Light emitting diode based products

IS 2 390 215 Τ3

DESCRIPTION

Products based on light emitting diodes.

Cross references with related requests

The present application claims priority to the following US provisional applications:

Serial No. 60 / 322,765, filed September 17, 2001, entitled "Light Emitting Diode Illumination Systems and Methods";

Serial No. 60 / 329,202, filed October 12, 2001, entitled "Light Emitting Diode Illumination Systems and Methods";

Serial No. 60 / 341,476, filed October 30, 2001, entitled "Sytems and Methods for LED Lighting";

Serial No. 60 / 335,679, filed Oct. 23, 2001, entitled "Systems and Methods for Programmed LED Devices";

Serial No. 60 / 341,898, filed December 19, 2001, entitled "Systems and Methods for LED Lighting"; and Serial No. 60 / 353,569, filed February 1, 2002, entitled "LED Systems and Methods."

Background

Lighting elements are sometimes used to illuminate a system, such as a consumer product, portable accessory, novelty item, or the like. Existing illuminated systems, however, can generally only display fixed illumination with one or more light sources. An existing portable accessory, for example, could use a single white light bulb as the illumination source, the white light shining through a transparent colorful material. Such fixtures only show illumination of a single type (a function of the color of the transparent material) or at best, varying the intensity of the bulb output, illumination of one color with a certain degree of controllable brightness. Other existing systems, to provide a wider range of colored lighting, may use a combination of different colored bulbs. Such accessories, however, are limited to a small number of different color states, for example, three different lighting colors: red (illuminated red bulb); blue (illuminated blue bulb); and purple (both red and blue light bulbs illuminated). The ability to mix colors to produce a wide range of different shades of color is not present.

Techniques for producing multi-color lighting effects with LEDs are known. Some such techniques are shown, for example, in US Patent No. 6,016,038, US Patent Application No. 09 / 215,624, and US Patent No. 6,150,774. While these references teach systems for producing lighting effects, they do not refer to multi-color, programmable lighting system applications.

For example, many toys, such as balls, can benefit from enhanced color lighting, processing, and / or networking attributes. There are toy balls that have illuminated parts or balls where the entire surface appears to be glowing, however there is no ball available that employs dynamic color-changing effects. Furthermore, there is no ball available that responds to data signals provided from a remote source. As another example, ornamental devices are often illuminated to provide enhanced decorative effects. US patents n.^you 6,086,222 and 5,975,717, for example, disclose illuminated ornamental icicles with cascading illuminated effects. As a significant disadvantage, these systems apply complicated wiring harnesses to achieve dynamic lighting. Other examples of simple dynamic lighting can be found in consumer products ranging from consumer electronics to home lighting (such as night lights), toys, clothing, etc.

US-6,007,209 discloses a light source for a display panel of the type used in a laptop computer. The light source consists of a housing having a diffusely reflective bottom and a cavity-forming lateral inner surface. A first series of LEDs is mounted within the cavity around a perimeter of the opening and is protected from the opening by perimeter baffles that extend around the periphery of the opening. A second series of LEDs is mounted within the cavity at the bottom of the housing. The light source produces a light of uniform character with relatively high intensity and whiteness.

US-6,243,068 discloses a multi-light source flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD) system having improved backlight brightness and especially a selected light source. The brightness on the LCD is enhanced by polarization recycling using a pre-polarizing film to pre-polarize light, and a special reflector to recycle reflected light by the polarization film.

ES 2 390 215 Τ3 previous. The multiple light sources are selected so that, at any color temperature within a predefined range, the LCD brightness does not drop below a given minimum threshold.

Thus, there is still a need for existing products with built-in programmable, multi-color lighting systems to enhance the user experience with sophisticated color change effects, including systems that operate autonomously and systems associated with wired or wireless computer networks.

Summary of the invention

The invention is defined by independent claims 1 and 34. More detailed embodiments are defined by dependent claims.

Description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 2A-2B are state diagrams showing the operation of a device according to certain embodiments of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a glow stick;

Figure 4 shows a key ring;

Figure 5 shows a focus;

Figure 6 shows a focus;

Figure 7 shows an Edison mounting bulb;

Figure 8 shows an Edison mounting bulb;

Figure 9 shows a light bulb;

Figure 10 shows a light mounted on a wall socket;

Figure 11 shows a night light;

Figure 12 shows a night light;

Figure 13 shows a wall wash light;

Figure 14 shows a wall wash light;

Figure 15 shows a light;

Figure 16 shows a lighting system;

Figure 17 shows a light;

Figure 18 shows a light and reflector arrangement;

Figure 19 shows a light and reflector arrangement;

Figure 20 shows a light and reflector arrangement;

Figure 21 shows a light and reflector arrangement;

Figure 22 is a block diagram of a device having internal lighting circuitry;

Figure 23 is a block diagram of a device having external lighting circuitry;

Figure 24 depicts a self-contained color change shoe;

Figure 25 depicts a device for use with color change icicles;

Figures 26-30 depict color change icicles; Y

2 390 215 Τ3 figure 31 represents a color change luminous hose;

Figures 32A and 32B illustrate an illuminated wall panel device;

Figure 33 illustrates a modified faceplate of the device shown in Figures 32A and 32B;

Figure 34 illustrates an illuminated panel according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 35 illustrates an illuminated panel using optical fibers according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 36 illustrates an illuminated switch / wallplate according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 37 illustrates an illuminated wallplate / socket according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 38 illustrates an illuminated wallplate / socket (a) having a user interface in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 39 illustrates a lighting fixture having a flexible neck;

Figure 40 illustrates a junction box for various lighting devices;

Figures 41A, 41B, and 41C illustrate various lighting fixtures for automotive applications; Figure 42 illustrates a lighting device having an elongated optical element;

Figures 43A, 43B, and 43C illustrate various arrangements of a reflector implemented with the optical element of Figure 42;

Figure 44 illustrates an example of a modified conformation of the optical element of Figure 42;

Figure 45 illustrates an example of non-uniform imperfections implemented with the optical element of Figure 42;

Figure 46 illustrates an exemplary housing and accessories for the lighting fixture of Figure 42;

Figure 47 illustrates an example of a reflector for the optical element of Figure 42;

Figure 48 illustrates an example of a shaped reflector;

Figure 49 illustrates a lighting fixture programming system and method;

Figure 50 illustrates a lighting device with an optical element;

Figure 51 illustrates an example of a directional reflector as an optical element in the device of Figure 50; Figure 52 illustrates a mechanical coupling of an optical element and a housing of the device of Figure 50; Figure 53 illustrates a lighting device with a diffusion optical element; and Figure 54 illustrates an example of the diffusion optical element of Figure 53.

Detailed description

Various exemplary implementations of light-emitting diode (LED) -based lighting products and methods are disclosed including, but not limited to, glow sticks, key chains, toys, balls, various game accessories, bulbs, lights. night lights, wall lights, wall switches, wall sockets, wall panels, modular lights, flexible lights, car lights, portable accessories, luminous hoses, decorative lights such as icicles and icicle strings, light tubes, lights and insect control methods, and lighted air freshener / perfume dispensers. Any of the above devices can be equipped with various types of user interfaces (both "local" and "remote") to control the light generated from the device. Additionally, the devices can be controlled via control information or programs stored in the device memory and / or transmitted or downloaded to the devices (for example, the devices can be controlled individually or jointly in groups over a network, the rods lights or other products can be downloaded with programming information that is stored in memory, etc.). The devices can also include sensors so that the light generated can change in response to various environmental and / or operating conditions or user input. Also disclosed are various optical processing devices that can be used

ES 2 390 215 Τ3 with any of the devices (for example, reflectors, diffusers, etc.).

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the invention, certain illustrative embodiments will now be described, including various applications for programmable LEDs. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the methods and systems described herein may be suitably adapted to other environments where programmable lighting is desired.

As used herein, the term "LED" means any system that can receive an electrical signal and produce a color of light in response to the signal. Therefore, the term "LED" should be understood to include light-emitting diodes of all kinds, including white LEDs, infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, visible color LEDs, light-emitting polymers, semiconductor dice that produce light in response to organic LEDs, and current, electroluminescent strips, silicon-based structures that emit light, and other such systems. In one embodiment, an "LED" can refer to a single light emitting diode package that has multiple semiconductor dice that are individually controlled. It should also be understood that the term "LED" does not restrict the type of LED package. The term "LED" includes packaged LEDs, unpackaged LEDs, surface mounted LEDs, chip-on-board LEDs, and LEDs of all other configurations. The term "LED" also includes phosphor-packed or associated LEDs in which the phosphor can convert energy from the LED to a different wavelength.

An LED system is a type of light source. As used herein "source of illumination" should be understood to include all sources of illumination, including LED systems, as well as incandescent sources, including filament lamps, pyroluminescent sources, such as flames, luminescent sources with candles, such such as incandescent gas sleeves and carbon electrode arc radiation sources, as well as photoluminescent sources, including gaseous discharges, fluorescent sources, phosphorescent sources, lasers, electroluminescent sources, such as electroluminescent lamps, light-emitting diodes, and cathode luminescent sources that use electronic saturation, as well as various luminescent sources including galvanoluminescent sources, crystal-luminescent sources, quinoluminescent sources, thermoluminescent sources, sources triboluminescent, sonoluminescent sources, and radioluminescent sources. Lighting sources can also include luminescent polymers that can produce primary colors.

The term "illuminate" is to be understood as referring to the production of a frequency of radiation by an illumination source in order to illuminate a space, environment, material, object, or other element. The term "color" is to be understood as referring to any frequency of radiation, or combination of different frequencies, within the spectrum of visible light. The term "color" as used herein should also be understood to encompass frequencies in the infrared and ultraviolet areas of the spectrum, and in other areas of the electromagnetic spectrum where illumination sources can generate radiation.

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a lighting system or device 500. The device may include a user interface 1, a processor 2, one or more controllers 3, one or more LEDs 4, and a memory 6. In general, processor 2 can execute a program stored in memory 6 to generate signals that control the stimulation of LEDs 4. The signals can be converted by the controllers 3 into a form suitable for activating the LEDs 4, which may include control of the current, amplitude, duration, or waveform of the signals printed on the LEDs 4.

As used herein, the term "processor" can refer to any system for processing electronic signals. A processor may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable digital signal processor, or other programmable device, along with external memory such as read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electronically erasable programmable read-only memory, random access memory. , dynamic random access memory, double transfer rate random access memory, Rambus direct random access memory, flash memory, or any other volatile or non-volatile memory for storing program instructions, program data, and program output or other intermediate or final results. A processor may also include, or instead, an application specific integrated circuit, a programmable gate array, programmable matrix logic, a programmable logic device, a digital signal processor, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-digital converter. analog, or any other device that can be configured to process electronic signals. In addition, a processor may include discrete circuitry such as passive or active analog components that include resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, operational amplifiers, etc., as well as discrete digital components such as logic components, shift registers, latches, etc. or any other separately packaged chip or other component to perform a digital function. Any combination of the above circuitry and components, whether packaged discretely, as a chip, as a chipset, or as a die, can be suitably adapted for use as a processor as described herein. When a processor includes a programmable device such as the aforementioned microprocessor or microcontroller, the processor may further include computer-executable code that controls the operation of the programmable device.

Controller 3 can be a pulse width modulator, pulse width modulator, pulse width modulator

ES 2 390 215 Τ3 pulse displacement, resistor ladder, current generator, voltage generator, voltage ladder, switch, transistor, voltage controller, or other controller. The controller 3 generally regulates the current, voltage and / or power through the LED, in response to signals received from the processor 2. In one embodiment, several LEDs 4 with different spectral output can be used. Each of these colors can be activated via 3 separate controllers. Processor 2 and controller 3 can be incorporated into one device, for example, sharing a single semiconductor package. This device can activate multiple LEDs 4 in series when it has sufficient power output, or the device can activate individual LEDs 4 with a corresponding number of outputs. By controlling the LEDs 4 independently, color mixing can be applied to create lighting effects.

