, Kevin J. Dowling, Ihor A. Lys, Brian Roberge, Brian Chemel, Jeff Hyer, Michael K. Blackwell, John Warwick
-
Publication number: 20040090787Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: Color Kinetics, Inc.Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell
-
Publication number: 20030222587Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: Color Kinetics, Inc.Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell
-
Publication number: 20030214259Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2001Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, George G. Mueller, Dawn Geary
-
Publication number: 20030206411Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2001Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: 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: 6548967Abstract: 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: September 19, 2000Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Color Kinetics, Inc.Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell
-
Publication number: 20030057890Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for controlling the conversion of data inputs to a computer-based light system into lighting control signals. The methods and systems include facilities for controlling a nonlinear relationship between data inputs and lighting control signal ouputs. The nonlinear relationship may be programmed to account for varying responses of the viewer of a light source to different light source intensities.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Ihor A. Lys, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred D. Ducharme
-
Publication number: 20030057887Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Brian Chemel, Michael K. Blackwell, John Warwick, Alfred D. Ducharme
-
Publication number: 20030028260Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventor: Michael K. Blackwell
-
Publication number: 20020078221Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: Michael K. Blackwell, Ihor A. Lys, John Warwick, Frederick M. Morgan, Adriana Mincheva
-
Publication number: 20020070688Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, George G. Mueller, Dawn Geary
-
Publication number: 20020048169Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Inventors: 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: 6340868Abstract: Disclosed herein is a current control for a lighting assembly, which may be an LED lighting assembly, which may be a pulse width modulated (“PWM”) current control or other form of current control where each current-controlled unit is uniquely addressable and capable of receiving illumination color information on a computer lighting network. In an embodiment, the invention includes a binary tree network configuration of lighting units (nodes). In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a heat dissipating housing, made out of a heat-conductive material, for housing the lighting assembly. The heat dissipating housing contains two stacked circuit boards holding respectively the power module and the light module. The light module is adapted to be conveniently interchanged with other light modules.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2000Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Ihor Lys, George G. Mueller, Frederick Marshall Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell