Abstract: A position detecting system with a position information providing apparatus, a transceiver, and a processor. The position information providing apparatus comprises a light emitting-out side having at least one position information region distributed on an outer surface of the light emitting-out side. The position information region comprises materials which are distributed on the outer surface and provide the position information. The light has position information from the position information region when the light emits out from at least part of the light emitting-out side. The transceiver receives the light with the position information. The processor determines a relative position between the transceiver and the position information providing apparatus according to the position information received by the transceiver.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for arranging a set of media items based on user profiles are disclosed. The apparatus includes a processor in communication with user identification ports and a plurality of surfaces for displaying media items. The processor in accordance with the invention receives a user identifier from one of the user identification ports, retrieves a user profile associated with the user identifier, calculates a preference vector for the media items within the set based on the user profile, and directs the plurality of surfaces to change an arrangement of the display of the set of media items from a first configuration to a second configuration based on the preference vector. The processor thereby changes which of the first set of media items is displayed on at least one of the plurality of surfaces.

Abstract: An electric light bulb type light source apparatus includes a base, an insulated power source circuit, a light source unit, a light source drive circuit, a speaker, a speaker drive circuit, a plurality of substrates, and a casing. The insulated power source circuit has a transformer that insulates a primary side circuit from a secondary side circuit, converts a voltage to a first DC power source voltage, and outputs the first DC power source voltage. The light source drive circuit drives the light source unit by using the first DC power source voltage output from the power source circuit. The speaker drive circuit drives the speaker by using the first DC power source voltage output from the power source circuit. On the plurality of substrates, the power source circuit, the light source drive circuit, and the speaker drive circuit are mounted. The casing contains the plurality of substrates.

Abstract: A circuit in accordance with one embodiment of the invention can include a light emitting diode (LED) assembly comprising a plurality of LED channels that are controlled independently with a switch mode driver. The circuit also includes N+1 wires coupled to said LED assembly, where N is equal to the number of said plurality of LED channels of said LED assembly.

Abstract: A portable light having a transmitter configured to emit a signal, a receiver configured to receive the signal from the transmitter, a source of electric light that includes a plurality of light modes, a power source, and a controller connected to a circuit, wherein the transmitter, the receiver, the source of electric light, the power source, and the switch are included in the circuit. The controller is configured to control the switch and a transition between or among the plurality of light modes in response to the signal received by the receiver.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp with a new LED tube is revealed herein to have at least one terminal socket at both sides of a lamp holder for terminals disposed at both sides of the LED tube to be plugged therein, wherein each terminal socket in the lamp holder is coupled with each of plural second substrates assembled with a filter inductor, and a rectifier diode disposed on a first substrate having light emitting diodes in the LED tube for output of a DC power with high or low voltage constant current suitably used in the light emitting diodes, so that the power efficiency for the light emitting diodes of the LED tube can be improved, the heating temperature of the light emitting diodes can be lowered and the life span for the LED tube can get longer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a power supply circuit for multi-path light-emitting diode (LED) loads. The two ports of the second diode are connected in parallel with the first switch tube, and the two ports of the forth diode are connected in parallel with the second switch tube. The conduction mode of the second and forth diodes is controlled by controlling the switch status of the first and second switch tubes. When the system is on a normal state, the first and second switch tubes are both switched off. When the load output of any path needs to be turned off, the corresponding switch tube should be controlled to switch on, which makes the diode connected in parallel with the switch tube short-circuited. The present invention can avoid a strong impulse current produced in filtering capacitor when the load of any path is directly short-circuited. Therefore, the present invention can reduce the current stress in circuits, improve the reliability of circuits, and reduce the cost.

Abstract: A lighting fixture for lighting in a building includes processing electronics. The processing electronics are configured to cause the lighting fixture to provide increasing levels of illumination in response to state changes associated with sensed motion in the building.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a board, a first light-emitting diode (LED) bank disposed on the board, a second LED bank disposed on the board, a light detector coupled to the first LED bank, and a driver coupled to the light detector and to each of the first and second LED banks. The first LED bank includes a plurality of first LEDs. The second LED bank includes a plurality of second LEDs, and is electrically coupled to the first LED bank. The light detector is configured to detect an output decay of light from each of the first LEDs. The second LEDs in the second LED bank are initially deactivated and are subsequently activated in response to light output decay of the first LEDs.

Abstract: Systems and method for detecting failure in solid state light sources and recovering from the failure are provided. A light engine including a controller circuit and strings of solid state light sources emits light in response to drive current provided by a driver circuit. The controller circuit monitors an output voltage of the driver circuit, and detects a failure of one of the solid state light sources. The failure is associated with a change in the output voltage of the driver circuit. The controller circuit then transmits a first signal to the driver circuit in response to detecting a failure, and the driver circuit is configured to decrease the drive current in response to the first signal.

Abstract: Proposed is a package (10) having at least two pins (11, 12). The package comprises a semiconductor structure (20) having a first function and an electrical circuit (30) comprising at least one circuit element having a second function. The structure (20) and the circuit (30) are electrically connected to the pins (11, 12). Moreover, the package is operable to perform the first and second function by time multiplexing a first (60) and second (70) operating signal through the pins (11, 12). Finally, the first function is a lighting function and the second function is a sensing function. The invention is especially advantageous as it provides a cost effective and versatile miniaturized light emitting package comprising LEDs or laser diodes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for changing a DC supply voltage applied to a lighting circuit are disclosed. In specific cases, a constant voltage power supply is used to power an LED lighting circuit in which there are uncertainties within the forward voltages of the LEDs, which in turn creates uncertainty with respect to the current level flowing through the LEDs. To manage these uncertainties, the current flowing through the LEDs is measured and an indication of the current level is communicated to a person who can manually adjust the DC voltage supply applied to the LED lighting apparatus by the constant voltage power supply. Alternatively, an automatic adjustment of the DC voltage supply applied to the LED lighting apparatus by the constant voltage power supply can be performed based upon the measured current level.

Abstract: A wireless sensor for measuring a light intensity is operable to transmit wireless signals using a variable transmission rate that is dependent upon the light intensity in the space. The sensor comprises a photosensitive circuit, a wireless transmitter for transmitting the wireless signals, and a controller coupled to the photosensitive circuit and the wireless transmitter. The photosensitive circuit is operable to generate a light intensity control signal in response to the light intensity. The controller transmits the wireless signals in response to the light intensity control signal using the variable transmission rate that is dependent upon an amount of change of the light intensity. In addition, the variable transmission rate may be further dependent upon a rate of change of the light intensity. The sensor may further comprise a battery for powering the photosensitive circuit, the wireless transmitter, and the controller.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and devices capable of wireless communications based on RF transmissions from discharges. A transmitting device includes a discharge generator having a plurality of electrodes spaced to support generation of the discharge, and a circuit coupled to the plurality of spaced electrodes to control a supply for the discharge generator. In some embodiments, controlling the supply for the discharge generator modifies a property of the discharge to modulate the RF transmission such that the resulting RF transmission is indicative of the device state or other information to be communicated.

Abstract: A system includes first, second, and third sets of LEDs and a control module. The first set of LEDs outputs light having wavelengths in a wavelength range in a spectrum of ultraviolet light and is coated with a phosphor to convert the ultraviolet light to blue light having wavelengths in a wavelength range in a spectrum of blue light. The second and third sets of LEDs output light having wavelengths in a wavelength range in the spectrum of blue light and is coated with phosphors to convert the blue light to light having wavelengths in a wavelength range in a spectrum of green, yellow, and red light. The second set of LEDs generates less red light than green light. The third set of LEDs generates less green light than red light. The current control module controls currents through the first, second, and third sets of LEDs to generate white light.

Abstract: A control system and method for automatically and seamlessly providing optimal power and/or voltage levels to an integrated, connected or other designated light assembly. In particular, the control system comprises corresponding boost, buck and feedback circuitry cooperatively utilized to intelligently increase, decrease or maintain the signal or power delivered to the light assembly at an optimal level, thereby increasing efficiency and productivity of the light assembly and allowing the light assembly to operate even in the event of a severely degraded signal due to resistance or impedance resulting from a lengthy power wire or other factors.

Abstract: The invention relates to selecting a light source from a plurality of light sources, particularly to the selecting of a light source by pointing to it with a light source selection device. An embodiment of the invention relates to a light source selection device (10) comprising—at least one photosensor (36, 38, 40) with a field of view (20, 22, 24), wherein light (26, 28, 30) from one or more light sources (32, 34) may be received by the photosensor within the field of view, and—a photosensor output signal processing unit (42) being adapted to select one or more light sources by processing the light received by each photosensor. The present invention may be for example used to select appliances or devices or objects provided with the ability to transmit coded light in the ultra violet, visible or infra red spectra, for example lights, climate, curtains, kitchenware, etc.

Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a solid-state light source and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to receive one or more ambient light level measurements corresponding to the amount of ambient light detected by an ambient light sensor, and determine a range of values for the one or more ambient light level measurements corresponding to a desired amount of light detected by the ambient light sensor. The control circuitry is then configured to drive the solid-state light source such that the one or more ambient light level measurements received from the ambient light sensor fall within the determined range of values.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for mimicking a bioluminescent signal from an animal or an insect, such as a firefly. A first version includes a controller, an electrical energy battery, a solar energy collector and a light emitting device. The solar energy collector receives sunlight and converts the sunlight to electrical energy that is stored in the battery. The electrical energy battery provides electrical energy to the light emitting device under management by the controller, and may comprise two or more battery cells or circuits. A time sequence for energizing the light emitting device may be applied to cause the light emitting device to mimic a bioluminescent lighting pattern generally exhibited by a selected species of insect or animal. A light emitting diode may be used with a voltage source and a voltmeter to detect the approximate intensity of light of an ambient environment surrounding the device.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) controlling device may include: a driving circuit unit converting input power into an output voltage and providing the output voltage to an LED module; a detecting circuit unit positioned between the driving circuit unit and the LED module and detecting the output voltage and an output current of the LED module; and a controlling circuit unit converting an external signal into a reference signal and comparing the reference signal with at least one of the output voltage and the output current to control an output of the LED module. The external signal may be one of a first signal provided by a sensor module, a second signal provided by a communications module, and a third signal provided by an output control module.

Abstract: A method and system for adjusting power supply and display screen brightness of an electronic device with a thin-film solar panel are introduced. The method includes configuring the electronic device with a first threshold level and a second threshold level, wherein the first threshold level and the second threshold level are voltage levels or current levels; attaching the thin-film solar panel to a casing of the electronic device for enabling the electronic device to convert an external light into a transformed voltage or current; and determining whether the transformed voltage or current lies between the first threshold level and the second threshold level to decide whether to allow the display screen to operate at an existing brightness level thereof continuously. The method and system enable the electronic device to receive the external light for supplementing power supple and sense the external light for adjusting power level.

Abstract: A light source apparatus includes a light source, a detection unit configured to detect light emitted by the light source, a determination unit configured to determine a target brightness, and a control unit configured to periodically perform control of light emission from the light source, wherein the control unit divides one period of the control into a first period during which the light source is caused to emit light that is to be detected by the detection unit and a second period during which the light source is caused to emit light at the target brightness, and during the first period, drives the light source using a driving signal with a value smaller than a value during the second period, and the detection unit detects light emitted by the light source during the first period.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes N detecting units, a light emitting unit having n light sources for each of the detecting units, a control unit configured to control light emission of the light sources, a storage unit configured to store, for each combination of the light source and a detecting unit that does not correspond to the light source, a degree of influence of light from the light source on a detection value, and an acquiring unit configured to acquire a light value of the light source on the basis of N detection values that are obtained in the state where the N light sources are being turned on and the degrees, wherein the control unit performing processing of turning on the N light sources n times to acquire light values of N×n light sources.

Abstract: The color of an LED-based lamp can be tuned to a desired color or color temperature. The lamp can include two or more independently addressable groups of LEDs associated with different colors or color temperatures and a total-internal-reflection (TIR) color-mixing lens to produce light of a uniform color by mixing the light from the different groups of LEDs. The color of the output light is tuned by controllably dividing an input current among the groups of LEDs. Tuning can be performed once, e.g., during manufacture, and the lamp does not require active feedback components for maintaining color temperature.

Abstract: A luminaire having a body that includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion including two or more apertures. At least one of the two or more apertures being sized to match a main lighting component, at least one other of the two or more apertures being sized to match a first function module, and at least another of the two or more apertures being sized to match a second function module. One of the first function module and the second function module is one of a motion detector, a camera, an air pollution sensor, and a communication unit.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a signal indicating that a timeout timer associated with a space has crossed a threshold. If a motion sensor is disposed within the space, the method includes sending a signal to a wireless controller operatively coupled to a light source such that the wireless controller reverts to a default state. If (1) a motion sensor is not disposed within the space and (2) a light sensor is disposed within the space, the method includes sending a signal to the wireless controller such that the wireless controller is controlled by the light sensor.

Abstract: An add-on smart controller for an LED lighting device includes a power input port, a power output port, a housing, a control unit in the housing, and at least one control signal receiver in the control unit. A power input of the control unit is connected to the power input port. A power output of the control unit is connected to the power output port. The control signal receiver is configured to receive external control signals. The control unit is configured to activate the power output port to supply output voltage responsive to the control unit receiving an ON signal. The control unit is configured to deactivate the power output port responsive to the control unit receiving an OFF signal.

Abstract: The control apparatus of the present invention determines a motion state of an object and provides an IRLED switching control signal suitable for the motion state in an apparatus for sensing/recognizing a motion of the object by using an infrared light-emitting diode (IRLED) and a photodiode (PD). Such a control apparatus is an LED driving control apparatus, and includes a motion velocity generating unit, a previous section average value generating unit, a state value generating unit, a control unit, and an LED switching control signal generating unit.

Abstract: An illumination system correlates solar time to a clock and controls lighting or illumination based on time. The illumination system may turn ON light source(s) at a first level at a turn ON time, correlated to be around or at dusk, and turn OFF light source(s) at a turn OFF time, correlated to be around or at dawn. The illumination system may reduce a level of light output, and hence power consumption, at a time after turning ON a light source, and increases the level of light output at a time prior to turning OFF the light source. Turn ON, turn OFF, decrease and increase times may be determined based on recent levels of light or illumination in the environment, for example via average or median levels over a number of previous daily cycles. Filtering may eliminate aberrant events.

Abstract: A processor receives data associated with a device. On the basis of the data associated with the device, the processor modulates a light from the artificial light source at a rate imperceptible to a human eye while detectable by a light sensor device. The modulated light is representative of the data associated with the device. The modulated light is detected, demodulated, and decoded by the light sensor device to retrieve the data associated with the device. Further, the data associated with the device is presented by the light sensor device to a user. In addition, the light sensor device is configured to receive input data from the user and communicate the input data to the processor via a wireless link. The processor is configured to receive the input data from the light sensor device and effect a change in a characteristic of the device based on the received input data.

Abstract: A detection device designed to detect the intensity of a signal emitted by a source powered by pulse-width modulation at a first frequency. The device includes a reactivation circuit including circuitry for detecting a signal modulated at a second frequency, the second frequency being different from the first frequency and tripping circuitry or tripping a reactivation of the detection device when the signal is modulated at the second frequency.

Abstract: Sensor devices (1) are provided with trigger signal generators (2) for repeatedly generating trigger signals and light detectors (12) for detecting light parameters such as intensities and colors and color temperatures and patterns and fluctuations of light (43) at a location and transmitters (9) for, in response to trigger signals, transmitting control signals based on detections to control devices (20) for controlling light sources (40) to influence the light (43) at the location. The sensor devices (1) may further comprise theme code generators (3), location code generators (4), processors (5), scanners (10), and position detectors (6).

Abstract: A method and system are provided for smoothly dimming a solid state light (SSL) source. The method includes measuring a dimming angle (S322) of a voltage received from a dimmer, determining a target brightness (S323) of light to be output by the SSL source corresponding to the dimming angle, determining a current brightness (S324) of light currently output by the SSL source, and determining a slew rate (S325) based on the current brightness and the target brightness. The current brightness of the light currently output by the SSL source is adjusted (S326) to the target brightness using the nonlinear slew rate.

Abstract: An apparatuses, methods, and systems of light emitting diode (LED) control are disclosed. One embodiment includes an LED control system that includes a sensor unit and a light emitting diode (LED) driver/controller unit. The sensor unit includes a sensor controller and a sensor, wherein the sensor is operative to generate a sensed signal based on at least one of sensed motion or light. The LED driver/controller unit includes an LED driver, and an LED controller. At least one of the sensor controller and the LED controller is operative to generate dimming control of an LED based on at least one of the sensed signal and communication from a network, and adjust a dimming of the LED based on the dimming control.

Abstract: Disclosed is a means to implement wireless daylight control of light level for a group of lighting fixtures configured to operate in the same light zone, by measuring the amount of natural daylight available in the immediate areas using a photo sensor connected to a wireless control module and wirelessly transmitting the photo sensor output or a derived value based on the photo sensor output. The wireless control can be further supplemented with occupancy control, manual adjustments and automated computerized control of the lighting fixtures configured to operate in the same light zone.

Abstract: An ambient light sensor includes a photoelectric conversion unit, a current control unit, a signal conversion unit and a comparison unit. The photoelectric conversion unit provides a photo current having a magnitude corresponding to illuminance of incident light to a first node. The current control unit generates a control current exponentially proportional to an elapse time based on a clock signal, provides the control current to the first node, and outputs a digital code corresponding to the elapse time in response to a reset signal. The signal conversion unit generates a comparison voltage logarithmically proportional to a sum of the photo current and the control current. The comparison unit generates the reset signal by comparing a magnitude of the comparison voltage and a magnitude of a reference voltage. The ambient light sensor generates the digital code effectively representing illuminance of ambient light that eyes of a human being perceives.

Abstract: Examples of security lighting routines are tailored to disrupt visual perception and/or acuity so as to significantly reduce the ability of a person or persons, who has breached security, to function within a secured space. A routine triggered in response to a security breach may include a flash at a relatively high intensity, some number of times brighter than normal illumination for the space. Some examples of routines include a warning light and/or a pre-flash light emission such as dim lighting or a flicker, to effectively prepare the person in the space for maximum effectiveness of the flash. Other examples of the routines may also include a post-flash sequence of multiple color light emissions, such as alternating emissions in sequence of pulses of different colors of light using emission and/or off time parameters that vary in an irregular manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photo sensor package for lighting, which is configured such that a micro control unit having a lighting control function as well as a timer function is integrated with a remote control element receiving a remote control signal of a lighting fixture. The photo sensor package includes a housing molded using infrared transmissible resin, a remote control element configured to receive an infrared signal, an amplification element configured to amplify a signal that is output from the remote control element, and a micro control unit configured to control a lighting fixture in response to a signal that is output from the amplification element. All of the remote control element, the amplification element, and the micro control unit are mounted on one lead frame and accommodated in the housing in such a way as to be integrated into a single structure.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a lighting system includes a luminaire and a lighting control device. The lighting control device includes an operation section, a target-value managing section, a transmitting section, and a display section and controls the luminaire. The target-value managing section stores an operation state of the luminaire and, when the operation section is operated, calculates an operation target value on the basis of the stored operation state of the luminaire and updates the operation state to the operation target value serving as an operation state of the luminaire after the operation. The transmitting section transmits the operation target value as a radio signal. The display section performs display based on the operation target value.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to devices and methods for generating light with electrode-less plasma lamps. More particularly, the present invention provides plasma lamps driven by a radio-frequency source without the use of electrodes inside the bulb, and a pulse-width modulation device that provides RF power regulation, and related methods. The bulb comprises gaseous material with metal halides and/or light emitters that, when powered, substantially stays in an arc shape state. The switching pulse-width modulation device is operable at specific modulation frequencies, duty cycles, and durations to stabilize or control the arc state/mode, which enables consistent and high efficiencies.

Abstract: A lighting controller comprising a control module is disclosed. The control module transmits electrical current to various sets of lights in accordance with scheduling data for each set of lights. The scheduling data may include start date and stop data for each set of lights.

Abstract: Control systems and devices for fuzzy logic control are disclosed. The devices may include various inputs, outputs, and levels thereof that may be controlled, for example by a logic controller.

Abstract: A lamp including a first set of light emitting diodes configured to generate first light, a second set of light emitting diodes configured to generate second light, and a third set of light emitting diodes configured to generate third light. The first light, the second light, and the third light combine to produce white light. A first switch is located at a base portion of the lamp. The state of the first switch corresponds to a color temperature of the white light. A color temperature adjustment module is configured to vary outputs of the first, second, and third sets of light emitting diodes in accordance with the color temperature of the white light selected by a user using the first switch.

Abstract: A battery powered LED light source is described for illuminating the inside of a dark enclosure when the enclosure is opened in an environment with ambient illumination. Drive circuitry adapted to the LED light source turns on the LEDs when levels of ambient light above a threshold are detected, which may occur if the light source is placed in a dark enclosure that is opened in a lit room. After being opened, the drive circuitry periodically strobes off the LED light source to take ambient light measurements without the contribution of its own LED light for determining if the enclosure has been closed and the LED light source should again be shut off.

Abstract: Lighting apparatus and methods for controlling lighting apparatus using ambient light levels are disclosed. A controller is used to activate and deactivate one or more light radiating devices within a duty cycle. The controller uses a light detection apparatus to sample ambient light levels at a plurality of sampling times during which the light radiating devices are deactivated. The controller determines an average for the light levels sampled over a survey time period, thus generating an averaged ambient light level over the survey time period. The controller adjusts an intensity of the light radiating devices based at least partially upon the averaged ambient light level. The controller may generate a target light level using the averaged ambient light level over the survey time period and a desired light level and, over an adjustment time period, incrementally adjust the intensity of the light radiating devices towards the target light level.

Abstract: This invention is a night light assembly containing a multiple LED light source and an electronic controller whereby the electronic controller causes the multiple LED light source to continually change its light output from a high intensity photopic light output to a low intensity scotopic light output in response to a transition from light to dark of an ambient light, matching a human eye response to a sudden decrease in ambient light.

Abstract: Disclosed are lighting fixtures and lighting systems for controlling lighting based on a combination of inputs. The lighting fixtures may comprise a light source, inputs electrically connectable to sensors for sensing daylight, occupancy and environmental conditions, inputs electrically connectable to a group lighting controller output, a memory, and a lighting controller for controlling the dimming state of light sources based on received inputs. The lighting systems may comprise lighting fixtures with dimmable light sources and controllers in electrical communication with the light sources. The controllers may determine dimming states of the light sources based on group inputs and local inputs indicative of light levels, occupancy statuses, and environmental conditions near the lighting fixtures.

Abstract: An electrical supply device may include a transformer with a secondary winding to feed a current to a load; control circuitry for the device; an auxiliary supply source for said control circuitry. The auxiliary supply source may include an output capacitor across which a supply voltage is provided for said control circuitry; at least one charge accumulation capacitor to be traversed by the current fed to said load; a comparator sensitive to the voltage on said at least one charge accumulation capacitor; and a switch interposed between said at least one charge accumulation capacitor and said output capacitor, said switch coupled to said comparator, whereby when the voltage on said at least one charge accumulation capacitor reaches a reference level, said switch couples said at least one charge accumulation capacitor to said output capacitor by transferring onto said output capacitor the charge on said at least one charge accumulation capacitor.

Abstract: A system for controlling a lighting system for a vehicle includes an ambient light sensor operable for detecting a level of ambient light and a lighting circuitry. The system also includes a logical control unit that receives input signals from a vehicle control unit, a user input device and the ambient light sensor. The logical control unit controls a voltage on the lighting circuitry to provide a minimum voltage based on the one or more input signals.

Abstract: A lighting fixture having a light source, a light sensor, a communication interface, and circuitry is described. In addition to controlling the light source, the circuitry is adapted to monitor for a light signal provided from a handheld device via the light sensor; upon receiving the light signal, measure a signal level associated with the light signal; and effect transmission of the signal level to the handheld device via the communication interface. In one embodiment, the circuitry is further configured to receive an instruction to monitor for the light signal from the handheld device via the communication interface such that the circuitry begins monitoring for the light signal upon receiving the instruction.