Methods and systems for illuminating household products
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.
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This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of the following U.S. Provisional Applications:
Ser. No. 60/408,309, filed Sep. 5, 2002, entitled “Methods and Systems for Illuminating Household Products;” and
Ser. No. 60/452,767, filed Mar. 7, 2003, entitled “Light Emitting Diode Based Products.”
This application also claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §120, as a continuation-in-part (CIP) of the following U.S. Non-provisional Applications:
Ser. No. 10/245,786, filed Sep. 17, 2002, entitled “Light Emitting Diode Based Products;” and
Ser. No. 10/325,635, filed Dec. 19, 2002, entitled “Controlled Lighting Methods and Apparatus.”
Each of the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUNDLighting elements often are used to illuminate a variety of consumer products, including wearable accessories, novelty items, or the like. Existing illuminated products, however, are generally only capable of exhibiting fixed illumination with one or more light sources. An existing wearable accessory, for example, might utilize a single white-light bulb as an illumination source, with the white-light shining through a transparent colored material. Such accessories only exhibit an illumination of a single type (a function of the color of the transparent material) or at best, by varying the intensity of the bulb output, a single-colored illumination with some range of controllable brightness. Other existing systems, to provide a wider range of colored illumination, may utilize a combination of differently colored bulbs. Such accessories, however, remain limited to a small number of different colored states.
SUMMARYApplicants have generally recognized and appreciated that a variety of consumer products, including but not limited to household products and items, appliances and equipment associated with appliances, wearable accessories, novelty items, toys, games and the like may benefit from improved color illumination processing, and/or networking attributes. High-brightness LEDs, combined with a processor for control, can produce a variety of pleasing effects for display and illumination. Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention relates to using high-brightness, processor-controlled LEDs in combination with diffuse materials to produce color-changing effects in connection with a variety of consumer products, including household items.
Methods and systems are provided for illuminating a fluid household product. The methods and systems include providing a container for the fluid household product, providing a light system in operative connection with the container, the light system comprising a light and a processor and being capable of producing illumination of a plurality of colors under control of the processor, and illuminating the fluid using the light system. The light system can illuminate a spray of fluid coming from the container. The light systems can illuminate fluids in transparent containers. The light systems can illuminate packaging for a household product.
A wide range of household products can benefit from methods and systems for color changing illumination.
Methods and systems are provided herein for illuminating packaging, including packaging for household products.
Methods and systems are provided herein for illuminating fluids, including liquids, visible gases and vapors, including all of those present in household products and household facilities, such as household water systems.
Methods and systems are provided herein for illuminating chemicals.
Methods and systems are provided herein for illuminating chemical household products.
Methods and systems are provided herein for illuminating products, including household products.
Methods and systems are provided herein for providing illumination for household products. Embodiments include a light system under the control of a processor for providing illumination of a selected color and disposing the illumination system in proximity to the household product to light a feature of the household product. In embodiments the product includes a container, such as a spray container, with the light system placed in the bottom of the container, the neck of the container, the interior of the container, the top of the container, or the nozzle of the container. The container may contain a fluid, such as water, ammonia, bleach, window cleaner, insect repellant, insect killer, lotion, soap, liquid soap, kitchen cleaner, bathroom cleaner, shaving gel, cleaning fluid, lighter fluid, furniture polish, wood treatment, paint, primer, drain cleaner, disinfectant, room deodorizer, carpet deodorizer, room scent, perfume, cologne, shaving foam, toilet cleaner, aerosol, skin care fluid, suntan lotion, shampoo, surface cleaner, and liquid wax. In embodiments the light system changes the color of the fluid in response to the processor. In embodiments the light system illuminates the spray of fluid coming from the container. In embodiments the spray produces a rainbow effect. In embodiments, the color of light changes in response to the processor. The container may be an aerosol can. Color changes may include different color temperatures of white light.
In embodiments, the household product may be a pencil, a pen, a fork, a knife, a spoon, a kitchen utensil, a whisk, a broom, a bottle, a glass, a mug, a coffee maker, a toothpaste tube, a dispenser, a shampoo bottle, a soap holder, a razor, an electric razor, a hair dryer, a picture frame, a marker, a jar, a makeup facility, a perfume dispenser, a brush, a lipstick, a candle or another household product.
In embodiments the processor changes light to indicate data related to the product, such as data about freshness or efficacy. The processor may respond to a network, including to addressable data. The processor may respond to a sensor.
Methods and systems may further include an optical facility for directing light, such as a lens, a mirror, a liquid lens, a spinning mirror, a fresnel lens, a convex lens, a concave lens, a fiber optic, and a light pipe.
Methods and systems are provided for insect control, including methods and systems for providing a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and providing an insect control facility in connection with the light system. The insect control facility can be a roach motel, a flypaper, a mosquito net, a tiki torch, a mosquito coil, a bug zapper, a deck light, a pool light or other facility. The processor can be used to control the light system to produce light of a selected frequency, including white light frequencies, such as to attract or repel selected insects. The insect control facility can be configured as a wand that contains the light system and that sprays insect spray.
Illumination methods and systems are provided herein for illuminating toilets, razors, brooms, animal collars, toothbrushes, candles, showerheads, and other household items.
Methods and systems are provided for illuminating an appliance, such as a faucet, a shower, a tub, a sink, an appliance, a refrigerator, an oven, a microwave, a counter, a drawer, a cabinet, a floor, a ceiling, a wall, a chair, a desk, a table, a washer, a dryer, a mixer, a blender, and a toaster. In embodiments, the light system responds to a sensor associated with the appliance, such as a heat sensor, such as to indicate that the appliance is hot.
Methods and systems are provided for packaging merchandise, including methods and systems for providing a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs and for disposing the light system in connection with packaging for an item of merchandise. In embodiments the packaging is a can, a container, a box, a package, or a shrinkwrap package. In embodiments, the merchandise is a household cleaner, a wax, a shampoo, a soap, a razor, a toothbrush, a light bulb or skin care product.
Methods and systems are provided for illuminating chemicals, including methods and systems for providing a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs and for lighting the chemical with the light system, wherein the light interacts with the chemical to create an effect. In embodiments the effect is generated by a luminescent facility of the chemical. In embodiments the effect is used to confirm that a chemical has been applied over a given surface. In embodiments, the chemical is an insect repellant, a deck sealer, a lotion, a medicine or a suntan lotion.
Methods and systems are provided for providing illumination and scent. Included are methods and systems for providing a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs and for providing a scent-producing facility for producing coordinated illumination and scent. In embodiments coordination is by a network. In embodiments the scent-producing facility is an air freshener. In embodiments the scent is correlated with illumination that reflects at least one of a similar aesthetic condition, an emotional state, an environmental condition, and a data item.
Methods and systems are provided for illuminating a fluid household product. The methods and systems include providing a container for the fluid household product, providing a light system in operative connection with the container, the light system comprising a light and a processor and being capable of producing illumination of a plurality of colors under control of the processor, and illuminating the fluid using the light system. In embodiments the light system illuminates a spray of fluid coming from the container. In embodiments the container is transparent and the light system illuminates fluid in the container. In embodiments the light system lights a package for the container.
The following patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference:
U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,038, issued Jan. 18, 2000, entitled “Multicolored LED Lighting Method and Apparatus;”
U.S. Pat. No. 6,211,626, issued Apr. 3, 2001 to Lys et al, entitled “Components,”
U.S. Pat. No. 6,608,453, issued Aug. 19, 2003, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Controlling Devices in a Networked Lighting System;”
U.S. Pat. No. 6,548,967, issued Apr. 15, 2003, entitled “Universal Lighting Network Methods and Systems;”
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/344,699, filed Jun. 25, 1999, entitled “Method for Software Driven Generation of Multiple Simultaneous High Speed Pulse Width Modulated Signals;”
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/805,368, filed Mar. 13, 2001, entitled “Light-Emitting Diode Based Products;”
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/716,819, filed Nov. 20, 2000, entitled “Systems and Methods for Generating and Modulating Illumination Conditions;”
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/675,419, filed Sep. 29, 2000, entitled “Systems and Methods for Calibrating Light Output by Light-Emitting Diodes;”
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/870,418, filed May 30, 2001, entitled “A Method and Apparatus for Authoring and Playing Back Lighting Sequences;”
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/045,629, filed Oct. 25, 2001, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Controlling Illumination;”
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/158,579, filed May 30, 2002, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Controlling Devices in a Networked Lighting System;”
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/325,635, filed Dec. 19, 2002, entitled “Controlled Lighting Methods and Apparatus;”
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/360,594, filed Feb. 6, 2003, entitled “Controlled Lighting Methods and Apparatus;” and
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/415,897, filed Oct. 3, 2002, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Illuminating Environments.”
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The lights 102 can be LEDs or other illumination systems. In preferred embodiments, LEDs can be used.
An illumination system 100 consisting of a plurality of LEDs 102 combined with a processor 104 can be disposed in many different environments, including those that relate to household products.
In embodiments, the container 200 can be made of a clear material, so that the interior fluid 204 is illuminated by the light systems 100. The fluid 204 can be clear, or substantially transparent or translucent, so that it takes on a color that is altered by the light from the light systems 100 in the bottom 208 of the container 200.
In embodiments, the light systems in the neck 210 of the container 200 light the fluid 204 as it sprays from the container 200, so that the spray is an illuminated spray, optionally a color-changing illuminated spray.
The fluid 204 can be any fluid, such as fluid useful in a household products, such as water, ammonia, bleach, window cleaner, insect repellant, insect killer, lotion, soap, liquid soap, kitchen cleaner, bathroom cleaner, shaving gel, cleaning fluid, lighter fluid, furniture polish, wood treatment, paint, primer, drain cleaner, disinfectant, room deodorizer, carpet deodorizer, room scent, perfume, cologne, shaving foam, toilet cleaner, aerosol, skin care fluid, suntan lotion, shampoo, surface cleaner, and liquid wax.
As with fluids in a can or similar container 200, the fluid 308 can be any fluid, such as fluid useful in a household products, such as water, ammonia, bleach, window cleaner, insect repellant, insect killer, lotion, soap, liquid soap, kitchen cleaner, bathroom cleaner, shaving gel, cleaning fluid, lighter fluid, furniture polish, wood treatment, paint, primer, drain cleaner, disinfectant, room deodorizer, carpet deodorizer, room scent, perfume, cologne, shaving foam, toilet cleaner, aerosol, skin care fluid, suntan lotion, shampoo, surface cleaner, after shave and liquid wax.
Thus, the fluid 308 can be illuminated either in the bottle 300 or in a spray 310 or stream that is sprayed from the bottle 300.
In general, a light system 100 can be used to light any household object or appliance, such as a toilet, faucet, shower, tub, sink, appliance, refrigerator, oven, microwave, counter, drawer, cabinet, floor, ceiling, wall, chair, desk, table, washer, dryer, mixer, blender, toaster, or the like.
Lights systems 100 can be used to provide color-controlled illumination to common household products.
One use of a light system 100 in connection with a container 200, or bottom 300, 400 or 900, or in connection with any other disposable product or product with limited useful life, is as an indicator of a condition of the product. The light system 100 can be coupled with a sensor for sensing a condition of the product, or with a timer for measuring time, or the like. For example a light system can illuminate when a chemical product is no longer working well, such as an odor control chemical. A light system 100 can illuminate in a certain way when a product has reached a certain age. A light system 100 can illuminate in a certain way when a container is nearly empty. Thus, a light system 100 can be used to provide information to a consumer using a product, such as a household product, about the condition of the product itself. A wide range of product characteristics can be measured and indicated by light systems 100 under the control of a processor 104.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an illumination system is disposed in combination with a scent-producing facility. Together with a processor or processors, this combination allows simultaneous or coordinated production of controlled scent and illumination. In embodiments, the scent/illumination device can be employed in conjunction with a network. In embodiments, the device may be provided with addressable control facilities. In embodiments, the devices can be employed using data delivery protocols such as DMX and power protocols such as pulse width modulation. In embodiments, the devices may be equipped with a communications facility, such as a transmitter, receiver, transceiver, wireless communications facility, wire, cable, or connector. Thus, the device can store, manipulate and otherwise handle data, including instructions that facilitate controlled illumination or controlled scent, or both. The device may also, in embodiments, receive control signals from another source, such as a user interface, an external computer, a sensor, or the like.
A wide variety of illumination and display effects can be employed in connection with the scent producing facility, ranging from color washes, to rainbow effects, to rapid changes in color, and the like. The scents can also be controlled whereby different chemicals are triggered to respond to an input signal (e.g. Digiscents Inc. multi-scent devices) and a ‘smell wash’ or smell sequence synchronous with a color wash or color sequence can be activated.
In other embodiments, the illumination can reflect a sensed condition, such as a condition sensed in the environment of the scent-producing facility. In other embodiments, the illumination can reflect a condition of the scent-producing facility, such as remaining life of the device, the remaining amount of scent-producing materials or chemicals, the quality of the scent, the strength of scent, battery life, or the like.
