Dowling, Kevin J. (Westford, MA, US)
Lys, Ihor A. (Milton, MA, US)
Cella, Charles H. (Pembroke, MA, US)
Plaque It!
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2. A kit of claim 1, wherein the light engine comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes and a controller for controlling the color of light generated by the light emitting diodes.
3. A kit of claim 2, further comprising a fastener for attaching the conduit in a desired configuration.
4. A light system, comprising: a modular conduit for receiving illumination from a light, and a light engine, wherein the light engine comprises a light source and a controller.
5. A system of claim 4 wherein the light is controlled by a controller to produce light of a desired characteristic at each point in time.
6. A system of claim 5, wherein the characteristic is selected from the group consisting of the color, intensity, saturation, and color temperature.
7. A system of claim 4, wherein the controller includes an interface.
8. A system of claim 4, wherein the light source comprises an LED.
9. A system of claim 4, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of LEDs of different colors.
10. A system of claim 4, wherein the light source comprises LEDs producing different color temperatures of white light.
11. A system of claim 4, wherein the light engine operates in white color mode at some times and in a non-white color mode at other times.
12. A system of claim 4, wherein the light engine produces white light by combining light from LEDs selected from the group consisting of red, green, yellow, blue, amber, white, orange and amber LEDs.
13. A system of claim 12, wherein the color temperature of white light is adjusted by mixing light from an LED.
14. A system of claim 4, wherein the controller is a processor.
15. A system of claim 4, wherein the conduit receives light from the light engine.
16. A system of claim 4, wherein the conduit made of an elastic material suitable for receiving and retransmitting light.
17. A system of claim 4, wherein the conduit is a flexible conduit.
18. A system of claim 4, wherein the conduit is transparent.
19. A system of claim 4, wherein the conduit is semi-opaque.
20. A system of claim 4, wherein the conduit is translucent.
21. A system of claim 4, wherein the conduit is reflective.
22. A system of claim 4, wherein the conduit is refractive.
23. A system of claim 4, wherein the conduit is a transparent elastic material.
24. A system of claim 4, wherein the conduit is elastomeric vinyl acetate.
25. A system of claim 4, wherein the conduit is made from a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer, polyurethane, PVC material, rubber, plastic, a metal, and an alloy.
26. A system of claim 4, wherein the conduit is made from a hybrid of a plurality of materials.
27. A system of claim 4, wherein the conduit is filled with a fluid.
28. A system of claim 27, wherein the fluid is a gas.
29. A system of claim 27, wherein the fluid is a liquid.
30. A system of claim 27, wherein the fluid is a vapor.
31. A system of claim 27, wherein the fluid transmits light.
32. A system of claim 27, wherein the fluid refracts light.
33. A system of claim 27, wherein the fluid contains particles that reflect light.
34. A system of claim 27, wherein the fluid contains particles that refract light.
35. A lighting system, comprising: a light engine having a control system with a controller and a light source; and an elastomeric conduit for receiving light from the light engine.
36. A system of claim 35, wherein the light source is configured in a linear configuration.
37. A system of claim 35, wherein the light source is configured as an array.
38. A system of claim 35, wherein the light source is configured in a curvilinear configuration.
39. A system of claim 35, wherein the light source is configured with groupings of LEDs.
40. A system of claim 39, wherein each member of the grouping is an LED producing light of a different wavelength.
41. A system of claim 39, wherein the groupings are triads.
42. A system of claim 39, wherein the groupings are quadruplets.
43. A system of claim 39, wherein the groupings are quintuplets.
44. A system of claim 35, wherein the LEDs are configured to fit a lighting fixture.
45. A system of claim 44, wherein the lighting fixture is configured to resemble at least one of an incandescent fixture, a halogen fixture and a fluorescent fixture.
46. A system of claim 35, further comprising an interface for delivering a control signal to the controller.
47. A system of claim 46, wherein the interface it at least one of a wire, a cable, a network, a bus, a circuit, and a wireless interface.
48. A system of claim 47, wherein the user interface comprises at least one of a power-cycle-based interface, a general purpose computer interface, a keyboard, a mouse, a voice- or image-recognition interface, a programming interface, a software authoring tool interface, a light show player interface, a touchpad interface, a wireless interface, an interface for a conventional lighting system, an entertainment system interface, a communications system interface, a maintenance system interface, and a navigation system interface.
49. A system of claim 35, further comprising a surface in proximity to the light engine.
50. A system of claim 49, wherein the conduit is attached to the surface by an attachment facility.
51. A system of claim 50, wherein the attachment facility is at least one of a fastener, a screw, a clip and a bolt.
52. A system of claim 50, wherein the attachment facility is a standoff mechanism for holding the conduit a fixed distance from the surface.
53. A system of claim 35, wherein the surface is a surface of a sign.
54. A system of claim 35, further comprising a mounting facility for the conduit.
55. A system of claim 54, wherein the mounting facility serves as a light shield.
56. A system of claim 54, wherein the mounting facility rests on a light pipe.
57. A system of claim 56, wherein the light pipe collects light and delivers the light into the conduit.
58. A system of claim 35, wherein the light engine is a configured to resemble a halogen lamp.
59. A system of claim 58, wherein the light engine is an MR-16 fixture.
60. A system of claim 58, wherein the fixture is suitable for insertion into a conventional halogen socket.
61. A system of claim 56, wherein the light pipe guides light into a receiving portion of the conduit, so that the conduit glows with the color of the light from the light engine.
62. A system of claim 35, wherein the light engine comprises LEDs selected from red, green, blue, amber, white, orange, and UV LEDs.
63. A system of claim 35, further comprising a control system for the light engine.
64. A system of claim 35, wherein the control system includes a user interface.
65. A system of claim 35, wherein the control system includes a data facility.
66. A system of claim 35, wherein the control system includes a communication facility.
67. A system of claim 66, wherein the communication facility comprises a network.
68. A system of claim 66, wherein the communication facility comprises a wireless facility.
69. A system of claim 35, wherein the control system includes an algorithm facility.
70. A system of claim 35, wherein the control system is a general purpose computer.
71. A system of claim 35, wherein the control system is integrated with other system elements of the environment of the light engine.
72. A system of claim 71, wherein the other system elements are selected from the group consisting of a maintenance system, an entertainment system, a sound system, a navigation system, and a security system.
73. A system of claim 35, wherein the light engine includes a processor.
74. A system of claim 73, wherein the processor is selected from the group consisting of a microprocessor, a microcontroller, circuit, an application specific integrated circuit, a microchip, a chip residing on a circuit board, a chipset, a circuit board, a programmable digital signal processor, a biological circuit, a programmable gate array, a programmable array logic device, a programmable logic device, a digital signal processor, an analog-to-digital converter, and a digital-to-analog converter, discrete circuitry, passive analog components, active analog components, a resistor, a capacitor, an inductor, a transistor, an operational amplifiers, a discrete digital component, a shift register, and a latch.
75. A system of claim 35, wherein the system includes a data facility for storing program instructions for the light engine.
76. A system of claim 75, wherein the data facility comprises at least one of a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an electronically erasable programmable read-only memory, a random access memory, a dynamic random access memory, a double data rate random access memory, a Rambus direct random access memory, and a flash memory.
77. A system of claim 75, wherein the data facility is at least one of a general purpose computer system, a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk memory, a diskette, a zip drive, a jump drive, a database, a SQL database, a TCL database, an Oracle database, an Access database, a data facility of an entertainment system, a data facility of a maintenance system, a data facilty of a safety system and a combination of more than one type of data facility.
78. A system of claim 75, wherein the data for the light engine resides in more than one system.
79. A system of claim 78, wherein the first system is a safety system and the second system is an entertainment system.
80. A system of claim 78, wherein the first system is a lighting control system and the second system is an entertainment system.
81. A system of claim 35, further comprising a communication facility, wherein the communications facility comprises at least one of a wire-based facility, a wireless facility, a network, an interface card, a circuit, a router, a switch, a software interface, a wire, a cable, a connector, an RF facility, an IR facility, a serial port, a parallel port, a USB facility, a firewire facility, a copper wire, a modem, a Bluetooth facility, an 802.11 facility, a DSL modems, an antenna, a satellite communications facility, and a telecommunications facility.
82. A system of claim 35, wherein the control system is connected to the lights by a bus that provides two-way communication between the control system and the light engines.
83. A system of claim 35, wherein the light engines are addressable light engines.
84. A system of claim 35, wherein the conduit comprises sub-elements that can be fitted together to form shapes.
85. A system of claim 84, wherein the sub-elements are selected from the group consisting of V-shaped elements, L-shaped elements, T-shaped elements, curved elements, and straight elements.
86. A system of claim 84, wherein the sub-elements are fitted together in combinations.
87. A system of claim 84, wherein the sub-elements are provided in a kit with at least one light engine.
88. A system of claim 84, wherein the user can shape the sub-elements into a desired shape.
89. A system of claim 35, wherein the system includes a conduit with a plurality of light engines.
90. A system of claim 89, wherein the light engines are provided with a communications facility.
91. A system of claim 89, wherein the light engines are configured so as to light the conduit in synchronous fashion.
92. A system of claim 89, wherein the light engines change colors in concert.
93. A system of claim 89, wherein the light engines create a color-chasing rainbow effect.
94. A system of claim 89, wherein the light engines communicate via a flexible facility selected from the group consisting of a flexible wire, a bus, and a cable.
95. A system of claim 94, wherein the wire serves as a semi-rigid element for holding the flexible conduit in a selected configuration.
96. A system of claim 89, further comprising a semi-rigid element.
97. A system of claim 96, wherein the semi-rigid element is made of a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, a polymer, and a plastic.
98. A system of claim 96, wherein the semi-rigid element holds shape when bent.
99. A system of claim 89, wherein at least one light engine has an optical receiver facility for receiving optical data and an optical modulator facility for modulating a portion of the emitted light, so that the light engine communicates to another light engine.
100. A system of claim 99, wherein the light engine communicates using transmitted light.
101. A system of claim 99, wherein the light engine communicates using a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
102. A system of claim 99, wherein a light engine communicates ongoing data to continually update a second light engine.
103. A system of claim 99, wherein a light engine sends instructions to a second light engine to execute a stored lighting program.
104. A system of claim 103, wherein the instructions relate to clock data, so that various light engines can coordinate with clock time to run stored lighting programs in coordination with each other.
105. A system of claim 35, wherein the conduit is configured to form a sign with lettering.
106. A system of claim 105, wherein light engines are disposed throughout the sign to generate light to illuminate at least portions of the conduit.
107. A system of claim 105, wherein the sign is configured as a logo.
108. A system of claim 105, wherein the sign is configured to resemble a conventional neon sign.
109. A lighting system, comprising: a first element lit by color-changing illumination from a light engine having a controller and at least one LED; and a second element lit by color-changing illumination from a light engine having a controller and at least one LED; wherein the first element is placed in viewing proximity to the second element to produce illumination effects that represent the combination of the two elements.
110. A system of claim 109, wherein the first element is controlled to illuminate in colors that are the same as those of the second element.
111. A system of claim 109, wherein the first element is controlled to illuminate in colors that are complementary to those of the second element.
112. A system of claim 111, wherein the colors of the two elements are generated in complementary color pairs.
113. A system of claim 112, wherein the color pairs are selected from the group consisting of a red/green pair, a blue/orange pair, and a yellow/purple pair.
114. A system of claim 109, wherein the first element comprises a conduit and a second element comprises a lit background.
115. A system of claim 114, wherein the lit background is edge-lit by a linear array of light engines.
116. A system of claim 109, wherein the conduit is a sign, and the sign is lit in coordination with the background.
117. A method of providing a kit for preparing a display, comprising: providing a light engine for generating light of a plurality of colors; and providing a substantially flexible conduit for receiving light from the light engine, the conduit constructed of a material suitable to allow viewing of the light generated by the light engine substantially throughout the conduit.
118. A method of claim 117, wherein the light engine comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes and a controller for controlling the color of light generated by the light emitting diodes.
119. A method of claim 118, further comprising a fastener for attaching the conduit in a desired configuration.
120. A method of providing a light system, comprising: providing a modular conduit for receiving illumination from a light, and providing a light engine, wherein the light engine comprises a light source and a controller.
121. A method of claim 120, wherein the light is controlled by a controller to produce light of a desired characteristic at each point in time.
122. A method of claim 121, wherein the characteristic is selected from the group consisting of the color, intensity, saturation, and color temperature.
123. A method of claim 120, wherein the controller includes an interface.
124. A method of claim 120, wherein the light source comprises an LED.
125. A method of claim 120, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of LEDs of different colors.
126. A method of claim 120, wherein the light source comprises LEDs producing different color temperatures of white light.
127. A method of claim 120, wherein the light engine operates in white color mode at some times and in a non-white color mode at other times.
128. A method of claim 120, wherein the light engine produces white light by combining light from LEDs selected from the group consisting of red, green, yellow, blue, amber, white, orange and amber LEDs.
129. A method of claim 120, wherein the color temperature of white light is adjusted by mixing light from an LED.
130. A method of claim 120, wherein the controller is a processor.
131. A method of claim 120, wherein the conduit receives light from the light engine.
132. A method of claim 120, wherein the conduit made of an elastic material suitable for receiving and retransmitting light.
133. A method of claim 120, wherein the conduit is a flexible conduit.
134. A method of claim 120, wherein the conduit is transparent.
135. A method of claim 120, wherein the conduit is semi-opaque.
136. A method of claim 120, wherein the conduit is translucent.
137. A method of claim 120, wherein the conduit is reflective.
138. A method of claim 120, wherein the conduit is refractive.
139. A method of claim 120, wherein the conduit is a transparent elastic material.
140. A method of claim 120, wherein the conduit is elastomeric vinyl acetate.
141. A method of claim 120, wherein the conduit is made from a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer, polyurethane, PVC material, rubber, plastic, a metal, and an alloy.
142. A method of claim 120, wherein the conduit is made from a hybrid of a plurality of materials.
143. A method of claim 120, wherein the conduit is filled with a fluid.
144. A method of claim 143, wherein the fluid is a gas.
145. A method of claim 143, wherein the fluid is a liquid.
146. A method of claim 143, wherein the fluid is a vapor.
147. A method of claim 143, wherein the fluid transmits light.
148. A method of claim 143, wherein the fluid refracts light.
149. A method of claim 143, wherein the fluid contains particles that reflect light.
150. A method of claim 143, wherein the fluid contains particles that refract light.
151. A method of providing a lighting system, comprising: providing a light engine having a controller and a light source; and providing an elastomeric conduit for receiving light from the light engine.
152. A method of claim 151, wherein the light source is configured in a linear configuration.
153. A method of claim 151, wherein the light source is configured as an array.
154. A method of claim 151, wherein the light source is configured in a curvilinear configuration.
155. A method of claim 151, wherein the light source is configured with groupings of LEDs.
156. A method of claim 155, wherein each member of the grouping is an LED producing light of a different wavelength.
157. A method of claim 155, wherein the groupings are triads.
158. A method of claim 155, wherein the groupings are quadruplets.
159. A method of claim 155, wherein the groupings are quintuplets.
160. A method of claim 155, wherein the groupings are sextuplets.
161. A method of claim 155, wherein the LEDs are configured to fit a lighting fixture.
162. A method of claim 161, wherein the lighting fixture is configured to resemble at least one of an incandescent fixture, a halogen fixture and a fluorescent fixture.
163. A method of claim 155, further comprising an interface for delivering a control signal to the controller.
164. A method of claim 163, wherein the interface it at least one of a wire, a cable, a network, a bus, a circuit, and a wireless interface.
165. A method of claim 163, wherein the user interface comprises at least one of a power-cycle-based interface, a general purpose computer interface, a keyboard, a mouse, a voice- or image-recognition interface, a programming interface, a software authoring tool interface, a light show player interface, a touchpad interface, a wireless interface, an interface for a conventional lighting system, an entertainment system interface, a communications system interface, a maintenance system interface, and a navigation system interface.
166. A method of claim 155, further comprising a surface in proximity to the light engine.
167. A method of claim 166, wherein the conduit is attached to the surface by an attachment facility.
168. A method of claim 167, wherein the attachment facility is at least one of a fastener, a screw, a clip and a bolt.
169. A method of claim 167, wherein the attachment facility is a standoff mechanism for holding the conduit a fixed distance from the surface.
170. A method of claim 166, wherein the surface is a surface of a sign.
171. A method of claim 155, further comprising a mounting facility for the conduit.
172. A method of claim 171, wherein the mounting facility serves as a light shield.
173. A method of claim 171, wherein the mounting facility rests on a light pipe.
174. A method of claim 173, wherein the light pipe collects light and delivers the light into the conduit.
175. A method of claim 155, wherein the light engine is a configured to resemble a halogen lamp.
176. A method of claim 175, wherein the light engine is an MR-16 fixture.
177. A method of claim 175, wherein the fixture is suitable for insertion into a conventional halogen socket.
178. A method of claim 174, wherein the light pipe guides light into a receiving portion of the conduit, so that the conduit glows with the color of the light from the light engine.
179. A method of claim 155, wherein the light engine comprises LEDs selected from red, green, blue, amber, white, orange, and UV LEDs.
180. A method of claim 155, further comprising a control system for the light engine.
181. A method of claim 180, wherein the control system includes a user interface.
182. A method of claim 180, wherein the control system includes a data facility.
183. A method of claim 180, wherein the control system includes a communication facility.
184. A method of claim 183, wherein the communication facility comprises a network.
185. A method of claim 183, wherein the communication facility comprises a wireless facility.
186. A method of claim 180, wherein the control system includes an algorithm facility.
187. A method of claim 180, wherein the control system is a general purpose computer.
188. A method of claim 180, wherein the control system is integrated with other system elements of the environment of the light engine.
