PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to the following U.S. Provisional Applications:
Serial No. 60/464,185, filed April 21, 2003, entitled "Tile lighting Methods and Systems;
Serial No. 60/467,913, filed May 5, 2003, entitled "Tile Lighting Methods and Systems;
Serial No. 60/500,754, filed September 5, 2003, entitled "Tile Lighting Methods and Systems;
Serial No. 60/523,903, filed November 20, 2003, entitled "Light System Manager;" and
Serial No. 60/558,400, filed March 31, 2004, entitled "Methods and Systems for Providing Lighting Components."
BACKGROUND
[0002] LED-based lighting methods and systems are known, including those developed and marketed
by Color Kinetics Incorporated and those disclosed in the patents, patent applications
and other documents. A need exists for improved lighting fixtures that take full advantage
of the inventive aspects of LED-based illumination methods and systems, including
lighting fixtures with particular forms, including lighting fixtures that take the
form of tiles.
[0003] US2003072145A1 discloses a ceiling light fixture comprising a housing and having a plurality of
light sources disposed on a board within the housing and a diffuser arranged in front
of the light sources.
SUMMARY
[0004] The methods and systems disclosed herein include those for providing a tile lighting
system that may comprise a lighting system configured in a two-dimensional shape,
such as a square, rectangle, circle, polygon, or other shape. Methods and systems
are disclosed herein for controlling light output from such a tile light, for mechanically
constructing a tile light to provide optimal light output, for connecting tile lights
to each other to facilitate addressing and controlling such tile lights, for authoring
effects to be presented with such a tile light, for supplying power and data to such
a tile light, and other aspects.
[0005] Methods and systems disclosed herein also encompass three-dimensional lights that
comprise combinations of flat circuit boards of simple geometries. For example, a
substantially spherical lighting unit can be formed from circuit boards of simple
polygons, such as triangles, hexagons or pentagons. Similarly, a pyramidal lighting
unit can be formed of triangular lighting units. Such three-dimensional lighting units
can be addressed, powered, and controlled in the manner described for other lighting
units herein, and effects for such lighting units can be authored using methods and
systems described herein.
[0006] The methods and systems disclosed herein may further comprise control protocols,
which may include disposing a plurality of lighting units in a serial configuration
and controlling all of them by a stream of data to respective ASICs (Application Specific
Integrated Circuits) of each of them, wherein each lighting system responds to the
first unmodified bit of data in the stream, modifies that bit of data, and transmits
the stream to the next ASIC. This protocol is described herein in some cases as a
"string light" protocol or as a Chromasic protocol, such as that offered by Color
Kinetics Incorporated and described in the patent applications.
[0007] The methods and systems may further include providing a communication facility of
the lighting system, wherein the lighting system responds to data from a source exterior
to the lighting system. The data may come from a signal source exterior to the lighting
system. The signal source may be a wireless signal source. In embodiments the signal
source includes a sensor for sensing an environmental condition, and the control of
the lighting system is in response to the environmental condition. In embodiments
the signal source generates a signal based on a scripted lighting program for the
lighting system.
[0008] In embodiments the control of the lighting system is based on assignment of lighting
system units as objects in an object-oriented computer program. In embodiments the
computer program is an authoring system. In embodiments the authoring system relates
attributes in a virtual system to real world attributes of lighting systems. In embodiments
the real world attributes include positions of lighting units of the lighting system.
In embodiments the computer program is a computer game. In other embodiments the computer
program is a music program.
[0009] In embodiments of the methods and systems provided herein, the lighting system includes
a power supply. In embodiments the power supply is a power-factor-controlled power
supply. In embodiments the power supply is a two-stage power supply. In embodiments
the power factor correction includes an energy storage capacitor and a DC-DC converter.
In embodiments the PFC and energy storage capacitor are separated from the DC-DC converter
by a bus.
[0010] In embodiments of the methods and systems provided herein, the lighting systems further
include disposing at least one such lighting unit in or on a building. In embodiments
the lighting units are disposed in an array on a building. In embodiments the array
is configured to facilitate displaying at least one of a number, a word, a letter,
a logo, a brand, and a symbol. In embodiments the array is configured to display a
light show with time-based effects.
[0011] Methods and systems disclosed herein include methods and systems for providing a
tile lighting system. The tile lighting system may include a plurality of addressable
lighting units disposed in a grid, a controller for controlling the illumination from
the addressable lighting units and a light diffusing cover for covering the grid.
In embodiments the light diffusing cover may include a phosphorescent material. In
embodiments the light diffusing cover is substantially translucent. In embodiments
the light diffusing cover is provided with a geometric shape. In embodiments the light
diffusing cover is provided with an irregular pattern.
[0012] In embodiments the lighting system is configured to be disposed in proximity to similar
lighting systems in a tile arrangement. In embodiments the lighting units are controlled
using a string light protocol. In embodiments the light system may further include
an authoring system for authoring effects on the tile lighting system. In embodiments
lighting system is capable of coordinating effects with another similar lighting system.
[0013] In embodiments the lighting system is disposed in an architectural environment. In
embodiments the lighting system is disposed on a building exterior.
[0014] Methods and systems described herein include providing a tile light that includes
a plurality of LED lighting units disposed on a circuit board in an array, wherein
the LED lighting units respond to control signals to produce mixed light of varying
colors and a diffuser for receiving light from the lighting units. In embodiments
the light diffusing cover may include a phosphorescent material. In embodiments the
light diffusing cover is substantially translucent. In embodiments the light diffusing
cover is provided with a geometric shape. In embodiments the light diffusing cover
is provided with an irregular pattern.
[0015] In embodiments the methods and systems may include an authoring system for authoring
effects for the lighting system. In embodiments the authoring system is an object-oriented
authoring facility. In embodiments an effect displayed on the array corresponds to
a graphical representation of the authoring facility. In embodiments an effect displayed
on the array corresponds to an incoming video signal. In embodiments the array is
disposed in an architectural environment. In embodiments the array is disposed on
a building exterior.
[0016] Methods and systems described herein include providing a tile light that includes
a plurality of linear LED lighting units disposed about the perimeter of a substantially
rectangular housing and a diffuser for diffusing light from the lighting units. In
embodiments the diffuser may include a phosphorescent material, may be substantially
translucent, may be provided with a geometric shape or may be provided with an irregular
pattern. In embodiments the methods and systems include a reflector in the housing
for providing a consistent level of light output to different portions of the diffuser.
In embodiments to divided into a plurality of cells. In embodiments the cells are
triangular. In embodiments the methods and systems include an authoring system for
authoring effects for the lighting system. In embodiments the authoring system is
an object-oriented authoring facility. In embodiments an effect displayed on the array
corresponds to a graphical representation of the authoring facility. In embodiments
the array is disposed in an architectural environment. In embodiments the array is
disposed on a building exterior.
[0017] Methods and systems described herein include lighting systems that include a series
of LED-based lighting units, wherein each lighting unit is configured respond to data
addressed to it in a serial addressing protocol, wherein the series of lighting units
is configured in a flexible string and a fastening facility for holding the flexible
string in a predetermined configuration. In embodiments the fastening facility is
a substantially linear channel for holding the flexible string. In embodiments the
fastening facility holds the flexible string in an array. In embodiments the methods
and systems include an authoring system for authoring effects for the lighting system.
In embodiments the authoring system is an object-oriented authoring facility. In embodiments
an effect displayed on the array corresponds to a graphical representation of the
authoring facility. In embodiments an effect displayed on the array corresponds to
an incoming video signal. In embodiments the array is disposed in an architectural
environment. In embodiments the array is disposed on a building exterior.
[0018] Methods and systems disclosed herein include a modular component for a lighting system
that includes a series of LED-based lighting units disposed in an array on a circuit
board, wherein each lighting unit is configured respond to data addressed to it in
a serial addressing protocol. The methods and systems may further include an authoring
system for authoring effects for the lighting system. In embodiments the authoring
system is an object-oriented authoring facility. In embodiments an effect displayed
on the array corresponds to a graphical representation of the authoring facility.
In embodiments an effect displayed on the array corresponds to an incoming video signal.
In embodiments the circuit board is a flexible circuit board. In embodiments the circuit
board is a printed circuit board. In embodiments the array is disposed in an architectural
environment. In embodiments the array is disposed on a building exterior.
[0019] Methods and systems disclosed herein include methods and systems for providing a
lighting system that includes a plurality of modular components, wherein each modular
component includes a series of LED-based lighting units disposed in an array on a
circuit board, wherein each lighting unit is configured respond to data addressed
to it in a serial addressing protocol. In embodiments the modular components are disposed
adjacent to each other to form a large array of modular components. The methods and
systems may further include an authoring system for authoring effects for the lighting
system. In embodiments the authoring system is an object-oriented authoring facility.
In embodiments an effect displayed on the large array corresponds to a graphical representation
of the authoring facility. In embodiments an effect displayed on the array corresponds
to an incoming video signal. In embodiments the array is disposed in an architectural
environment. In embodiments the array is disposed on a building exterior.
[0020] Method and systems disclosed herein include controlled, networked or non-networked
illumination devices. The fundamental building blocks include semiconductor-based
illumination devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that are used to illuminate
surfaces. Included are system and methods for creating surfaces that can provide patterns
of color and color changing capability at a variety of scales. The devices, in many
embodiments, can be incorporated into any 2D or 3D surface. In embodiments, the illuminated
surfaces include geometries to maximize light output, homogenize and diffuse light
output, and to shape light output. The viewed surfaces incorporate textures and 2D
or 3D forms to guide and direct light towards the viewer.
[0021] A variety of fastening methods are also described to mount and connect devices onto
or into surfaces.
[0022] As used herein for purposes of the present disclosure, the term "LED" should be understood
to include any light emitting diode or other type of carrier injection / junction-based
system that is capable of generating radiation in response to an electric signal.
Thus, the term LED includes, but is not limited to, various semiconductor-based structures
that emit light in response to current, light emitting polymers, light-emitting strips,
electro-luminescent strips, and the like.
[0023] In particular, the term LED refers to light emitting diodes of all types (including
semi-conductor and organic light emitting diodes) that may be configured to generate
radiation in one or more of the infrared spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum, and various
portions of the visible spectrum (generally including radiation wavelengths from approximately
400 nanometers to approximately 700 nanometers). Some examples of LEDs include, but
are not limited to, various types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, red LEDs, blue
LEDs, green LEDs, yellow LEDs, amber LEDs, orange LEDs, and white LEDs (discussed
further below). It also should be appreciated that LEDs may be configured to generate
radiation having various bandwidths for a given spectrum (e.g., narrow bandwidth,
broad bandwidth).
[0024] It should be noted that LED(s) in systems according to the present invention might
be any color including white, ultraviolet, infrared or other colors within the electromagnetic
spectrum. As used herein, the term "LED" should be further understood to include,
without limitation, light emitting diodes of all types, light emitting polymers, semiconductor
dies that produce light in response to current, organic LEDs, electroluminescent strips,
and other such systems. In an embodiment, an "LED" may refer to a single light emitting
diode having multiple semiconductor dies that are individually controlled. It should
also be understood that the term "LED" does not restrict the package type of the LED.
The term "LED" includes packaged LEDs, non-packaged LEDs, surface mount LEDs, chip
on board LEDs and LEDs of all other configurations.
[0025] The term "LED" also includes LEDs packaged or associated with material (e.g. a phosphor)
wherein the material may convert energy from the LED to a different wavelength.
[0026] For example, one implementation of an LED configured to generate essentially white
light (e.g., a white LED) may include a number of dies which respectively emit different
spectrums of luminescence that, in combination, mix to form essentially white light.
In another implementation, a white light LED may be associated with a phosphor material
that converts luminescence having a first spectrum to a different second spectrum.
In one example of this implementation, luminescence having a relatively short wavelength
and narrow bandwidth spectrum "pumps" the phosphor material, which in turn radiates
longer wavelength radiation having a somewhat broader spectrum.
[0027] It should also be understood that the term LED does not limit the physical and/or
electrical package type of an LED. For example, as discussed above, an LED may refer
to a single light emitting device having multiple dies that are configured to respectively
emit different spectrums of radiation (e.g., that may or may not be individually controllable).
Also, an LED may be associated with a phosphor that is considered as an integral part
of the LED (e.g., some types of white LEDs). In general, the term LED may refer to
packaged LEDs, non-packaged LEDs, surface mount LEDs, chip-on-board LEDs, radial package
LEDs, power package LEDs, LEDs including some type of encasement and/or optical element
(e.g., a diffusing lens), etc.
[0028] The term "light source" should be understood to refer to any one or more of a variety
of radiation sources, including, but not limited to, LED-based sources as defined
above, incandescent sources (e.g., filament lamps, halogen lamps), fluorescent sources,
phosphorescent sources, high-intensity discharge sources (e.g., sodium vapor, mercury
vapor, and metal halide lamps), lasers, other types of luminescent sources, electro-luminescent
sources, pyro-luminescent sources (e.g., flames), candle-luminescent sources (e.g.,
gas mantles, carbon arc radiation sources), photo-luminescent sources (e.g., gaseous
discharge sources), cathode luminescent sources using electronic satiation, galvano-luminescent
sources, crystallo-luminescent sources, kine-luminescent sources, thermo-luminescent
sources, tribo luminescent sources , sonoluminescent sources, radio luminescent sources,
and luminescent polymers.
[0029] A given light source may be configured to generate electromagnetic radiation within
the visible spectrum, outside the visible spectrum, or a combination of both. Hence,
the terms "light" and "radiation" are used interchangeably herein. Additionally, a
light source may include as an integral component one or more filters (e.g., color
filters), lenses, or other optical components. Also, it should be understood that
light sources may be configured for a variety of applications, including, but not
limited to, indication and/or illumination. An "illumination source" is a light source
that is particularly configured to generate radiation having a sufficient intensity
to effectively illuminate an interior or exterior space.
[0030] An LED system is one type of illumination source. As used herein "illumination source"
should be understood to include all illumination sources, including LED systems, as
well as incandescent sources, including filament lamps, pyro-luminescent sources,
such as flames, candle-luminescent sources, such as gas mantles and carbon arch radiation
sources, as well as photo-luminescent sources, including gaseous discharges, fluorescent
sources, phosphorescence sources, lasers, electro-luminescent sources, such as electro-luminescent
lamps, light emitting diodes, and cathode luminescent sources using electronic satiation,
as well as miscellaneous luminescent sources including galvano-luminescent sources,
crystallo-luminescent sources, kine-luminescent sources, thermo-luminescent sources,
triboluminescent sources, sonoluminescent sources, and radio luminescent sources.
Illumination sources may also include luminescent polymers capable of producing primary
colors.
[0031] The term "illuminate" should be understood to refer to the production of a frequency
of radiation by an illumination source. The term "color" should be understood to refer
to any frequency of radiation within a spectrum; that is, a "color," as used herein,
should be understood to encompass frequencies not only of the visible spectrum, but
also frequencies in the infrared and ultraviolet areas of the spectrum, and in other
areas of the electromagnetic spectrum.
[0032] The term "spectrum" should be understood to refer to any one or more frequencies
(or wavelengths) of radiation produced by one or more light sources. Accordingly,
the term "spectrum" refers to frequencies (or wavelengths) not only in the visible
range, but also frequencies (or wavelengths) in the infrared, ultraviolet, and other
areas of the overall electromagnetic spectrum. Also, a given spectrum may have a relatively
narrow bandwidth (essentially few frequency or wavelength components) or a relatively
wide bandwidth (several frequency or wavelength components having various relative
strengths). It should also be appreciated that a given spectrum may be the result
of a mixing of two or more other spectrums (e.g., mixing radiation respectively emitted
from multiple light sources).
[0033] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "color" is used interchangeably with the
term "spectrum." However, the term "color" generally is used to refer primarily to
a property of radiation that is perceivable by an observer (although this usage is
not intended to limit the scope of this term). Accordingly, the terms "different colors"
implicitly refer to different spectrums having different wavelength components and/or
bandwidths. It also should be appreciated that the term "color" may be used in connection
with both white and non-white light.
[0034] The term "color temperature" generally is used herein in connection with white light,
although this usage is not intended to limit the scope of this term. Color temperature
essentially refers to a particular color content or shade (e.g., reddish, bluish)
of white light. The color temperature of a given radiation sample conventionally is
characterized according to the temperature in degrees Kelvin (K) of a black body radiator
that radiates essentially the same spectrum as the radiation sample in question. The
color temperature of white light generally falls within a range of from approximately
700 degrees K (generally considered the first visible to the human eye) to over 10,000
degrees K.
[0035] Lower color temperatures generally indicate white light having a more significant
red component or a "warmer feel," while higher color temperatures generally indicate
white light having a more significant blue component or a "cooler feel." By way of
example, a wood burning fire has a color temperature of approximately 1 ,800 degrees
K, a conventional incandescent bulb has a color temperature of approximately 2848
degrees K, early morning daylight has a color temperature of approximately 3,000 degrees
K, and overcast midday skies have a color temperature of approximately 10,000 degrees
K. A color image viewed under white light having a color temperature of approximately
3,000 degree K has a relatively reddish tone, whereas the same color image viewed
under white light having a color temperature of approximately 10,000 degrees K has
a relatively bluish tone.
[0036] The terms "lighting unit" and "lighting fixture" are used interchangeably herein
to refer to an apparatus including one or more light sources of same or different
types. A given lighting unit may have any one of a variety of mounting arrangements
for the light source(s), enclosure/housing arrangements and shapes, and/or electrical
and mechanical connection configurations. Additionally, a given lighting unit optionally
may be associated with (e.g., include, be coupled to and/or packaged together with)
various other components (e.g., control circuitry) relating to the operation of the
light source(s). An "LED-based lighting unit" refers to a lighting unit that includes
one or more LED-based light sources as discussed above, alone or in combination with
other non LED-based light sources.
[0037] The terms "processor" or "controller" are used herein interchangeably to describe
various apparatus relating to the operation of one or more light sources. A processor
or controller can be implemented in numerous ways, such as with dedicated hardware,
using one or more microprocessors that are programmed using software (e.g., microcode
or firmware) to perform the various functions discussed herein, or as a combination
of dedicated hardware to perform some functions and programmed microprocessors and
associated circuitry to perform other functions. Among other things, processor can
include an integrated circuit, such as an application specific integrated circuit.
[0038] In various implementations, a processor or controller may be associated with one
or more storage media (generically referred to herein as "memory," e.g., volatile
and non- volatile computer memory such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, floppy disks,
compact disks, optical disks, magnetic tape, etc.). In some implementations, the storage
media may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more
processors and/or controllers, perform at least some of the functions discussed herein.
Various storage media may be fixed within a processor or controller or may be transportable,
such that the one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded into a processor or
controller so as to implement various aspects of the present invention discussed herein.
The terms "program" or "computer program" are used herein in a generic sense to refer
to any type of computer code (e.g., software or microcode) that can be employed to
program one or more processors or controllers, including by retrieval of stored sequences
of instructions.
[0039] The term "addressable" is used herein to refer to a device (e.g., a light source
in general, a lighting unit or fixture, a controller or processor associated with
one or more light sources or lighting units, other non-lighting related devices, etc.)
that is configured to receive information (e.g., data) intended for multiple devices,
including itself, and to selectively respond to particular information intended for
it. The term "addressable" often is used in connection with a networked environment
(or a "network," discussed further below), in which multiple devices are coupled together
via some communications medium or media.
[0040] In one implementation, one or more devices coupled to a network may serve as a controller
for one or more other devices coupled to the network (e.g., in a master / slave relationship).
In another implementation, a networked environment may include one or more dedicated
controllers that are configured to control one or more of the devices coupled to the
network. Generally, multiple devices coupled to the network each may have access to
data that is present on the communications medium or media; however, a given device
may be "addressable" in that it is configured to selectively exchange data with (i.e.,
receive data from and/or transmit data to) the network, based, for example, on one
or more particular identifiers (e.g., "addresses") assigned to it. In another implementation,
devices may be configured to receive data in a certain order or along a certain path,
such as by being placed along a line or string. In such an implementation, data may
be addressed to a particular lighting unit according to its ordinal position in the
string. Thus, the first unit responds to the first packet of data, the second unit
responds to the second packet of data, and so on. This may be accomplished, for example,
by having each lighting unit modify the packet of data that is addressed to it (such
as by placing a "1" in the first position of a byte of data) and by having each lighting
unit respond to the first unmodified packet of data. This and other implementations
that rely on the ordinal position of the lighting units along a string of lighting
units are referred to herein as "string light" protocols.
[0041] The term "network" as used herein refers to any interconnection of two or more devices
(including controllers or processors) that facilitates the transport of information
(e.g. for device control, data storage, data exchange, etc.) between any two or more
devices and/or among multiple devices coupled to the network. As should be readily
appreciated, various implementations of networks suitable for interconnecting multiple
devices may include any of a variety of network topologies and employ any of a variety
of communication protocols. Additionally, in various networks according to the present
invention, any one connection between two devices may represent a dedicated connection
between the two systems, or alternatively a non-dedicated connection. In addition
to carrying information intended for the two devices, such a non-dedicated connection
may carry information not necessarily intended for either of the two devices (e.g.,
an open network connection). Furthermore, it should be readily appreciated that various
networks of devices as discussed herein may employ one or more wireless, wire/cable,
and/or fiber optic links to facilitate information transport throughout the network.
[0042] The lighting systems described herein may also include a user interface used to change
and or select the lighting effects displayed by the lighting system. The communication
between the user interface and the processor may be accomplished through wired or
wireless transmission. The term "user interface" as used herein refers to an interface
between a human user or operator and one or more devices that enables communication
between the user and the device(s). Examples of user interfaces that may be employed
in various implementations of the present invention include, but are not limited to,
switches, human-machine interfaces, operator interfaces, potentiometers, buttons,
dials, sliders, a mouse, keyboard, keypad, various types of game controllers (e.g.,
joysticks), track balls, display screens, various types of graphical user interfaces
(GUIs), touch screens, microphones and other types of sensors that may receive some
form of human-generated stimulus and generate a signal in response thereto.
[0043] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional
concepts discussed in greater detail below are contemplated. In particular, all combinations
of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044]
Fig. 1 illustrates one example of a lighting unit that may serve as a device in a
lighting environment according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 depicts a lighting system with a plurality of lighting units and a central
controller.
Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram for a programming device for programming a lighting
unit in accordance with the principles of the invention.
Fig. 4 depicts various configurations of lighting units in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 5 depicts a tile lighting fixture in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 6 depicts wall mounting methods and systems for a tile light embodiment of the
invention.
Fig. 7 depicts a wall mounting rail system for a tile lighting system.
Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of an electrical and mechanical connection between units
of a tile lighting system.
Fig. 9 illustrates a magnetic connection among two tile light units.
Fig. 10 illustrates a bracket system for connecting tile lighting units.
Fig. 11 illustrates a portion of a lighting unit controller including a power-sensing
module according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 12 shows an example of a circuit implementation of a lighting unit controller
including a power-sensing module according to one embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 13 illustrates a bracket system for connecting tile lighting units and for attaching
the tile lighting units to a wall or other surface.
Fig. 14 illustrates a system for creating a halo effect about a tile lighting unit.
Fig. 15 illustrates an edge-lit embodiment of the interior of a tile light as well
as the lit exterior cover of the tile light.
Fig. 16 illustrates embodiments of a diffusing panel exterior for a tile lighting
unit.
Fig. 17 illustrates additional embodiments of a diffusing panel exterior of a tile
lighting unit.
Fig. 18 illustrates a tile lighting unit designed to be placed flush to a flat surface.
Fig. 19 illustrates additional form factors for a tile lighting unit that is designed
to be placed flush on a flat surface.
Fig. 20 depicts an array or grid of addressable lighting units that can form the interior
of a tile lighting unit.
Fig. 21 depicts another embodiment of an array or grid of addressable lighting units
for the interior of a tile lighting units.
