Abstract: A liquid crystal display device capable of improving reliability of a backlight unit is disclosed. The liquid crystal display device includes: a backlight dimming modulating unit configured to modulate an internal algorithm backlight dimming control signal using an external input algorithm backlight dimming control signal and to maintain a dimming duty equal to or wider than an allowable dimming range of a backlight unit; arithmetic unit configured to multiply the external input algorithm backlight dimming control signal by the modulated internal algorithm backlight dimming control signal and to output a final backlight dimming control signal; and a data modulating unit configured to modulate image data using the external input algorithm backlight dimming control signal corresponding to the modulated final backlight dimming control signal.

Abstract: A hybrid lighting device is described. The hybrid lighting device comprises a solar panel arranged to generate electric power; a wind turbine arranged to generate electric power; an energy storage device electrically connected with the power controller and arranged to store electric power; a power controller electrically connected with the energy storage device and the solar panel and the wind turbine and arranged to transfer electric power; and an induction-based light source electrically connected with the power controller.

Abstract: A method of creating a light effect using the concurrent exposure of a variety of colored designs to at least two different colored light emitting diode lights and controlling the light emitting diode lights.

Abstract: An ultrasonic lamp control method is provided. The control method includes the following steps. The ultrasonic lamp emits a first burst, and detects whether a first echo is received within a fixed period of time after the emission of the first burst. If the first echo is received within the fixed period of time, then the ultrasonic lamp neglects the first echo and emits a second burst. The ultrasonic lamp detects whether a second echo is received within the fixed period of time after the emission of the second burst. If the second echo is received within the fixed period of time, then the ultrasonic lamp enters a control mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid state lighting system which comprises at least one luminaire controller (208, 203), a plurality of light engines (201, 203; 301, 303) each being coupled to a plurality of light emitting devices (RG, B, A) and a single sensor (206, 306) coupled to each of the at least one luminaire controller (208; 308) for sensing the light emitted by the plurality of light emitting devices. The luminaire controller is adapted to control at least one of the plurality of light engines based on the sensing signal from the sensor (206, 306) such that a feedback control loop is implemented. A synchronization connection (205) is provided between the plurality of light engines (101, 103; 301, 303) to synchronize the plurality of light engines (101, 103; 301, 303).

Abstract: A temperature measurement system is provided for a light emitting diode (LED) assembly that includes an LED having two semiconductors joined together at an LED junction. The system includes a temperature sensor operatively connected to the LED assembly at a remote location that is remote from the LED junction. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature of the LED assembly at the remote location. A temperature calculation module is operatively connected to the temperature sensor for receiving the measured temperature at the remote location from the temperature sensor. The temperature calculation module is configured to determine a junction temperature at the LED junction based on the measured temperature a the remote location.

Abstract: An illustrative LED driver circuit includes an automatic on and off control function using a light sensing circuit having a light sensing element reacting to ambient light. The circuit uses flyback converter topology and a power factor correction (PFC) controller. The light sensing function is provided by coupling the light sensing circuit to a monitoring/disable function of the PFC controller, thus providing automatic on and off control of the LED driver circuit by using a light sensing element such as a photocell.

Abstract: A solar-powered light assembly that communicates by radio with other assemblies is configured such that its radio is operable, in either a long period sleep mode or a short period sleep mode. When in the short period sleep mode, a network of light assemblies can collectively react relatively quickly to motion detection at one assembly. The long sleep period mode allows for conservation of power at times when the system is not intended to be responsive to motion detection.

Abstract: An LED module (10) comprising a thermally conductive circuit board (12); at least one LED chip (14a to 14f) mounted on the thermally conductive circuit board (12); at least one temperature sensor (24) mounted on the thermally conductive circuit board (12), for determining the temperature of the at least one LED chip (14a to 14f); an optical arrangement (16), which is arranged above the at least one LED chip (14a to 14f) and is mounted on the thermally conductive circuit board (12), wherein the optical arrangement (16) has at least one light-guiding section (20); and a light sensor (18) arranged on the thermally conductive circuit board (12), said light sensor being arranged with respect to the at least one light-guiding section (20) in such a way that it can sense light guided in the light-guiding section (20).

Abstract: An LED-based light tube for use in a conventional fluorescent fixture can feature a housing including a light transmitting portion. At least one electrical connector can be attached to the housing and configured for engagement with the conventional fluorescent fixture. At least one LED can be arranged to produce light in a direction toward the light transmitting portion. A sensor can be operable to detect a brightness level and output a corresponding signal. A controller can be in electrical communication with the at least one electrical connector and operable to control the at least one LED in response to the signal.

Abstract: An electrodeless plasma lamp and a method of controlling operation of a plasma lamp are provided. The plasma lamp may a power source to provide radio frequency (RF) power and a lamp body to receive the RF power from a feed. The lamp body may comprise a dielectric material having a dielectric constant greater than 2 and bulb is provided that contains a fill that forms a plasma that emits light when at least a portion of the RF power is coupled to the fill. A light guide directs light from the bulb to a photosensor that is shielded from light output from a front side of the lamp body. The lamp includes a drive circuit to control operation of the lamp based on a level of light detected by the photosensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the output of a plurality of light sources. The system can include four or more light sources (e.g. light emitting diodes (“LEDs”)) and a controller. The light sources are included in, for example, a luminaire. The respective outputs of the plurality of light sources are controlled using a hue and purity (“HP”) control technique. The HP technique includes selecting a dominant hue (e.g., green, blue, red, etc.). The purity of the selected hue is then modified to include or remove wavelengths of light adjacent to the selected hue. For example, if the selected hue is green, gradually reducing the purity of the selected hue gradually increases the presence of cyan and amber in the output of the luminaire. As the purity is reduced further, additional wavelengths of light are included, but the output of the luminaire remains, in essence, green.

Abstract: The present invention relates to color generation in an indoor or outdoor lighting device, and more particularly to a control method which provides spatially consistent color control of a lighting device designed for use in, e.g., spatially extended premises or environments containing obstacles, and thus including multiple light sensors to allow efficient control. Color consistency is achieved by an arrangement where light of one or more of the light sources impinges on more than one light sensor. If constructional detector features, such as filter characteristics, coincide, then these sensors should in principle, after the appropriate processing, report identical color points of the light source under consideration. Indeed, color is a path-independent property of light, and this is the basis for a mutual calibration scheme of the detectors according to the invention.

Abstract: A control device is provided for controlling a light emission device. The control device includes a light metering unit configured to acquire respective light metering values from a plurality of light metering regions. The control device further includes a correction unit configured to correct information about a light metering value of a target region based on a result of comparison between the light metering value of the target region and the light metering value of the light metering region at the periphery of the target region among the plurality of light metering regions, the result being acquired by the light metering unit allowing the light emission device to perform pre-flashing. Also, a calculation unit is provided which is configured to calculate a main light emission amount of the light emission device based on the information about the light metering value corrected by the correction unit.

Abstract: A photocontroller operates one or more lamps, such as a GU24 compact fluorescent lamp, based on ambient light to provide dusk-to-dawn operation. The photocontroller includes a photosensor for detecting the level of ambient light. The photosensor provides a signal to a photocontrol circuit that controls a switching device to selectively provide power to the lamp based on the level of ambient light detected by the photosensor. A fault detection circuit monitors the level of ambient light and the status of the lamp to determine whether the photocontroller is operating properly. The fault detection circuit determines the status of the lamp based on current flow to the lamp as determined by a current sensor. In addition, the photocontroller can include a processor for performing certain photocontrol and fault monitoring functions.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing light includes a chamber and an ignition source that ionizes a gas within the chamber. The apparatus also includes at least one laser that provides energy to the ionized gas within the chamber to produce a high brightness light. The laser can provide a substantially continuous amount of energy to the ionized gas to generate a substantially continuous high brightness light.

Abstract: A method for controlling a color adjustable light source (101) configured to illuminate an object (110) is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of setting (301) a color temperature of a reference white point (cpref) at the black body curve (202), acquiring (302) information as to a color of the object (cpobj), receiving (303) a desired saturation level, and controlling (304) the light source (101) to illuminate the object (110) with light corresponding to the color temperature of the reference white point and comprising a saturated component corresponding to the color of the object. A corresponding system (100) for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Photosensor circuits include a relay coil configured to control application of an alternating current (AC) power source to a load. The circuit includes a pulse width modulator circuit configured to generate a pulse width modulated signal having a pulse width that varies responsive to an average voltage across the relay coil, including a capacitor of an averaging circuit coupled in parallel with the relay coil. A drive transistor is coupled between the relay coil and a neutral bus that controls the average voltage across the relay coil responsive to the pulse width modulated signal. A photo control circuit, including a select transistor, is configured to control application of the pulse width modulated signal to the drive transistor responsive to a detected light level. The pulse width modulator circuit further includes a current amplifier coupled between the voltage averaging circuit and the select transistor.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) power supply system includes a photoelectric conversion element, an electric energy storage element, a PWM signal output element, and an LED driving unit. The photoelectric conversion element is configured for converting solar energy into electric energy. The electric energy storage element stores the electric energy from the photoelectric conversion element. The PWM signal output element and LED driving unit are both powered by the storage element. The PWM signal output element is configured to output pulse signals of different widths based on different controls of the LED to the LED driving unit, and the LED driving unit is configured to receive and convert the pulse signals into driving signals for the LED.

Abstract: An outdoor LED (light emitting diode) system includes an LED device, a storage battery storing an electric energy therein and connected to the LED device to provide an electric power to the LED device, a solar energy generator connected to the storage battery to provide an electric power to the storage battery, and a wind power generator connected to the storage battery to provide an electric power to the storage battery. Thus, the electric power of the LED device is supplied by two types of natural energy, including the solar energy and the wind energy, to prevent from incurring an environmental pollution so as to satisfy the requirements of environment protection.

Abstract: A lamp and methods of forming are shown. In one example, a dielectric layer is formed over a gap between conductors in a plasma lamp. Electric arcing is reduced or eliminated, thus allowing tighter gaps and/or higher voltages. In one example a glass frit method is used to apply the dielectric layer. A lamp is shown with a barrier layer that prevents tarnish such as tarnish from sulfur exposure. The barrier layer reduces or prevents degradation of the lamp due to conversion of a conductor material to non-conductive tarnish material.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a power supply unit, a switch unit, a bulb, a wireless unit, and a control unit. The power supply unit is for supplying power. The switch unit is for opening or closing a circuit between the power source unit and the bulb. The wireless unit is for receiving wireless signals from an external control device, and generating a first control signal when receiving the wireless signals. The control unit is for generating a close signal according to the first control signal. The switch unit closes the circuit between the power source unit and the bulb according to the close signal to enable the bulb to keep emitting light; and opens the circuit between the power source unit and the bulb if no receiving the close signal, thereby keeping the bulb extinguishing. A related control device for controlling the apparatus is also provided.

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: Programmable occupancy sensors that control the on/off operation of a fluorescent lamp automatically determine loss of lamp life as the lamp is used. The programmable occupancy sensors can provide lamp life status and can automatically alert a user when a lamp is nearing its end of life and should be replaced. The occupancy sensors are also programmable to automatically improve lamp life and energy savings by selecting an optimal time delay from among a number of selectable time delays at which to operate the sensor. The selection is based on an occupancy pattern sensed by the sensor over a given period of time. The optimal time delay, which prevents the lamp from turning off immediately after last sensing occupancy, extends lamp life by limiting the number of lamp off/on transitions, which shortens lamp life, in view of overall energy usage and lamp usage.

Abstract: A computerized method for controlling one or more a lights in an area. The method may include establishing an electronic profile of lighting conditions in an area to be controlled and then controlling lighting conditions in the area based on the profile. For example, the profile could be created by determining a respective influence on artificial light of each switch within the area to be controlled. This information could be used to turn on the appropriate switches that best match a set point for a light level in the area.

Abstract: A method for producing an optical output in substantially linear relationship with an input electrical AC signal, including the following steps: providing a light-emitting transistor having emitter, base, and collector regions, the light-emitting transistor producing light emission from its base region in response to electrical signals applied with respect to the emitter, base, and collector regions; applying a signal derived from the input signal to the light-emitting transistor; deriving a feedback signal from an electrical operating signal of the light-emitting transistor; applying a predistortion factor to the derived feedback signal to produce a predistorted feedback signal; and combining the predistorted feedback signal with the input signal to produce the signal derived from thr input signal; whereby the light emission comprises an optical output in substantially linear relationship with the input signal.

Abstract: A system for luminance characterization of a luminaire includes a ballast coil and a multi-tap capacitor connected in series with the ballast coil. The multi-tap capacitor has a plurality of tap capacitors integrated into a capacitor housing. A plurality of switches are each coupled to one of the plurality of tap capacitors for selectively coupling the tap capacitors together to produce a multi-tap capacitance corresponding to a configuration of the plurality of switches. A lamp is connected in series with the multi-tap capacitor and the ballast coil. A photometer is located to measure light intensity of the lamp and to produce a lumen output measurement. A memory is used to store a database having a plurality of lumen output measurements, each corresponding to a multi-tap capacitance corresponding to all configurations of the plurality of switches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a an interactive light system for a clothing rack, particularly for creating attraction lighting for clothes hanging on a rail of the clothing rack. A basic idea of the invention to control light sources integrated in the clothing rack depending on the detection of an object such as a person. This allows implementing a kind of an interactive lighting function, and furthermore attraction functions for shoppers. An interactive light system (10) according to an embodiment of the invention for a clothing rack (12) comprises one or more light sources (14) integrated in the clothing rack (12), one or more sensors (16, 18, 20) adapted to detect an object (22), and a control unit (24) which receives signals (26) from the sensors (16, 18, 20) and is adapted to evaluate the received signals (26) and to generate control signals (28) for the light sources (14) controlling the lighting depending on the evaluation.

Abstract: A remotely controllable track lighting system includes a track mountable to a support structure, such as a wall or ceiling, with lamps that are supported on the track that are individually controlled by a wireless remote. Each lamp on the track may be set to respectively different intensity levels (e.g., high, mid, low, off) or the user can uniformly control the lamps to be set to the same intensity level. Advantageously, all of the lamps may be set, upon initially turning on the lamps or at another time as desired, to their respective previously set intensity levels. The track system may also be powered via a wall switch where initially turning on the lamps via the wall switch advantageously causes all of the lamps to return to their respective previously set intensity levels or the user can move the wall switch off then on within a short period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) to cause all of the lamps to be set high. Other features and variations also are provided.

Abstract: A lighting device (10) comprises a LED (4), a driver (3), and a controller (2) which regularly switches from a drive state to a measuring state and back. In the measuring state, the controller controls the driver such that the driver does not generate any LED current. The LED produces a measuring signal (Sm) indicating a measured light level. The controller processes the measuring signal received from the LED, and makes a decision on the desired light output of the LED. In the drive state, the controller controls the driver such that the average light output produced by the LED corresponds to the desired light output as determined in the measuring state. In a possible embodiment, the driver generates a nominal LED current INOM, and sets the duration (?1) of the drive state on the basis of the desired light output of the LED as determined in the measuring state.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a system, apparatus, and method of controlling an intensity and spectrum of light emitted from a solid state lighting system. The solid state lighting has a first emitted spectrum at full intensity and at a selected temperature, with a first electrical biasing for the solid state lighting producing a first wavelength shift, and a second electrical biasing for the solid state lighting producing a second, opposing wavelength shift. Exemplary embodiments provide for receiving information designating a selected intensity level or a selected temperature; and providing a combined first electrical biasing and second electrical biasing to the solid state lighting to generate emitted light having the selected intensity level and having a second emitted spectrum within a predetermined variance of the first emitted spectrum over a predetermined range of temperatures.

Abstract: A circuit may include a switch mode power converter that intermittently enables a current path in response to a switch control signal; a duty cycle measurement circuit that generates a duty cycle value corresponding to a duty cycle of the switch control signal; and an evaluation circuit that activates a failure indication in response to the duty cycle value being outside of at least one limit.

Abstract: A light-guide device is provided for detecting and amplify the light emitted by indicator lamps of functional modules mounted in a chassis. The light-guide device includes a plurality of light-guide columns, a circuit board, and a plurality of light-guide blocks. The circuit board includes a plurality of amplifying circuits, each including a photosensitive diode and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). One of the LEDs is lit when the photosensitive diode detecting the light emitted by the indicator lamp of one corresponding functional modules. The light-guide blocks guide lights emitted by the corresponding LEDs to an outside of the chassis.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus that can be used to operate a display device in an energy efficient manner. The energy efficient display device can effectively and efficiently compensate for changes in ambient light incident at a display screen of the display device using an internal ambient light sensor to provide control signals to a backlight driver.

Abstract: A portable illuminated device including a resilient plastic hanger and a battery powered LED light source. The plastic hanger allows the device to be placed over the exterior portion of a door lock handle to serve as a visual aid for emergency responders, such as paramedics, responding to a 911 call, to more easily locate the residence that is in need of emergency assistance. And, to allow hanging the device from the supporting member of a vehicle rear view mirror, allowing a person to easily locate their vehicle in a large, dark or unfamiliar parked location.

Abstract: A portable electronic device and a light flickering method for light emitting elements thereof are both disclosed herein. The portable electronic device includes at least one light emitting element. The light flickering method comprises the following steps: setting personalized light flickering data with a user interface; storing the personalized light flickering data; generating a control signal in accordance with the personalized light flickering data; and generating a driving signal in accordance with the control signal and driving the light emitting elements with the driving signal.

Abstract: An electrical interface module (EIM) is provided between an LED illumination device and a light fixture. The EIM includes an arrangement of contacts that are adapted to be coupled to an LED illumination device and a second arrangement of contacts that are adapted to be coupled to the light fixture and may include a power converter. Additionally, an LED selection module may be included to selectively turn on or off LEDs. A communication port may be included to transmit information associated with the LED illumination device, such as identification, indication of lifetime, flux, etc. The lifetime of the LED illumination device may be measured and communicated, e.g., by an RF signal, IR signal, wired signal or by controlling the light output of the LED illumination device. An optic that is replaceably mounted to the LED illumination device may include, e.g., a flux sensor that is connected to the electrical interface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an illuminating system and a method thereof, comprising a light emitting module, a light sensor and a control module, wherein the control module connects to the light emitting module and the light sensor. The light emitting module emitting light with a first frequency, the light sensor detecting an intensity of incident light, and the control module controls the light emitting module to emit light with a second frequency according to the intensity of incident light.

Abstract: An arrangement of an outdoor light enabling ambient light detection comprises an ambient light detector coupled to the outdoor light; and a user interface accessible by a user separate from the outdoor light; wherein the user interface enables controlling the operation of the ambient light detector.

Abstract: A wireless-controlled solar brick includes a circuit board disposed with a microcontroller that connects with a signal receiver and a plurality of light sources. A solar panel is disposed above the circuit board. There is a remote controller corresponding to the solar brick. The remote controller consists of a control module connected with a signal transmitter. The solar brick is placed on flat surface, such as the ground or a wall. Sunlight can be absorbed by the solar panel to generate electric power for further storage of the same. While in the dark or at night, the light source emits light to allow the solar brick to be seen clearly under conditions of low visibility. The colors or lighting patterns of the solar brick can be changed by using the remote controller, thereby providing a dynamic light and shadow show on the flat surface.

