Keyboard Or Pattern Controlled Switch Patents (Class 315/316)
  • Patent number: 11949938
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure present devices, methods, and computer readable medium for enabling controller device to control proprietary digital media players, network accessories, and virtual assistants, providing an overall improved user experience. The techniques disclosed herein reduce clutter because a single controller can control various different devices and accessories. The techniques discloses also can include identifying a change in the configuration information for the computing device. The technique for accessory control can include transmitting updated configuration information for the controller, the configuration information associating a function for the computing device with a user interface element value for the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zaka Ur Rehman Ashraf, Anush G. Nadathur, Jared S. Grubb, Srinivas Rama
  • Patent number: 11895748
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) array includes an array of pixel assemblies and a pulse width modulator. The pulse width modulator generates pulse width modulation (PWM) signals for controlling a duty cycle of each of the pixels. The pixel assemblies each include an LED, a switching circuit, and a close loop circuit. The switching circuit receives a PWM signal and alternately turns on and off the LED based on the PWM signal. The close loop circuit regulates an LED current provided by the switching circuit to the LED based on a feedback signal received from the switching circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventor: Zhi Hua Song
  • Patent number: 11769382
    Abstract: A Smartserv platform system and methods are provided. When a restaurant item order is placed via a smart device app interface, the order is transmitted to computer server which notifies a preparer. The order is also transmitted to a Smartserv platform, which generates a user identifiable area, such as a color-coded area of a Smartserv platform surface within which an ordered restaurant item will be distributed, thereby enabling simpler and more organized restaurant item ordering and distribution. The computer server may also notify the customer that the customer's order is ready for pickup at the area designated by the appropriately colored lights. This improves known customer-notification methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: smartBAR Corp.
    Inventors: Alec Goldman, Freddy Sidi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11528792
    Abstract: A lighting system is disclosed. The example lighting system includes a plurality of LED lighting devices, where at least one of the LED lighting devices includes a same or different colored LED than a LED in at least one of the other LED lighting devices. The lighting system also includes a plurality of data communication circuits, where at least one of the data communication circuits is configured to transmit data signals to or receive data signals from at least one telecommunications device that comprises a circuit configured to detect human touch via capacitive sensing. The at least one data communication circuit is integrated in at least one of the LED lighting devices of the plurality of LED lighting devices. Additionally, the at least one telecommunication device is configured to control a brightness level of at least one of the LED lighting devices via the at least one data communication circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Lynk Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Miskin, Robert L. Kottritsch, James N. Andersen
  • Patent number: 11154039
    Abstract: Examples of electrical lamp fixtures for illuminating terrariums and stimulating the growth and health of reptiles, amphibians, and birds, and specifically to an improved, compact light emitting diode (LED) terrarium light apparatus are described. The lighting apparatus can incorporate one or multiple extended point source LED arrays, such as composed of high brightness LEDs of multiple wavelengths, that provide spatially and spectrally controlled light. A compact, high brightness LED terrarium light apparatus for reptiles and birds, comprises an array of multiple LED chips that provides visible light, ultraviolet light, and (optionally) infrared light, with separate control of the various spectral components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: DICON FIBEROPTICS, INC.
