Discharge Control Discharge Device Load Controlled By The Radiant Energy Responsive Device Patents (Class 315/157)
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Patent number: 11865968Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a turn lamp, a nonvolatile memory, a signal processing device, and a drive circuit. The turn lamp includes a plurality of light emitting elements that independently controllable to be turned on and off. The nonvolatile memory stores a parameter related to control of the plurality of light emitting elements. The signal processing device generates, based on the parameter, a plurality of turn-on commands indicating turn-on states of the plurality of light emitting elements at each time point by executing a software program. The drive circuit drives each of the plurality of light emitting elements based on the plurality of turn-on commands.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2021Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventor: Yuichi Miyashita
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Patent number: 11480605Abstract: A method for detecting the aging of a power electronic device that comprises at least one semiconductor component including a step of providing of an excitation signal, which is designed to trigger a flow of an at least approximately semi-sinusoidal excitation current through the semiconductor component in order to introduce a power loss into the semiconductor component, a step of uploading a temperature signal, which represents the temporal course of the temperature of the semiconductor component, and a step of determining of an aging value that represents the aging of the power electronic device by using the temperature signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Marco Denk, Mark-Matthias Bakran
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Patent number: 11011124Abstract: A method and a device are provided for adjusting a current of a backlight. The method includes: when a present first current value of the current of the backlight reaches a first preset threshold, detecting a preset mode used to adjust the current of the backlight; determining a reference value corresponding to the preset mode; and when the reference value reaches a second preset threshold, controlling the current of the backlight to reduce to a second current value from the first current value, and controlling the current of the backlight to keep the second current value for a preset period corresponding to the second current value, in which the second current value is greater than the first preset threshold.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2018Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd.Inventor: Guosheng Li
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Patent number: 10777120Abstract: A driving apparatus capable of driving a display panel and an operation method thereof are provided. The driving apparatus includes an output circuit, a receiver circuit and a multiplexer. The output circuit is configured to output a driving voltage for driving a data line of the display panel. The receiver circuit is configured to receive display data for driving the display panel to present an image. A first input terminal of the multiplexer is configured to receive information data, wherein the information data is not configured to drive the display panel to present an image. A second input terminal of the multiplexer is coupled to an output terminal of the receiver circuit. An output terminal of the multiplexer is coupled to an input terminal of the output circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp.Inventors: Po-Hsiang Fang, Tzong-Honge Shieh
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Patent number: 10746394Abstract: A mirror assembly can include a housing, a mirror, and a light source. In certain embodiments, the mirror includes a light pipe configured to emit a substantially constant amount of light along a periphery of the mirror. In some embodiments, the mirror assembly includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly can be configured to adjust the amount of emitted light based on the position of a user in relation to the mirror. Certain embodiments of the mirror include an algorithm to adjust light based on the position of a user relative to the mirror, the level of ambient light, and/or the activation of different light modes.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: simplehuman, LLCInventors: Frank Yang, David Wolbert, Joseph Sandor, Orlando Cardenas, Frederick N. Bushroe
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Patent number: 10378748Abstract: A luminaire comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) as a light source. Such LED comprises a limited light emitting angle for the emitted light radiation. Outside of the light emitting angle, an infrared sensor is assigned to the light source for detecting its temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventor: Toni Ott
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Patent number: 10270618Abstract: Devices in a wireless network, such as wirelessly networked lighting devices, utilize two different types of radios, e.g. implementing two or more protocols such as Bluetooth and WiFi. Such radios operate in overlapping frequency bands of the RF spectrum. Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) of the two types of radio operations mitigates interference between the protocols competing in the spectrum overlap. In the examples with lighting devices, a driver of the light source provides a data bus that may be used as an auxiliary communications channel to implement TDM access by the radios to the overlapping frequency bands.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2018Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: ABL IP HOLDING LLCInventors: Marc Saes, Sajin George, Yenpao Lu
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Patent number: 10143144Abstract: An improved ceramic discharge (hanging) lamp is designed for growing plants. A top mounted quick disconnect ballast provides maximum reflection area around the bulb. This also provides a quick disconnect for maintenance. Multiple ballasts can be daisy chained from one high voltage receptacle. An augmented LED or other light source can be attached to a lower frame or to the top frame to provide added light colors at various growth stages. A controller can vary the cycle times of each augmented light panel. The primary reflector maximizes the efficiency of the bulb.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Inventor: Fazle Quazi
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Patent number: 9924583Abstract: The exemplary embodiments herein provide an electronic display assembly having a liquid crystal display, a backlight placed behind the liquid crystal display, one or more power modules in electrical connection with the backlight, and a microprocessor in electrical connection with the power module(s). Said microprocessor is adapted to determine the sunset and sunrise times for each day and determine whether the present time is between sunrise and sunset or between sunset and sunrise. The microprocessor is further adapted to direct the power module(s) to drive the backlight at a daytime level if the present time is between sunrise and sunset, and direct the power module(s) to drive the backlight at a nighttime level if the present time is between sunset and sunrise.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Mnaufacturing Resources International, Inc.Inventors: John Schuch, William Dunn, Rick De Laet, Dan Safstrom
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Patent number: 9709805Abstract: A system for adjusting a heads-up display (HUD) is disclosed herein. The system includes a forward looking light sensor receiver to logarithmically receive a first light information from a forward looking light sensor; and an adjuster to adjust a luminance of the HUD based on the first light information. A method or process may be employed in a similar fashion. The adjuster may be implemented by employing a lookup table, or by employing analog values to perform a transformation relied upon for the adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2014Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Paul Fredrick Luther Weindorf, James Joseph Kornacki
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Patent number: 9648294Abstract: An image signal processing method, an image signal processing system, and a display are disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention. The method comprises: receiving a video signal; acquiring environmental parameter information of a display environment; adjusting, based on the environmental parameter information, a luminance and/or a chrominance of the video signal such that light of at least one spectral color generated by the video signal is adjusted accordingly; and outputting the adjusted video signal. With the image signal processing method according to the embodiments of the present invention, light of a particular spectral color can be adjusted based on a viewing environment so as to alleviate visual fatigue.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.Inventor: Katsuhiro Masuyama
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Patent number: 9489051Abstract: A device and method to facilitate display navigation by touch-less gesture are described. The device includes two or more ambient light sensors arranged at respective surface locations of the device, each of the two or more ambient light sensors measuring light intensity at the respective surface location. The device also includes a processor to detect a gesture as a detected gesture performed by an object in touch-less communication with the device and output a signal corresponding with the detected gesture, and a navigation gesture library to store two or more gestures and corresponding two or more signals, wherein the processor accesses the navigation gesture library when the device is not executing an application with an associated application gesture library.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2013Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventors: Peter Mankowski, Weimin Rang, Xiaowei Wu
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Patent number: 8779340Abstract: A lighting fixture system for fluorescent lamps includes one or more fluorescent lamps and one or more ballasts configured to provide controlled power to the one or more fluorescent lamps. The lighting fixture further includes a controller wired to the fluorescent lighting fixture. The controller includes one or more relays configured to turn power provided to the one or more ballasts on and off such that the one or more fluorescent lamps turn on and off with the switching of the one or more relays. The controller further includes a logic circuit configured to control the switching of the one or more relays, wherein the logic circuit is configured to log usage information for the fluorescent lighting fixture in memory. The controller yet further includes communications electronics configured to output the logged usage information.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Daniel J. Czaja, Jr., Michael J. Potts, Ryan M. Franzen, Eric A. Smasal
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Patent number: 8779667Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a light source; a sensor which has an image sensor and detects an illuminance and a presence of a human based on a captured image while setting a range overlapping a range illuminated by the light source as a visual field; an illuminance determining unit for varying a light output from the light source based on the illuminance and the presence of a human; and a dimming control unit. The illuminance determining unit obtains an illuminance of an illuminance maintaining area included in the visual field based on the captured image, and when the sensor detects no human, the illuminance determining unit reduces the light output while maintaining the illuminance of the illuminance maintaining area to be equal to or greater than a threshold that is set in advance as a lower limit illuminance, which makes it feasible for the image sensor to capture an image.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Atuo Nanahara, Shinji Matsuda
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Patent number: 8541958Abstract: An LED based light and a method of providing power to the LED are disclosed. The LED based light includes at least one LED and at least one thermoelectric generator having a first side and a second side. The first side is thermally coupled to the at least one LED such that heat generated by the at least one LED is conducted to the at least one thermoelectric generator, producing a temperature differential between the first side and second side. The at least one thermoelectric generator is configured to produce electrical energy from the temperature differential.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: iLumisys, Inc.Inventors: David L. Simon, John Ivey, James R. Scapa
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Publication number: 20130229518Abstract: An illumination system and methods to control a light source are provided. An illumination system includes a light source, a two-dimensional non-Passive Infrared (non-PIR) imager, and a controller. The light source may provide at least two levels of illumination. The non-PIR imager images an area and to produce image data representative of images across at least part of a visible portion of an electromagnetic spectrum. The controller is communicatively coupled to receive the image data from the non-PIR imager and process the received image data to detect at least one object in the area of a defined type of object. The controller is also coupled to control operation of the light source based on, at least in part, detection of the ambient characteristic of the environment. Alternatively, one or more components of a system may be used to monitor traffic, with or without active illumination.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2012Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: EXPRESS IMAGING SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: William G. Reed, Dale H. DeGraff
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Patent number: 8519624Abstract: A roadside-vehicle cooperative illumination system in which a headlight of a vehicle and a road illumination lamp can be controlled cooperatively through communications between an in-vehicle apparatus and a roadside apparatus. For example, when power consumption of the headlight has to be reduced, an in-vehicle apparatus side arbiter transmits a request to the roadside apparatus for increase illumination of the road illumination lamp. A roadside apparatus side arbiter determines whether or not to accept the request from the in-vehicle apparatus, and a roadside apparatus side controller controls the road illumination lamp according to the determination of the roadside apparatus side arbiter. This enables the road illumination lamp to be controlled cooperatively so that illumination of the road illumination lamp can compensate for deficiencies in illumination of the headlight, which leads to enhancement of vehicle driver's convenience and ensuring of safety.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Yousuke Hattori, Katsuyuki Mori, Kunihiko Chiba, Masahiro Goto
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Patent number: 8450670Abstract: A lighting fixture system for fluorescent lamps includes one or more fluorescent lamps and one or more ballasts configured to provide controlled power to the one or more fluorescent lamps. The lighting fixture further includes a controller wired to the fluorescent lighting fixture. The controller includes one or more relays configured to turn power provided to the one or more ballasts on and off such that the one or more fluorescent lamps turn on and off with the switching of the one or more relays. The controller further includes a logic circuit configured to control the switching of the one or more relays, wherein the logic circuit is configured to log usage information for the fluorescent lighting fixture in memory. The controller yet further includes communications electronics configured to output the logged usage information.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Daniel J. Czaja, Jr., Michael J. Potts, Ryan M. Franzen, Eric A. Smasal
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Patent number: 8427062Abstract: An illumination device is specified which includes a radiation source having at least one light-emitting diode, a control unit and a radiation receiving unit. The radiation receiving unit is provided, during operation of the illumination device for receiving both a radiation emitted by the radiation source and a reference radiation and for generating a measurement signal upon receiving the radiation from the radiation source and a reference signal upon receiving the reference radiation. An operating point for the radiation source is tunable by the control unit in a manner dependent on the measurement signal and the reference signal. Furthermore, a method is specified by which an emission characteristic of an illumination device can be adapted to a predetermined emission characteristic in a simplified manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: OSRAM Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter HaftungInventors: Ralph Peter Bertram, Wolfgang Pabst
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Patent number: 8324818Abstract: A display device includes: a display panel; an optical detector which includes an optical sensor formed by a thin film transistor for detecting external light and a capacitor connected between a pair of electrodes of the optical sensor; a switch which turns on or off a charging operation of the capacitor; an optical sensor controller which controls the switch to be turned on or off and measures illumination of the external light on the basis of a time period during which the switch is turned off and a voltage of the capacitor becomes a value not more than a threshold value; and a controller which controls brightness of the display panel on the basis of an output of the optical sensor controller, wherein after the optical sensor controller detects a fact that the voltage of the capacitor becomes the value not more than the threshold value, the optical sensor controller turns on the switch after a predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Takashi Kunimori, Yukiya Hirabayashi
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Patent number: 8314568Abstract: A fluorescent lamp driving method drives a fluorescent lamp by using an alternating current driving signal generated by an inverter circuit using direct current power as an input. The driving signal is supplied from the inverter circuit to a load including the fluorescent lamp. The method includes the steps of, by using a sum current detecting circuit, detecting a current change in the signal, by using a control circuit, controlling the driving signal generated by the inverter circuit on the basis of the current change detected by the sum current detecting circuit, and controlling a current of the supplied signal to be constant, by using a temperature detecting circuit, detecting the temperature of the fluorescent lamp, and, by using a correction circuit, on the basis of the temperature of the fluorescent lamp detected by the temperature detecting circuit, correcting the controlling the current of the supplied signal to be constant.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Kasumi Kobori
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Patent number: 8232731Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a control system and a shed wherein the lighting is adjusted depending on the presence of an animal in a specific section of a shed. The shed is divided into a number of sections, for example a separation section. When no cows have access to the separation section and the section is therefore empty, the control system ensures that the lighting in the respective section is switched off. As the control system according to the invention controls both access to the section and lighting thereof, it is possible to dispense with movement sensors for controlling lighting in the respective sections.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Lely Patent N.V.Inventor: Marcel Van Leeuwen
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Publication number: 20120161646Abstract: A backlight control circuit includes a driver circuit, a sensing circuit, and a control circuit. The driver circuit adjusts an illumination intensity of a backlight source. The sensing circuit senses an environmental illumination intensity. The control circuit is set between the driver circuit and the sensing circuit. The control circuit controls the driver circuit to adjust an illumination intensity of a backlight source according to the sensed environmental illumination intensity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicants: CHI MEI COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC., SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: FAN WU
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Publication number: 20120091898Abstract: A light-emitting apparatus is electrically connected to a power supply unit. The light-emitting apparatus includes at least one first light-emitting module and a second light-emitting module. The first light-emitting module includes a first light-emitting unit and a first driving circuit, which are electrically connected to each other. The second light-emitting module is electrically connected to the first light-emitting module, and includes a second light-emitting unit and a second driving circuit, which are electrically connected to each other. The first driving circuit adjusts a current passing through the first light-emitting unit in accordance with a first parameter representing the operating state of the second light-emitting module. The second driving circuit adjusts a bypass current bypassing the second light-emitting unit in accordance with a second parameter representing the lighting state of the light-emitting apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: Aussmak Optoelectronics Corp.Inventor: CHUNG-JYH LIN
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Patent number: 8154207Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Koji Sakaguchi
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Patent number: 8115417Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of color management systems and methods for LED backlights. One exemplary system comprises: a collection device adapted to collect optical signals of the LED array, transform the optical signals into electric signals and send the electric signals; a control device connected with the collection device adapted to process the electric signals, compare processing results with calibration values and output brightness control signals according to comparison results; and a driver device connected with the control device adapted to adjust brightness of the LED array according to the brightness control signals. Embodiments of the disclosed technology can be used to effectively adjust the brightness of LED backlights and/or keep the color coordinate values of the backlights constant in order to help ensure display quality.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kailiang Zhang, Li Ma, Jingwei Liu
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Patent number: 8110994Abstract: A multi-zone daylight harvesting method and apparatus having a closed loop system utilizing a single light sensor is disclosed herein. This light control system includes an ambient light sensor connected to a detection circuit for detecting the amount of ambient light within a given zone and converting the light signal to an digital one. A control device couples to receive a predetermined rate of change for each respective zone from a storage unit along with the converted digital signal. The control device connects each zone of a plurality of electrical loads to control the power supplied to the electrical load at the predetermined corresponding rate of change and responsive to the amount of ambient light detected.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Hick, Richard A. Leinen
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Patent number: 8110996Abstract: Disclosed is a modular lighting system that incorporates wireless technology and a standard interface. The lighting system may be installed in new buildings or retrofitted into existing buildings in such a way that provides many lighting configurations and programmability options while minimizing the amount of new wiring. The system includes a transceiver that controls one or more lamps using a dimming ballast or a relay and a low cost ballast. The dimming ballast, and the relay (if used) provide low voltage power to the transceiver over a cable having a standard interface, such as an RJ11 telephone jack. The transceiver provides on/off switching control and dimmer control, through the same cable, to the relay or dimming ballast. The transceiver can be located in the same room as the lamps it controls, or remotely located. A central computer or controller can control multiple transceivers over a wireless link.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: Lothar E. S. Budike, Jr.
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Patent number: 8106602Abstract: A backlight assembly includes a light-emitting apparatus, a multi-channel current controller and a heat distributor. The light-emitting apparatus includes a plurality of light-emitting diode (“LED”) strings. The multi-channel current controller includes a plurality of current control circuits, each of which includes an input channel electrically connected an LED string of the plurality of LED strings and which controls a magnitude of a driving current flowing through the LED string. The heat distributor is electrically connected to the input channel and the LED string, and is disposed adjacent to the input channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Byoung-Dae Ye, Gi-Cherl Kim, Eui-Jeong Kang
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Publication number: 20120001553Abstract: A method and system are set forth for automatically adjusting keypad luminance based on display content. In one embodiment, the method comprises calculating a lighting level based on ambient light; calculating a luminance level of an image on the display; setting a maximum lighting level to the luminance level of the image on the display; and in the event the calculated lighting level exceeds the maximum lighting level then selecting the maximum lighting level, and in the event the calculated lighting level does not exceed the maximum lighting level then selecting the calculated lighting level.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Bergen Albert FLETCHER, Antanas Matthew Broga, William Donald Santo
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Patent number: 8035513Abstract: A sensor circuit for remotely commanding the operation of a remote device includes a motion sensor circuit for detecting motion relative thereto and having an output conditioned upon motion detection. Additionally, a photocell sensor circuit for detecting a low ambient illumination level has an output command conditioned upon the detection of a predetermined illumination level that is electrically coupled to a control circuit having a plurality of inputs. The invention further includes a data output comprising a remote device operation command and a transmitter circuit coupled to the data output of said control circuit for transmitting said operation command to a remote device.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: HeathCo LLCInventor: William C. Raper
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Patent number: 7982402Abstract: A PAR38 light source assembly for use with a fixture having PAR38 socket connected to a ballast circuit for generating a ballast voltage. An electrically insulating housing supports a PAR38 screw base and encloses a CMH lamp and a circuit board providing a high voltage to ignite or re-ignite the lamp. The housing supports a reflector a lens wherein the lens, the reflector and the housing form an electrically insulating enclosure so that the PAR38 screw base is the only electrically conductive portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.Inventors: Andrew Johnsen, Glenn Freeman
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Patent number: 7863590Abstract: An apparatus having one or more UV bulbs arranged around a structural element and within an outer conductive element. The apparatus also contains an inner conductive element which extends the length of the apparatus. The inner and outer conductive elements are coupled to a microwave source to enable the UV bulbs to be powered.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2008Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: JenAct LimitedInventors: David Briggs, Richard Little
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Publication number: 20100308211Abstract: An optoelectronic shutter, a method of operating the same, and an optical apparatus including the optoelectronic shutter are provided. The optoelectronic shutter includes a phototransistor which generates an output signal from incident input light and a light emitting diode serially connected to the phototransistor. The light emitting diode outputs output light according to the output signal, and the output signal is gain-modulated according to a modulation of a current gain of the phototransistor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicants: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Gwangju Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Yong-chul CHO, Jae-hyung JANG, Yong-hwa PARK, Chang-soo PARK, Jong-in SONG
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Patent number: 7839091Abstract: A light emission device capable of holding a uniform color in various environments is provided. A light source control device has a light detection device for detecting emission brightness of light sources that emit different colors and controlling emission brightness of at least one light source of the light sources based on the detection result of the light detection device. A through-hole is formed in a reflection member for reflecting light emitted from the light source, and the reflection is in a predetermined direction. The light detection device is provided across the reflection member from the light source, and the light propagation member is provided at the through-hole.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Seiji Kohashikawa, Toshiyuki Fujine
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Patent number: 7812543Abstract: Disclosed is a modular lighting system that incorporates wireless technology and a standard interface. The lighting system may be installed in new buildings or retrofitted into existing buildings in such a way that provides many lighting configurations and programmability options while minimizing the amount of new wiring. The system includes a transceiver that controls one or more lamps using a dimming ballast or a relay and a low cost ballast. The dimming ballast, and the relay (if used) provide low voltage power to the transceiver over a cable having a standard interface, such as an RJ11 telephone jack. The transceiver provides on/off switching control and dimmer control, through the same cable, to the relay or dimming ballast. The transceiver can be located in the same room as the lamps it controls, or remotely located. A central computer or controller can control multiple transceivers over a wireless link.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Inventor: Lothar E. S. Budike, Jr.
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Patent number: 7809963Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Inventor: William E. Dorn
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Patent number: 7808185Abstract: A method in a portable electronic device (100) having a user interface illumination (110) is disclosed. The method comprises sensing (202) an ambient light level in a neighborhood of the portable electronic device with a sensor (104) of the portable electronic device. Based on the ambient light level sensed, then controlling (204) a visual characteristic of the user interface illumination, wherein the user interface illumination is operated at a brightness between a maximum brightness and a minimum brightness for at least one ambient light level detected.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Richard Ng, Daniel B. Cox, Joseph L. Allore
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Patent number: 7741782Abstract: A lighting fixture, such as for street lighting, comprises an external housing (11) which has a radio frequency antenna (26, 26a, 27) integrally formed therewith. The RF antenna enables telemanagement signals to be passed to the lighting fixture, and for the telemanagement signals to be passed between lighting fixtures in a network. The RF antenna is ideally located in or on a translucent dome portion (14) of the lighting fixture which is invariably formed from a dielectric (non-conductive) material and therefore avoids undesirable RF shielding in at least preferred directions.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Mark Vermeulen, Cornelis J. M. Erkamp
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Patent number: 7741786Abstract: An outdoor lighting control method and apparatus for use with an outdoor lighting fixture that automatically detects the changing length of the day and provides for automatically turning off the light after a shorter period of illumination during shorter summer nights and after a longer period of illumination during longer winter nights. The control method measures the elapsed time interval over which night sets in, for example, by sensing light levels characteristic of the onset of dusk and the onset of night and measuring the elapsed time between the two sensed light levels, and then automatically turns on the lighting fixture for nighttime operation for a duration that depends on the measured elapsed night-onset time.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Illumination Dynamics LLCInventor: Wade Lee
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Patent number: 7675238Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting system (1) with a user interface (3) for controlling the lighting color and/or intensity of a lighting unit (2) determining the lighting conditions in a room. The user interface (3) is based on a system comprising a detection device (4) and transponders (6). Bringing the transponders (6) within the detection device (4) so that they will be detected causes the transponders (6) to send a response signal, which signal controls the lighting color and/or intensity of the lighting unit (2). Each transponder (6) is programmed to control a particular color or a specific light intensity.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Hubertus Maria Rene Cortenraad, Elmo Marcus Attila Diederiks, Anthonie Hendrik Bergman, Martijn Adrianus Bernardus Santbergen
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Patent number: 7671539Abstract: Systems for providing optical energy comprise an LED, a detector of optical energy, such as a photodiode, that measures the intensity of optical energy emitted by the light-emitting diode, and a controller. The controller adjusts the intensity of the optical energy emitted by the LED based on the intensity measurement provide by the photodiode, to maintain the intensity of the emitted optical energy at a desired level.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Advanced Precision Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Mentzer, Nicholas P. Petrillo, Wayne A. Webb
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Patent number: 7663326Abstract: The present invention provides a controller for regulating current in LEDs in electronic displays. The controller uses temperature sensing diodes to detect changes in the LED ambient temperature. As the LED ambient temperature changes, the forward voltage of the temperature sensing diode decreases. A signal processor adjusts the current passing through the LEDs based on the temperature induced changes in the forward voltage of the temperature sensing diodes. The present invention can reduce costs over the present methods of regulating current in LEDs and may more easily be integrated into a single integrated circuit chip. The temperature sensing may also be implemented outside the integrated circuit chip.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: mSilica IncorporatedInventors: Hendrik Santo, Gurjit Thandi, Dilip S, Kien Vi
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Patent number: 7663320Abstract: A display apparatus having a displaying part on which an image is displayed, includes: a backlight unit comprising a plurality of light emitting elements that emit different color light which illuminates the displaying part, the plurality of light emitting elements being arranged in a predetermined pattern; a driving part that applies driving current to the backlight unit to control the operation of the light emitting elements and the intensity of light emitted from each of the light emitting elements; a sensing part that senses the amount of light emitted from the backlight unit; and a controller that detects a level of driving current applied to the backlight unit by the driving part, and if the detected level of driving current exceeds a predetermined reference current level, controls the driving part to adjust the backlight unit based on the amount of light sensed by the sensing part.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyung-rae Kim, Hoon Choi, Jun-ho Sung, Ki-bum Seong, Jun-ho Jung
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Publication number: 20100020251Abstract: The invention relates to a visual display system for use in conjunction with a display device (21), the system comprising one or more illumination sources for illuminating a region surround the image display region; and a control unit for controlling the illumination sources to vary the illumination in an inactive state of the display device, the control unit 5 further being configured to synchronize the varying illumination (20) with a color scheme. The invention provides a system for advanced backlighting in an inactive state of the display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2007Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Simon Eme Kadijk, Gwendolyn Anita Luiten
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Patent number: 7642501Abstract: A portable, handheld artificial light detector distinguishes artificial light from sunlight and identifies low-frequency artificial light from high-frequency artificial light. Artificial light includes light from a lamp powered by an AC source. Low frequency light includes, for example, light produced by a magnetic luminaire ballast, while high frequency light includes light produced by an electronic luminaire ballast.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: ABL IP Holdings, LLCInventors: William J. Fassbender, Philip H. Mudge, Brian P. Platner
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Patent number: 7638743Abstract: A system is provided for automatically controlling a light level of an interior space. The system may include a light sensor, a transmitter, and a lighting system. The light sensor measures a light level of an interior space and sends the measured light level to the transmitter. The transmitter is in electrical communication with the light sensor. The transmitter is configured to receive the measured light level from the light sensor; to compare the received light level with a light level setting; to determine a value for a lighting indicator based on the comparison; to define a control signal including the determined value; and to send the defined control signal to a first receiver. The lighting system may include a light fixture and a second receiver mounted on the light fixture. The second receiver is configured to receive the control signal, to extract the determined value from the received control signal, and to adjust a light level of the light fixture based on the extracted value.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Bartol, Neal R. Verfuerth, Jun Wang
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Publication number: 20090284600Abstract: A remote-control door viewer surveillance system includes a door viewer holding a lens assembly in the door panel of a house, an image sensor for picking up image signals through the lens assembly, an image processing circuit for processing image signals received from the image sensor into digital image signals, a monitor for displaying images of digital image signals outputted by the image processing circuit, a communication module for transmitting digital image signals outputted by the image processing circuit to the user's mobile phone, a memory for storing digital image signals outputted by the image processing circuit for further review, and a TCP/IP equipment for transmitting the digital image signal outputted by the image processing circuit to a computer at a predetermined IP address for monitoring and storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventor: Chuan Wang
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Publication number: 20090200958Abstract: A system and a method for using ePaper as a light control media in lighting fixtures or other light enhanced applications to modify, dim or color-shift the light used for lighting the space. One system includes a light source, an ePaper reflector with controllable reflectivity for controlling the light reflected from the reflector and/or an ePaper baffle with controllable translucency for controlling the light through the baffle. The light incident on the ePaper media may include light from other sources such as natural light. One method compares desired lighting in a space to characteristics of the light source. Characteristics of the ePaper media are then adjusted to provide the desired amount of light to the objects under illumination. Reflectivity from walls and furniture may be controlled by applying ePaper to their surfaces. The light source and the ePaper media may be controlled simultaneously to control the lighting.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: John DOHERTY, Eleanor RIEFFEL
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Patent number: 7545101Abstract: A multi-zone daylight harvesting method and apparatus having a closed loop system utilizing a single light sensor is disclosed herein. This light control system includes an ambient light sensor connected to a detection circuit for detecting the amount of ambient light within a given zone and converting the light signal to an digital one. A control device couples to receive a predetermined rate of change for each respective zone from a storage unit along with the converted digital signal. The control device connects each zone of a plurality of electrical loads to control the power supplied to the electrical load at the predetermined corresponding rate of change and responsive to the amount of ambient light detected.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Hick, Richard A. Leinen