Plaque It!
|
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/407,185, filed Aug. 28, 2002, entitled “Methods and Systems for Illuminating Environments,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] Recent years have seen rapid developments in the field of lighting systems. For example, traditional lighting sources such as incandescent sources, metal halide sources and fluorescent sources have been joined by fiber optic lights and semiconductor-based light sources such as LEDs in wide use. LEDs, once confined to low-luminosity applications, have become much brighter, and a wider range of LED colors are now available than in the past. In addition, lighting system control has advanced, including the development of microprocessor- and network-based control systems. Color Kinetics, owner of U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,038, incorporated herein by reference, has developed many such lighting control methods and systems, including systems for mapping geometric positions of lights, systems for addressing pluralities of lights, sensor-feedback systems for lighting control, systems for authoring light shows and effects, systems for providing color temperature control, software systems for lighting control, and many others.
[0003] Certain environments present particular challenges and opportunities for the design of effective lighting control methods and systems. One such set of environments is transportation environments, such as lighting systems for aircrafts. Aircraft environments are very complex, with a multiplicity of hardware and software systems. Often, such systems must interface with each other, with a control system, with a maintenance system, or all of these. Aircraft environments are also subject to very demanding regulatory restrictions, such as those relating to maintenance, safety, and signal emissions. Thus, a lighting system for an aircraft environment must be sufficiently flexible and powerful to allow it to interface with such systems in compliance with the various requirements.
[0004] Aircraft environments are also rich in characteristics that offer opportunities for improved lighting. For example, there are existing aircraft lights illuminating the exterior, the cabin interior, ceilings, floors, cockpit, bathrooms, corridors, and individual seats, among other things. Today, those lights are typically white lights with very limited functionality, such as being able to turn on and off, and perhaps to change intensity in a limited number of modes. However, an opportunity exists to provide increased lighting functionality in some or all of these lighting systems, as more particularly described below.
[0005] Methods and systems are disclosed herein for illuminating environments, including methods and systems for providing a lighting control signal for controlling a lighting system that has a plurality of lights disposed in a plurality of positions within the environment; providing a control system for generating a lighting control signal; providing a connector between the control system and a plurality of the lights; and providing an address of a connector, wherein a light connected to the addressed connector responds to an addressed control signal that is addressed to that connector.
[0006] In embodiments the connector is a cable having a head end and a base end, with a facility for providing the address included at the head end of the cable. The connector may be configured to receive a light system, such as a modular light system, so that the particular light system responds to control signals addressed to the address of the connector to which the light system is connected.
[0007] In embodiments, the connector provides a two-way data interface between the lights and the control system. In embodiments, the control system can communicate data with the light system, such as control data, temperature data, performance data, performance history data, light histogram data, intensity data, color temperature data, on-off status data, color data, time data, total-on-time data, light show data, lighting effect data, alarm data, maintenance data, power-usage data, system status data, customer-entered data, advertising data, branding data, communications data.
[0008] One suitable environment is a transportation environment, such as an aircraft cabin, bus interior, automotive interior, boat or ship interior, or the like.
[0009] In embodiments a facility may be provided for shielding system elements to minimize or reduce emission of interfering signals, such as RF signals.
[0010] In embodiments the environment can include another computer system, such as a steering system, a navigation system, a safety system, a sensor system, an alarm system, a maintenance system, a communications system or an entertainment system. In some cases the environment can contain seats, with light systems disposed to illuminate the environments of the seats. In some cases the environment can contain a corridor, wherein the light systems are disposed to illuminate at least one of the ceiling and the floor of the corridor. The environment can be an entertainment venue, such as theatre.
[0011] Methods and systems are provided herein for controlling a plurality of lights using the control system to provide illumination of more than one color, wherein one available color of light is white light and another available color is non-white light. White light can be generated by a combination of red, green and blue light sources, or by a white light source. The color temperature of white light can be modified by mixing light from a second light source. The second light source can be a light source such as a white source of a different color temperature, an amber source, a green source, a red source, a yellow source, an orange source, a blue source, and a UV source. For example, lights can be LEDs of red, green, blue and white colors. More generally, the lights can be any LEDs of any color, or combination of colors, such as LEDs selected from the group consisting of red, green, blue, UV, yellow, amber, orange and white. White LEDs can include LEDs of more than one color temperature.
[0012] Provided herein are methods and systems for providing illumination control for an environment. The methods and systems include disposing in the environment a plurality of intelligent connectors, each intelligent connector being capable of handling addressable lighting data from a lighting control system. In embodiments, the intelligent connector is located on the head end of a cable. In embodiments, the intelligent connector is located near the seat of a passenger in the environment, such as aircraft seat. In embodiments, the lighting control system is in communication with a non-lighting system of the environment, such as an aircraft control system. In embodiments, the non-lighting system is an entertainment system, communications system, safety system, or other system. Other embodiments include methods and systems for providing a lighting unit adapted to connect to an intelligent connector, the lighting unit capable of responding to control signals handled by the intelligent connector. In embodiments the lighting unit includes a white light mode and a non-white light mode. The white light mode may allow varying the color temperature of white light. Methods and systems described herein may also include providing control software for controlling lighting signals sent to the addressable connectors. The control software may include a facility for associating lighting control signals with data of the environment.
[0013] In embodiments, the light systems may work in connection with a secondary system for operating on the light output of the light system, such as an optic, a phosphor, a lens, a filter, fresnel lens, a mirror, and a reflective coating.
[0014] As used herein the terms “light” and “illumination source” should be understood interchangeably to include all lights, as well as other illumination sources, including LED systems, as well as incandescent sources, including filament lamps, pyro-luminescent sources, such as flames, candle-luminescent sources, such as gas mantles and carbon arch radiation sources, as well as photo-luminescent sources, including gaseous discharges, fluorescent sources, phosphorescence sources, lasers, electro-luminescent sources, such as electro-luminescent lamps, light emitting diodes, and cathode luminescent sources using electronic satiation, as well as miscellaneous luminescent sources including galvano-luminescent sources, crystallo-luminescent sources, kine-luminescent sources, thermo-luminescent sources, triboluminescent sources, sonoluminescent sources, and radioluminescent sources. Illumination sources may also include luminescent polymers capable of producing primary colors.
[0015] The term “illuminate” should be understood to refer to the production of a frequency of radiation by an illumination source. The term “color” should be understood to refer to any frequency of radiation within a spectrum; that is, a “color,” as used herein, should be understood to encompass frequencies not only of the visible spectrum, but also frequencies in the infrared and ultraviolet areas of the spectrum, and in other areas of the electromagnetic spectrum, as well as different color temperatures of a particular color, such as white.
[0016] The term “LED” includes packaged LEDs, non-packaged LEDs, surface mount LEDs, chip on board LEDs and LEDs of all other configurations. The term “LED” also includes constructions that include a phosphor where the LED emission pumps the phosphor and the phosphor converts the energy to longer wavelength energy. White LEDs typically use an LED chip that produces short wavelength radiation and the phosphor is used to convert the energy to longer wavelengths. This construction also typically results in broadband radiation as compared to the original chip radiation. An LED system is one type of illumination source.
[0017] The following patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference:
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,038, issued Jan. 18, 2000, entitled “Multicolored LED Lighting Method and Apparatus;”
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 6,211,626, issued Apr. 3, 2001 to Lys et al, entitled “Illumination Components,”
[0020] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/870,193, filed May 30, 2001, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Controlling Devices in a Networked Lighting System;”
[0021] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/344,699, filed Jun. 25, 1999, entitled “Method for Software Driven Generation of Multiple Simultaneous High Speed Pulse Width Modulated Signals;”
[0022] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/805,368, filed Mar. 13, 2001, entitled “Light-Emitting Diode Based Products;”
[0023] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/663,969, filed Sep. 19, 2000, entitled “Universal Lighting Network Methods and Systems;”
[0024] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/716,819, filed Nov. 20, 2000, entitled “Systems and Methods for Generating and Modulating Illumination Conditions;”
[0025] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/675,419, filed Sep. 29, 2000, entitled “Systems and Methods for Calibrating Light Output by Light-Emitting Diodes;”
[0026] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/870,418, filed May 30, 2001, entitled “A Method and Apparatus for Authoring and Playing Back Lighting Sequences;”
[0027] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/045,629, filed Oct. 25, 2001, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Controlling Illumination;”
[0028] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/158,579, filed May 30, 2002, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Controlling Devices in a Networked Lighting System;”
[0029] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/325,635, filed Dec. 19, 2002, entitled “Controlled Lighting Methods and Apparatus;” and
[0030] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/360,594, filed Feb. 6, 2003, entitled “Controlled Lighting Methods and Apparatus.”
