Selective Energization Of The Load Devices Patents (Class 315/153)
  • Patent number: 8344629
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Peter Deixler
  • Publication number: 20120326612
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light for illuminating a useable area, in particular a merchandise display area, comprising an adaptive illumination unit which has a number of coloured light-emitting diodes which emit light in the basic colours of a colour system, a sensor system directed towards the useable area which detects a light spectrum reflected by the useable area and/or objects lying on the useable area, and a control unit which is coupled to the sensor system and is designed to determine at least one dominant colour from the reflected light spectrum detected by the sensor system, and to actuate the light-emitting diodes to emphasise the at least one dominant colour such that they emit a light spectrum of a pre-specified colour temperature and/or intensity, in which the portion of the at least one dominant colour is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Martin KIRSTEN
  • Publication number: 20120319596
    Abstract: An illumination control system includes: illumination apparatuses having respective addresses and perform a dimming control in response to a dimming signal inputted from an outside, and an illumination control terminal which has an imaging device, a capturing range of which is set to include illumination ranges of the illumination apparatuses. The illumination control terminal segments an image captured by the imaging device into a plurality of areas so that the areas correspond to the illumination ranges, detects a person based on the captured image, determines a segmented area in which the person is present if the person has been detected and performs dimming control on an illumination apparatus corresponding to the determined segmented area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atuo NANAHARA, Shinji MATSUDA
  • Patent number: 8324817
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: iLumisys, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ivey, David L Simon
  • Publication number: 20120299486
    Abstract: The present invention deals with light level control for building illumination by controlling electric lights and windows treatment. In an embodiment, the light level is controlled by a control system (2) operatively connected to at least one interior sensor (3) for detecting an interior light level; at least one electric light controller (4) for controlling the light level; at least one window treatment controller (5) for controlling the admittance level of daylight; and a processing unit (7) for handling control setpoints, including an interior light level setpoint. The level of the electric lights and the admitted level of daylight are controlled in parallel by operating the electric light controller and the window treatment controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventor: Dagnachew Birru
  • Publication number: 20120299485
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for controlling a luminaire are disclosed. One embodiment includes a lighting control sub-system. The lighting control sub-system includes a luminaire, a controller coupled to the luminaire, and a sensor coupled to the controller. The sensor generates a sensed input. The lighting control sub-system further includes a communication interface, wherein the communication interface couples the controller to an external device. The controller is operative to control a light output of the luminaire based at least in part on the sensed input, and to communicate at least one of state or sensed information to the external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: ENLIGHTED, INC.
    Inventors: Tanuj Mohan, Premal Ashar, David Perkins
  • Publication number: 20120293078
    Abstract: A circuit provided for driving a multi-color LED assembly includes at least two LEDs operable to emit light of different color. The circuit includes a control and processing unit that is configured to select a source LED and a sensor LED from the LEDs of the multi-color LED assembly. A sensor unit is associated with the sensor LED and is configured to obtain a current measurement value representing the photo current provided by the sensor LED when receiving incident light emitted by the source LED. A LED driver unit is associated with the source LED and is configured to provide load current to the source LED in accordance with a corresponding input value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies Austria AG
    Inventors: Andrea Logiudice, Fabrizio Donà
  • Publication number: 20120294600
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus including a light emitting device includes a determination unit configured to determine a weighting coefficient of each of a plurality of light metering regions, a calculation unit configured to calculate an amount of main flash light of the light emitting device after performing weighting of the light metering value of each of the plurality of light metering regions according to the weighting coefficient determined by the determination unit, and a selection unit configured to select, from the plurality of light metering regions, a reference region which is used when the weighting coefficient of each of the plurality of light metering regions is determined by the determination unit, and the selection unit selects the reference region in such a manner that a light metering region different from a light metering region whose color information acquired by the color information acquisition unit satisfies a particular condition, is preferentially selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshifumi Osawa
  • Publication number: 20120262072
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing an ambience light effect in a cinema comprising a cinema display screen arranged on a front wall of the cinema and a plurality of light sources, comprising receiving first and second image content to be sequentially displayed on the cinema display screen, determining at least one of a color and intensity for the second image content, determining a second set of control data for controlling the plurality of light sources to emit an ambient light effect based on at least one of the color and intensity for the second image content, and associating the second set of control data with the first set of image content. Advantages with the invention include the possibility to provide an improved ambient lighting experience by using the “extra space” specifically available in a cinema, e.g. walls, floor and ceiling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.L.
    Inventors: Maarten Marinus Johannes Wilhelmus Van Herpen, Marcellinus Petrus Carolus Michael Krijn
  • Publication number: 20120235580
    Abstract: A network controlled indoor lighting system is disclosed, which is constructed based on a device control unit with network connectivity, and a remote controller containing the software for users to control the interior lighting system. The system allows users to control a plurality of LED lamps in terms of brightness, color temperature, beam angle and illumination direction. The system has single/multi-point control, and online error diagnosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: ZHONGSHAN WEIQIANG TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ke-chin Lee
  • Publication number: 20120229033
    Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device (LV) comprising at least one light fixture (LE), wherein the at least one illumination device (LV) has at least one sensor device (SEV) for detecting objects (O1, O2, O3), supplying information to the illumination device (LV) for controlling the at least one light fixture (LE). This sensor device (SEV) is equipped to detect the object type (Oid1, Oid2, . . . , OidN) of a detected object (O1, O2, O3) and/or the at least one sensor device (SEV) is equipped to determine the distance of the detected object (O1, O2, O3), the illumination device (LV) having at least one memory (SPE), said memory (SPE) being equipped to store at least one light profile (LP1, LP2, . . . , LPN), such that the at least one light profile (LP1,LP2, . . . , LPN) contains luminous intensity values (W11, . . . , W1M; W21, . . . , W2M; . . . ; WN1, . . . , WNM) as a function of object types (Oid1, Oid2, . . .
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Premysl Vaclavik, Martin Kernbichler
  • Publication number: 20120217880
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an object-sensing lighting network and an intelligent control system therefore. The control system dynamically determines the at least one lighting fixture's relationship to a plurality of other lighting fixtures. The light output level of a light source of the at least one lighting fixture is based at least partially on the at least one lighting fixture's relationship to the other lighting fixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Erik Nieuwlands, Damien Loveland, Ian Ashdown
  • Publication number: 20120206051
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an object—sensing lighting network and an intelligent control system therefore. The control system dynamically determines the at least one lighting fixture's relationship to a plurality of other lighting fixtures. The light output level of a light source of the at least one lighting fixture is based at least partially on the at least one lighting fixture's relationship to the other lighting fixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILLIPS E;ECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Erik Nieuwlands
  • Publication number: 20120194084
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a method for operating high-pressure discharge lamps, in which high-pressure discharge lamps are operated at the same time in a different thermodynamic state, so that one high-pressure discharge lamp having an emission line emits at a spectral position and at the same time a different high-pressure discharge lamp having an absorption line emits light at the same spectral position, wherein at least some of the light emitted by each high-pressure discharge lamp is converged in a local area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: OSRAM AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Hartwig
  • Patent number: 8230148
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transmitting and processing interrupts by embedding interrupt information into a serial data stream are disclosed. An event is detected and converted into an interrupt signal. The interrupt signal is converted into a special interrupt character or symbol sequence. The special interrupt character or symbol sequence is embedded into a serial data stream at the next available character or symbol boundary and transmitted to a receiving controller. The receiving controller strips the special interrupt character or symbol sequence from the serial data stream and raises a corresponding interrupt. The receiving controller processes the interrupt by interrupting normal processing to run an interrupt subroutine. Once the receiver has detected and raised an interrupt, it can return an acknowledgement character or symbol sequence by the same mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Redwood Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Henig
  • Publication number: 20120181934
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a light guidance system for adapted illumination in emergency or power cut situations is provided, wherein the light guidance system is connected to an auxiliary power supply system (101) and comprises at least one light unit (103) adapted to emit light for illuminating surroundings and a control unit adapted to increase a light level of the light unit (103) according to a presence signal indicating the presence of a person, wherein the increasing of the light level is adjusted to enable a mandatory lighting period and a mandatory light level by considering a power value of the auxiliary power supply system (101).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Engel J. Knibbe, Alexander Ertz, Mareike Klee, Leo Verhees
  • Publication number: 20120161645
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a lighting system comprising ambient light sources and task light sources, and occupancy sensors for detecting occupancy in a number of occupancy zones and for controlling the ambient light sources and task light sources. Each occupancy sensor is provided to communicate wirelessly with other occupancy sensors. On the detection of occupancy of at least one zone, the occupancy sensors detecting the occupancy active at least one ambient light source and send a control signal to other occupancy sensors to active other ambient light sources, and the intensity of a group of task light sources illuminating the occupied zone is set to a level higher than the intensity of the remaining task light sources. The invention also refers to a respective method for controlling a lighting system of this kind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Antonius Petrus Marinus Dingemans, Willem Franke Pasveer
  • Publication number: 20120153836
    Abstract: There is provided an LED drive circuit to which a light control signal phase-controlled by a phase-control light controller is inputted and that controls a light emission portion having a plurality of LED loads that emit light of different color tones. The LED drive circuit includes a light control/color control portion that, based on the light control signal inputted, adjusts a current to be passed through each of the LED loads thereby to perform light control and color control of the light emission portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Takayuki SHIMIZU
  • Publication number: 20120153841
    Abstract: An illuminating device includes a plurality of kinds of LEDs that emit light having different color temperatures; a plurality of LED lighting circuits that independently light the LEDs for each color temperature of emitted light; and a control unit that selects a first control changing illuminance of the LEDs as a whole by controlling the lighting of the LEDs and a second control changing the colors of light of the LEDs as a whole by controlling the lighting of the LEDs, and corrects an illuminance difference generated before and after the second control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Sayaka TOMIYAMA, Masahiko Kamata, Toshihiko Sasai, Hitoshi Kawano, Naoko Iwai, Masatoshi Kumagai, Toru Ishikita, Hiromichi Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20120147293
    Abstract: A redundant LED backlight and method for controlling the same. At least two plurality of LEDs are used to create a backlight where any individual set of LEDs may be driven at power level P to provide the desired overall luminance for the backlight. If two plurality of LEDs are used, then the LEDs may be driven simultaneously at one-half P during normal operations until a failure has been detected in one of the plurality of LEDs. In alternate embodiments, four plurality of LEDs may be used and driven simultaneously at one-fourth P during normal operations until a failure has been detected in one of the plurality of LEDs. The LEDs may be in edge-lit, direct-lit, or any combination of these two orientations. Upon failures, only one plurality of LEDs may be used to provide operation of the LED backlight and any associated LCD device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: AMERCAN PANEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: William Dunn
  • Publication number: 20120146518
    Abstract: A light management system is disclosed. The light management system includes networked control modules and computer devices that utilize object detection and geographical location information to predict a direction and/or determine speed of an object along a pathway. Based on the predicted direction and/or determined speed of the object along the pathway, the control modules turn on lighting in advance of the arrival of the object along the pathway. The light management system preferably also provides light usages data or operation data to the one or more remote computer devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Mark Keating, Keith Graeber, Michael Siminovitch, Kosta Papamichael
  • Publication number: 20120119660
    Abstract: Apparatus and methodology is provided to control lighting associated with an appliance. Ambient light proximate the appliance and/or light from one or more lighting devices associated with the appliance is monitored and used to control the energization of the appliance lighting devices. Lighting device may include illumination devices as well as indicia display devices. The controller is configured to compensate lighting levels over the lifetime of the lighting devices to provide consistent lighting from the appliance lighting under all operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel Vincent Brosnan, Andrew L. Reder, Brian Michael Schork, Bryan James Beckley
  • Publication number: 20120104953
    Abstract: A solid state lighting apparatus includes a first plurality of light emitting devices configured to emit light when energized having a first chromaticity, a second plurality of light emitting devices configured to emit light when energized having a second chromaticity, different from the first chromaticity, and a controller configured to control a duty cycle of current supplied to the first plurality of light emitting devices. The controller is configured to control the duty cycle of the first plurality of light emitting devices in response to a change in a plurality of operating conditions of the solid state lighting apparatus in accordance with a model of the duty cycle that relates the duty cycle of the first plurality of light emitting devices to the plurality of operating conditions of the solid state lighting apparatus for a target light output characteristic of the solid state lighting apparatus. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Paul Chobot
  • Patent number: 8154207