    Inventors: David Lowry, Jeffrey B. Lee, Robert E. Schleicher, Ho-Shang Lee
  • Patent number: 11153948
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques to control LED lighting systems using a circuit that includes communication, control and LED driver circuitry specific to a limited number of particular lighting functions. The circuit may communicate via a standard communication bus protocol and include feedback, protection and sensing circuitry to monitor the lighting functions and LED performance. The circuit may be small enough to be included as part of a lighting assembly, such as a vehicle headlight assembly. The included feedback and monitoring circuitry that may be physically close the driven LEDs may simplify the wiring when compared to other techniques. A configuration process for the circuit may further simplify the wiring connections, as well as reduce the development and manufacturing costs for lighting systems that may use the circuit. Limiting the lighting functions of each circuit may improve thermal management by distributing the thermal load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Davide Ghedin, Maurizio Galvano, Stefan Stoegner
  • Patent number: 11018183
    Abstract: Described herein is source sensitive optic that uses reconfigurable chip-on-board (CoB) light emitting diode (LED) arrays as light sources. In an implementation, the reconfigurable CoB LED array includes a predetermined number of LEDs that are configurable for a variety of illumination scenarios. In an implementation, the reconfigurable CoB LED array is multiple CoB LED arrays that are configured for use with the source sensitive optic as described herein. The source sensitive optic includes surface shapes that are responsive to the reconfigurable CoB LED array. The source sensitive optic is configured to provide beam profile and radiation pattern differentiation based on a CoB LED array configuration configured from the reconfigurable CoB LED. Each configurable CoB LED array configuration radiates a different beam pattern via the surface shapes due to proximity and surface shape geometries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Charles Schrama, Varun Dev Kakkar, Erno Fancsali
  • Patent number: 10991285
    Abstract: Provided is a method and a remote diagnostic system that can be used for signage applications that includes a plurality of LED-based signs, each having one or more corresponding LED signage drivers, one or more controllers for real-time monitoring and controlling the LEDs in the LED-based signs, a commissioning application (“app”) for commissioning, the one or more controllers, an information system or cloud network for storing information received from and sending commands to, the one or more controllers related to the LED-based signs, and at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: CURRENT LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Shahzil Rana, Jean-Francois Richard, Alin Ionut Petrescu, Kenneth Craig Nemeth, Truong-Khoa Nguyen, Justin Langlais
  • Patent number: 10849204
    Abstract: Each of a low beam lamp and a high beam lamp connected in series includes at least one light source. A lamp driving circuit is configured to supply current to each of the n lamps. A first voltage detecting circuit is configured to detect a first voltage that is a sum of voltages applied to each of the low beam lamp and the high beam lamp. A second voltage detecting circuit is configured to detect a second voltage that is applied to the high beam lamp. A processor is configured to obtain a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage, and to detect a failure in the low beam lamp based on comparison between the difference and a rewritable normal operation voltage of the low beam lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yonosuke Hara, Takaaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10670246
    Abstract: A follow spot controller is provided that communicates with a lighting control desk and with a first automated luminaire. A physical orientation of the follow spot controller is sensed and used to replace pan and tilt control parameters received from the lighting control desk for the first luminaire. The modified control parameters are sent to the first luminaire. A three-dimensional model of a performance area and the locations and orientations of the first luminaire and additional automated luminaires relative to the performance area may be used to calculate individual pan and tilt parameters for the additional luminaires based on the first luminaire's replacement pan and tilt parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Robe Lighting s.r.o.
    Inventors: Martin Farnik, Pavel Jurik, Josef Valchar, Jindrich Vavrik, Jiri Zatopek
  • Patent number: 10674583
    Abstract: A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load is operable to conduct enough current through a thyristor of a connected dimmer switch to exceed rated latching and holding currents of the thyristor. The load control device comprises a controllable-load circuit operable to conduct a controllable-load current through the thyristor of the dimmer switch. The load control device disables the controllable-load circuit when the phase-control voltage received from the dimmer switch is a reverse phase-control waveform. When the phase-control voltage received from the dimmer switch is a forward phase-control waveform, the load control device is operable to decrease the magnitude of the controllable-load current so as to conduct only enough current as is required in order to exceed rated latching and holding currents of the thyristor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Christopher James Salvestrini, Ryan S. Bedell, Matthew V. Harte
  • Patent number: 10476507
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for establishing operational states of a device having a plurality of functional operating units. An input is configured to receive an identifier of a desired operational state of the device. A number of control outputs are configured to couple to one or more of the plurality of functional operating units having two or more operational states. A number of reference inputs are each configured to receive a reference signal, and at least one reference signal is mapped, based on the identifier, to at least one control output. Each control output provides a control signal that places each functional operating unit in a selected state to achieve the desired operational state of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Adrian John Bergsma
  • Patent number: 10448490
    Abstract: A highly configurable and flexible distributed lighting control system that includes a Digital Power Module (DPM) connected to at least one remote/distributed Fixture Control Module (FCM) that controls an associated LED light fixture. The LED light fixture including at least two LEDs that are independently controllable. The LED light fixture adapted to receive various control signals for controlling the at least two LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: USAI, LLC
    Inventor: Donald L. Wray
  • Patent number: 10193556
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for establishing operational states of a device having a plurality of functional operating units. An input is configured to receive an identifier of a desired operational state of the device. A number of control outputs are configured to couple to one or more of the plurality of functional operating units having two or more operational states. A number of reference inputs are each configured to receive a reference signal, and at least one reference signal is mapped, based on the identifier, to at least one control output. Each control output provides a control signal that places each functional operating unit in a selected state to achieve the desired operational state of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Adrian John Bergsma
  • Patent number: 10172221
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, lighting sources having operating parameter(s), which is controllable in lighting sequence(s) as a function of a time code data set coupled with the sequence, are controlled as a function of a videogame played on display(s): by providing a repository of operating data files for the sources coupled with the lighting sources with each data file including time code data set(s) for lighting sequence(s) for one of the lighting sources, by retrieving in the data repository operating data file(s) coupled with a source selected among the lighting sources, and by detecting from the display a videogame signal indicative of the development of a videogame, and by operating the selected lighting source by controlling the operating parameter(s) as a function of the operating data included in the operating data file retrieved and as a function of the videogame signal detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: OSRAM GMBH
    Inventors: Alberto Alfier, Simone Capeleto, Giovanni Zucchinali, Andrea Morra
  • Patent number: 10137830
    Abstract: For automatically adjusting a vehicle light level based on a viewing location of an occupant, a system, apparatus, method, and computer program product are disclosed. The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes an image sensor, an occupant viewing location module that determines an illuminable region corresponding to a viewing location of a vehicle occupant based on data from the image sensor, a light level module that determines a light level for the illuminable region, and an illumination control module that adjusts an illumination setting of at least one light associated with the illuminable region based on the determined light level. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an occupant recognition module that identifies the vehicle occupant, wherein the light level module determines the light level based on the identity of the vehicle occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Nathan J. Peterson, Neal Robert Caliendo, Jr., John Carl Mese, Russell Speight VanBlon, Arnold S. Weksler
  • Patent number: 10089838
    Abstract: A lighting device or an apparatus for use with a light source has one or more sensors, intelligence in the form of programmed processors and communication capabilities. Each sensor is configured to monitor one or more conditions external to a lighting device not directly related to operational performance of the respective lighting device. Programming provides a standardized interface to enable processing of sensed conditions from sensors of different types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: ABL IP HOLDING LLC
    Inventors: David P. Ramer, Jack C. Rains, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9854652
    Abstract: Lighting apparatuses have a first communication mode in which the lighting apparatuses and a first or second communication terminal mutually transmit and receive a command and a second communication mode in which the lighting apparatuses forming a mesh network mutually transmit and receive the command. Among the lighting apparatuses that receive the command originating from the first communication terminal in the second communication mode, the lighting apparatuses that are not in communication with the second communication terminal in the first communication mode execute the command received in the second communication mode. On the other hand, the lighting apparatus that is in communication with the second communication terminal in the first communication mode maintains a current operating state without executing the command received in the second communication mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichiro Kurihara
  • Patent number: 9628968
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for copying a message sent to a vehicle and routing the copied message to the vehicle driver's mobile phone. Through a driver notification application, the copied message can contain driver identification or driver phone number information that is evaluated and confirmed for forwarding the copied message. The copied message is formatted and is sent to the driver's mobile phone via short message service (SMS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Omnitracs, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Austin Wood, Algirdas Veitas, Craig Lauer, Susan Marie Hennenfent
  • Patent number: 9591730
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus which is one of a plurality of lighting apparatuses each capable of performing wireless communication with a control device. The lighting apparatus includes: a light emitting unit; a controller which controls turn-on of the light emitting unit; and a communication unit configured to perform wireless communication with the control device to obtain correction time from the control device, the correction time being based on communication delay between the control device and each lighting apparatus. The communication unit further obtains a turn-on instruction for turning on the light emitting unit from the control device, and transmits a response to the turn-on instruction to the control device upon obtainment of the turn-on instruction. The controller turns on the light emitting unit after passage of a time period from when the response is transmitted to the device, the time period being calculated by subtracting communication latency from the correction time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsumi Setomoto, Tamotsu Ando
  • Patent number: 9305455
    Abstract: A switch module is designed to facilitate user definition of a group of switch modules that control the same lamp. A lamp unit (12) containing the lamp responds selectively to messages from the switch modules (10, 10?) when the messages comprise ID information matching with ID information stored in the lamp unit (12). A group is formed by detecting user control operation of sensors (100) in the switch modules (10, 10?), transmitting messages from the switch modules (10, 10?) in response and determining from the messages whether the switch modules (10?) have both been operated within a time interval with a duration of less than a predetermined threshold. If so, the ID information value in memories (104) of the switch module (10) and/or the further switch module (10?) are set to matching ID values, for use in the messages to control the lamp unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Arie Geert Cornelis Koppelaar, Oswald Moonen, Emmanuel David Lucas Michael Frimout, Ewout Brandsma, Gert-Jan Koolen
  • Patent number: 9253844
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods reduce harmonic distortion of a excitation current by diverting the excitation current substantially away from a number of LEDs arranged in a series circuit until the current or its associated periodic excitation voltage reaches a predetermined threshold level, and ceasing the current diversion while the excitation current or voltage is substantially above the predetermined threshold level. In an illustrative embodiment, a rectifier may receive an AC (e.g., sinusoidal) voltage and deliver unidirectional current to a string of series-connected LEDs. An effective turn-on threshold voltage of the diode string may be reduced by diverting current around at least one of the diodes in the string while the AC voltage is below a predetermined level. In various examples, selective current diversion within the LED string may extend the input current conduction angle and thereby substantially reduce harmonic distortion for AC LED lighting systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Once Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Zdenko Grajcar
  • Patent number: 9226375
    Abstract: Provided is a system for controlling lighting effects. The system comprises a controller and one or more wireless dimmer devices with incorporated digital effects engine. The controller transmits wirelessly and effects parameters to the wireless dimmer devices. The dimmer devices receive the effects parameters, generate output effects parameters using the digital effects engine, and provide the output effects parameters to either dimmer output channels or DMX output channels. The digital effect engine comprises a low frequency oscillator and several random number generators. The random number generators may be used to modulate frequency of the low frequency oscillator and modulate a level of each dimmer output channel. The random number generators are configured to generate independent strings of pseudo-random numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Soundsculpture Incorporated
    Inventor: James David Smith
  • Patent number: 9204519
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a control system, comprising user interface that includes an input/output module for assignment of address and control configurations for a fixture; and uses a light for outputting a precise indication and feedback confirmation of exact settings for address and control configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: PQJ CORP
    Inventors: Quan Gan, Jun Dong
  • Patent number: 9084312
    Abstract: Systems, methods, software, and data structures that provide dynamic ambient lighting synchronized to a video program being watched in a premises are described herein. A video program may be associated with a predefined lighting scheme that specifies or identifies a time-sequenced set of lighting effects (e.g., flashing police lights, sunrise, explosion, etc.) that are to be performed by the dynamic ambient lighting system time-synchronously with the video program. Components of the dynamic ambient lighting system may extract the lighting scheme from video data, parse the lighting scheme into individual lighting effects, and then control a single-color or multicolor light source associated with each of a plurality of light channels (e.g., front right, rear right, front left, rear left, center, and burst channel, among others) based on time-sequenced lighting primitives defined by each lighting effect. Light sources may be wirelessly controlled, e.g., using an IEEE 802.15.4 or ZigBee-compliant wireless system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Cook
  • Patent number: 9072134
    Abstract: A control unit for controlling an illumination parameter of one or more light sources of a plurality of light sources is described. The control unit being arranged to —select the one or more light sources of the plurality of light sources, receive an input signal representing a required value of the illumination parameter for the selected one or more light sources, convert the input signal to a broadcast signal for the plurality of light sources; —enable the broadcast signal to be provided to the plurality of light sources thereby enabling the selected one or more light sources to comply with the required value of the illumination parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: ELDOLAB HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Petrus Johannes Maria Welten, Hubert Johan Marie Robert Van Doorne
  • Patent number: 9030132
    Abstract: A system for remote control includes a user device configured to run an application that receives a user input; a remote device including a controller and a controlled device; and a computing cloud being connected to the user device and the remote device through the Internet and configured to convert the user input received at the user device to a command. The controller is configured to receive and execute the command and thereby control the controlled device accordingly. The application is a non-customized application. The controlled device includes a plurality of cascadable LED cubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: FONGSHEK TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Ming Fong
  • Patent number: 8994517
    Abstract: A remote controller is arranged for selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources. The remote controller has an omnidirectional transmitter and is arranged to instruct, by means of the omnidirectional transmitter, the light sources to transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source. Further, the remote controller has a directional signal receiver, and is arranged to receive the directional signals from the light sources, and signal comparison circuitry connected with the directional signal receiver. The remote controller is arranged to select one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the remote controller comprises a transmission indicator, which is arranged to generate an indication signal, indicative of a successful omnidirectional transmission, and it is arranged to initiate the selection of one of the light sources by means of the indication signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijkle Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Cornelis Talstra, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, George Frederic Yianni, James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Patent number: 8994295
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, apparatuses and systems for commissioning a light fixture are disclosed. One method includes receiving, by the light fixture, a message from a central controller, wherein reception of the message puts the light fixture into a known condition, establishing communication between the light fixture and a user, and communicating, by either the light fixture or the user, a location of the user at a time of the established communication, to the central controller, thereby allowing the central controller to record a location of the light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: enLighted, Inc.
    Inventors: Tanuj Mohan, Premal Ashar, Saurabh Gupta
  • Patent number: 8981912
    Abstract: A method of selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources by means of a remote controller includes the remote controller: instructing, by omnidirectional transmission, the light sources to each transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source; —receiving the directional signals from the light sources; and selecting one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the method includes: generating, remotely of the light sources, codes to be transmitted by the light sources; and—the remote controller instructing each one of the light sources which one of the remotely determined codes to transmit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijkle Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Cornelis Talstra, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, George Frederic Yianni
  • Patent number: 8941333
    Abstract: A device for controlling an LED lighting in an LED lighting control system including a plurality of LED lightings which are connected via a network is provided. A lighting data receiver receives a first lighting control signal and extracts first lighting control data for the LED lighting from the first lighting control signal including a confirmation code. A verifier verifies the first lighting control data based on the confirmation code, and an error processor records error information when the verifier fails to verify the first lighting control data. A driving signal processor converts the first lighting control data to a driving signal when the verifier succeeds to verify the first lighting control data. An LED driver controls lighting of an LED light source based on the driving signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Insu Kim, Tae-Gyu Kang, Seong Hee Park
  • Patent number: 8941332
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided that include alterable characteristics and such alterable characteristics may be coordinated. Such systems, apparatuses, and methods may include wearable apparatuses and such alterable characteristics may relate to illumination conditions or coating colors. In one example, a wearable apparatus includes an output device such as an illumination device or coating that may be manually manipulated between two different conditions. In another example, two wearable apparatuses may each include an output device such as an illumination device or a coating, and operation of the two illumination devices or coatings may be coordinated. In a further example, operation of an apparatus may be controlled by a third party or venue. Still another exemplary system may include a capturing device for capturing a characteristic of an object and controlling an output device of an apparatus to operate with the same characteristic as the captured characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Seth M. Gerszberg
  • Patent number: 8937444
    Abstract: A lighting system (100) includes light sources (110) and a user interface (130) configured to display an image of an environment including an object provided with a first illumination. The image may be provided by a camera (140) to a remote display device (260). A processor (120) may be configured to change the first illumination to a second illumination in response to a signal and to select at least one of the light sources to provide the second illumination based on attributes of the second illumination and availability and specifications of the light sources. The signal may be provided by a user viewing the image. Alternatively or in addition, the processor (120) may be further configured to generate the signal by detecting a change of the object using content analysis of the image in comparison with a previous image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Felix Henric Govert Ogg, Gerardus Antonius Maria Bagen
  • Patent number: 8829822
    Abstract: A light source that generally includes multiple light emitting diode (LED) sources emitting light at different colors. A controller energizes the LED sources for establishing a changing pattern of the light colors to provide a decorative effect while simultaneously establishing white light illumination of a target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Laski, Makarand Chipalkatti, Maria Thompson
  • Patent number: 8816602
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for controlling a lighting system by proximity sensing of a spotlight control device, particularly to controlling a spotlight generated by a lighting system such as a large LED lighting array by means of a spotlight control device. A device is provided for controlling a lighting system by proximity sensing of a spotlight control device, wherein a predefined area around the spotlight control device is illuminated if a proximity sensor signals presence of the spotlight control device within the predefined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Markus Gerardus Leonardus Maria Van Doorn
  • Patent number: 8803444
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and system of controlling illumination characteristics of a plurality of lighting segments. According to the invention, there is provided an illumination system, comprising: a plurality of lighting segments; a detecting subsystem configured to detect an illumination intensity and/or color of lights emitted from each lighting segment; a controller configured to receive the detecting subsystem's output signals representing illumination intensity and/or color of lights emitted from each lighting segment and to generate sets of driving signals to respectively adjust the driving currents of each lighting segment in response to the output signals, so as to adjust the illumination intensity and/or color of the lights emitted from each lighting segment in accordance with a predetermined illumination setting, wherein each set of driving signals has a unique period feature which is distinguished from that of other sets of driving signals corresponding to other lighting segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Ang Ding, Xiaoyan Zhu, Gongming Wei, Hugo Johan Cornelissen
  • Patent number: 8766556
    Abstract: A remotely controllable track lighting system includes a track with lamps supported on the track that are individually controlled by a wireless remote. Each lamp may be set to different intensity levels (e.g., high, mid, low, off) or to the same intensity level. All lamps may be set, upon initially turning on the lamps or at another time, to previously set intensity levels. The track system may also be powered via a wall switch where initially turning on the lamps via the wall switch causes all of the lamps to return to their previously set intensity levels or the user can move the wall switch off then on within a short period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) to cause all of the lamps to be set high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Evolution Lighting, LLC
    Inventor: A. Corydon Meyer
  • Patent number: 8754595
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a plurality of LED lights having at least two different color LED lights. A controller is coupled to the LED lights for independently controlling the intensity of sets of different color LED lights. A program stored on a storage device is operable on the controller to control the intensity of each of the different sets of different color LED lights to produce light representative of color and intensity changes of outdoor daylight conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Deloren E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8749177
    Abstract: Representative embodiments of the disclosure provide a system, apparatus, and method of controlling an intensity and spectrum of light emitted from a solid state lighting system. The solid state lighting system has a first emitted spectrum at full intensity and at a selected temperature, with a first electrical biasing for the solid state lighting system producing a first wavelength shift, and a second electrical biasing for the solid state lighting system producing a second, opposing wavelength shift. Representative embodiments provide for receiving information designating a selected intensity level or a selected temperature and providing a combined first electrical biasing and second electrical biasing to the solid state lighting system to generate emitted light having the selected intensity level and having a second emitted spectrum within a predetermined variance of the first emitted spectrum over a predetermined range of temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Point Somee Limited Liability Company
    Inventors: Anatoly Shteynberg, Harry Rodriguez, Bradley M. Lehman, Dongsheng Zhou
  • Patent number: 8744939
    Abstract: A method of rewarding loyalty of a user may include providing a personal terminal to the user, detecting whether the personal terminal is within proximity of an interaction terminal, and based at least in part on the proximity of the personal terminal to the interaction terminal, providing a benefit to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Anthony J. Phillips, Leonard F. Antao, Gerard E. Insolia, H. Brock Kolls
  • Patent number: 8729824
    Abstract: A lighting control system comprising a plurality of intelligent switches designed to replace a conventional light switch, each of the intelligent switches including a receiver configured to receive communication signals that include rules based instructions for controlling one or more lighting circuits; a circuit interrupter configured to control the amount of current flowing to a lighting circuit; a memory configured to store the rules based instructions; and a processor coupled with the receiver, memory, and circuit interrupter, the processor configured to control the operation of the circuit interrupter based on the rules based instructions stored in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Tesla Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Derek Matthew Smith
  • Publication number: 20140103810
    Abstract: A lighting system having a controller, a plurality of lights, and a bidirectional bus interconnecting the controller with the lights. The controller controls of the status of the various lights including the on/off state and intensity of the light by transmitting not only commands along the bidirectional bus, but also the address of the individual lights along the bus to the lights. This address is decoded by a circuit associated with each light to permit the lights to be individually controlled if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: MONDAY TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: James B. Shaffer, II, Michael Mulholland, Christopher E. Andrews, Michael J. Kujawski, Ernest Pacsai, Edmund A. Simon, Tim Green
  • Patent number: 8648541
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided that include alterable characteristics and such alterable characteristics may be coordinated. Such systems, apparatuses, and methods may include wearable apparatuses and such alterable characteristics may relate to illumination conditions. In one example, a wearable apparatus includes an illumination device that may be manually manipulated between two different illumination conditions. In another example, two wearable apparatuses may each include an illumination device and operation of the two illumination devices may be coordinated. In a further example, operation of an apparatus may be controlled by a third party or venue. Still another exemplary system may include a capturing device for capturing a characteristic of an object and controlling an output device of an apparatus to operate with the same characteristic as the captured characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Eminvent, LLC
    Inventors: Seth M. Gerszberg, James R. Benya
  • Patent number: 8633661
    Abstract: A time-delayed power switching device for providing power pass-through and timed off conductive pathways to one or more light outputs comprises a power source input, one or more first conductive pathways, one or more second conductive pathways, at least one timing circuit, and at least one relay. The time-delayed power switching device controls power from a power source electrically coupled though the power source input to the timed off conductive pathways by operation of the at least one timing circuit controlling the at least one relay. The relay has a first position adapted to energize the second conductive pathways when receiving a first signal from the timing circuit, and a second position adapted to de-energize the second conductive pathways when receiving a second signal from the timing circuit. Additionally, methods of using one or more time-delayed power switching devices to retrofit lighting areas are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Gary Skwarlo