189. A method of claim 188, wherein the other system elements are selected from the group consisting of a maintenance system, an entertainment system, a sound system, a navigation system, and a security system.
190. A method of claim 155, wherein the light engine includes a processor.
191. A method of claim 190, wherein the processor is selected from the group consisting of a microprocessor, a microcontroller, circuit, an application specific integrated circuit, a microchip, a chip residing on a circuit board, a chipset, a circuit board, a programmable digital signal processor, a biological circuit, a programmable gate array, a programmable array logic device, a programmable logic device, a digital signal processor, an analog-to-digital converter, and a digital-to-analog converter, discrete circuitry, passive analog components, active analog components, a resistor, a capacitor, an inductor, a transistor, an operational amplifiers, a discrete digital component, a shift register, and a latch.
192. A method of claim 180, wherein the control system includes a data facility for storing program instructions for the light engine.
193. A method of claim 192, wherein the data facility comprises at least one of a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an electronically erasable programmable read-only memory, a random access memory, a dynamic random access memory, a double data rate random access memory, a Rambus direct random access memory, and a flash memory.
194. A method of claim 192, wherein the data facility is at least one of a general purpose computer system, a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk memory, a diskette, a zip drive, a jump drive, a database, a SQL database, a TCL database, an Oracle database, an Access database, a data facility of an entertainment system, a data facility of a maintenance system, a data facilty of a safety system and a combination of more than one type of data facility.
195. A method of claim 192, wherein the data for the light engine resides in more than one system.
196. A method of claim 195, wherein a first system is a safety system and a second system is an entertainment system.
197. A method of claim 195, wherein a first system is a lighting control system and a second system is an entertainment system.
198. A method of claim 195, wherein the communications facility comprises at leaset one of a wire-based facility, a wireless facility, a network, an interface card, a circuit, a router, a switch, a software interface, a wire, a cable, a connector, an RF facility, an IR facility, a serial port, a parallel port, a USB facility, a firewire facility, a copper wire, a modem, a Bluetooth facility, an 802.11 facility, a DSL modems, an antenna, a satellite communications facility, and a telecommunications facility.
199. A method of claim 180, wherein the control system is connected to the lights by a bus that provides two-way communication between the control system and the light engines.
200. A method of claim 155, wherein the light engines are addressable light engines.
201. A method of claim 155, wherein the conduit comprises sub-elements that can be fitted together to form shapes.
202. A method of claim 155, wherein the sub-elements are selected from the group consisting of V-shaped elements, L-shaped elements, T-shaped elements, curved elements, and straight elements.
203. A method of claim 155, wherein the sub-elements are fitted together in combinations.
204. A method of claim 155, wherein the sub-elements are provided in a kit with at least one light engine.
205. A method of claim 155, wherein the user can shape the elements into a desired shape.
206. A method of claim 155, wherein the system includes a conduit with a plurality of light engines.
207. A method of claim 206, wherein the light engines are provided with a communications facility.
208. A method of claim 206, wherein the light engines are configured so as to light the conduit in synchronous fashion.
209. A method of claim 206, wherein the light engines change colors in concert.
210. A method of claim 206, wherein the light engines create a color-chasing rainbow effect.
211. A method of claim 206, wherein the light engines communicate via a flexible facility selected from the group consisting of a flexible wire, a bus, and a cable.
212. A method of claim 211, wherein a wire serves as a semi-rigid element for holding the flexible conduit in a selected configuration.
213. A method of claim 155, further comprising a semi-rigid element.
214. A method of claim 213, wherein the semi-rigid element is made of a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, a polymer, and a plastic.
215. A method of claim 213, wherein the semi-rigid element holds shape when bent.
216. A method of claim 206, wherein at least one light engine has an optical receiver facility for receiving optical data and an optical modulator facility for modulating a portion of the emitted light, so that the light engine communicates to another light engine.
217. A method of claim 216, wherein the light engine communicates using transmitted light.
218. A method of claim 206, wherein the light engine communicates using a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
219. A method of claim 206, wherein a light engine communicates ongoing data to continually update a second light engine.
220. A method of claim 206, wherein a light engine sends instructions to a second light engine to execute a stored lighting program.
221. A method of claim 220, wherein the instructions relate to clock data, so that various light engines can coordinate with clock time to run stored lighting programs in coordination with each other.
222. A method of claim 155, wherein the conduit is configured to form a sign with lettering.
223. A method of claim 222, wherein light engines are disposed throughout the sign to generate light to illuminate at least portions of the conduit.
224. A method of claim 222, wherein the sign is configured as a logo.
225. A method of claim 222, wherein the sign is configured to resemble a conventional neon sign.
226. A method of providing a lighting system, comprising: providing a first element lit by color-changing illumination from a light engine having a controller and at least one LED; and providing a second element lit by color-changing illumination from a light engine having a controller and at least one LED.
227. A method of claim 226, wherein the first element is placed in viewing proximity to the second element to produce illumination effects that represent the combination of the two elements.
228. A method of claim 226, wherein the first element is controlled to illuminate in colors that are the same as those of the second element.
229. A method of claim 226, wherein the first element is controlled to illuminate in colors that are complementary to those of the second element.
230. A method of claim 229, wherein the colors of the two elements are generated in complementary color pairs.
231. A method of claim 230, wherein the color pairs are selected from the group consisting of a red/green pair, a blue/orange pair, and a yellow/purple pair.
232. A method of claim 226, wherein the first element comprises a conduit and a second element comprises a lit background.
233. A method of claim 232, wherein the lit background is edge-lit by a linear array of light engines.
234. A method of claim 226, wherein the conduit is a sign, and the sign is lit in coordination with the background.
235. A method of providing a light system, comprising: providing a substantially linear light engine; providing a housing for the light engine; disposing a substantially cylindrical optical facility on the housing in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the housing; and illuminating the optical facility by disposing the light engine at an edge of the optical facility.
236. A method of claim 235, wherein the cylindrical optical facility is constructed of a translucent material.
237. A light system, comprising: a substantially linear light engine; a housing for the light engine; and a substantially cylindrical optical facility disposed on the housing in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the housing; wherein the optical facility has a light engine disposed at an edge of the optical facility.
238. A system of claim 237, wherein the cylindrical optical facility is constructed of a translucent material.
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/415,897, filed Oct. 3, 2002, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Illuminating Environments.”
[0002] This application also claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §120, as a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Non-provisional Application Serial No. 10/325,635, filed Dec. 19, 2002, entitled “Controlled Lighting Methods and Apparatus.”
[0003] Each of the foregoing applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Recent years have seen rapid developments in the field of lighting systems. For example, traditional lighting sources such as incandescent, metal halide, neon 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.
[0005] Certain lighting applications present particular challenges and opportunities. One such set of applications are signage and display applications, particularly those that today employ neon lights and edge-lit signs.
[0006] The neon light industry is plagued with many problems. Failure rates are very high for neon lights, as can be witnessed daily on storefronts throughout the country. Neon is difficult and expensive to transport. Neon signs typically require specialized glass blowing to support custom applications, such as lettering. As a result, neon is expensive and unreliable, and the neon sign and display industry is highly fragmented.
[0007] Edge lit signs have replaced neon for many applications. However, edge-lit signs, while very effective for some applications, offer little in the way of the customization by the end user of the sign or display.
[0008] Thus, a need exists for methods and systems that offer the customization and attractive effects of neon signs and displays, but without the many problems of neon.
SUMMARY
[0009] Provided herein are methods and systems for preparing signs and displays. The methods and systems include using a light engine for generating light of a plurality of colors to illuminate the body of a flexible conduit that receives light from the light engine. The conduit can be used as a sign, display, or similar lighting facility in many applications that traditionally used neon signs and displays.
[0010] 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, by a white light source, or by a combination of the same. 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. In some cases a facility such as a phosphor can be used to alter light from an LED to a different spectral characteristic, color or color temperature.
[0011] The methods and systems disclosed herein include a kit for preparing a display. The kit may include a light engine for generating light of a plurality of colors and a substantially flexible conduit for receiving light from the light engine. The conduit can be constructed of a material suitable to allow viewing of the light generated by the light engine substantially throughout the conduit. In embodiments the light engine includes a plurality of light emitting diodes and a controller for controlling the color of light generated by the light emitting diodes.
[0012] In embodiments the kit includes a fastener for attaching the conduit in a desired configuration.
[0013] Methods and systems disclosed herein include a light system that includes a modular conduit for receiving illumination from a light, and a light engine, wherein the light engine includes a light source and a controller. In embodiments the light is controlled by a controller to produce light of a desired characteristic at each point in time. In embodiments the characteristic is selected from the group consisting of the color, intensity, saturation, and color temperature. In embodiments the controller includes an interface. In embodiments the light source includes an LED or a plurality of LEDs of different colors. In embodiments the light source includes LEDs producing different color temperatures of white light. In embodiments the light engine operates in white color mode at some times and in a non-white color mode at other times. In embodiments, the light engine produces white light by combining light from LEDs selected from the group consisting of red, green, yellow, blue, amber, white, orange and amber LEDs. In embodiments the color temperature of white light is adjusted by mixing light from an LED. In embodiments the controller is a processor.
[0014] In embodiments, the conduit receives light from the light engine. In embodiments, the conduit made of an elastic material suitable for receiving and retransmitting light. In embodiments, the conduit is a flexible conduit. In embodiments the conduit is transparent. In embodiments, the conduit is semi-opaque. In embodiments, the conduit is translucent. In embodiments, the conduit is reflective. In embodiments, the conduit is refractive. In embodiments, the conduit is a transparent elastic material, such as elastomeric vinyl acetate. In embodiments the conduit is made from a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer, polyurethane, PVC material, rubber, plastic, a metal, and an alloy. In embodiment the conduit is made from a hybrid of a plurality of materials.
[0015] In embodiments the conduit is filled with a fluid, which may be a gas, a liquid, or a vapor. In embodiments the fluid transmits light or refracts light. In embodiments the fluid contains particles that reflect or refract light.
[0016] Methods and systems disclosed herein include lighting systems, which include a light engine having a controller and a light source and an elastomeric conduit for receiving light from the light engine. In embodiments the light source is configured in a linear configuration, array, or curvilinear configuration. In embodiments, the light source is configured with groupings of LEDs, wherein each member of the grouping is an LED producing light of a different wavelength. In embodiments, the groupings triads, quadruplets, quintuplets, quintuplets or sextuplets. In embodiments the LEDs are configured to fit a lighting fixture. In embodiments the lighting fixture is configured to resemble at least one of an incandescent fixture, a halogen fixture and a fluorescent fixture.
[0017] In embodiments the lighting systems further include an interface for delivering a control signal to the controller. The interface may be a wire, a cable, a network, a bus, a circuit, or a wireless interface. The interface may be a power-cycle-based interface, a general purpose computer interface, a keyboard, a mouse, a voice- or image-recognition interface, a programming interface, a software authoring tool interface, a light show player interface, a touchpad interface, a wireless interface, an interface for a conventional lighting system, an entertainment system interface, a communications system interface, a maintenance system interface, and/or a navigation system interface.
[0018] The methods and systems may further include a surface in proximity to the light engine, wherein the conduit is attached to the surface by an attachment facility, such as a fastener, a screw, a clip and a bolt. The attachment facility may be a standoff mechanism for holding the conduit a fixed distance from the surface. The surface may be a surface of a sign. The methods and system may include a mounting facility for the conduit, which may serve as a light shield. In embodiments the mounting facility rests on a light pipe. In embodiments the light pipe collects light and delivers the light into the conduit. In embodiments the light engine is a configured to resemble a halogen lamp. In embodiments the light engine is an MR-16 fixture. In embodiments the fixture is suitable for insertion into a conventional halogen socket. In embodiments a light pipe guides light into a receiving portion of the conduit, so that the conduit glows with the color of the light from the light engine. In embodiments the light engine includes LEDs selected from red, green, blue, amber, white, orange, and UV LEDs.
[0019] In embodiments the system may include a control system for the light engine. The control system may have a user interface, a data facility, a communication facility, and/or an algorithm facility. In embodiments the communication facility may include a network. In embodiments the communication facility comprises a wireless facility. In embodiments the control system is a general purpose computer. In embodiments the control system is integrated with other system elements of the environment of the light engine. In embodiments the other system elements are selected from the group consisting of a maintenance system, an entertainment system, a sound system, a navigation system, and a security system.
[0020] In embodiments the light engine includes a processor, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, circuit, an application specific integrated circuit, a microchip, a chip residing on a circuit board, a chipset, a circuit board, a programmable digital signal processor, a biological circuit, a programmable gate array, a programmable array logic device, a programmable logic device, a digital signal processor, an analog-to-digital converter, and a digital-to-analog converter, discrete circuitry, passive analog components, active analog components, a resistor, a capacitor, an inductor, a transistor, an operational amplifiers, a discrete digital component, a shift register, and/or a latch.
[0021] In embodiments the system includes memory for storing program instructions for the light engine, such as a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an electronically erasable programmable read-only memory, a random access memory, a dynamic random access memory, a double data rate random access memory, a Rambus direct random access memory, and/or a flash memory.
[0022] In embodiments the data facility is at least one of a general purpose computer system, a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk memory, a diskette, a zip drive, a jump drive, a database, a SQL database, a TCL database, an Oracle database, an Access database, a data facility of an entertainment system, a data facility of a maintenance system, a data facilty of a safety system and/or a combination of more than one type of data facility.
[0023] In embodiments data for the light engine resides in more than one system. In embodiments the first system is a safety system and the second system is an entertainment system. In embodiments the first system is a lighting control system and the second system is an entertainment system. In embodiments the communications facility includes at least a wire-based facility, a wireless facility, a network, an interface card, a circuit, a router, a switch, a software interface, a wire, a cable, a connector, an RF facility, an IR facility, a serial port, a parallel port, a USB facility, a firewire facility, a copper wire, a modem, a Bluetooth facility, an 802.11 facility, a DSL modems, an antenna, a satellite communications facility, and/or a telecommunications facility.
[0024] In embodiments the control system is connected to the lights by a bus that provides two-way communication between the control system and the light engines. In embodiments the light engines are addressable light engines. In embodiments the conduit comprises sub-elements that can be fitted together to form shapes. In embodiments the sub-elements are selected from the group consisting of V-shaped elements, L-shaped elements, T-shaped elements, curved elements, and straight elements. In embodiments the sub-elements are fitted together in combinations. In embodiments the sub-elements are provided in a kit with at least one light engine. In embodiments the user can shape the elements into a desired shape. In embodiments the system includes a conduit with a plurality of light engines. In embodiments the light engines are provided with a communications facility. In embodiments the light engines are configured so as to light the conduit in synchronous fashion. In embodiments the light engines change colors in concert. In embodiments the light engines create a color-chasing rainbow effect. In embodiments the light engines communicate via a flexible facility selected from the group consisting of a flexible wire, a bus, and a cable. In embodiments the wire serves as a semi-rigid element for holding the flexible conduit in a selected configuration. In embodiments a semi-rigid element is made of a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, a polymer, and a plastic. In embodiments the semi-rigid element holds shape when bent.
[0025] In embodiments the methods and systems disclosed herein include a light engine that has an optical receiver facility for receiving optical data and an optical modulator facility for modulating a portion of the emitted light, so that the light engine communicates to another light engine. In embodiments the light engine communicates using transmitted light. In embodiments the light engine communicates using a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. In embodiments the light engine communicates ongoing data to continually update a second light engine. In embodiments the light engine sends instructions to a second light engine to execute a stored lighting program. In embodiments the instructions relate to clock data, so that various light engines can coordinate with clock time to run stored lighting programs in coordination with each other. In embodiments the conduit is configured to form a sign with lettering. In embodiments the light engines are disposed throughout the sign to generate light to illuminate at least portions of the conduit. In embodiments the sign is configured as a logo. In embodiments the sign is configured to resemble a conventional neon sign.
[0026] Methods and systems disclosed herein include lighting systems with a first element lit by color-changing illumination from a light engine having a controller and at least one LED and a second element lit by color-changing illumination from a light engine having a controller and at least one LED, wherein the first element is placed in viewing proximity to the second element to produce illumination effects that represent the combination of the two elements. In embodiments the first element is controlled to illuminate in colors that are the same as those of the second element. In embodiments the first element is controlled to illuminate in colors that are complementary to those of the second element. In embodiments the colors of the two elements are generated in complementary color pairs. In embodiments the color pairs are selected from the group consisting of a red/green pair, a blue/orange pair, and a yellow/purple pair. In embodiments the first element comprises a conduit and a second element comprises a lit background. In embodiments the lit background is edge-lit by a linear array of light engines. In embodiments the conduit is a sign, and the sign is lit in coordination with the background.
[0027] Methods and systems are disclosed herein for providing a light system, including providing a substantially linear light engine, providing a housing for the light engine, disposing a substantially cylindrical optical facility on the housing in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the housing and illuminating the optical facility by disposing the light engine at an edge of the optical facility. In embodiments the cylindrical optical facility is constructed of a translucent material.
[0028] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.
[0029] As used herein for purposes of the present disclosure, the term “LED” should be understood to include any electroluminescent diode or other type of carrier injection/junction-based system that is capable of generating radiation in response to an electric signal. Thus, the term LED includes, but is not limited to, various semiconductor-based structures that emit light in response to current, light emitting polymers, electroluminescent strips, and the like.
[0030] In particular, the term LED refers to light emitting diodes of all types (including semi-conductor and organic light emitting diodes) that may be configured to generate radiation in one or more of the infrared spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum, and various portions of the visible spectrum (generally including radiation wavelengths from approximately 400 nanometers to approximately 700 nanometers). Some examples of LEDs include, but are not limited to, various types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, red LEDs, blue LEDs, green LEDs, yellow LEDs, amber LEDs, orange LEDs, and white LEDs (discussed further below). It also should be appreciated that LEDs may be configured to generate radiation having various bandwidths for a given spectrum (e.g., narrow bandwidth, broad bandwidth).
[0031] For example, one implementation of an LED configured to generate essentially white light (e.g., a white LED) may include a number of dies which respectively emit different spectra of electroluminescence that, in combination, mix to form essentially white light. In another implementation, a white light LED may be associated with a phosphor material that converts electroluminescence having a first spectrum to a different second spectrum. In one example of this implementation, electroluminescence having a relatively short wavelength and narrow bandwidth spectrum “pumps” the phosphor material, which in turn radiates longer wavelength radiation having a somewhat broader spectrum.
[0032] It should also be understood that the term LED does not limit the physical and/or electrical package type of an LED. For example, as discussed above, an LED may refer to a single light emitting device having multiple dies that are configured to respectively emit different spectra of radiation (e.g., that may or may not be individually controllable). Also, an LED may be associated with a phosphor that is considered as an integral part of the LED (e.g., some types of white LEDs). In general, the term LED may refer to packaged LEDs, non-packaged LEDs, surface mount LEDs, chip-on-board LEDs, T-package mount LEDs, radial package LEDs, power package LEDs, LEDs including some type of encasement and/or optical element (e.g., a diffusing lens), etc.
[0033] The term “light source” should be understood to refer to any one or more of a variety of radiation sources, including, but not limited to, LED-based sources (including one or more LEDs as defined above), incandescent sources (e.g., filament lamps, halogen lamps), fluorescent sources, phosphorescent sources, high-intensity discharge sources (e.g., sodium vapor, mercury vapor, and metal halide lamps), lasers, other types of electroluminescent sources, pyro-luminescent sources (e.g., flames), candle-luminescent sources (e.g., gas mantles, carbon arc radiation sources), photo-luminescent sources (e.g., gaseous discharge sources), cathode luminescent sources using electronic satiation, galvano-luminescent sources, crystallo-luminescent sources, kine-luminescent sources, thermo-luminescent sources, triboluminescent sources, sonoluminescent sources, radioluminescent sources, and luminescent polymers.
[0034] A given light source may be configured to generate electromagnetic radiation within the visible spectrum, outside the visible spectrum, or a combination of both. Hence, the terms “light” and “radiation” are used interchangeably herein. Additionally, a light source may include as an integral component one or more filters (e.g., color filters), lenses, or other optical components. Also, it should be understood that light sources may be configured for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, indication and/or illumination. An “illumination source” is a light source that is particularly configured to generate radiation having a sufficient intensity to effectively illuminate an interior or exterior space.
[0035] The term “spectrum” should be understood to refer to any one or more frequencies (or wavelengths) of radiation produced by one or more light sources. Accordingly, the term “spectrum” refers to frequencies (or wavelengths) not only in the visible range, but also frequencies (or wavelengths) in the infrared, ultraviolet, and other areas of the overall electromagnetic spectrum. Also, a given spectrum may have a relatively narrow bandwidth (essentially few frequency or wavelength components) or a relatively wide bandwidth (several frequency or wavelength components having various relative strengths). It should also be appreciated that a given spectrum may be the result of a mixing of two or more other spectra (e.g., mixing radiation respectively emitted from multiple light sources).
[0036] For purposes of this disclosure, the term “color” is used interchangeably with the term “spectrum.” However, the term “color” generally is used to refer primarily to a property of radiation that is perceivable by an observer (although this usage is not intended to limit the scope of this term). Accordingly, the terms “different colors” implicitly refer to multiple spectra having different wavelength components and/or bandwidths. It also should be appreciated that the term “color” may be used in connection with both white and non-white light.
[0037] The term “color temperature” generally is used herein in connection with white light, although this usage is not intended to limit the scope of this term. Color temperature essentially refers to a particular color content or shade (e.g., reddish, bluish) of white light. The color temperature of a given radiation sample conventionally is characterized according to the temperature in degrees Kelvin (K) of a black body radiator that radiates essentially the same spectrum as the radiation sample in question. The color temperature of white light generally falls within a range of from approximately 700 degrees K (generally considered the first visible to the human eye) to over 10,000 degrees K.
[0038] Lower color temperatures generally indicate white light having a more significant red component or a “warmer feel,” while higher color temperatures generally indicate white light having a more significant blue component or a “cooler feel.” By way of example, fire has a color temperature of approximately 1,800 degrees K, a conventional incandescent bulb has a color temperature of approximately 2848 degrees K, early morning daylight has a color temperature of approximately 3,000 degrees K, and overcast midday skies have a color temperature of approximately 10,000 degrees K. A color image viewed under white light having a color temperature of approximately 3,000 degree K has a relatively reddish tone, whereas the same color image viewed under white light having a color temperature of approximately 10,000 degrees K has a relatively bluish tone.
[0039] The terms “light,” “lighting unit” and “lighting fixture” are used interchangeably herein to refer to an apparatus including one or more light sources of same or different types. A given lighting unit may have any one of a variety of mounting arrangements for the light source(s), enclosure/housing arrangements and shapes, and/or electrical and mechanical connection configurations. Additionally, a given lighting unit optionally may be associated with (e.g., include, be coupled to and/or packaged together with) various other components (e.g., control circuitry) relating to the operation of the light source(s). An “LED-based lighting unit” refers to a lighting unit that includes one or more LED-based light sources as discussed above, alone or in combination with other non LED-based light sources.
[0040] Unless otherwise indicated in a specific passage of this disclosure, the terms “processor” or “controller” are used herein interchangeably to describe various apparatus relating to the operation of one or more light sources. A processor or controller can be implemented in numerous ways, such as with dedicated hardware, using one or more microprocessors that are programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the various functions discussed herein, or as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions and programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry to perform other functions.
[0041] In various implementations, a processor or controller may be associated with one or more storage media (generically referred to herein as “memory,” e.g., volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, floppy disks, compact disks, optical disks, magnetic tape, etc.). In some implementations, the storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and/or controllers, perform at least some of the functions discussed herein. Various storage media may be fixed within a processor or controller or may be transportable, such that the one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded into a processor or controller so as to implement various aspects of the present invention discussed herein. The terms “program” or “computer program” are used herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code (e.g., software or microcode) that can be employed to program one or more processors or controllers.
[0042] The term “addressable” is used herein to refer to a device (e.g., a light source in general, a lighting unit or fixture, a controller or processor associated with one or more light sources or lighting units, other non-lighting related devices, etc.) that is configured to receive information (e.g., data) intended for multiple devices, including itself, and to selectively respond to particular information intended for it. The term “addressable” often is used in connection with a networked environment (or a “network,” discussed further below), in which multiple devices are coupled together via some communications medium or media.
[0043] In one network implementation, one or more devices coupled to a network may serve as a controller for one or more other devices coupled to the network (e.g., in a master/slave relationship). In another implementation, a networked environment may include one or more dedicated controllers that are configured to control one or more of the devices coupled to the network. Generally, multiple devices coupled to the network each may have access to data that is present on the communications medium or media; however, a given device may be “addressable” in that it is configured to selectively exchange data with (i.e., receive data from and/or transmit data to) the network, based, for example, on one or more particular identifiers (e.g., “addresses”) assigned to it.
[0044] The term “network” as used herein refers to any interconnection of two or more devices (including controllers or processors) that facilitates the transport of information (e.g. for device control, data storage, data exchange, etc.) between any two or more devices and/or among multiple devices coupled to the network. As should be readily appreciated, various implementations of networks suitable for interconnecting multiple devices may include any of a variety of network topologies and employ any of a variety of communication protocols. Additionally, in various networks according to the present invention, any one connection between two devices may represent a dedicated connection between the two systems, or alternatively a non-dedicated connection. In addition to carrying information intended for the two devices, such a non-dedicated connection may carry information not necessarily intended for either of the two devices (e.g., an open network connection). Furthermore, it should be readily appreciated that various networks of devices as discussed herein may employ one or more wireless, wire/cable, and/or fiber optic links to facilitate information transport throughout the network.
[0045] The term “user interface” as used herein refers to an interface between a human user or operator and one or more devices that enables communication between the user and the device(s). Examples of user interfaces that may be employed in various implementations of the present invention include, but are not limited to, switches, potentiometers, buttons, dials, sliders, a mouse, keyboard, keypad, various types of game controllers (e.g., joysticks), track balls, display screens, various types of graphical user interfaces (GUIs), touch screens, microphones and other types of sensors that may receive some form of human-generated stimulus and generate a signal in response thereto.
[0046] The following patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference:
[0047] U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,038, issued Jan. 18, 2000, entitled “Multicolored LED Lighting Method and Apparatus;”
[0048] U.S. Pat. No. 6,211,626, issued Apr. 3, 2001 to Lys et al, entitled “Illumination Components,”
[0049] U.S. Pat. No. 6,608,453, issued Aug. 19, 2003, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Controlling Devices in a Networked Lighting System;”
[0050] U.S. Pat. No. 6,548,967, issued Apr. 15, 2003, entitled “Universal Lighting Network Methods and Systems;”
[0051] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/886,958, filed Jun. 21, 2001, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Controlling a Lighting System in Response to an Audio Input;”
[0052] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/078,221, filed Feb. 19, 2002, entitled “Systems and Methods for Programming Illumination Devices;”
[0053] 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;”
[0054] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/805,368, filed Mar. 13, 2001, entitled “Light-Emitting Diode Based Products;”
[0055] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/716,819, filed Nov. 20, 2000, entitled “Systems and Methods for Generating and Modulating Illumination Conditions;”
[0056] 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;”
[0057] 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;”
[0058] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/045,629, filed Oct. 25, 2001, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Controlling Illumination;”
[0059] 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;”
[0060] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/163,085, filed Jun. 5, 2002, entitled “Systems and Methods for Controlling Programmable Lighting Systems;”
[0061] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/325,635, filed Dec. 19, 2002, entitled “Controlled Lighting Methods and Apparatus;” and
[0062] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/360,594, filed Feb. 6, 2003, entitled “Controlled Lighting Methods and Apparatus.”
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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[0077] In embodiments, the lights
[0078] For example, the lights
[0079] Selection of the proper light sources can be helpful to maximize the effectiveness of a computer-based lighting system in an environment. For example, environments can benefit from both white light and non-white light, 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.
[0080] 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 preferably comprise light sources of different colors, so that colors other than white, and different color temperatures of white, can be produced on demand.
[0081] The controller
[0082] The conduit
[0083] The conduit
[0084]
[0085]
[0086] In embodiments, the light engine
[0087] The light from the fixture
[0088] Referring to
[0089] Referring to
[0090] In one preferred embodiment the control system
[0091] The processor
[0092] In embodiments, the processor
[0093] The user interface
[0094] The data facility
[0095] 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.
[0096] In embodiments the control system
[0097] In one preferred embodiment the communication facility
[0098] In some embodiments the control system
[0099] The control system
[0100] 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 lights
[0101] On the control side, methods and systems are known for sending addressed light signals via a communications facility
[0102] A variety of methods and systems are known for setting addresses of light systems, such as the lights
[0103] 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. 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.
[0104] One solution to this problem is a preferred embodiment of the methods and systems disclosed herein. Referring to
[0105] Systems and methods according to the principles of t