    Abstract: A control unit determines whether a vehicle has entered an area under a covering object that covers the upper side of the vehicle. In the case where the control unit determines that the vehicle has entered the area under the covering object, the control unit turns on light apparatus when both of a measurement of an upper light intensity, which is measured with an upper light intensity sensor, and a measurement of a front light intensity, which is measured with a front light intensity sensor, require turning on of the light apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 8136969
    Abstract: A variable lighting system (“VLS”) for optimizing object visibility at night by setting a base level of lighting, adding a variable light to that base level of lighting, and a synchronizing the timing and sequence of the base level of lighting and the variable lighting. The VLS varies the illumination by intensity, color, direction, or a combination thereof and optionally includes a detector for detecting motion, noise, and other occurrences. The VLS can be implemented as a fixed lighting source, a movable lighting source, or a vehicle mounted lighting source. The VLS improves visibility at night for viewers or motorists thereby reducing accidents and damage costs, saves energy, and improves the environment and enhances quality of life by reducing light pollution and light trespass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Karl A. Burkett
  • Publication number: 20120062129
    Abstract: A lighting system adapted for being retrofit into a conventional lighting fixture, or adapted to replace the conventional fixture. The lighting system includes a lighting device having a substrate and a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate. The lighting system further includes a power supply for delivering D/C current to the lighting device. The lighting device may be installed into a conventional lighting socket in the conventional lighting fixture or mounted independently utilizing some parts of the conventional fixture. The power supply is installed into the conventional lighting fixture or other suitable fixture external to the lighting device. In exemplary embodiments, the lighting system includes a plurality of lighting devices rotatably mounted in the conventional lighting fixture. Each lighting device is powered by an independent power supply and may be independently rotated and powered to customize light coverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: PRIORITY LED LIGHTING, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Attila Szoradi, Sean Russell Darras, Gerald Edward Frazee, Paul Prior
  • Publication number: 20120049745
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) controller for controlling a plurality of LED channels includes channel select circuitry, detection circuitry, and error processor circuitry. The channel select circuitry is configured to drive N?1 LED channels of a plurality of (N) LED channels at a nominal modulation frequency and to selectively drive a selected one of the N LED channels at a probe modulation frequency. The detection circuitry is configured to receive a composite brightness signal corresponding to brightness signals from the N LED channels. The detection circuitry is further configured to filter the composite bright signal and generate a selected brightness signal corresponding to a brightness of the selected LED channel at the probe modulation frequency. The error processor circuitry is configured to compare the selected brightness signal to user defined and/or preset photometric quantities and generate a control signal for adjusting the brightness of the selected LED channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventors: Ming Li, Kerry Denvir, Philip E. Moskowitz
  • Publication number: 20120039613
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-zoned lighting apparatus. In one embodiment, the multi-zoned lighting apparatus includes at least one circuit board, at least one control circuit coupled to the at least one circuit board and a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) groups coupled to the at least one control circuit, wherein each LED group of the plurality of LED groups is in communication with a respective external sensor that controls a respective one of the plurality of LED groups when triggered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: DIALIGHT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gordon Routledge
  • Patent number: 8115398
    Abstract: The invention relates to copying light conditions from one location and pasting into or providing similar light conditions to another location in a lighting system. A light detector (20) is provided which comprises a first sensor (50) configured to receive a first light directly from a first light source (14) and measure first light attributes of the first light, and a second sensor (52) configured to receive the first light influenced by reflections from surfaces (24) and measure second light attributes of the first light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Maurice H. J. Draaijer, Sel-Brian Colak
  • Publication number: 20120019150
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a power supply device and a lighting system having the same. The lighting system includes a power supply device including at least two converters that receive AC power and convert it into DC power and selectively outputting any one DC power thereof; and a plurality of LED lighting units each receiving the DC power from the power supply device and operating. The lighting system can stably supply power and facilitate maintenance thereof due to the use of the integrated power supply device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang Soo YANG, Paul JUNG
  • Patent number: 8076858
    Abstract: A light sensing apparatus and method for luminaire calibration are provided. Since the lighting frequencies of LEDs are modulated in sequence and a light sensing unit is activated and deactivated periodically, the light intensity received from each LED channel can be measured in sequence. In particular, only the light signals from one channel at one time can be sensed. Further, the received light signals for each channel are compared with the ideal value, and the result can be used for LEDs' calibration. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensing apparatus includes a plurality of LEDs, regulators, and single light sensing unit for retrieving the light intensities without any switching circuit should be installed. After that, the signals will be transmitted into a driving controller that can switch the light sensing unit, and the light sensing unit can measure the light intensities in a specific period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignees: Silitek Electronic (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Yu-Chun Cheng
  • Patent number: 8063568
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for wireless control of color of light emitted by a lighting system. The lighting system comprises signal receiving means and means for adjusting the color of light emitted from at least one lighting element, in response to a received color control signal from the device. The device for wireless control comprises means for—generating color information data, said data being indicative of a desired color of light to be emitted by the lighting system, means for modulating a first carrier signal in accordance with the color information data, and means for transmitting said color control signal in the form of a beam of said first modulated carrier signal to the lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Anthonie Hendrik Bergman, Franciscus Paulus Maria Budzelaar, Hubertus Maria Rene Cortenraad, Oscar Hendrikus Willemsen, Eduard Johannes Meijer, Ralph Kurt, Eindhoven Petrus Carolus Michael Krijn, Elmo Marcus Attila Diederiks, Bartel Marinus Van De Sluis, Galileo June Destura, Bart Andre Salters
  • Publication number: 20110266953
    Abstract: A garden light (10) having a body (11) with a post (12), the lower end of which is provided with a spike (13). The upper end of the post (12) receives a lens assembly (14). Secured to the lens assembly (14) is a cap assembly (24) that has three LEDs that are activated to produce a varying colour light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Simon N. Richmond
  • Publication number: 20110260627
    Abstract: The invention provides a system of generation of multi-channel analog output signals, from a single analog input signal, and the controlled activation of peripheral devices responsive to the multi-channel analog output signals. A single-channel to multi-channel analog-to-analog converter is provided to convert the single analog input signal to multiple output channels. Uni-directional coupling is used for coupling and mixing the multi-channel outputs and transferring the mixed outputs to a data bus. Signals on the data bus are used to drive the multiple peripheral devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: LIGHT-BASED TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Verne Stephen JACKSON, Jeanette Elisabeth JACKSON
  • Publication number: 20110236034
    Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device connectable to an AC voltage source for applying an alternating voltage during a series of time intervals. The illumination device comprises at least a first light source and a second light source, arranged to be connected in series to the AC voltage source, to generate a luminance output in response to the alternating voltage. Selection means are provided configured for selectively applying the alternating voltage over the first light source or the first and second light source. A controller is provided for controlling the selection means in response to a data signal comprising data symbols such that one or more of the data symbols are contained in said luminance output. The invention also relates to a method of embedding one or more data symbols in the luminance output of such an illumination device, an optical receiver and an illumination system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Tim C. W. Schenk, Lorenzo Feri, Peter Deixler
  • Publication number: 20110215725
    Abstract: Systems and methods permit use of efficient solid state emitters for broad spectrum continuous spectrum lighting defined by illumination data. The illumination data, which can be sold as a commercial product, can be recorded or authored and include spectral, temporal, and spatial information. Intensities of individual emitters such as LEDs can be controlled through a combination of pulse width modulation (PWM) and amplitude modulation (AM) of drive currents. The combination of PWM and AM permits fine tuning of the spectrum of emissions and creation of free space optical data channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Steven Paolini
  • Publication number: 20110169414
    Abstract: The invention relates to calibrating light emitters (4). In order to avoid blanking of a backlight and also to reduce the number of light sensors (14), it is possible to drive a plurality of light emitters to the pulsed initial driving condition (PWM1-PWM4), shift a start time (T0, T3) of the initial driving condition of a selected one of the light emitters temporally in front of start times (T1, T2) of remaining light emitters, detecting an illumination condition produced by the selected one of the light emitters at the beginning (T3) of a subsequent shifted driving condition of the selected one of the light emitters, determining an adjustment factor for the selected light emitter by comparing a detected illumination condition with a calibration illumination condition, and respectively supplying the selected light emitter with a modified driving condition comprising the initial driving condition modified by the adjustment factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Hans Schmitz
  • Patent number: 7952292
    Abstract: Controlling a lighting system, which comprises a controller (2, 10), lighting units (6), and a sensing device. Each lighting unit comprises a lighting source (12) and a modulated light source (14). A single light source may be used to function as both the lighting source and the modulated light source. Each modulated light source emits uniquely modulated light. A radiation pattern of each modulated light source coincides substantially with a radiation pattern of a lighting source of the same lighting unit. The sensing device is suitable to sense modulated light in a viewing area. Lighting units from which the sensing device senses modulated light are identified from the modulation of that modulated light. The sensing device measures the intensity of the modulated light from the identified lighting unit. The lighting sources are controlled dependent on control data which comprises measuring values of measured light intensities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Klaas Vegter, Johan Paul Marie Gerard Linnartz, Sel-Brian Colak, Nebojsa Fisekovic
  • Patent number: 7923936
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp sensor system is provided. The fluorescent lamp sensor system includes a plurality of bulbs and a plurality of electrodes coupled to the bulbs. A balanced differential circuit measures changes in electric fields produced by the bulbs in front of the electrodes. The balanced differential circuit includes a symmetric current source associated with alternating the surface potential of the bulbs. A current mode detection circuit detects the current associated with the capacitive effects of the balanced differential circuit. A synchronous detection circuit isolates the capacitive effects of the symmetrical current source from stray signals that differ in either frequency or phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John J. Cooley, Steven B. Leeb, Al-Thaddeus Avestruz, Leslie K. Norford
  • Publication number: 20110068698
    Abstract: Solid state lighting devices and illumination methods involve use of multiple solid state emitters of different colored outputs (optionally including at least one white or near-white emitter). Operation of the solid state emitters is controlled with at least one circuit element to emphasize and/or deemphasize perception of at least one color of a target surface based upon a reflectance spectral distribution of the target surface. At least one emitter may have an associated passive or active filter; the filterable emitter and/or active filter may be operated to deemphasize perception of at least one color of a target surface. Activation and/or alteration of emphasis or deemphasis of perception of color of a target surface may be selected by a user or automatically controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: CREE LED LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles M. Swoboda, Antony Paul van de Ven, Gerald H. Negley
  • Publication number: 20110062873
    Abstract: A method and a multispectral color coordination system simulates high-quality daylight spectra. Light is produced with disposed in groups. Each group emits light at different wavelengths within the daylight spectrum. The wavelength of the light emitted by each LED at different working temperatures and different PWM values is measured. The measurement results for each LED are stored in memory, with assignment to working temperatures and PWM values. The LEDs are actuated at values selected from the memory content, as a function of the light to be emitted by each group. The working temperature of each individual LED chip is constantly measured and compared with the values stored in memory with regard to the current working temperature, and, in case of deviation compensated for by recalculating the spectrum, taking into consideration the PWM values stored in memory for the working temperature, and actuating with these.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: Just Normlicht GmbH Vertrieb + Produktion
    Inventors: Michael Gall, Jan Lalek
  • Patent number: 7863829
    Abstract: A method for optimizing an LED lighting system cost includes steps of determining LED costs, power source costs, and total costs associated with a plurality of LED quantities, and identifying a lowest total cost as an optimal cost. A LED lighting system includes an LED operated by a constant-current driver at less than its maximum current capacity. A programmable controller including a feedback routine is used to compensate for intensity drift as an LED ages. Other embodiments of LED lighting systems include multiple LEDs producing light having various spectrums to optimize the lighting system efficiency and the effectiveness. A charge controller including an MPPT routine is advantageously employed with a LED lighting system powered by a limited-capacity power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: SolarOne Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham Sayers, Moneer Azzam, Joseph Bernier, Martin Fox, Robert F. Karlicek, Jr., Thomas M. Lemons
  • Publication number: 20100315247
    Abstract: A multi-function LED lighting device includes a light-sensitive switch on a housing; light sources including a light sensor and first LEDs wherein one light source further has second LEDs; and a controller including a CDS member, a detector, and an on/off switch. The detector may receive a signal from each light sensor and send same to the on/off switch for activation. Each light sensor may sense a predetermined area of a room and provide a signal to the detector in response to a detection of a presence of a person in the predetermined area, the detector is enabled by the signal to activate one of sections of the on/off switch electrically connected to the first LEDs of one light source. The light-sensitive switch may turn on and activate the CDS member in response to a dark environment, and the activated CDS member may enable the second LEDs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Yong-Teng Tseng
  • Publication number: 20100295456
    Abstract: A table lamp for protecting eyes includes a base and an illuminator extended from the base. The illuminator includes a sensation controlling module, multiple white LEDs respectively electrically connected to the sensation controlling module, and multiple RGB LED sets respectively electrically connected to the sensation controlling module. The sensation controlling module automatically detects an environmental illumination and an environmental color temperature. The sensation controlling module automatically adjusts an integrated illumination and an integrated color temperature of the illuminator for coordinating to different environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Hun-Yuan Ko
  • Publication number: 20100253230
    Abstract: A personal control unit (PCU) for a transportation-based entertainment system comprises a number of buttons. Illumination is provided for the buttons by illuminating a border region that is rounded containing some of the keys, and is provided for some of the buttons themselves. A light diffusion mechanism is provided between the illumination source and the illuminated regions related to the keys so that the illumination appears even across the entire PCU. A controller may adjust the illumination level and color of the illumination source. A system may be provided for matching at least one of color and brightness of the PCU lighting with cabin lighting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Thales Avionics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Foreman, Hagop Sakadjian, Derek Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7809963
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling power consuming devices within a user space. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of power control devices where each power control device of the plurality of power control devices controls a power consuming device within the user space, a base station controlling a power level of the power controlling devices in accordance with a set of parameter provided by a user of the user space, a solar detector detecting a solar input proximate the user space and the base station adjusting a power level of the power control devices in accordance with the detected solar input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: William E. Dorn
  • Patent number: 7804038
    Abstract: A control system for controlling and synchronizing a plurality of medium-voltage vacuum contactors comprises a two-level network structure. A dedicated network includes a plurality of servant control units operably coupled to the vacuum contactors and configured to ascertain a plurality of different data and conditions thereof. In addition, the dedicated network includes a master control unit in serial communication with the servant control units and configured to send and receive communications therewith. The master control unit is operably coupled to a control network including a plurality of various control devices. The master control unit is configured to send predetermined data received from the servant control units to the control network. The two-level network structure enables relatively jitter free communication on the dedicated network while not overwhelming the control network with unnecessary data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Angelo Bortolus, Reginald A. Drake, F. Michael Frayne, David S. MacLennan
  • Publication number: 20100238282
    Abstract: The matrix lighting system comprises an array of lighting sources that are activated by a power supply system provided with a processing means. It also comprises at least one camera and an object having marks characterizing the position and the orientation of the object in space, an area to be lit being designated according to the orientation of the object, the camera capturing the images of the object and transmitting them to the processing means which compute the space coordinates of the marks, the power supply system activating the lighting sources according to the position and the orientation of the object that are defined by the marks. The invention applies notably to shadowless lamps meeting the lighting requirements in the medical field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicants: Commissariat a L'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jacques Cinqualbre, Thierry Collette, Laurent Letellier
  • Patent number: 7770326
    Abstract: A safety door, door lock and door lock release mechanism for preventing a child from opening a door while permitting an adult to do so includes a weight sensor and a height sensor for unlocking a locked door. An alarm is used to indicate a child's attempt to open the door and a sensor for sensing a dangerous condition such as smoke or carbon monoxide is also provided for unlocking the door in the event of a dangerous condition and activating a more discernable alarm at that time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Sadeq Ahmed Al-Qassem
  • Publication number: 20100194291
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes an image sensor 11, an arithmetic unit 12, a control unit 13, and a light source unit 14. The light source unit 14 can irradiate at least red, green, and blue lights. Thee image sensor 11 photographs an object illuminated by the light source unit. The arithmetic unit 12 calculates color components distributed on the object on the basis of a photographed image. The control, unit 13 controls color lights of the light source unit according to the color components distributed on the object calculated by the arithmetic unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: TOSHIBA LIGHTING & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoko Ishiwata