The scent-producing facility may be an air freshener or other scent-producing facility that may optionally plug into a room outlet. In embodiments, the scent may be varied in response to data received by the device, as controlled by a processor that also controls the illumination.
The scent-producing facility can be programmed to produce scents in concert with the illumination; thus, a scent may be correlated with illumination that reflects a similar aesthetic condition, emotional state, environmental condition, data item, or other object or characteristic. For example, a pine scent could be coupled with green illumination, while a pumpkin scent could be coupled with orange illumination. Thus, a wide range of correlated colors and scents can be provided in a device where one or more processors controls both scent and illumination.
In an embodiment, the device is a combined air freshener and color-changing night-light, with a processor for control of the illumination condition of the night light, and with LEDs providing the source of illumination for the night light.
In an embodiment, a gel may be presented and a color changing illumination system may be directed to illuminate the gel. For example, there are many fragrances, deodorants, and the like that are made into gels. This gel can be made into most any shape and an illumination system may be used to project light through the gel. In an embodiment, the gel may appear to be glowing in colors.
In an embodiment, the gel or other material may evapaorate over time and as the material evaporates, the light levels captured by the material may diminish. This will result in the light levels decreasing as the material evaporates giving an indication of material life. In an embodiment, the light may actually appear when the evaporation, or other process, has removed a portion of the material.
In an embodiment, the illumination may be associated with a sensor. Such a sensor may measure or indicate germ, bacteria or other contamination levels and cause an illumination system to emit certain lighting conditions. An embodiment may be a color changing “germ alert sensors” that would hang in the toilet or trashcan, etc. Example: as your tidy bowl reached the terrifying point of not flooding the sewer lines with chlorine at every flush, your tiny tricolor LED would pulse RED hues to alert you.
Another aspect of the present invention is providing light from an apparatus that is coordinated with a scent generation portion of the apparatus. For example, the apparatus may be a plug-in style air freshener and the light produced by the air freshener may be colored to coordinate with the type of scent being emitted. The light emitted from an evergreen scented air freshener may be greenish blue for example. Another aspect of the present invention is providing an indication of useful life of a portion of a system. The system, an air freshening system for example, may have a life limited air cartridge and an indication of life may be provided. The indication of life may be provided through a certain lighting pattern for example.
An embodiment of the present invention is a scent producing apparatus with an illumination source 1900. One such device is illustrated in
According to one aspect of the invention, the scent producing apparatus 1900 may be adapted to read, or otherwise identify, certain characteristics of the scent cartridge. For example, it may identify the type of cartridge, the scent to be produced by the cartridge, the date of manufacture, date of installation, serial number or other parameter. In an embodiment, the scent producing apparatus may be adapted to alter the color, pattern, intensity or other parameter of the light emitted by the illumination system 100. For example, the cartridge 1902 may be encoded to identify the type of scent it produces. The scent producing apparatus 1900 may read the code and alter the light it produces to match the type of scent. The scent may be deemed an evergreen scent and the light emitted from the illumination system 100 may be altered to be green or blue for example. The light may also have a temporal effect such as to alternate between a green and blue or generate some other pattern intended to coordinate with the scent.
In another embodiment, the scent producing apparatus 1900 may also monitor the duration the cartridge 1902 is in the scent producing apparatus 1900 or otherwise monitor the effectiveness of the cartridge. Once the effectiveness, or lapsed time, indicates the cartridge should be changed, the illumination system 100 may be adapted to change the lighting pattern, color, intensity or other parameter it is producing. This method of operation may be useful indicating to a user that the cartridge is due to be changed. In an embodiment, the apparatus 1900 may include a user interface 1912, much like the user interface 1 identified above. The user interface 1912 may be used to override the indication light to provide normal illumination or alter the illumination to accommodate his/her desires. In an embodiment, the illumination system 100 may be adapted to stay in an override operation mode for a preset period of time. For example, the preset period may be three days, such that the light stays in the override lighting pattern for three days and then automatically converts back to the end of usefulness indication. This may be useful to allow a user to go into an override mode for a period of time but automatically be reminded that the cartridge needs to be renewed. In an embodiment, the user may set the time of the override and/or the user may have the option of electing an override period that does not automatically end.
In an embodiment, the apparatus 1900 may have a set of contacts 1920. The contacts 1920 may be associated with a processor in the apparatus 1900 (e.g. processor 104 of the illumination system 100). The processor 104 may be adapted to monitor the contacts 1920 for activity or association characteristics with a cartridge 1902. For example, the contacts 1920 may be on a rear interior wall of the apparatus 1900 and the cartridge 1902 may have conductive strips 2002 on the rear wall of the cartridge 1904. The illustrations in
In an embodiment, the apparatus 1900 may be programmed to display a color of light that is an indication of useful remaining life of the cartridge. For example, the light may be blue when the cartridge is new or full and it may gradually, or in some other predetermined way, change through a rainbow of colors until it reaches red where red indicates the cartridge has reached the end of its useful life. The user interface 1912 may allow a user to select such a mode, for example.
In an embodiment, the apparatus 1900 may include a switch 1918 where the switch 1918 is depressed, or otherwise activated, when the cartridge 1902 is loaded into the apparatus. The processor 2 may monitor the activation of the switch 1918 as an indication of the cartridge 1902 being loaded. From this indication, the apparatus 1900 may monitor or predict certain events. For example, the processor 2 may begin a timing circuit in an effort to predict the useful life of the cartridge 1902. In an embodiment, the switch may be associated with a mechanism or circuit to indicate whether the cartridge has been removed during a power down cycle. For example, the switch may be associated with a dial where the position of the dial can be read. When the apparatus 1900 is re-powered, the processor 104 may check the dial position and compare to the position indication of the dial before power-down to indicate if the cartridge has been removed. If the cartridge was removed, the processor may automatically start a new timer for the prediction of cartridge life expectancy. In an embodiment, the processor may also provide an indication (e.g. certain lighting pattern) that it believes the cartridge has been changed and ask for a user confirmation through the user interface 1912.
While the invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art and are encompassed herein.
Claims
1. A method of providing illumination for a household product, comprising:
- providing a light system under the control of a processor for providing illumination of a selected color; and
- disposing the illumination system in proximity to the household product to light a feature of the household product.
2. A method of claim 1, wherein the feature of the household product is a container.
3. A method of claim 2, wherein the container is a spray container.
4. A method of claim 2, wherein the light systems are disposed in at least one of the bottom of the container, the neck of the container, the interior of the container, the top of the container, and the nozzle of the container.
5. A method of claim 2, wherein the container contains a fluid.
6. A method of claim 5, wherein the fluid is selected from the group consisting of water, ammonia, bleach, window cleaner, insect repellant, insect killer, lotion, soap, liquid soap, kitchen cleaner, bathroom cleaner, shaving gel, cleaning fluid, lighter fluid, furniture polish, wood treatment, paint, primer, drain cleaner, disinfectant, room deodorizer, carpet deodorizer, room scent, perfume, cologne, shaving foam, toilet cleaner, aerosol, skin care fluid, suntan lotion, shampoo, surface cleaner, and liquid wax.
7. A method of claim 5, wherein the light system changes the color of the fluid in response to the processor.
8. A method of claim 5, wherein the container is a spray container, and wherein the light system illuminates the spray of fluid coming from the container.
9. A method of claim 8, wherein the light system is configured to produce a rainbow effect on the spray.
10. A method of claim 8, wherein the light system changes the color of the spray in response to the processor.
11. A method of claim 2, wherein the container is an aerosol can.
12. A method of claim 1, wherein the household product is selected from the group consisting of a pencil, a pen, a fork, a knife, a spoon, a kitchen utensil, a whisk, a broom, a bottle, a glass, a mug, a coffee maker, a toothpaste tube, a dispenser, a shampoo bottle, a soap holder, a razor, an electric razor, a hair dryer, a picture frame, a marker, a jar, a makeup facility, a perfume dispenser, a brush, a lipstick, and a candle.
13. A method of claim 12, wherein the processor changes light to indicate data related to the product.
14. A method of claim 13, wherein the data relates to the freshness of the product.
15. A method of claim 13, wherein the data relates to the efficacy of the product.
16. A method of claim 1, wherein the processor is responsive to a network.
17. A method of claim 1, wherein the processor responds to data directed to an address.
18. A method of claim 1, wherein the processor is responsive to a sensor.
19. A method of claim 1, wherein the color is a color temperature of white illumination.
20. A method of claim 1, wherein the household product further comprises an optical facility for operating on light emitted from the lighting system.
21. A method of claim 20, wherein the optical facility is selected from the group consisting of a lens, a mirror, a liquid lens, a spinning mirror, a fresnel lens, a convex lens, a concave lens, a fiber optic, and a light pipe.
22. A system for providing illumination for a household product, comprising:
- a light system under the control of a processor for providing illumination of a selected color; and
- a household product in proximity to the light system, so that the light system lights a feature of the household product.
23. A system of claim 22, wherein the feature of the household product is a container.
24. A system of claim 23, wherein the container is a spray container.
25. A system of claim 24, wherein the light systems are disposed in at least one of the bottom of the container, the neck of the container, the interior of the container, the top of the container, and the nozzle of the container.
26. A system of claim 23, wherein the container contains a fluid.
27. A system of claim 26, wherein the fluid is selected from the group consisting of water, ammonia, bleach, window cleaner, insect repellant, insect killer, lotion, soap, liquid soap, kitchen cleaner, bathroom cleaner, shaving gel, cleaning fluid, lighter fluid, furniture polish, wood treatment, paint, primer, drain cleaner, disinfectant, room deodorizer, carpet deodorizer, room scent, perfume, cologne, shaving foam, toilet cleaner, aerosol, skin care fluid, suntan lotion, shampoo, surface cleaner, and liquid wax.
28. A system of claim 26, wherein the light system changes the color of the fluid in response to the processor.
29. A system of claim 26, wherein the container is a spray container, and wherein the light system illuminates the spray of fluid coming from the container.
30. A system of claim 29, wherein the light system is configured to produce a rainbow effect on the spray.
31. A system of claim 29, wherein the light system changes the color of the spray in response to the processor.
32. A system of claim 23, wherein the container is an aerosol can.
33. A system of claim 22, wherein the household product is selected from the group consisting of a pencil, a pen, a fork, a knife, a spoon, a kitchen utensil, a whisk, a broom, a bottle, a glass, a mug, a coffee maker, a toothpaste tube, a dispenser, a shampoo bottle, a soap holder, a razor, an electric razor, a hair dryer, a picture frame, a marker, a jar, a makeup facility, a perfume dispenser, a brush, a lipstick, and a candle.
34. A system of claim 33, wherein the processor changes light to indicate data related to the product.
35. A system of claim 34, wherein the data relates to the freshness of the product.
36. A system of claim 35, wherein the data relates to the efficacy of the product.
37. A system of claim 22, wherein the processor is responsive to a network.
38. A system of claim 22, wherein the processor responds to data directed to an address.
39. A system of claim 22, wherein the processor is responsive to a sensor.
40. A system of claim 22, wherein the color is a color temperature of white illumination.
41. A system of claim 22, wherein the household product further comprises an optical facility for operating on light emitted from the lighting system.
42. A system of claim 41, wherein the optical facility is selected from the group consisting of a lens, a mirror, a liquid lens, a spinning mirror, a fresnel lens, a convex lens, a concave lens, a fiber optic, and a light pipe.
43. A method of providing insect control, comprising:
- providing a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and
- providing an insect control facility in connection with the light system.
44. A method of claim 43, wherein the insect control facility comprises at least one of a roach motel, a flypaper, a mosquito net, a tiki torch, a mosquito coil, a bug zapper, a deck light, and a pool light.
45. A method of claim 43, wherein the processor is used to control the light system to produce light of a selected frequency.
46. A method of claim 43, wherein the frequency is a color temperature of white light.
47. A method of claim 43, wherein the frequency is designed to attract insects of a selected type.
48. A method of claim 43, wherein the frequency is designed to repel insects of a selected type.
49. A method of claim 43, wherein the insect control facility is configured a wand that contains the light system and that sprays insect spray.
50. A system for providing insect control, comprising:
- a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and
- an insect control facility in connection with the light system.
51. A system of claim 50, wherein the insect control facility comprises at least one of a roach motel, a flypaper, a mosquito net, a tiki torch, a mosquito coil, a bug zapper, a deck light, and a pool light.
52. A system of claim 50, wherein the processor is used to control the light system to produce light of a selected frequency.
53. A system of claim 50, wherein the frequency is a color temperature of white light.
54. A system of claim 50, wherein the frequency is designed to attract insects of a selected type.
55. A system of claim 50, wherein the frequency is designed to repel insects of a selected type.
56. A system of claim 50, wherein the insect control facility is configured a wand that contains the light system and that sprays insect spray.
57. A method of providing illumination for a toilet, comprising:
- providing a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and
- disposing the light system in connection with a toilet.
58. A method of claim 57, wherein disposing the light system comprises disposing it on the seat of the toilet.
59. A method of claim 57, wherein disposing the light system comprises disposing it in the toilet bowl.
60. A method of claim 57, wherein disposing the light system comprises disposing it in a rack above the toilet bowl.
61. A method of claim 57, wherein disposing the light system comprises disposing it in connection with an odor control facility.
62. A system for providing illumination for a toilet, comprising:
- a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and
- a toilet, wherein the light system is disposed to illuminate a portion of the toilet.
63. A system of claim 63, wherein the light system is disposed on the seat of the toilet.
64. A system of claim 63, wherein the light system is disposed in the toilet bowl.
65. A system of claim 63, wherein the light system is disposed in a rack above the toilet bowl.
66. A system of claim 63, wherein the light system is disposed in connection with an odor control facility.
67. A method of providing illumination for an appliance, comprising:
- providing a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and
- disposing the light system in connection with an appliance.
68. A method of claim 67, wherein the appliance is selected from the group consisting of a toilet, a faucet, a shower, a tub, a sink, an appliance, a refrigerator, an oven, a microwave, a counter, a drawer, a cabinet, a floor, a ceiling, a wall, a chair, a desk, a table, a washer, a dryer, a mixer, a blender, and a toaster.
69. A method of claim 68, wherein the light system responds to a sensor associated with the appliance.
70. A method of claim 69, wherein the sensor is a heat sensor and the light illuminates to indicate that the appliance is hot.
71. A system for providing illumination for an appliance, comprising:
- a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and
- an appliance in connection with which the light system provides illumination for part of the appliance.
72. A system of claim 71, wherein the appliance is selected from the group consisting of a toilet, a faucet, a shower, a tub, a sink, an appliance, a refrigerator, an oven, a microwave, a counter, a drawer, a cabinet, a floor, a ceiling, a wall, a chair, a desk, a table, a washer, a dryer, a mixer, a blender, and a toaster.
73. A system of claim 72, wherein the light system responds to a sensor associated with the appliance.
74. A system of claim 73, wherein the sensor is a heat sensor and the light illuminates to indicate that the appliance is hot.
75. A method of providing illumination for a toothbrush, comprising:
- providing a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and
- disposing the light system in connection with a toothbrush.
76. A method of claim 75, wherein the toothbrush is provided with a light-transmissive material.
77. A system for illumination for a toothbrush, comprising:
- a toothbrush, and
- a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs to light the toothbrush.
78. A system of claim 77, wherein the toothbrush is made of a light-transmissive material.
79. A method of providing a candle, comprising:
- providing a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs;
- shaping the light system to fit a candle; and
- providing a removable base for the candle, so that the candle produces color-changing effects.
80. A method of claim 79, wherein the color changing effect is changing a color temperature of white illumination.
81. A candle, comprising:
- a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs shaped to fit a candle; and
- a removable base for the candle, so that the candle produces color-changing effects.
82. A candle of claim 81, wherein the color changing effect is changing a color temperature of white illumination.
83. A method of packaging merchandise, comprising:
- providing a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and
- disposing the light system in connection with packaging for an item of merchandise.
84. A method of claim 83, wherein the packaging is selected from the group consisting of a can, a container, a box, a package, and a shrinkwrap package.
85. A method of claim 83, wherein the item of merchandise is selected from the group consisting of a household cleaner, a wax, a shampoo, a soap, a razor, a toothbrush, a light bulb and a skin care product.
86. A packaging system for merchandise, comprising:
- a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and
- packaging for an item of merchandise, wherein the light system lights a portion of the packaging.
87. A system of claim 86, wherein the packaging is selected from the group consisting of a can, a container, a box, a package, and a shrinkwrap package.
88. A system of claim 86, wherein the item of merchandise is selected from the group consisting of a household cleaner, a wax, a shampoo, a soap, a razor, a toothbrush, a light bulb and a skin care product.
89. A method of providing illumination for a razor, comprising:
- providing a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and
- disposing the light system in connection with the razor.
90. A method of claim 89, wherein the razor is provided with a light-transmissive material.
91. An illuminated razor, comprising:
- a razor; and
- a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs to light a portion of the razor.
92. A razor of claim 91, wherein the razor is made of a light-transmissive material.
93. A method of providing illumination for a broom, comprising:
- providing a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and
- disposing the light system in connection with the broom.
94. A method of claim 93, wherein the broom is provided with a light-transmissive material.
95. An illuminated broom, comprising:
- a broom; and
- a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs to light a portion of the broom.
96. A broom of claim 95, wherein the broom is made of a light-transmissive material.
97. A method of providing illumination for a showerhead, comprising:
- providing a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and
- disposing the light system in connection with the showerhead.
98. A method of claim 89, wherein the showerhead is provided with a light-transmissive material.
99. An illuminated showerhead, comprising:
- a showerhead; and
- a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs to light at least one of a portion of the showerhead and water coming from the showerhead.
100. A showerhead of claim 91, wherein the showerhead is made of a light-transmissive material.
101. A method of providing illumination for an animal collar, comprising:
- providing a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and
- disposing the light system in connection with the animal collar.
102. A method of claim 101, wherein the animal collar is provided with a light-transmissive material.
103. An illuminated animal collar, comprising:
- a collar; and
- a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs to light at least one of a portion of the collar.
104. A collar of claim 103, wherein the collar is made of a light-transmissive material.
105. A method of providing illumination for a chemical, comprising:
- providing a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and
- lighting the chemical with the light system, wherein the light interacts with the chemical to create an effect.
106. A method of claim 105, wherein the effect is generated by a luminescent facility of the chemical.
107. A method of claim 105, wherein the effect is used to confirm that a chemical has been applied over a given surface.
108. A method of claim 105, wherein the chemical is at least one of an insect repellant, a deck sealer, a lotion, a medicine and a suntan lotion.
109. An illumination system for a chemical, comprising:
- a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and
- a chemical, wherein the light interacts with the chemical to create an effect.
110. A system of claim 109, wherein the effect is generated by a luminescent facility of the chemical.
111. A system of claim 109, wherein the effect is used to confirm that a chemical has been applied over a given surface.
112. A system of claim 109, wherein the chemical is at least one of an insect repellant, a deck sealer, a lotion, a medicine and a suntan lotion.
113. A method of providing illumination and scent, comprising:
- providing a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and
- providing a scent-producing facility for producing coordinated illumination and scent.
114. A method of claim 113, wherein coordination is by a network.
115. A method of claim 113, wherein the scent-producing facility is an air freshener.
116. A method of claim 113, wherein the scent is correlated with illumination that reflects at least one of a similar aesthetic condition, an emotional state, an environmental condition, and a data item.
117. A system for providing illumination and scent, comprising:
- a light system with a plurality of LEDs and a processor for controlling a color of light from the LEDs; and
- a scent-producing facility for producing coordinated illumination and scent.
118. A system of claim 117, wherein coordination is by a network.
119. A system of claim 117, wherein the scent-producing facility is an air freshener.
120. A system of claim 117, wherein the scent is correlated with illumination that reflects at least one of a similar aesthetic condition, an emotional state, an environmental condition, and a data item.
121. A method of illuminating a fluid household product, comprising:
- providing a container for the fluid household product;
- providing a light system in operative connection with the container, the light system comprising a light and a processor and being capable of producing illumination of a plurality of colors under control of the processor; and
- illuminating the fluid using the light system.
122. A method of claim 121, wherein the light system illuminates a spray of fluid coming from the container.
123. A method of claim 121, wherein the container is transparent and the light system illuminates fluid in the container.
124. A method of claim 121, wherein the light system lights a package for the container.
125. A system for illuminating a fluid household product, comprising:
- a container for the fluid household product;
- a light system in operative connection with the container, the light system comprising a light and a processor and being capable of producing illumination of a plurality of colors under control of the processor; and
- wherein the light system illuminates the fluid.
126. A system of claim 125, wherein the light system illuminates a spray of fluid coming from the container.
127. A system of claim 125, wherein the container is transparent and the light system illuminates fluid in the container.
128. A system of claim 125, wherein the light system lights a package for the container.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 5, 2003
Publication Date: Nov 23, 2006
Patent Grant number: 7303300
Applicant: Color Kinetics, Inc. (Boston, MA)
Inventors: Kevin Dowling (Westford, MA), Charles Cella (Pembroke, MA), Josh Strauss (Evanston, IL), Michael Blackwell (Milton, MA)
Application Number: 10/656,807
International Classification: F21V 33/00 (20060101);