[0031]
[0032]
[0033]
[0034]
[0035]
[0036]
[0037]
[0038]
[0039] Referring to
[0040] Referring to
[0041] In conventional aircrafts, the interior light systems of
[0042] For example, the light system
[0043] Selection of the proper light sources can be helpful to maximize the effectiveness of a computer-based lighting system in an environment. For example, aircraft environments require white light systems for many uses, such as safety, reading, general illumination, and the like. However, such environments can also benefit from non-white systems, such as for mood lighting, entertainment, presentation of colors for purposes of branding, and the like. Such effects may also include color temperature control, such as control based on time of day or other factors.
[0044] In embodiments it is thus desirable to include one or more white light sources, such as white LEDs of the same or different color temperature, as well as non-white sources. For example, white light can be generated by a combination of red, green (or yellow) and blue light sources, or by a white light source. The color temperature of white light can be modified by mixing light from a second light source. The second light source can be a light source such as a white source of a different color temperature, an amber source, a green source, a red source, a yellow source, an orange source, a blue source, or a UV source. In embodiments, the lights can be LEDs of red, green, blue and white colors. In other embodiments LEDs of white, amber, red, green and blue can be mixed to provide a wide range of available colors and color temperatures. More generally, the lights can be any LEDs of any color, or combination of colors, such as LEDs selected from the group consisting of red, green, blue, UV, yellow, amber, orange and white. White LEDs can include LEDs of more than one color temperature or other operating characteristic. Thus, the light systems
[0045]
[0046] Referring to
[0047] In one preferred embodiment the control system
[0048] The processor
[0049] In embodiments, the processor
[0050] The user interface
[0051] The methods and systems taught herein may be controlled through network and other control systems. More particular descriptions of such methods and systems can be found in the following U.S. Patent Applications: SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTHORING LIGHTING SEQUENCES, application Ser. No. 09/616,214, filed Jul. 14, 2000; A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTHORING AND PLAYING BACK LIGHTING SEQUENCES, application Ser. No. 09/870,418, filed May 30, 2001; METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A LIGHTING SYSTEM IN RESPONSE TO AN AUDIO INPUT, application Ser. No. 09/886,958, filed Jun. 21, 2001; SYSTEMS AND METHOD OF GENERATING CONTROL SIGNALS, application Ser. No. 10/163,164, filed Jun. 5, 2002, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[0052] The data facility
[0053] Many lighting effects may be generated through a system according to the principles of the present invention. The references incorporated by reference herein provide many examples of such lighting effects.
[0054] In embodiments the control system
[0055] In one preferred embodiment the communication facility
[0056] In some embodiments the control system
[0057] The control system
[0058] In general, it can be desirable to have addressability of light systems that are disposed in environments. By linking network addresses to physical locations, a light system operator can create light shows that are more effective than those that are created with random color effects, or ones in which the various lights systems are not well-coordinated. For example, a color-chasing rainbow effect can be easily programmed if the positions of the light systems are known, as well as their network addresses. Also, knowing individual addresses of lights
[0059] On the control side, methods and systems are known for sending addressed light signals via a communications facility
[0060] A variety of methods and systems are known for setting addresses of light systems, such as the lights
[0061] The methods and systems taught herein may be controlled through addressable systems. More particular descriptions of such methods and systems can be found in the following U.S. Patent Applications: METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING ADDRESSABLE SYSTEMS, application Ser. No. 60/401,965, filed Aug. 8, 2002; METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING DEVICES IN A NETWORKED LIGHTING SYSTEM, application Ser. No. 10/158,579, filed May 30, 2002; AUTOMATIC CONFIGURATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LIGHTING AND OTHER APPLICATIONS, application Ser. No. 09/924,119, filed Aug. 7, 2001; METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING DEVICES IN A NETWORKED LIGHTING SYSTEM, application Ser. No. 09/870,193, filed May 30, 2001; SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROGRAMMING ILLUMINATION DEVICES, application Ser. No. 10/078,221, filed Feb 19, 2002.
[0062] One problem with conventional facilities for addressing light systems is that in some environments lights are used heavily and thus may be changed regularly. If the address system is onboard the light, it may be difficult to know or find out the address of the replacement light. Thus, getting a replacement light to work properly may require knowing the right address for a particular position and setting that address properly upon light replacement. The problem with this is that aircraft maintenance takes place under very tight time schedules, so that it is desirable to avoid any complicated, difficult, or unnecessary steps. Setting a dipswitch on a light, while feasible, might require a maintenance person to look up the address of the light in a lookup table, set the light to the right dipswitch positions, and then plug in the light. This could be time consuming and error prone.