Abstract: A light control signal generating circuit includes a photosensitive element, two transistors, and four resistances. A first resistance and the photosensitive element are connected in series between a power voltage terminal and a ground terminal. A base electrode of a first transistor is connected to a node between the first resistance and the photosensitive element, a collecting electrode is connected to the power voltage terminal through a second resistance, and an emitting electrode is connected to the ground terminal through a third resistance. A base electrode of a second transistor is connected to a node between the second resistance and the first transistor, a collecting electrode is connected to the power voltage terminal through a fourth resistance, and an emitting electrode is connected to the ground terminal through the third resistance. An output terminal is formed from a node between the fourth resistance and the second transistor.

Abstract: A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load comprises a rotary actuator, such as a rotary knob or a rotary wheel. The load control device increases and decreases the amount of power delivered to the electrical load in response to rotations of the rotary knob in first and second directions, respectively. The load control device accelerates the rate of change of the amount of power delivered to the load in response to the angular velocity of the rotary actuator. The load control device generates a ratcheting sound when the rotary actuator is rotated in the first direction at a high-end intensity of the load control device. The load control device is operable to control the electrical load in response to both actuations of the rotary actuator and digital messages received via a communication link.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for automatic brightness control of a light source. The system includes at least one light sensor that operates in a different range of the light spectrum than the light spectrum generated by the controlled light source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid-state based light source, a corresponding circuitry and a method of emitting light, including one or more light source elements for generating light, a first sensor for receiving light emitted by the light source elements and ambient light and for generating a first sensor signal (S1) representing the received light, a second sensor for only receiving ambient light and for generating a second sensor signal (S2) representing the received ambient light. Moreover, the solid-state based light source comprises a control unit for receiving the first and the second sensor signals (S1, S2) and for generating control signals (Sc) for controlling the light source elements, based on the difference between the first and the second sensor signals (S1, S2), to compensate for the influence of the ambient light.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for illuminating a plurality of emitters such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). The system comprises a plurality of LEDs and a circuit to provide a digital signal. An LED drive circuit is included comprising a first converter for converting the digital signal to one or more analog voltages. The LED drive circuit further comprises a second converter that converts the one or more analog voltages into corresponding one or more drive currents. Each of the drive currents is applied to at least one of the plurality of LEDs to cause the at least one of the plurality of LEDs to emit light. The intensity of emission of the LEDs is related to the level of the applied drive current.

Abstract: An improved means of measuring ambient light and controlling light sources based on those measurements. This embodiment of measuring ambient light, and only ambient light, by selectively turning off any LED light sources that the device controls and then using an ambient light sensor [12] to measure the remaining light. All of this must be done in such a way as to be undetected by people who are using the light for various purposes.

Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a first imaging sensor having a first forward field of view and a second imaging sensor spaced from the first imaging sensor and having a second forward field of view, which at least partially overlaps with the first forward field of view. A control processes image data captured by at least one of the first and second imaging sensors to determine an object present in the first and/or second forward fields of view. The control is operable to modulate a headlamp of the vehicle responsive to the processing of image data captured by the at least one of the first and second imaging sensors. The control may process image data captured by both of the imaging sensors to determine a distance between the equipped vehicle and an object present in the overlap of the first and second forward fields of view.

Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device (1000) comprising an at least partially transparent solar cell (200) that is arranged at the back side of an at least partially transparent light source (100). Preferably, the light source (100) is an OLED that is structured into a plurality of electroluminescent zones (131) and inactive zones (132). The electroluminescent zones are preferably aligned with reflective zones (311) of a mirror layer (310) that is disposed between the light source (100) and the solar cell (200).

Abstract: A process and system of lighting with green energy source and intelligent power management, which saves energy consuming and limits pollution. The system is using solar power, green battery, and LED which are clean, long life; save, and energy saving. A microcontroller coordinates devices and sensors to optimize the operation of the system to generate illumination. The process includes the steps of sensing the environment, selecting power source, determining the energy output and driving the light device in order to most efficiently using energy and generate sufficient light for different purposes.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel control system for a Poly-Chromatic light-emitting diode (LED) lighting system, and applies feed forward and feedback control techniques to regulate the color and luminous outputs. Also, the control system is proposed for achieving luminous and color consistency for Poly-Chromatic LED lighting.