Fig. 22 depicts an embodiment of a diffusing element disposed proximally to an LED
lighting unit for diffusing light in a tile lighting unit.
Fig. 23 depicts a Penrose tile configuration for a lighting unit.
Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram showing elements for authoring a lighting control signal.
Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram showing elements for generating a lighting control
signal from an animation facility and light management facility.
Fig. 26 illustrates a configuration file for data relating to light systems in an
environment.
Fig. 27 illustrates a virtual representation of an environment using a computer screen.
Fig. 28 is a representation of an environment with light systems that project light
onto portions of the environment.
Fig. 29 is a schematic diagram showing the propagation of an effect through a light
system.
Fig. 30 is a flow diagram showing steps for using an image capture device to determine
the positions of a plurality of light systems in an environment.
Fig. 31 is a flow diagram showing steps for interacting with a graphical user interface
to generate a lighting effect in an environment,
Fig. 32 is a schematic diagram depicting light systems that transmit data that is
generated by a network transmitter.
Fig. 33 is a flow diagram showing steps for generating a control signal for a light
system using an object-oriented programming technique.
Fig. 34 shows a configuration of multiple tile lighting units in a self-configuring
network.
Fig. 35 shows a substantially spherical lighting unit formed of a plurality of flat
circuit board lighting units.
Fig. 36 shows a close view of elements of the embodiment of Fig. 35.
Fig. 37 shows a substantially triangular circuit board element designed to interlock
with other circuit board elements to form the substantially spherical lighting unit
of Fig. 35.
Fig. 38 shows platonic solids that can be formed from polygons and that can comprise
lighting unit configurations according to the principles of the invention.
Fig. 39 shows a network configuration for a plurality of lighting units.
Fig. 40 shows a plurality of tile lights connected by a very high speed serial bus.
Fig. 41 shows a set of LEDs placed in varying proximity to a diffuser.
Fig. 42 shows a direct view of an LED board with a plurality of lighting elements
disposed on it.
Fig. 43 shows an LED board with a diffuser disposed in proximity to it at an angle
relative to the surface of the board.
Fig. 44 shows embodiments of different shapes and types of materials that can be used
as diffusers.
Fig. 45 shows examples of fastening facilities for light nodes of the methods and
systems described herein.
Fig. 46 shows a push-through fastening mechanism for a light node.
Fig. 47 shows a three-dimensional, complex surface of a diffuser.
Fig. 48 shows a hemispherical diffuser with a graphical element included on it.
Fig. 49 shows the superposition of materials on top of an array of light nodes, including
transparent and translucent materials
Fig. 50 shows superposition of a logo or other graphical element on an array of light
nodes.
Fig. 51 shows a regular, planar array of LEDs on a board.
Fig. 52 shows an irregular pattern of LEDs in an array.
Fig. 53 shows a three-dimensional, Mobius strip configuration of an array of LEDs.
Fig. 54 shows a grid for holding light nodes.
Fig. 55 shows an embodiment of a grid holding light nodes configured to represent
a picture.
Fig. 56 shows a string light node with a short lens cap.
Fig. 57 shows a string light node with an elongated lens cap.
Fig. 58 shows a string light node with no lens cap.
Fig. 59 shows a CAD drawing of a string light node.
Fig. 60 shows a CAD drawing of a string light node in a no-lens embodiment.
Fig. 61 shows a tile light with a sensing user interface.
Fig. 62 shows surfaces on which a tile lighting unit may be disposed or in which it
may be integrated.
Fig. 63 shows an embodiment of a tile light for lighting a water environment.
Fig. 64 shows a circuit board with an array of light sources.
Fig. 65 shows another embodiment of a circuit board with an array of light sources.
Fig. 66 shows a back view of the printed circuit board of Figs. 64 and 65.
Fig. 67 shows additional configurations for lighting units.
Fig. 68 shows an array created from a plurality of nodes.
Fig. 69A-B show a light system manager facility.
Fig. 70 shows an embodiment of a networked light system manager facility.
Fig. 71 shows an embodiment of a light system manager where control instructions are
relayed as XML scripts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] The description below pertains to several illustrative embodiments of the invention.
Although many variations of the invention may be envisioned by one skilled in the
art, such variations and improvements are intended to fall within the compass of this
disclosure. Thus, the scope of the invention is not to be limited in any way by the
disclosure below.
[0046] Various embodiments of the present invention are described below, including certain
embodiments relating particularly to LED-based light sources. It should be appreciated,
however, that the present invention is not limited to any particular manner of implementation,
and that the various embodiments discussed explicitly herein are primarily for purposes
of illustration. For example, the various concepts discussed herein may be suitably
implemented in a variety of environments involving LED-based light sources, other
types of light sources not including LEDs, environments that involve both LEDs and
other types of light sources in combination, and environments that involve non-lighting-related
devices alone or in combination with various types of light sources.
[0047] Fig. 1 illustrates one example of a lighting unit 100 that may serve as a device
in a lighting environment according to one embodiment of the present invention. Some
examples of LED-based lighting units similar to those that are described below in
connection with Fig. 1 maybe found, for example, in
U.S. Patent No. 6,016,038, issued January 18, 2000 to Mueller et al., entitled "Multicolored LED Lighting Method and Apparatus," and
U.S. Patent No. 6,211,626, issued April 3, 2001 to Lys et al, entitled "Illumination Components."
[0048] In various embodiments of the present invention, the lighting unit 100 shown in Fig.
1 may be used alone or together with other similar lighting units in a system of lighting
units (e.g., as discussed further below in connection with Fig. 2). Used alone or
in combination with other lighting units, the lighting unit 100 may be employed in
a variety of applications including, but not limited to, interior or exterior space
illumination in general, direct or indirect illumination of objects or spaces, theatrical
or other entertainment-based / special effects illumination, decorative illumination,
safety-oriented illumination, vehicular illumination, illumination of displays and/or
merchandise (e.g. for advertising and/or in retail/consumer environments), combined
illumination and communication systems, etc., as well as for various indication and
informational purposes.
[0049] Additionally, one or more lighting units similar to that described in connection
with Fig. 1 may be implemented in a variety of products including, but not limited
to, various forms of lighting fixtures, various forms of light modules or bulbs having
various shapes and electrical/mechanical coupling arrangements (including replacement
or "retrofit" modules or bulbs adapted for use in conventional sockets or fixtures),
as well as a variety of consumer and/or household products (e.g., night lights, toys,
games or game components, entertainment components or systems, utensils, appliances,
kitchen aids, cleaning products, etc.).
[0050] In one embodiment, the lighting unit 100 shown in Fig. 1 may include one or more
light sources 104, such as the light sources 104 A, 104B, 104C, and 104D of Fig. 1,
wherein one or more of the light sources may be an LED-based light source that includes
one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). In one aspect of this embodiment, any two
or more of the light sources 104 A, 104B, 104C and 104D maybe adapted to generate
radiation of different colors (e.g. red, green, and blue, respectively). Although
Fig. 1 shows four light sources 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D, it should be appreciated
that the lighting unit is not limited in this respect, as different numbers and various
types of light sources (all LED-based light sources, LED-based and non-LED-based light
sources in combination, etc.) adapted to generate radiation of a variety of different
colors, including essentially white light, may be employed in the lighting unit 100,
as discussed further below.
[0051] As shown in Fig. 1 , the lighting unit 100 also may include a processor 102 that
is configured to output one or more control signals to drive the light sources 104
A, 104B, 104C and 104D so as to generate various intensities of light from the light
sources. For example, in one implementation, the processor 102 may be configured to
output at least one control signal for each light source so as to independently control
the intensity of light generated by each light source. Some examples of control signals
that may be generated by the processor to control the light sources include, but are
not limited to, pulse modulated signals, pulse width modulated signals (PWM), pulse
amplitude modulated signals (PAM), pulse displacement modulated signals, analog control
signals (e.g., current control signals, voltage control signals), combinations and/or
modulations of the foregoing signals, or other control signals. In one aspect, the
processor 102 may control other dedicated circuitry (not shown in Fig. 1), which in
turn controls the light sources so as to vary their respective intensities.
[0052] Lighting systems in accordance with this specification can operate LEDs in an efficient
manner. Typical LED performance characteristics depend on the amount of current drawn
by the LED. The optimal efficacy may be obtained at a lower current than the level
where maximum brightness occurs. LEDs are typically driven well above their most efficient
operating current to increase the brightness delivered by the LED while maintaining
a reasonable life expectancy. As a result, increased efficacy can be provided when
the maximum current value of the PWM signal may be variable. For example, if the desired
light output is less than the maximum required output the current maximum and/or the
PWM signal width may be reduced. This may result in pulse amplitude modulation (PAM),
for example; however, the width and amplitude of the current used to drive the LED
may be varied to optimize the LED performance. In an embodiment, a lighting system
may also be adapted to provide only amplitude control of the current through the LED.
While many of the embodiments provided herein describe the use of PWM and PAM to drive
the LEDs, one skilled in the art would appreciate that there are many techniques to
accomplish the LED control described herein and, as such, the scope of the present
invention is not limited by any one control technique. In embodiments, it is possible
to use other techniques, such as pulse frequency modulation (PFM), or pulse displacement
modulation (PDM), such as in combination with either or both of PWM and PAM.
[0053] Pulse width modulation (PWM) involves supplying a substantially constant current
to the LEDs for particular periods of time. The shorter the time, or pulse- width,
the less brightness an observer will observe in the resulting light. The human eye
integrates the light it receives over a period of time and, even though the current
through the LED may generate the same light level regardless of pulse duration, the
eye will perceive short pulses as "dimmer" than longer pulses. The PWM technique is
considered one of the preferred techniques for driving LEDs, although the present
invention is not limited to such control techniques. When two or more colored LEDs
are provided in a lighting system, the colors may be mixed and many variations of
colors can be generated by changing the intensity, or perceived intensity, of the
LEDs. In an embodiment, three colors of LEDs are presented (e.g., red, green and blue)
and each of the colors is driven with PWM to vary its apparent intensity. This system
allows for the generation of millions of colors (e.g., 16.7 million colors when 8-bit
control is used on each of the PWM channels).
[0054] In an embodiment the LEDs are modulated with PWM as well as modulating the amplitude
of the current driving the LEDs (Pulse Amplitude Modulation, or PAM). LED efficiency
increases to a maximum followed by decreasing efficiency as a function of current.
Typically, LEDs are driven at a current level beyond its maximum efficiency to attain
greater brightness while maintaining acceptable life expectancy. The objective is
typically to maximize the light output from the LED while maintaining an acceptable
lifetime. In an embodiment, the LEDs may be driven with a lower current maximum when
lower intensities are desired. PWM may still be used, but the maximum current intensity
may also be varied depending on the desired light output. For example, to decrease
the intensity of the light output from a maximum operational point, the amplitude
of the current may be decreased until the maximum efficiency is achieved. If further
reductions in the LED brightness are desired the PWM activation may be reduced to
reduce the apparent brightness.
[0055] In one embodiment of the lighting unit 100, one or more of the light sources 104A,
104B, 104C and 104D shown in Fig. 1 may include a group of multiple LEDs or other
types of light sources (e.g., various parallel and/or serial connections of LEDs or
other types of light sources) that are controlled together by the processor 102.
[0056] Additionally, it should be appreciated that one or more of the light sources 104
A, 104B, 104C and 104D may include one or more LEDs that are adapted to generate radiation
having any of a variety of spectra (i.e., wavelengths or wavelength bands), including,
but not limited to, various visible colors (including essentially white light), various
color temperatures of white light, ultraviolet, or infrared.
[0057] In another aspect of the lighting unit 100 shown in Fig. 1, the lighting unit 100
may be constructed and arranged to produce a wide range of variable color radiation.
For example, the lighting unit 100 may be particularly arranged such that the processor-controlled
variable intensity light generated by two or more of the light sources combines to
produce a mixed colored light (including essentially white light having a variety
of color temperatures). In particular, the color (or color temperature) of the mixed
colored light may be varied by varying one or more of the respective intensities of
the light sources (e.g., in response to one or more control signals output by the
processor 102). Furthermore, the processor 102 may be particularly configured (e.g.,
programmed) to provide control signals to one or more of the light sources so as to
generate a variety of static or time-varying (dynamic) multi-color (or multi-color
temperature) lighting effects.
[0058] As shown in Fig. 1, the lighting unit 100 also may include a memory 114 to store
various information. For example, the memory 114 may be employed to store one or more
lighting programs for execution by the processor 102 (e.g., to generate one or more
control signals for the light sources), as well as various types of data useful for
generating variable color radiation (e.g., calibration information, discussed further
below). The memory 114 also may store one or more particular identifiers (e.g., a
serial number, an address, etc.) that may be used either locally or on a system level
to identify the lighting unit 100. In various embodiments, such identifiers may be
pre-programmed by a manufacturer, for example, and may be either alterable or non-alterable
thereafter (e.g., via some type of user interface located on the lighting unit, via
one or more data or control signals received by the lighting unit, etc.). Alternatively,
such identifiers may be determined at the time of initial use of the lighting unit
in the field, and again may be alterable or non-alterable thereafter.
[0059] One issue that may arise in connection with controlling multiple light sources in
the lighting unit 100 of Fig. 1, and controlling multiple lighting unit 100 in a lighting
system (e.g., as discussed below in connection with Fig. 2), relates to potentially
perceptible differences in light output between substantially similar light sources.
For example, given two virtually identical light sources being driven by respective
identical control signals, the actual intensity of light output by each light source
may be perceptibly different. Such a difference in light output may be attributed
to various factors including, for example, slight manufacturing differences between
the light sources, normal wear and tear over time of the light sources that may differently
alter the respective spectrums of the generated radiation, etc. For purposes of the
present discussion, light sources for which a particular relationship between a control
signal and resulting intensity are not known are referred to as "uncalibrated" light
sources.
[0060] The use of one or more uncalibrated light sources in the lighting unit 100 shown
in Fig. 1 may result in generation of light having an unpredictable, or "uncalibrated,"
color or color temperature. For example, consider a first lighting unit including
a first uncalibrated red light source and a first uncalibrated blue light source,
each controlled by a corresponding control signal having an adjustable parameter in
a range of from zero to 255 (0-255). For purposes of this example, if the red control
signal is set to zero, blue light is generated, whereas if the blue control signal
is set to zero, red light is generated. However, if both control signals are varied
from non-zero values, a variety of perceptibly different colors may be produced (e.g.,
in this example, at very least, many different shades of purple are possible). In
particular, perhaps a particular desired color (e.g., lavender) is given by a red
control signal having a value of 125 and a blue control signal having a value of 200.
[0061] Now consider a second lighting unit including a second uncalibrated red light source
substantially similar to the first uncalibrated red light source of the first lighting
unit, and a second uncalibrated blue light source substantially similar to the first
uncalibrated blue light source of the first lighting unit. As discussed above, even
if both of the uncalibrated red light sources are driven by respective identical control
signals, the actual intensity of light output by each red light source may be perceptibly
different. Similarly, even if both of the uncalibrated blue light sources are driven
by respective identical control signals, the actual intensity of light output by each
blue light source may be perceptibly different.
[0062] With the foregoing in mind, it should be appreciated that if multiple uncalibrated
light sources are used in combination in lighting units to produce a mixed colored
light as discussed above, the observed color (or color temperature) of light produced
by different lighting units under identical control conditions may be perceivably
different. Specifically, consider again the "lavender" example above; the "first lavender"
produced by the first lighting unit with a red control signal of 125 and a blue control
signal of 200 indeed may be perceptibly different than a "second lavender" produced
by the second lighting unit with a red control signal of 125 and a blue control signal
of 200. More generally, the first and second lighting units generate uncalibrated
colors by virtue of their uncalibrated light sources.
[0063] In view of the foregoing, in one embodiment of the present invention, the lighting
unit 100 includes calibration means to facilitate the generation of light having a
calibrated (e.g., predictable, reproducible) color at any given time. In one aspect,
the calibration means is configured to adjust the light output of at least some light
sources of the lighting unit so as to compensate for perceptible differences between
similar light sources used in different lighting units.
[0064] For example, in one embodiment, the processor 102 of the lighting unit 100 is configured
to control one or more of the light sources 104 A, 104B, 104C and 104D so as to output
radiation at a calibrated intensity that substantially corresponds in a predetermined
manner to a control signal for the light source(s). As a result of mixing radiation
having different spectra and respective calibrated intensities, a calibrated color
is produced. In one aspect of this embodiment, at least one calibration value for
each light source is stored in the memory 114, and the processor is programmed to
apply the respective calibration values to the control signals for the corresponding
light sources so as to generate the calibrated intensities.
[0065] In one aspect of this embodiment, one or more calibration values may be determined
once (e.g., during a lighting unit manufacturing/testing phase) and stored in the
memory 114 for use by the processor 102. In another aspect, the processor 102 may
be configured to derive one or more calibration values dynamically (e.g. from time
to time) with the aid of one or more photosensors, for example. In various embodiments,
the photosensor(s) may be one or more external components coupled to the lighting
unit, or alternatively may be integrated as part of the lighting unit itself. A photosensor
is one example of a signal source that may be integrated or otherwise associated with
the lighting unit 100, and monitored by the processor 102 in connection with the operation
of the lighting unit. Other examples of such signal sources are discussed further
below, in connection with the signal source 124 shown in Fig. 1.
[0066] One exemplary method that may be implemented by the processor 102 to derive one or
more calibration values includes applying a reference control signal to a light source,
and measuring (e.g., via one or more photosensors) an intensity of radiation thus
generated by the light source. The processor may be programmed to then make a comparison
of the measured intensity and at least one reference value (e.g., representing an
intensity that nominally would be expected in response to the reference control signal).
Based on such a comparison, the processor may determine one or more calibration values
for the light source. In particular, the processor may derive a calibration value
such that, when applied to the reference control signal, the light source outputs
radiation having an intensity that corresponds to the reference value (i.e., the "expected"
intensity).
[0067] In various aspects, one calibration value may be derived for an entire range of control
signal/output intensities for a given light source. Alternatively, multiple calibration
values maybe derived for a given light source (i.e., a number of calibration value
"samples" may be obtained) that are respectively applied over different control signal/output
intensity ranges, to approximate a nonlinear calibration function in a piecewise linear
manner.
[0068] In another aspect, as also shown in Fig. 1, the lighting unit 100 optionally may
include one or more user interfaces 118 that are provided to facilitate any of a number
of user-selectable settings or functions (e.g., generally controlling the light output
of the lighting unit 100, changing and/or selecting various pre-programmed lighting
effects to be generated by the lighting unit, changing and/or selecting various parameters
of selected lighting effects, setting particular identifiers such as addresses or
serial numbers for the lighting unit, etc.). In various embodiments, the communication
between the user interface 118 and the lighting unit may be accomplished through wire
or cable, or wireless transmission.
[0069] In one implementation, the processor 102 of the lighting unit monitors the user interface
118 and controls one or more of the light sources 104 A, 104B, 104C and 104D based
at least in part on a user's operation of the interface. For example, the processor
102 may be configured to respond to operation of the user interface by originating
one or more control signals for controlling one or more of the light sources. Alternatively,
the processor 102 may be configured to respond by selecting one or more pre-programmed
control signals stored in memory, modifying control signals generated by executing
a lighting program, selecting and executing a new lighting program from memory, or
otherwise affecting the radiation generated by one or more of the light sources.
[0070] In particular, in one implementation, the user interface 118 may constitute one or
more switches (e.g., a standard wall switch) that interrupt power to the processor
102. In one aspect of this implementation, the processor 102 is configured to monitor
the power as controlled by the user interface, and in turn control one or more of
the light sources 104A, 104B, 104C and 104D based at least in part on a duration of
a power interruption caused by operation of the user interface. As discussed above,
the processor may be particularly configured to respond to a predetermined duration
of a power interruption by, for example, selecting one or more pre-programmed control
signals stored in memory, modifying control signals generated by executing a lighting
program, selecting and executing a new lighting program from memory, or otherwise
affecting the radiation generated by one or more of the light sources.
[0071] LED based lighting systems may be preprogrammed with several lighting routines, such
as for use in a non-networked mode or to executed stored programs when triggered by
a signal in a networked mode. For example, the switches on the lighting device may
be set such that the lighting device produces a solid color, a program that slowly
changes the color of the illumination throughout the visible spectrum over a few minutes,
or a program designed to change the illumination characteristics quickly or even strobe
the light. Generally, the switches used to set the address of the lighting system
may also be used to set the system into a preprogrammed non-networked lighting control
mode. Each lighting control programs may also have adjustable parameters that are
adjusted by switch settings. All of these functions can also be set using a programming
device according to the principles of the invention. For example, a user interface
may be provided in the programming device to allow the selection of a program in the
lighting system, adjust a parameter of a program in the lighting system, set a new
program in the lighting system, or make another setting in the lighting system. By
communicating to the lighting system through a programming device according to the
principles of the invention, a program could be selected and an adjustable parameter
could be set. The lighting device can then execute the program without the need of
setting switches.
[0072] Another problem with setting switches for such a program selection is that the switches
do not provide an intuitive user interface. The user may have to look to a table in
a manual to find the particular switch setting for a particular program, whereas a
programming device according to the principles of the invention may contain a user
interface screen. The user interface may display information relating to a program,
a program parameter or other information relating to the illumination device. The
programmer may read information from the illumination apparatus and provide this information
of the user interface screen. In embodiments, a non-networked device may detect a
signal, such as a sync signal, or the presence of power "on" in a circuit, to initiate
playing of an effect. Thus, multiple lighting units that are not formally networked
can be synchronized by synchronizing lighting program initiation to such external
factors.
[0073] Fig. 1 also illustrates that the lighting unit 100 may be configured to receive one
or more signals 122 from one or more other signal sources 124. In one implementation,
the processor 102 of the lighting unit may use the signal(s) 122, either alone or
in combination with other control signals (e.g., signals generated by executing a
lighting program, one or more outputs from a user interface, etc.), so as to control
one or more of the light sources 104A, 104B, 104C and 104D in a manner similar to
that discussed above in connection with the user interface.
[0074] By way of example, a lighting unit 100 may also include sensors and or transducers
and or other signal generators (collectively referred to hereinafter as sensors) that
serve as signal sources 124. The sensors may be associated with the processor 102
through wired or wireless transmission systems. Much like the user interface and network
control systems, the sensor(s) may provide signals to the processor and the processor
may respond by selecting new LED control signals from memory 114, modifying LED control
signals, generating control signals, or otherwise change the output of the LED(s).
[0075] Examples of the signal(s) 122 that may be received and processed by the processor
102 include, but are not limited to, one or more audio signals, video signals, power
signals, various types of data signals, signals from a hand-held remote control, signals
representing information obtained from a network (e.g., the Internet), signals representing
some detectable/sensed condition, signals from lighting units, signals consisting
of modulated light, etc. In various implementations, the signal source(s) 124 may
be located remotely from the lighting unit 100, or included as a component of the
lighting unit. For example, in one embodiment, a signal from one lighting unit 100
could be sent over a network to another lighting unit 100.
[0076] Some examples of a signal source 124 that may be employed in, or used in connection
with, the lighting unit 100 of Fig. 1 include any of a variety of sensors or transducers
that generate one or more signals 122 in response to some stimulus. Examples of such
sensors include, but are not limited to, various types of environmental condition
sensors, such as thermally sensitive (e.g., temperature, infrared) sensors, humidity
sensors, motion sensors, photosensors/light sensors (e.g., sensors that are sensitive
to one or more particular spectra of electromagnetic radiation), sound or vibration
sensors or other pressure/force transducers (e.g., microphones, piezoelectric devices),
and the like.
[0077] Additional examples of a signal source 124 include various metering/detection devices
that monitor electrical signals or characteristics (e.g., voltage, current, power,
resistance, capacitance, inductance, etc.) or chemical/biological characteristics
(e.g., acidity, a presence of one or more particular chemical or biological agents,
bacteria, etc.) and provide one or more signals 122 based on measured values of the
signals or characteristics. Yet other examples of a signal source 124 include various
types of scanners, image recognition systems, voice or other sound recognition systems,
artificial intelligence and robotics systems, and the like.
[0078] A signal source 124 could also be a lighting unit 100, a processor 102, or any one
of many available signal generating devices, such as media players, MP3 players, computers,
DVD players, CD players, television signal sources, camera signal sources, microphones,
speakers, telephones, cellular phones, instant messenger devices, SMS devices, wireless
devices, personal organizer devices, and many others.
[0079] In one embodiment, the lighting unit 100 shown in Fig. 1 also may include one or
more optical facilities 130 to optically process the radiation generated by the light
sources 104A, 104B, 104C and 104D. For example, one or more optical facilities may
be configured so as to change one or both of a spatial distribution and a propagation
direction of the generated radiation. In particular, one or more optical facilities
may be configured to change a diffusion angle of the generated radiation. In one aspect
of this embodiment, one or more optical facilities 130 may be particularly configured
to variably change one or both of a spatial distribution and a propagation direction
of the generated radiation (e.g., in response to some electrical and/or mechanical
stimulus). Examples of optical facilities that may be included in the lighting unit
100 include, but are not limited to, reflective materials, refractive materials, translucent
materials, filters, lenses, mirrors, and fiber optics. The optical facility 130 also
may include a phosphorescent material, luminescent material, or other material capable
of responding to or interacting with the generated radiation.
[0080] As also shown in Fig. 1, the lighting unit 100 may include one or more communication
ports 120 to facilitate coupling of the lighting unit 100 to any of a variety of other
devices. For example, one or more communication ports 120 may facilitate coupling
multiple lighting units together as a networked lighting system, in which at least
some of the lighting units are addressable (e.g., have particular identifiers or addresses)
and are responsive to particular data transported across the network. The lighting
unit 100 may also include a communication port 120 adapted to communicate with a programming
device. The communication port may be adapted to receive data through wired or wireless
transmission. In an embodiment of the invention, information received through the
communication port 120 may relate to address information and the lighting unit 100
may be adapted to receive and then store the address information in the memory 114.
The lighting system 100 may be adapted to use the stored address as its address for
use when receiving data from network data. For example, the lighting unit 100 may
be connected to a network where network data is communicated. The lighting unit 100
may monitor the data communicated on the network and respond to data it 'hears' that
correspond to the address stored in the lighting systems 100 memory 114. The memory
114 may be any type of memory including, but not limited to, non- volatile memory.
A person skilled in the art would appreciate that there are many systems and methods
for communicating to addressable lighting fixtures through networks (e.g.
U.S. Patent 6,016,038) and the present invention is not limited to a particular system or method.
[0081] In an embodiment, the lighting system 100 may be adapted to select a given lighting
program, modify a parameter of a lighting program, or otherwise make a selection or
modification or generate certain lighting control signals based on the data received
from a programming device.
[0082] In particular, in a networked lighting system environment, as discussed in greater
detail further below (e.g., in connection with Fig. 2), as data is communicated via
the network, the processor 102 of each lighting unit coupled to the network may be
configured to be responsive to particular data (e.g., lighting control commands) that
pertain to it (e.g., in some cases, as dictated by the respective identifiers of the
networked lighting units). Once a given processor identifies particular data intended
for it, it may read the data and, for example, change the lighting conditions produced
by its light sources according to the received data (e.g., by generating appropriate
control signals to the light sources). In one aspect, the memory 114 of each lighting
unit coupled to the network may be loaded, for example, with a table of lighting control
signals that correspond with data the processor 102 receives. Once the processor 102
receives data from the network, the processor may consult the table to select the
control signals that correspond to the received data, and control the light sources
of the lighting unit accordingly.
[0083] In one aspect of this embodiment, the processor 102 of a given lighting unit, whether
or not coupled to a network, may be configured to interpret lighting instructions/data
that are received in a DMX protocol (as discussed, for example, in
U.S. Patents 6,016,038 and
6,211,626), which is a lighting command protocol conventionally employed in the lighting industry
for some programmable lighting applications.
[0084] However, it should be appreciated that lighting units suitable for purposes of the
present invention are not limited in this respect, as lighting units according to
various embodiments may be configured to be responsive to other types of communication
protocols so as to control their respective light sources.
[0085] In one embodiment, the lighting unit 100 of Fig. 1 may include and/or be coupled
to one or more power sources 108. In various aspects, examples of power source(s)
108 include, but are not limited to, AC power sources, DC power sources, batteries,
solar-based power sources, thermoelectric or mechanical-based power sources and the
like. Additionally, in one aspect, the power source(s) 108 may include or be associated
with one or more power conversion devices that convert power received by an external
power source to a form suitable for operation of the lighting unit 100.
[0086] While not shown explicitly in Fig. 1, the lighting unit 100 may be implemented in
any one of several different structural configurations according to various embodiments
of the present invention. For example, a given lighting unit may have any one of a
variety of mounting arrangements for the light source(s), enclosure/housing arrangements
and shapes to partially or fully enclose the light sources, and/or electrical and
mechanical connection configurations. In particular, a lighting unit may be configured
as a replacement or "retrofit" to engage electrically and mechanically in a conventional
socket or fixture arrangement (e.g., an Edison-type screw socket, a halogen fixture
arrangement, a fluorescent fixture arrangement, etc.).
[0087] Additionally, one or more optical elements as discussed above may be partially or
fully integrated with an enclosure/housing arrangement for the lighting unit. Furthermore,
a given lighting unit optionally may be associated with (e.g., include, be coupled
to and/or packaged together with) various other components (e.g., control circuitry
such as the processor and/or memory, one or more sensors/transducers/signal sources,
user interfaces, displays, power sources, power conversion devices, etc.) relating
to the operation of the light source(s).
[0088] Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a networked lighting system 200 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, a number of lighting
units 100, similar to those discussed above in connection with Fig. 1, are coupled
together to form the networked lighting system. It should be appreciated, however,
that the particular configuration and arrangement of lighting units shown in Fig.
2 is for purposes of illustration only, and that the invention is not limited to the
particular system topology shown in Fig. 2.
[0089] Thus, lighting units 100 may be associated with a network such that the lighting
unit 100 responds to network data. For example, the processor 102 may be an addressable
processor that is associated with a network. Network data may be communicated through
a wired or wireless network and the addressable processor may be 'listening' to the
data stream for commands that pertain to it. Once the processor 'hears' data addressed
to it, it may read the data and change the lighting conditions according to the received
data. For example, the memory 114 in the lighting unit 100 may be loaded with a table
of lighting control signals that correspond with data the processor 102 receives.
Once the processor 102 receives data from a network, user interface, or other source,
the processor may select the control signals that correspond to the data and control
the LED(s) accordingly. The received data may also initiate a lighting program to
be executed by the processor 102 or modify a lighting program or control data or otherwise
control the light output of the lighting unit 100.
[0090] Additionally, while not shown explicitly in Fig. 2, it should be appreciated that
the networked lighting system 200 may be configured flexibly to include one or more
user interfaces, as well as one or more signal sources such as sensors/transducers.
For example, one or more user interfaces and/or one or more signal sources such as
sensors/transducers (as discussed above in connection with Fig. 1) may be associated
with any one or more of the lighting units of the networked lighting system 200.
[0091] Alternatively (or in addition to the foregoing), one or more user interfaces and/or
one or more signal sources may be implemented as "stand alone" components in the networked
lighting system 200. Whether stand alone components or particularly associated with
one or more lighting unit 100, these devices may be "shared" by the lighting units
of the networked lighting system. Stated differently, one or more user interfaces
and/or one or more signal sources such as sensors/transducers may constitute "shared
resources" in the networked lighting system that may be used in connection with controlling
any one or more of the lighting units of the system.
[0092] As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 2, the lighting system 200 may include one or
more lighting unit controllers 208 (hereinafter "LUCs"), such as LUCs 208A, 208B,
208C and 208D, wherein each LUC is responsible for communicating with and generally
controlling one or more lighting units 100 coupled to it. Although Fig. 2 illustrates
three lighting units 100 coupled in a serial fashion to a given LUC, it should be
appreciated that the invention is not limited in this respect, as different numbers
of lighting units 100 may be coupled to a given LUC in a variety of different configurations
using a variety of different communication media and protocols.
[0093] In the system of Fig. 2, each LUC in turn may be coupled to a central controller
202 that is configured to communicate with one or more LUCs. Although Fig. 2 shows
three LUCs coupled to the central controller 202 via a switching or coupling device
204, it should be appreciated that according to various embodiments, different numbers
of LUCs may be coupled to the central controller 202. Additionally, according to various
embodiments of the present invention, the LUCs and the central controller may be coupled
together in a variety of configurations using a variety of different communication
media and protocols to form the networked lighting system 200.
[0094] Moreover, it should be appreciated that the interconnection of LUCs and the central
controller, and the interconnection of lighting units to respective LUCs, may be accomplished
in different manners (e.g., using different configurations, communication media, and
protocols).
[0095] For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the central controller
202 shown in Fig. 2 may be configured to implement Ethernet-based communications with
the LUCs, and in turn the LUCs may be configured to implement DMX-based communications
with the lighting unit 100. In particular, in one aspect of this embodiment, each
LUC may be configured as an addressable Ethernet-based controller and accordingly
may be identifiable to the central controller 202 via a particular unique address
(or a unique group of addresses) using an Ethernet-based protocol. In this manner,
the central controller 202 may be configured to support Ethernet communications throughout
the network of coupled LUCs, and each LUC may respond to those communications intended
for it. In turn, each LUC may communicate lighting control information to one or more
lighting units coupled to it, for example, via a DMX protocol, based on the Ethernet
communications with the central controller 202.
[0096] More specifically, according to one embodiment, the LUCs 208A, 208B, 208C and 208D
shown in Fig. 2 may be configured to be "intelligent" in that the central controller
202 may be configured to communicate higher level commands to the LUCs that need to
be interpreted by the LUCs before lighting control information can be forwarded to
the lighting unit 100. For example, a lighting system operator may want to generate
a color changing effect that varies colors from lighting unit to lighting unit in
such a way as to generate the appearance of a propagating rainbow of colors ("rainbow
chase"), given a particular placement of lighting units with respect to one another.
In this example, the operator may provide a simple instruction to the central controller
202 to accomplish this, and in turn the central controller may communicate to one
or more LUCs using an Ethernet-based protocol high-level command to generate a "rainbow
chase." The command may contain timing, intensity, hue, saturation or other relevant
information, for example. When a given LUC receives such a command, it may then interpret
the command so as to generate the appropriate lighting control signals which it then
communicates using a DMX protocol via any of a variety of signaling techniques (e.g.,
PWM) to one or more lighting units that it controls.
[0097] It should again be appreciated that the foregoing example of using multiple different
communication implementations (e.g., Ethernet/DMX) in a lighting system according
to one embodiment of the present invention is for purposes of illustration only, and
that the invention is not limited to this particular example.
[0098] One aspect of the methods and systems described herein is how the colored LEDs (such
as red, green, blue LEDs, or in the case of white light products, the different color
temperatures of white or amber LEDs) are turned on and off to achieve color changing
or color-temperature-changing effects. The balance of this section discusses controlling
the red, green and blue LEDs, but the same approach is used to control different LEDs,
such as white and amber LEDs, white light embodiments. In embodiments a processor
102 may have, for example, three output pins, such as one for a red LED, one for a
green LED and one for a blue LED (of course other numbers of output pins and other
types of LEDs are encompassed herein). In embodiments multiple LEDs of the same color
are connected to an output channel, so that the output channel or pin controls a group
of, for example, red, green or blue LEDs at the same time.
[0099] In embodiments, an interrupt service routine (ISR) can run on the processor 102 at
a specific frequency. The ISR can convert a set of desired intensity values for each
LED channel into a stream of digital "on" and "off pulses on each channel's corresponding
output pin. In embodiments the ISR processes the output channels sequentially. That
is, the ISR can be implemented as a software or firmware routine running on a processor
102 that updates the "on" or "off state of each output pin. In embodiments the first
color is updated first, and the routine continues through to the point where the second
color is updated. The routine progresses through the third color and begins again
to update the first color, and so on. In embodiments the interrupt service routine
converts a desired set of LED intensity values into a stream of on and off commands
for each LED channel.
[0100] In embodiments networked lighting units 100 systems receive control instructions
through the DMX protocol, a protocol widely used for many years in theatrical lighting
systems. Lighting control signals in the DMX protocol format can be sent from a central
controller over a network to individual lighting units 100, each of which has a processor
102 that controls groups of red, green and blue LEDs. In some cases an intermediate
power/data supply (PDS) converts instructions that are initially sent in another protocol,
such as Ethernet, into the DMX protocol format for delivery to individual lightings
units 100. The DMX protocol instructions include a channel for red, a channel for
blue and a channel for green. In embodiments each channel value has 8-bit resolution,
producing 256 possible values for each channel. For networked lighting units 100,
a DMX collection routine runs on the processor of the individual lighting unit. The
collection routine cycles through incoming DMX-protocol instructions until it receives
an instruction for red, an instruction for blue and an instruction for green. Next,
the collection routine converts each 8 -bit DMX channel value into a higher-resolution
14-(or 16-) bit desired intensity value by looking up the 8-bit DMX channel value
in an internally stored table of 14-bit intensity values. The 14-(or 16-) bit intensity
values allow these networked lighting units 100 to have 64 (or 128) times the dynamic
resolution of 8-bit products, allowing for much finer-grained control over the generated
color values.
[0101] For non-networked lighting units 100, pre-programmed instructions for lighting shows
can be stored in memory of the individual lighting unit 100. A user interface, such
as a button or power-interrupt device, allows the user to select among different shows
or software/firmware programs that generate data to be used by an ISR similar to that
described above. Values for the individual channels of red, green and blue for each
pre-programmed show are stored in the table for access by the interrupt service routine.
[0102] In certain other embodiments that use a serial data protocol, control instructions
for lighting units 100 are placed in a data stream that consists of a series of bytes,
with each byte representing a control instruction for a channel of LEDs. In embodiments,
the incoming stream of data for the first unmodified byte (as described further below)
is clocked into three different 12-bit shift registers, one for the red channel, one
for the green channel and one for the blue channel. In embodiments an oscillator clocks
out the first shift register, then the second shift register, then the third shift
register and delivers the signal 120 degrees out-of-phase to each of three transistor
drivers that drive the red, green and blue LEDs respectively. Optionally driving the
LEDs out of phase evens out the load on the system.
[0103] For networked products that use a serial addressing protocol, control instructions
are sent in a series of bytes to a series of individual lighting units, each of which
can be equipped with a custom application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 3600
that is programmed to respond to the incoming stream of instructions. The stream of
control data from the central controller includes control instructions for individual
lighting units 100 in a series, where positions of the control instructions in the
series correspond to positions of individual lighting units along a string of such
lighting units. Each individual lighting unit 100 receives the stream of data and
responds to the byte of data that is intended for it, as follows. Each lighting unit
100 receives the entire stream of bytes of data in order and begins to check bytes
of data for a bit that indicates whether the byte has been modified, such as by determining
whether a "1" is present in a predetermined position of that byte of data. If the
byte of data has been modified, then the ASIC 3600 proceeds to check the next byte,
and so on, until an unmodified byte is found. The lighting unit 100 then stores values
corresponding to the control instructions indicated by that unmodified byte of data
in the table that holds the input values for the interrupt service routine. Once the
lighting unit 100 has found and used the first three unmodified bytes of data in the
data stream, the lighting unit 100 modifies those bytes, such as by changing a zero
in the predetermined position to a "1 " or vice versa, or by stripping the byte of
data from the stream entirely. The entire modified data stream is then sent to the
next lighting unit 100 in the string, which will as a result respond to the next byte
of data in the stream, which is now the first unmodified byte. The result is that
the string of lighting units 100 responds to control instructions in series according
to the order of the series of bytes in the data stream.
[0104] Fig. 3 illustrates a programming device 300 in communicative association with a lighting
system 100. The programming device 300 may include a processor 302, a user interface
304 associated with the processor 302, a communication port 306 in association with
the processor 302, and memory 308 associated with the processor 302. The communication
port 306 may be arranged to communicate a data signal to the lighting system 100 and
the lighting system 100 may be adapted to receive the data signal. For example, the
communication port 306 maybe arranged to communicate data via wired transmission and
the communication port 120 of the lighting system 100 maybe arranged to receive the
wired transmission. Likewise, the communication ports may be arranged to communicate
through wireless transmission.
[0105] The programming device processor 302 maybe associated with a user interface 304 such
that the user interface 304 can be used to generate an address in the processor 302.
The user interface 304 may be used to communicate a signal to the processor and the
processor may, in turn, generate an address and or select an address from the memory
308. In an embodiment, the user interface may be used to generate or select a starting
address and the programming device may then be arranged to automatically generate
the next address. For example, a user may select a new address by making a selection
on the user interface and then the address may be communicated to a lighting system
100. Following the transmission of the address a new address may be selected or generated
so that it is transmitted to the next lighting system 100. Of course the actual timing
of the selection and or generation of the new address is not critical and may actually
be generated prior to the transmission of the previous address or at any other appropriate
time. This method of generating addresses may be useful in situations where the user
wants to address more than one lighting systems 100. For example, the user may have
a row of one hundred lighting systems 100 and may desire the first such lighting system
include the address number one thousand. The user may select the address one thousand
on the programming device and cause the programming device to communicate the address
to the lighting system. Then the programming device may automatically generate the
next address in the desired progression (e.g. one thousand one). This newly generated
address (e.g. one thousand one) may then be communicated to the next lighting system
in the row. This eliminates the repeated selection of the new addresses and automates
one more step for the user. The addresses may be selected / generated in any desired
pattern (e.g. incrementing by two, three, etc.).
[0106] The programming device may be arranged to store a selected / generated address in
its memory to be recalled later for transmission to a lighting system. For example,
a user may have a number of lighting systems to program and he may want to preprogram
the memory of the programming device with a set of addresses because he knows in advance
the lighting systems he is going to program. He may have a layout planned and it may
be desirable to select an address, store it in memory, and then select a new address
to be place in memory. This system of selecting and storing addresses could place
a long string of addresses in memory. Then he could begin to transmit the address
information to the lighting systems in the order in which he loaded the addresses.
[0107] The programming device 300 may include a user interface 304 and the user interface
may be associated with the processor 302. The user interface 304 may be an interface,
button, switch, dial, slider, encoder, analog-to-digital converter, digital to analog
converter, digital signal generator, or other user interface. The user interface 304
may be capable of accepting address information, program information, lighting show
information, or other information or signals used to control an illumination device.
The device may communicate with a lighting device upon receipt of user interface information.
The user interface information may also be stored in memory and be communicated from
the memory to an illumination device. The user interface 304 may also contain a screen
for the displaying of information. The screen may be a screen, LCD, plasma screen,
backlit display, edge-lit display, monochrome screen, color screen, screen, or any
other type of display.
[0108] Many of the embodiments illustrated herein involve setting an address in a lighting
system 100. However, a method or system according to the principles of the present
invention may involve selecting a mode, setting, program or other setting in the lighting
system 100. An embodiment may also involve the modification of a mode, setting, program
or other setting in the lighting system 100. In an embodiment, a programming device
may be used to select a preprogrammed mode in the lighting system 100. For example,
a user may select a mode using a programming device and then communicate the selection
to the lighting system 100 wherein the lighting system 100 would then select the corresponding
mode. The programming device 300 may be preset with modes corresponding to the modes
in the lighting system 100. For example, the lighting system 100 may have four preprogrammed
modes: color wash, static red, static green, static blue, and random color generation.
The programming device 300 may have the same four mode selections available such that
the user can make the selection on the programming device 300 and then communicate
the selection to the lighting system 100. Upon receipt of the selection, the lighting
system 100 may select the corresponding mode from memory for execution by the processor
102. In an embodiment, the programming device may have a mode indicator stored in
its memory such that the mode indicator indicates a particular mode or lighting program
or the like. For example, the programming device may have a mode indicator stored
in memory indicating the selection and communication of such a mode indicator would
initiate or set a mode in the lighting system corresponding to the indicator. An embodiment
of the present invention may involve using the programming device 300 to read the
available selections from the lighting systems memory 114 and then present the available
selections to the user. The user can then select the desired mode and communicate
the selection back to the lighting system 100. In an embodiment, the lighting system
may receive the selection and initiate execution of the corresponding mode.
[0109] In an embodiment, the programming device 300 maybe used to download a lighting mode,
program, setting or the like to a lighting system 100. The lighting system 100 may
store the lighting mode in its memory 114. The lighting system 100 may be arranged
to execute the mode upon download and or the mode may be available for selection at
a later time. For example, the programming device 300 may have one or more lighting
programs stored in its memory 308. A user may select one or more of the lighting programs
on the programming device 300 and then cause the programming device 300 to download
the selected program(s) to a lighting system 100. The lighting system 100 may then
store the lighting program(s) in its memory 114. The lighting system 100 and or downloaded
program(s) may be arranged such that the lighting system's processor 102 executes
one of the downloaded programs automatically.
[0110] As used herein, the terms "wired" transmission and or communication should be understood
to encompass wire, cable, optical, or any other type of communication where the devices
are physically connected. As used herein, the terms "wireless" transmission and or
communication should be understood to encompass acoustical, RF, microwave, IR, and
all other communication and or transmission systems were the devices are not physically
connected.
[0111] Having identified a variety of geometric configurations for a lighting unit 100 and
certain optional methods for identifying lighting units 100, it can be recognized
that providing illumination control signals to the configurations requires the operators
to be able to relate the appropriate control signal to the appropriate lighting unit
100. A configuration of networked lighting unit 100 might be arranged arbitrarily,
requiring the operator to develop a table or similar facility that relates a particular
light to a particular geometric location in an environment. For large installations
requiring many lighting unit 100, the requirement of identifying and keeping track
of the relationship between a lighting unit's physical location and its network address
can be quite challenging, particularly given that the lighting installer may not be
the same operator who will use and maintain the lighting system over time. Accordingly,
in some situations it may be advantageous to provide addressing schemes that enable
easier relation between the physical location of a lighting unit 100 and its virtual
location for purposes of providing it a control signal. Thus, one embodiment of the
invention is directed to a method of providing address information to a lighting unit
100. The method includes acts of A) transmitting data to an independently addressable
controller coupled to at least one LED lighting unit 100 and at least one other controllable
device, the data including at least one of first control information for a first control
signal output by the controller to the at least one LED lighting unit 100 and second
control information for a second control signal output by the controller to the at
least one other controllable device, and B) controlling at least one of the at least
one LED light source and the at least one other controllable device based on the data.
[0112] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method, comprising acts of:
A) receiving data for a plurality of independently addressable controllers, at least
one independently addressable controller of the plurality of independently addressable
controllers coupled to at least one LED light source and at least one other controllable
device, B) selecting at least a portion of the data corresponding to at least one
of first control information for a first control signal output by the at least one
independently addressable controller to the at least one LED light source and second
control information for a second control signal output by the at least one independently
addressable controller to the at least one other controllable device, and C) controlling
at least one of the at least one LED light source and the at least one other controllable
device based on the selected portion of the data.
[0113] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a lighting system, comprising
a plurality of independently addressable controllers coupled together to form a network,
at least one independently addressable controller of the plurality of independently
addressable controllers coupled to at least one LED light source and at least one
other controllable device, and at least one processor coupled to the network and programmed
to transmit data to the plurality of independently addressable controllers, the data
corresponding to at least one of first control information for a first control signal
output by the at least one independently addressable controller to the at least one
LED light source and second control information for a second control signal output
by the at least one independently addressable controller to the at least one other
controllable device. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus
for use in a lighting system including a plurality of independently addressable controllers
coupled together to form a network, at least one independently addressable controller
of the plurality of independently addressable controllers coupled to at least one
LED light source and at least one other controllable device. The apparatus comprises
at least one processor having an output to couple the at least one processor to the
network, the at least one processor programmed to transmit data to the plurality of
independently addressable controllers, the data corresponding to at least one of first
control information for a first control signal output by the at least one independently
addressable controller to the at least one LED light source and second control information
for a second control signal output by the at least one independently addressable controller
to the at least one other controllable device.
[0114] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus for use in a lighting
system including at least one LED light source and at least one other controllable
device. The apparatus comprises at least one controller having at least first and
second output ports to couple the at least one controller to at least the at least
one LED light source and the at least one other controllable device, respectively,
the at least one controller also having at least one data port to receive data including
at least one of first control information for a first control signal output by the
first output port to the at least one LED light source and second control information
for a second control signal output by the second output port to the at least one other
controllable device, the at least one controller constructed to control at least one
of the at least one LED light source and the at least one other controllable device
based on the data.
[0115] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method in a lighting system
including at least first and second independently addressable devices coupled to form
a series connection, at least one device of the independently addressable devices
including at least one light source. The method comprises an act of: A) transmitting
data to at least the first and second independently addressable devices, the data
including control information for at least one of the first and second independently
addressable devices, the data being arranged based on a relative position in the series
connection of at least the first and second independently addressable devices.
[0116] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method in a lighting system
including at least first and second independently addressable devices, at least one
device of the independently addressable devices including at least one light source.
The method comprises acts of: A) receiving at the first independently addressable
device first data for at least the first and second independently addressable devices,
B) removing at least a first data portion from the first data to form second data,
the first data portion corresponding to first control information for the first independently
addressable device, and C) transmitting from the first independently addressable device
the second data. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a lighting system,
comprising at least first and second independently addressable devices coupled to
form a series connection, at least one device of the independently addressable devices
including at least one light source, and at least one processor coupled to the first
and second independently addressable devices, the at least one processor programmed
to transmit data to at least the first and second independently addressable devices,
the data including control information for at least one of the first and second independently
addressable devices, the data arranged based on a relative position in the series
connection of at least the first and second independently addressable devices.
[0117] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus for use in a lighting
system including at least first and second independently addressable devices coupled
to form a series connection, at least one device of the independently addressable
devices including at least one light source. The apparatus comprises at least one
processor having an output to couple the at least one processor to the first and second
independently addressable devices, the at least one processor programmed to transmit
data to at least the first and second independently addressable devices, the data
including control information for at least one of the first and second independently
addressable devices, the data arranged based on a relative position in the series
connection of at least the first and second independently addressable devices.
[0118] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus for use in a lighting
system including at least first and second independently controllable devices, at
least one device of the independently controllable devices including at least one
light source. The apparatus comprises at least one controller having at least one
output port to couple the at least one controller to at least the first independently
controllable device and at least one data port to receive first data for at least
the first and second independently controllable devices, the at least one controller
constructed to remove at least a first data portion from the first data to form second
data and to transmit the second data via the at least one data port, the first data
portion corresponding to first control information for at least the first independently
controllable device.
[0119] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to lighting system. The lighting
system comprises an LED lighting system adapted to receive a data stream through a
first data port, generate an illumination condition based on a first portion of the
data stream and communicate at least a second portion of the data stream through a
second data port; a housing wherein the housing is adapted to retain the LED lighting
system and adapted to electrically associate the first and second data ports with
a data connection; wherein the data connection comprises an electrical conductor with
at least one discontinuous section; wherein the first data port is associated with
the data connection on a first side of the discontinuous section and the second data
port is associated with a second side of the discontinuous section wherein the first
and second sides are electrically isolated.
[0120] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed at an integrated circuit.
The integrated circuit comprises a data recognition circuit wherein the data recognition
circuit is adapted to read at least a first portion of a data stream received through
a first data port; an illumination control circuit adapted to generate at least one
illumination control signal in response to the first portion of data; and an output
circuit adapted to transmit at least a second portion of the data stream through a
second data port.
[0121] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed at a method for controlling
lighting systems. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of lighting
systems; communicating a data stream to a first lighting system of the plurality of
lighting systems; causing the first lighting system to receive the data stream and
to read a first portion of the data stream; causing the first lighting system to generate
a lighting effect in response to the first portion of the data stream; and causing
the first lighting system to communicate at least a second portion of the data stream
to second lighting system of the plurality of lighting systems.
[0122] Referring to Fig. 4, various configurations can be provided for lighting units 100,
in each case with an optional communications facility 120. Configurations include
a linear configuration 404 (which may be curvilinear in embodiments), a circular configuration
402, an oval configuration 414, a three-dimensional configuration 418, such as a pyramid,
or a collection of various configurations 402, 404, etc. Lighting unit 100 can also
include a wide variety of colors of LED, in various mixtures, including red, green,
and blue LEDs to produce a color mix, as well as one or more other LEDs to create
varying colors and color temperatures of white light. For example, red, green and
blue can be mixed with amber, white, UV, orange, IR or other colors of LED. Amber
and white LEDs can be mixed to offer varying colors and color temperatures of white.
Any combination of LED colors can produce a gamut of colors, whether the LEDs are
red, green, blue, amber, white, orange, UV, or other colors. The various embodiments
described throughout this specification encompass all possible combinations of LEDs
in lighting unit 100, so that light of varying color, intensity, saturation and color
temperature can be produced on demand under control of a processor 102.
[0123] Combinations of LEDs with other mechanisms, such as phosphors, are also encompassed
herein.
[0124] Although mixtures of red, green and blue have been proposed for light due to their
ability to create a wide gamut of additively mixed colors, the general color quality
or color rendering capability of such systems are not ideal for all applications.
This is primarily due to the narrow bandwidth of current red, green and blue emitters.
However, wider band sources do make possible good color rendering, as measured, for
example, by the standard CRI index. In some cases this may require LED spectral outputs
that are not currently available. However, it is known that wider-band sources of
light will become available, and such wider-band sources are encompassed as sources
for lighting unit 100 described herein.
[0125] Additionally, the addition of white LEDs (typically produced through a blue or UV
LED plus a phosphor mechanism) does give a 'better' white it is still limiting in
the color temperature that is controllable or selectable from such sources.
[0126] The addition of white to a red, green and blue mixture may not increase the gamut
of available colors, but it can add a broader-band source to the mixture. The addition
of an amber source to this mixture can improve the color still further by 'filling
in' the gamut as well.
[0127] This combinations of light sources as lighting unit 100 can help fill in the visible
spectrum to faithfully reproduce desirable spectrums of lights. These include broad
daylight equivalents or more discrete waveforms corresponding to other light sources
or desirable light properties. Desirable properties include the ability to remove
pieces of the spectrum for reasons that may include environments where certain wavelengths
are absorbed or attenuated. Water, for example tends to absorb and attenuate most
non-blue and non-green colors of light, so underwater applications may benefit from
lights that combine blue and green sources for lighting unit 100.
[0128] Amber and white light sources can offer a color temperature selectable white source,
wherein the color temperature of generated light can be selected along the black body
curve by a line joining the chromaticity coordinates of the two sources. The color
temperature selection is useful for specifying particular color temperature values
for the lighting source.
[0129] Orange is another color whose spectral properties in combination with a white LED-based
light source can be used to provide a controllable color temperature light from a
lighting unit 100.
[0130] The combination of white light with light of other colors as light sources for lighting
unit 100 can offer multi-purpose lights for many commercial and home applications,
such as in pools, spas, automobiles, building interiors (commercial and residential),
indirect lighting applications, such as alcove lighting, commercial point of purchase
lighting, merchandising, toys, beauty, signage, aviation, marine, medical, submarine,
space, military, consumer, under cabinet lighting, office furniture, landscape, residential
including kitchen, home theater, bathroom, faucets, dining rooms, decks, garage, home
office, household products, family rooms, tomb lighting, museums, photography, art
applications, and many others.
[0131] Referring still to Fig. 4, lighting units 100 can be arranged in many different forms.
Thus, one or more light sources 104A-104D can be disposed with a processor 102 in
a housing. The housing can take various shapes, such as one that resembles a point
source 402, such as a circle or oval. Such a point source 402 can be located in a
conventional lighting fixture, such as lamp or a cylindrical fixture. Lighting units
100 can be configured in substantially linear arrangements, either by positioning
point sources 402 in a line, or by disposing light sources 104A-104D substantially
in a line on a board located in a substantially linear housing, such as a cylindrical
housing. A linear lighting unit 404 can be placed end-to-end with other linear elements
404 or elements of other shapes to produce longer linear lighting systems comprised
of multiple lighting units 100 in various shapes. A housing can be curved to form
a curvilinear lighting unit. Similarly, junctions can be created with branches, "Ts,"
or "Ys" to create a branched lighting unit 410. A bent lighting unit can include one
or more "V" elements.
[0132] Combinations of various configurations of point source 402, linear 404, curvilinear,
branched 410 and bent lighting units 100 can be used to create any shape of lighting
system, such as one shaped to resemble a letter, number, symbol, logo, object, structure,
or the like. An embodiment of a lighting unit 100 suitable for being joined to other
lighting units 100 in different configurations is disclosed below.
[0133] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to controlled, networked or non-networked,
lighting units 100 configured into panels or tiles. A lighting unit 100 with one or
more LEDs can be mounted or embedded into such a lighting unit 100 to provide patterns
of color and color changing capability at a variety of scales. Such lighting units,
100, in one embodiment, can be mounted or integrated into walls, ceilings, doors,
windows or floors.
[0134] Referring to Fig. 5, a lighting unit 100 is disposed in a tile 500 that includes
a plurality of triangular regions 502, each of whose color can be selected and controlled
for a wide variety of pleasing effects. Light and color patterns can be created and
manipulated, faded and moved. The tiles 500 can be networked for coordinated effects
or run in stand-alone modes. In various embodiments, the particulars of the illuminated
surfaces include geometries to maximize light output, homogenize and diffuse light
output, and to shape light output. The viewed surfaces incorporate textures and 2D
or 3D forms to guide and direct light towards the viewer.
[0135] The embodiment of Fig. 5 is a tile 500 that is designed for a panel wall installation
comprising a 12-element panel with four controllable areas per element 504. This is
just one of many combinations of tiles 500 that are possible. Tiles 500 of all shapes
can be combined to cover any surface, just as conventional floor, wall or ceiling
tiles or other construction materials are fitted together to cover structures or parts
of structures. Tiles 500 can be fitted together to form furniture and fixtures as
well, in each case with the lighting system capabilities described throughout this
disclosure and in the patent and patent applications.
[0136] Referring to Fig. 6, there are a variety of mounting provisions for mounting of the
tiles 500 or panels to surfaces or for interconnecting elements. In one embodiment,
wall mounting 602 is used. Wall mounting uses mounting clips 604 to provide desired
spacing, to secure units to the wall, and to provide spacing from the wall. Attachment
to a wall can be through a bracket or two-piece cleats such as Z-clips or French-
cleats.
[0137] Tiles 500 can also be hung like a picture from a hook by, a wire across the back.
These cleat designs also can incorporate features such as channels or recessed surfaces
to allow the running of wires for communication of data and positioning of power supplies
between adjacent units or to better route such cabling for the purposes of termination
and passage through wall cavities and junction boxes. Fig. 6 and the subsequent figures
show more details on how the tiles 500 can be used and mounted.
[0138] Fig. 6 also shows ceiling mounting 608. While the devices can be secured to a ceiling
via brackets and other attachments as described in the wall mounting embodiment, ceilings
are often covered with a suspended grid infrastructure that allows for a variety of
ceiling tiles as well as lights and HVAC-related elements. Ceiling tile elements 610
can be sized to fit into standard suspended ceiling grids. For example a 2-foot by
2-foot element 610 could fit directly into a standard ceiling grid 612. Additional
wiring options for ceiling mounting can include jumper cables from unit to unit to
give flexibility in installation.
[0139] In other embodiments, the tiles 500 can be incorporated as flooring elements. The
housing design can be of sufficient structural strength to form a flooring element
much like that of raised flooring used in computer centers or even structural tiles
used as a direct application flooring material. Alternatively, the tiles 500 can be
mounted beneath transparent or translucent flooring elements to provide illumination
through such elements. For example, the combination of many of these panel elements
can then be used as dance floors or for studios and stage sets for a variety of dramatic
and pleasing effects.
[0140] For ceiling mounted embodiments all materials and construction are preferably plenum
rated, since air spaces above suspended ceilings are typically used for air handling
as well. Selected materials including panels and wiring insulation should meet all
required fire ratings and should not emit volatile gases.
[0141] Additionally, for high power LED devices or where large concentrations of LEDs are
used, heat dissipation facilities can be directly incorporated into the panel structure.
There are many embodiments of heat dissipation facilities. These can take the form
of traditional cast or extruded metal heat sinks, as well as fans and appropriate
venting and air flow channels. Other facilities include liquid-cooled systems that
allow for convection currents to transfer heat and provide a flow of heat away from
the source. Additional means for thermal dissipation include thermo-electric cooling
devices, such as those using the Peltier-effect, which uses electricity to create
a cold side and dissipate heat to a 'hot' side.
[0142] Fig. 7 shows a rail mounting facility 700 for a tile 500. This embodiment is a mounting
system that includes rails to connect a larger number of the tiles 500 or panel elements
together. The same rails 700 can be used as a hanging or mounting system as shown
in Fig. 7.
[0143] Referring to Fig. 8, another aspect of this invention is that wiring of the devices
can be done through a direct connector 802 between tiles 500 similar in principle
to building blocks. That is, the modular tiles 500 or panel elements can be directly
connected to each other with both mechanical and electrical attachments 802.
[0144] Referring to Fig. 9, the tiles 500 can be equipped with a magnetic facility 900,
so that the tiles 500 are held together by the attraction of magnets 900. The panels
can be light enough and incorporate either ferrous materials or magnets whose fields
are properly aligned so as to allow coupling between adjacent elements.
[0145] Referring to Fig. 10, a facility for connecting and attaching tiles 500 or panels
with dual-purpose connections is disclosed. In Fig.10, the diamond and triangular-shaped
elements 1002 are brackets to interconnect the tiles 500. The zoom-in feature shows
the electrical and data connections between the tiles 500.
[0146] Fig. 11 shows a block diagram of a portion of a generic LUC 208 that includes a LUC
processor 1102 and a power-sensing module 1114. As indicated in Fig. 11, the power
sensing module 1114 may be coupled to a power supply input connection 1112 and may
in turn provide power to one or more lighting units coupled to the LUC via a power
output connection 1110. The power-sensing module 1114 also may provide one or more
output signals 1116 to the processor 1102, and the processor in rum may communicate
to the central controller 202 information relating to power sensing, via the connection
1108.
[0147] In one aspect of the LUC shown in Fig. 11, the power sensing module 1114, together
with the processor 1102, may be adapted to determine merely when any power is being
consumed by any of the lighting units coupled to the LUC, without necessarily determining
the actual power being drawn or the actual number of units drawing power. Such a "binary"
determination of power either being consumed or not consumed by the collection of
lighting units coupled to the LUC facilitates an identifier determination/learning
algorithm (e.g., that may be performed by the LUC processor 1102 or the central controller
202) according to one embodiment of the invention. In other aspects, the power sensing
module 1114 and the processor 1102 may be adapted to determine, at least approximately,
and actual power drawn by the lighting units at any given time. If the average power
consumed by a single lighting unit is known a priori, the number of units consuming
power at any given time can then be derived from such an actual power measurement.
Such a determination is useful in other embodiments of the invention, as discussed
further below.
[0148] Fig. 12 shows an example of a portion of a circuit implementation of a LUC including
a power-sensing module 1114 according to one embodiment of the invention. In Fig.
12, the power supply input connection is shown as a positive terminal 1112A and a
ground terminal 1112B. Similarly, the power output connection to the lighting units
is shown as a positive terminal 1110A and a ground terminal 1 HOB. In Fig. 12, the
power sensing module 1114 is implemented essentially as a current sensor interposed
between the ground terminal 1112B of the power supply input connection and the ground
terminal 1110B of the power output connection. The current sensor includes a sampling
resistor R3 to develop a sampled voltage based on power drawn from the power output
connection. The sampled voltage is then amplified by operational amplifier U6 to provide
an output signal 1116 to the processor 1102 indicating that power is being drawn.
[0149] In one aspect of the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, the power input supply connection
1112A and 1112B may provide a supply voltage of approximately 20 volts, and the power
sensing module 314 may be designed to generate an output signal 316 of approximately
2 volts per amp of load current (i.e., a gain of 2 V/A) drawn by the group of lighting
units coupled to the LUC. In other aspects, the processor 1102 may include an A/D
converter having a detection resolution on the order of approximately 0.02 volts,
and the lighting units may be designed such that each lighting unit may draw approximately
0.1 amps of current when energized, resulting in a minimum of approximately a 0.2
volt output signal 1116 (based on the 2 V/A gain discussed above) when any unit of
the group is energized (i.e., easily resolved by the processor's A/D converter). In
another aspect, the minimum quiescent current (off-state current, no light sources
energized) drawn by the group of lighting units may be measured from time to time,
and an appropriate threshold may be set for the power sensing module 1114, so that
the output signal 1116 accurately reflects when power is being drawn by the group
of lighting units due to actually energizing one or more light sources.
[0150] As discussed above, according to one embodiment of the invention, the LUC processor
1102 may monitor the output signal 1116 from the power sensing module 1114 to determine
if any power is being drawn by the group of lighting units, and use this indication
in an identifier determination learning algorithm to determine the collection of identifiers
of the group of lighting units coupled to the LUC.
[0151] Referring to Fig. 13, tiles 500 can be joined on the back by bracket elements 1302
that fit into a recessed area 1304 to join and interconnect tiles 500. The recessed
areas 1304 can serve as a channel to facilitate wiring or cabling of a lighting system
with lighting units 100. The zoomed-in area shows an embodiment of bracket elements
1302. The brackets also form an element that provides spacing, wall hanging and connection
between adjacent tiles 500. Brackets 1302 provide spacing, attachment and hanging
capability as well as an integral wire channel. A bracket 1302 can use one or more
of these features.
[0152] In the case of spacing of a tile 500 from a wall, floor, ceiling or other surface,
optical elements can provide a path for light on the backside edge of the tile to
frame the lighting panels and to give a "halo effect" to the tiles 500. This halo
light can also be provided with separate light emitting elements to provide separate
control of both forward and backside lightings. The halo effect can also use a shadow
mask or shaped silhouettes to give different lighting shapes such as crenellated,
wavy, lines, diffusing materials with varying fade over the surface or even a simple
sharp edge frame.
[0153] The halo or frame effect can also be instantiated through distinct and separately
controlled lighting units 100. The lines or adjoining surfaces can be strips of light
that are incorporated as accent pieces within a grid or pattern of tiles or panels.
Fig. 14 shows square tiles 500 separated by separately controlled rectangular lighting
elements 1404. The lighting elements 1404 are modular and can be made in any shape
so that any pattern or sets of patterns can be created.
[0154] In various embodiments, each tile 500 can be partitioned into a variety of individual
shapes. With the underlying grid of controllable nodes, there would be sufficient
illumination to light each node down to the resolution of the grid itself.
[0155] Arbitrary shapes including polygons, circles and any other set of interlocking patterns
can be isolated and individually controlled within a tile 500.
[0156] To reduce the number of light emitting elements required for a tile 500, boards with
LEDs can be mounted as a lighting unit 100 or light source 1502 on the edges facing
in towards the center of the shape as shown in the right hand side of Fig. 15.
[0157] Light radiating away from the light source 1502 will fade in intensity as a function
of distance away from the light source 1502. In order to provide more uniform illumination,
the shape of the interior of the tile 500 can be configured in such a way as to capture
and reflect the illumination to provide a more uniformly illuminated surface for a
cover 1512 that is placed over the region in which the light sources 1502 are placed.
In Fig.15, a pyramid 1510 is shown in relief, coming towards the viewer and providing
an increase in light towards the viewer. The faces of the pyramid 1504 near the base
of the pyramid 1510 are brighter than the flat area 1508 that is nearer to the light
source 1502, because the angle of incidence of light from the light source 1502 is
such that more light is reflected upward (toward the eye of a viewer who is looking
on the tile 500 from a direction substantially toward the top of the pyramid 1508)
from the angled faces 1504 than from the flat areas 1508. With the diffusing cover
1512, this effect provides nearly uniform intensity of illumination from the whole
tile 500, as shown in the left hand side of Fig. 15. Thus, Fig. 15 shows a tile 500
with an edge lit interior, both with, and without, the diffusing cover 1512. Note
the use of the pyramidal element 1508 to guide, diffuse and homogenize light output.
Diagonals provide separation between adjacent areas and can be provided at a variety
of heights to eliminate or allow overlap of colors from adjacent sections.
[0158] While the pyramid 1508 is a simple shape to implement a favorable light effect, other
shapes may be provided and may be more effective over different differences and different
configurations of tiles 500. Curved shapes, specifically those tailored to the mathematical
model of light distribution, can provide even better uniformity over the distance.
A shape described by a 2
n order equation, such as a parabola, may be better suited to giving the correct properties
of uniformity of reflected light toward the eye of a viewer of the tile 500.
[0159] In embodiments, the surface material for the interior of the tile 500 may be a matte
white surface, namely, a Lambertian surface. A Lambertian surface is a surface of
perfectly matte properties and thus adheres to Lambert's cosine law which states that
the reflected light in any direction from a perfectly diffusing surface varies as
the cosine of the angle between that direction and the perpendicular to the surface.
The result is that the luminance of that surface is the same regardless of the viewing
angle. This in combination with the shape as described above gives a pleasing uniform
lit surface with little perceptible variation.
[0160] Of course, in embodiments, it may be desired to use a variety of shapes and materials
to give an effect other than uniform illumination. Various shapes may provide variance,
shadows and textures to give sculptural effects from the light. For example, a symbol,
letter, number, logo, character, picture or other element can be formed by designing
the interior configuration of the tile 500, the reflective nature of the interior,
or the light-transmitting capacity of the cover 1512, to vary light intensity in particular
regions of the tile 500.
[0161] Note that the use of a surface in the interior of the tile 500, such as the pyramid
1508, can create a void beneath which space can be used to hide power supplies and
controllers, connectors and other related pieces of the system of tiles 500.
[0162] While the embodiment of Fig. 15 shows an edge-lit system, other configurations of
lighting units 100 can be used to light the interior of the tile 500. These include
regular or irregular grids, columnar arrays, circles, or other shapes of lighting
units 100 serving as light emitting elements. These elements can also provide fixed
color or have independently controlled nodes within the interior of the tile 500.
[0163] In embodiments, a circuit board can use a white solder mask to maximize reflectance
and light output from the tile 500.
[0164] The cover 1512 of Fig. 15 is an example of a diffusing panel for a tile 500. Such
diffusing panels can be shaped and sculpted into a variety of pleasing forms for aesthetic
and decorative purposes. These can be modular units that can be substituted for one
another to change the overall appearance or to represent different themes. In combinations
of colors and shapes, each installation can be unique. The use of colorful translucent
or opaque coverings such as silk-screens can provide still more effects. This can
be used for advertising or information purposes, the front of dispensing or vending
machines, signs, accessible services, such as phones or kiosks, and any other application
where artwork, signs or displays are used. With translucent colors a flare effect
can be made using changing colors behind colored graphics. Using modular diffusing
panels then allows a larger variety of color changing effects based on the colors
of the materials.
[0165] Figs. 16 and 17 show a variety of textures and shapes that can be used to diffuse
and diffract light among the wide variety that are encompassed by this disclosure.
The covers 1600 can incorporate graphics and other elements such as characters and
artwork. Tessellations can be provided in Escher-like or Penrose-type patterns that
are either periodic or aperiodic. The tiles 500 in these many textures and shapes
can be disposed in many environments, such as to cover parts of building interiors
and exteriors, including walls, doors, windows, ceilings, floors, furniture, tables,
shelves, and other surfaces.
[0166] Figs. 18 and 19 show diffuse surfaces that form the panels that are designed to be
easily formed and molded with conventional manufacturing techniques. Here the tile
500 can be designed to fit flush with a surface 1802, so that it requires no framing
on the outside of a multiple unit configuration by going all the way back to the wall
with no gaps, exposing wiring and other mechanical aspects of the tile. Fig. 19 shows
several embodiments of such tiles 500, with different designs for the diffusing panels.
[0167] Fig. 20 shows a configuration 2000 with regular grids of color changing elements
2002, each using an LED package that incorporates a red, a green and a blue LED. Of
course other LED colors can be used. The light emitting elements are coupled with
an integrated control, power and communications chip or ASIC on the back of the board,
which makes the development of arbitrarily shaped configurations a very straightforward
process. Figs. 20 and 21 show two different printed circuit boards 2000, 2100, with
different spacing between the lighting elements 2002, 2102. Configuration 2000 is
a 6 by 6 array, or 36 units per square foot. Configuration 2100 is an 8 by 8 array,
or 64 elements 2102 per square foot. This number can be varying in accordance with
particular applications, and there are no limits until the entire space is completely
filled with light-emitting elements 2002, 2102. These controlled light boards can
be made in any shape. Each node can be made individually controllable, whether by
an addressing scheme such as DMX, or more preferably in some embodiments, a string
light protocol described elsewhere herein, in which each node receives data in a series
and responds to the first unmodified data element in the stream. In this particular
embodiment, and RGB cluster is co-located in a single package. When the lighting elements
are placed in such a grid configuration, a diffusing panel can be placed directly
over the elements, and any shape, symbol, character or the like can be created by
authoring signals to each grid element, varying the intensity and color of the grid
element. One embodiment is a plurality of boards 204 arranged in a square pattern
and covered by a diffuser to form a tile light 500. In embodiments, the control can
be object-oriented control, such as in conjunction with a software authoring system
as described elsewhere herein. In embodiments the authoring can be a geometric authoring
method, such as described elsewhere herein. Thus, effects authored in software, such
as Flash animations, can be replicated in the configurations 2000, 2100, then diffused
in a diffusing panel, resulting in very pleasing effects, such as explosions of color,
chasing rainbows, tie-dye-like effects, and the like. Effects can include scrolling
text, graphics, animations, and the like. In embodiments effects can be authored to
respond to an input signal 124, such as an incoming video signal, where the individual
lighting units 100 that form a grid or array respond to elements of the video signal,
such as to represent pixels, or portions of pixels, of the incoming video signal.
[0168] Another method of providing a tile 500 uses edge lighting, with one embodiment using
a reflective underside or extruded reflector shape.
[0169] Referring to Fig. 22, another embodiment 2200 uses different physical layers for
an effect. The method uses integral LED nodes 2204 with diffusers 2202. Using polygonal
PCBs with white solder mask; each node 2202 sits under a bump on the diffuser material
2204. The effect is a number of separately addressable controllable nodes floating
in a uniform color field. Light emitting nodes 2204, shown as small circles, emit
light upwards into the diffusers 2202, which can have a variety of shapes and textures.
This can be in addition to edge lighting units whose light is shown by the horizontal
arrows in Fig. 22.
[0170] Referring to Fig. 23, Penrose tiles are a set of tiles that form no regular pattern
no matter how many are used. The patterns are termed aperiodic. The simplest set of
two tiles that have this property are the two rhomboids shown in Fig. 23, with all
edges of unit length. Tiled surfaces produced with these shapes will, through color
control, have some very interesting patterns. These are arrangements of tiles that
fill the plane in such a way that there are no regularly recurring patterns. The same-looking
cluster of tiles can recur infinitely often, but not evenly spaced apart. Such shapes
are discussed in
U.S. Patent No. 4,133,152, entitled Set of Tiles for Covering a Surface. Other tiles can include versatile
tiles that can form both periodic and aperiodic tilings of the plane. These effects
can be geometry-based and coupled to other systems such as media (music, video, video
and computer games, movies etc).
[0171] Having developed a variety of embodiments for relating a lighting unit 100 that has
a physical location to an address for the lighting unit 100, whether it be a network
address, a unique identifier, or a position within a series or string of lighting
unit 100 that pass control signals along to each other, as well as a variety of configurations
for lighting units 100, including arrangements of tiles in various geometries, it
is further desirable to have facilities for authoring control signals for the lighting
units. An example of such an authoring system is a software-based authoring system,
such as COLORPLAY™ offered by Color Kinetics Incorporated of Boston, Massachusetts.
[0172] An embodiment of this invention relates to systems and methods for generating control
signals. While the control signals are disclosed herein in connection with authoring
lighting shows and displays for lighting unit 100 in various configurations, it should
be understood that the control signals may be used to control any system that is capable
of responding to a control signal, whether it be a lighting system, lighting network,
light, LED, LED lighting system, audio system, surround sound system, fog machine,
rain machine, electromechanical system or other systems. Lighting systems like those
described in
U.S. Patent Nos. 6,016,038,
6,150,774, and
6,166,496 illustrate some different types of lighting systems where control signals may be
used.
[0173] In certain computer applications, there is typically a display screen (which could
be a personal computer screen, television screen, laptop screen, handheld, gameboy
screen, computer monitor, flat screen display, LCD display, PDA screen, or other display)
that represents a virtual environment of some type. There is also typically a user
in a real world environment that surrounds the display screen. The present invention
relates, among other things, to using a computer application in a virtual environment
to generate control signals for systems, such as lighting systems, that are located
in real world environments, such as lighting unit 100 positioned in various configurations
described above, including linear configurations, arrays, curvilinear configurations,
3D configurations, and other configurations, and in particular including configurations
that can be formed by arranging tiles 500 in various two- and three-dimensional configurations.
[0174] An embodiment of the present invention describes a method for generating control
signals as illustrated in the block diagram in Fig. 24. The method may involve providing
or generating an image or representation of an image, i.e., a graphical representation
2402. The graphical representation may be a static image such as a drawing, photograph,
generated image, or image that is or appears to be static. The static image may include
images displayed on a computer screen or other screen even though the image is continually
being refreshed on the screen. The static image may also be a hard copy of an image.
[0175] Providing a graphical representation 2402 may also involve generating an image or
representation of an image. For example, a processor may be used to execute software
to generate the graphical representation 2402. Again, the image that is generated
may be or appear to be static or the image may be dynamic. An example of software
used to generate a dynamic image is Flash 5 computer software offered by Macromedia,
Incorporated. Flash 5 is a widely used computer program to generate graphics, images
and animations. Other useful products used to generate images include, for example,
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe LiveMotion. There are many other programs
that can be used to generate both static and dynamic images. For example, Microsoft
Corporation makes a computer program Paint. This software is used to generate images
on a screen in a bit map format. Other software programs may be used to generate images
in bitmaps, vector coordinates, or other techniques. There are also many programs
that render graphics in three dimensions or more. Direct X libraries, from Microsoft
Corporation, for example generate images in three-dimensional space. The output of
any of the foregoing software programs or similar programs can serve as the graphical
representation 2402. In embodiments the graphical representation may correspond to
an incoming video signal, where individual video frames are represented as graphical
representations.
[0176] In embodiments the graphical representation 2402 may be generated using software
executed on a processor, but the graphical representation 2402 may never be displayed
on a screen. In an embodiment, an algorithm may generate an image or representation
thereof, such as an explosion in a space for example. The explosion function may generate
an image and this image may be used to generate control signals as described herein
with or without actually displaying the image on a screen. The image may be displayed
through a lighting network for example without ever being displayed on a screen.
[0177] In an embodiment, generating or representing an image may be accomplished through
a program that is executed on a processor. In an embodiment, the purpose of generating
the image or representation of the image may be to provide information defined in
a space. For example, the generation of an image may define how a lighting effect
travels through a space. The lighting effect may represent an explosion, for example.
The representation may initiate bright white light in the corner of a grid of tiles
500 and the light may travel away from this corner a velocity (with speed and direction)
and the color of the light may change as the propagation of the effect continues.
In an embodiment, an image generator may generate a function or algorithm. The function
or algorithm may represent an event such as an explosion, lighting strike, headlights,
train passing through a space or grid, bullet shot through a space or grid, light
moving through a space or grid, sunrise across a space or grid, spinning pinwheel
moving around a space or grid, color-chasing rainbow, or other event. The function
or algorithm may represent an image such as lights swirling in a space or grid, balls
of light bouncing in a space or grid, sounds bouncing in a space, or other images.
The function or algorithm may also represent randomly generated effects or other effects.
The term "grid" is intended to encompass any two-dimensional arrangement, such as
a grid, array, lattice, or similar surface, including such an arrangement that is
bent or curved, such as a wall going around a corner. The term "space" is intended
to encompass any three-dimensional arrangement.
[0178] Referring again to Fig. 24, a light system configuration facility 2404 may accomplish
further steps for the methods and systems described herein. The light system configuration
facility may generate a system configuration file, configuration data or other configuration
information for a lighting system, such as the one depicted in connection with Fig.
1.
[0179] The light system configuration facility can represent or correlate a system, such
as a lighting unit 100, sound system or other system as described herein with a position
or positions in an environment 100. For example, an LED lighting unit 100 may be correlated
with a position within a space. In an embodiment, the location of a lighted surface
may also be determined for inclusion into the configuration file. The position of
the lighted surface may also be associated with a lighting unit 100. In embodiments,
the lighted surface 107 may be the desired parameter while the lighting unit 100 that
generates the light to illuminate the surface is also important. Lighting control
signals may be communicated to a lighting unit 100 when a surface is scheduled to
be lit by the lighting unit 100. For example, control signals may be communicated
to a lighting system when a generated image calls for a particular section of a space
to change in hue, saturation or brightness. In this situation, the control signals
may be used to control the lighting system such that the lighted surface 107 is illuminated
at the proper time. The lighted surface 107 may be located on a wall but the lighting
unit 100 designed to project light onto the surface 107 may be located on the ceiling.
The configuration information could be arranged to initiate the lighting unit 100
to activate or change when the surface 107 is to be lit.
[0180] Referring still to Fig. 24, the graphical representation 2402 and the configuration
information from the light system configuration facility 2404 can be delivered to
a conversion module 2408, which associates position information from the configuration
facility with information from the graphical representation and converts the information
into a control signal, such as a control signal for a lighting unit 100. Then the
conversion module can communicate the control signal, such as to the lighting unit
100. In embodiments the conversion module maps positions in the graphical representation
to positions of lighting units 100 in the environment, as stored in a configuration
file for the environment (as described below). The mapping might be a one-to-one mapping
of pixels or groups of pixels in the graphical representation to lighting units 100
or groups of lighting units 100 in the environment 100. It could be a mapping of pixels
in the graphical representation to surfaces 107, polygons, or objects in the environment
that are lit by lighting units 100. A mapping relation could also map vector coordinate
information, a wave function, or an algorithm to positions of lighting units 100.
Many different mapping relations can be envisioned and are encompassed herein.
[0181] Referring to Fig. 25, another embodiment of a block diagram for a method and system
for generating a control signal is depicted. A light management facility 2502 is used
to generate a map file 2504 that maps lighting units 100 to positions in an environment,
to surfaces that are lit by the light systems, and the like. An animation facility
2508 generates a sequence of graphics files for an animation effect. A conversion
module 2512 relates the information in the map file 2504 for the lighting units 100
to the graphical information in the graphics files. For example, color information
in the graphics file may be used to convert to a color control signal for a lighting
unit 100 to generate a similar color. Pixel information for the graphics file may
be converted to address information for lighting units 100, which will correspond
to the pixels in question. In embodiments, the conversion module 2512 includes a lookup
table for converting particular graphics file information into particular lighting
control signals, based on the content of a configuration file for the lighting system
and conversion algorithms appropriate for the animation facility in question. The
converted information can be sent to a playback tool 2514, which may in turn play
the animation and deliver control signals 2518 to lighting units 100 in an environment.
[0182] Referring to Fig. 26, an embodiment of a configuration file 2600 is depicted, showing
certain elements of configuration information that can be stored for a lighting unit
100 or other system. Thus, the configuration file 2600 can store an identifier 2602
for each lighting unit 100, as well as the position 2608 of that light system in a
desired coordinate or mapping system for the environment 100 (which may be (x,y,z)
coordinates, polar coordinates, (x,y) coordinates, or the like). The position 508
and other information may be time-dependent, so the configuration file 2600 can include
an element of time 2604. The configuration file 2600 can also store information about
the position 2610 that is lit by the lighting unit 100. That information can consist
of a set of coordinates, or it may be an identified surface, polygon, object, or other
item in the environment. The configuration file 2600 can also store information about
the available degrees of freedom for use of the lighting unit 100, such as available
colors in a color range 2612, available intensities in an intensity range 2614, or
the like. The configuration file 2600 can also include information about other systems
in the environment that are controlled by the control systems disclosed herein, information
about the characteristics of surfaces 107 in the environment, and the like. Thus,
the configuration file 2600 can map a set of lighting units 100 to the conditions
that they are capable of generating in an environment 100.
[0183] In an embodiment, configuration information such as the configuration file 2600 may
be generated using a program executed on a processor. Referring to Fig. 27, the program
may run on a computer 2700 with a graphical user interface 2712 where a representation
of an environment 2702 can be displayed, showing lighting units 100, lit surfaces
107 or other elements in a graphical format. The interface may include a representation
2702 of a space for example. Representations of lights, lighted surfaces or other
systems may then be presented in the interface 2712 and locations can be assigned
to the system. In an embodiment, position coordinates or a position map may represent
a system, such as a light system. A position map may also be generated for the representation
of a lighted surface for example. Figure 27 illustrates a space with lighting units
100. In other embodiments, the lighting units 100 could be positioned on the exterior
of a building, in windows of a building, or the like.
[0184] The representation 2702 can also be used to simplify generation of effects. For example,
a set of stored effects can be represented by icons 2710 on the screen 2712. An explosion
icon can be selected with a cursor or mouse, which may prompt the user to click on
a starting and ending point for the explosion in the coordinate system. By locating
a vector in the representation, the user can cause an explosion to be initiated in
the upper corner of the space 2702 and a wave of light and or sound may propagate
through the environment. With all of the lighting units 100 in predetermined positions,
as identified in the configuration file 2600, the representation of the explosion
can be played in the space by the light system and or another system such as a sound
system.
[0185] In use, a control system such as used herein can be used to provide information to
a user or programmer from the lighting units 100 in response to or in coordination
with the information being provided to the user of the computer 2700. One example
of how this can be provided is in conjunction with the user generating a computer
animation on the computer 2700. The lighting unit 100 may be used to create one or
more light effects in response to displays 2712 on the computer 2700. The lighting
effects, or illumination effects, can produce a vast variety of effects including
color-changing effects; stroboscopic effects; flashing effects; coordinated lighting
effects; lighting effects coordinated with other media such as video or audio; color
wash where the color changes in hue, saturation or intensity over a period of time;
creating an ambient color; color fading; effects that simulate movement such as a
color chasing rainbow, a flare streaking across a space, a sun rising, a plume from
an explosion, other moving effects; and many other effects. The effects that can be
generated are nearly limitless. Light and color continually surround the user, and
controlling or changing the illumination or color in a space can change emotions,
create atmosphere, provide enhancement of a material or object, or create other pleasing
and or useful effects. The user of the computer 2700 can observe the effects while
modifying them on the display 2712, thus enabling a feedback loop that allows the
user to conveniently modify effects.
[0186] In an embodiment, the information generated to form the image or representation may
be communicated to a lighting unit 100 or plurality of lighting units 100. The information
may be sent to lighting systems as generated in a configuration file. For example,
the image may represent an explosion that begins in the upper right hand comer of
a space and the explosion may propagate through the space. As the image propagates
through its calculated space, control signals can be communicated to lighting systems
in the corresponding space. The communication signal may cause the lighting system
to generate light of a given hue, saturation and intensity when the image is passing
through the lighted space the lighting systems projects onto. An embodiment of the
invention projects the image through a lighting system. The image may also be projected
through a computer screen or other screen or projection device. In an embodiment,
a screen may be used to visualize the image prior or during the playback of the image
on a lighting system. In an embodiment, sound or other effects may be correlated with
the lighting effects. For example, the peak intensity of a light wave propagating
through a space may be just ahead of a sound wave. As a result, the light wave may
pass through a space followed by a sound wave. The light wave may be played back on
a lighting system and the sound wave may be played back on a sound system. This coordination
can create effects that appear to be passing through a space or they can create various
other effects.
[0187] Referring to Fig. 27, an effect can propagate through a virtual environment that
is represented in 3D on the display screen 2712 of the computer 2700. In embodiments,
the effect can be modeled as a vector or plane moving through space over time. Thus,
all lighting units 100 that are located on the plane of the effect in the real world
environment can be controlled to generate a certain type of illumination when the
effect plane propagates through the light system plane. This can be modeled in the
virtual environment of the display screen, so that a developer can drag a plane through
a series of positions that vary over time. For example, an effect plane 2718 can move
with the vector 2708 through the virtual environment. When the effect plan 2718 reaches
a polygon 2714, the polygon can be highlighted in a color selected from the color
palette 2704. A lighting unit 100 positioned on a real world object that corresponds
to the polygon can then illuminate in the same color in the real world environment.
Of course, the polygon could be any configuration of light systems on any object,
plane, surface, wall, or the like, so the range of 3D effects that can be created
is unlimited.
[0188] In an embodiment, the image information may be communicated from a central controller.
The information may be altered before a lighting system responds to the information.
For example, the image information may be directed to a position within a position
map. All of the information directed at a position map may be collected prior to sending
the information to a lighting system. This may be accomplished every time the image
is refreshed or every time this section of the image is refreshed or at other times.
In an embodiment, an algorithm may be performed on information that is collected.
The algorithm may average the information, calculate and select the maximum information,
calculate and select the minimum information, calculate and select the first quartile
of the information, calculate and select the third quartile of the information, calculate
and select the most used information calculate and select the integral of the information
or perform another calculation on the information. This step may be completed to level
the effect of the lighting system in response to information received. For example,
the information in one refresh cycle may change the information in the map several
times and the effect may be viewed best when the projected light takes on one value
in a given refresh cycle.
[0189] In an embodiment, the information communicated to a lighting system may be altered
before a lighting system responds to the information. The information format may change
prior to the communication for example. The information may be communicated from a
computer through a USB port or other communication port and the format of the information
may be changed to a lighting protocol such as DMX when the information is communicated
to the lighting system. In an embodiment, the information or control signals may be
communicated to a lighting system or other system through a communications port of
a computer, portable computer, notebook computer, personal digital assistant or other
system. The information or control signals may also be stored in memory, electronic
or otherwise, to be retrieved at a later time. Systems such the iPlayer and SmartJack
systems manufactured and sold by Color Kinetics Incorporated can be used to communicate
and or store lighting control signals.
[0190] In an embodiment, several systems may be associated with position maps and the several
systems may a share position map or the systems may reside in independent position
areas. For example, the position of a lighted surface from a first lighting system
may intersect with a lighted surface from a second lighting system. The two systems
may still respond to information communicated to the either of the lighting systems.
In an embodiment, the interaction of two lighting systems may also be controlled.
An algorithm, function or other technique may be used to change the lighting effects
of one or more of the lighting systems in an interactive space. For example, if the
interactive space is greater than half of the non-interactive space from a lighting
system, the lighting system's hue, saturation or brightness may be modified to compensate
the interactive area. This may be used to adjust the overall appearance of the interactive
area or an adjacent area for example.
[0191] In an embodiment, the lighting effects could also be coupled to sound that will add
to and reinforce the lighting effects. An example is a 'red alert' sequence where
a ' whoop whoop' siren-like effect is coupled with the lighting unit 100 pulsing red
in concert with the sound. One stimulus reinforces the other. Sounds and movement
of an earthquake using low frequency sound and flickering lights is another example
of coordinating these effects. Movement of light and sound can be used to indicate
direction.
[0192] In an embodiment the lights are represented in a two-dimensional or plan view. This
allows representation of the lights in a plane where the lights can be associated
with various pixels. Standard computer graphics techniques can then be used for effects.
Animation tweening and even standard tools may be used to create lighting effects.
Macromedia Flash works with relatively low-resolution graphics for creating animations
on the web. Flash uses simple vector graphics to easily create animations. The vector
representation is efficient for streaming applications such as on the World Wide Web
for sending animations over the net. The same technology can be used to create animations
that can be used to derive lighting commands by mapping the pixel information or vector
information to vectors or pixels that correspond to positions of lighting units 100
within a coordinate system for an environment 100.
[0193] For example, an animation window of a computer 2700 can represent a space or other
environment of the lights. Pixels in that window can correspond to lights within the
space or a low-resolution averaged image can be created from the higher resolution
image. In this way lights in the space can be activated when a corresponding pixel
or neighborhood of pixels turn on. Because LED-based lighting technology can create
any color on demand using digital control information, see
U.S. Patents 6,016,038,
6,150,774, and
6,166,496, the lights can faithfully recreate the colors in the original image.
[0194] Some examples of effects that could be generated using systems and methods according
to the principles of the invention include, but are not limited to, explosions, colors,
underwater effects, turbulence, color variation, fire, missiles, chases, rotation
of a space, shape motion, Tinkerbell-like shapes, lights moving in a space, and many
others. Any of the effects can be specified with parameters, such as frequencies,
wavelengths, wave widths, peak-to-peak measurements, velocities, inertia, friction,
speed, width, spin, vectors, and the like. Any of these can be coupled with other
effects, such as sound.
[0195] In computer graphics, anti-aliasing is a technique for removing staircase effects
in imagery where edges are drawn and resolution is limited. This effect can be seen
on television when a narrow striped pattern is shown. The edges appear to crawl like
ants as the lines approach the horizontal. In a similar fashion, the lighting can
be controlled in such a way as to provide a smoother transition during effect motion.
The effect parameters such as wave width, amplitude, phase or frequency can be modified
to provide better effects.
[0196] For example, referring to Fig. 29, a schematic diagram 2900 has circles that represent
a single light 2904 over time. For an effect to 'traverse' this light, it might simply
have a step function that causes the light to pulse as the wave passes through the
light. However, without the notion of width, the effect might be indiscernible. The
effect preferably has width. If however, the effect on the light was simply a step
function that turned on for a period of time, then might appear to be a harsh transition,
which may be desirable in some cases but for effects that move over time (i.e. have
some velocity associated with them) then this would not normally be the case.
[0197] The wave 2902 shown in Fig. 29 has a shape that corresponds to the change. In essence
it is a visual convolution of the wave 2902 as it propagates through a space. So as
a wave, such as from an explosion, moves past points in space, those points rise in
intensity from zero, and can even have associated changes in hue or saturation, which
gives a much more realistic effect of the motion of the effect. At some point, as
the number and density of lights increases, the space then becomes an extension of
the screen and provides large sparse pixels. Even with a relatively small number of
lighting units 100 the effect eventually can serve as a display similar to a large
screen display.
[0198] Effects can have associated motion and direction, i.e. a velocity. Even other physical
parameters can be described to give physical parameters such as friction, inertia,
and momentum. Even more than that, the effect can have a specific trajectory. In an
embodiment, each light may have a representation that gives attributes of the light.
This can take the form of 2D position, for example. A lighting unit 100 can have all
various degrees of freedom assigned (e.g., xyz-rpy), or any combination.
[0199] The techniques listed here are not limited to lighting. Control signals can be propagated
through other devices based on their positions, such as special effects devices such
as pyrotechnics, smell-generating devices, fog machines, bubble machines, moving mechanisms,
acoustic devices, acoustic effects that move in space, or other systems.
[0200] Another embodiment of the invention is depicted in Fig. 30, which contains a flow
diagram 3000 with steps for generating a control signal. First, at a step 3002 a user
can access a graphical user interface, such as the display 2712 depicted in Fig. 27.
Next, at a step 3003, the user can generate an image on the display, such as using
a graphics program or similar facility. The image can be a representation of an environment,
such as a room, space, wall, building, surface, object, or the like, in which lighting
units 100 are disposed. It is assumed in connection with Fig. 30 that the configuration
of the lighting units 100 in the environment is known and stored, such as in a table
or configuration file 2600. Of course similar information could be stored simply by
knowing the ordinal position of a lighting unit 100, such as its position along a
string of lights in a string light protocol (which in turn could be used to form a
grid by stringing the grid in a particular order). Next, at a step 3004, a user can
select an effect, such as from a menu of effects. In an embodiment, the effect may
be a color selected from a color palette. The color might be a color temperature of
white. The effect might be another effect, such as described herein. In an embodiment,
generating the image 3003 may be accomplished through a program executed on a processor.
The image may then be displayed on a computer screen. Once a color is selected from
the palette at the step 3004, a user may select a portion of the image at a step 3008.
This may be accomplished by using a cursor on the screen in a graphical user interface
where the cursor is positioned over the desired portion of the image and then the
portion is selected with a mouse. Following the selection of a portion of the image,
the information from that portion can be converted to lighting control signals at
a step 3010. This may involve changing the format of the bit stream or converting
the information into other information. The information that made the image may be
segmented into several colors such as red, green, and blue. The information may also
be communicated to a lighting system in, for example, segmented red, green, and blue
signals. The signal may also be communicated to the lighting system as a composite
signal at a step 3012. This technique can be useful for changing the color of a lighting
system. For example, a color palette may be presented in a graphical user interface
and the palette may represent millions of different colors. A user may want to change
the lighting in a space or other area to a deep blue. To accomplish her task, the
user can select the color from the screen using a mouse and the lighting in the space
changes to match the color of the portion of the screen she selected. Generally, the
information on a computer screen is presented in small pixels of red, green and blue.
LED systems, such as those found in
U.S. Patent Nos. 6,016,038,
6,150,774 and
6,166,496, may include red, green and blue lighting elements as well. The conversion process
from the information on the screen to control signals may be a format change such
that the lighting system understands the commands. However, in an embodiment, the
information or the level of the separate lighting elements may be the same as the
information used to generate the pixel information. This provides for an accurate
duplication of the pixel information in the lighting system.
[0201] Using the techniques described herein, including techniques for determining positions
of light systems in environments, techniques for modeling effects in environments
(including time- and geometry-based effects), and techniques for mapping light system
environments to virtual environments, it is possible to model an unlimited range of
effects in an unlimited range of environments. Effects need not be limited to those
that can be created on a square or rectangular display, such as the tile 500. Instead,
light systems can be disposed in a wide range of lines, strings, curves, polygons,
cones, cylinders, cubes, spheres, hemispheres, non-linear configurations, clouds,
and arbitrary shapes and configurations, then modeled in a virtual environment that
captures their positions in selected coordinate dimensions. Thus, light systems can
be disposed in or on the interior or exterior of any environment, such as a room,
space, building, home, wall, object, product, retail store, vehicle, ship, airplane,
pool, spa, hospital, operating space, or other location.
[0202] In embodiments, the light system may be associated with code for the computer application,
so that the computer application code is modified or created to control the light
system. For example, object-oriented programming techniques can be used to attach
attributes to objects in the computer code, and the attributes can be used to govern
behavior of the light system. Object oriented techniques are known in the field, and
can be found in texts such as "Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming" by Timothy
Budd. It should be understood that other programming techniques may also be used to
direct lighting systems to illuminate in coordination with computer applications,
object oriented programming being one of a variety of programming techniques that
would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to facilitate the methods
and systems described herein.
[0203] In an embodiment, a developer can attach the light system inputs to objects in the
computer application. For example, the developer may have an abstraction of a lighting
unit 100 that is added to the code construction, or object, of an application object.
An object may consist of various attributes, such as position, velocity, color, intensity,
or other values. A developer can add light as an instance in the object in the code
of a computer application. For example, the object could be vector in an object-oriented
computer animation program or solid modeling program, with attributes, such as direction
and velocity. A lighting unit 100 can be added as an instance of the object of the
computer application, and the light system can have attributes, such as intensity,
color, and various effects. Thus, when events occur in the computer application that
call on the object of the vector, a thread running through the program can draw code
to serve as an input to the processor of the light system. The light can accurately
represent geometry, placement, spatial location, represent a value of the attribute
or trait, or provide indication of other elements or objects.
[0204] Referring to Fig. 31, in one embodiment of a networked lighting system according
to the principles of the invention, a network transmitter 3102 communicates network
information to the lighting units 100. In such an embodiment, the lighting units 100
can include an input port 3104 and an export port 3108. The network information may
be communicated to the first lighting unit 100 and the first lighting unit 100 may
read the information that is addressed to it and pass the remaining portion of the
information on to the next lighting unit 100. A person with ordinary skill in the
art would appreciate that there are other network topologies that are encompassed
by a system according to the principles of the present invention.
[0205] Referring to Fig.32, a flow chart 3200 provides steps for a method of providing for
coordinated illumination. At the step 3202, the programmer codes an object for a computer
application, using, for example, object-oriented programming techniques. At a step
3204, the programming creates instances for each of the objects in the application.
At a step 3208, the programmer adds light as an instance to one or more objects of
the application. At a step 3210, the programmer provides for a thread, running through
the application code. At a step 3212, the programmer provides for the thread to draw
lighting system input code from the objects that have light as an instance. At a step
3214, the input signal drawn from the thread at the step 3212 is provided to the light
system, so that the lighting system responds to code drawn from the computer application.
[0206] Using such object-oriented light input to the lighting unit 100 from code for a computer
application, various lighting effects can be associated in the real world environment
with the virtual world objects of a computer application. For example, in animation
of an effect such as explosion of a polygon, a light effect can be attached with the
explosion of the polygon, such as sound, flashing, motion, vibration and other temporal
effects. Further, the lighting unit 100 could include other effects devices including
sound producing devices, motion producing devices, fog machines, rain machines or
other devices which could also produce indications related to that object.
[0207] Referring to Fig. 33, a flow diagram 3300 depicts steps for coordinated illumination
between a representation on virtual environment of a computer screen and a lighting
unit 100 or set of lighting units 100 in a real environment. In embodiments, program
code for control of the lighting unit 100 has a separate thread running on the machine
that provides its control signals. At a step 3302 the program initiates the thread.
At a step 3304 the thread as often as possible runs through a list of virtual lights,
namely, objects in the program code that represent lights in the virtual environment.
At a step 3308 the thread does three-dimensional math to determine which real-world
lighting units 100 in the environment are in proximity to a reference point in the
real world (e.g., a selected surface 107) that is projected as the reference point
of the coordinate system of objects in the virtual environment of the computer representation.
Thus, the (0,0,0) position can be a location in a real environment and a point on
the screen in the display of the computer application (for instance the center of
the display. At a step 3310, the code maps the virtual environment to the real world
environment, including the lighting units 100, so that events happening outside the
computer screen are similar in relation to the reference point as are virtual objects
and events to a reference point on the computer screen. In embodiments the virtual
world is two-dimensional, so that a two-dimensional real world grid, such as formed
of tiles 500, is represented by two-dimensional object in the virtual environment.
In other cases the virtual world represents three-dimensional objects, such as spaces
or polygons, in the real world. Such three-dimensional objects include those formed
of two-dimensional objects, such as tiles 500.
[0208] At a step 3312, the host of the method may provide an interface for mapping. The
mapping function may be done with a function, e.g., "project-all-lights," as described
in the Directlight API described herein below, that maps real world lights using a
simple user interface, such as drag and drop interface. In some embodiments, the placement
of the lights may not be as important as the surface the lights are directed towards.
It may be this surface that reflects the illumination or lights back to the environment
and as a result it may be this surface that is the most important for the mapping
program. The mapping program may map these surfaces rather than the light system locations
or it may also map both the locations of the light systems and the light on the surface.
[0209] A system for providing the code for coordinated illumination may be any suitable
computer capable of allowing programming, including a processor, an operating system,
and memory, such as a database, for storing files for execution.
[0210] Each real lighting unit 100 may have attributes that are stored in a configuration
file. An example of a structure for a configuration file is depicted in Fig. 26. In
embodiments, the configuration file may include various data, such as a light number,
a position of each light, the position or direction of light output, the gamma (brightness)
of the light, an indicator number for one or more attributes, and various other attributes.
By changing the coordinates in the configuration file, the real world lights can be
mapped to the virtual world represented on the screen in a way that allows them to
reflect what is happening in the virtual environment. The developer can thus create
time-based effects, such as an explosion. There can then be a library of effects in
the code that can be attached to various application attributes. Examples include
explosions, rainbows, color chases, fades in and out, etc. The developer attaches
the effects to virtual objects in the application. For example, when an explosion
is done, the light goes off in the display, reflecting the destruction of the object
that is associated with the light in the configuration file.
[0211] To simplify the configuration file, various techniques can be used. In embodiments,
hemispherical cameras, sequenced in turn, can be used as a baseline with scaling factors
to triangulate the lights and automatically generate a configuration file without
ever having to measure where the lights are. In embodiments, the configuration file
can be typed in, or can be put into a graphical user interface that can be used to
drag and drop light sources onto a representation of an environment. The developer
can create a configuration file that matches the fixtures with true placement in a
real environment. For example, once the lighting elements are dragged and dropped
in the environment, the program can associate the virtual lights in the program with
the real lights in the environment. An example of a light authoring program to aid
in the configuration of lighting is included in
U.S. Patent Application No. 09/616,214 "Systems and Methods for Authoring Lighting Sequences." Color Kinetics Inc. also
offers a suitable authoring and configuration program called "ColorPlay."
[0212] Further details as to one implementation of authoring code can be found in the Directlight
API described below. Directlight API is an example of a programmer's interface that
allows a programmer to incorporate lighting effects into a program. Object oriented
programming is just one example of a programming technique used to incorporate lighting
effects. Lighting effects could be incorporated into any programming language or method
of programming. In object oriented programming, the programmer is often simulating
a 2D or 3D space.
[0213] In the above examples, lights were used to indicate the position of objects which
produce the expected light or have light attached to them. There are many other ways
in which light can be used. The lights in the light system can be used for a variety
of purposes, such as to indicate events in a computer application (such as a game),
or to indicate levels or attributes of objects.
[0214] Having appreciated that a computer screen or similar facility can be used to represent
a configuration of lighting units 100 in an environment, and having appreciated that
the representation of the lighting units 100 can be linked to objects in an objected-oriented
program that generates control signals for the lighting units 100 that correspond
to events and attributes of the representation in the virtual world, one can understand
that the control signals for lighting units 100 can be linked not only to a graphical
representation for purposes of authoring lighting shows, but to graphical representations
that are created for other purposes, such as entertainment purposes, as well as to
other signals and data sources that can be represented graphically, and thus in turn
represented by lighting units 100 in an environment. For example, music can be represented
graphically, such as by a graphic equalizer that appears on a display, such as a consumer
electronics display or a computer display screen. The graphical representation of
the music can in turn be converted into an authoring signal for lighting units 100,
in the same way that a scripted show can be authored in a software authoring tool.
Thus, any kind of signal or information that can be presented graphically can be translated
into a representation on a lighting unit 100, using signal generating facilities similar
to those described above, coupled with addressing and configuration facilities described
above that translate real world locations of lighting units 100 into coordinates in
a virtual environment. For example, anything that can be sensed by a signal source
124 can be represented graphically as data, and in turn represented in color, such
as on an array of tiles 500 in a room. For example, tiles 500 can glow red if the
outside temperature is warm, blue if the stock market is up, or the like.
[0215] One example of a representation that can be translated to a control signal for a
lighting unit 100 is a computer game representation. In computer games, there is typically
a display screen (which could be a personal computer screen, television screen, laptop
screen, handheld, gameboy screen, computer monitor, flat screen display, LCD display,
PDA screen, or other display) that represents a virtual world of some type. The display
screen may contain a graphical representation, which typically embodies objects, events
and attributes coded into the program code for the game. The code for the game can
attach a lighting control signal for a lighting unit 100, so that events in the game
are represented graphically on the screen, and in turn the graphics on the screen
are translated into corresponding lighting control signals, such as signals that represent
events or attributes of the game in the real world, such as flashing lights for an
explosion. In some games the objects in the game can be represented directly on an
array of lights, such as an array of tiles 500; for example, the game "pong" could
be played on a wall or the side of a building, with tiles 500 representing game elements,
such as paddles and the "ball."
[0216] For configurations whereby electrical connections are facilitated between adjacent
units, as described in connection with Fig. 8, these connections can be used to establish
proximity and geometry. This can be used, in rum, to generate a general map of the
system, which can then be used to author effects across a number of tiles 500. Referring
to Fig. 34, if Tile A is linked or connected to Tile B, and Tile B, in turn, is connected
to Tile C, then we now have three tiles whose general topology or relationship to
each other is established. This can be done automatically through a system that identifies
specific tiles either by type or by unit. This information can be stored or represented
through memory elements, or electrical jumpers or resistors that represent an identifier.
Thus, each tile 500 or panel element knowing who its neighbor is and knowing what
tiles 500 are in the network of light emitting elements and knowing exactly what is
in each tile, allows the system to know where each and every controllable light-emitting
element is located. This, in turn allows effects or imagery to treat the whole system
as one integral unit.
[0217] In such an implementation, each tile 500 can either have a unique ID or an ID that
represents the type of tile 500. It might be one of several varieties. When adjacent
tiles are connected edge-to-edge electrically through edge connections, there can
be a handshaking routine to communicate between those tiles and provide information
to each other. This is very similar to the protocol followed when devices are connected
to a computer network. To determine the overall topology then requires a sequence
of communications from one tile or panel to the next to a central controller. There
are two types of tiles 500 depicted in Fig. 34, a triangle and square. The adjacent
tiles 500 have an electrical connection that allows the transmission of information
from one unit to the next using serial protocols and low overhead communication. The
connections between tiles allow a path of communication to determine the configuration
of the complete installation. Knowledge of neighbors and tile types gives an unambiguous
layout in this two-neighbor configuration. It is also possible to have more than two
neighbors as long as the connecting geometry is known. Self-configuration of networks
for the purpose of creating physical pixels is described, for example, in the works
of Kelly Heaton of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, such as "Physical Pixels"
submitted to the program in Media Arts and Sciences, School of Architecture and Planning,
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science in Media Arts and Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
June 2000.
[0218] Another application of the use of tiles 500 is the use of these devices, as described
above, under the ice at a skating rink or other ice-centric venue including ice sculptures.
The tiles can be laid under the ice. To protect the tiles an encapsulant or transparent
protective coating is used to prevent water damage and damage from the weight of people
or vehicles to the units. As the layers of water are added to the rink and built-up
atop the units, the ice will diffuse the light from the tiles 500.
[0219] Once the ice is ready, additional sensing devices on skaters and props on the ice
can be tied to position systems to determine absolute position of skaters or other
artifacts on the ice, such as pucks and then track that position over time with light.
A skater can thus trace out shapes as they skate and particular effects such as persistence
of the light or color change and shift can be emplaced to give a 'tail' to movement.
For Ice Capades and the like, the light can be used as a display for a wide variety
of themes including patriotic or related to characters in the ice event - i.e. Cinderella,
Winnie-the-Pooh and more.
[0220] Additional sensing can be used to detect the presence of a person or a person hand
or arm or instrument and respond to 'unveil' an image by sensing the proximity of
said arm or instrument. For example, as an arm moves across a surface, the lighting
pattern is revealed as though you simply wiped away a surface covering. No touching
is required, although it would be possible to have that as well as the use of a pad
or pad that would move across. For example, a squeegee-like instrument whose presence
and proximity would be detected and rum on lighting elements in close proximity. The
movement and velocity of the motion could be detected to adjust the timing of the
'unveiling' of the light pattern beneath. This could be used for movement tracking
and indication during dancing, movement, etc. The surface could be treated as a canvas
and color could be selected by other actuation or signaling means. Persistance effects
could also be added so the movement has a 'tail' to it.
[0221] In general, any of the display modes described for the tiles 500 can be coupled to
sensing means (electromagnetic, IR, wireless, capacitive, visible light, hall effect,
acoustic and more) to trigger effects or to tie an effect to the amplitude or position
of a sensed signal. A person moving by a wall, floor or ceiling can trigger effects.
Proximity detectors operating on many principles can be used to couple sensed information
to lighting. Music can provide and couple to lighting effects based on frequency and
amplitude of a musical signal (a responsive system) or a pre-scripted effect can be
triggered that is then synchronized to music.
[0222] Acoustic effects are typically done through a microphone coupled directly to control
and changing an illumination pattern or sequence as a function of amplitude. More
sophisticated effects are possible based on temporal and spatial effects that propagate
effects or have a show sequence coordinated with the music or audio.
[0223] Additional sensing can adjust the light output as a function of ambient light by
coupling a light sensor such as the TAOS sensor or even simpler photoelectric sensors
that provide a measure of ambient light. This information is then used by the controller
to dim the overall light accordingly or change the color or color temperature. Even
the passage of time or the image of the sky can be used and the panels can be used
to match that color.
[0224] A virtual skylight can be created even on floor and in spaces where the ceiling is
not the roof. The tile lights lend themselves well to the concept of a Virtual Skylight™
or a Virtual Window™ where you can have a very inexpensive camera pointing outside
of a building (even a cheap webcam will suffice) and use that imagery in slow-time
or real-time to give a virtual window that doesn't necessarily give a high resolution
window but gives a sense of what it is doing outside - even the passage of a cloud
or the shadow of something moving by. The VS or VW could also be a non-sensing based
system with a simple dimmer-style interface, or an interface like that of the ColorDial
from Color Kinetics Incorporated of Boston, Massachusetts.
[0225] Other control related aspects to the invention include the incorporation of scaling
factors for dimming and calibration which can be set and programmed at the factory
into controller memory or set by the user via dip-switches or PC-interface or other
similar means into the tile light.
[0226] Tiles 500 can take any shapes, including arbitrary shapes, polygons, squares, rectangles,
triangles, circles, ovals, rhombuses, pentagons, hexagons, septagons, octagons, nonagons,
decagons and any other shape.
[0227] While much of the above discussion has surrounded the concept of two-dimensional
shapes for the panels or tiles 500, these elements can be in 3D as well and form any
three-dimensional shape. Many polygonal solids including pyramids, tetrahedrons, dodecahedronss,
parallelpipeds and the like can be formed, as well as arbitrary three-dimensional
shapes.
[0228] The present invention encompasses the combination of the physical shape of a luminaire
and the ability to individually address and control sections of that luminaire, to
achieve specific illumination effects throughout a room or space. It also relates
to a way of construction for a luminaire or display that utilizes interlocking, substantially
similar, repeated subassemblies whose interlocking mechanism can provide both mechanical
strength and electrical connectivity. It also relates to the exploitation of the geometry
of interlocking repeated subassemblies for the purpose of enabling accurate and precise
positioning of light sources. It further relates to the combination of the physical
shape of a display and the ability to individually address and control sections of
that display, to achieve a general illumination effect.
[0229] As shown in Figs. 35, 36 and 37, for a particular and representative shape, a sphere
3500, an interlocking design in the form of a 2D triangle was created that, when connected
and interlocked with other boards of the same design can form a sphere 3500.
[0230] Although not a platonic solid (see below) the principle can be used to create scaled
forms and many shapes based on interlocking elements.
[0231] While mechanical connections using rigid supports and fasteners can be used to hold
the shaped board elements together, the electrical connection can also be used or
soldering of the adjacent boards can provide sufficient connections for many smaller
shapes as well. Each board in this case, is an individually controllable and networked
lighting element. This can be accomplished through individual controllers on each
board, which can use off-the-shelf microprocessors or an integrated control chip such
as the Chromasic chip using a string light protocol by Color Kinetics.
[0232] Other shapes include, a cube, an octahedron, a rhombic dodecahedron, the pyritohedron,
the deltoidal dodecahedron, the tetartoid, the tetrahedron, the diploid, the gyroid,
the tetartoid, the trapezohedron, the hexoctahedron, the tetrahexahedron, the tristetrahedron,
the trisoctahedron and the hextetrahedron. Each of these shapes has the advantage
of being formed of simple geometric elements that can be designed as circuit board
elements for lighting control and illumination. Also disclosed are the platonic solids,
which are those polyhedra whose faces are all regular polygons, which means they have
congruent legs and angles. There are only five such polyhedra, shown in Fig. 38.
[0233] In various embodiments, interconnection and modularity can be further improved through
the use of inductive elements that co-align through proximity to one another. Inductive
coupling uses an AC signal, akin to a transformer, which can be used to provide power,
for example 12 VAC, from one element to another. Simultaneously, data can be superimposed
upon the power signal to create a multiplexed data and power connection. The multiplexing
can also happen through a direct electrical connection and using a multiplexed data
and DC power between elements. This concept is similar to the Color Kinetics iColor
MR product, but in a very different physical form factor, a tile 500, rather than
a lamp.
[0234] Even simpler, communication between elements can occur through optical (such as visible
or IR) means whereby adjacent panels are aligned and optical coupling elements allows
data to stream from one element to the next. In this way a wide variety of coordinated
and synchronized patterns can occur across a variety of panels. Another way is the
use of RF techniques to allow many panels to interconnect without wires and the like.
[0235] This disclosure includes many ways information can be transferred between modules.
The underlying architecture is also relevant. In Fig. 39, each of the numbered blocks
(1,2,...N) represents a tile 500 with a plurality of controllable nodes (e.g. RGB
or RGBW and control chip). A network, for example Ethernet, can be used to connect
a series of hubs or routers each of which is, in turn, connected to many tiles 500.
In this way a hierarchy of elements from the processor, computer or controller provides
a control data stream to the hubs that, in turn, take their information and distribute
it to the lighting units 100 and the nodes within the tiles 500. This is in contrast,
for example, to video screens that listen to an entire video signal and pick off a
particular section of that signal to display.
[0236] Referring to Fig. 40, an additional invention uses a conceptually simpler but higher
speed approach using a very high-speed serial bus 4002. The bus 4002 could be a higher
speed version of FireWire. The interconnection between tiles 500 could be wireless,
such as Bluetooth or any other known wireless connection protocol.
[0237] Referring to Fig. 41, in embodiments of the invention various mounting configurations
can be used. In the embodiment of Fig. 41, the distance L 4108 of the light sources
4102 to a surface 4104 can be chosen to minimize overlap between light from the light
sources 4102 and to maximize coverage. As seen in Fig. 41, the distance is a function
of the beam angle of the LEDs 4102. It is desirable to choose a distance 4108 that,
within a practical percentage, is chosen to eliminate much overlap or to provide frames
or boxes between adjacent light elements. As can be seen in Fig. 41, the function
relating beam angle and distance is a trigonometric value. If the half-angle spread
is alpha and the distance between adjacent LEDs is L then the distance at which the
beams from adjacent LEDs meet is L/(2tan(alpha)). This is the desired distance. However,
due to absorption, reflectance and other optical characteristics it may prove desirable
to adjust this distance slightly to one side of the other of this distance to obtain
the most pleasing effect.
[0238] Referring still to Fig. 41, the proximity of the LEDs to the surface defines the
resulting pattern. Fig. 41 shows a line of light emitting diodes 4102 and the effect
of distance of a diffusing surface 4104. If the LEDs 4102 are too close to the surface
then, depending of diffusive qualities of the surface 4104, a series of points will
result. If too far, then overlap causes mixing of adjacent light sources. Finally
in the rightmost figure is shown a diffuser position corresponding to the point at
which the beams from adjacent light sources meet.
[0239] In typical embodiments the light sources 4102 do not have a perfect beam, such as
with full light at one angle and then none at the next increment. However, a rapid
fall-off of light is typical, and beam patterns and angles are often defined by the
angle at which the light falls to one-half of center intensity.
[0240] Another mechanical means to prevent overlap and potentially increase light output
is for each light source 4102 to be mechanically isolated from its neighbors such
as that used in egg-crate lighting diffusers. Thin materials can be used and a small
offset distance to prevent lines of the mechanical piece from showing through the
diffuser.
[0241] Referring to Fig. 42, the light sources 4102 are now viewed directly, without intervening
diffusing materials. Figure 42 is a direct view image of the LEDs 4102 mounted in
a regular array on a board 4202. No diffuser is used. As can be seen in this image,
the light sources 4202 appear as bright points of light. Each can be individually
controlled or they can be synchronized to do the same thing over time. On top of Fig.
42 are shown a row of LEDs that are facing outwards; no materials interrupt the light
path to the view. In the bottom image, the boards show four 1 ' square boards each
within 8x8 (64) grid of RGB LED light sources.
[0242] Referring to Fig. 43, in embodiments the diffusing surface 4104 can be slanted with
respect to the light sources 4102. In Fig. 43, a diffusing surface is illustrated
in the front of the 4104 LEDs 4102 between the light sources and the viewer. The diffusing
surface is at an angle with respect to the LEDs. As can be seen from Fig. 43, as the
distance is varied the points of light are visible and merge together with adjacent
points of light. If merged too closely, then the colors from adjacent light sources
overlap and it becomes difficult to differentiate sources and color mixing occurs.
In the case of differing colors then, there is a resultant loss of resolution - similar
to an out of focus images where blur occurs. This example can be used in applications
where a transition is desired between distinct points of light and blurred areas where
resolution is reduced for effect.
[0243] Referring to Fig. 44, a variety of configurations and surfaces can be used with light
sources 4102. In Fig. 44, LED elements 4102 are shown, from left to right, in contact
with a surface 4104. Embedded features within the diffusing material form a mating
shape to the LED. This is true whether the LED is in a standard 5mm (T 1-3/4) package,
SMT, or other power package. This tight coupling reduces reflection losses and optical
gel materials can be used in conjunction to minimize or eliminate optical losses.
[0244] In embodiments of Fig. 44, a material is used to form a shape that has general optical
properties for shaping the output from a series of individual light sources 4102.
In the embodiment 4408, the material is shaped as a flat surface. In the embodiment
4410, the material 4104 is an optical lens. In the embodiment 4412, an undulating
surface forms a variety of patterns and shapes resulting from the light interaction
with the changing distance. In the embodiment 4414, such a shape or any other, can
be adjusted in distance from the LED sources. This adjustment can be one of many mechanical
means for adjusting or setting the distance. A simple screw 4418 is shown, such that
when the screw 4418 is turned, the material moves further away or closer to the LED
board. Such adjustments could also be latches and serrated patterns that catch a mechanical
pawl or indent mechanism or any other mechanism for adjusting distance and height.
[0245] Referring to Fig. 45, there are many embodiments of fastening and mounting facilities
for light sources of the present invention to hold LED modules to a surface. The embodiments
of Fig. 45 are meant to be illustrative of general fastening and not limiting. This
example set in no way limits the means by which one material or surface may be attached
to another. IN the embodiment 4502, small features on the side lock into a circular
hole in a panel as it pressed into the hole from the top of the panel. The cable connecting
the modules is shown in cross-section and passes from one module to the next in a
continuous fashion and is tied into the module via insulation displacement means (IDC-style).
The module 4505 has a small flat tab 4506 to the side that is integral to the package
and is used as a hold down area via a screw, nail, staple or other fastener. In the
embodiment 4508, a small separate flat piece with a mating feature is fastened to
a surface and the module is snapped atop the separate piece. In the embodiment 4510,
the embodiment is similar to the embodiment 4504, but the area of the tab is either
circular or extends through the bottom of the module. In the embodiment 4512, a smaller
hole is created in the panel and the screw feature shown in 4516 can be threaded or
used with a self-tapping screw from the other side of the mounting surface. In the
embodiment 4524, a panel fastener 4526 is attached or integrated into the module design
and is pushed through an appropriately sized hole and thus held directly in place.
In the embodiment 4518, a two piece arrangement is provided in which the first bottom
piece 4528 is attached to a mounting surface via one of many possible means including
but not limited to screws, nails, adhesives etc. The second piece 4530 with the cabling
preattached, is snapped into the bottom piece via mating features that provide a locking
action when the module is pressed in from above. Additional features, not shown, fore
and aft prevent the unit from sliding or moving in the bottom mounting piece 4528.
In the embodiment 4514, a tab extending from the bottom piece 4528 can then be attached
to the surface. The module attaches to the bottom piece 4528 in a similar manner as
described in connection with the embodiment 4518. In the embodiment 4520, the module
pokes through from the bottom of the panel. Similar features provide a snap-in capability
and the cabling remains on the bottom of the panel. In the embodiment 4522, adhesive,
in the form of a double-sided piece, can be attached to the bottom of the module and
to the module itself. For installation, protective material is peeled away from the
adhesive revealing the sticky surface and then pressed onto the mounting surface.
In the event of direct or other materials, the adhesive can be scraped or removed
and a new piece of DST applied.
[0246] Referring to Fig. 46, details are provided for a push-through assembly mechanism.
In Fig. 46, the light node 4602 is pressed through a hole 4604 in the mounting surface
4608 from the bottom. A rim 4610 on the bottom of the light node 4602 that is larger
than the diameter of the hole 4604 prevents the light node 4602 from pushing all the
way through. The cable 4612 joining a plurality of light nodes 4602 is thus protected
from engagement on the shearing edge of the mounting hole 4604. From the other side,
a retaining ring 4614 is pressed onto the outside of the light node 4602 and internal
teeth 4618 or other similar features engage the light node 4602 and prevent it from
backing into the hole 4604. Once engaged and pressed flush with the mounting surface
4608 this positive engagement holds the unit securely in place. By prying up the retaining
ring 4614 with a suitably thin edged tool, it is also possible to remove the retaining
ring 4614.
[0247] Referring to Fig. 47, a surface lit by a light node 4102 as described herein need
not be a two-dimensional surface. For example, it can be a complex topology, such
as the surface 4700 of Fig. 47. In this example, a heavily sculptured or textured
3D surface can also be used in conjunction with an array of light elements or light
nodes 4102. Various pleasing effects due to the varying distances to the surface can
be achieved with such a surface 4700. The 3D surface 4700 can be of any suitably translucent
or transparent material. Varying depths and thicknesses may actually become opaque,
providing a rich set of variation in color and translucency. The surface itself may
be colorless or have intrinsic color and depth of color.
[0248] Referring to Fig. 48, it is also possible to have three dimensional illuminated shapes
4800 that have features and color that are augmented and enhanced by the set of controllable
light nodes 4102 behind the shapes. For example, a hemispherical shape 4800 can include
a map of part of the globe on it, and the light nodes 4102 can be lit to enhance the
colors, such as by shining blue light to enhance the oceans, or yellow light to enhance
yellow surface features.
[0249] Referring to Fig. 49 and Fig. 50, it is also possible to establish arrays of lighting
elements with superimposed graphical elements, such as translucent graphics and materials.
For example, an array 4900 of lighting elements can be covered with superimposed translucent
elements 4902 or a transparent element 4904 to enhance the effects of lighting from
the array 4900. Referring to Fig. 50, the superimposed element might be a logo 5002,
or similar element of a brand, trademark, trade name, business name, personal name,
or the like. The superimposed element might also be a graphic 5004, such as a graphic
designed to produce a changing, or "flair" effect when lighting elements illuminate
the graphic 5004 with different colors of light. As shown in the above figures, these
lighting arrays 4900 can be used to emphasize and delineate graphical elements for
use in display or advertising applications as well as novel elements in consumer products
and more. Graphics, printed on a variety of materials with varying light transmission
qualities, can be overlaid onto the arrays to provide flexible and controllable backlit
illumination for said graphical materials. These graphics can be any printed materials.
[0250] Referring to Fig. 51, arrays 4900 can be provided with various spacing. In one embodiment,
an array 4900 is a regularly spaced, linear, planar array 5100. In other embodiments,
the arrays can be spaced irregularly. Fig. 52 depicts an irregularly spaced, planar
array 5200 of lighting elements 4102. Figs. 51 and 52 illustrate variations in spacing
of the lighting elements. The spacing can be regular or freeform. The spacing can
vary linearly or non-linearly across the units and even in three dimensions, such
as with the substantially spherical embodiment described above.
[0251] Fig. 53 depicts a three dimensional loop 5300 in the form of a Mobius strip. As shown
in Fig. 53, a mesh of lighting elements 4102 can be created at varying densities and
spacing as well as an infinite variety of overall shapes in 3D. The Mobius strip is
a topological surface with only one edge and one side. The lighting elements can be
easily incorporated into these types of complex surfaces (toruses, klein bottles,
hypercube representations in 3-space, etc.).
[0252] Methods and systems described herein also include use of thermoset materials as the
grid or mounting surface material to which light nodes are mounted. A thermoset plastic
can be shaped under heat in a mold or even by hand and then cooled to assume the desired
shape. In this way a custom surface can be molded, twisted or otherwise formed into
the desired shape under heat or pressure and be made to maintain that form. Some examples
of thermoset materials include ABS, Acrylics, Fluoropolymers, Nylons, Polyarylates,
Polyesters, Polyphenylene Sulfide, Polystyrenes, Acetals, Acrylonitrile, Methacrylates,
Phthalates, Polybutylenes, Polyethers, Polyphenylenes, Polysulfones, Styrenes, Acrylates,
Cellulosics, Molding Resins, Polyamides, Polycarbonates, Polyethylenes, Polypropylenes,
Polyethylene Terephthalate, and Vinyls & Polyvinyls. This list is not meant to be
limiting in any way of the types and varieties of thermoset materials. Another method
of shape creation is the use of bendable and formable materials such as metals, which,
in one form of wire grids, can be twisted and shaped into many forms. Wire mesh, screen
and cloth can be made from metal, coated metals (like Gumby® figures) or even plastic
materials and then pushed and pulled into a wide variety of shapes. As shown below
in Fig. 54, a grid arrangements of such materials provide for wide flexibility in
the placement of said modules.
[0253] Referring to Fig. 54, light nodes 4102 can be arranged in the spacing within a wire
grid 5402 with complete flexibility in the mounting subject only to the constraints
of the grid 5402 itself. In this disclosure, the mounting surfaces themselves can
also be shaped and 3-dimensional. There are no limitations on the shape of the mounting
surface so long as provision is made for the mounting or attachment of the lighting
elements.
[0254] Referring to Fig. 55, complex arrangements of light nodes 4102 disposed in grids
5402 can themselves form graphical elements, icons, and other representations of subject
matter or artistic freedom, such as in the display 5502. As shown in Fig. 55, the
location of the light nodes can form specific patterns and shapes that conform to
a particular design. Although a dense array of such modules can be used to form any
colored pattern, it may prove to be more economical to use specific patterns if the
application only requires a subset of the dense array. This may be more economical
and practical for many installations. Again, the grid 5402 shown in the figure is
meant only to be illustrative of the potential for mounting and routing of light nodes
4102.
[0255] Methods and systems described herein also provide for various cap and lens options
for light nodes or elements described herein. Fig. 56 depicts a light node 5602 with
a snap module 5604 with a short lens option 5608. The design of Fig. 56 is one of
many module designs. In this illustration the unit incorporates a hemispherical lens
5608. Such a lens 5608 is designed with a particular mating format to engage the base
module 5604 and, as a result, the lens 5608 is modular and can take on many shapes
depending on desired function such as optical characteristics or purely form-based
based aesthetic appearance or application usage. Such lens designs may be in for form
of licensed characters or jewel shaped or icons or corporate logos or any one of many
custom shapes.
[0256] Fig. 57 shows a long lens 5702 wherein the exterior appearance may be a uniform light
color along the entire lens assembly.
[0257] Fig. 58 shows a light node 5802 without a lens. A module with no lens can accept
a variety of lens configurations or no lens at all. In Fig. 58, the well 5804 surrounding
the lighting emitter and electronics can be adapted to via a variety of cap or lens
modules. The term 'lens' is not intended to be limiting in any way. The material and
form of the 'lens' design can be optical facility to refract, reflect and diffuse
the light but may be transparent, opaque in areas or translucent. It can be of any
shape, part of which can conform to the module design. There is also no limitation
on the scale of the unit - dimensions are meant to be illustrative of a particular
design but the unit can be scaled up or down in size to provide functionality for
many applications.
[0258] Fig. 59 shows a computer aided design (CAD) drawing 5900 of a single node holder
embodiment of a light node. Fig. 60 shows a CAD drawing 6000 of a no-lens embodiment
of a light node. The modules showed in Figs. 59 and 60 are representative modules
with dimensions on the order of 10mm or so. A light node can be easily scaled to much
smaller sizes (1mm scales for example) or even much larger sizes (100 or 1000mm),
wherein the modules are comprised of a plurality of light emitting elements within
the module. Fig. 59 also shows a track mounting system 5902 for lighting elements
or modules. In Fig. 59 the modules are shown being snapped or attached to a track
shape providing for linear forms of module arrangement for many applications. A complete
lighting unit can be provided for a variety of applications. In addition a bendable
radius can be provided that gives, literally, flexibility in the lateral direction
as well as the vertical direction for mounting to other surfaces.
[0259] Referring to Fig. 61, other embodiments of the invention may include embodiments
that take advantage of various signal sources 124, such as sensors, as a basis for
authoring a control signal for the tile 500. For example, a proximity sensor 6102
could be placed on or near a tile 500, in communication with the control system for
the tile 500, so that when a user 6104 is in proximity to the tile 500, the tile changes
color in a predetermined way. Thus, the proximity sensor 6102 serves as a user interface
for the tile 500. An array of such tiles 500 with sensors 6102 can then be disposed,
for example on a wall, so that the user 6104 can author various effects, such as by
waving near various tiles in various sequences. For example, swiping a hand across
the tiles 500 could produce a color-chasing rainbow or similar effect on the array
of tiles 500.
[0260] Tiles 500 could be of any size, ranging from very small tiles on the order of the
size of a group of LEDs to very large tiles. Referring to Fig. 62, tiles 500 are sized
to cover an entire ceiling, floor, or wall, such as for a room or elevator. Thus,
for example, a metal board could be made the size of a wall panel, with LEDs disposed
on it and controlled, for example, with a string light or serial protocol as described
above. The metal board could be shaped into any shape to fit a space, such as a rectangle,
circle, regular polygon, or irregular shape. In embodiments, the metal board with
LEDs could then be covered with a diffusing material, such as a translucent, elastic
plastic or polymer that could be stretched over the board for installation as a unit.
Such a unit could serve as a wall, a door, a ceiling, a floor, an elevator wall, or
other construction units.
[0261] In embodiments, the tiles 500 may be made water resistant for outdoor use or waterproof
for underwater use. Thus, the tiles 500 can be covered with waterproof polymers, rubber,
plastic, or other waterproof materials, and constructed with watertight construction,
such as sealed connections for power and control cables. Such embodiments may include
materials for thermally conducting heat away from the LEDs to increase the length
of their use, such as metal or other conductive materials, which may be in thermal
connection to water or other materials outside the tile 500. Water proof underwater
tiles 500 can be used to illuminate the bottom or sides of an in ground or above ground
swimming pool, a portable or in ground spa, the bottom or sides of a fountain, a pond
or water display, a garden water display, an aquarium, or any other underwater environment.
Thus, referring to Fig. 63, a tile 500 may be displayed, for example, in the bottom
of a swimming pool 6300, spa, fountain, pond or aquarium, to provide digitally controlled
illumination shows of various colors or color temperatures in the pool 6300.
[0262] In embodiments, the light sources 104 may be disposed on a support structure, such
as a board 204. The board 204 may be a circuit board or similar facility suitable
for holding light sources 104 as well as electrical components, such as components
used in the electrical facility 202. Referring to Fig. 64, in embodiments the board
204 may consist of a rectangular board 204, with an array or grid 2208 of light sources
104. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 64, the array is a six-by-six array on a square
board 204 with six-inch sides. The array 2208 can have any number of light sources
104 and take on any other dimensions. The light sources may consist of miniature groups
of LEDs, such as red, green, blue, white or other colors of LEDs. In embodiments each
light source 104 is comprised of a triad of red, green and blue surface mount LEDs.
The square array makes it very convenient for the array 2208 to be placed side by
side with other boards 204 containing similar arrays 2208, so that effects can be
generated across multiple arrays 2208, such as an extended system covering a wall
or the outside of a building. That is, the arrays 2208 can serve as modular components
of larger lighting systems. To facilitate rapid installation, the board 204 may have
a plurality of pre-fabricated screw holes 2210 that make it very convenient to attach
the board 204 to a wall or other mounting area. In the invention the board 204 is
provided with a protective cover 2212, such as a plastic cover to protect the board
from damage and to prevent a user from touching electrical connections on the board
204. The cover 2212 may include spaces 2214, so that a viewer can see the light sources
104 directly without having light diffused through the cover 2212. In other embodiments
the cover 2212 may be a light transmitting cover or a light diffusing cover.
[0263] Referring to Fig. 65, in another embodiment the array 2208 of light sources 104 <
may be a three-by-three array, less dense than the six-by-six array of Fig. 65, but
including similar elements, such as the board 204 (again a six-inch by six-inch board
204), the cover 2212, the screw holes 2210 and the spaces 2214 through which the viewer
can directly see the light sources 104. Again the light sources 104 may consist of
various colors of LED, such as a trio of red, green and blue surface mount LEDs.
[0264] Fig. 66 shows the back of a board 204 such as the rectangular array 2208 boards 204
described in connection with Figs. 64 and 65. The board 204 includes a jack 2218 for
taking in power and data from a source and a jack 2220 for sending power and data
out. In embodiments the jacks 2218, 2220 allow the board 204 to be aligned in series
with other boards 204, where data from a central controller is passed from board-to-board
by the jacks 2218, 2220. In embodiments each group of light sources 104 in the array
2208 may be provided with a processor , such as an ASIC 3600, for handling lighting
control signals for the light sources 104. In embodiments the ASICs 3600 are disposed
in series and are controlled by a serial control facility such as described herein,
where each ASIC takes a data stream, responds to the first unmodified byte, modifies
the byte to which it responds, and sends the modified data stream to the next ASIC.
The ASICs 3600 on the back of the board 204 may be strung in an array, such as the
six-by-six array 2208 or the three-by-three array 2208. In embodiments each of the
ASICs 3600 is disposed along with a resistor and a capacitor on the back of the board
204. The board 204 may also contain an additional ASIC 2230, such as to allow a central
controller to identify the particular type of board 204 on which the ASICs are disposed,
such as to identify the board 204 as a six-by-six or three-by-three array. The board
204 may also include extrusions 2228 from the screw holes 2210 of the board. The extrusions
2228 guide the screws that attached the board 204 to a surface, and they also provide
an offset between the back of the board 204 and the surface, so that the ASICs 3600
or other components are not crushed when the board 204 is attached to the surface.
Comer extrusions 2224 provide an offset at the comers of the board 204 as well.
[0265] In embodiments the cover 2212 may be fitted with lenses, diffusers or other optical
facilities 400 that shape the light coming from the light sources 104 that make up
the arrays 2208, such as to increase the viewing angle of light sources 104.
[0266] In embodiments the lighting units 100 may include a dipline style mounting panel
that allows units to be placed anywhere on a surface. The boards 204 may include integrated
hash marks for aligning units 100 during installation. In embodiments boards 204 may
have an integrated laser level to facilitate accurate installation. In this embodiment
a layered surface of conductors such as Dipline-style (Dipline is a trademarked layered
conductive mounting material) surface material is used to allow units to be placed
anywhere on surface by inserting of modular attached pin connectors to be pushed through
the surface of the materials to make contact with selected conductive layers within
the surface.
[0267] Referring to Fig. 67, housings may also take the form of a flexible band 6750, tape
or ribbon to allow the user to conform the housing to particular shapes or cavities.
Thus, the various embodiments of tiles 500 described herein can be flexible tiles.
Similarly, housings can take the form of a flexible string 6754. Such a band 6750
or string 6754 can be made in various lengths, widths and thicknesses to suit specific
demands of applications that benefit from flexible housings, such as for shaping to
fit body parts or cavities for surgical lighting applications, shaping to fit objects,
shaping to fit unusual spaces, or the like. In flexible embodiments it may be advantageous
to use thin-form batteries, such as polymer or "paper" batteries for small bands 6750
or strings 6754.
[0268] Referring to Fig. 68, an array 6800 can be formed from a flexible string 6754, such
as a string of string light nodes as described in connection with Figs. 56 through
59. While such an array 6800 can be flexible, once positioned, the array can be used
to display similar effects to a rigid grid, such as one disposed on a circuit board
as described in connection with Figs. 64 through 66. For example, an array 6800 can
be strung on the outside of the building, such as by clipping flexible strings of
nodes in rows and/or columns, or by stringing nodes in channels to create a linear
arrangement. Such an array can be used, for example, to display effects that are designed
to run on large arrays, including color-changing shows, graphical effects, animation
effects, video-type effects, scrolling text effects, and others.
[0269] Referring to Fig. 69a, it is desirable to provide a light system manager 5000 to
manage control of a plurality of lighting units 100 or light systems. Referring to
Fig. 69b, the light system manager 5000 is provided, which may consist of a combination
of hardware and software components. Included is a mapping facility 5002 for mapping
the locations of a plurality of light systems. The mapping facility may use various
techniques for discovering and mapping the locations of lights, such as described
herein or as known to those of skill in the art. Locations may be physical locations
in the world or may be relative locations, such as the relative position of a lighting
unit 100 in a string or array of lighting units 100. Also provided is a light system
composer 5004 for composing one or more lighting shows that can be displayed on a
light system. The authoring of the shows may be based on geometry and an object-oriented
programming approach, such as the geometry of the light systems that are discovered
and mapped using the mapping facility, according to various methods and systems disclosed
herein or known in the art. Also provided is a light system engine, for playing lighting
shows by executing code for lighting shows and delivering lighting control signals,
such as to one or more lighting systems, or to related systems, such as power/data
systems, that govern lighting systems. Further details of the light system manager
5000, mapping facility 5002, light system composer 5004 and light system engine 5008
are provided herein.
[0270] The light system manager 5000, mapping facility 5002, light system composer 5004
and light system engine 5008 may be provided through a combination of computer hardware,
telecommunications hardware and computer software components. The different components
may be provided on a single computer system or distributed among separate computer
systems.
[0271] Referring to Fig. 70, in an embodiment, the mapping facility 5002 and the light system
composer 5004 are provided on an authoring computer 5010. The authoring computer 5010
may be a conventional computer, such as a personal computer. In embodiments the authoring
computer 5010 includes conventional personal computer components, such as a graphical
user interface, keyboard, operating system, memory, and communications capability.
In embodiments the authoring computer 5010 operates with a development environment
with a graphical user interface, such as a Windows environment. The authoring computer
5010 may be connected to a network, such as by any conventional communications connection,
such as a wire, data connection, wireless connection, network card, bus, Ethernet
connection, Firewire, 802.11 facility, Bluetooth, or other connection. In embodiments,
such as in Fig. 70, the authoring computer 5010 is provided with an Ethernet connection,
such as via an Ethernet switch 5102, so that it can communicate with other Ethernet-based
devices, optionally including the light system engine 5008, a light system itself
(enabled for receiving instructions from the authoring computer 5010), or a power/data
supply (PDS) 1758 that supplies power and/or data to a light system comprised of one
or more lighting units 100. For example the light system might be a tile light 500
or board 204 with an array 2208, with a plurality of lighting units 100 arranged in
a grid pattern. The mapping facility 5002 and the light system composer 5004 may comprise
software applications running on the authoring computer 5010.
[0272] Referring still to Fig. 70, in an architecture for delivering control systems for
complex shows to one or more light systems, shows that are composed using the authoring
computer 5010 are delivered via an Ethernet connection through one or more Ethernet
switches to the light system engine 5008. The light system engine 5008 downloads the
shows composed by the light system composer 5004 and plays them, generating lighting
control signals for light systems. In embodiments, the lighting control signals are
relayed by an Ethernet switch to one or more power/data supplies and are in rum relayed
to light systems that are equipped to execute the instructions, such as by turning
LEDs on or off, controlling their color or color temperature, changing their hue,
intensity, or saturation, or the like. In embodiments the power/data supply may be
programmed to receive lighting shows directly from the light system composer 5004.
In embodiments a bridge maybe programmed to convert signals from the format of the
light system engine 5008 to a conventional format, such as DMX or DALI signals used
for entertainment lighting.
[0273] The light system composer 5004 can employ the graphical representation and object-oriented
authoring techniques described in connection with Figs. 24 through 33 above. Thus,
graphical representations, including those that represent video signals, can thus
be converted to control instructions, where the lighting control signals map locations
of lighting units 100 to corresponding locations in the graphical representation.
In the case of a graphical representation of an incoming video signal, the row/column
format of a conventional video signal can be mapped to the format of a group of lighting
units 100, such as units disposed in a tile light 500 or array 2208 on a board 204.
Thus, a tile light 500 or array 2208 can be used to display video effects in various
resolutions, as well as other animated effects, graphics, scrolling text effects,
and a wide variety of color-changing effects.
[0274] Referring to Fig. 71, in embodiments the lighting shows composed using the light
system composer 5004 are compiled into simple scripts that are embodied as XML documents.
The XML documents can be transmitted rapidly over Ethernet connections.
[0275] In embodiments, the XML documents are read by an XML parser of the light system engine
5008. Using XML documents to transmit lighting shows allows the combination of lighting
shows with other types of programming instructions. For example, an XML document type
definition may include not only XML instructions for a lighting show to be executed
through the light system engine 5008, but also XML with instructions for another computer
system, such as a sound system, and entertainment system, a multimedia system, a video
system, an audio system, a sound-effect system, a smoke effect system, a vapor effect
system, a dry-ice effect system, another lighting system, a security system, an information
system, a sensor-feedback system, a sensor system, a browser, a network, a server,
a wireless computer system, a building information technology system, or a communication
system.
[0276] Thus, methods and systems provided herein include providing a light system engine
for relaying control signals to a plurality of light systems, wherein the light system
engine plays back shows. The light system engine 5008 may include a processor, a data
facility, an operating system and a communication facility. The light system engine
5008 may be configured to communicate with a DALI or DMX lighting control facility.
In embodiments, the light system engine communicates with a lighting control facility
that operates with a serial communication protocol. In embodiments the lighting control
facility is a power/data supply for a lighting unit 102.
[0277] In embodiments, the light system engine 5008 executes lighting shows downloaded from
the light system composer 5004. In embodiments the shows are delivered as XML files
from the light system composer 5004 to the light system engine 5008. In embodiment
the shows are delivered to the light system engine over a network. In embodiments
the shows are delivered over an Ethernet facility. In embodiments the shows are delivered
over a wireless facility. In embodiments the shows are delivered over a Firewire facility.
In embodiments shows are delivered over the Internet.
[0278] In embodiments lighting shows composed by the light system composer 5004 can be combined
with other files from another computer system, such as one that includes an XML parser
that parses an XML document output by the light system composer 5004 along with XML
elements relevant to the other computer. In embodiments lighting shows are combined
by adding additional elements to an XML file that contains a lighting show. In embodiments
the other computer system comprises a browser and the user of the browser can edit
the XML file using the browser to edit the lighting show generated by the lighting
show composer. In embodiments the light system engine 5008 includes a server, wherein
the server is capable of receiving data over the Internet. In embodiments the light
system engine 5008 is capable of handling multiple zones of light systems, wherein
each zone of light systems has a distinct mapping. In embodiments the multiple zones
are synchronized using the internal clock of the light system engine 5008.
[0279] The methods and systems included herein include methods and systems for providing
a mapping facility 5002 of the light system manager 5000 for mapping locations of
a plurality of light systems. In embodiments, the mapping system discovers lighting
systems in an environment, using techniques described above. In embodiments, the mapping
facility then maps light systems in a two-dimensional space, such as using a graphical
user interface.
[0280] In embodiments of the invention, the light system engine 5008 comprises a personal
computer with a Linux operating system. In embodiments the light system engine is
associated with a bridge to a DMX or DALI system.
[0281] An embodiment of the DirectLight API described above follows on the subsequent pages.
A PROGRAMMING INTERFACE FOR CONTROLLING LIGHTING
Important Items You Should Read First.
[0282]
- 1) The sample program and Real Light Setup won't run until you register the DirectLightdll
COM object with Windows on your computer. Two small programs cleverly named "Register
DirectLight.exe" and "Unregister DirectLightexe" have been included with this install.
- 2) DirectLight assumes that you have a SmartJack hooked up to COM1. You can change
this assumption by editing the DMX_INTERFACE_NUM value in the file "my_lights.h."
About DirectLight
Organization
[0283] An application (for example, a 3D rendered game) can create virtual lights within
its 3D world. DirectLight can map these lights onto real- world digital lights with
color and brightness settings corresponding to the location and color of the virtual
lights within the game.
[0284] In DirectLights three general types of virtual lights exist:
Dynamic light. The most common form of virtual light has a position and a color value. This light
can be moved and it's color changed as often as necessary. Dynamic lights could represent
glowing space nebulae, rocket flares, a yellow spotlight flying past a corporate logo,
or the bright red eyes of a ravenous mutant ice-weasel.
Ambient light is stationary and has only color value. The sun, an overhead room light, or a general
color wash are examples of ambient. Although you can have as many dynamic and indicator
lights as you want, you can only have one ambient light source (which amounts to an
ambient color value).
Indicator lights can only be assigned to specific real-world lights. While dynamic lights can change
position and henceforth will affect different real-world lights, and ambient lights
are a constant color which can effect any or all real-world lights, indicator lights
will always only effect a single real-world light. Indicators are intended to give
feedback to the user separate from lighting, e.g. shield status, threat location,
etc.
[0285] All these lights allow their color to be changed as often as necessary.
[0286] In general, the user will set up the real-world lights. The "my_lights.h" configuration
file is created in, and can be edited by, the "DirectLight GUI Setup" program. The
API loads the settings from the "my_lights.h" file, which contains all information
on where the real-world lights are, what type they are, and which sort of virtual
lights (dynamic, ambient, indicator, or some combination) are going to affect them.
[0287] Virtual lights can be created and static, or created at run time dynamically. DirectLights
runs in its own thread; constantly poking new values into the lights to make sure
they don't fall asleep. After updating your virtual lights you send them to the real-world
lights with a single function call. DirectLights handles all the mapping from virtual
world to real world.
[0288] If your application already uses 3D light sources, implementing DirectLight can be
very easy, as your light sources can be mapped 1 : 1 onto the virtual Light class.
[0289] A typical setup for action games has one overhead light set to primarily ambient,
lights to the back, side and around the monitor set primarily to dynamic, and perhaps
some small lights near the screen set to indicators.
[0290] The ambient light creates a mood and atmosphere. The dynamic lights around the player
give feedback on things happening around him: weapons, environment objects, explosions,
etc. The indicator lights give instant feedback on game parameters: shield level,
danger, detection, etc.
[0291] Effects (LightingFX) can be attached to lights which override or enhance the dynamic
lighting. In Star Trek: Armada, for example, hitting Red Alert causes every light
in the space to pulse red, replacing temporarily any other color information the lights
have.
[0292] Other effects can augment. Explosion effects, for example, can be attached to a single
virtual light and will play out over time, so rather than have to continuously tweak
values to make the fireball fade, virtual lights can be created, an effect attached
and started, and the light can be left alone until the effect is done.
[0293] Real lights have a coordinate system based on the space they are installed in. Using
a person sitting at a computer monitor as a reference, their head should be considered
the origin. X increases to their right. Y increases towards the ceiling. Z increases
towards the monitor.
[0294] Virtual lights are free to use any coordinate system at all. There are several different
modes to map virtual lights onto real lights. Having the virtual light coordinate
system axis-aligned with the real light coordinate system can make your life much
easier.
[0295] Light positions can take on any real values. The DirectLight GUI setup program restricts
the lights to within 1 meter of the center of the space, but you can change the values
by hand to your heart's content if you like. Read about the Projection Types first,
though. Some modes require that the real world and virtual world coordinate systems
have the same scale.
GETTING STARTED
Installing DirectLight SDK
[0296] Running the Setup.exe file will install:
In /Windows /System/ three dll files, one for DirectLight, two for low-level communications
with the real-world lights via DMX.
DirectLighLdll
DMXIO.dll
DLPORTIO.dll
[0297] In the folder you installed DirectLight in: Visual C++ project files, source code
and header files:
DirectLight.dsp
DirectLight.dsw
etc.
DirectLighth
DirectLight. cpp
Real_Lighth
Real_Light.cpp
Virtual_Light.h
Virtual_Light.cpp
etc.
compile time libraries:
FX_Library.lib
DirectLightlib
DMXIO.lib
and configuration files:
my_lights.h
light_definitions.h
GUI_config_file.h
DynamicJLocalized_Strings.h
[0298] The "my_lights.h" file is referenced both by DirectLight and DirectLight GUI Setup.exe.
"my_lights.h" in turn references "light_definitions.h" The other files are referenced
only by DirectLight GUI Setup. Both the DLL and the Setup program use a registry entry
to find these files:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\ColorKinetics\DirectLight\1.00.000\location
[0299] Also included in this directory is this documentation, and subfolders:
FXJLibraries contain lighting effects which can be accessed by DirectLights.
Real Light Setup contains a graphical editor for changing info about the real lights.
Sample Program contains a copiously commented program demonstrating how to use DirectLight.
DirectLight COM
[0300] The DirectLight DLL implements a COM object which encapsulates the DirectLight functionality.
The DirectLight object possesses the DirectLight interface, which is used by the client
program.
In order to use the DirectLight COM object, the machine on which you will use the
object must have the DirectLight COM server registered (see above: Important Stuff
You Should Read First). If you have not done this, the Microsoft COM runtime library
will not know where to find your COM server (essentially, it needs the path of DirectLight.dll).
[0301] To access the DirectLight COM object from a program (we'll call it a client), you
must first include "directlight.h", which contains the definition of the DirectLight
COM interface (among other things) and "directlight_i.c", which contains the definitions
of the various UIDs of the objects and interfaces (more on this later).
[0302] Before you can use any COM services, you must first initialize the COM runtime. To
do this, call the Co Initialize function with a NULL parameter:
CoInitialize (NULL);
[0303] For our purposes, you don't need to concern yourself with the return value.
[0304] Next, you must instantiate a DirectLight object. To do this, you need to call the
CoCreateInstance function. This will create an instance of a DirectLight object, and
will provide a pointer to the DirectLight interface:
HRESULT hCOMError =
CoCreateInstance (CLSID_CDirectLight,
NULL,
CLSCTX_ALL,
IID_IDirectLight,
(void**) &pDirectLight);
[0305] CLSID_CDirectLight is the identifier (declared in directlight i.c) of the DirectLight
object, IID_IDirectLight is the identifier of the DirectLight interface, and pDirectLight
is a pointer to the implementation of the DirectLight interface on the object we just
instantiated. The pDirectLight pointer will be used by the rest of the client to access
the DirectLights functionality.
Any error returned by CoCreatelnstance will most likely be REGDB_E_CLASSNOTREG, which
indicates that the class isn't registered on your machine. If that's the case, ensure
that you ran the Register DirectLight program, and try again.
[0306] When you're cleaning up your app, you should include the following three lines:
// kill the COM object
pDirectLight->Release ();
// We ask COM to unload any unused COM Servers.
CoFreeUnusedLibraries ();
// We're exiting this app so shut down the COM Library.
CoUninitialize ();
[0307] You should release the COM interface when you are done using it. Failure to do so
will result in the object remaining in memory after the termination of your application.
[0308] CoFreeUnusedLibrariesO will ask COM to remove our DirectLight factory (a server that
created the COM object when we called CoCreateInstance()) from memory, and CoUninitialize()
will shut down the COM library.
DirectLight Class
[0309] The DirectLight class contains the core functionality of the API. It contains functionality
for setting ambient light values, global brightness of all the lights (gamma), and
adding and removing virtual lights.
Types:
[0310]
enum Projection_Type{
SCALE_BY_VIRTUAL_DISTANCE_TO_CAMERA_ONLY = 0,
SCALE_BY_DISTANCE_AND_ANGLE = 1,
SCALE_BY_DISTANCE_VIRTUAL_TO_REAL = 2};
For an explanation of these values, see "Projection Types" in Direct Light Class
enum Light_Type{
C_75 = 0,
COVE_6 = 1};
For an explanation of these values, see "Light Types" in Direct Light Class, or look
at the online help for "DirectLight GUI Setup."
enum Curve_Type{
DIRECTLIGHT_LINEAR = 0,
DIRECTLIGHT_EXPONENTIAL = 1,
DIRECTLIGHT_LOGARITHMIC = 2};
These values represent different curves for lighting effects when fading from one
color to another.
Public Member Functions:
[0311]
The Set_Ambient_Light function sets the red, green and blue values of the ambient
light to the values passed into the function. These values are in the range 0 - MAX_LIGHT_BRIGHTNESS.
The Ambient light is designed to represent constant or "Room Lights" in the application.
Ambient Light can be sent to any or all real of the real-world lights. Each real world
light can include any percentage of the ambient light.
void Stir_Lights (void *user_data);
Stir_Lights sends light information to the real world lights based on the light buffer
created within DirectLights. The DirectLight DLL handles stirring the lights for you.
This function is normally not called by the application
Submit_Virtual_Light creates a Virtual_Light instance. Its virtual position is specified
by the first three values passed in, it's color by the second three. The position
should use application space coordinates. The values for the color are in the range
0 - MAX_LIGHT_BRIGHTNESS. This function returns a pointer to the light created.
void Remove_Virtual_Light (Virtual_Light * bad_light);
Given a pointer to a Virtual_Light instance, Remove_virtual_Light will delete the
virtual light.
void Set_Gamma(float gamma);
The Set Gamma function sets the gamma value of the Direct Light data structure. This
value can be used to control the overall value of all the lights, as every virtual
light is multiplied by the gamma value before it is projected onto the real lights.
void Set_Cutoff_Range (float cutoff_range);
set_Cutoff_Range sets the cutoff distance from the camera. Beyond this distance virtual
lights will have no effect on real-world lights. Set the value high to allow virtual
lights to affect real world lights from a long way away. If the value is small virtual
lights must be close to the camera to have any effect. The value should be in application
space coordinates.
void Clear_All_Real_Lights (void);
Clear_All_Lights destroys all real lights.
void Project_All_Lights (void);
Project_All_Lights calculates the effect of every virtual on every real- world light,
taking into account gamma, ambient and dynamic contributions, position and projection
mode, cutoff angle and cutoff range, and sends the values to every real-world light.
[0312] Indicators can be assigned to any of the real world lights via the configuration
file (my_lights.h). Each indicator must have a unique non-negative integer ID. Set_indicator_Color
changes the color of the indicator designated by which_indicator to the red, green,
and blue values specified. If Set_indicator_Color is called with an indicator id which
does not exist, nothing will happen. The user specifies which lights should be indicators,
but note that lights that are indicators can still be effected by the ambient and
dynamic lights.
Returns a pointer to the indicator with the specified value.
int Get_Real_Light_Count (void);
Returns the number of real lights.
void Get_My_Lights_Location (char buffer [MAX_PATH]);
Looks in the directory and finds the path to the "my_lights.h" file.
void Load_Real_Light_Configuration (char * fullpath = NULL);
Loads the "my_lights.h" file from the default location determined by the registry.
DirectLight will create a list of real lights based on the information in the file.
void Submit_Real_Light (char * indentifier,
int DMX_port,
Projection_Type,
int indicator_number,
float add_ambient,
float add_dynamic,
float gamma,
float cutoff_angle,
float x,
float y,
float z);
[0313] Creates a new real light in the real world. Typically DirectLight will load the real
light information from the "my lights.h" file at startup.
void Remove_Real_Light (Real_Light * dead_light);
Safely deletes an instance of a real light.
Light GetAmbientLight (void);
Returns a pointer to the ambient light.
bool RealLightListEmpty (void);
Returns true if the list of real lights is empty, false otherwise.
Light Class
[0314] Ambient lights are defined as lights. Light class is the parent class for Virtual
Lights and Real Lights. Member variables:
Detach an old lighting effect from this virtual light.
Real Lights
[0315] Real Light inherits from the Light class. Real lights represent lights in the real
world. Member variables:
static const int NOT_AN_INDICATOR_LIGHT defined as -1.
[0316] char m_identifier [100] is the name of the light (like "overhead" or "covelight1").
Unused by DirectLight except as a debugging tool.
[0317] int DMX_port is a unique non-negative integer representing the channel the given
light will receive information on. DMX information is sent out in a buffer with 3
bytes (red, green and blue) for each light. (DMX_port
∗ 3) is actually the index of the red value for the specified light. DirectLight DMX
buffers are 512 bytes, so DirectLight can support approximately 170 lights. Large
buffers can cause performance problems, so if possible avoid using large DMX_port
numbers.
[0318] Light Type m_type describes the different models of Color Kinetics lights. Currently
unused except by DirectLight GUI Setup to display icons.
float m_add_ambient the amount of ambient light contribution to this lights color.
Range 0-1
float m_add_dynamic the amount of dynamic light contribution to this lights color.
Range 0-1
float m_gamma is the overall brightness of this light. Range 0-1.
[0319] float m_cutoff_angle determines how sensitive the light is to the contributions of
the virtual lights around it. Large values cause it to receive information from most
virtual lights. Smaller values cause it to receive contributions only from virtual
lights in the same arc as the real light.
[0320] Projection Type m_projection_type defines how the virtual lights map onto the real
lights.
SCALE_BY_VIRTUAL_DISTANCE_TO_CAMERA_ONLY this real light will receive contributions
from virtual lights based solely on the distance from the origin of the virtual coordinate
system to the position of the virtual light. The virtual light contribution fades
linearly as the distance from the origin approaches the cutoff range.
SCALE_BY_DISTANCE_AND_ANGLE this real light will receive contributions from virtual
lights based on the distance as computed above AND the difference in angle between
the real light and the virtual light. The virtual light contribution fades linearly
as the distance from the origin approaches the cutoff range and the angle approaches
the cutoff angle.
SCALE_BY_DISTANCE_VIRTUAL_TO_REAL this real light will receive contributions from
virtual lights based on the distance in 3-space from real light to virtual light.
This mode assumes that the real and virtual coordinate systems are identical. The
virtual light contribution fades linearly as the distance from real to virtual approaches
the cutoff range.
float m_xpos x,y,z position in virtual space.
float m_ypos
float m_zpos
int m_indicator_number. if indicator is negative the light is not an indicator. If
it is non-negative it will only receive colors sent to that indicator number.
Virtual Lights
[0321] Virtual Lights represent light sources within a game or other real time application
that are mapped onto real- world Color Kinetics lights. Virtual Lights may be created,
moved, destroyed, and have their color changed as often as is feasible within the
application.
static const int MAX_LIGHT_BRIGHTNESS;
MAX_LIGHT_BRIGHTNESS is a constant representing the largest value a light can have.
In the case of most Color Kinetics lights this value is 255. Lights are assumed to
have a range that starts at 0
[0322] The Set_Color function sets the red, green and blue color values of the virtual light
to the values passed into the function.
[0323] The Set Position function sets the position values of the virtual light to the values
passed into the function. The position should use application space coordinates.
void Get_Position (float *x_pos,
float *y_pos,
float *z_pos);
Gets the position of the light.
Lighting FX
[0324] Lighting FX are time-based effects which can be attached to real or virtual lights,
or indicators, or even the ambient light. Lighting effects can have other effects
as children, in which case the children are played sequentially.
If TRUE is passed in, this effect will use real world time and update itself as often
as Stir_Lights is called. If FALSE is passed in the effect will use application time,
and update every time Apply-FX is called.
void Set_Time_Extrapolation (bool extrapolate);
If TRUE is passed in, this effect will extrapolate it's value when Stir_Lights is
called.
void Attach_FX_To_Light (Light * the_light);
Attach this effect to the light passed in.
void Detach_FX_From_Light (Light * the_light,
bool remove_FX_from_light = true);
Remove this effect's contribution to the light. If remove FX_from_light is true, the
effect is also detached from the light.
[0325] The above functions also exist as versions to effect Virtual lights, Indicator lights
(referenced either by a pointer to the indicator or it's number), Ambient light, and
all Real Lights.
void Start (float FX_play_time,
bool looping = false);
Start the effect. If looping is true the effect will start again after it ends.
void Stop (void);
Stop the effect without destroying it.
void Time_Is_Up (void);
Either loop or stop playing the effect, since time it up for it.
void Update_Time (float time_passed);
Change how much game time has gone by for this effect.
void Update_Real_Time (void);
Find out how much real time has passed for this effect.
void Update_Extrapolated_Time (void);
Change the FX time based on extrapolating how much application time per real time
we have had so far.
virtual void Apply_FX (ColorRGB &base_color);
This is the principle lighting function. When Lighting_FX is inherited, this function
does all the important work of actually changing the light's color values over time.
Note that you can choose to add your value to the existing light value, replace the
existing value with your value, or any combination of the two. This way Lighting effects
can override the existing lights or simply supplant them.
static void Update_All_FX_Time (float time_passed);
Update the time of all the effects.
void Apply_FX_To_All_Virtual_Lights (void);
Apply this effect to all virtual, ambient and indicator lights that are appropriate.
void Apply_All_FX_To_All_Virtual_Lights (void);
Apply each effect to all virtual, ambient and indicator lights that are appropriate.
void Apply_All_FX_To_Real_Light ('Real_Light * the_real_light
);
Apply this effect to a single real light.
void Start_Next_ChildFX (void);
If this effect has child effect, start the next one.
void Add_ChildFX (LightingFX * the_child,
float timeshare);
Add a new child effect onto the end of the list of child effects that this effect
has. Timeshare is this child's share of the total time the effect will play. The timeshares
don't have to add up to one, as the total shares are scaled to match the total real
play time of the effect
void Become_Child_Of (Lighting_FX * the_parent);
Become a parent of the specified effect.
void Inherit_Light_List (Affected_Lights * our_lights);
Have this effect and all its children inherit the list of lights to affect.
Configuration File
[0326] The file "my lights.h" contains information about real-world lights, and is loaded
into the DirectLight system at startup. The files "my lights.h" and
"light_definitions.h" must be included in the same directory as the application using
DirectLights.
[0327] "my_lights.h" is created and edited by the DirectLight GUI Setup program. For more
information on how to use the program check
the online help within the program.
[0328] Here is an example of a "my_lights. h" file:
[0329] This example file is taken from our offices, where we had lights setup around a computer,
with the following lights (referenced from someone sitting at the monitor): One overhead
(mostly ambient); one on each side of our head (Left and Right); one behind our head;
Three each along the top, left and right side of the monitor in front of US.
[0330] Each line in the "my_lights" file represents one Real Light. Each Real Light instance
represents, surprise surprise, one real-world light.
[0331] The lower lights on the left and right side of the monitor are indicators 0 and 2,
the middle light on the left side of the monitor is indicator 1.
[0332] The positional values are in meters. Z is into/out of the plane of the monitor. X
is vertical in the plane of the monitor, Y is horizontal in the plane of the monitor.
[0333] MAX_LIGHTS can be as high as 170 for each DMX universe. Each DMX universe is usually
a single physical connection to the computer (COMl, for example). The larger MAX_LIGHTS
is, the slower the lights will respond, as MAX_LIGHTS determines the size of the buffer
sent to DMX (MAX_LIGHTS
∗ 3) Obviously, larger buffers will take longer to send.
[0334] OVERALL_GAMMA can have a value of 0 - 1. This value is read into DirectLights and
can be changed during run-time. This represents the end of the DirectLight API.
[0335] The invention is limited by the scope of the appended claims.