[0063] One solution to this problem is a preferred embodiment of the methods and systems disclosed herein. In such a method and system the address facility is provided at the end of the connector
[0064] In embodiments the connector
[0065] Systems and methods according to the principles of the present invention may be modular or have modular components. The references incorporated by reference herein provide examples of such modular systems and components.
[0066] Systems according to the principles of the present invention may be controlled through many other systems and methods. The references incorporated by reference herein provide examples of such control systems and methods.
[0067] In embodiments the environment can include another computer system
[0068] In embodiments, the connector
[0069] In one embodiment the control system
[0070] In embodiments, the light systems may work in connection with a secondary system for operating on the light output of the light system, such as an optic, a phosphor, a lens, a filter, fresnel lens, a mirror, and a reflective coating.
[0071] Using the two-way communication facility of the connector
[0072] In embodiments of the methods and systems disclosed herein, there are methods and systems for creating and using customer profiles, taking advantage of the two-way communication facility of the connector
[0073] In many modes of transportation (planes, trains, boats, even cars) passengers are often seated for long periods of time and find ways to relax such as reading, listening to music, playing games, talking on the phone, sleeping, eating and more.
[0074] Typically in each of these transportation modes, the seating area provides conveniences and comforts such as communications access, power outlets, television, music and radio, reading lights, adjustable seat controls and more. While certain activities are limited at times (electronic devices during takeoff and landing of airplanes for example), quite a few activity options are available today for the bored passenger. From the transportation company's perspective, they also have a captive audience—hence the success of marketing in airline magazines or SkyMall®.
[0075] In several of these modes, planes and trains, for example, it is often known who occupies a particular seat. People are assigned particular seats and stay there for the duration of the trip. This knowledge and a selective amount of feedback can reveal many useful details about a passenger and allow the transportation company (airline, railroad etc) to tailor and customize future travel for that particular passenger or offer opportunities (e.g., promotions, incentives or advertising) focused on that particular passenger. The construction of these profiles is the combination of several forms of information available to the transportation company or a third-party that might provide media and activity solutions and develop profiles based on that information.
[0076] Travel agencies, departments and airlines already have profiles for passengers, especially for those who fly frequently. In part, the profile is used to quickly settle reservations based on preferences (aisle, window, front, back, 1
[0077] Disclosed herein are methods and systems for using data communications and storage facilities associated with light systems to assist in creating a knowledge base about customers and for tracking and predicting their behavior for purposes of providing useful information and services to individual customers or groups of customers.
[0078] A variety of information is necessary to construct a picture of the users, and such sensors may include status of lighting, television program selection, musical selection, power usage, seat occupancy, thermal data, and more.
[0079] Information that can be collected and stored in the data storage facility
[0080] One such feedback mechanism is the time history of the various sensors that can be associated to communicate with the control system
[0081]
[0082] In addition to monitoring devices, the time histories of sensors and feedback mechanisms can be used to determine and schedule preventive maintenance. Repeated on/offs may indicate problems with the device, user interface issues, or used to have flight attendants check on someone without having the call button pressed. Device feedback from lighting systems through overcurrent or undercurrent or onboard intelligence may indicate partial or imminent failures in the device warranting a replacement process.
[0083] In one scenario, imagine a hypothetical company that we can refer to as ProfileBuilder that could manage all media and passenger interaction aboard an airplane. They can present options to those individuals for services and products in addition to providing them with media selections they prefer. In return, they can gather detailed information on preferences of individuals so they can both present those tailored options and build detailed profiles. Privacy issues will certainly be unavoidable with such information but encryption and other safeguards can insure the privacy of such information. A detailed profile can be a capsule summary of a person's life—preferences, time histories of purchases, media etc. This may be useful not only to marketing companies but to the individuals themselves.
[0084] In 2001, 622 million passengers boarded 8.8 million U.S. airline flights, down from 666 million passengers on 9 million flights in 2000. Presumably there are many connecting flights but that is still an average of about 25,000 flights per day in the US. If only 1% of those numbers are in airplanes where the enhancing seating and media is available that is still over 6M passengers where detailed preferences and high fidelity profiles can be constructed. Such passengers are also a desirable audience or demographic with presumably more education, income and spending than the average person.
[0085] As seen in
[0086] An environment for a user of an entertainment system that takes advantage of data communication with a light system is depicted in
[0087] Referring to
[0088] While certain preferred embodiments have been described herein, other embodiments can be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art and are hereby incorporated by reference. All patents, patent applications, publications, specifications, regulations and other documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.