  • Patent number: 8587204
    Abstract: This invention relates to an ambience lighting system for a display device, where light sources are mounted at the periphery or at the rear side of the display device for emitting an ambience light onto a wall behind the display device. An input means receives color information indicating the color of the wall. A processor then adjusts the color of the emitted ambience light to the received color information of the wall such that the light reflected from the wall towards a viewing area of the display device matches the screen colors of the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: TP Vision Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Erwin Marcel Anna Matthys
  • Publication number: 20130293158
    Abstract: An adaptive light system including a color matching engine, a controller, and a plurality of light sources each configured to emit a source light. The color matching engine determines a dominant wavelength of a selected color, and a combination of the light sources that the controller may operate to emit a combined wavelength that approximately matches the dominant wavelength of the selected color. A color capture device transmits a source color signal designating the selected color. A method of adapting light comprises receiving a selected color, converting a value representing a dominant wavelength of the selected color, determining a combination of and percentages of colors emitted by the plurality of light sources that may be combined to form an adapted light that matches the selected color, and operating the light sources along with a white light to emit the adapted light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: LIGHTING SCIENCE GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fredric S. Maxik, Robert R. Soler, David E. Bartine, Matthew Regan, Eliza Katar Grove, Valerie A. Bastien, Mark Andrew Oostdyk
  • Patent number: 8536984
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a semi-automatic method of replacing a ballast within a lighting control system, such that the new replacement ballast can operate in the same manner as the ballast that was replaced. If multiple ballasts in a lighting control system are removed from the system and multiple new ballasts are installed to replace those ballasts, any operational configurations such as group configurations or area information associated with each removed (missing) ballast must be assigned to the proper new replacement ballast. The semi-automatic replacement method relies upon the operational configurations of the removed ballast to help a user identify which new ballast should replace each missing ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Frank H. Benetz, John H. Bull, Thomas Richard Hinds, William H. Howe
  • Patent number: 8508139
    Abstract: A lighting system (200) includes light sources (220) configured to provide light; and a controller (210) configured to divide the light sources (220) into a focus group (310) including focus light sources for providing main light and a surrounding group (320) including surrounding light sources for providing background light. The focus light sources have individual focus intensity levels related to each other according to a first relationship, and the surrounding light sources have individual surrounding intensity levels related to each other according to a second relationship. The controller (210) may be further configured to change a ratio between the focus and surrounding groups without changing the first and second relationships, such as by interpolation or multiplying by a factor at least one of the individual focus intensity levels and the individual surrounding intensity levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Petrus Wilhelmus Baaijens
  • Patent number: 8502480
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided that include alterable characteristics and such alterable characteristics may be coordinated. Such systems, apparatuses, and methods may include wearable apparatuses and such alterable characteristics may relate to illumination conditions. In one example, a wearable apparatus includes an illumination device that may be manually manipulated between two different illumination conditions. In another example, two wearable apparatuses may each include an illumination device and operation of the two illumination devices may be coordinated. In a further example, operation of an apparatus may be controlled by a third party or venue. Still another exemplary system may include a capturing device for capturing a characteristic of an object and controlling an output device of an apparatus to operate with the same characteristic as the captured characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Seth M. Gerszberg, James R. Benya
  • Patent number: RE46068
    Abstract: A central controller and a number of image projection lighting devices (“IPLD”), a type of multiparameter light, are interconnected by an enhanced performance communications path that is capable of simultaneously carrying different digital signals on various bidirectional channels, such as various content signals, including continuous video and/or audio, in digital form on respective content transfer channels, a command signal on a control channel, and a control or content signal in digital form on an auxiliary channel. In accordance with commands transmitted from the central controller over the control channel, content signals may be sent from any of the IPLDs to any other of the IPLDs, or from the central controller to any of the IPLDs, or from any of the IPLDs to the central controller. The IPLDs have respective unique device addresses, and the control channel, the auxiliary channel, and the content transfer channels also have respective unique channel addresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau