Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates generally to illumination and lighting control. More
particularly, the present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for illumination
of liquids, including illumination of liquids in environments such as pools or spas.
Background
[0002] Conventional lighting for various space-illumination applications (e.g., residential,
office/workplace, retail, commercial, industrial, recreational, sporting, entertainment
and outdoor environments) generally involves light sources coupled to a source of
power via manually operated mechanical switches. Some examples of conventional lighting
include fluorescent, incandescent, sodium and halogen light sources. Incandescent
light sources (e.g., tungsten filament light bulbs) are perhaps most commonly found
in residential environments, while fluorescent light sources (e.g., ballast-controlled
gas discharge tubes) commonly are used for large lighting installations in office
and workplace environments, due to the high efficiency (high intensity per unit power
consumed) of such sources. Sodium light sources commonly are used in outdoor environments
(e.g., street lighting), and are also recognized for their energy efficiency, whereas
halogen light sources may be found in residential and retail environments as more
efficient alternatives to incandescent light sources.
[0003] Unlike the foregoing lighting examples, light emitting diodes (LEDs) generally are
semiconductor-based light sources often employed in low-power instrumentation and
appliance applications for indication purposes. LEDs conventionally are available
in a variety of colors (e.g., red, green, yellow, blue, white), based on the types
of materials used in their fabrication. This color variety of LEDs recently has been
exploited to create LED-based light sources having sufficient light output for new
space-illumination applications.
[0004] For example, as discussed in
U.S. Patent No. 6,016,038,
U.S. Patent No. 6,150,774,
U.S. Patent No. 6,166,496,
U.S. Patent No. 6,211,626, and
U.S. Patent No. 6,292,901, multiple differently-colored LEDs may be combined in a lighting fixture, wherein
the intensity of the LEDs of each different color is independently controlled (e.g.,
varied) to produce a number of different hues. In one example of such an apparatus,
red, green, and blue LEDs are used in combination to produce literally hundreds of
different hues from a single lighting fixture. Additionally, the relative intensities
of the red, green, and blue LEDs may be computer controlled, thereby providing a programmable
multi-color light source.
[0005] Furthermore, as discussed in the aforementioned patents, individual computer controllable
LED-based multi-color light sources may be adapted to be coupled together to form
a networked lighting system, wherein each light source is independently addressable.
In such a network, one or more illumination programs may be executed to strategically
route lighting data to any one or more of the independently addressable LED-based
multi-color light sources, so as to generate a wide variety of dynamic lighting effects.
[0006] WO99/3156 discloses digitally controlled illumination methods for LED lighting systems.
[0007] DE29904988 U1 discloses that an interruption in power causes an apparatus to cycle through multiple
stored illumination programs.
[0008] DE29706523 U1 discloses a lighting control device which detects a multiple actuation of a mains
switch within a predefined time period and executes a predefined control function
for a lighting unit.
[0009] DE29920603 U1 discloses a lighting effect for the coloured illumination of objects or areas with
changing colours, the colour change being brought about on a purely electronic basis
without mechanical components.
[0010] GB2155708 A discloses a device interposed between a lamp and its socket which controls operation
of the lamp, hazard and security status detection.
[0011] EP1067826 A2 discloses a dimmer unit for controlling the power supply to a lamp which is adapted
for connection to a light socket and provides a ramped light output during a brightness
selection cycle.
[0012] DE19948937 A1 discloses a device for controlling one more installation units, in particular motion
detectors or twilight switches, wherein the operating mode and operating parameters
of the installation unit are set by transmitting a telegram by means of mains interruption.
[0013] EP0053896 A1 discloses a light dimmer device in the form of an adaptor for insertion between a
light fitting and light bulb. The light dimmer device is remotely controlled by means
of a conventional light switch.
Summary of the Invention
[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus
according to claim 1.
[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method
according to claim 21.
[0016] One embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus, comprising one of a
pool and a spa to contain a liquid, and at least one light source, supported by the
one of the pool and the spa, to illuminate the liquid, the at least one light source
including at least one LED.
[0017] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus, comprising one of
a pool and a spa to contain a liquid, at least one housing supported by the one of
the pool and the spa, and at least two independently controllable light sources, disposed
in a single housing of the at least one housing, to illuminate the liquid.
[0018] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus, comprising one of
a pool and a spa to contain a liquid, and at least one light source, supported by
the one of the pool and the spa, to illuminate the liquid, wherein the at least one
light source is adapted to generate radiation of different colors without requiring
the use of a color filter.
[0019] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus, comprising one of
a pool and a spa to contain a liquid, at least one light source supported by the one
of the pool and the spa to illuminate the liquid, and at least one microprocessor-based
controller, coupled to the at least one light source, to control radiation output
by the at least one light source.
[0020] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus, comprising one of
a pool and a spa to contain a liquid, at least one light source supported by the one
of the pool and the spa to illuminate the liquid, at least one controller coupled
to the at least one light source to control radiation output by the at least one light
source, and at least one storage device, coupled to the at least one controller, to
store at least one illumination program, wherein the at least one controller is adapted
to execute the at least one illumination program so as to control the radiation output
by the at least one light source.
[0021] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus, comprising one of
a pool and a spa to contain a liquid, and a networked lighting system coupled to the
one of the pool and the spa to illuminate the liquid, the networked lighting system
comprising a first independently controllable light source supported by the one of
the pool and the spa, a first independently addressable controller coupled to the
first independently controllable light source, at least one other independently controllable
light source supported by the one of the pool and the spa, and at least one other
independently addressable controller coupled to the at least one other independently
controllable light source and the first independently addressable controller.
[0022] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for illuminating a liquid,
comprising an act of illuminating the liquid with radiation output simultaneously
by at least two differently colored LEDs.
[0023] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for illuminating a liquid
in one of a pool and a spa, comprising an act of illuminating the liquid in one of
the pool and the spa with radiation output by at least one LED.
[0024] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for illuminating a liquid
in one of a pool and a spa, comprising an act of illuminating the liquid with radiation
output by at least two independently controllable light sources disposed together
in a housing coupled to the one of the pool and the spa.
[0025] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for illuminating a liquid,
comprising an act of illuminating the liquid with radiation output by at least one
light source, wherein the at least one light source is adapted to generate radiation
of different colors without requiring the use of a color filter.
[0026] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for illuminating a liquid,
comprising an act of illuminating the liquid with radiation output by at least one
microprocessor-controlled light source.
[0027] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for illuminating a liquid,
comprising an act of executing at least one illumination program to control radiation
output by at least one microprocessor-controlled light source that illuminates the
liquid.
[0028] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for illuminating a liquid,
comprising an act of illuminating the liquid with radiation output by at least two
independently addressable light sources coupled together to form a networked lighting
system.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0029]
Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating illumination of a liquid in a pool or spa environment,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating one example of a light source used for illumination
in a pool or spa environment such as that shown in Fig. 1, according to one embodiment
of the invention;
Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating another example of a light source used for illumination
in a pool or spa environment such as that shown in Fig. 1, according to one embodiment
of the invention;
Fig. 4 is a diagram of a networked lighting system for illumination in a pool or spa
environment such as that shown in Fig. 1, according to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 4A is a diagram of a networked lighting system for illumination in a pool or
spa environment such as that shown in Fig. 1, according to another embodiment of the
invention;
Fig. 4B is a diagram of a truth table showing one example of an addressing scheme
for the light source controllers of Fig. 4A, according to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating one example of a remote user interface used in a
pool or spa environment such as that shown in Fig. 1, according to one embodiment
of the invention;
Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of a remote user interface used in
a pool or spa environment such as that shown in Fig. 1, according to one embodiment
of the invention;
Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating one example of a display of a remote user interface
used in a pool or spa environment such as that shown in Fig. 1, according to one embodiment
of the invention;
Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the use of a sensor to control a light source in
a pool or spa environment such as that shown in Fig. 1, according to one embodiment
of the invention;
Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the use of one or more sensors to control one or
more light sources in a networked lighting system for a pool or spa environment such
as that shown in Fig. 1, according to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 10 is a diagram of a controller that facilitates control of a light source based
on one or more interruptions of power, according to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a lighting fixture, having a particular depth dimension,
that may be mounted on a wall or in a niche of a pool or spa, according to one embodiment
of the invention;
Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating a lighting fixture for illumination of liquids that
is adapted to effectively dissipate heat into a liquid in contact with the lighting
fixture, according to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating a light fixture having an interface to engage mechanically
and electrically with a conventional screw type pool or spa light socket, according
to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating a light fixture having an interface to engage mechanically
and electrically with a conventional multi-pin pool or spa light socket, according
to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating a light fixture having an interface to engage mechanically
and electrically with a conventional wedge type light socket mounted in a niche of
a pool or spa, according to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 16A is a diagram illustrating an example of an interface pin of the light fixture
of Fig. 15, according to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 16B is a diagram illustrating an example of an interface pin of the light fixture
of Fig. 15, according to another embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 17 is a diagram of an apparatus to illuminate a flowing liquid, according to
one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 18 is a diagram of an apparatus to illuminate a flowing liquid, according to
another embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 19 is a diagram of an apparatus to illuminate a flowing liquid, according to
another embodiment of the invention; and
Fig. 20 is a diagram illustrating an illuminated sink or basin, according to one embodiment
of the invention.
Detailed Description
[0030] Applicants have recognized and appreciated that multi-color LED-based light sources
may be adapted to illuminate liquids in a variety of environments (e.g., entertainment,
recreational, sporting, therapeutic, utilitarian, etc.) to achieve a wide range of
enhanced lighting effects. For example, as discussed in a number of the U.S. patents
and patent applications referenced above, multi-color LED-based light sources may
be employed to produce a variety of enhanced lighting effects in pools or spas, as
well as in other liquid environments. It should be appreciated that the various concepts,
methods, apparatus, and systems disclosed in any of the patents and patent applications
referenced herein may be applied in various embodiments of the present invention discussed
further below directed to the illumination of liquids.
[0031] Prior to the introduction of multi-color LED-based light sources in pool or spa environments
(as disclosed in
U.S. Patent Nos. 6, 016, 038 and
6,166,496, for example), pools and spas conventionally were illuminated using standard white
light incandescent, fluorescent or halogen lamps. In some cases, pool or spa light
fixtures including conventional white light sources are assembled with one or more
color filters, in an effort to add color to the light generated by the conventional
white light sources. In particular, some conventional pool or spa light fixtures include
a number of movable color filters to provide variable color light. In yet other conventional
pool or spa lighting systems, fiber optics may be employed to distribute light around
the edge of a pool or spa, wherein one end of the fiber optic may be coupled to a
conventional white light source generating light through one or more color filters.
[0032] Unlike the foregoing conventional systems for illuminating a pool or spa using conventional
white light sources and color filters, Applicants have recognized and appreciated
that light sources other than conventional white light sources may be particularly
adapted and employed to provide multi-color radiation for a variety of liquid illumination
applications. Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention is directed generally
to novel methods and apparatus for illumination of liquids.
[0033] For example, in one embodiment of the invention, one or more multi-color LED-based
light sources are employed to provide enhanced color illumination effects in liquid
environments. In one aspect, multi-color LED-based light sources for illumination
of liquids generally do not require the use of a color filter to produce color illumination
effects. However, it should be appreciated that one or more color filters optionally
may be employed with LED-based light sources, as well as other types of light sources,
for illumination of liquids according to various embodiments of the invention. Additionally,
LED-based multi-color light sources optionally may be used in conjunction with a fiber
optic light distribution system for various liquid illumination applications, according
to one embodiment of the invention.
[0034] Examples of liquid environments that may be illuminated according to various embodiments
of the present invention include, but are not limited to, pools, spas, tubs, basins,
sinks, water baths, water tanks, fish tanks, aquariums, waterfalls, and fountains.
In one aspect of the invention, one or more light sources may be employed to provide
enhanced color illumination effects for essentially standing (e.g., stationary) liquids
as well as flowing liquids, and similarly may be used to illuminate ice, water vapor,
rain, mist, fog, and the like, whether naturally occurring or man made (e.g., produced
by a machine). More generally, in various aspects of the present invention, one or
more light sources may be used to illuminate any of a variety of liquids that allow
radiation generated by the light sources to be at least partially transmitted or reflected.
[0035] One embodiment of the present invention is particularly directed to illuminating
a liquid in a pool or spa. According to various aspects of this embodiment, one or
more multi-color light sources may be employed in a pool or spa environment. In one
aspect, such multi-color light sources may be individually and independently controllable
(i.e., "stand-alone") devices that each generates multi-color illumination in the
liquid contained in the pool or spa. Alternatively, two or more independently controllable
and independently addressable multi-color light sources may be coupled together to
form a networked lighting system, to provide a variety of programmable and/or coordinated
color illumination effects in the pool or spa environment. Specifically, in one embodiment,
two or more multi-color light sources coupled together in a networked lighting system
may provide dynamic variable color lighting effects in all or only particular sections
or portions of a pool or spa.
[0036] Additionally, according to one embodiment, one or more multi-color light sources
in a pool or spa environment may be remotely controlled to facilitate a number of
liquid illumination applications. In one aspect of this embodiment, one or more multi-color
light sources in the pool or spa environment may be remotely controlled via one or
more remote user interfaces. In another aspect, one or more multi-color light sources
may be remotely controlled based on one or more interruptions in the power supplied
to the light source(s). In yet another aspect, one or more light sources in the pool
or spa environment may be remotely controlled based on information obtained from one
or more sensors adapted to output signals in response to one or more detectable conditions
in the pool or spa environment. In yet another aspect, one or more light sources in
the pool or spa environment may be remotely controlled based on information obtained
from a data network, such as the Internet, for example.
[0037] In another embodiment of the invention, one or more multi-color light sources in
the pool or spa environment may be particularly adapted to execute one or more dynamic
variable color illumination programs. In one aspect of this embodiment, the selection
of a particular dynamic illumination program from a number of such programs may be
indicated to the user via the radiation generated by the one or more light sources.
In particular, in one aspect, the selection of a particular dynamic illumination program
may be indicated by temporarily modifying one or more variable parameters of the dynamic
color variation program that affect the radiation generated by the light sources upon
execution of the program.
[0038] For example, a particular illumination program may be designed such that, when executed,
the radiation output from one or more light sources is varied at some predetermined
rate to transition between a number of different colors in succession. Such illumination
programs generally may be referred to as dynamic variable color illumination programs,
and an example of such an illumination program is a "color wash" program. According
to one embodiment of the invention, upon selection of a particular dynamic variable
color illumination program, a color variation speed of the program is noticeably increased
from the predetermined rate for a short time period (e.g., 1 to 10 seconds) so that
a user may recognize that the program has been selected. Thereafter, the color variation
speed of the program is automatically decreased to the predetermined rate at which
the program is intended to run.
[0039] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to generating variable color radiation
in a liquid medium to compensate for various radiation absorption and/or scattering
effects due to the liquid medium. In this regard, Applicants have recognized and appreciated
that many common liquids, such as water, significantly absorb and/or scatter red color,
such that it is more difficult for an observer to detect a presence of red color in
the liquid than in air, for example. Additionally, Applicants have recognized and
appreciated that in some common pool or spa environments, in which the walls and/or
floor of a pool or spa may be constructed with a bluish colored vinyl lining, red
color also may be significantly absorbed and/or scattered by the vinyl lining.
[0040] In view of the foregoing, one embodiment of the invention is directed to a method
for generating "liquid hues" to illuminate a liquid, such that when viewed in the
liquid by an observer, the liquid hues approximate similar hues observed in non-liquid
mediums (e.g., air). More specifically, in one aspect of this embodiment, liquid hues
that include radiation having a red color in combination with one or more other colors
are generated to approximate a similar hue in a non-liquid medium by increasing the
amount of red color included in the liquid hue, so as to compensate for the absorption
and/or scattering of the red color in the liquid medium.
[0041] As discussed above, one or more dynamic color illumination programs may be executed
in a pool or spa environment to realize a variety of illumination effects. Another
embodiment of the invention is directed to methods for dynamic color illumination
of a liquid medium that take into consideration the various absorption and scattering
effects also discussed above. In particular, in one embodiment of the invention, red
color appearing alone is omitted from a dynamic variable color illumination program,
due to significant absorption and/or scattering of the red color by the illuminated
liquid, so as to prevent the appearance of a lapse or break (i.e., absence of illumination)
in the illumination program. For example, according to one embodiment, in the "color
wash" illumination program discussed above, red color appearing alone is omitted from
the color wash program because, relative to other colors radiated in the liquid, an
observer would essentially see little or no hue at all in the liquid if red color
alone was radiated into the liquid. It should be appreciated, however, that in one
aspect of this embodiment, red color radiation may nonetheless be generated in combination
with radiation of one or more other colors to produce a variety of liquid hues, as
discussed above.
[0042] Yet another embodiment of the invention is directed to a multi-color LED-based light
source that includes an interface adapted to engage mechanically and electrically
with a conventional pool or spa light socket. Some examples of a conventional pool
or spa light socket include, but are not limited to, a screw type light socket commonly
used for Edison-type incandescent light bulbs, a fluorescent light socket, various
types of halogen light sockets, and the like.
[0043] For example, in one embodiment, a multi-color LED-based light fixture includes an
interface adapted to engage mechanically and electrically with a wedge type light
socket commonly found in many commercial pool and spa applications. In one aspect
of this embodiment, as well as in other embodiments, the light fixture may include
an encapsulant in contact with one or more LEDs (and electrical circuitry associated
with the LEDs) to protect these components of the light fixture from moisture. In
another aspect of this embodiment, the interface includes a plurality of pins particularly
formed, and having particular dimensions, to facilitate mechanical engagement of the
light fixture with the wedge type light socket. In yet another aspect, the interface
optionally may include a rubber grommet to further facilitate mechanical engagement
of the light fixture with the wedge type light socket.
[0044] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a surface mount lighting fixture
having a significantly thin depth dimension normal to a surface to which the lighting
fixture is mounted. For example, in one aspect of this embodiment, the light fixture
has a depth dimension of less than 2.5 inches. In another aspect, the light fixture
has a depth dimension of as little as 0.5 inches, and hence is significantly thinner
than conventional light sources typically employed in pool or spa environments. In
yet another aspect, such a "thin" lighting fixture may include a multi-color LED-based
light source to generate variable color radiation. In yet another aspect, the lighting
fixture may be adapted to be mounted on a portion of an inner surface of a pool or
a spa.
[0045] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to methods and apparatus for facilitating
the dissipation of heat generated from a light source in a liquid environment. In
particular, one embodiment of the invention is directed to a light fixture for use
in a liquid environment. In one aspect of this embodiment, the light fixture includes
a housing adapted to be at least partially in contact with a liquid. The housing is
constructed to prevent one or more light sources supported and enclosed therein from
contacting a liquid. The one or more light sources and the housing of the light fixture
are particularly adapted such that heat generated by the light sources is effectively
absorbed by the liquid via the housing. For example, in one aspect of this embodiment,
the light fixture includes a gap pad disposed between the light source and the housing
to provide a thermally conductive path between the light source and the housing. In
another aspect of this embodiment, the housing includes a back plate in contact with
the gap pad, wherein the back plate provides an effective thermal coupling between
the light source and the liquid in contact with the housing.
[0046] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and
embodiments of, methods and apparatus according to the present invention for the illumination
of liquids. It should be appreciated that various aspects of the invention, as discussed
above and outlined further below, may be implemented in any of numerous ways as the
invention is not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific
implementations are provided for illustrative purposes only.
[0047] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a pool or spa 20 containing a liquid 22 (e.g., water).
According to one embodiment of the invention, the pool or spa 20 may be equipped with
one or more light sources; for example, Fig. 1 shows a number of light sources 24A-24I,
supported by the pool or spa 20, to illuminate the liquid 22. While Fig. 1 shows nine
light sources distributed around the pool or spa 20, it should be appreciated that
the depiction in Fig. 1 is for purposes of illustration only, and that the invention
is not limited in terms of the number or placement of lights sources in the pool and
spa environment.
[0048] In various aspects of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the pool or spa 20, as well
as the light sources 24A-24I themselves, may have a variety of different shapes and
sizes. For example, while several of the light sources (i.e., 24A, 24B, and 24E-24I)
are indicated as having an essentially circular shape in Fig. 1, two of the light
sources (i.e., 24C and 24D) are indicated as having a rectangular shape. Fig. 1 also
shows that, according to one aspect, the pool or spa 20 may have one or more walls
26 and a floor 28, and that each of the light sources 24A-24I may be supported by
one of the wall 26 or the floor 28. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention
is not limited in this respect, in that the pool or spa 20 need not have one or more
discrete walls 26 and a discrete floor 28. Rather, in other embodiments, the structure
of the pool or spa 20 that supports one or more of the light sources 24A-24I as well
as the liquid 22 may include a continuously curved inner surface, such that there
is no explicit delineation between one or more walls and a floor of the pool or spa
20.
[0049] As indicated in Fig. 1, the pool or spa 20 may have a range 30 of typical liquid
levels of the liquid 22 during use. Fig. 1 further illustrates that, according to
one embodiment, one or more of the light sources 24A-24I are disposed below the range
30 of typical liquid levels. In particular, Fig. 1 explicitly illustrates that at
least the light source 24A is disposed below the range 30 of typical liquid levels.
In various embodiments discussed further below, one or more of the light sources 24A-24I
may be located in a "niche" or indentation in the wall 26 or floor 28 of the pool
or spa (not explicitly shown in Fig. 1). In some embodiments, a niche in which a light
source is disposed may be adapted to be water tight, such that the light source is
prevented from contacting the liquid 22 in the pool or spa. In other embodiments,
the niche merely may be an indented deformation in the wall 26 or the floor 28 of
the pool or spa, and may be filled with the liquid 22. In yet other embodiments discussed
further below, at least some portion of the walls 26 of the pool or spa may be "niche-less,"
and one or more of the light sources 24A-24I may be mounted on an inner surface of
the wall 26 or floor 28 of the pool or spa 20, facing the liquid 22.
[0050] In this respect, according to one embodiment of the invention, one or more of the
light sources 24A-24I shown in Fig. 1 may be adapted to be submersible in the liquid
22. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the light sources 24A-24I may include
one or more waterproof surfaces or be enclosed in a water tight housing. In particular,
for purposes of illustration, Fig. 1 indicates that the light source 24G is disposed
in a housing 44G, which may be essentially water tight and/or include one or more
waterproof surfaces. While not explicitly shown in Fig. 1, one or more of the other
light sources indicated in Fig. 1 also may be associated with a housing. Various housings
according to the invention for light sources in a pool or spa environment are discussed
further below in connection with Figs. 3, 11, and 12. In yet another embodiment, discussed
in greater detail further below in connection with Fig. 15, one or more of the light
sources 24A-24I may include an encapsulant to protect various components of the light
source from moisture in the typically humid environment associated with a pool or
spa.
[0051] Fig. 1 also illustrates that the pool or spa 20 optionally may include one or more
heaters 50, blowers 52, and/or circulation and filtration systems 54. Such accessories
generally may be employed to condition the pool and spa environment and, more particularly,
to condition the liquid 22 contained in the pool or spa 20. For example, such accessories
may enhance enjoyment of the pool or spa environment by heating the liquid 22 and/or
creating various soothing or invigorating flows of the liquid 22. In one embodiment
of the invention, one or more of the light sources 24A-24I are controlled in a coordinated
fashion with one or more other accessories (e.g., heaters, blowers, filtration and
circulation systems, etc.) in the pool or spa environment. In particular, according
to one embodiment, one or more accessories provide control signals to one or more
light sources; alternatively, in another embodiment, one or more light sources may
provide control signals to one or more accessories, as discussed further below in
connection with Fig. 4.
[0052] Fig. 1 also illustrates that, according to one embodiment of the invention, one or
more remote user interfaces 56 may be employed to control one or more of the light
sources 24A-24I associated with the pool or spa 20. In one aspect of this embodiment,
one or more user interfaces optionally may be used to additionally control one or
more of the other accessories (e.g., heaters, blowers, circulation and filtration
systems) associated with the pool or spa 20.
[0053] As shown in Fig. 1, a remote user interface 56 according to one embodiment of the
invention outputs one or more control signals 64 to one or more of the light sources
24A-24I. For purposes of illustration in Fig. 1, the remote user interface 56 is shown
coupled to the light source 24D. It should be appreciated, however, that according
to one embodiment of the invention as discussed further below in connection with Fig.
4, two or more of the light sources 24A-24I may be coupled together, and that the
remote user interface 56 may be coupled to any one or more of the light sources 24A-241
to facilitate control of the one or more light sources. Fig. 1 also shows that the
remote user interface 56 may include one or more selectors 60A and 60B to allow a
user to control various aspects of at least the illumination of the liquid 22 in the
pool or spa 20. Additionally, Fig. 1 indicates that in one embodiment, the remote
user interface 56 may receive one or more external signals 68 used to control various
aspects of at least the illumination of the liquid 22 in the pool or spa 20. Further
details of various embodiments of the invention directed to a remote user interface
for illumination of liquids is discussed below in connection with Figs. 4-7.
[0054] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary light source 24, according to one embodiment
of the invention, that may be representative of any one of the light sources 24A-24I
in the pool or spa environment shown in Fig. 1. In particular, Fig. 2 illustrates
the light source 24 and other components that may be associated with the light source
24 according to various embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, the light
source 24 and one or more other associated components (discussed further below) may
be included together in a housing 44 supported by the pool or spa 20 shown in Fig.
1. In other embodiments discussed further below in connection with Figs. 13-15, the
light source 24 and one or more other associated components may be included together
in various forms as a lighting fixture that is adapted to engage mechanically and
electrically with a conventional pool or spa light socket supported by the pool or
spa 20 shown in Fig. 1.
[0055] With reference again to Fig. 2, the light source 24 according to one embodiment of
the invention may include one or more LEDs 32. More specifically, in one aspect of
this embodiment, the light source 24 may include two or more differently colored LEDs
(indicated as 32A, 32B, and 32C in Fig. 2), wherein the intensity of the LEDs of each
different color may be independently varied to produce a number of different hues.
In the light source 24 shown in Fig. 2, it should be appreciated that any number of
LEDs 32 may be included in the light source, and that multiple LEDs of the same color
may be distributed throughout the light source 24 in a variety of manners.
[0056] U.S. Patent Nos. 6,016,038,
6,150,774,
6,166,496,
6,211,626, and
6,292,901 disclose examples of multi-color LED-based light sources representative of the light
source 24 shown in Fig. 2, wherein red, green, and blue LEDs are used in combination
to produce literally hundreds of different hues, without requiring the use of a color
filter. In this respect, in one aspect of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the light
fixture 24 may include at least one red LED 32A, at least one green LED 32B, and at
least one blue LED 32C. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that in one embodiment
of the invention, within the housing 44 shown in Fig. 2, the light source 24 may include
a number of independently controllable light sources in the form of independently
controllable differently colored LEDs 32A, 32B, and 32C.
[0057] Fig. 2 also shows that one or more controllers 34 may be associated with the light
source 24 to control radiation output by the light source. For example, according
to one embodiment, the controller 34 shown in Fig. 2 may be adapted to control a color
of the overall radiation output by the light source 24 by individually and independently
controlling the intensity of each of the differently colored LEDs 32A, 32B and 32C.
[0058] In particular, according to one aspect of this embodiment, the controller 34 of Fig.
2 outputs one or more control signals 36 to the light source 24, wherein the control
signal(s) may include one or more pulse width modulated signals. Pulse-width-modulated
signal control of LEDs is discussed in detail in the U.S. patents referred to above.
As discussed in the foregoing references, a pulse width modulated signal, which includes
rapid successions of pulsed current provided to one or more LEDs of the light source
24, creates the effect of a constant light output from the light source, without human
perceptible flicker. In this technique, the duty cycle of a pulse width modulated
signal serving as the control signal 36 (intended for one or more LEDs of a particular
color) is adjusted based on the desired intensity of the radiation output by the particularly
colored LED(s). In an alternative method of LED control according to another embodiment,
one or more control signals 36 output by the controller 34 to the light source 24
may include one or more variable analog signals to adjust the relative intensities
of differently colored LEDs of the light source 24.
[0059] Fig. 2 also shows that, according to one embodiment, one or more storage devices
38 may be coupled to the controller 34 to store one or more illumination programs.
Examples of various storage devices suitable for purposes of the present invention
include, but are not limited to, RAM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD, DVD, optical disks,
floppy disks, magnetic tape media, and the like. Fig. 2 shows that, in one embodiment,
the storage device 38 stores at least a first illumination program 40A and a second
illumination program 40B. In one aspect of this embodiment, the controller 34 is adapted
to execute one or more illumination programs so as to control the radiation output
by the light source 24. For example, in one aspect, a given illumination program may
include information that enables the controller to adjust the intensity one or more
LEDs of each different color for particular time periods, so as to create a wide variety
of variable color dynamic illumination effects. In another aspect, one or more illumination
programs may utilize the DMX data protocol, as discussed in the various U.S. patents
and patent applications referenced above, and the controller may be particularly adapted
to execute programs utilizing the DMX data protocol.
[0060] According to one embodiment, the storage device 38 may be a removable storage device
(e.g., the housing 44 may be adapted to facilitate removal of the storage device 38).
In yet another embodiment, the storage device 38 may be located exterior to the housing
44. In either case, according to one aspect of these embodiments, a given removable
or "changeable" storage device 38 may be pre-programmed with one or more particular
illumination programs or a particular set of illumination programs. In this aspect,
a user could change storage devices to acquire different illumination programs for
the liquid illumination environment. In another aspect of this embodiment, an example
of a business method utilizing such removable or changeable storage devices would
be to have a retail store selling storage devices for liquid illumination environments
with preloaded illumination programs, and/or providing a service to download illumination
programs (e.g., from a central storage location at the store) to a blank storage device
sold at the store. In yet another embodiment, one or more fixed or removable storage
devices 38 may be programmed with illumination programs downloaded from a data network,
or from a web site on the Internet. In one aspect of this embodiment, information
from the data network or Internet web site may be provided to the storage device as
one or more external signals 46 via the controller 34.
[0061] According to one embodiment, the controller 34 shown in Fig. 2 receives a power signal
47 to provide power to the light source 24. In various aspects of this embodiment,
the power signal 47 may be provided directly by either an A.C. or D.C. power source.
According to one aspect of this embodiment, an A.C. to D.C. converter (not shown in
Fig. 2) may be utilized to convert an A.C. power source to a D.C. voltage. The A.C.
to D.C. converter may be included in the controller 34 itself, or may be located externally
to the controller 34, such that a low voltage D.C. power signal (derived from an A.C.
power signal) is provided to the controller 34 as the power signal 47. According to
another aspect of this embodiment, such an arrangement facilitates safe operation
of one or more light sources 24 when used in liquid illumination applications.
[0062] Fig. 2 also shows that, according to one embodiment, the controller 34 may include
one or more inputs 45 to receive one or more external signals 46. In one aspect of
this embodiment, the controller 34 is adapted such that one or more parameters (e.g.,
a color) of the radiation output by the light source 24 is controlled based on one
or more external signals 46. In this regard, according to one aspect of this embodiment,
the radiation generated by the light source 24 may be remotely controllable.
[0063] For example, according to one embodiment discussed further below, one or more external
signals 46 may be derived from one or more remote user interfaces (e.g., the remote
user interface 56 shown in Fig. 1). In one aspect of this embodiment, the remote user
interface 56 is not in contact with or supported by the light source 24 or the controller
34 (e.g., the user interface is not supported by the housing 44); rather, the user
interface is located remotely from the light source 24 and only coupled to the light
source (e.g., via the controller 34) by virtue of some form of communication link,
which may be a wire (cable), fiber optic, or wireless link).
[0064] In other embodiments, one or more external signals 46 provided to the controller
34 shown in Fig. 2 may be derived from one or more sensors adapted to output signals
in response to one or more detectable conditions (e.g., of the environment in or around
the pool or spa 20 shown in Fig. 1). Similarly, one or more external signals 46 may
be derived from one or more audio signals, such that radiation generated by the light
source 24 may be controlled based on the audio signal(s). Likewise, one or more external
signals 46 may be derived from a data network, as discussed further below in connection
with Fig. 4.
[0065] In another embodiment, the power signal 47 indicated in Fig. 2 may serve as an external
signal 46, and the controller 34 may be adapted such that one or more parameters (e.g.,
a color) of the radiation output by the light source 24 is controlled based on one
or more interruptions in the power signal 47. In yet another embodiment, one or more
external signals 46 may be derived from one or more other devices or accessories associated
with the pool or spa 20 shown in Fig. 1. For example, as discussed above in connection
with Fig. 1, one or more of the heater 50, blower 52, or circulation and filtration
system 54 may provide one or more signals from which one or more external signals
46 may be derived, such that one or more of these other devices controls the radiation
output by the light source 24.
[0066] While not shown explicitly in Fig. 2, according to one embodiment, the controller
34 may be adapted to receive a first external signal 46
1, designated as an "options" signal, and a second external signal 46
2, designated as a "mode" signal, via respective inputs 45
1 and 45
2 of the controller 34. In one aspect of this embodiment, the respective "mode" and
"options" signals facilitate operation of the controller 34 (and, hence, the light
source 24) with a remote user interface 56, as shown in Fig. 1 and discussed further
below in connection with Figs. 4-7. In particular, according to one embodiment, the
light source 24, via the controller 34, may be operated as a "stand-alone" independently
controllable device via a remote user interface that generates the "mode" and "options"
signals, respectively, to control the device.
[0067] For example, according to one aspect of this embodiment, the controller 34 adapted
to receive the mode and options signals may be controlled using a remote user interface
56 having two or more selectors 60A and 60B, as shown for example in Fig. 1. In one
aspect, a first selector 60A of the remote user interface 56, when activated by a
user, would generate a "mode" signal, whereas a second selector 60B would generate
an "options" signal. In Fig. 1, an output of the remote user interface 56 is shown
generally as the signal 64; however, it should be appreciated that, according to one
embodiment, the signal 64 output from the remote user interface 56 may include a first
output signal 64
1 (corresponding to the "options" signal 461 input to the controller 34) and a second
output signal 64
2 (corresponding to the "mode" signal 462 input to the controller 34).
[0068] According to one aspect of this embodiment, a "mode" signal generated by the remote
user interface 56 may be used to select one of a number of illumination programs stored
in the storage device 38 shown in Fig. 2, as discussed above. Likewise, according
to another aspect, the "options" signal generated by the remote user interface 56
may be used to adjust one or more variable parameters of a selected illumination program.
For example, in one embodiment, a user may operate the first selector 60A to generate
a "mode" signal which sequentially toggles through a number of illumination programs
stored on the storage device 38, to select the particular illumination program, for
example, "color wash". In one aspect of this embodiment, the "color wash" program
may have an adjustable color variation speed (discussed further below). Accordingly,
upon selection of the "color wash" program via the selector 60A, the user may activate
the selector 60B, which generates an "options" signal from the remote user interface
56 and allows the user to change the color variation speed of the "color wash" program.
It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the foregoing
example, as a number of different illumination programs having a variety of adjustable
parameters may be selected and tailored by a user in a manner similar to that discussed
above.
[0069] According to another embodiment, respective "mode" and "options" signals applied
to a controller 34 may be used to appropriately configure a number of controllers
for operation in a networked lighting system. The use of "mode" and "options" signals
in this manner are discussed further below in connection with Figs. 4A and 4B.
[0070] According to one embodiment, a local user interface 43 may be associated with the
controller 34 shown in Fig. 2 to facilitate user selection of one or more operating
modes of the controller 34 and the light source 24. For example, in one aspect of
this embodiment, the local user interface 43 may be a button, switch, dial, or any
other interface or combination of interfaces that facilitates selection of one or
more of the illumination programs 40A and 40B stored in the storage device 38. Additionally,
according to another aspect of this embodiment, each illumination program may have
one or more adjustable parameters, and the local user interface 43 may be employed
to vary one or more of the adjustable parameters of the illumination programs.
[0071] In connection with the foregoing discussion of Fig. 2, it should be appreciated that
the invention is not limited to the particular components and arrangement of components
shown in Fig. 2, and that the particular implementation shown in Fig. 2 is depicted
for purposes of illustration only. For example, according to other embodiments, the
storage device 38 may not be included in a housing 44 for the light source 24, and
the controller 34 may receive illumination program information from a remote source
via one or more external signals 46. Likewise, according to other embodiments, the
controller 34 itself may not be included in the housing 44 along with the light source
24. Also, the local user interface 43 need not necessarily be included in an apparatus
according to one embodiment of the invention. In general, it should be appreciated
that, according to the present invention, numerous implementations of a light source
24, as well as one or more other components associated with the light source 24, are
suitable for the illumination of liquids.
[0072] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a housing 44 for a light source 24,
according to one embodiment of the invention. In one aspect of the embodiment shown
in Fig. 3, the housing 44 may include at least one waterproof or water resistant surface
49, as discussed above in connection with Fig. 1. Additionally, in another aspect,
the housing 44 may include a waterproof lens 51 that is substantially light transmissive,
but nonetheless prevents the light source 24 from contacting a liquid. In various
embodiments, the housing 44 may contain one or more light sources 24, and also may
contain one or more other components associated with the light source 24, as discussed
above in connection with Fig. 2. For example, according to one embodiment, the housing
44 may include at least the light source 24 and the controller 34 shown in Fig. 2,
and optionally also may include one or more storage devices 38. Fig. 3 also shows
that the housing 44 may be adapted to support one or more local user interfaces 43,
and be equipped with connections to receive one or more external signals 46 and a
power signal 47.
[0073] With reference again to the discussion in connection with Fig. 1 and, more particularly,
the light source 24G and the housing 44G shown in the wall 26 of the pool or spa 20
of Fig. 1, a housing similar to that shown in Fig. 3 may be mounted on a portion of
an inner surface of the wall 26 using a variety of mounting mechanisms, such that
the housing 44 does not protrude through the wall 26 of the pool or spa 20. This type
of mounting arrangement for a lighting fixture in a pool or spa conventionally is
referred to as "niche-less" lighting. Alternatively, in yet another embodiment, a
hole may be cut in the wall 26 of the pool or spa 20, and the hosing 44 shown in Fig.
3 may be mounted to the wall such that at least a portion of the body of the housing
44 protrudes through the wall 26 of the pool or spa 20. In one aspect of this embodiment,
the housing 44 is adapted to make a watertight seal with the inner surface of the
wall 26 such that the liquid 22 in the pool or spa 20 is unable to leak through the
hole containing the housing 44. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a "niche"
may be constructed in the wall 26 of the pool or spa, and the niche itself may serve
as a portion of the housing 44 containing the light source 24 and possibly one or
more other components associated with the light source. Various embodiments of the
invention directed to light fixtures and arrangements for supporting one or more light
fixtures in a pool or spa environment are discussed further below in connection with
Figs. 11-15.
[0074] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating one example of a networked lighting system 42 employed
in the pool or spa environment shown in Fig. 1, according to one embodiment of the
invention. As discussed above in connection with Fig. 1, one or more light sources
24A-24I supported by the pool or spa 20 each may serve as a "stand-alone" illumination
source, and may be adapted to be individually and independently controllable to produce
a variety of variable color lighting effects. Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment
of Fig. 4, two or more light sources may be coupled together, along with one or more
other devices associated with the pool or spa environment, to form a networked lighting
system 42. Various networked lighting systems suitable for use in the pool and spa
environment shown in Fig. 1 are discussed in the U.S. patents referenced above.
[0075] By way of example, Fig. 4 illustrates four of the light sources 24A-24D shown supported
by the pool or spa 20 in Fig. 1. Although Fig. 4 shows four light sources 24A-24D
coupled together to form the networked lighting system 42, it should be appreciated
that the invention is not limited in this respect, as any two or more of the light
sources shown in Fig. 1 may be coupled together to form the networked lighting system
42.
[0076] Fig. 4 illustrates that each of the light sources 24A-24D receives one or more external
signals 46 from a data connection or network 48. Each of the light sources in Fig.
4 also may be adapted to transmit one or more output signals 51 to the network 48.
Fig. 4 also illustrates that the network 48 may be coupled to one or more other devices
associated with the pool or spa environment (e.g., the heater 50, the circulation
and filtration system 54, the blower 52, and one or more remote user interfaces 56)
and also may be coupled to the Internet (World Wide Web). It should be appreciated
that, according to various embodiments, the network 48 may comprise any one or more
of a variety of communication media, including, but not limited to, wire cable, fiber
optic, and wireless links that support one or more of radio frequency (RF), infrared
(IR), microwave communication techniques, for example.
[0077] In the networked lighting system 42 shown in Fig. 4, according to one embodiment,
one light source coupled to the network 48 may act as a "master" to control one or
more other "slave" light sources and/or other devices coupled to the network 48. Additionally,
while not shown explicitly in Fig. 4, the network 48 may be coupled to one or more
processors that may serve to coordinate the various functions of different devices
associated with the pool or spa, including the light sources 24A-24D and other accessories.
In one embodiment discussed further below in connection with Figs. 5-7, a remote user
interface 56 may serve as a central processor to coordinate the various functions
of the networked lighting system 42.
[0078] According to one embodiment, each of the controllers 34A-34D shown in Fig. 4 (respectively
associated with the light sources 24A-24D) may include one or more independently controllable
output ports to provide one or more control signals 36A-36D respectively to the light
sources 24A-24D, based on one or more external signals 46 received by the controllers
from the data network 48. In one aspect of this embodiment, a given controller's output
ports are "independently controllable," in that the controller receives data on the
network 48 and appropriately routes particular portions of the received data that
is intended for the controller's respective output ports. In another aspect of this
embodiment, a given controller is "independently addressable," in that the controller
may receive data intended for multiple controllers coupled to the network 48, but
selectively "picks-off" particular data from the network intended for the one or more
output ports supported by the controller.
[0079] More specifically, in the networked lighting system 42 of Fig. 4, according to one
embodiment, individual LEDs or groups of same color LEDs of each light source 24A-24D
are coupled to independently controllable output ports of the controller associated
with the light source. By virtue of the independently addressable controllers, individual
LEDs or groups of same color LEDs of each light source may be controlled independently
of one another based on various control information (e.g., data) transported throughout
the network. In this manner, each light source 24A-24D may be independently controlled,
and multiple light sources coupled to the network 48 may be independently controlled
in a coordinated manner to achieve a variety of enhanced color lighting effects around
all or a portion of the pool or spa 20 shown in Fig. 1.
[0080] According to yet another embodiment of the invention directed to a networked lighting
system 42 as shown in Fig. 4, one or more other devices associated with the pool or
spa 20, such as the heater 50, the blower 52, and the circulation or filtration system
54, may control one or more of the light sources 24A-24D coupled to the data network
48. For example, in one aspect of this embodiment, illumination conditions created
by one or more of the light sources 24A-24D may particularly indicate activation of
one or more of the other devices or accessories associated with the pool or spa. Some
illustrative examples of this embodiment include changing illumination conditions
in the pool or spa to a particular color when the heater 50 is activated, or changing
the illumination conditions to one or more other particular colors when one or more
blowers 52 comes o to agitate the liquid 22 in the pool or spa 20. Similarly, one
or more of the light sources 24A-24D can generate a particular illumination condition
in the pool or spa 20 indicatir any number of events associated with one or more other
devices or accessories associated with the pool or spa 20.
[0081] In yet another embodiment of the invention, one or more of the light sources 24A
or 24D also may control one or more other devices or accessories associated with the
pool or spa that are coupled to the network 48. For example, in one aspect of this
embodiment, one or more of the other devices or accessories may be activated to create
particular condition in the liquid 22 contained in the pool or spa 20 when one or
more o: the light sources 24A-24D generate a particular illumination condition in
the pool or spa (e.g., when the color green is generated, the circulation system creates
a whirlpool in the liquid 22).
[0082] Fig. 4 also illustrates that, according to one embodiment of the invention, one or
more remote user interfaces 56 may be coupled to the network 48 to control one or
mor of the light sources 24A-24D and optionally other devices and accessories associated
with the pool or spa 20 shown in Fig. 1. According to various embodiments of the invention,
a remote user interface 56 may be a relatively simple device including one or more
selectors and minimal circuitry to allow a user to remotely control at least a color
of the variable color radiation output of one or more of the light sources 24A-24D
coupled to the network 48. Alternatively, as discussed further below in connection
with Figs. 5-7, the remote user interface 56 optionally may include one or more processors,
storage devices, a number of different types of selectors operable by a user, as well
as a display, to provide a sophisticated interface for control of the network lighting
system 4 associated with the pool or spa 20 shown in Fig. 1. In one aspect of these
embodiments some type of remote user interface 56 may be included in a control panel
along with other pool or spa controls at some central location in the pool and spa
environment. In yet another aspect, the remote user interface 56 may be an essentially
mobile device tha one or more users may transport to different locations in and around
the pool or spa environment.
[0083] According to another embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in Fig. 4, the network
48 associated with the networked lighting system 42 may be coupled to the Internet
(World Wide Web). According to one aspect of this embodiment, one or more light sources
24A-24D of the networked lighting system 42 may be controlled based on information
obtained from the Internet. For example, in one aspect of this embodiment, information
obtained from the Internet may be related to one or more weather conditions in the
vicinity of the pool or spa 20 shown in Fig. 1. In this aspect, one or more of the
light sources 24A-24D, as well as one or more other devices or accessories associated
with the pool or spa 20, may be controlled to change the pool or spa environment based
on the weather information (whether obtained via the Internet or otherwise). For example,
in one aspect of this embodiment, if weather information obtained from any of a variety
of sources, including the Internet, indicates that thunderstorms are approaching the
area of the pool or spa 20, one or more of the light sources 24A-24D may be controlled
to indicate an emergency situation (e.g., the liquid 22 in the pool or spa 20 could
be illuminated to flash quickly on a particular color).
[0084] Fig. 4A is a diagram illustrating another example of a networked lighting system
42B that may be employed in the pool or spa environment shown in Fig. 1, according
to one embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of Fig. 4A, a central controller
134 coupled to the network 48 is adapted to control four light sources 24A-24D respectively
associated with four controllers 34A-34D. In one aspect of this embodiment, each of
the controllers 34A-34D is adapted to receive at least two input signals. In particular,
as discussed above in connection with Fig. 2, in one aspect, each of the controllers
34A-34D is adapted to receive a "mode" signal and an "options" signal. For example,
Fig. 4A shows that the controller 34A receives a first signal 46A
1 (an "options" signal) and a second signal 46A
2 (a "mode" signal). The other controllers 34B-34D shown in Fig. 4A are designated
similarly.
[0085] As illustrated in Fig. 4A, according to one embodiment, the central controller 134
may be equipped with a connection block 140 to provide connections to the controllers
34A-34D. In particular, in one aspect of this embodiment, the connection block 140
includes a plurality of sub-blocks 140A-140D respectively allocated for the controllers
34A-34D. For example, in Fig. 4A, the controller 34A is connected to the sub-block
140A, the controller 34B is connected to the sub-block 140B, and so on. According
to another aspect, each of the sub-blocks 140A-140D includes two terminals, a first
terminal designated as "M" (i.e., for "mode" signal) and a second terminal designated
as "O" (i.e., for "options" signal).
[0086] In one aspect of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4A, the central controller 134 outputs
a data signal 136 and a logic high/low (H/L) select signal 138 to the controllers
34A-34D of the networked lighting system 42B. In another aspect of this embodiment,
the particular data that each of the controllers 34A-34D receives depends on the manner
of connection of each controller's "mode" and "options" signal inputs to the data
signal 136 and the H/L select signal 138 of the central controller 134. Stated differently,
according to one aspect of this embodiment, an "address" of each of the controllers
34A-34D in the networked lighting system 42B is determined at least in part by the
particular manner in which the controllers 34A-34D are connected to the central controller
134.
[0087] Fig. 4B is a diagram showing a truth table, which illustrates one example of how
the controllers 34A-34D in the networked lighting system 42B of Fig. 4A may be "addressed"
by the central controller 134, according to one embodiment of the invention. The truth
table shown in Fig. 4B is based on the particular interconnections between the controllers
34A-34D and the central controller 134 indicated in the connection block 140 shown
in Fig. 4A. For example, according to the truth table of Fig. 4B, the "mode" signal
input 46A
2 of the controller 34A (coupled to the "M" terminal of the connection sub-block 140A)
is provided with data from the data signal 136 of the central controller 134. As also
indicated in the truth table, the controller 34A processes this data as data intended
for it while the "option" signal input 46A
1 to the controller 34A (coupled to the "O" terminal of the connection sub-block 140A)
is in a logic high state, as dictated by the H/L select signal 138 of the central
controller 134. In a similar manner, the truth table in Fig. 4B indicates that the
"mode" signal input 46B
2 of the controller 34B (coupled to the "M" terminal of the connection sub-block 140B)
also is provided with data from the data signal 136 of the central controller 134.
The controller 34B processes this data as data intended for it while the "option"
signal input 46B
1 to the controller 34B (coupled to the "O" terminal of the connection sub-block 140B)
is in a logic low state, as dictated by the H/L select signal 138 of the central controller
134. The truth table in Fig. 4B may be interpreted similarly for the controllers 34C
and 34D, based on the connections indicated in Fig. 4A.
[0088] According to another aspect of this embodiment, each of the controllers 34A-34D shown
in Fig. 4A may be particularly adapted to distinguish between stationary logic level
signals and more rapidly changing data signals applied to the "mode" and "options"
signal inputs of each controller, so as to appropriately decode these signals in order
to realize the addressing scheme outlined in the truth table of Fig. 4B. For example,
according to one embodiment, each controller monitors a signal rate (e.g., rate of
switching between high and low logic states) on each of its "mode" and "options" signal
inputs, based, for example, on an expected data rate from the central controller 134,
to determine which one of the data signal 136 and the H/L select signal 138 a given
"mode" or "options" signal input is connected to. Based on the periodic monitoring
of the signal rate of its "mode" and "options" signals, and the conditions indicated
in the truth table of Fig. 4B, each controller can effectively select and process
data particularly intended for it, as output by the central controller 134.
[0089] In yet another aspect of this embodiment, if a controller does not detect the presence
of a data signal on either of the "mode" or "options" signal inputs (e.g., for some
predetermined time), the controller may automatically default to a "stand-alone" mode.
In the "stand-alone" mode, as discussed above in connection with Fig. 2 and further
below in connection with other figures, a controller may be controlled by a remote
interface (e.g., coupled to the "mode" and "options" signal inputs), and/or may respond
to a variety of other external signals. Alternatively, the controller may automatically
begin execution of one or more pre-programmed illumination programs.
[0090] In another embodiment of the invention, two or more independently controllable light
sources of the pool or spa environment shown in Fig. 1 may be synchronized without
necessarily being coupled to a network (e.g., as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 4A) by
monitoring a line frequency of the power supplied to the light sources. In this technique,
two or more light sources may be connected to the same source of power (e.g., with
reference to Fig. 2, the controller 34 of each light source 24 may be coupled to a
power signal 47 from a common source of power, or common power circuit). In one aspect
of this embodiment, each of the controllers coupled to the common power circuit monitors
the line frequency of the power signal 47 and executes any one of a number of illumination
programs in synchronization with the line frequency of the power signal 47. In this
manner, multiple light sources may execute the same illumination program in synchronization,
without necessarily being coupled to a data network.
[0091] In another aspect of this embodiment, two controllers 34 respectively may be coupled
to power signals 47 originating from different power circuits. As a result, the line
frequencies of the respective power signals 47 may have some relative phase difference.
In this aspect, since the phase difference of the power signals may be measured a
priori, the controllers may be particularly adapted to compensate for such a phase
difference and thereby still achieve synchronization based on the line frequencies
in a manner similar to that discussed above.
[0092] Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a remote user interface 56 according to one embodiment
of the invention. As discussed above in connection with Figs. 1 and 4, the remote
user interface 56 may be used to facilitate control of a single light source or of
a number of light sources coupled together to form a networked lighting system. In
the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the remote user interface 56 may include one or more
selectors, shown in Fig. 5 as the selectors 60A-60D, to allow a user to remotely control
at least one parameter associated with variable color radiation generated by one or
more light sources. According to various embodiments of the invention, the selectors
60A-60D may include one or more buttons, adjustable dials, adjustable sliders, adjustable
thumb wheels, one or more joy sticks, one or more keypads, touch sensitive pads, switches,
and the like.
[0093] Fig. 5 also shows that the remote user interface 56 outputs one or more control signals
64 to effect control of one or more light sources. For example, in one aspect of this
embodiment, one or more control signals 64 output by the remote user interface 56
may be applied as one or more external signals 46 to a controller 34 associated with
a light source 24, as illustrated in Fig. 2. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 4, the
remote user interface 56 may output one or more control signals 64 to the network
48 to control one or more light sources coupled to the network 48, as well as one
or more other devices or accessories associated with the pool or spa that may be coupled
to the data network 48.
[0094] In the particular example of a remote user interface 56 shown in the embodiment of
Fig. 5, the remote user interface 56 may be used to select one of three pre-programmed
illumination programs, as well as one or more external signals 68 provided as inputs
to the remote user interface 56. In one aspect of this embodiment, the exemplary illumination
programs entitled "Color Wash," constant Color" and "Random Color," indicated on a
panel of the remote user interface 56 shown in Fig. 5, each may be programmed in one
or more storage devices 38 associated with a particular light source 24, as shown
for example in Fig. 2. Upon activation by a user of one of the selectors 60A-60C associated
with the respective pre-programmed illumination programs indicated on the remote user
interface 56 shown in Fig. 5, one or more control signals 64 is output by the remote
user interface 56 and received as one or more external signals 46. at the input 45
of the controller 34 shown in Fig. 2. Upon receiving the one or more external signals
46, the controller 34 selects the appropriate pre-programmed illumination program
from the storage device 38 and executes the program, thereby generating one or more
control signals 36 to control the light source 24 in a predetermined manner.
[0095] According to yet another embodiment, the remote user interface 56 shown in Fig. 5
may be adapted to receive one or more external signals 68 that may be selected by
a user via the selector 60D of the remote user interfaces. In one aspect of this embodiment,
one or more external signals 68 may be routed through the remote user interface 56,
upon selection by the user of the selector 60D, to be provided in turn as one or more
control signals 64 output by the remote user interface 56, without being processed
by the remote user interface 56. In another aspect, the remote user interface 56 may
provide some processing of the one or more external signals 68 before outputting one
or more control signals 64. According to yet another aspect of this embodiment, a
variety of external signals 68 may be provided to the remote user interface 56; for
example, as discussed above in connection with Fig. 2, with reference to various external
signals 46 that may be applied directly to the controller 34, one or more external
signals 68 provided to the remote user interface 56 shown in Fig. 5 may include, but
are not limited to, an output of one or more sensors adapted to detect one or more
environmental conditions in the environment in or around the pool or spa, as discussed
further below in connection with Fig. 8.
[0096] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of a remote user interface 56 according
to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in Fig. 6, the remote user interface
56 of this embodiment includes one or more selectors 60A and 60B and one or more processors
58 responsive to operation of the one or more selectors. Fig. 6 also shows that the
remote user interface 56 may include one or more storage devices 38, on which are
stored one or more illumination programs 40A and 40B, in a manner similar to that
described above in connection with Fig. 2. According to one aspect of this embodiment,
the one or more selectors 60A and 60B allow the user to remotely select a particular
illumination program stored on the storage device 38. According to another aspect
of this embodiment, one or more selectors 60A and 60B of the remote user interface
56 may be operated to allow the user to control one or more variable parameters associated
with a particular illumination program.
[0097] Fig. 6 also shows that the remote user interface 56, according to one embodiment,
may include one or more displays 60 coupled to the processor 58, to indicate to the
user a status of one or more parameters associated with the radiation generated by
one or more light sources being controlled by the remote user interface 56. One example
of a display 60 associated with the remote user interface 56 is discussed further
below in connection with Fig. 7.
[0098] Fig. 6 also shows that the remote user interface 56, according to one embodiment,
may include one or more communication ports 62 to output one or more control signals
64. According to one aspect of this embodiment, the communication port 62 also may
be adapted to receive one or more external signals 68. According to another aspect
of this embodiment, the communication port 62 may be particularly adapted to support
transport of the one or more control signals 64 and/or the one or more external signals
68 via a wire (cable) link or a fiber optic link. Alternatively, according to yet
another aspect of this embodiment, the communication port 62 may be particularly adapted
to support transport of one or more control signals 64 and one or more external signals
68 via a wireless link.
[0099] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display 60 associated with the remote
user interface 56 shown in Fig. 6, according to one embodiment of the invention. In
the embodiment of Fig. 7, the display 60 may include an LCD or plasma screen 300.
In one aspect of this embodiment, the display screen 300 may be adapted to include
touch-sensitive capabilities so as to simulate one or more selectors, thereby allowing
the user to control one or more parameters of the radiation generated by one or more
light sources via the display screen 300. For example, in one aspect of this embodiment,
the display screen 300 may include a touch-sensitive color wheel 302 to display an
illumination spectrum and allow a user to select one or more desired colors for illumination
of the liquid 22 in the pool or spa 20 by visual inspection of the color wheel. More
specifically, in this aspect, the user may place a finger on the desired color displayed
in the color wheel, and the remote user interface 56 would control one or more light
sources to produce the selected color.
[0100] In yet another aspect of the embodiment of the display 60 shown in Fig. 7, the display
screen 300 also may display status information and/or touch-sensitive selectors indicative
of one or more variable parameters that are germane to a particular selected illumination
program. For example, according to one aspect of this embodiment, upon selection of
a pre-programmed illumination program 304 entitled "Color Wash," the display screen
300 may indicate touch-sensitive selectors 305, 306, and 307 to allow a user to vary
particular parameters germane to the Color Wash illumination program (e.g., Start
Color 305, End Color 306, and Duration 307). One or more of the touch-sensitive selectors
305, 306, and 307 also may work in tandem with the color wheel 302; for example, to
vary the indicated parameters of the Color Wash program, the user would first activate
one of the selectors 305, 306, and 307 to indicate the desired action, followed by
placing a finger on the desired color on the color wheel corresponding to the desired
action (e.g., press Start Color then place finger on red in the color wheel, press
End Color then place finger on blue in the color wheel, etc.).
[0101] As also shown in Fig. 7, according to one embodiment, the display screen 300 may
indicate one or more touch-sensitive selectors to allow a user to select a different
illumination program ("Different Effect" 308), or to program a custom illumination
effect ("Color Play Light Show Authoring" 309).
[0102] Fig. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention, in which one
or more light sources 24 supported by a pool or spa 20 such as that shown in Fig.
1 are coupled to one or more sensors 92 that output one or more detection signals
94 in response to one or more detectable conditions. In the embodiment of Fig. 8,
the sensor 92 is shown coupled directly to the input 45 of the controller 34, such
that one or more detection signals 94 provide one or more external signals 46 to the
controller 34. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited
in this respect, as one or more sensors 92 may be coupled to one or more controllers
associated with one or more light sources in the pool or spa environment, and alternatively
may be coupled to a network 48 serving a networked lighting system 42 in the pool
or spa environment, as discussed above in connection with Fig. 4, and further below
in connection with Fig. 9.
[0103] According to one embodiment, the sensor 92 shown in Fig. 8 responds to one or more
environmental conditions. In one aspect of this embodiment, the sensor 92 varies one
or more detection signals 94 based on changes in the detected environmental condition.
Some examples of environmental conditions that may be detected by the sensor 92 include
an illumination condition (for which the sensor 92 may be a light sensor), a temperature
(for which the sensor 92 may be a temperature sensor), a force (for which the sensor
92 may be a force transducer), and sound waves (for which the sensor 92 may be a pressure
transducer, such as a microphone or piezoelectric device). Other examples of detectable
environmental conditions may be related to one or more weather conditions such as
atmospheric pressure (for which the sensor 92 may be a barometer), and ambient humidity
(for which the sensor 92 may be a humidity sensor). Similarly, yet another example
of a detectable environmental condition includes a presence of electromagnetic radiation
within a particular band of wavelengths. In this case, the sensor 92 may be adapted
to output one or more detection signals 94 in response to the presence of the electromagnetic
radiation within the particular band of wavelengths. Yet other examples of detectable
environmental conditions include a motion (for which the sensor 92 may be a motion
sensor), or a presence of one or more thermal bodies (for which the sensor 92 may
be a thermal or infrared detector).
[0104] According to another aspect of the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, one or more detectable
conditions monitored by the sensor 92 may include one or more liquid conditions of
the liquid 22 in the pool or spa 20 shown in Fig. 1. In one aspect, the sensor 92
varies one or more detection signals 94 based on changes in one or more liquid conditions
monitored by the sensor 92. For example, the sensor 92 may be adapted to monitor various
liquid conditions including, but not limited to, a temperature of the liquid, and/or
a concentration of one or more substances in the liquid, such as a salt concentration
in the liquid, a chlorine concentration in the liquid, or a bacteria level in the
liquid.
[0105] In this aspect, the controller 34 may be adapted to control the light source 24 based
on the monitored liquid condition. For example, the controller 24 may control the
light source 24 to output a first color when the temperature of the liquid is below
a predetermined range, and change the first color to a second color when the temperature
of the liquid falls within the predetermined range. In this respect, one embodiment
of the invention is directed to indicating a "readiness" of the liquid 22 in the pool
or spa 20, via the radiation generated by one or more light sources 24, based on one
or more desirable conditions of the liquid 22. More specifically, in one aspect of
this embodiment, the controller 34 may control the light source 24 to generate a predetermined
illumination condition that will indicate to a user when one or more conditions of
the liquid (e.g., temperature, salt concentration, chlorine concentration, bacteria
levels, etc.) fall within a predetermined desired range.
[0106] According to yet another aspect of the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, one or more detectable
conditions monitored by the sensor 92 may include one or more operating conditions
of the light source 24, wherein the sensor 92 is adapted to vary one or more detection
signals 94 based on changes in one or more operating conditions of the light source
24. For example, in one aspect of this embodiment, the sensor 92 may monitor a temperature
of the light source 24. In yet another aspect, the sensor 92 may monitor an electrical
current to the light source 24 (e.g., provided by one or more control signals 36 output
by the controller 34). In response to one or more detection signals representing one
or more operating conditions of the light source 24 (received as one or more external
signals 46), the controller 34, according to one embodiment, may control the radiation
output by the light source 24 so as to maintain safe operation of the light source
24. For example, in one aspect of this embodiment, the controller 34 controls the
radiation output by the light source 24 so as to maintain one or more operating conditions
of the light source 24 within a predetermined "safe" range (e.g., a predetermined
temperature range, a predetermined range of electrical currents, etc.). In yet another
aspect, the controller 34 may control the radiation output by the light source 24
so as to provide one or more indications to a user, via the radiation output, if the
one or more operating conditions monitored by the sensor 92 do not fall within a predetermined
range (e.g., the controller may control the light source 24 to flash a particular
color repeatedly so as to indicate an unsafe operating condition of the light source
24).
[0107] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the invention, in which one
or more light sources 24 are coupled to one or more sensors 92A and 92B to form a
networked lighting system 42B. While many of the concepts underlying the network lighting
system 42B are similar to those discussed above in connection with Fig. 4, Fig. 9
shows that one or more sensors 92A and 92B may be coupled to the network lighting
system 42B in a variety of manners to provide one or more detection signals used to
control one or more light sources 24. For example, Fig. 9 shows that a first sensor
92A is coupled to the remote user interface 56. In one aspect of this embodiment,
the remote user interface 56 may be similar to that shown in Fig. 5, and include at
least one selector 60D to allow a user to select an external signal provided to the
remote user interface 56. In this regard, one or more detection signals 94A may be
provided as external signals 68 to the remote user interface 56.
[0108] Alternatively, according to another aspect of the embodiment illustrated in Fig.
9, a second sensor 92B may be coupled to a computer 96, which, in turn, provides one
or more external signals 68 to the remote user interface 56. In turn, the remote user
interface 56 provides one or more control signals 64 to one or more light sources
24, based on detection signals received from one or more sensors, either directly
or via the computer 96. Additionally, according to another aspect of this embodiment
(as also shown in Fig. 4), the remote user interface 56, via the computer 96 shown
in Fig. 9, may be coupled to the Internet such that one or more control signals 64
provided to one or more light sources 24 are derived from information obtained on
the Internet. It should be appreciated that a wide variety of configurations are possible
in a networked lighting system for the illumination of liquids, according to various
embodiments of the invention, and that such configurations are not limited to the
specific examples discussed above.
[0109] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a controller 34 according to one embodiment of
the invention that facilitates control of one or more light sources 24 supported by
a pool or spa 20 such as that shown in Fig. 1, via one or more interruptions in the
power signal 47 supplied to the controller 34. In one aspect of this embodiment, the
feature of controlling one or more light sources via interruptions in power may provide
an alternative solution for remotely controlling illumination conditions in a liquid
illumination environment, by simply toggling a power switch to one or more controllers
associated with the light source(s). Hence, according to one aspect of this embodiment,
other types of local or remote user interfaces may be unnecessary, thereby facilitating
in some cases the retrofitting of novel multi-color controllable light sources into
exiting pool or spa lighting systems. It should also be appreciated that power interruption
control techniques for light sources are not necessarily limited to the pool or spa
environment, and may have applicability in other lighting control applications as
well.
[0110] According to one aspect of this embodiment, with reference to Fig. 10, the controller
34 may be adapted to control the light source 24 based on one or more interruptions
in the power signal 47 supplied to the controller 34. In this sense, the controller
34 processes the power signal 47 such that the power signal 47 serves as an external
control signal, in a manner similar to that of one or more external signals 46 provided
at the input 45 to the controller, as discussed above in connection with Fig. 2.
[0111] In another aspect of this embodiment, the controller 34 may be adapted to control
the light source 24 based on one or more interruptions in the power signal 47 having
an interruption duration that is less than or equal to a predetermined duration. In
yet another aspect of this embodiment, if the interruption duration of an interruption
in the power signal 47 is greater than the predetermined duration, the controller
34 does not effect any changes in the radiation output by the light source 24.
[0112] In particular, according to one embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 10, the controller
34 may include a timing circuit 150 to receive as an input the power signal 47. In
one aspect, the controller 34 also may include one or more microprocessors 35, coupled
to the timing circuit 150, to provide one or more control signals 36 to the light
source 24 based on the monitored power signal 47. In another aspect, the timing circuit
150 may include an RC circuit (not shown explicitly in Fig. 10) having one or more
capacitors that maintain a charge based on the application of the power signal 47
to the timing circuit 150. In this aspect, a time constant of the RC circuit may be
particularly selected based on a desired predetermined duration of an interruption
in the power signal 47 that causes the controller 34 (e.g., via the microprocessor
35) to effect some change in the radiation output by the light source 24.
[0113] For example, according to one aspect of this embodiment, the controller may be adapted
to modify one or more variable parameters of one or more illumination programs based
on one interruptions in the power signal 47 having less than or equal to the predetermined
duration. Alternatively, in another aspect of this embodiment, if a number of illumination
programs are stored in a storage device 38 coupled to the controller 34, the controller
34 may be adapted to select and execute a particular illumination program based on
one or more interruptions in the power signal 47 having less than or equal to the
predetermined duration.
[0114] More specifically, in one aspect of this embodiment, the controller 34 may be adapted
to select and execute different illumination programs stored in the storage device
38 based on successive interruptions in the power signal 47. In this aspect, each
illumination program stored in the storage device may be associated with one identifier
in a sequence of identifiers (e.g., program 1, program 2, program 3, etc.). The controller
34 may be adapted to sequentially select and execute a different illumination program,
based on the sequence of identifiers assigned to the programs, by toggling through
the different illumination programs with each successive interruption of the power
signal 47 having a duration of less than or equal to the predetermined duration. Furthermore,
according to another aspect of this embodiment, if an interruption in the power signal
is greater than the predetermined duration, the controller 34 may be adapted not to
select and execute a different illumination program, but rather execute the last illumination
program selected before the interruption in the power signal that was greater than
the predetermined duration (i.e., the illumination program selection will not change
on a power-up following interruption in the power signal of a significant duration).
[0115] More specifically, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, upon power-up, the microprocessor
35 periodically monitors the timing circuit 150. In one aspect of this embodiment,
if the microprocessor 35 detects a logic high value output by the timing circuit 150
(i.e., the most recent interruption in the power signal 47 was less than the predetermined
duration, such that an RC circuit of the timing circuit 150 remained "charged-up"),
the microprocessor 35 selects a new illumination program from the storage device 38.
However, if the microprocessor 35 detects a logic low value output by the timing circuit
150 (i.e., the most recent interruption in the power signal 47 was greater than the
predetermined duration, such that an RC circuit of the timing circuit 150 was able
to significantly discharge), the microprocessor 35 does not select a new illumination
program, but rather begins to execute the illumination program that was selected prior
to the most recent interruption in the power signal 47.
[0116] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of indicating
to a user, via the color radiation generated by one or more light sources, that a
particular illumination program of a number of illumination programs has been selected.
For example, with reference again to Fig. 2, one or more storage devices 38 associated
with a controller 34 that controls radiation generated by the light source 24 may
store a number of illumination programs (illustrated for example in Fig. 2 as the
illumination programs 40A and 40B). As discussed above in connection with Fig. 10,
according to one embodiment of the invention, successive interruptions of the power
signal 47 provided to the controller 34 may be used to toggle through the illumination
programs stored on the storage device 38, so as to select and execute a particular
illumination program. Additionally, as discussed above in connection with Figs. 5-7,
a remote user interface 56 may be used to select a particular illumination program
from a number of such programs stored on the storage device 38.
[0117] In some cases, as a user toggles through multiple illumination programs in order
to select a particular illumination program, it may not be immediately apparent to
the user which illumination program is selected at any given time. For example, a
particular illumination program may be designed such that, when executed, the radiation
output from one or more light sources is gradually varied at some predetermined rate
to transition between a number of different colors in succession throughout the visible
spectrum. An example of such an illumination program is a "color wash" program, as
discussed above, which more generally may be referred to as a "dynamic color variation
program" having a color variation speed. The color variation speed of such a dynamic
color variation program may be either a predetermined or variable parameter of the
program. For example, in one case, the color variation speed of the "color wash" illumination
program may be predetermined such that the radiation generated by one or more light
sources slowly varies in color upon execution of the program to create a soothing
varying color illumination effect.
[0118] In the current example, it should be appreciated that if a user toggles through a
number of illumination programs, including the "color wash" program, the user may
not immediately realize that they have selected a dynamic color variation program,
such as a color wash program with a slow color variation speed, if they are quickly
toggling through the programs. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, one
or more variable parameters of a particular illumination program are temporarily modified
so as to indicate to the user that the particular illumination program has been selected.
[0119] For example, in one aspect of this embodiment, a color variation speed of a dynamic
color variation program, such as the "color wash" program, may be temporarily increased
upon selection and initial execution of the program to indicate to the user that the
program has been selected. In this manner, as a user toggles through a number of illumination
programs including dynamic color variation programs, the user is able to more readily
realize the selection of such a dynamic color variation program. In the case described
above in connection with the color wash program, in one aspect of this embodiment,
upon selection of the color wash program, a color of the radiation generated by one
or more light sources is rapidly changed for a short period of time upon selection
of the program (e.g. 1 to 10 seconds), after which the color variation speed may be
automatically decreased to the intended programmed speed (e.g., some nominal color
variation speed so as to produce a soothing gradual dynamic color effect).
[0120] In the foregoing embodiment, it should be appreciated that a method of indicating
to a user the selection of a particular illumination program, via variable color radiation
output by one or more light sources, may be used in connection with any of a variety
of a dynamic color variation programs including, but not limited, the color wash program
described above. Additionally, it should be appreciated that according to other embodiments,
the color variation speed of a dynamic color variation program need not be changed,
but rather any pattern of radiation may be used (e.g., fast flickering of one or more
particular colors) to signify the selection of a particular program.
[0121] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to generating variable color radiation
in a liquid medium to compensate for various radiation absorption and/or scattering
effects due to the liquid medium. In this regard, Applicants have recognized and appreciated
that many common liquids, such as water, significantly absorb and/or scatter red color,
such that it is more difficult for an observer to detect a presence of red ' color
in the liquid than in air, for example. Additionally, Applicants have recognized and
appreciated that in some common pool or spa environments, in which the walls and/or
floor of a pool or spa may be constructed with a vinyl lining (in some cases having
a bluish color), red color also may be significantly absorbed and/or scattered by
the vinyl lining. As an illustrative guideline, a red color in water may decrease
in intensity to an observer by as much as approximately 25% or more over a propagation
distance of one meter, whereas a green color in water may decrease in intensity by
approximately 4% over the same distance. Similarly, a blue color in water may decrease
in intensity by only approximately 2% over the same distance.
[0122] In view of the foregoing, one embodiment of the invention is directed to a method
for generating "liquid hues" to illuminate a liquid, such that when viewed in the
liquid by an observer, the liquid hues approximate similar hues observed in non-liquid
mediums (e.g., air). More specifically, in one aspect of this embodiment, liquid hues
that include radiation having a red color in combination with one or more other colors
are generated to approximate a similar hue in a non-liquid medium by increasing the
amount of red color included in the liquid hue, to compensate for the absorption and/or
scattering of the red color in the liquid medium.
[0123] As discussed above, one or more dynamic color illumination programs may be executed
in a pool or spa environment to realize a variety of illumination effects. Another
embodiment of the invention is directed to methods for dynamic color illumination
of a liquid medium that take into consideration the various absorption and scattering
effects also discussed above. In particular, in one embodiment of the invention, red
color appearing alone is omitted from a dynamic variable color illumination program,
due to significant absorption and/or scattering of the red color by the illuminated
liquid, so as to prevent the appearance of a lapse or break (i.e., absence of illumination)
in the illumination program. For example, according to one embodiment, in the "color
wash" illumination program discussed above, red color appearing alone is omitted from
the color wash program because, relative to other colors radiated in the liquid, an
observer would essentially see little or no hue at all in the liquid if red color
alone was radiated into the liquid. It should be appreciated, however, that in one
aspect of this embodiment, red color radiation may nonetheless be generated in combination
with radiation of one or more other colors to produce a variety of liquid hues, as
discussed above.
[0124] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the invention directed to
a surface mount lighting fixture that may be employed, for example, in a pool or spa
environment such as that shown in Fig. 1 to illuminate the liquid 22. In Fig. 11,
a lighting fixture 100 including a light source 24 is adapted to be mounted on a surface
106 (e.g., the wall 26 of a pool or spa), and has a first dimension 104 that is essentially
normal to the surface 106 when the lighting fixture 100 is mounted on the surface.
In one aspect of this embodiment, the first dimension 104 preferably is less than
approximately 2.5 inches. In yet other aspects, the first dimension 104 is preferably
less than 2.25 inches, more preferably less than 2.0 inches, more preferably less
than 1.75 inches, more preferably less than 1.5 inches, more preferably less than
1.25 inches, more preferably less than 1.0 inch, and still more preferably as little
as approximately 0.5 inches. In another aspect; the thin "depth" dimension 104 of
the lighting fixture 100 shown in Fig. 11 renders the fixture particularly suited
for use in "niche-less" lighting applications for pool or spa environments, in which
one or more lighting fixtures are mounted directly on an inner surface of a pool or
spa wall, rather than being recessed in a "niche" in a pool or spa wall. However,
it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited in this respect, as the
lighting fixture 100 alternatively may be supported in a niche of the pool or spa.
[0125] In one aspect of this embodiment, the lighting fixture 100 of Fig. 11 includes one
or more mounting mechanisms 108 to mount the lighting fixture 100 to the surface 106.
Examples of mounting mechanisms 108 suitable for purposes of the invention include,
but are not limited to, one or more suction mechanisms or one or more magnetic mechanisms
to mount the lighting fixture 100 to the surface 106. In another aspect, as discussed
above in connection with various figures, the light source 24 shown in the fixture
of Fig. 11 may include one or more LEDs, and may further include two or more differently
colored LEDs 32A-32C (e.g., red, green and blue LEDs).
[0126] In yet another aspect, the lighting fixture 100 shown in Fig. 11 also may include
an essentially water tight lens 110 to prevent the light source 24 from contacting
the liquid 22. In this regard, the lighting fixture 100 also may be particularly adapted
to be submersible in the liquid by including an essentially water tight housing 44,
such that the lighting fixture 100 may be disposed below the range 30 of typical liquid
levels in the pool or spa.
[0127] As also shown in the embodiment of Fig. 11, in one aspect the lighting fixture 100
is mounted on the inner surface 106 of a wall 26 of a pool or spa such that the lighting
fixture does not protrude through the wall 26. In another aspect, a cable 102 may
be coupled to the lighting fixture 100 and mounted to the inner surface 106 of the
wall 26 such that no holes are required to be made through the wall 26 below the range
30 of typical liquid levels. Alternatively, in yet another aspect, a small hole may
be made through the wall 26 in a portion of the wall on which the lighting fixture
100 is mounted, to accommodate the cable 102 passing through the wall 26. In this
aspect, the lighting fixture 100 (and, more particularly, the one or more mounting
mechanisms 108) may be adapted to make a water tight seal with the inner surface 106,
such that the liquid 22 is unable to leak through the hole.
[0128] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of a lighting fixture 100 according
to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of Fig. 12, the lighting
fixture 100 is coupled to the wall 26 of the pool or spa by one or more "stand-off'
mounting mechanisms 108, which allow the liquid 22 to essentially surround the lighting
fixture 100. While the lighting fixture 100 in Fig. 12 is shown mounted to a surface
106 of the wall 26 of the pool or spa, it should be appreciated that, like the fixture
shown in Fig. 11, the lighting fixture of Fig. 12 may be mounted in a niche in the
wall 26 of the pool or spa adapted to support the lighting fixture.
[0129] Similar to the lighting fixture 100 shown in Fig. 11; according to one embodiment
the lighting fixture 100 shown in Fig. 12 includes a housing 44 and a lens 110. Additionally,
in one aspect, the housing contains a light source 24 that may include one or more
LEDs 32. In another aspect of the embodiment of Fig. 12, the light source 24 may be
mounted on a thermally conductive electrically resistive gap pad 112, which is in
turn attached to a back plate 118 of the housing 44. As shown in Fig. 12, the sides
of the housing 44 are coupled to the back plate 118 via a rubber seal 114.
[0130] The gap pad 112 shown in Fig. 12 allows heat generated from the light source 24 (and
any electronics associated with the light source 24) to flow to the back plate 118
of the housing 44, while preventing electrical contact between the light source 24
and the back plate. In one aspect of this embodiment, the back plate 118 may be a
metal plate to facilitate the conduction of heat from the light source 24 through
the gap pad 112 and into the liquid 22 in contact with the back plate 118. In other
embodiments, the back plate 118 alternatively may be formed from a plastic or rubber
material.
[0131] In the embodiment of Fig. 12, although a gap pad 112 is provided to facilitate thermal
conduction, it should be appreciated that the gap pad 112 may not be required according
to other embodiments. In particular, Applicants have recognized and appreciated that
because the lighting fixture 100 shown in Fig. 12 is in substantial contact with the
liquid 22, the liquid 22 may serve as a significant absorber of heat such that heat
generated by the light source or associated electronics is effectively absorbed by
the liquid 22 via the housing 44. In this respect, one embodiment of the invention
is directed more generally to a light fixture in a liquid illumination environment,
wherein the light source 24 of the fixture is particularly positioned in the housing
44 such that heat generated by the light source is effectively absorbed by the liquid
22 in contact with the housing 44.
[0132] In yet another embodiment, the gap pad 112 shown in Fig. 12 may be replaced by another
standoff(not shown in Fig. 12), such that the light source 24 is spaced from, but
nonetheless attached to, the back plate 118 (or otherwise attached to the housing
44). In one aspect of this embodiment, space within the housing between the light
source 24 and the housing 44 (or the back plate 118) may provide sufficient electrical
isolation while nonetheless allowing an adequate transfer of heat from the light source
24 through the housing and into the liquid 22. This concept is further illustrated
in the light fixture shown in Fig. 11, in which the thermal path 122 is illustrated
from the light source 24 out through a side of the housing 44 into the liquid 22.
[0133] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a light source comprising
one or more LEDs and an interface coupled to the one or more LEDs that is adapted
to engage mechanically and electrically with a conventional pool or spa light socket.
[0134] Fig. 13 illustrates one example of this embodiment, showing a light source 24 including
one or more LEDs 32 coupled to an interface 70. The interface 70 illustrated in Fig.
13 is adapted to engage mechanically and electrically with a screw type light socket,
conventionally associated with Edison-type incandescent light bulbs, that is supported
by the pool or spa 20 shown in Fig. 1.
[0135] Fig. 14 illustrates yet another embodiment of a light source according to the invention,
in which the interface 70 is adapted to engage mechanically and electrically with
a multi-pin light socket (such as an MR-16 light socket commonly used for halogen
light sources) supported by the pool or spa 20 shown in Fig. 1. According to other
aspects of this embodiment, the interface 70 may be adapted to engage mechanically
and electrically with bayonet-type light sockets, a variety of multi-pin light sockets,
fluorescent light sockets, halogen light sockets, double-ended halogen light sockets,
and wedge-type light sockets, as well as a number of other types of light sockets
conventionally used in pools or spas.
[0136] More specifically, according to one embodiment, a light source 24 including one or
more LEDs 32 may be particularly adapted to be supported by a pool or spa by engaging
mechanically and electrically with a conventional light socket mounted in a "niche"
or indented compartment in a wall 26 of a pool or spa. For example, Fig. 15 illustrates
an example of a light fixture 90 adapted to engage mechanically and electrically with
a conventional light socket 74 mounted in a niche 130 in a wall 26 of the pool or
spa 20, shown in Fig. 1. In one aspect of this embodiment, the niche 130 may serve
essentially as a water-tight housing 44 for the light fixture 90, wherein the niche
130 is covered with a water-tight lens or cover 89 once the light fixture 90 is installed
in the socket 74. In other embodiments discussed above, the niche 130 alternatively
may be allowed to fill with the liquid 22 contained in the pool or spa, and a lighting
fixture similar to those illustrated in Figs. 3, 11 and 12 may be supported by the
pool or spa in the niche 130 containing the liquid 22.
[0137] Returning to Fig. 15, according to one embodiment, the light fixture 90 includes
a light source 24 having one or more LEDs 32A-32C, wherein the light source 24 is
coupled to an interface 70 adapted to engage mechanically and electrically with a
wedge-type light socket 74 supported by the pool or spa. In one aspect, the light
fixture 90 also may include a controller 34 and one or more storage devices 38, as
discussed above in connection with Fig. 2.
[0138] In another aspect of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 15, the light source 24 and
the controller 34 (or any other circuitry associated with light source 24) may be
coated with an encapsulate 72 to protect these components from moisture. In another
aspect, the encapsulate may be in contact with the light source 24 and the controller
34 in the form of a conformal coating. In another aspect, the encapsulate may be deposited
on the light source and associated circuitry using conventional vacuum deposition
techniques. In yet another aspect, the encapsulate may include a potting material
in contact with the light source 24 and associated circuitry. In yet another aspect,
the encapsulate may be essentially light transmissive. Some examples of encapsulates
suitable for purposes of the invention include, but are not limited to, silicones,
epoxies, glass resins, polysiloxanes, polyimides, and acrylics. In one embodiment,
the encapsulate may be HumiSeal 1B73 aerosol acrylic, available from HumiSeal, Inc.,
Woodside, New York.
[0139] As shown in Fig. 15, according to one embodiment, the interface 70 of the light fixture
90 includes two pins 76A and 76B to engage at least electrically with the wedge-type
light socket 74. In one aspect of this embodiment, so as to accommodate such engagement,
the pins 76A and 76B have respective diameters 78A and 78B of approximately 0.09 inches.
In yet another aspect of this embodiment, each of the pins 76A and 76B has a length
80 of approximately 0.46 inches. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the two
pins 76A and 76B are separated from each other by a distance 82 of approximately 0.25
inches.
[0140] In yet another aspect of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 15, one or both of the
pins 76A and 76B may include one or more perturbations, shown in Fig. 15 as indented
grooves 84A and 84B in the pins 76A and 76B, respectively, to facilitate mechanical
engagement of the interface 70 and the wedge-type light socket 74. Although the perturbations
84A and 84B are illustrated in Fig. 15 as indented grooves, it should be appreciated
that the invention is not limited in this respect, as one or more perturbations in
the pins of the interface may include a protruding ring, as shown in Fig. 16A. Additionally,
it should be appreciated that one or more perturbations to facilitate mechanical engagement
may be formed at least partially around a circumference of a pin or may be formed
completely around the circumference of the pin in a continuous fashion. In yet another
aspect, as illustrated in Fig. 15 by the perturbation 84A, a perturbation may be located
at a distance 86 approximately 0.17 inches from an end of the pin.
[0141] In yet another aspect of the embodiment shown in Fig. 15, the interface 70 may include
a rubber grommet 88 to further facilitate mechanical engagement of the interface 70
and the wedge-type light socket 74. It should be appreciated that according to other
embodiments, the interface 70 shown in Fig. 15 may include the rubber grommet 88 alone
or in combination with one or more perturbations in the pins to facilitate mechanical
engagement. Similarly, in yet another embodiment, one or more perturbations in the
pins provide for adequate mechanical engagement with the socket without the use of
the rubber grommet 88.
[0142] Fig. 16B is a diagram showing a more detailed view of a pin 76 of the light fixture
90 shown in Fig. 16, according to one embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 16B, all
dimensions are indicated in inches. Fig. 16B illustrates in greater detail that the
pin 76 may include an indented groove perturbation 84 formed continuously around the
pin. Fig. 16B also illustrates that, according to one aspect of this embodiment, the
pin 76 may include a widened portion 87 that passes through the rubber grommet 88
and connects to a narrower portion 89 of the pin to which electrical connections may
be made.
[0143] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing yet another embodiment of the invention directed to
a liquid illumination apparatus 150. In one aspect of this embodiment, the apparatus
150 may include a housing 44 having a variety of ring-like shapes including, but not
limited to, circular, triangular, square, octagonal, or any other geometric shape.
In the embodiment specifically illustrated in Fig. 17, the housing 44 of the apparatus
150 is shaped essentially as a donut, and is designed to allow the flow of liquid
22 through the center and/or around an outer perimeter of the apparatus 150. Similar
to the light sources discussed in the previous figures, the liquid illumination apparatus
150 may include one or more light sources 24, which further may include one or more
LEDs 32. In the apparatus 150, radiation generated by the light source 24 is coupled
to the flow of the liquid 22 as the liquid passes through and/or around the apparatus
150. In particular, in one aspect of this embodiment, one or more LEDs 32 are arranged
to direct radiation into the flow of the liquid 22 to illuminate the liquid. As discussed
above in connection with other embodiments, the apparatus 150 may include a local
user interface 43, and may be adapted to receive one or more external signals 46 and
a power signal 47. Additionally, according to other aspects, the apparatus 150 may
include one or more controllers and one or more storage devices, as discussed above
in connection with Fig. 2.
[0144] Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a liquid illumination
apparatus 152 according to the present invention. In one aspect of this embodiment,
the apparatus 152 may be adapted for use as a sprinkler which couples radiation generated
by one or more light switches 24 into a stream of liquid 22 emanating from the apparatus
152. In this aspect, the apparatus 152 couples the radiation generated by the light
sources 24 with the stream of the liquid 22 to provide colored effects, for example
while watering a lawn, or in a decorative setting such as, but not limited to, a pool,
spa, or water fountain. While not shown exclusively in Fig. 18, the apparatus 152
similarly may be adapted as the apparatus 150 shown in Fig. 17 to include a local
user interface 43, and to receive one or more external signals 46 and a power signal
47 for operation of the apparatus 152.
[0145] Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of the invention directed
to a water faucet 154 adapted to illuminate a stream or liquid 22 (e.g., water) with
radiation generated by one or more light sources 24 supported by the faucet 154. In
one aspect of this embodiment, the light source 24 includes two or more differently
colored LEDs, to provide illumination of the stream of liquid 22 with a variety of
variable color lighting effects. In one aspect of this embodiment, the light source
24 includes a plurality of red, blue and green LEDs, as discussed above in connection
with Fig. 2. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, as discussed above in connection
with Fig. 8, the light source 24 supported by the faucet 154 may be responsive to
one or more detection signals output by one or more sensors that are employed to monitor
one or more conditions related to the stream of liquid 22 exiting the faucet 154.
For example, in one embodiment, a temperature of the liquid 22 flowing from the faucet
154 may be monitored by a sensor, and an output 94 of the sensor may be employed to
control the light source 24, such that the radiation generated by the light source
24 varies with changes in the monitored temperature of the liquid 22.
[0146] Fig. 20 illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention directed to illumination
of liquids. In the embodiment of Fig. 20, a sink or basin 156 contains a liquid 22
and one or more light sources 24 coupled to the basin. In one aspect of this embodiment,
the sink or basin 156 is made of transparent, translucent, semi-transparent, or semi-translucent
material, or other materials which allow the transmission or partial transmission
of radiation generated by one or more light sources 24 to illuminate a liquid 22 contained
in the basin 156. As discussed above in connection with Fig. 19, the sink or basin
156 also may be equipped with a sensor 92 which outputs one or more signals 94 to
control one or more light sources 24 as discussed above in connection Fig. 9.
[0147] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a flow of liquid 22, for example
as illustrated in Figs. 17, 18 and 19, may be used to power one or more light sources
24 described in various embodiments herein. Additionally, according to another embodiment,
one or more light sources 24 as discussed herein may be powered by other illumination
sources, for example sources of solar energy.
[0148] In the embodiments of the invention discussed above, various processors and controllers
can be implemented in numerous ways, such as with dedicated hardware, or using one
or more processors (e.g., microprocessors) that are programmed using software (e.g.,
microcode) to perform the various functions discussed above. Similarly, storage devices
can be implemented in numerous ways, such as, but not limited to, RAM, ROM, PROM,
EPROM, EEPROM, CD, DVD, optical disks, floppy disks, magnetic tape, and the like.
[0149] For purposes of the present disclosure, the term "LED" refers to any diode or combination
of diodes that is capable of receiving an electrical signal and producing a color
of light in response to the signal. Thus, the term "LED" as used herein should be
understood to include light emitting diodes of all types (including semi-conductor
and organic light emitting diodes), semiconductor dies that produce light in response
to current, light emitting polymers, electro-luminescent strips, and the like. Furthermore,
the term "LED" may refer to a single light emitting device having multiple semiconductor
dies that are individually controlled. It should also be understood that the term
"LED" does not restrict the package type of an LED; for example, the term "LED" may
refer to packaged LEDs, non-packaged LEDs, surface mount LEDs, chip-on-board LEDs,
and LEDs of all other configurations. The term "LED" also includes LEDs packaged or
associated with other materials (e.g., phosphor, wherein the phosphor may convert
radiant energy emitted from the LED to a different wavelength).
[0150] Additionally, as used herein, the term "light source" should be understood to include
all illumination sources, including, but not limited to, LED-based sources as defined
above, incandescent sources (e.g., filament lamps, halogen lamps), 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), fluorescent
sources, phosphorescent sources, high-intensity discharge sources (e.g., sodium vapor,
mercury vapor, and metal halide lamps), lasers, electro-luminescent 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 capable
of producing primary colors.
[0151] For purposes of the present disclosure, the term "illuminate" should be understood
to refer to the production of a frequency (or wavelength) of radiation by an illumination
source (e.g., a light source). Furthermore, as used herein, the term "color" should
be understood to refer to any frequency (or wavelength) of radiation within a spectrum;
namely, "color" refers to frequencies (or wavelengths) not only in the visible spectrum,
but also frequencies (or wavelengths) in the infrared, ultraviolet, and other areas
of the electromagnetic spectrum. Similarly, for purposes of the present disclosure,
the term "hue" refers to a color quality of radiation that is observed by an observer.
In this sense, it should be appreciated that an observed hue of radiation may be the
result of a combination of generated radiation having different wavelengths (i.e.,
colors), and may be affected by a medium through which the radiation passes before
being observed (due to radiation absorption and/or scattering effects in the medium).
[0152] For purposes of the present disclosure, the term "pool" is used generally to describe
a vessel containing a liquid (e.g., water), that may be used for any number of utilitarian,
entertainment, recreational, therapeutic, or sporting purposes. As used herein, a
pool may be for human use (e.g., swimming, bathing) or may be particularly designed
for use with wildlife (e.g., an aquarium for fish, other aquatic creatures, and/or
aquatic plant life). Additionally, a pool may be man made or naturally occurring and
may have a variety of shapes and sizes. Furthermore, a pool may be constructed above
ground or below ground, and may have one or more discrete walls or floors, one or
more rounded surfaces, or combinations of discrete walls, floors, and rounded surfaces.
Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the term "pool" as used herein is intended
to encompass various examples of water containing vessels such as, but not limited
to, tubs, sinks, basins, baths, tanks, fish tanks, aquariums and the like.
[0153] Similarly, for purposes of the present disclosure, the term "spa" is used herein
to describe a type of pool that is particularly designed for a variety of entertainment,
recreational, therapeutic purposes and the like. Some other commonly used terms for
a spa include, but are not limited to, "hot-tub," "whirlpool bath" and "Jacuzzi."
Generally, a spa may include a number of accessory devices, such as one or more heaters,
blowers, jets, circulation and filtration devices to condition water in the spa, as
well as one or more light sources to illuminate the water in the spa. For purposes
of the present disclosure, it also should be appreciated that a pool as described
above may be divided up into one or more sections, and that one or more of the pool
sections can be particularly adapted for use as a spa.
1. Vorrichtung (44) mit:
mindestens einer Lichtquelle (24) zur Erzeugung variabler Farbstrahlung, ohne dass
der Einsatz eines Farbfilters erforderlich ist, wobei die mindestens eine Lichtquelle
(24) so eingerichtet ist, dass zumindest eine Farbe der variablen Farbstrahlung aufgrund
von mindestens einer Unterbrechung der der Vorrichtung (44) zugeführten Leistung steuerbar
ist;
mindestens einer Steuereinheit (34), die an die mindestens eine Lichtquelle (24) gekoppelt
ist, um die von der mindestens einen Lichtquelle (24) erzeugte, variable Farbstrahlung
aufgrund der mindestens einen Unterbrechung der der Vorrichtung (44) zugeführten Leistung
zu steuern, wobei die mindestens eine Steuereinheit (34) so eingerichtet ist, dass
sie die variable Farbstrahlung aufgrund von mindestens einer ersten Leistungsunterbrechung
mit einer Unterbrechungsdauer, die geringer als eine vorgegebene Dauer ist oder dieser
entspricht, steuert; sowie
mindestens einer Speichereinrichtung (38), die an die mindestens eine Steuereinheit
(34) gekoppelt ist, um mindestens ein Beleuchtungsprogramm mit mindestens einem variablen
Parameter zu speichern, wobei:
die mindestens eine Steuereinheit (34) so eingerichtet ist, dass sie den mindestens
einen Parameter des mindestens einen Beleuchtungsprogramms aufgrund der mindestens
einen Unterbrechung der der Vorrichtung (44) zugeführten Leistung modifiziert.
2. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mindestens eine Lichtquelle (24) mindestens
eine LED (32) enthält.
3. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 2, wobei die mindestens eine LED (32) mindestens zwei
verschiedenfarbige LEDs enthält.
4. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 2, wobei die mindestens eine LED (32) mindestens eine
rote LED, mindestens eine grüne LED und mindestens eine blaue LED enthält.
5. Vorrichtung (44) nach einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, wobei die mindestens eine
Lichtquelle (24) weiterhin so ausgebildet ist, dass sie von dem Pool oder Spa (20)
getragen wird, um eine in dem Pool oder Spa (20) enthaltene Flüssigkeit mit der variablen
Farbstrahlung zu beleuchten.
6. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 5 in Kombination mit dem Pool oder Spa (20).
7. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mindestens eine Steuereinheit (34) so
eingerichtet ist, dass die variable Farbstrahlung nicht verändert wird, wenn die Unterbrechungsdauer
der mindestens einen ersten Unterbrechung der Leistung größer als die vorgegebene
Dauer ist.
8. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mindestens eine Steuereinheit (34) mindestens
einen Zeitschaltkreis (150) enthält, um aufgrund einer Nutzung der der Vorrichtung
(44) zugeführten Leistung eine Ladung aufrechtzuerhalten.
9. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 8, wobei eine Zeitkonstante des mindestens einen Zeitschaltkreises
(150) aufgrund der vorgegebenen Dauer ausgewählt wird.
10. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 1, wobei:
die mindestens eine Steuereinheit (34) so eingerichtet ist, dass sie aufgrund von
mindestens einer zweiten Unterbrechung der der Vorrichtung (44) zugeführten Leistung
mindestens ein Beleuchtungsprogramm ausführt, um die von der mindestens einen Lichtquelle
(24) erzeugte, variable Farbstrahlung zu steuern.
11. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 10, wobei das mindestens eine Beleuchtungsprogramm
eine Mehrzahl von Beleuchtungsprogrammen umfasst, wobei die mindestens eine Speichereinrichtung
(38) die Mehrzahl von Beleuchtungsprogrammen speichert, und wobei die mindestens eine
Steuereinheit (34) so eingerichtet ist, dass sie ein bestimmtes Beleuchtungsprogramm
der Mehrzahl von Beleuchtungsprogrammen aufgrund der mindestens einen zweiten Unterbrechung
der der Vorrichtung (44) zugeführten Leistung auswählt und ausführt.
12. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 11, wobei die mindestens eine Steuereinheit (34) weiterhin
so eingerichtet ist, dass sie einem Benutzer anzeigt, dass das bestimmte Beleuchtungsprogramm
ausgewählt wurde.
13. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 12, wobei die mindestens eine Steuereinheit (34) weiterhin
so eingerichtet ist, dass sie dem Benutzer über die variable Farbstrahlung anzeigt,
dass das bestimmte Beleuchtungsprogramm ausgewählt wurde.
14. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 13, wobei die mindestens eine Steuereinheit (34) weiterhin
so eingerichtet ist, dass sie mindestens einen variablen Parameter des bestimmten
Beleuchtungsprogramms vorübergehend modifiziert, um dem Benutzer anzuzeigen, dass
das bestimmte Beleuchtungsprogramm ausgewählt wurde.
15. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 14, wobei das bestimmte Beleuchtungsprogramm ein dynamisches
Farbvariationsprogramm enthält, wobei der mindestens eine variable Parameter eine
Farbvariationsgeschwindigkeit des dynamischen Farbvariationsprogramms enthält, und
wobei die mindestens eine Steuereinheit (34) weiterhin so eingerichtet ist, dass sie
die Farbvariationsgeschwindigkeit des dynamischen Farbvariationsprogramms vorübergehend
modifiziert, um dem Benutzer anzuzeigen, dass das dynamische Farbvariationsprogramm
ausgewählt wurde.
16. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 15, wobei die mindestens eine Steuereinheit (34) weiterhin
so eingerichtet ist, dass sie die Farbvariationsgeschwindigkeit des Farbvariationsprogramms
erhöht, um dem Benutzer anzuzeigen, dass das dynamische Farbvariationsprogramm ausgewählt
wurde.
17. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 11, wobei die mindestens eine zweite Unterbrechung
eine Mehrzahl von Unterbrechungen umfasst, und wobei die mindestens eine Steuereinheit
(34) so eingerichtet ist, dass sie verschiedene Beleuchtungsprogramme der Mehrzahl
von Beleuchtungsprogrammen aufgrund sukzessiver Unterbrechungen der mehreren Unterbrechungen
auswählt und ausführt.
18. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 17, wobei jedes Beleuchtungsprogramm der mehreren Beleuchtungsprogramme
einer Kennung in einer Kennungsfolge zugeordnet ist, und wobei die mindestens eine
Steuereinheit (34) so eingerichtet ist, dass sie die verschiedenen Beleuchtungsprogramme
aufgrund der Kennungsfolge und der sukzessiven Unterbrechungen auswählt und ausführt.
19. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 17, wobei jede Unterbrechung der mehreren Unterbrechungen
eine Unterbrechungsdauer aufweist, und wobei die mindestens eine Steuereinheit (34)
so eingerichtet ist, dass sie ein anderes Beleuchtungsprogramm der mehreren Beleuchtungsprogramme
auswählt und ausführt, wenn die Unterbrechungsdauer von mindestens einer Unterbrechung
geringer als eine vorgegebene Dauer ist oder dieser entspricht.
20. Vorrichtung (44) nach Anspruch 19, wobei die mindestens eine Steuereinheit (34) so
eingerichtet ist, dass sie ein anderes Beleuchtungsprogramm der mehreren Beleuchtungsprogramme
auswählt und ausführt, wenn die Unterbrechungsdauer der mindestens einen Unterbrechung
größer als die vorgegebene Dauer ist.
21. Verfahren, welches die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
a) Vorsehen von mindestens einer Lichtquelle (24), welche imstande ist, eine variable
Farbstrahlung ohne Verwendung eines Farbfilters vorzusehen;
b) Steuerung von mindestens einer Farbe der von der mindestens einen Lichtquelle (24)
erzeugten, variablen Farbstrahlung durch Ausführen des mindestens einen Beleuchtungsprogramms
mit mindestens einem variablen Parameter sowie Modifizieren des mindestens einen variablen
Parameters des mindestens einen Beleuchtungsprogramms aufgrund von mindestens einer
ersten Unterbrechung der der mindestens einen Lichtquelle (24) zugeführten Leistung,
wobei der Schritt b) einen Schritt der
b1) Steuerung der variablen Farbstrahlung aufgrund von mindestens einer ersten Unterbrechung
der Leistung mit einer Unterbrechungsdauer, die geringer als eine vorgegebene Dauer
ist oder dieser entspricht, umfasst.
22. Verfahren nach Anspruch 21, wobei die mindestens eine Lichtquelle (24) mindestens
zwei verschiedenfarbige LEDs (32) enthält, und wobei der Schritt b) einen Schritt
der
unabhängigen Steuerung jeder LED (32) der mindestens zwei verschiedenfarbigen LEDs
aufgrund der mindestens einen ersten Unterbrechung der der mindestens einen Lichtquelle
(24) zugeführten Leistung enthält.
23. Verfahren nach Anspruch 22, wobei die mindestens eine Lichtquelle (24) mindestens
eine rote LED, mindestens eine grüne LED und mindestens eine blaue LED enthält, und
wobei der Schritt b) einen Schritt der
unabhängigen Steuerung der mindestens einen roten LED, der mindestens einen grünen
LED und der mindestens einen blauen LED aufgrund der mindestens einen Unterbrechung
der der mindestens einen Lichtquelle (24) zugeführten Leistung enthält.
24. Verfahren nach Anspruch 21, wobei die mindestens eine Lichtquelle (24) weiterhin so
ausgebildet ist, dass sie von einem, eine Flüssigkeit enthaltenden Pool oder Spa (20)
getragen wird, und wobei das Verfahren weiterhin einen Schritt des
c) Beleuchtens der Flüssigkeit in dem Pool oder Spa (20) mit der variablen Farbstrahlung
umfasst.
25. Verfahren nach Anspruch 21, wobei der Schritt b) weiterhin einen Schritt des
b2) nicht Ändems der variablen Farbstrahlung umfasst, wenn die Unterbrechungsdauer
der mindestens einen ersten Unterbrechung der Leistung größer als die vorgegebene
Dauer ist.
26. Verfahren nach Anspruch 21, wobei der Schritt b) einen Schritt des
b3) Ladens von mindestens einem Zeitschaltkreis (150) aufgrund einer Nutzung der der
Vorrichtung zugeführten Energie umfasst.
27. Verfahren nach Anspruch 26, wobei der Schritt b3) einen Schritt des
Auswählens einer Zeitkonstante des mindestens einen Zeitschaltkreises (150) aufgrund
der vorgegebenen Dauer umfasst.
28. Verfahren nach Anspruch 21, wobei der Schritt b) einen Schritt des
b4) Auswählens und Ausführens von mindestens einem Beleuchtungsprogramm aufgrund von
mindestens einer zweiten Unterbrechung der Leistung umfasst, um die von der mindestens
einen Lichtquelle (24) erzeugte, variable Farbstrahlung zu steuern.
29. Verfahren nach Anspruch 28, wobei das mindestens eine Beleuchtungsprogramm eine Mehrzahl
von Beleuchtungsprogrammen enthält, und wobei der Schritt b4) einen Schritt des
b5) Auswählens und Ausführens eines bestimmten Beleuchtungsprogramms der Mehrzahl
von Beleuchtungsprogrammen aufgrund der mindestens einen zweiten Unterbrechung der
der Vorrichtung zugeführten Leistung umfasst.
30. Verfahren nach Anspruch 29, wobei der Schritt b4) weiterhin einen Schritt des
b6) Hinweisens eines Benutzers darauf, dass das bestimmte Beleuchtungsprogramm ausgewählt
wurde, umfasst.
31. Verfahren nach Anspruch 30, wobei der Schritt b6) einen Schritt des
b7) Hinweisens eines Benutzers über die variable Farbstrahlung darauf, dass das bestimmte
Beleuchtungsprogramm ausgewählt wurde, umfasst.
32. Verfahren nach Anspuch 31, wobei der Schritt b7) einen Schritt des
b8) vorübergehenden Modifizierens von mindestens einem variablen Parameter des bestimmten
Beleuchtungsprogramms umfasst, um dem Benutzer anzuzeigen, dass das bestimmte Beleuchtungsprogramm
ausgewählt wurde.
33. Verfahren nach Anspruch 32, wobei das bestimmte Beleuchtungsprogramm ein dynamisches
Farbvariationsprogramm enthält, wobei der mindestens eine variable Parameter eine
Farbvariationsgeschwindigkeit des dynamischen Farbvariationsprogramms enthält, und
wobei der Schritt b8) einen Schritt des
b9) vorübergehenden Modifizierens der Farbvariationsgeschwindigkeit des dynamischen
Farbvariationsprogramms umfasst, um dem Benutzer anzuzeigen, dass das dynamische Farbvariationsprogramm
ausgewählt wurde.
34. Verfahren nach Anspruch 33, wobei der Schritt b9) einen Schritt des
vorübergehenden Erhöhens der Farbvariationsgeschwindigkeit des dynamischen Farbvariationsprogramms
umfasst, um dem Benutzer anzuzeigen, dass das dynamische Farbvariationsprogramm ausgewählt
wurde.
35. Verfahren nach Anspruch 29, wobei die mindestens eine zweite Unterbrechung eine Mehrzahl
von Unterbrechungen enthält, und wobei der Schritt b) einen Schritt des
b10) Auswählens und Ausführens verschiedener Beleuchtungsprogramme der Mehrzahl von
Beleuchtungsprogrammen aufgrund sukzessiver Unterbrechungen der Mehrzahl von Unterbrechungen
umfasst.
36. Verfahren nach Anspruch 35, wobei jedes Beleuchtungsprogramm der Mehrzahl von Beleuchtungsprogrammen
einer Kennung in einer Kennungsfolge zugeordnet ist, und wobei der Schritt b10) einen
Schritt des
sequentiellen Auswählens und Ausführens der verschiedenen Beleuchtungsprogramme aufgrund
der Kennungsfolge und der sukzessiven Unterbrechungen umfasst.
37. Verfahren nach Anspruch 35, wobei jede Unterbrechung der Mehrzahl von Unterbrechungen
eine Unterbrechungsdauer aufweist, und wobei der Schritt b10) einen Schritt des
Auswählens und Ausführens eines anderen Beleuchtungsprogramms der Mehrzahl von Beleuchtungsprogrammen
umfasst, wenn die Unterbrechungsdauer von mindestens einer Unterbrechung geringer
als eine vorgegebene Dauer ist oder dieser entspricht.
38. Verfahren nach Anspruch 37, wobei der Schritt b10) weiterhin einen Schritt des
nicht Auswählens und Ausführens eines anderen Beleuchtungsprogramms der Mehrzahl von
Beleuchtungsprogrammen umfasst, wenn die Unterbrechungsdauer der mindestens einen
Unterbrechung größer als die vorgegebene Dauer ist.
Inschrift der Zeichnung
FIG. 1
50 Heizelement
52 Gebläse
54 Umwälz-/Filtrationssystem
56 Fembedienungsanwenderschnittstelle
FIG. 2
34 Steuereinheit
38 Speichereinrichtung
FIG. 4
34A, 34B, 34C, 34D Steuereinheit
World Wide Web/Internet World Wide Web/Internet
Data Connection (Network) Datenverbindung (Netzwerk)
56 (s. above)
50 ( ,, )
54 ( ,, )
52 ( ,, )
FIG. 4A
Central Controller Zentrale Steuereinheit
136 Daten
138 H/L-Auswahlsignal
34A, 34B, 34C, 34D Steuereinheit
FIG. 4B
Controller Steuereinheit
Mode (M) Modus (M)
Option (O) Option
Data Daten
logic high Logisch HIGH
logic low Logisch LOW
FIG. 5
Color Wash Color Wash
Constant Color Konstantfarbe
Random Color Zufallsfarbe
External Signal Externes Signal
FIG. 6
56 Fembedienungsanwenderschnittstelle
60A, 60B Selektor
58 Prozessor
38 Speichereinrichtung
61 Display
62 Kommunikationsport
FIG. 7
304 Color Wash
305 Start Farbe
306 Ende Farbe
307 Dauer
308 Anderer Effekt
309 Farbenspiel-Lichtshow-Erzeugung
302 Red Rot
Yellow Gelb
Blue Blau
Green Grün
FIG. 8
92 Sensor
45 Steuereinheit
38 Speichereinrichtung
FIG. 9
92A, 92B Sensor
98 WWW/Internet
96 Computer
FIG. 10
150 Zeitschaltkreis
38 Speichereinrichtung
FIG. 15
34 (s. above)
FIG. 16B
Straight Knurl Gerader Rändel
1. Appareil (44), comprenant :
au moins une source de lumière (24) pour générer un rayonnement de couleur variable
sans nécessiter l'utilisation d'un filtre de couleur, l'au moins une source de lumière
(24) étant apte à ce qu'au moins une couleur du rayonnement de couleur variable puisse
être commandée sur la base d'au moins une interruption de l'alimentation électrique
fournie à l'appareil (44) ;
au moins un dispositif de commande (34), couplé à l'au moins une source de lumière
(24) pour commander le rayonnement de couleur variable généré par l'au moins une source
de lumière (24) sur la base de l'au moins une interruption de l'alimentation électrique
fournie à l'appareil (44), dans lequel l'au moins un dispositif de commande (34) est
apte à commander le rayonnement de couleur variable sur la base d'au moins une première
interruption de l'alimentation électrique ayant une durée d'interruption qui est inférieure
ou égale à une durée prédéterminée ; et
au moins un dispositif de stockage (38), couplé à l'au moins un dispositif de commande
(34), pour stocker au moins un programme d'illumination ayant au moins un paramètre
variable, dans lequel :
l'au moins un dispositif de commande (34) est apte à modifier l'au moins un paramètre
variable de l'au moins un programme d'illumination sur la base de l'au moins une première
interruption de l'alimentation électrique fournie à l'appareil (44).
2. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'au moins une source de lumière
(24) comprend au moins une LED (32).
3. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel l'au moins une LED (32) comprend
au moins deux LED de couleurs différentes.
4. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel l'au moins une LED (32) comprend
au moins une LED rouge, au moins une LED verte, et au moins une LED bleue.
5. Appareil (44) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'au
moins une source de lumière (24) est en outre apte à être supportée par l'au moins
un d'une piscine et d'un spa (20) de manière à illuminer avec le rayonnement de couleur
variable un liquide contenu dans l'un de la piscine et du spa (20).
6. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 5, en combinaison avec l'un de la piscine et
du spa (20).
7. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'au moins un dispositif de commande
(34) est apte à ce que le rayonnement de couleur variable ne soit pas changé si la
durée d'interruption de l'au moins une première interruption de l'alimentation électrique
est supérieure à la durée prédéterminée.
8. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'au moins un dispositif de commande
(34) comprend au moins un circuit de temporisation (150) pour maintenir une charge
sur la base d'une application de l'alimentation électrique fournie à l'appareil (44).
9. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 8, dans lequel une constante de temps de l'au
moins un circuit de temporisation (150) est sélectionnée sur la base de la durée prédéterminée.
10. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :
l'au moins un dispositif de commande (34) est apte à exécuter l'au moins un programme
d'illumination, sur la base d'au moins une deuxième interruption de l'alimentation
électrique fournie à l'appareil (44), de manière à commander le rayonnement de couleur
variable généré par l'au moins une source de lumière (24).
11. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 10, dans lequel l'au moins un programme d'illumination
comprend une pluralité de programmes d'illumination, dans lequel l'au moins un dispositif
de stockage (38) stocke la pluralité de programmes d'illumination, et dans lequel
l'au moins un dispositif de commande (34) est apte à sélectionner et exécuter un programme
d'illumination particulier parmi la pluralité de programmes d'illumination sur la
base de l'au moins une deuxième interruption de l'alimentation électrique fournie
à l'appareil (44).
12. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 11, dans lequel l'au moins un dispositif de commande
(34) est en outre apte à indiquer à un utilisateur que le programme d'illumination
particulier a été sélectionné.
13. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 12, dans lequel l'au moins un dispositif de commande
(34) est en outre apte à indiquer à l'utilisateur par l'intermédiaire du rayonnement
de couleur variable que le programme d'illumination particulier a été sélectionné.
14. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 13, dans lequel l'au moins un dispositif de commande
(34) est en outre apte à modifier temporairement au moins un paramètre variable du
programme d'illumination particulier de manière à indiquer à l'utilisateur que le
programme d'illumination particulier a été sélectionné.
15. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 14, dans lequel le programme d'illumination particulier
comprend un programme de variation de couleur dynamique, dans lequel l'au moins un
paramètre variable comprend une vitesse de variation de couleur du programme de variation
de couleur dynamique, et dans lequel l'au moins un dispositif de commande (34) est
en outre apte à modifier temporairement la vitesse de variation de couleur du programme
de variation de couleur dynamique de manière à indiquer à l'utilisateur que le programme
de variation de couleur dynamique a été sélectionné.
16. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 15, dans lequel l'au moins un dispositif de commande
(34) est en outre apte à augmenter temporairement la vitesse de variation de couleur
du programme de variation de couleur dynamique de manière à indiquer à l'utilisateur
que le programme de variation de couleur dynamique a été sélectionné.
17. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 14, dans lequel l'au moins une deuxième interruption
comprend une pluralité d'interruptions, et dans lequel l'au moins un dispositif de
commande (34) est apte à sélectionner et exécuter différents programmes d'illumination
parmi la pluralité de programmes d'illumination sur la base d'interruptions successives
de la pluralité d'interruptions.
18. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 17, dans lequel chaque programme d'illumination
de la pluralité de programmes d'illumination est associé à un identifiant dans une
séquence d'identifiants, et dans lequel l'au moins un dispositif de commande (34)
est apte à sélectionner et exécuter séquentiellement les différents programmes d'illumination
sur la base de la séquence d'identifiants et des interruptions successives.
19. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 17, dans lequel chaque interruption de la pluralité
d'interruptions a une durée d'interruption, et dans lequel l'au moins un dispositif
de commande (34) est apte à sélectionner et exécuter un programme d'illumination différent
parmi la pluralité de programmes d'illumination si la durée d'interruption d'au moins
une interruption est inférieure ou égale à une durée prédéterminée.
20. Appareil (44) selon la revendication 19, dans lequel l'au moins un dispositif de commande
(34) est apte à ne pas sélectionner et à ne pas exécuter un programme d'illumination
différent parmi la pluralité de programmes d'illumination si la durée d'interruption
de l'au moins une interruption est supérieure à la durée prédéterminée.
21. Procédé, comprenant les actes consistant à :
a) fournir au moins une source de lumière (24) capable de générer un rayonnement de
couleur variable sans utiliser de filtre de couleur ;
b) commander au moins une couleur du rayonnement de couleur variable générée par l'au
moins une source de lumière (24) en exécutant au moins un programme d'illumination
ayant au moins un paramètre variable et en modifiant l'au moins un paramètre variable
de l'au moins un programme d'illumination sur la base d'au moins une interruption
de l'alimentation électrique fournie à l'au moins une source de lumière (34), dans
lequel l'acte b) comprend un acte consistant à :
b1) commander le rayonnement de couleur variable sur la base de l'au moins une interruption
de l'alimentation électrique ayant une durée d'interruption qui est inférieure ou
égale à une durée prédéterminée.
22. Procédé selon la revendication 21, dans lequel l'au moins une source de lumière (24)
comprend au moins deux LED de couleurs différentes (32), et dans lequel l'acte b)
comprend un acte consistant à :
commander indépendamment chaque LED (32) de l'au moins deux LED de couleurs différentes
sur la base de l'au moins une première interruption de l'alimentation électrique fournie
à l'au moins une source de lumière (24).
23. Procédé selon la revendication 22, dans lequel l'au moins une source de lumière (24)
comprend au moins une LED rouge, au moins une LED verte, et au moins une LED bleue,
et dans lequel l'acte b) comprend un acte consistant à :
commander indépendamment l'au moins une LED rouge, l'au moins une LED verte, et l'au
moins une LED bleue sur la base de l'au moins une interruption de l'alimentation électrique
fournie à l'au moins une source de lumière (24).
24. Procédé selon la revendication 21, dans lequel l'au moins une source de lumière (24)
est en outre apte à être supportée par l'au moins un d'une piscine et d'un spa (20)
contenant un liquide, et dans lequel le procédé comprend en outre un acte consistant
à :
c) illuminer le liquide dans l'un de la piscine et du spa (20) avec le rayonnement
de couleur variable.
25. Procédé selon la revendication 21, dans lequel l'acte b) comprend en outre un acte
consistant à :
b2) ne pas changer le rayonnement de couleur variable si la durée d'interruption de
l'au moins une première interruption de l'alimentation électrique est supérieure à
la durée prédéterminée.
26. Procédé selon la revendication 21, dans lequel l'acte b) comprend un acte consistant
à :
b3) charger au moins un circuit de temporisation (150) sur la base d'une application
de l'alimentation électrique fournie à l'appareil.
27. Procédé selon la revendication 26, dans lequel l'acte b3) comprend un acte consistant
à :
sélectionner une constante de temps de l'au moins un circuit de temporisation (150)
sur la base de la durée prédéterminée.
28. Procédé selon la revendication 21, dans lequel l'acte b) comprend un acte consistant
à :
b4) sélectionner et exécuter au moins un programme d'illumination, sur la base d'au
moins une deuxième interruption de l'alimentation électrique, de manière à commander
le rayonnement de couleur variable généré par l'au moins une source de lumière (24).
29. Procédé selon la revendication 28, dans lequel l'au moins un programme d'illumination
comprend une pluralité de programmes d'illumination, et dans lequel l'acte b4) comprend
un acte consistant à :
b5) sélectionner et exécuter un programme d'illumination particulier parmi la pluralité
de programmes d'illumination sur la base de l'au moins une deuxième interruption de
l'alimentation électrique fournie à l'appareil.
30. Procédé selon la revendication 29, dans lequel l'acte b4) comprend en outre un acte
consistant à :
b6) indiquer à un utilisateur que le programme d'illumination particulier a été sélectionné.
31. Procédé selon la revendication 30, dans lequel l'acte b6) comprend un acte consistant
à :
b7) indiquer à l'utilisateur par l'intermédiaire du rayonnement de couleur variable
que le programme d'illumination particulier a été sélectionné.
32. Procédé selon la revendication 31, dans lequel l'acte b7) comprend un acte consistant
à :
b8) modifier temporairement au moins un paramètre variable du programme d'illumination
particulier de manière à indiquer à l'utilisateur que le programme d'illumination
particulier a été sélectionné.
33. Procédé selon la revendication 32, dans lequel le programme d'illumination particulier
comprend un programme de variation de couleur dynamique, dans lequel l'au moins un
paramètre variable comprend une vitesse de variation de couleur du programme de variation
de couleur dynamique, et dans lequel l'acte b8) comprend un acte consistant à :
b9) modifier temporairement la vitesse de variation de couleur du programme de variation
de couleur dynamique de manière à indiquer à l'utilisateur que le programme de variation
de couleur dynamique a été sélectionné.
34. Procédé selon la revendication 33, dans lequel l'acte b9) comprend un acte consistant
à :
augmenter temporairement la vitesse de variation de couleur du programme de variation
de couleur dynamique de manière à indiquer à l'utilisateur que le programme de variation
de couleur dynamique a été sélectionné.
35. Procédé selon la revendication 29, dans lequel l'au moins une deuxième interruption
comprend une pluralité d'interruptions, et dans lequel l'acte b5) comprend un acte
consistant à :
b10) sélectionner et exécuter différents programmes d'illumination parmi la pluralité
de programmes d'illumination sur la base d'interruptions successives de la pluralité
d'interruptions.
36. Procédé selon la revendication 35, dans lequel chaque programme d'illumination de
la pluralité de programmes d'illumination est associé à un identifiant dans une séquence
d'identifiants, et dans lequel l'acte b10) comprend un acte consistant à :
sélectionner et exécuter séquentiellement les différents programmes d'illumination
sur la base de la séquence d'identifiants et des interruptions successives.
37. Procédé selon la revendication 35, dans lequel chaque interruption de la pluralité
d'interruptions a une durée d'interruption, et dans lequel l'acte b10) comprend un
acte consistant à :
sélectionner et exécuter un programme d'illumination différent parmi la pluralité
de programmes d'illumination si la durée d'interruption d'au moins une interruption
est inférieure ou égale à une durée prédéterminée.
38. Procédé selon la revendication 37, dans lequel l'acte b10) comprend en outre un acte
consistant à :
ne pas sélectionner et ne pas exécuter un programme d'illumination différent parmi
la pluralité de programmes d'illumination si la durée d'interruption de l'au moins
une interruption est supérieure à la durée prédéterminée.