Group Control Systems Patents (Class 315/318)
  • Patent number: 9066383
    Abstract: A method of controlling illumination, including transmitting location information from a communication device to a computer; receiving illumination data with the communication device, where the illumination data is generated by the computer based at least in part on the location information; and transmitting an illumination signal from the communication device to a wearable accessory containing at least one light source, where the illumination signal is based at least in part on the received illumination data and is operable to actuate the at least one light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Eminvent, LLC
    Inventor: Seth Gerszberg
  • Patent number: 9041309
    Abstract: A dynamically programmable LED illumination system, method and apparatus provides for a dynamically programming an LED illumination unit including LED bulbs affixed on a circuit board and arranged to providing an animating display (such as a logo, sign, . . . ), where a user can customize the animating display on the LED illumination unit by selecting control signals. LED bulbs in the unit can illuminate or be adjusted such as to provide an animating display to a viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Scott M. Shane
  • Patent number: 9018853
    Abstract: A system and appertaining method calibrate a color LED light unit comprising at least first-, second-, and third-color LEDs, comprising: a) defining a target color on a color map to calibrate; b) selecting initial calibration coefficients associated with the target color; c) storing the initial or updated calibration coefficients in a non-volatile memory of the light unit; d) controlling the light unit to drive the LEDs to attempt to emit the target color, producing an attempted color, utilizing the calibration coefficients; e) measuring the attempted color to determine if it matches the target color within a predefined tolerance; f) if the attempted color matches the target color, then terminating the method; g) if the attempted color does not match the target color, then performing the following; h) selecting a color component; i) adapting at least one calibration coefficient associated with the selected color component; and j) performing (c)-(i) again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Johannessen, Andrew B. Walsh, Kevin Lawrence, Richard Waring, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9013329
    Abstract: A lighting device, capable of identifying and marking traffic areas of airports, comprises at least one semiconductor lamp and an electronic control circuit, which is connectable to an electrical AC supply network with constant current feed. For controlling the operation of the semiconductor lamp, the control circuit has a rectifier, which is connectable without a transformer to the electrical AC supply network. It further has an internal power supply, which is connected to the rectifier, for supplying the semiconductor lamp with an electric direct current. Furthermore, the voltage supply device (3) having electronic power factor correction means, by means of which voltage and current can be kept in phase in all operating states of the lighting device (1). It furthermore re-adjusts the input voltage from the electrical AC supply network to allow the current predefined on the AC supply network to flow in the event of a small power demand of the electronic control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Hella KGAA Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: Bernhard Rupprath, Nikolaus Decius, Bjorn Abel
  • 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: 8994294
    Abstract: An LED flash module includes: a module substrate; an energy device disposed on the module substrate; an LED module arranged on the module substrate includes a plurality of LED blocks arranged in a first direction, each LED block including a plurality of LED elements which is arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and emits light with power supplied from the energy device; a charger circuit arranged on the module substrate to charge the energy device; and a control circuit arranged on the module substrate to control emission of LED elements. A wiring length from one of the LED elements to a plus terminal of a power supply portion supplying power to each of the LED elements and a wiring length from the one of the LED elements to a minus terminal of the power supply portion is substantially the same for all of the LED elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Sawada, Kazuyuki Hiratsuka
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20150008828
    Abstract: A handheld device for merging groups of lighting fixtures is disclosed. The handheld device includes a communication interface configured to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of lighting fixtures and control circuitry. In one embodiment, the control circuitry is configured to effect selection of a first lighting fixture or a first switch module that is grouped with a first group of lighting fixtures via the communication interface; identify the first group of lighting fixtures; effect selection of a device-to-be-added that is not initially associated with the first group of lighting fixtures via the communication interface; determine a new group by adding the device-to-be-added to the first group of lighting fixtures; create group assignment information for the new group; and send the group assignment information to each of the first group of lighting fixtures and the device-to-be-added of the new group via the communication interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Brian Carrigan, John J. Trainor, Joseph P. Chobot, Matthew Deese, Keith Bryan
  • Patent number: 8922136
    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: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Once Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Zdenko Grajcar
  • Patent number: 8886045
    Abstract: An LED light and communication system is in communication with a broadband over power line communications system. The LED light and communication system includes at least one optical transceiver. The optical transceiver includes a light support having a plurality of light emitting diodes and at least one photodetector attached thereto, and a processor. The processor is in communication with the light emitting diodes and the at least one photodetector. The processor is constructed and arranged to generate a communication signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Federal Law Enforcement Development Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Pederson, Paul R. Brown, Timothy J. Vogt, James LeClaire, James Zimmerman, Brent Mikkelsen
  • Patent number: 8884535
    Abstract: A light emitting diode control system includes a power conversion circuit, a control circuit, and a light emitting diode emission circuit. The control circuit is configured to modulate a data signal to a modulated signal. The light emitting diode emission circuit is electrically connected in series to the control circuit through a transmission line. The light emitting diode emission circuit is adapted to receive the modulated signal outputted from the control circuit. Moreover, the light emitting diode emission circuit includes an addressing unit. The type of the addressing unit could be a pin-selection type or a burning-code type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Semisilicon Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Wen-Chi Peng
  • Patent number: 8858031
    Abstract: A lighting system adapted for being retrofit into a conventional lighting fixture, or adapted to replace the conventional fixture. The lighting system includes a lighting device having a substrate and a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate. The lighting system further includes a power supply for delivering D/C current to the lighting device. The lighting device may be installed into a conventional lighting socket in the conventional lighting fixture or mounted independently utilizing some parts of the conventional fixture. The power supply is installed into the conventional lighting fixture or other suitable fixture external to the lighting device. In exemplary embodiments, the lighting system includes a plurality of lighting devices rotatably mounted in the conventional lighting fixture. Each lighting device is powered by an independent power supply and may be independently rotated and powered to customize light coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Independence LED Lighting, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Attila Szoradi, Sean Russell Darras, Gerald Edward Frazee, Paul Prior
  • Patent number: 8827537
    Abstract: The described embodiments provide systems and methods for delivering power and data to lighting system. Specifically, the embodiments provide systems and methods for delivering power and data to the type of lighting system which is often used in entertainment programs and specifically live shows. Embodiments disclose various systems incorporating truss technology in conjunction with lighting, dimming, power and data distribution systems encompassing a complete and integrated mobile and rapid deployment lighting and lighting support system. Further embodiments describe truss systems used for managing cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Tourtek, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ethan R. Bolvi
  • Patent number: 8796955
    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 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Once Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Zdenko Grajcar
  • Patent number: 8796951
    Abstract: A location commissioning method for a lighting system, having several lighting arrangements, includes selecting an illuminated position, assigning the position a position id, measuring light at the position, deriving light data associated with each lighting arrangement from the measured light, associating the light data with the position id, determining light transfer data from the light data and current drive data for the lighting arrangements, and storing in a light effect setting array for the position id. A light effect setting method includes requesting a selected light effect at a selected position, receiving a position id and a target light effect setting associated with the position, deriving the associated initial light effect setting array, for example by retrieving a stored one, determining the drive data for obtaining the target light effect setting, via the light transfer data in the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Feri, Dragan Sekulovski, Sel Brian Colak, Johan-Paul Marie Gerard Linnartz, Paulus Henricus Antonius Damink, Jorge Guajardo Merchan
  • Patent number: 8779688
    Abstract: A light emitting diode driving circuit includes connected driving units, each of which is configured for driving multiple channels of light emitting diodes generating a feedback voltage for the corresponding driving unit. Each of the driving units includes a selection circuit for comparing the feedback voltage with an input voltage to output a smaller one of the feedback voltage and the input voltage to a next one of the driving units, as the input voltage for the next one of the driving units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Himax Analogic, Inc.
    Inventor: Kuan-Jen Tseng
  • Patent number: 8760076
    Abstract: A pulse width modulation (PWM) dimming circuit comprises a switch unit, a current generation unit, a mirror current source, a multi-path output unit, a plurality of current balance units and a plurality of LED lamp strings. The switch unit receives a PWM signal which controls the switch on or off. The current generation unit is connected with the switch unit and generates a current of a predetermined magnitude when the switch unit is on. The mirror current source is connected with the current generation unit and receives the current to generate a mirror current. The multi-path output unit is connected with the mirror current source and receives and output the mirror current in multiple paths. The current balance units are connected between the multi-path output unit and the LED lamp strings respectively. The PWM dimming circuit decreases both the difficulty and the manufacturing cost and is easy to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xinming Gao
  • Patent number: 8760262
    Abstract: A method of automatically programming a new load control device that replaces an old load control device takes advantage of a remote identification tag (e.g., an RFID tag) located in the vicinity of the old device. The remote identification tag stores an identifier that is representative of a location in which the old device is installed. The method includes the steps of: (1) storing a setting of an old device in a memory of a controller; (2) associating the setting with the identifier of the old device in the memory of the controller; (3) the new device retrieving the identifier from the remote identification tag after the new device is installed in the location of the old device; (4) the new device transmitting the identifier to the controller; and (5) the controller transmitting the setting of the old device to the new device in response to receiving the identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Dragan Veskovic
  • 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: 8742682
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and lighting system with LEDs. An exemplified system comprises series-coupled light-emitting diodes, an integrated circuit, and an energy storage apparatus. The series-coupled light-emitting diodes are divided into several LED groups coupled in series. The integrated circuit comprises nodes respectively coupled to the LED groups, for providing a driving current to selectively flow through at least one of the LED groups. The energy storage apparatus has two ends coupled to a predetermined LED in a predetermined LED group. When the driving current flows through the predetermined LED group the energy storage apparatus energizes; and when the driving current does not flow through the predetermined LED group the energy storage apparatus de-energizes to illuminate the predetermined LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Analog Integrations Corporation
    Inventors: Chang-Yu Wang, Jing-Chyi Wang
  • Patent number: 8742680
    Abstract: A control system controls the operation of at least a first and a second independently controllable LED light member. The control system includes a frame member on which a plurality of electrical components can be mounted, and at least one input port for receiving at least one of a power source and a command signal source capable of sending a command signal to at least one of the first and second LED light members. A first driver member is provided for conducting power to deliver conditioned DC power to the first LED member. A first driver to frame connector removably couples the first driver member to the frame member. A second driver member conditions power to deliver conditioned DC power to the second LED member, and a second driver to frame connector removably couples the first driver member to the frame member. A first external output port is coupled to the first driver, and a second external output port coupled to the second driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Lumen Cache, Inc
    Inventor: Derek Cowburn
  • Patent number: 8729833
    Abstract: Digital Control Ready (DCR) is a two-way open standard for controlling and managing next-generation fixtures. A DCR-enabled lighting fixture responds to digital control signals from a separate digital light agent (DLA) instead of analog dimming signals, eliminating the need for digital-to-analog signal conditioning, fixture-to-fixture variations in response, and calibration specific to each fixture. In addition, a DCR-enabled lighting fixture may also report its power consumption, measured light output, measured color temperature, temperature, and/or other operating parameters to the DLA via the same bidirectional data link that carries the digital control signals to the fixture. The DLA processes these signals in a feedback loop to implement more precise lighting control. The DCR-enabled lighting fixture also transforms AC power to DC power and supplies (and measures) DC power to the DLA via a DCR interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Digital Lumens Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Chemel, Frederick M. Morgan
  • Patent number: 8729826
    Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for controlling brightness of a light emitting apparatus include controlling a brightness of a light emitting device based on a brightness value, receiving a message over a network, and detecting a modulation of a power input of the light emitting apparatus. The brightness value is changed based on both the message and the modulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Greenwave Reality, PTE, Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8716956
    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 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Once Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Zdenko Grajcar
  • Patent number: 8692487
    Abstract: An aircraft cabin lighting kit includes: a driving/dimming module generating output signals for controlling illumination of at least one lighting unit according to command signals from a cabin management system; and at least one wire assembly interfacing the driving/dimming module with a power bus for receiving operational power, and a communication bus for receiving the command signals and for communicating the output signals to the at least one lighting unit. The present aircraft cabin lighting kit is certified by a governmental aviation-regulating body for installation in multiple aircraft. An aircraft cabin lighting system, which includes the kit, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Eckel, Seckin Secilmis
  • Patent number: 8674628
    Abstract: A lighting system automatically assigns a unique address to each lighting apparatus, and controls each lighting apparatus based on the assigned address. The lighting system may include a first lighting apparatus, a second lighting apparatus connected to the first lighting apparatus in series, and a bridge device coupled to the first and second lighting apparatuses in series and configured to assign an address to the first and second lighting apparatuses. The bridge device may transmit a first data packet to initialize the lighting apparatuses for address assignment, and a control circuit may disconnect the connections between the lighting apparatuses during address assignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Taehoon Kim, Junwan Bang, Heegu Park
  • Patent number: 8657462
    Abstract: A luminous module for a luminous chain may include at least one light source; and at least one electrical connection configured to supply the at least one light source, wherein the luminous module includes a heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: OSRAM Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter Haftung
    Inventors: Simon Schwalenberg, Harald Stoyan, Hubertus Breier, Klaus Burkard
  • Patent number: 8651723
    Abstract: The invention relates to GLS-look-alike LED light source (100) comprising two different types of LEDs (21, 22), preferably LEDs emitting with a near UV spectrum and a blue or white spectrum, respectively. The light source (100) further preferably comprises a transparent bulb (40) with a shape similar to an incandescent lamp that is coated by a luminescent layer (30) to achieve a white lamp spectrum. The luminescent layer may contain one or two luminescent compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Juestel, Jacqueline Merikhi, Henning Ohland, Joachim Opitz, Harald Josef Guenther Radermacher, Detlef Uwe Wiechert
  • Patent number: 8624895
    Abstract: A digitally controlled lighting system where aspects have a central media server connected to remote media servers. The connection may have separate networks for control versus media. Automatic synchronization of the contents of the media servers may be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Reese, Mark A. Hunt
  • Patent number: 8624527
    Abstract: An illumination system in accordance with an embodiment hereof includes a plurality of LED units, a system controller, at least one sensing unit, and a plurality of local controllers each associated with at least one LED unit. Each LED unit includes a plurality of differently colored, independently controllable LEDs forming a color gamut. The system controller generates control signals for each of the LED units consistent with a desired system-level output. The sensing unit(s) senses an operating state of the LEDs during operation thereof, and each local controller includes a memory and a compensator. The memory includes calibration data for use over a short time period, and the compensator updates the calibration data based on measurements from a sensing unit over a long time period. Based at least in part on the calibration data, the local controller operates the LEDs of the LED unit to maintain output intensities consistent with commands issued by the system controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Oree, Inc.
    Inventors: Noam Meir, Ilan Landsmann, Ori Spier, Tania Kosburd, Eran Fine
  • Patent number: 8610377
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is provided for designing improved intelligent, LED-based lighting systems. The LED based lighting systems may include fixtures with one or more of rotatable LED light bars, integrated sensors, onboard intelligence to receive signals from the LED light bars and control the LED light bars, and a mesh network connectivity to other fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Digital Lumens, Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian J. Chemel, Colin Piepgras, Steve T. Kondo, Scott D. Johnston
  • 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: 8531136
    Abstract: Exemplary apparatus and associated methods involve a bypass module for modulating conductivity of one or more current paths to provide a first set of LEDs that are conducting near minimum output illumination and having a larger conduction angle than that of a second set of LEDs that conduct at a maximum output illumination. In an illustrative example, the conductivity of a bypass path in parallel with a portion of the second set of LEDs may be reduced while the AC input excitation is above a predetermined threshold voltage or current. The bypass path may be operated to provide a reduced effective turn-on voltage while the input excitation is below the predetermined threshold. For a given maximum output illumination at a maximum input excitation, the bypass module may control current through selected LEDs to construct an input current waveform with substantially improved power factor and reduced harmonic distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Once Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Zdenko Grajcar
  • Patent number: 8531135
    Abstract: A lighting system which automatically assigns a unique address to each lighting device and controls each lighting device assigned the unique address is disclosed. The lighting system may include a plurality of lighting apparatuses, at least one bridge coupled to the plurality of lighting apparatuses, and a lighting controller coupled to the at least one bridge for controlling the lighting apparatuses. One of the at least one bridge or the controller may generate address data for assigning an address to one of the plurality of lighting apparatuses. The plurality of lighting apparatuses may include an LED module, a connection circuit configured to control a connection between the at least one bridge and the plurality of lighting apparatuses, and a controller configured to control the connection circuit based on the address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Heegu Park, Taehoon Kim, Junwan Bang
  • Patent number: 8531137
    Abstract: A modular light emitting apparatus includes a light emitting device, a connector to couple to an AC power source, circuitry on a first electronics module to drive the light emitting device, and a support structure arranged to position and hold a second electronics module that conforms to a predetermined form factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Greenwave Reality, PTE, Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8531134
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is provided for designing improved intelligent, LED-based lighting systems. The LED based lighting systems may include fixtures with one or more of rotatable LED light bars, integrated sensors, onboard intelligence to receive signals from the LED light bars and control the LED light bars, and a mesh network connectivity to other fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Digital Lumens Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian J. Chemel, Colin Piepgras, Steve T. Kondo, Scott D. Johnston
  • Patent number: 8502481
    Abstract: A positive counter starts counting, starting with an initial value, upon receiving a positive edge of a dimming pulse signal. A negative edge counter starts counting, starting with an initial value, upon receiving a negative edge of the dimming pulse signal. For each i-th (2?i?n) channel, the phase shift amount is calculated by multiplying a period count value that indicates the period of the dimming pulse signal by (i?1)/n. When the count value matches the phase shift amount, a burst control signal is switched to a first level. When the count value matches the phase shift amount, the burst control signal is switched to a second level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Hagino, Shingo Haruta, Toshikazu Takei
  • 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: 8461781
    Abstract: There is provided a method for advanced configuration and initialization of a luminaire system. The luminaire system comprises one or more lighting devices (102), an apparatus (104) and a user interface (106). The apparatus comprises a light sensor. One or more of the lighting devices are not connected to a central controller by means of a wired/wireless connection. Therefore, techniques and procedures to use manual interaction by an operator (114) to control these lighting devices are proposed. The proposed techniques enable backward compatible and low-cost implementations of advanced luminaire initialization and configuration. Moreover, this invention proposes to combine the user input, sensing and control functionality into one device, thereby reducing the total cost of implementation and ownership of the proposed system. A corresponding system and apparatus are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Tim Corneel Wilhelmus Schenk, Peter Deixler, Lorenzo Feri
  • Patent number: 8456090
    Abstract: Power is stored in a networked light allowing the networked light to send a message over the network providing information that the networked light is turning off if external power is no longer available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Greenwave Reality PTE, Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8450950
    Abstract: An enhanced control mechanism for an LED light string system is provided for switching between one of two DC output phases or polarities so as to actuate one or the other of two LEDs within the bulbs on the light string. The control mechanism is further configured to allow switching so as to pass through the input power provided by a light string that is plugged into its electrical power feeding end. The control mechanism may provide either AC, rectified AC, or DC voltage of various values to the LED string according to the particular needs of the LED bulbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: National Christmas Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael M. McRae
  • Patent number: 8441215
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for operating high intensity discharge (HID) lamps at a predetermined substantially constant luminous flux output. A power-time characteristic is developed using a test lamp of similar type and rating to the HID lamps. This characteristic defines the power required at different times, which may be regularly spaced intervals of for example 20 hours, during the operating life of the HID lamps to operate the lamps at the predetermined luminous flux output. The power time characteristic is then “played back” in real time via a microprocessor based master controller for the HID lamps. The communications to the HID lamps may be wireless or hard wired. The result is that the HID lamps are operated at substantially constant lumens resulting in significant energy savings and improved lamp performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: The Active Reactor Company, Pty
    Inventor: Brian Rodney Howell
  • Patent number: 8441214
    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: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Deloren E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8436552
    Abstract: A power source control device for controlling an illuminance of an illuminator by outputting a current for driving the illuminator and by controlling the current, including: a receiver for receiving a wireless signal having a predetermined frequency; a storage section for storing a setting table holding a first code indicating a predetermined device identification code; a control signal generating circuit for comparing a second code included in the wireless signal with the first code to output a control signal when the second code agrees with the first code; and a current outputting circuit for generating and outputting a current according to the control signal generating circuit, wherein the power source control device controls the illuminance of the illuminator according to the wireless signal from a desired wireless signal transmitting device in response to a change of the first coded held in the setting table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Komagata, Noboru Sugie, Ryoji Waki, Shinichi Goto
  • Patent number: 8421376
    Abstract: A modular light emitting apparatus includes a light emitting device, a connector to couple to an AC power source, an AC to DC converter, circuitry, on a first electronics module, to drive the light emitting device, and a support structure arranged to position and hold a second electronics module that conforms to a predetermined form factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Greenwave Reality PTE Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8410724
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate to a lighting control console for controlling a lighting system comprising wherein digital adjusting commands, which can be transferred to the lighting devices of the lighting system via data connections, are generated in the lighting control console, and wherein the lighting control console comprises at least one housing, in which the hardware components are arranged so as to be protected from external influences, and wherein the lighting control console comprises a plurality of operating elements, in particular pushbuttons, slide controls and/or rotary controls, which are arranged at the upper side of the housing and by means of which operating commands can be input, and wherein the lighting control console comprises at least one display device, at which a user interface can be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: MA Lighting Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Adenau
  • Patent number: 8373363
    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: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Once Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Zdenko Grajcar
  • Patent number: 8310175
    Abstract: Modular lamp system comprises a base unit comprising a power supply, and at least one pair of external electrical contacts arranged on said base unit and electrically connected with said power supply; and at least one light unit comprising at least one first pair of external electrical contacts, arranged on said light unit and arranged to mate with the at least one pair of electrical contacts of the base unit or another substantially identical unit, at least one second pair of external electrical contacts, arranged on said light unit and arranged to mate with the at least one first pair of electrical contacts of another substantially identical unit, and at least one LED lamp arranged on said light unit, said at least one first pair of external electrical contacts and said at least one second pair of external electrical contacts, and said lamp being electrically connected with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Lite-On It Corporation
    Inventor: Tony Petrus Van Endert
  • Patent number: 8299719
    Abstract: The present invention is an individually selective intelligent serial lighting system, wherein lighting elements are arranged in a specific configuration so that unknown location and identity of each randomly distributed registered integrated circuit switch device, which drives lighting elements, is automatically detected, recorded and addressed. A controller, individually controls every single LED, or other lighting element distributed along the length of lighting string with fixed set of wires. Each lighting element is mounted on or connected to and driven from a Switch PCB, consisting an integrated circuit switch, each programmed or lasered with a unique serial number, with at least two ports and a communication protocol. Software routines are intelligent in a sense that find position of each individual lighting element when any existing or new lighting element or cable assembly is attached to or detached from the system whether in operation and alive or upon power up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Masoud Moshirnoroozi
  • Publication number: 20120268043
    Abstract: A moveable barrier operator includes a motor for moving a moveable barrier and a housing is disposed around the motor. The moveable barrier operator also includes a plurality of light sources and the plurality of light source are coupled to the housing along a periphery of the housing and being individually directable so as to illuminate at least one predetermined area outside the housing. The at least one predetermined area is proximal to a moveable barrier operator. A controller disposed in the housing and coupled to the motor. The controller is arranged and configured to automatically selectively actuate the motor to move the moveable barrier according to received user instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: THE CHAMBERLAIN GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Robert John Olmsted