Memory 6 can store algorithms or control programs to control LEDs 4. Memory 6 can also store look-up tables, calibration data, or other values ​​associated with control signals. Memory 6 can be read-only memory, programmable memory, programmable read-only memory, electronically erasable programmable read-only memory, random access memory, dynamic random access memory, double transfer rate random access memory, memory Rambus direct random access, flash memory, or any other volatile or non-volatile memory to store program instructions, program data, address information, and program output or other intermediate or final results. A program, for example, can store control signals to operate several LEDs 4 of different colors.

A user interface 1 can also be associated with processor 2. User interface 1 can be used to select a program from memory 6, modify a program from memory 6, modify a program parameter from memory 6, select a signal external to control the LEDs 4, start a program, or provide other user interface solutions. Various methods of color mixing and pulse width modulation control are disclosed in US Patent No. 6,016,038 "Multicolored LED Lighting Method and Apparatus". Processor 2 may also be addressable to receive programming signals directed thereto.

The '038 patent discloses LED control through a technique known as pulse width modulation (PWM). This technique can provide, through pulses of variable width, a way to control the intensity of the LEDs as seen by the eyes. Other techniques are also available to control the brightness of LEDs and can be used with the invention. By mixing various shades of LEDs, many colors can be produced that span a wide scale of the visible spectrum. Additionally, by varying the relative intensity of LEDs over time, a variety of color-changing and intensity-varying effects can occur. Other techniques for controlling the intensity of one or more LEDs are known in the art, and can be usefully employed with the systems described herein. In one embodiment, processor 2 is a Microchip PIC processor 12C672 that controls the LEDs via PWM, and the LEDs 4 are red, green, and blue.

Figures 2A-2B are an operating state diagram of a device. The terms 'mode' and 'state' are used interchangeably in the following description. When the device is turned on, it can enter a first mode 8, for example, under the control of a program running in the processor 2 of figure 1. The first mode 8 can provide a color bath, in which the LEDs pass continuously through the entire color spectrum, or through a part of the color spectrum. In the first mode 8, a color bath rate can be determined by a parameter stored, for example, in memory 6 shown in Figure 1A. Through a user interface such as a button, wheel, slider, or the like, a user can adjust the rate of the color bath. Within each mode, the parameter can correspond to a different aspect of the lighting effect created by the mode, or each mode can access a different parameter so that persistence for a parameter is maintained during subsequent returns to that mode.

A second mode 9 can be accessed from the first mode 8. In the second mode 9, the device can randomly select a sequence of colors, and move from one color to the next. Transitions can blend together to look like continuous transitions, or they can be abrupt, changing in a single stage from one random color to the next. The parameter can correspond to a rate at which these changes occur.

A third mode 10 can be accessed from the second mode 9. In the third mode, the device can provide a static color, that is, not changing. The parameter can correspond to the frequency or spectral content of the color.

A fourth mode 11 can be accessed from the third mode 10. In the fourth mode 11, the device can be strobe, that is, intermittently turn on and off. The parameter can correspond to the color of the strobe light or the rate of the strobe light. At a given value, the parameter can correspond to other lighting effects, such as a strobe that alternates red, white, and blue, or a strobe that alternates green and red. Other modes, or parameters within a mode, may correspond to color change effects coordinated with a specific time of year or an event such as Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, the Fourth of July, the All Saints' Eve, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years, or other time, event, brand, logo, or symbol.

IS 2 390 215 Τ3

A fifth mode 12 can be accessed from the fourth mode 11. The fifth mode 12 may correspond to an off state. In the fifth mode 12, no parameters can be provided. A next transition can be to the first mode 8, or some other mode. It will be appreciated that other lighting effects are known, and can be realized as modes or states that can be used with a device according to the principles of the invention.

Various user interfaces can be provided for use with the device. When, for example, a two-button interface is provided, a first button can be used to switch from one mode to another, while a second button can be used to control the selection of a parameter within a mode. In this configuration, the second button can be held in a closed position, with a parameter that changes incrementally until the button is released. The second button can be held, and the device can capture a time that the button is held (until it is released), this time is used to change the parameter. Or the parameter can change once, each time the second button is held and released. Some combination of these techniques can be used for different modes. For example, it will be appreciated that a mode that has a large number of parameter values, such as a million or more different colors available through color-changing LEDs, which individually selects each parameter value can be excessively cumbersome, and An approach that allows a user to quickly cycle through parameter values ​​by holding the button may be preferred. In contrast, a mode with a small number of parameter values, such as five different strobe effects, can be easily controlled by switching from one parameter value to another each time the second button is pressed.

Instead a single button interface may be provided, in which, for example, a transition between mode selections and parameter selections is indicated by holding the button down for a predetermined time, such as one or two seconds. That is, when it was pressed the only button , the device can switch from one mode to another, with a parameter initialized to some predetermined value. If the button is held after it has been pressed for the transition, the parameter value can be increased (or decreased) so that the parameter can be selected within the mode. When the button is released, the parameter value can be kept at its last value.

The interface may include a button and an adjustable input. The button can control transitions from one mode to another. The adjustable input can allow adjustment of a parameter value within the mode. The adjustable input can be, for example, a thumbwheel, slider, knob, or any other device whose physical position can be converted to a parameter value for use by the device. Optionally, the adjustable input can only respond to user input if the button is held after a transition between modes.

The interface can include two adjustable inputs. A first adjustable input can be used to select a mode, and a second adjustable input can be used to select a parameter within a mode. In another configuration, a single thumbwheel can be used to cycle through all modes and parameters continuously. It will be appreciated that other controls are possible, including keypads, touch mice, sliders, switches, thumbwheels, linear switches, rotary switches, variable switches, thumbwheels, double row packet switches, or other input devices suitable for operation with people.

In one embodiment, a mode may have a plurality of associated parameters, each parameter having a parameter value. For example, in a color-changing strobe effect, a first parameter may correspond to a rate of strobe, and a second parameter may correspond to a rate of color change. A device that has multiple parameters for one or more modes can have multiple corresponding controls on the user interface.

The user interface may include user input devices, such as the adjustable buttons and controls noted above, that produce a signal or voltage to be read by the processor. The voltage can be a digital signal that corresponds to a digital high and low state. If the voltage is in the form of an analog voltage, an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter can be used to convert the voltage into a digital form that can be used by the processor. The A / D output would then supply the processor with a digital signal. This could be useful for supplying signals to the lighting fixture through sensors, transducers, networks, or from other signal generators.

The device can track time for hours, days, weeks, months, or years. Using an internal clock for this purpose, lighting effects can be made in a timely manner for various holidays or other events. For example, on the eve of All Saints Day the light can present lighting themes and color shows including, for example, flashing or orange bathing. On the Fourth of July, a red, white, and blue visual may be provided. On December 25, green and red lighting may be featured. Other themes can be provided for New Years, Valentine's Day, birthdays, etc. As another example, the device can provide different lighting effects at different times of the day, or for different days of the week.

Figure 3 shows a glow stick. The light stick 15 may include the components described

ES 2 390 215 Τ3 above with reference to Figure 1, and can be operated according to the techniques described above with reference to Figures 2A-2B. The light stick 15 can be any small, cylindrical device that can be hung from a cord, rope, chain, bracelet, anklet, key ring, or necklace, for example, by hook 20. The light stick 15, as with many of the lighting devices described herein, can also be used as a portable device. The light stick 15 may be powered by a battery 30 within the light stick 10, such as a size A, AA, AAA battery, or other battery. The battery 30 may be covered by a removable portion 35 that prevents the battery from being seen during normal use. An illumination lens 40 can coat a plurality of LEDs and diffuse the color emanating from them. Lens 40 can be a light transmitting material, such as a transparent material, translucent material, semitransparent material, or other material suitable for this application. In general, the light transmitting material can be any material that receives the light emitted from one or more LEDs and exhibits one or more colors that are a combination of the spectra of the plurality of LEDs. A user interface 45 may be included to provide user input to control the operation of the light stick 15. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 2, the user interface 45 is a single button, however it will be appreciated that any of the interfaces discussed above can be suitably adapted to the light stick 10. The user interface 45 may be a switch, button, or other device that generates a signal for a processor that controls the operation of the light stick 15.

Figure 4 shows a key ring. The key fob 50 may include a light transmitting material 51 that encloses one or more LEDs and a system such as the system of Figure 1 (not shown), a one button user interface 52, a latch 53 suitable for connecting to a chain 54, and one or more batteries 55. Keychain 50 may be similar to light stick 15 of Figure 2, although it may be smaller in size. To accommodate a smaller size, more compact 55 batteries can be used. The key fob 50 can be operated in accordance with the techniques described above with reference to Figures 2A-2B.

Figure 5 shows a focus. Spotlight 60 may include a system such as that depicted in Figure 1 for controlling a plurality of LEDs within spotlight 60, and may operate in accordance with the techniques described above with reference to Figures 2A-2B. Bulb 60 may include a housing 65 suitable for use with conventional luminaires, such as those used with AC bulbs, and includes a light transmitting material at one end to allow LEDs to illuminate through housing 65. They may be provided spotlight settings to illuminate an object or for general lighting for example and the material may not be required. The mixing of the colors can take place in the projection of the beam, for example. The spotlight 60 can draw power for lighting from an external power source through a connection 70, such as an Edison mounting, connector, two-pin base, screw-in base, base, Edison base, power connector. shovel, and power outlet connector or any other adapter to adapt the bulb 60 to external power. Connection 70 may include a converter to convert received power into useful power for the focus. For example, the converter may include an AC to DC converter to convert one hundred and twenty volts to sixty hertz into a direct current at a voltage of, for example, five volts or twelve volts. Bulb 60 can also be powered by one or more batteries 80, or a processor in bulb 60 can be powered by one or more batteries 80, with LEDs powered by electrical power received through connection 70. A battery box 90 may be integrated into the bulb 60 to contain the one or more batteries 80.

Connector 70 may include any one of a variety of adapters to adapt bulb 60 to a power source. Connector 70 can be adapted for, for example, a screw cap, socket, post socket, dowel socket, spade socket, wall socket, or other interface. This can be useful for connecting the lighting fixture to AC power or DC power in new or existing installations. For example, a user may wish to use the bulb 60 in an existing one hundred and ten VAC cap. By incorporating an interface for this style of cap into the bulb 60, the user can easily screw the new light fixture onto the cap. US Patent Application No. 6,292,901, entitled "Power / Data Protocol" describes techniques for transmitting data and power along the same lines and then extracting the data for use in a lighting device. The methods and systems disclosed therein could also be used to communicate information to focus 60 of FIG. 5, through connector 70.

Figure 6 shows a focus. The bulb 100 may be similar to the bulb of Figure 5. A remote user interface 102 may be provided, powered by one or more batteries 120 that are covered by a removable battery cover 125. Remote user interface 102 may include, for example, one or more buttons 130 and a thumbwheel 140 for selecting modes and parameters. Remote user interface 102 can be remote from spotlight 100, and can transmit control information to spotlight 100 using, for example, an infrared or radio frequency communication link, with corresponding transceivers at spotlight 100 and user interface 102 remote. The information could be transmitted through infrared, RF, microwave, electromagnetic, or acoustic signals, or any other means of transmission. The transmission could also be carried out, for its entire path or a part thereof, through a wire, cable, optical fiber, network or other transmission medium.

Figure 7 shows an Edison mounting bulb. Bulb 150 may include a system such as that depicted in Figure 1 for controlling a plurality of LEDs within bulb 150, and may operate in accordance with the techniques described above with reference to Figures 2A-2B. Bulb 150 may include a housing

IS 2 390 215 Τ3

155 suitable for use with conventional luminaires, such as those used with AC bulbs, and Includes a light transmitting material at one end to allow LEDs to illuminate through housing 155. Bulb 150 includes a threaded base 160, and a user interface 165 in the form of a thumbwheel integrated into the body of the bulb 150. The thumbwheel can be rotated, as indicated by an arrow 170, to select modes and parameters for the operation of the bulb 150.

Figure 8 shows an Edison mounting bulb. Bulb 180 is similar to bulb 150 of Figure 7, with a different user interface. The user interface of the bulb 180 includes a thumbwheel 185 and a two-way switch 190. Switch 190 can be used to move forward and backward through a sequence of available modes. For example, if the bulb 180 has four modes numbered 1-4, by sliding the switch 190 to the left in Figure 7, the mode can be moved up one mode, that is, from mode 1 to mode 2. By sliding switch 190 to the right in Figure 7, the mode can be moved down one mode, that is, from mode 2 to mode 1. Switch 190 can include one or more springs to return switch 190 to a neutral position when not force is applied. Thumbwheel 185 can be constructed for endless one-way rotation, in which case a parameter controlled by thumbwheel 185 can return to a minimum value after reaching a maximum value (or vice versa). The thumbwheel can be constructed to have a predefined extension, such as one and a half rotations. In the latter case, one end of the extent may represent a minimum parameter value and the other end of the extent may represent a maximum parameter value. In one embodiment, switch 190 can control a mode (left) and parameter (right), and thumbwheel 185 can control a brightness of bulb 180.

A light bulb such as light bulb 180 of FIG. 8 can also be adapted for control through conventional lighting control systems. Many incandescent lighting systems have dimming control that is accomplished through changes in applied voltages, typically either through changes in applied voltages or by interrupting an AC waveform. A power converter within bulb 180 can be used to convert received power, either in the form of a variable amplitude AC signal or an interrupted waveform, into the power required for the control circuitry and LEDs, and where appropriate, to maintain a constant DC power supply for digital components. An analog-to-digital converter can be included to digitize the AC waveform and generate suitable control signals for the LEDs. The bulb 180 can also detect and analyze a power supply signal and make appropriate adjustments to LED outputs. For example, a bulb 180 can be programmed to provide homogeneous illumination whether it is connected to a 110 VAC 60 Hz power supply or a 220 VAC 50 Hz power supply.

The control of the LEDs can be done through a look-up table that correlates the received AC signals with suitable LED outputs, for example. The look-up table can contain full brightness control signals and these control signals can be communicated to the LEDs when a power regulator is at 100%. A part of the table can contain 80% brightness control signals and can be used when the input voltage to the lamp is reduced to 80% of the maximum value. The processor can continuously change a parameter with a program as the input voltage changes. The lighting instructions could be used to regulate the lighting from the lighting system as well as generate colors, light patterns, lighting effects, or any other instructions for the LEDs. This technique could be used for intelligent dimming of the lighting fixture, creating color change effects using conventional power dimming controls and wiring as an interface, or to create other lighting effects. In one embodiment, both the dimming and the color changes can occur simultaneously. This can be useful when simulating an incandescent dimming system in which the color temperature of the incandescent light becomes warmer as the wattage is reduced.

Three-way bulbs are also a common device for changing lighting levels. These systems use two contacts at the base of the bulb and the bulb is installed in a special electrical socket with two contacts. By turning on a switch in the socket, either the contact at the base can be connected to a voltage or both can be connected to the voltage. The lamp includes two filaments of different resistance to provide three levels of illumination. A bulb such as bulb 180 of FIG. 8 can be adapted for use with a three-way bulb socket. Bulb 180 could have two contacts at the base and a look-up table, program, or other system within bulb 180 could contain control signals that correlate to the configuration of the socket. Again, this could be used for lighting control, color control, or any other desired control for the LEDs.

This system could be used to create various lighting effects in areas where conventional lighting fixtures were previously used. The user can replace existing incandescent bulbs with an LED lighting fixture as described herein, and a dimmer on a wall could be used to control color change effects within a room. Color-changing effects can include dimming, any of the color-changing effects described above, or any other static color or color-changing effects.

Figure 9 shows a light bulb. As seen in Figure 8, the bulb 200 can be operated with appliances

ES 2 390 215 Τ3 other than Edison mounting apparatus, such as a low voltage part 210 MR-16 that can be used with direct current power systems.

Figure 10 shows a wall socket. Light 210 may include a connector adapted to, for example, a 110 volt AC outlet 220 constructed to ANSI specifications. Light 210 may include a switch and thumbwheel as a user interface 230, and one or more paddles 240 adapted for insertion into outlet 220. Light body 210 may include a reflective surface to direct light to a wall for color changing wall bathing effects.

Figure 11 shows a night light. Night light 242 may include a connector 230 adapted to, for example, one hundred and ten volt alternating current outlet 246. Night light 242 may include a system such as that shown in Figure 1 for controlling a plurality of LEDs within night light 242, and may operate in accordance with the techniques described above with reference to Figures 2A-2B. Night light 242 may include light transmitting material 248 to direct light from the LEDs, for example, in a downward direction. Night light 242 may also include a sensor 250 to detect low ambient lighting so that night light 242 can be activated only when low light conditions exist. Sensor 250 can generate a signal for the processor to control the type of activation and display of night light 242. The night light 242 may also include a clock / calendar, so that the seasonal lighting displays described above can be performed. Night light 242 may include thumbwheel 260 and switch 270, such as those described above, for selecting a mode and parameter. The night light 242 may include a converter that generates suitable DC power for the night light 242 control circuitry.

Figure 12 shows a night light. Night light 320 may include a connector 330 adapted to, for example, one hundred and ten volt alternating current outlet 340. The night light 320 may include a system such as that shown in Figure 1 for controlling a plurality of LEDs within the night light 320, and may operate in accordance with the techniques described above with reference to Figures 2A-2B. The night light 320 may include a light transmitting dome 345. The night light 320 may also include a sensor within the dome 345 to detect low ambient lighting so that the night light 320 can be activated automatically when low light conditions exist. The night light 320 may also include a clock / calendar, so that the seasonal lighting displays described above can be performed. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the dome 345 of the night light 320 can also function as a user interface. By pressing the dome 345 in the direction of a first arrow 350, a mode can be selected. By rotating the dome 345 in the direction of a second arrow 355, a parameter can be selected within the mode. As with several of the previous embodiments, the night light 220 may include a converter that generates suitable DC power for the night light 220 control circuitry.

As will be appreciated from the above examples, an LED system such as that described with reference to Figures 1 and 2A-2B, can be adapted to a variety of lighting applications, or as a replacement for conventional light bulbs. , including incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, tungsten bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, etc., or as a built-in luminaire such as a desk lamp, vase, night light, lantern, paper lantern, designer night light, strip light, ledge light, MR light, wall light, screw base light, lava lamp, caster, desk lamp, decoration lamp, string lights, or camping light. The system may have applications for architectural lighting, including kitchen lighting, bathroom lighting, bedroom lighting, entertainment center lighting, swimming pool and spa lighting, exterior path lighting, patio lighting, building lighting, facade lighting. , aquarium lighting, or lighting in other areas where light can be used for aesthetic effect. The system could be used outdoors in sprinklers, lawn signs, pool floats, stair signs, floor signs, or doorbells, or more generally for general lighting, ornamental lighting, and lighting to highlight internal or external sites. The systems can also be used when functional lighting is desired, such as brake lights, dash lights, or other automotive and vehicle applications.

Color change lighting effects can be coordinated among a plurality of lighting devices described herein. Coordinated effects can be achieved through conventional lighting control mechanisms in which, for example, each of a plurality of lighting devices is programmed to respond differently, or with different start times, to a power-on signal or a dimmer control signal provided through a conventional industrial or home lighting installation.

Instead, each lighting fixture can be individually reached via a wired or wireless network to control the operation of the fixture. LED lighting devices may have transceivers to communicate with a remote control device, or to communicate over a wired or wireless network.

It will be appreciated that a particular lighting application may involve a particular choice of LEDs. LEDs

ES 2 390 215 Τ3 prepackaged are generally provided in a surface mount package or a T-package. Surface mount LEDs have a very large beam angle, the angle at which the light intensity drops 50% of the maximum light intensity, and T-packages can be available in various beam angles. The narrow beam angles are also projected with relatively little color mixing between adjacent LEDs. This aspect of certain LEDs can be used to project different colors simultaneously, or to produce other effects. Wider angles can be achieved in many ways such as, but not limited to, using wide beam angle T-packages, using surface mount LEDs, using unpackaged LEDs, using chip-on-board technology, or by mounting the socket directly on a substrate as described in US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 235,966, entitled "Optical Systems for Light Emitting Semiconductors." A reflector can also be associated with one or more LEDs to project illumination in a predetermined pattern. An advantage of using the wide beam angle light source is that the light can be gathered and projected onto a wall while allowing the beam to propagate along the wall. This achieves the desired effect of concentrating the lighting on the wall while the colors projected from the separate LEDs are mixed to provide a uniform color.

Figure 13 illustrates a lighting fixture 1200 with at least one LED 1202. There may be a plurality of LEDs 1202 of different colors, or a plurality of LEDs 1202 of a single color, to increase the intensity or beamwidth of illumination for that color, or a combination of both. A reflector that includes a front section 1208 and a rear section 1210 may also be included in the device 1200 to project light from the LED. This reflector can be formed as several pieces or one piece of reflector material. The reflector can direct illumination from the at least one LED 1202 in a predetermined direction, or through a predetermined beam angle. The reflector may also collect and project the illumination scattered by the at least one LED 1202. As with other examples, the illumination device 1200 may include a light transmitting material 1212, a user interface 1214, and a connector 1216.

As shown in Figure 13, the user interface 1214 may be in the form of a simple thumb screw or simple set screw that a user can rotate (for example, using their fingers or a small calibration screwdriver or similar instrument) to change one or more parameters of the generated light (for example, color, intensity, dynamic effect, etc.). Of course, user interface 1214 can be implemented in various other ways as discussed herein. In addition, it should be appreciated that a simple set screw or thumbscrew implementation may be used for a user interface in connection with any other lighting device disclosed herein (e.g., various bulbs or bulbs, night lights, other wall lights or panel devices, toys, etc.).

Figure 14 shows a wall wash light. The night light 1300 may include an optic 1302 formed of a light transmitting material and a detachable optic 1304. Detachable optics 1304 may be removably and replaceable over optics 1302, as indicated by an arrow 1306, to provide an illumination effect, which may include filtering, diffusion, focusing, etc. The detachable optics 1304 can direct the illumination from the night light 1300 to a predetermined shape or image, or spread the illumination spectrum in a prismatic manner. Detachable optics 1304 can have, for example, an etched pattern that includes, for example, a sawtooth, slit, prism, grating, squares, triangles, halftone screens, circles, semicircles, stars, or any other geometric pattern. The pattern can also be in the form of object patterns such as, but not limited to, trees, stars, moons, suns, clovers, or any other object patterns. The detachable optics 1304 can also be a holographic lens. The detachable optics 1304 can also be an anamorphic lens configured to distort or reshape an image. These patterns can also be formed such that the projected light forms an undistorted pattern on a wall, provided the geometric relationship between the wall and the optics is known in advance. The pattern could be designed to offset the wall projection. Techniques for applying anamorphic lenses are described, for example, in "Anamorphic Art and Photography Deliberate Distortions That Can Be Easily Undone," Optics and Photonics News, November 1992. Detachable optics 1304 may include a multilayer lens. At least one of the lenses in a multilayer lens could also be adjustable to provide the user with adjustable lighting patterns.

Figure 15 shows a lighting device according to the principles of the invention. The lighting fixture 1500 can be any of the lighting fixtures described above. The lighting fixture may include a display screen 1502. The display screen 1502 may be any type of display screen such as, but not limited to, an LCD, plasma screen, backlit screen, edge light illuminated screen, monochrome screen, color screen, screen. , or any other type of screen. The display screen 1502 could present information to the user such as the time of day, a parameter or mode value for the lighting fixture 1500, a name of a mode, a battery charge indication, or any other useful information for a user of the lighting fixture 1500. A mode name can be a generic name, such as 'strobe', 'static', etc., or a creative name, such as 'Harvard' for a crimson highlight or 'Michigan' for a fade or bath of blue-yellow . Other names may be given to, and presented for, modes in relation to a time of year, holidays, or a particular celebration. Other information may be presented, including a time of day, days left in the year, or any other information. The presentation information is not limited to characters; display screen 1502 could display photographs or any other information. Screen 1502 of

ES 2 390 215 Τ3 display may operate under the control of processor 2 of Figure 1. Illumination device 1500 may include a user interface 1504 for controlling, for example, display screen 1502, or setting a time or other information. presented by display screen 1502, or selecting a mode or parameter value.

The lighting device 1500 can also associate with a network, and receive network signals. The network signals could direct the lighting fixture to project various colors as well as represent information on the display screen 1502. For example, the device could receive signals from the World Wide Web and change projection or color patterns based on the information received. The device can receive outdoor temperature data from the web or other device and project a color based on the temperature. The lower the temperature, the more blue saturation the illumination will have, and as the temperature increases the illumination fixture 1500 can cast red illumination. The information is not limited to temperature information. The information could be any information that can be transmitted and received. Another example is financial information such as the stock price. When the price of the stock increases the projected illumination can turn green, and when the price falls the projected illumination can turn red. If stock prices fall below a predetermined value, the lighting fixture 1500 may be a red strobe light or perform other indicative effects.

It will be appreciated that systems such as those described above that receive and interpret data, and generate sensitive color change lighting effects, can have wide application in areas such as consumer electronics. For example, information can be obtained, interpreted and converted into informational lighting effects on devices such as an alarm clock, a telephone, a cordless telephone, a facsimile machine, a portable stereo system, a music box, a stereo, a player. compact disc, digital versatile disc player, MP3 player, cassette player, digital tape player, car stereo, television, a home audio system, a home theater system, a surround sound system, a speaker, a camera, a digital camera, a video recorder, a digital video recorder, a computer, a personal digital assistant, a pager , a cell phone, a computer mouse, a peripheral, or an overhead projector.

Figure 16 represents a modular unit. A lighting fixture 1600 may contain one or more LEDs and a decoration portion of a lighting fixture. An interface box 1616 could contain a processor, memory, control circuitry, and a power supply to convert AC to DC to operate lighting fixture 1600. Interface box 1616 may have conventional power wiring 1610 for connection to a power connection 1608. Interface box 1616 can be designed to fit directly into a conventional junction box 1602. The interface box 1616 could have physical connection devices 1612 to accommodate the connections on a rear side 1604 of the lighting device 1600. The physical connection devices 1612 could be used to physically mount the lighting device 1600 on the wall. Interface box 1616 could also include one or more electrical connections 1614 to carry power to lighting fixture 1600. Electrical connections 1614 may include connections to carry data to interface box 1616, or otherwise communicate with interface box 1616 or lighting fixture 1600. The connections 1614 and 1612 could be adapted to the connections on the rear side 1604 of the lighting fixture 1600. This would make assembling and changing the 1600 lighting fixtures easy. These systems could have connectors 1612 and 1614 arranged in a conventional format to allow easy change of lighting fixtures 1600. It will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that luminaire 1600 could also contain some or all of the circuitry.

Lighting devices 1600 could also contain transmitters and receivers to transmit and receive information. This could be used to coordinate or synchronize multiple 1600 lighting fixtures. A control unit 1618 could also be provided with a display screen 1620 and interface 1622 to establish modes of, and coordination between, various lighting devices 1600. This control unit 1618 could control the lighting fixture 1600 remotely. The control unit 1618 could be located in a remote area of ​​the room and communicate with one or more lighting devices 1600. Communication could be achieved using any communication method such as, but not limited to, RF, IR, microwave, acoustic, electromagnetic, wired, wired, network, or other communication method. Each lighting device 1600 could also have an addressable controller, so that each of a plurality of lighting devices 1600 could be individually accessed by the control unit 1618, over any suitable wired or wireless network.

Figure 17 shows a modular topology for a lighting fixture. In this modular configuration, a light engine 1700 could include a plurality of power connectors 1704 such as cables, a plurality of data connectors 1706, such as cables, and a plurality of LEDs 1708, as well as the other components described in reference to Figures 1 and 2A-2B, enclosed in a housing 1710. The light engine 1700 can be used in luminaires or as a stand-alone device. The modular configuration can be adapted for use by lighting designers, architects, contractors, technicians, users, or others designing or installing lighting systems, which can provide default data and power wiring throughout an installation, and locate a 1700 motor of light in any convenient location in it.

IS 2 390 215 Τ3

An optics can be used to modify or improve the performance of Illumination devices. For example, reflectors can be used to redirect radiation from LEDs, as described in US Patent Application No. 60 / 235,966 "Optical Systems for Light Emitting Semiconductors."

Figure 18 shows a reflector that can be used with the systems described herein. As shown in FIG. 18, a contoured reflective surface 1802 may be positioned spaced from a plurality of LEDs 1804, such that radiation from LEDs 1804 is directed toward reflective surface 1802, as indicated by arrows 1806. In this configuration, radiation from LEDs 1804 is redirected outward in a circle around reflective surface 1802. The reflective surface 1802 may have blemish areas or patterns to create projection effects. The LEDs 1804 may be arranged to uniformly project the light onto the reflector or they may be arranged with an offset to increase illumination in certain sections of the reflector. The individual LEDs 1804 of the plurality of LEDs 1804 can also be controlled independently. This technique can be used to create light patterns or color effects.

Figure 19 illustrates a reflector design in which an LED 1900 is directed toward a generally parabolic reflector 1902, as indicated by an arrow 1903. The generally parabolic reflector 1902 may include a raised center portion 1904 to further center or redirect the radiation from the LED 1900. As shown by a second LED 1906, a second generally parabolic reflector 1908, and a second arrow 1910, the raised center portion 1904 may be omitted in some configurations. It will be appreciated that the LED 1900 in this configuration, or in the other configurations described herein that use reflective surfaces, can be in any package or no package. When no package is provided, the LED can be electrically connected on a n side and a p side to provide the power for its operation. As shown in FIG. 20, a line of LED 2000 can be directed towards a planar reflecting surface 2002 which directs the line of LED 2000 in two opposite planar directions. As shown in FIG. 21, a line of LED 2100 can be directed towards a planar surface 2102 which directs the line of LED 2100 in a planar direction.

A system such as that described with reference to Figure 1 can be incorporated into a toy, such as a ball. The control circuitry, a power supply, and the LEDs can be suspended or mounted on the inside of the ball, with all or part of the outside of the ball formed of a light transmitting material that allows the effects of change to be seen. color LED. The separate parts of the outside can be formed of different types of light transmitting material, or they can be illuminated by different groups of LEDs to provide the outside of the ball to be illuminated in different ways on different regions of its outside part.

The ball can operate autonomously to generate color change effects, or it can respond to signals from an activation switch that is associated with a control circuit. The trigger switch can respond to force, acceleration, temperature, motion, capacitance, proximity, Hall effect, or any other environmental or variable stimulus or condition. The ball could include one or more activation switches and the control unit can be pre-programmed to respond to the different switches with different color change effects. The ball may respond to input with a randomly selected color change effect, or with one of a predetermined sequence of color change effects. If two or more switches are incorporated into the ball, the LEDs can be activated according to individual or combined switch signals. This could be used, for example, to create a ball with light effects when a single switch is activated, and heavy effects when a plurality of switches are activated.

The ball can respond to transducer signals. For example, one or more velocity or acceleration transducers could detect motion in the ball. Using these transducers, the ball can be programmed to change the lighting effects when it spins faster or slower. The ball could also be programmed to produce different lighting effects in response to a varying amount of applied force. There are many other useful transducers, and methods of using them on a color-changing ball.

The ball may include a transceiver. The ball can generate color change effects in response to data received through the transceiver, or it can provide status or control information to a network or other devices using the transceiver. Using the transceiver, the ball can be used in a game in which several balls communicate with each other, in which the ball communicates with other devices, or communicates with a network. The ball could then initiate these other devices or network signals for additional control.

A method could be defined for playing a game in which the game does not start until the ball lights up or lights up with a particular color. The lighting signal could be produced from outside the playing area by communicating through the transceiver, and the game could be stopped when the ball changes color or is turned off through similar signals. When the ball passes through a goal the ball could change color or flash or perform other lighting effects. Many other games or effects can be generated during a game in which the ball changes color when it moves too fast or stops. Color change effects for gaming can respond to signals received by the transceiver, respond to switches and / or transducers on the ball, or some combination of these. The hot potato game could be played when the ball changes color continuously, without or with interruption by external signals, and when it suddenly or gradually changes to red or some other predefined color the ball should be thrown to another person. The ball could have a

ES 2 390 215 Τ3 detection device so that if the ball is not thrown within the predetermined period it initiates a lighting effect such as a strobe light. A ball of the present invention can have various shapes, such as spherical, soccer ball-shaped, or shaped like any other game or toy ball.

As will be appreciated from the above examples, an LED system such as that described with reference to Figures 1 and 2A-2B can be adapted to a variety of color-changing toys and games. For example, color change effects can be usefully incorporated into many games and toys, including a toy gun, a squirt gun, a toy car, a spinning top, a gyroscope, a dart board, a bicycle, a bicycle wheel, a skateboard, a train set, an electric race car track, a pool table, a board game, a hot potato game, a light shooter game, a magic wand, a sword toy, an action figure, a toy truck, a toy boat, sports clothing and equipment, a glow stick, a kaleidoscope, or magnets. Color-changing effects can also be usefully incorporated into proprietary toys such as View Master, Super Ball, Lite Brite, a Harry Potter wand, or a Tinkerbell wand.

Figure 22 is a block diagram of a device having internal lighting circuitry. Device 2200 is a portable accessory that may include a system such as that described with reference to Figures 1 and 2A-2B. The device may have a body 2201 that includes a processor 2202, drive circuitry 2204, one or more LEDs 2206, and a power source 2208. Device 2200 may optionally include an input / output 2210 that serves as an interface through which programming can be received to control operation of device 2200. Body 2201 may include a light transmitting portion that is transparent, translucent, or translucent-diffuse. to allow light from the LEDs 2206 to escape the body 2200. The LEDs 2206 can be mounted, for example, along an outer surface of a suitable diffusion material. The 2206 LEDs can be placed imperceptibly along the edges or the back of the diffusion material. Surface mount LEDs can be attached directly to the body 2200 on an interior surface of a diffusion material.

The input / output 2210 may include an input device such as a button, thumbwheel, slider, switch, or any other device described above for providing input signals to the device 2200, or the input / output 2210 may include an interface to a connection. wired such as a universal serial bus connection, serial connection, or any other wired connection, or the input / output 2210 may include a transceiver for wireless connections such as infrared or radio frequency transceivers. In one embodiment, the portable accessory can be configured to communicate with other portable accessories through input / output 2210 to produce synchronized lighting effects between various accessories. For wireless transmission, input / output 2210 can communicate with a base transmitter using, for example, infrared or microwave signals to transmit a DMX or similar communication signal. The standalone accessory would then receive this signal and apply the information on the signal to modify the lighting effect so that the lighting effect could be controlled from the location of the base transmitter. Using this technique, various accessories can be synchronized from the base transmitter. Information could then also be transported between fixtures regarding changes in lighting effects. In one case, input / output 2210 may include a transmitter such as an Abacom TXM serial device, which is small and low-power and uses the 400 MHz spectrum. Using such a network, multiple accessories can be synced across different people to provide interesting effects including colors bouncing from one person to another or simultaneous and synchronized effects across multiple people. Multiple accessories can also be synchronized on the same person to provide coordinated color change effects. A system according to the principle of the invention can be controlled via a network as described herein. The network can be a personal, local, wide area network, or another network. The Bluetooth standard may be an appropriate protocol for use when communicating with such systems although any protocol could be used.

The input / output 2210 can include sensors for environmental measurements (ambient temperature, sound, or light), physiological data (heart rate, body temperature), or other measurable quantities, and these sensor signals can be used to produce color-changing effects that are functions of these measurements.

A variety of decorative devices can be used to shape color and light, including jewelry and clothing. For example, these could take the form of necklaces, tiaras, ties, hats, brooches, belt buckles, cufflinks, buttons, badges, rings, or bracelets, ankle chains, etc. Some examples of shapes for the body 2201, or the light transmitting part of the body, icons, logos, trademark images, characters and symbols (such as the & sign, dollar signs, and musical notes). As noted elsewhere, the system can also be adapted to other applications such as illuminated signs or gravestone symbols that may or may not be portable.

Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of a device having external lighting circuitry. As shown in Figure 23, a portable accessory 2300 may include a first housing 2302 such as a portable accessory that includes one or more LEDs 2304. The lighting circuitry that includes a processor 2306, controllers 2308, a power supply 2310, and an input / output 2312 are external to the first housing 2302 and may be included in a second housing 2314. A link 2316 of

ES 2 390 215 Τ3 so that the lighting circuitry can communicate the activation signals to the LEDs 2304 within the first housing 2301. This configuration may be suitable for applications where the first housing 2302 is a small fixture or other fixture. laptop that can be connected to remote circuitry, such as buttons on a shirt. It will be appreciated that while all lighting circuitry except LEDs 2304 is shown as external to first housing 2302, one or more of the components may be included within first housing 2302.

Figure 24 represents a self-contained shoe that changes color. A shoe 2400 includes a main portion 2402, a heel 2404, a toe 2406, and a sole 2408. The main portion 2402 is adapted to receive a human foot, and can be comprised of any material suitable for use in a shoe. The heel 2402 may be formed of a translucent diffusion material, and a system such as that described with reference to Figures 1 and 2A-2B may have been inserted therein. In addition, or in place of a heel 2402 with autonomous color change capability, another part of the shoe 2400 may include a self-contained color change system, such as the toe 2406, the sole 2408, or any other part. A pair of shoes may be provided, each including an entry / exit system so that the two shoes can communicate with each other to achieve synchronized color change effects. The circuitry may be placed within a sole 2408 of the shoe, with wires to activate the LEDs that are located within the heel 2404 or the toe 2406, or both.

As will be appreciated from the example above, the systems disclosed herein may have wide application to a variety of portable and ornamental objects. Clothing used by the systems can include coats, shirts, pants, apparel, shoes, footwear, sportswear, accessories, jewelry, backpacks, dresses, hats, bracelets, umbrellas, pet collars, luggage, and luggage tags. Ornamental objects that employ the systems disclosed herein may include picture frames, paperweights, gift cards, bows, and gift packages.

Color-changing plates and other clothing can have a particular effect in certain environments. The plate, for example, can be provided with a translucent, semi-translucent or other material and one or more LEDs can be arranged to provide illumination of the material. In one embodiment, the board would contain at least one red, one blue, and one green LED and the LEDs would be arranged to illuminate the edge of the material. The material can be patterned so that the pattern reflects light. The pattern can be etched into the material so that the pattern reflects light that travels through the material and the pattern appears to glow. When all three colors of LEDs are provided, many color changing effects can be created. This can create an eye-catching effect and can draw the attention of a person wearing the badge, a useful eye-catcher in a retail setting, at a fair, when selling goods or services, or in any other situation where it might be helpful to draw attention to yourself.

The edge illumination principle on a plate to illuminate the engraved patterns can be applied to other devices as well, such as an illuminated symbol on the edge. A row of LEDs can be aligned to illuminate the edge of a material and the material can be patterned. The material can be illuminated on one or more sides and reflector material can be used on opposite edges to prevent light from escaping at the edges. Reflector material also tends to match surface illumination. These devices can also be backlit or illuminated through the material instead of, or in addition to, edge lighting.

Figure 25 represents an LED device. Device 2500 may include a processor 2502 and one or more LEDs 2504 in a configuration such as that described with reference to Figures 1 and 2A-2B. Device 2500 can be adapted for use with icicles formed from light transmitting material. Icicles can be fake icicles made of plastic, glass, or some other material, and they can be presented in a fairly realistic detail, or in a fairly stylized abstract way. Several icicles that change color are described below.

Figure 26 illustrates an illuminated icicle 2600, in which an LED lighting fixture 2602 such as that described in Figures 1, 2A-2B, and 25 is used to provide illumination for an icicle 2604. Icicle 2604 could be formed of a material such as a semi-transparent material, a semi-translucent material, a transparent material, plastic, paper, glass, ice, a frozen liquid, or any other material suitable for forming an icicle and propagating LED radiation. Icicle 2604 can be hollow, or it can be a solid formed of light transmitting material. Illumination from lighting fixture 2602 is directed to icicle 2604 and mates with icicle 2604. The icicle material may have imperfections to provide various lighting effects. Such an effect is created when a primarily transparent material contains a pattern of defects. Defects can redirect light that passes through or along the material, causing bright spots or areas to appear on the illuminated material. If these blemishes are set in a pattern, the pattern will appear bright while the other areas will not appear bright. The imperfections can also substantially cover the surface of icicle 2604 to produce a frosty appearance. Imperfections that substantially evenly cover the surface of icicle 2604 can create a uniformly lit icicle effect.

Icicle 2604 can be illuminated with one or more LEDs to provide illumination. When using an LED, the

ES 2 390 215 Τ3 icicle 2604 can be illuminated with a single color with variable intensity or the intensity can be fixed. In one embodiment, the illuminated icicle 2600 includes more than one LED and in another embodiment the LEDs are of different colors. By providing an illuminated 2600 icicle with different colored LEDs, the hue, saturation and brightness of the illuminated 2600 icicle can be changed. The two or more LEDs can be used to provide additive color. If two LEDs were used on the Icicle 2600 illuminated with a set of circuitry to turn each color on or off, four colors could be produced including black when neither LED is activated. When three LEDs are used on the illuminated Icicle 2600 and each led has three intensity settings, 3 are available³ or 27 color selections. In one embodiment, the LED control signals would be PWM signals with eight bits (= 128 combinations) of resolution. Using three different colored LEDs, 128 are provided^Λ3 or 16.7 million colors available.

Figure 27 illustrates a plurality of icicles sharing a network. Each of a plurality of illuminated icicles 2700 includes a network interface for communicating over a network 2704, such as any of the aforementioned networks. Network 2704 may provide lighting control signals to each of the plurality of illuminated icicles 2700, each being uniquely addressed. When the illuminated icicles 2700 cannot be addressed uniquely, the control information can be broadcast to all the illuminated icicles 2700. A source 2706 of control data, such as a computer or any of the other controls mentioned above, can provide control information to the illuminated icicles 2700 via a network transceiver 2708 and network 2704. One of the 2700 lit icicles could also function as a master icicle, providing control information to the other 2700 lit icicles, which would be slave icicles. The lattice 2704 can generally be used to generate coordinated or uncoordinated color change lighting effects from the plurality of illuminated icicles.

One or more of the plurality of illuminated icicles 2700 may also operate in a standalone mode, and generate color change effects separate from the other illuminated icicles 2700. The illuminated 2700 icicles could be programmed, via the 2704 network, for example, with a plurality of lighting control routines to be selected by the user such as different solid colors, slowly changing colors, fast changing colors, light strobe, or any other lighting routine. The selector switch could be used to select the program. Another method of selecting a program would be to turn off the icicle and then turn it back on within a predetermined period of time. For example, non-volatile memory could be used to provide an icicle that remembers the last program that was running before the power was removed. A capacitor could be used to keep a signal line high for 10 seconds and if power circulates within this period, the system could be programmed to skip to the next program. If the power cycle takes more than 10 seconds, the capacitor discharges below the high signal level and the previous program is remembered when the system is powered up again. Other methods of flow through programs or modes of operation are known, and can be suitably adapted to the systems described herein.

Figure 28 depicts an icicle 2800 having a flange 2802. The flange 2802 may allow easy mounting of the icicle 2800. In one embodiment, the flange 2802 is used such that the flange engages a flange 2808 while the remaining portion from icicle 2800 hangs through a hole formed by boss 2808. This method of attachment is useful when the icicles can hang through existing holes or the holes can be made in the area where the 2800 icicles are to be laid out. Other methods of attachment are known.

Figure 29 shows an icicle. A plurality of LEDs 2900 may be arranged in a ring 2902. The ring 2902 may engage a rim 2904 of an icicle 2906. Arranged in this manner, the LEDs 2900 can radiate illumination that is transmitted through the icicle 2906. If the ring 2902 is shaped and sized so that the LEDs 2900 are directly attached to the ledge 2904, then the icicle 2906 will be edge lit. Ring 2902 may instead be smaller in diameter than flange 2904, so that LEDs 2900 radiate into a hollow cavity 2908 in icicle 2906, or onto a top surface of icicle 2906 if icicle 2906 is formed of a material. solid.

Figure 30 depicts a solid icicle 3000 which may be in the shape of either a stick or any other suitable shape, with one or more LEDs 3002 positioned to project light into the solid icicle 3000.

Figure 31 represents a light hose. The light hose 3100 may include a plurality of LEDs or LED subsystems 3102 according to the description provided with reference to Figures 1 and 2A-2B. Three different colored LED dies can be packaged in each LED subsystem 3102, with each die being individually controlled. A plurality of these LED subsystems 3102 may be disposed within a tube 3102 that is flexible and semi-transparent. The LED subsystems 3102 can be spaced along tube 3104, for example, at equal intervals of six inches each, and directed along an axis 3106 of tube 3104. The LED subsystems 3102 can be controlled via any of the systems and methods described above. In one embodiment, multiple LED subsystems 3102 can be controlled by a common signal, such that a length of tube 3104 of several feet or more can change color at once. The

ES 2 390 215 Τ3 tube 3104 can be shaped to look like a sleeve, or other cylindrical material or object. LED subsystems 3102 may be arranged within tube 3104 in rings or other geometric or asymmetric patterns. The LED subsystems 3102 could also be aligned to illuminate the edge of tube 3104, as described above. A filter or film may be provided on an outer surface or an inner surface of tube 3104 to create pleasing visual effects.

Other consumer products can be made using the systems and methods described herein. A hammer can generate color change effects in response to striking a nail; a kitchen timer can generate color change effects in response to a countdown, a pen can generate color change effects in response to writing with it, or an electric can opener can generate change effects color when activated.

The invention relates to various implementations of illuminated wall panel apparatus. Generally, such apparatus includes an essentially planar element that either serves as part of a wall itself, or is adapted to be essentially embedded in a wall. wall. The essentially planar element is in the form of a common wall plate used for electrical switches and bushings. The apparatus also includes an LED-based light source adapted to be positioned relative to the essentially planar element so as to be behind the essentially planar element when the essentially planar element is mounted on a wall. In one aspect, the LED-based light source is configured to generate light that is perceived by an observer while viewing the essentially planar element.

The apparatus may be implemented as a multi-color wall switch, plate, socket, data port, or the like, in which the color of the system is generated by a multi-color LED-based light source, as described herein elsewhere. various embodiments. As discussed herein, the LED lighting system of this embodiment can be associated with interface devices such as a user interface, network interface, sensor transducer, or other signal generator to control the color of the system. In another aspect, the lighting system can include more than one color of LEDs so that modulating the output of one or more of the LEDs can change the color of the device.

Figures 32A and 32B illustrate a lighting fixture 3200. Lighting device 3200 may include lighting system 500 as shown in FIG. 1, for example. The LED (s) 3204 may be arranged to project light from a base element 3205. A faceplate 3206 may be provided on the fixture to cover direct view of the LED (s) while allowing light to project from the LED (s). Figure 32B illustrates the front view of the lighting fixture 3200 while Figure 32A illustrates the rear view of the lighting fixture 3200.

The lighting fixture 3200 may include a power adapter 3208. The 3208 power adapter is an outlet connector designed to mate with a conventional power outlet. There may be two or more 3208 power adapters. The lighting fixture may also include a fastener 3202 to secure the fixture joint. The fastener may be a screw that is designed to fasten the lighting fixture 3200 to a power outlet to prevent the fixture from being removed. This can be useful in situations where the lighting fixture is available to children and children are drawn to the fixture to prevent them from removing the fixture.

The lighting fixture 3200 may be provided with LEDs and a circuit or processor to produce a constant unchanging light. The lighting system 3200 may be arranged to provide color change effects. The lighting device 3200 may be provided with a user interface, data port or network connections, sensors, or other systems to control the light generated by the lighting device 3200.

Figure 33 illustrates another lighting fixture 3200, the faceplate 3206 may be shaped and / or the LED (s) 3204 may be directed so that at least a portion of the light from the LED (s) is reflect off the faceplate. By reflecting the light off the surface, increased color mixing can be achieved as well as softer effects can be generated. In one embodiment, the faceplate can be made of material that allows partial transmission of light to allow certain lighting effects to be generated. The faceplate may include a rough surface to increase the light reflection distribution. The faceplate surface can be smooth. The edges of the faceplate 3206 may include a pattern to change the projected lighting effects. The pattern may include projections from the faceplate so that the projections interfere with the light and cause a pattern of light.

Figure 34 illustrates another lighting fixture 3400. The lighting fixture 3400 may include a lighting system 500 as shown in FIG. 1. The system may be designed to produce a single color light or it may be designed to generate color change or other lighting effects. The LEDs 3404 can be mounted on a base element 3405 and the base element 3405 can be arranged in an optics 3402. The 3402 optics can be transparent, translucent, semitransparent, or other material designed to transmit a portion of the light emitted from the 3404 LEDs. Various colors of LEDs can be used (eg, red, green, blue, white).

ES 2 390 215 Τ3 together with a processor that independently controls the LEDs so that color mixing can occur.

The lighting fixture 3400 may be arranged to be mounted in or on a junction box or designed to replace a junction box. A power adapter 3408 may be provided with the lighting fixture 3400 so that it can be electrically connected with external power. The power adapter 3408 can be a set of cables intended to connect to a power supply on a wall.

The optics 3402 can be transparent so that the light projected from the LEDs is directed away from the optics. This can be useful when providing a lighting fixture that will project light onto a wall, for example. The sides of the optics 3402 may be etched or otherwise rough so that the sides appear to glow as a result of internally reflected light. The front of the optics can also be roughened to provide a luminescent panel. In one embodiment, the optics 3402 can be hollow or solid.

Figure 35 illustrates another lighting fixture 3500. The lighting fixture may include 3504, 3506, and 3510 LEDs and / or a lighting system 500 as shown in Figure 1. The LED lighting may be projected onto a fiber, multiple fibers, a fiber bundle, or other arrangement. 3502 of fibers. The emitting sections of the fiber array 3502 may be arranged to project light into, through, or from a face plate 3508. The fiber can be arranged to emit light from the end of the fiber or the fiber can be a side emitting fiber.

Figure 36 illustrates another embodiment of a lighting fixture 3600 of the invention, including a wall switch 3602 with a wall cover plate 3604. One or more lighting systems 500 as shown for example in FIG. 1 may be included in device 3600 to provide lighting to switch 3602 and / or wall plate 3604. Figure 37 illustrates a similar device 3700 including an illuminated electrical socket 3708.

In Figures 36 and 37, the lighting system 500 may be arranged to illuminate the material of the switch, plate, socket, etc. from behind or across the edge of the material, for example. The material or part thereof may be transparent, translucent, semi-transparent, semi-translucent or other material that will allow a part of the light to be transmitted and / or reflected. In one embodiment, the material may be etched or have other imperfections on the surface or within the material to mix and / or redirect light. The imperfections can be provided to generate a uniform lighting effect on or in the material. For example, the surface of the material can be sandblasted and a lighting system 500 can be arranged to illuminate the material. Light can then enter the material and scatter in many directions causing the material to illuminate evenly. In one embodiment, imperfections can be introduced into a pattern so that the pattern appears to sparkle. For example, the material may include a blemish pattern in which the area surrounding the pattern is opaque, transparent, or different from the area patterned based on the pattern. When material is illuminated, the pattern will appear to glow.

In one embodiment, a lighting system 500 used in the 3600 or 3700 devices, or a portion of the lighting system 500, may be located in a junction box and arranged to project light onto the wall plate 3604, switch 3602, socket 3708, or another section of devices 3600 or 3700. In one embodiment, the lighting system 500, or part thereof may be located on the switch 3602 itself, or other material to illuminate the material.

Figure 38 illustrates another lighting device 3800 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting fixture 3800 may include a lighting system 500 as shown in Figure 1, and may also include any of a variety of user interfaces 3818 as described herein (e.g. , so that a user can adjust the color of the 3800 device). In particular, as shown in Figure 38, the user interface can be a switch, button, thumbwheel, etc.

In general, any of the devices shown in Figures 32-38, as well as other figures, may include a user interface that is provided as a thumbwheel so that changing the thumbwheel position can change the color of the system. In the embodiment of Figure 36, for example, the user interface may be the switch 3602 itself, such that the switch not only operates on power but also activates the lighting system 500 to produce the colored light to illuminate the panel. or the switch. In another embodiment, one or more user interfaces may be provided through switches, thumbwheels, or the like that are generally not accessible to the user. For example, the installer of the switch or junction box can select the color by placing switches in the lighting system and when the lighting system is installed the switches are no longer accessible to the common user.

As discussed herein, the user interfaces for any of the devices shown in Figures 32-38, as well as other figures, can alternatively be implemented as a software-activated graphical user interface, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile remote control interface, etc. In

In particular, the User Interface can generate and communicate signals for various Lighting devices through a wired or wireless transmission.

Additionally, any of the lighting devices discussed in connection with Figures 32-38, or other figures, can be associated with a network, local area network, personal area network, wide area network, or other network. For example, various devices described herein can be provided in a building (e.g., home, office, retail establishment, etc.) and the color of the devices can be controlled (e.g., coordinated, changed with the time, etc.) through a central control system (for example, connected to the network of lighting devices). The central control system can be a computer, PDA, web-enabled interface, switch, thumbwheel, programmable controller, or other network device.

As discussed above, any of the lighting devices discussed in connection with Figures 32-38 or other figures may be associated with a sensor or other system that generates a signal. For example, a proximity sensor may be provided in which one or more lighting devices change color based on one or more signals provided by the sensor. In such a system, lighting fixtures can illuminate a particular color or produce a color-changing effect based on input from the sensor. In one embodiment, a hallway or other area may have multiple lighting fixtures, each of which is associated with a proximity sensor. When a person walks down the hall, the lighting fixtures are activated, change color, or present lighting effects. Once the person has passed the lighting fixture, it can revert to a default mode and await further activation through the proximity sensor.

Figure 39 illustrates another lighting fixture 3900. The lighting fixture 3900 may include a lighting fixture 500 as shown, for example, in Figure 1. As can be seen from the illustration, the lighting fixture may include a connector or other adapter 3908 to connect the lighting device at an output power. The lighting fixture may also include an AC / DC power converter to convert received power to power for the lighting system 500. The lighting device 3900 may include a user interface 3918. The user interface can be a thumbwheel that spans the perimeter of housing 3904 or another style of user interface. As with other lighting devices described herein, the lighting device 3900 may also be associated with a sensor 3922, network or data port interface 3920, or other optional item. Lighting fixture 3900 may also include a flexible neck member 3902 that connects power adapter 3908 to housing 3904.

Although the lighting fixture 3900 is illustrated with an easily removable power adapter, it may not have such an easily removable power adapter. For example, the flexible neck 3902 can be attached to another device so that it is not intended to be removed. The 3908 adapter may be designed to fit into another housing specifically designed for the application.

For example, Figure 40 illustrates a junction box 4002, which junction box may include outlets for one or more lighting fixtures, such as the lighting fixtures 4000 or 3900 shown in Figure 39. Box 4002 may be self-illuminated. Internally itself and / or the box may include outlets for various lighting fixtures. Box 4002 can include any combination of user interfaces, network connections or data outputs, sensors, or other devices or connections to allow control of the lights in the box or connected to the box.

Figures 41A, 41B, and 41C illustrate other lighting devices that may be implemented particularly in vehicle-based (automotive) environments. For example, Figures 41A and 41B illustrate lighting fixtures 4100 and 4101, respectively, that can be connected to an automobile power outlet (eg, a cigarette lighter) through a power adapter 4108. Device 4100 includes a flexible neck 4102, and either device 4100 or 4101 may be equipped with a user interface 4118, one or more sensors 4120, and a lighting system 500 as discussed above. The lighting fixture 4101 is formed as a "connector" for a lighter, and may illuminate from one end as shown in FIG. 41B, or the entire body of the connector may glow with illumination from the lighting fixture 500. Figure 41C illustrates a color-changing rod (eg, a gear shift lever) that can be internally powered (eg, battery) or externally powered via the vehicle power supply.

While many of the embodiments described herein are intended for decorative lighting, there are other embodiments in which the color of the light projected from the system or device is associated with the provision of information. The systems described herein can be used to monitor power, inductive load, power factor, or other parameters for an associated device. The lighting system can change colors to indicate various conditions. For example, the system can indicate that power consumption is approaching a critical point by emitting a red light or by flashing a red light. The system can indicate that an inductive load is high by emitting a blue light.

IS 2 390 215 Τ3

As also discussed above, various Lighting devices can also be associated with sensors, networks, or other sources of information in which the lighting system is arranged to produce a color or pattern of light in response to received information. For example, an audio signal or other signal generators can control lighting systems so that the lights change in response to music. The lighting system can also be associated with other networks (e.g., local area network, world network, personal network, communication network) where the network provides data or a signal and the lighting system responds to the data by changing the colors. For example, lighting conditions may turn red when the phone rings and the call is identified as a person with whom you do not want to speak. Lighting conditions may turn green upon receiving a phone call or email from your spouse or other loved one.

Additionally, while many of the embodiments described herein disclose useful lighting systems and devices, the same systems and devices can be used as communication devices. For example, a lighting device, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, may be associated with fire sensors, smoke detectors, audio sensors, or other sensors to effect communication of status or information. The information supplied to the lighting device can also come from networks or other signal generators. The lighting fixture, for example, may flash red when the smoke detector is activated, or lighting fixtures in close proximity to the exits may adopt a particular color or display a pattern of light. A detection system can also warn of exits that are unsafe due to proximity to smoke or other hazards. This warning sign can be used to change the lighting pattern that is presented by lighting devices near hazardous exits as well as safe exits.

Still another illumination device may include an elongated shaped optic that is illuminated at one or both ends. The optics can also include a reflective material to reflect light received from the ends outside the optics. Such a system can provide substantially uniform illumination along the body of the optic, giving the appearance that the optic is shining and / or providing substantially uniform illumination from the optic. Such a lighting system can be used for lighting vaulted areas, under, above, or in cabinets, in visual displays, or in other areas where such lighting would be useful. In one embodiment, such a lighting fixture may include one or more LED-based lighting systems 500 as shown for example in Figure 1.

Figure 42 illustrates an example of such a lighting fixture 4200. Illumination device 4200 may include an optic 4202 which may be an elongated optic, tubular optic, light guide, tubular light guide, elongated light guide, or other style of optics. Optics 4202 can be constructed of a transparent material, semitransparent material, translucent material, plastic, glass, or other material that allows the transmission or partial transmission of light. The wavelength of transmitted light is not limited to the visible spectrum and can include ultraviolet, infrared, or other wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum. In another aspect, the material can be selected to intentionally filter one or more particular wavelengths, including ultraviolet and / or infrared.

The optics 4202 can be associated with another material 4204 designed to reflect at least a portion of the light transmitted through the optics 4202. The material 4204 can be a reflective material, a partially reflective material, a strip of material, an opaque material, or other material designed to reflect at least part of the light that falls on its surface. The 4204 material may be associated with the 4202 optic, coextruded into the 4202 optic, embedded in the 4202 optic, close to the 4202 optic, or otherwise arranged so that light can be reflected by the 4204 material through the optics.

The lighting fixture 4200 may also include one or more LED-based lighting fixtures 500 as discussed, for example, in connection with Figure 1. An illumination fixture 500 may be arranged to project light through one end of an optics 4202. A lighting fixture may be associated with, and controlling two lighting sections at either end of the optics, with a processor 2, as shown in Figure 1, controlling both ends. Two individual illuminators 500 (each with its own processor 2) can be used to project light through opposite ends of the optics 4202. Light from illumination fixtures 500 may be projected at the ends of optics 4202 such that a portion of the light is reflected off reflector material 4204 and then off optics 4202 in a direction away from reflector material. This system can be used to provide substantially uniform illumination from the illumination device 4200.

Reflector material 4204 can be coextruded with optics 4202 so that reflector material 4204 embeds into optics 4202. Reflector material 4204 can have a flat side that is used to reflect light out of optics 4202. Material 4204 reflector can also be non-flat. For example, the reflective material can follow the contour of the optics.

In particular, the reflector material is arranged on the outer surface of the optics, as illustrated in the cross-sectional view of Figure 43C. Figures 43A and 43B also illustrate some other reflector designs

ES 2 390 215 Τ3 useful. Figure 43A illustrates a reflector 4204 coextruded with a curved conformation. Figure 43B illustrates a reflector 4204 formed with a conduit channel 4206 to allow cables or other elements to pass from one end of the optic to the other.

Reflector 4204 may also have a rough surface to increase reflection, and the rough surface may not be uniform across the entire surface. For example, the material can be further roughened from the ends of the material to increase reflection farther from the ends as well as reduce reflection near the ends. In another embodiment, the optics may have a smooth surface toward the ends of the material and a rough surface toward the center. Roughness or other surface condition can be applied evenly. Figure 47 illustrates an example of a reflector material 4204 with a rough surface 4702.

Reflector 4204 can be a diffuse reflector that scatters light in many directions. The surface of reflector 4204 may contain imperfections or the like that are arranged to reflect light in a preferred direction or pattern. The imperfections may be arranged to reflect more or less incident light in a particular direction depending on the distance from the surface of the lighting fixture (s) 500. A pattern of imperfections may be arranged on the surface of reflector 4204, for example, so that the scattering is diffuse near the lighting fixture (s) 500 and directional away from the lighting fixture (s). The surface of the reflector near the lighting fixture (s) may be very smooth (e.g. specular) to prevent diffuse reflection and otherwise patterned from the fixture (s) 500 to increase diffuse reflection or otherwise increase reflection out of the optics. These uneven patterned surfaces may be arranged to project a relatively uniform pattern of light from the 4202 optic. A reflector 4204 can also have a substantially uniform surface (eg, diffuse surface).

An optics 4202 or reflector 4204 can be shaped to optimize light output. Figure 44 illustrates such an optics 4402. The optics 4402 may be arranged with sides shaped so that light will hit the sides of the optics more frequently. Generally, light projected into a uniformly shaped optic will be strongest at the ends of the optic and will slowly decrease in intensity towards the middle of the optic. The tapered optics embodiment illustrated in Figure 44 allows less light to escape at the ends of the optics and to escape more toward the middle due to increased reflection. The overall effect is a more uniform distribution of light output throughout the optics. Also, a reflector can be shaped to increase the reflected light from a part of the reflector. Figure 48 illustrates a shaped reflector 4804 that complements the shaped optics 4402 shown in Figure 44.

The optics can include blemishes, coatings, or the like (collectively referred to herein as blemishes) that are not evenly distributed along their length. For example, Figure 45 illustrates an optic 4502 with a higher frequency of imperfections 4506 in the middle of the optic compared to the ends of the optic. The imperfections 4506 may be within the optical material 4502 or on or near the surface of the material 4502. The imperfections 4506 may be marks, bubbles, or other imperfections in or on the material. Blemishes may be evenly distributed but may not be of similar size. For example, the imperfections towards the ends of the optic may be less than the imperfections towards the middle of the optic. Imperfections can be the result of a coating being applied to the surface of the 4502 optic. For example, 3M manufactures a material that includes imperfections and the size of the imperfections in the material increases further from the extremes. The material is called an adaptive lighting element.

Illumination fixtures 500 may be epoxidated or otherwise attached to various types of optics to minimize light loss or for other reasons. The ends of the optics can also be coated with an anti-reflective coating to increase the light transmission efficiency and thus the overall efficiency of the lighting system. A platform, on which the LED-based lighting devices are mounted, can be made of or covered with a reflective material. The platform can be constructed of conventional materials, or the platform can be constructed of materials designed to increase reflection off the surface of the platforms (eg, a white platform, a platform coated with a reflective material).

A lighting fixture 4200 that includes an elongated optic in accordance with the present invention may also include a housing 4208, as shown for example in Figures 42 or 46. The housing may be designed to hold the lighting fixtures 500 and optics 4202 along with reflector material 4204. As shown in Figure 46, the housing may be arranged so that the optics can be rotated to direct the light emitted from the optics. The optics can be arranged in a fixed position in the housing. As shown in FIG. 46, the lighting fixture 4200 may be associated with a user interface 4218 and one or more connectors for power and / or data connections.

Illumination device 4200, which includes elongated optics as discussed above, can have a number of applications. For example, the device can be used to provide illumination in any environment where fluorescent or other tubular shaped lighting elements were previously used (e.g.

ES 2 390 215 Τ3 various office, warehouse, and home spaces such as below putting them together in a kitchen). In this application, 4200 devices can be aligned in much the same way as fluorescent systems are mounted. A lighting strip can comprise several individual lighting devices 4200, for example, that can be controlled individually, together, or in any subset of groups, according to the various concepts discussed herein (for example, an interconnected lighting system ). In such a system, a central controller can be provided as a separate device or as an integral part of one of the lighting devices 4200, creating a master / slave relationship between the group of lighting devices.

A lighting device (for example, the glow sticks or key fobs of Figures 3 and 4) can be pre-programmed to generate light and / or lighting patterns, receive light control information in the form of one or more external signals, and / or receive light control information in the form of a downloaded lighting program. In particular, a method of programming such a device according to the principles of the present invention may involve the steps of downloading a lighting program from a programming device (for example, a computer) to the lighting device, wherein the programming device can communicate with the lighting device via wired or wireless transmission.

For example, a computer may be connected to a stand arranged to accept a lighting fixture. When the lighting fixture is placed on the bracket, electrical contacts of the lighting fixture can be connected to electrical contacts on the bracket allowing communication from the computer to the lighting fixture. The lighting programs or instructions can then be downloaded from the computer to the lighting device. Such a download system can be useful to provide custom generated lighting shows and / or lighting effects (eg "color of the day", "day effect", holiday effects, or the like) from an interface. production of light programming or website, for example.

As discussed above, a lighting device, in accordance with the various concepts herein, can include a display (eg, an LCD, LED, plasma, or monitor; see Figures 15 and 16), which can indicate various information. In one aspect, such a device with a display may be configured to display various status information in connection with downloading lighting control instructions or programs.

Figure 49 illustrates a discharge system 4900. The lighting fixture 4902 may include an LED-based lighting fixture 500 as shown in FIG. 1 or as described elsewhere in this description. The lighting fixture 4902 may include a housing 4920 in which the electronics are housed, which includes various processors, controllers, and other circuitry. The illumination device may also include an optics 4914 in which the illumination device 500 is arranged to illuminate the optics 4914. The optics can be transparent, translucent, or have other properties to allow some of the light to be transmitted. The optics include imperfections (eg, a rough surface) to cause light to be reflected in many directions to provide an optics that appear to shine evenly when illuminated with the illuminator 500.

Lighting device 4902 may also include electrical contacts 4904. Electrical contacts 4904 may be electrically associated with processor 2 and / or memory 6 of lighting fixture 500 (see FIG. 1) so that communication with the processor and / or memory can take place. For example, the contacts are electrically associated with the memory so that new lighting programs can be downloaded directly to the memory without requiring interaction with the processor of the lighting device. The processor may be idle while a programming device 4910 downloads a program and / or other control information to device 4902. Electrical contacts 4904 may be adapted to make electrical contact with contacts (not shown) on a holder 4908. Contacts on the holder, in turn, may be associated with (a) line (s) 4912 of data from the device. 4910 programming. With such an arrangement, lighting signals, programs, data, and the like can be downloaded from programming device 4910 to lighting device 4902.

The programming device 4910 may be a computer connected to a network (eg, the Internet). A web page may contain various downloadable lighting programs, such as a particular color or color change effects (for example, “color of day”, “day effect” or “holiday mode” lighting effects. ). Scheduling device 4910 can also be used to generate custom lighting shows to be downloaded to lighting device 4902. For example, programming device 4910 can include a program to help a user create / generate a new lighting effect, and then the new lighting effect can be transferred to lighting device 4902. A website, or other remote platform, can be used to generate the lighting effect as well. A website may include a section where the user can create / generate lighting effects and download them to the 4910 programming device, which in turn will be transferred to the lighting device (or the lighting effects can be transferred directly from the site web to lighting fixture 4902).

While the 4910 programming device was previously described as a conventional computer,

It is to be understood that the present invention encompasses all computing devices that can perform the functions described herein. For example, the 4910 programming device may be a personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device, cell phone, MP3 player, portable computing device, standalone computing device, custom-made computing device, mobile computing device. desktop, or other computing device.

In particular, a PDA can be used as a programming device 4910. The PDA can be used to generate / produce lighting programs or it can be used to receive lighting programs or otherwise download lighting programs. For example, a user may wish to share a particular lighting effect with another user. The first user can use wired or wireless transmission to transfer the lighting effect from their PDA to a second user's PDA. The second user can then download the lighting effect to their lighting fixture 4902.

While many of the embodiments herein describe a wired information transfer from programming device 4910 to bracket 4908 and lighting device 4902, it should be understood that wireless communication or combinations of wired and wireless communication can be used in a system according to the principles of the present invention. For example, programming device 4910 can transfer information to carrier 4908 using wireless transmission and data is transferred to lighting device 4902 via cable transmission. Transmission from the 4908 cradle, or other device, can be accomplished via wireless transmission. Information transfer from the programming device 4910 to the lighting device 4902 can be accomplished without the need for the holder 4908. Information can be transferred directly from the programming device 4910 to the lighting device 4902 via cable or wireless transmission.

A lighting fixture 4902 may also include a transmitter or it may transmit information through one or more of the LEDs. In one embodiment, the LED (s) may be arranged to provide both illumination and information transmission. LEDs can also provide transmission of information simultaneously with lighting so that lighting does not appear interrupted to an observer.

The lighting device can transmit information and is used to transmit lighting effects, colors, or other information to another lighting device. The transfer of lighting effects from one device to another can be provided via a memory card, memory stick, or other portable memory device. The information can be transferred to the portable memory device and then the portable memory device can be transferred to the lighting device 4902.

Although the 4902 lighting fixture is discussed in the above example as a portable lighting fixture, it should be appreciated that other types of lighting fixtures including, but not limited to, other portable or stationary lighting fixtures, modular lighting fixtures, tabletop light fixtures, wall mounted fixtures, ceiling mounted fixtures, Floor mounted lighting devices, lighting devices incorporated in other appliances such as toys or games, etc., can receive programmed lighting control information through the download techniques discussed herein.

Another embodiment of the invention relates generally to LED-based lighting devices (for example, as shown in Figure 1) that include one or more optical components that provide broader directionality or propagation in light generated by the device. In one aspect of this embodiment, one or more LEDs generate radiation towards one or more optical components that are adapted to reflect and / or diffuse the radiation. The optical component (s) may be used to redirect radiation so that the combination of the illumination device together with the optical component (s) project light with a distribution wider than the original light projected by the device alone. The optical component (s) may also be arranged to direct the light in another direction while maintaining or changing the beam angle of the light. Optical components can also be used to help mix light from more than one LED (for example, different colored LEDs). In one aspect, such optical components may be arranged as complete or partial housings or housings for one or more LED-based lighting devices.

Figure 50 illustrates another lighting fixture 5000. Lighting device 5000 may include lighting device 500 as discussed in connection with FIG. 1, for example. Illumination device 5000 may also include a reflective surface 5002. The reflective surface 5002 can have any number of shapes including, but not limited to, a conical, parabolic, curved conical, straight-sided conical, or other shape designed to reflect light striking the reflecting surface in a different direction. The reflective surface can include a section that is transparent or translucent to allow at least a portion of the light to pass through the surface without being deflected significantly. This can be useful when the desired light distribution pattern involves allowing a portion of the light to be projected in a direction similar to that of the originally generated light. As illustrated in FIG. 50, the reflective surface may be disposed with a narrow end toward the LEDs of the lighting fixture 500 and a broader end away from the LEDs. This can be useful when the reflective surface is symmetrical, as in the case of a conical reflector, for example,

ES 2 390 215 Τ3 to reflect light in many directions. Other reflector designs may be adapted to direct light to a particular direction or with maximum light to a particular direction. An example of a directional reflector 5102 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in Figure 51.

As shown in Figure 50, the lighting fixture 5000 may also include a housing 5006. The housing 5006 may accommodate the lighting fixture 500, including various electronics to drive the lighting fixture (as discussed, for example, in connection with figure 1) and optionally include a user interface 5018 according to the various concepts discussed herein. The LEDs of the lighting fixture 500 may be arranged on or in the housing such that light emitted from the LEDs is projected from the housing. The housing may also be fitted with a power adapter 5008. The power adapter 5008 can be an Edison-style screw-in base, spade adapter, two-pin adapter, wedge-base adapter, or any other style of power adapter to adapt the lighting fixture 5000 to a power system. The power adapter 5008 may also be associated with an AC to DC power converter, AC power transformer, DC power supply, or other system to convert received power to power levels used by the electronics and / or LEDs of the device. 5000 lighting. In one embodiment, the lighting fixture 5000 may include a power adapter 208 for connecting the lighting fixture 5000 to a power source such as found in a bicycle or other system for generating power (e.g., solar, generation through Seebeck effect, wind, etc.).

The lighting fixture 5000 may also be provided with a housing 5004. The housing 5004 may be provided to protect the lighting fixture 500 and reflector 5002 and / or to provide a mechanical means for holding the reflector 5002. In one aspect, the housing 5004 and reflector 5002 can be an integrated assembly. Housing 5004 can be transparent or translucent so that at least a portion of the light emitted from lighting fixture 500 is transmitted through housing 5004. For example, the housing can be made of transparent plastic.

Figure 52 illustrates a mechanical bond between the reflective surface 5002 and the housing 5004 of the lighting fixture 5000 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The two pieces of material used for the reflector and the housing may be adapted to be mechanically joined to provide a means for hanging the reflector on the lighting fixture 5000. Housing 5004 may also have mechanical attachment points at the opposite end of housing 5004 adapted to be attached to housing 5006.

Fig. 53 illustrates that the illumination device 5000 may alternatively or additionally be provided with a diffusion surface 5302. Diffusing surface 5302 may be arranged to diffuse light received from illumination device 500. The diffusion surface material can be transparent or translucent so that at least some of the light passes through the material. The material may be adapted to diffuse light onto one or more of the surfaces of the material or into the interior of the material. There are many known diffuser materials with such properties. For example, diffusing surface 5302 can be made of plastic material with a rough surface or a surface or interior that includes imperfections to redirect light.

In one embodiment, the shape of diffuser surface 5302 may be conical, tapered, or otherwise shaped. Diffusing surface 5302 can be three-dimensionally shaped with straight or curved sides to optimize the desired lighting effect. For example, diffusing surface 5302 can be conically shaped, or shaped like a pyramid or other three-dimensional shape, so that more light is captured from the center of the light beam toward the top of the diffusing surface. Light from LEDs generally becomes less intense further away from the source due to the beam angle of the light. As the intensity decreases, the surface moves closer to the center of the beam to capture more light. This arrangement can provide a surface with a substantially uniform light distribution. The surface itself may appear to be substantially uniformly illuminated and / or the area around the surface may appear to be substantially uniformly illuminated.

The LEDs of the lighting fixture 500 may be provided with varying beam angles, on a shaped platform, or the LEDs may be directed in various directions. Light from LEDs can be projected through a diffusing surface or onto a reflective surface to achieve the desired lighting effect. For example, the lighting system can be provided with a cylindrical diffusing surface and LEDs with different beam angles can be provided on one platform. The varying beam angles can add together and provide substantially uniform illumination of the surface or from the surface. In one embodiment, the LEDs can be provided in various directions or on a shaped platform to provide a desired lighting effect.

In FIG. 54, a diffusing surface 5302 includes imperfections 5402 within or on the surface of the material. The imperfections may be arranged so that they become larger and / or more frequent with distance from the lighting fixture 500. This arrangement can be used to generate substantially uniform illumination from the illumination fixture 5000. The imperfections can be bubbles in the material, for example, or the imperfections can form a pattern on the surface of the material. A pattern in the

The surface of the material may include areas through which not much light can pass and other areas where light is allowed to pass with a higher transmission. The relative ratio of the transmitting area to the non-transmitting area may change as a function of distance from the lighting fixture 5000. For example, the transmission area can increase as the distance from the LEDs increases. This arrangement can provide substantially uniform illumination from the lighting fixture 5000. Areas where light transmission is low can include areas of high reflectivity to maximize overall lighting efficiency. Materials for obtaining such lighting effects are available from the 3M company, for example, and are called adaptive lighting fixtures.

Lighting apparatus and methods can be used for insect control. Insects are clearly the most numerous species on the planet, and as a result, they also exhibit an extraordinary diversity of visual systems including wide variations in visual acuity, sensitivity, motion detection, and more. Normally vertebrates, including humans, have much higher resolution vision, but insects display extraordinary capabilities in other areas such as temporal resolution. While humans can perceive thirty images per second as continuous motion, the temporal resolution for many insects is up to two hundred images per second. Additionally, their ability to detect movement is much better than that of other animals. Some insects can detect polarized light that is used to navigate large open areas.

Insects are known to respond to certain wavelengths of light or electromagnetic radiation. Compared to humans, most insects have only two types of visual pigments and respond to wavelengths associated with those pigments. One pigment absorbs green and yellow light (550 nm) and the other absorbs blue and ultraviolet light (<480 nm). Therefore, insects cannot see red and have limited color vision and, unlike humans, can see ultraviolet. However, some insects such as bees and butterflies have true trichromatic vision systems and a good ability to discriminate and see color.

Many nocturnal insects are attracted to certain forms of light or electromagnetic radiation, which is called positive phototaxis. For example, cockroaches are negatively phototactic and flee from light. The UV-A range is known to be the most attractive to insects, especially nocturnal species. These species, especially mosquitoes, are often at the center of insect eradication efforts.

Conventional "bug lights" typically include yellow incandescent lights that do not repel insects but simply attract them less, compared to a normal white incandescent bulb. Light traps, widely used in food processing applications, employ fluorescent-style UV sources to attract and then electrocute insects through charged plates or grids, and then collect the charred insect parts into a tray or other container. .

For example, a plurality of lighting units, each equipped with a light fixture, are controlled by a processor or processors, wherein the lighting units are arranged around an area where insect control is desired. By arranging the lighting units around the area, it is possible to illuminate certain parts of the area with insect attractive lighting and other areas with insect repellent lighting. Thus, for example, lighting units can illuminate the area around a door with light that is not as attractive to insects as lighting units that illuminate an area away from the door. The combination of attractive and repellent units can therefore guide the insects to a desired location and away from the unwanted location.

An insect control device or system according to the present invention does not require a processor. In particular, a fixed control signal can be supplied to lighting units to provide a particular sequence of intensity change, flicker, or wavelength control without requiring any processor. In one aspect, a simple memory chip can be activated to store the sequence in a manner similar to that used in the circuitry used in a "music card", whereby a small portion of memory is used to store and reproduce a sequence.

The insect control system can be dynamic; that is, since each lighting unit can be controlled and interconnected in an addressable manner, the lighting from that unit can be changed as desired by the user, instantly. Thus, at one point, the insects may move away from the given area, while at other times they may head for that area, depending on which area the user wishes to use (for example, a back porch that is used only occasionally) . The use of the "blink effect" can contribute to the attraction or repellency of insects by using a blink rate that is known to affect the behavior of insects.

An insect control system of the present invention can be equipped with an insecticide, insect repellent, citronella candle, electric insect killer, carbon dioxide generation capture system or similar facility to kill, repel, or "stun". to insects. Thus, the insect control system can use lighting to direct insects into such a facility, increasing the efficiency of such a facility without requiring, for example, a widespread application of an insecticide that otherwise

EN 2 390 215 Τ3 mode, it could have detrimental effects on non-insect species including pets, children, birds and other small animals.

Lighting can be designed to attract friendly insects (or other creatures, such as bats) that control other insects. Therefore, if a preferred wavelength is known to attract the praying mantis, it can be used to attract that species in order to control other species. This can be a function of the visual system of that particular insect family and expressly designed to make it responsive to the lighting and chemical system.

Like other devices discussed herein, an insect control system can be equipped with other facilities, such as a communications facility to receive data from an external source. The external source could be a user interface (allowing the user to turn the lighting system on and off, or select particular lighting settings, perhaps through a graphical user interface on a portable or wall-mounted device or display display showing individual lights in a geometric configuration), or it could be an external device, such as a computer or sensor. If equipped with a sensor, the device can detect an environmental condition, such as temperature, humidity, presence of insects, light level, presence of carbon dioxide (which is known to attract many species of mosquito ), or the like. Thus, the sensor can indicate an environmental condition that is favorable for insect activity, then activate, or control the lighting mode of operation of the lighting system. Thus, the insect control system can be activated when light levels are low and humidity is high, thereby directing insects away from areas likely to be used by humans and into areas that have insect control facilities. insects, such as insecticides.

A lighting system can be arranged in combination with a scent production facility. Together with a processor or processors, this combination enables simultaneous or coordinated production of controlled scents and lighting. The flavoring / lighting device can be used in combination with a net. The device can be provided with addressable control facilities. The devices can be employed using data delivery protocols such as DMX and power protocols such as pulse width modulation. The devices can be equipped with a communications facility, such as a transmitter, receiver, transceiver, wireless communications facility, wire, cable, or connector. Thus, the device can store, manipulate, and otherwise handle the data, including instructions that make it easy to control lighting or aroma, or both. The device can also receive control signals from another source, such as a user interface, an external computer, a sensor, or the like.

A wide variety of lighting and display effects can be employed in connection with the scent production facility, ranging from color baths to rainbow effects, to rapid color changes, and the like. Scents can also be controlled whereby different chemicals are activated to respond to an input signal (eg, Digiscents Inc., multi-scent devices) and a "scent bath" or synchronous scent sequence can be activated with a color bath or color sequence.

The lighting may reflect a sensed condition, such as a sensed condition in the environment of the scent production facility. The lighting may reflect a condition of the scent production facility, such as the remaining life of the device, the remaining amount of scent production materials or chemicals, scent quality, scent intensity, battery life , or the like.

The scent production facility can be an air freshener or other scent production facility that can optionally be connected to a room outlet. The aroma can vary in response to data received by the device, controlled by a processor that also controls the lighting.

The scent production facility can be programmed to produce scents in conjunction with lighting; thus, a scent can be correlated with lighting that reflects a similar aesthetic condition, emotional state, environmental condition, data item, or other object or characteristic. For example, a pine scent could be coupled with green lighting, while a pumpkin scent could be coupled with orange lighting. Thus, a wide range of correlated colors and scents can be provided in a device in which one or more processors control both scent and lighting.

The device is an air freshener and a color change night light combined, with a processor for controlling the lighting condition of the night light, and with LEDs that provide the illumination source for the night light.

A gel can be presented and a color change lighting system can be directed to illuminate the gel. For example, there are many fragrances, deodorants, and the like that are made in gel form. This gel can be given almost any shape and a lighting system can be used to project light through the gel. In one embodiment, the gel may appear to glow with colors.

IS 2 390 215 Τ3

Gel or other material can evaporate over time and as the material evaporates, the levels of light captured by the material can decrease. This will result in the light levels decreasing as the material evaporates giving an indication of the life of the material. In one embodiment, the light can actually appear when evaporation or some other process has removed some of the material.

Illumination can be associated with a sensor. Such a sensor can measure or indicate a germ, bacteria or other levels of contamination and causes a lighting system to emit certain lighting conditions. This can be a color-changing “germ alert sensor” that would hang on the toilet or garbage container, etc. For example, when your cup cleaner reaches the terrifying point of not flooding your drains with bleach with every flush, its little tri-color LED will flash RED to alert you.