US20100084992A1 - Intensity control and color mixing of light emitting devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure presents systems and methods for controlling light intensity and color mixing of light emitted by lighting devices. A controller may use a setting for an intensity of light and an instruction to generate, for a remote lighting device, a signal comprising the instruction and a duty cycle within a time period of the signal that corresponds to the setting for the intensity of light. The signal may comprise a digital pattern corresponding to at least a portion of the instruction. The remote lighting device may determine the duty cycle of the time period of the received signal based on a sum of durations of time for which the signal within the period comprises a high value. The remote lighting device may establish intensity of the light emitted based on the duty cycle while implementing an action based on the identified instruction.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 61/099,325 filed on Sep. 23, 2008 and claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/466,647, filed on Sep. 23, 2008 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 61/053,792, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present application is generally related to lighting systems. In particular, the present application is directed to systems and methods for controlling and modulating intensity of the light emitted by a light emitting device.
BACKGROUND
• Lighting systems may include light emitting devices organized in various configurations depending on the illumination applications. Some lighting systems provide only limited control of the features, such as the light intensity. Some traditional lighting systems may control the light sources only by using switches or preset controls. Such systems generally do not have a capability to provide a more sophisticated lighting control. Some more advanced systems may offer some additional lighting controls, but such systems often require expensive upgrades or entirely new installations
SUMMARY
• The present disclosure is directed to an inexpensive yet intelligent solution for controlling light intensity and color mixing of light emitted by standard lighting devices or lighting fixtures. A lighting device, such as a standard lighting fixture installed in an office or a home, may be used in communication with one or more other lighting devices which may use controllers to send control signals coordinating operations between the light sources. The intensity of light emitted by a lighting device, or a light source, may be controlled via a received signal that includes one or more digital patterns identifying the intensity or brightness.
• In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a method for modulating light intensity or brightness emitted by a light emitting device using a digital pattern of a signal. A controller may receive a setting for an intensity of light for a remote lighting device. The controller may be any controller of a lighting system. The controller may further receive an instruction to control the remote lighting device. The controller may generate for the remote lighting device, a signal having an instruction, a time period and a duty cycle corresponding to the setting for the intensity of light. The time period may comprise a first time interval and a second time interval. A first portion of the signal within the first time interval may comprise a first digital pattern corresponding to at least a portion of the instruction. A duty cycle of the first portion of the signal may be different than a duty cycle of the second portion of the signal. The first digital pattern may comprise at least two bits. The remote lighting device may determine the duty cycle of the time period of the signal received from the controller. The duty cycle may be based on a sum of durations of time for which the signal within the first time interval and the second time interval comprises a high value. The remote lighting device may establish intensity of the light emitted based on the duty cycle while taking an action based on at least the portion of the instruction identified by the first digital pattern.
• In some embodiments, the controller generates for the remote lighting device, the signal having the time period comprising a third time interval. The signal may comprise a third portion of the signal within the third time interval, a third digital pattern of the third portion of the signal within the third time interval corresponding to at least a second portion of the instruction. The remote lighting device may determine the duty cycle of the time period of the signal. The duty cycle may be based on a sum of durations of time for which the signal within the first time interval, the second time interval and the third time interval comprises a high value. The remote lighting device may establish intensity of the light emitted based on the duty cycle while taking a second action based on at least the portion of the instruction identified by the first digital pattern and the second portion of the instruction identified by the third digital pattern.
• In some embodiments, the controller receives a second setting for a second intensity of light for a remote lighting device. The second intensity of light may be different than the intensity of light. The controller may generate for the remote lighting device, a second signal having a second time period and a second duty cycle corresponding to the second setting for the intensity of light. The second time period may comprise a new first time interval and a new second time interval. The remote lighting device may determine the second duty cycle of the second time period of the second signal received from the controller. The second duty cycle may be based on a sum of durations of time for which the second signal within the new first time interval and the new second time interval comprises a high value. The remote lighting device may establish the second intensity of the light emitted based on the second duty cycle. In some embodiments, the controller transmits to the remote lighting device, the signal via a wire used for providing electrical power to the remote lighting device. In other embodiments, the remote lighting device emits light based on the established intensity of light. In further embodiments, the remote lighting device determines the duty cycle of the time period based on a ratio of a sum of durations of time within time period for which the signal comprises a high value to a total duration of the time period.
• In some embodiments, the controller generates the signal comprising the instruction that instructs the remote lighting device to set a brightness value of a red light source, green light source or a blue light source of the remote lighting device. In further embodiments, the controller generates the signal comprising the instruction instructing the remote lighting device to turn off the light by dimming the light down. In other embodiments, the controller generates the signal comprising the instruction instructing the remote lighting device to enter a learning mode to accept an address assigned to the remote lighting device. In further embodiments, the controller generates the signal comprising the instruction instructing the remote lighting device to send a configuration status of the remote lighting device. In some embodiments, the controller generates the signal comprising the instruction that instructs the remote lighting device to set a maximum intensity of the light emitted for the remote lighting device. In further embodiments, the controller generates the signal comprising a continuous stream of data bits divided into a plurality of time periods, where the time period is one time period of the plurality of time periods. In some embodiments, the controller generates the signal comprising the first portion of the signal consisting of the first time interval and the second portion of the signal consisting of the second time interval.
• In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a system for modulating intensity of light emitted by a light emitting device using a digital pattern of a signal. The system may include a controller receiving a setting for an intensity of light for a remote lighting device and an instruction to control the remote lighting device. The controller may generate for the remote lighting device, a signal having an instruction, a time period and a duty cycle corresponding to the setting for the intensity of light. The time period may comprise a first time interval and a second time interval. A first portion of the signal within the first time interval may comprise a first digital pattern corresponding to at least a portion of the instruction. A duty cycle of the first portion of the signal may be different than a duty cycle of the second portion of the signal. The first digital pattern may comprise at least two bits. The remote lighting device may determine the duty cycle of the time period of the signal received from the controller. The duty cycle may be based on a sum of durations of time for which the signal within the first time interval and the second time interval comprises a high value. The remote lighting device may establish intensity of the light emitted based on the duty cycle while taking an action based on at least the portion of the instruction identified by the first digital pattern.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent and better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1A is a block diagram that depicts an embodiment of an environment of a lighting system and components of the lighting system;
• FIG. 1B is a block diagram that depicts another embodiment of a lighting system and components of the lighting system;
• FIG. 1C is a block diagram that depicts an embodiment of a communication system between light sources;
• FIG. 1D is a block diagram that depicts an embodiment of a light source control and communication;
• FIG. 2A andFIG. 2B are block diagrams of embodiments of digital communication between light sources, intensity control and master/slave control;
• FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating steps of a method for communicating between devices using a duty cycle of a signal.
• FIG. 4A andFIG. 4B are block diagrams of embodiments of additional light intensity control embodiments;
• FIG. 4C is a flow chart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method for modulating intensity of light using a digital pattern of a signal;
• FIG. 5A is a block diagram of a system or an apparatus, such as a non-contact switch for selecting and controlling one or more light sources;
• FIG. 5B is a flow chart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method for detecting presence of an object or a person via a non-contact switch.
• FIG. 6A is a block diagram of an embodiment for lighting devices transmitting power, intensity and instructions for assigning a status to a lighting device via a connection; and
• FIG. 6B is a flow chart illustrating steps of an embodiment of method for assigning a status to a lighting device via a connection used by the lighting device for receiving intensity and/or power.
• The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• For purposes of reading the description of the various embodiments of the present invention below, the following descriptions of the sections of the specification and their respective contents may be helpful:
• • Section A describes lighting system environment and components of the lighting system;
  • Section B relates to systems and methods for communication among lighting system components;
  • Section C relates to embodiments for status assignment of the light sources;
  • Section D relates to embodiments for lighting system intensity control with digital patterning and color mixing;
  • Section E relates to embodiments for non-contact selection and control of lighting system components;
  • Section F relates to systems and methods for status assignment of the light sources; and
  • Section G relates to systems and methods for controlling profile intensity based on battery health and time period for a solar LED system.
A. Lighting System and Lighting System Components
• Lighting system100 comprises a number of lighting system components which may be used for a variety of lighting or illumination applications in numerous environments.FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of an environment within whichlighting system100 may be used.FIG. 1A illustrates alighting system100 comprising lighting system components called lighting devices, orlight sources110A,110B and110C. Thelighting system100 also includes additional lighting system components: acommunicator125, acontroller120, a master/slave addressor130 and apower supply140. All the lighting system components illustrated byFIG. 1A are connected to each other viaconnections105.Connections105 are depicted running into or running through anetwork104. In many embodiments,network104 comprises a plurality ofconnections105 through which signals, information or data packets, or electrical power are propagated. In a plurality of embodiments,network104 andconnections105 provide connections between any of the lighting system components.
• FIG. 1A depicts light sources110 comprising various components.FIG. 1A presents alight source110A comprising: acontroller120A, acommunicator125A which further comprises anaddress127A, a master/slave addressor130A, and apower supply140A.FIG. 1A also illustrates alight source110B which includes only acommunicator125B.Light source110C is shown byFIG. 1A comprising acontroller120C and anaddress127C. Other lighting system components, such as acommunicator125,controller120,power supply140 and master/slave addressor130 are illustrated inFIG. 1A as individual and independent lighting system components not comprising any additional subcomponents.
• In some embodiments, however, any of thecommunicator125,controller120,power supply140 and master/slave addressor130 may comprise any number of lighting system components or subcomponents. Herein, the term lighting system component, may be used interchangeably for any component or subcomponent within alighting system100 or for any component related to alighting system100. Furthermore, terms lighting device, device, light source, lighting fixture or a lighting unit may also be used interchangeably and may comprise any number of similar orother lighting system100 components.
• Lighting system100, illustrated inFIG. 1A, may be any system including one ormore lighting devices100, also referred to as light sources110. Sometimes,lighting system100 is a system comprising one or more light sources or light fixtures controlled by one or more lighting system components. In a plurality of embodiments, alighting system100 includes a number of light sources110 connected to each other. In a number of embodiments, alighting system100 includes a number of light sources110 connected to apower supply140 or a source of electricity, such as an electrical outlet. In many embodiments,lighting system100 is a system comprising a plurality of light sources110 or other lighting system components connected to each other and communicating with each other. In a number of embodiments,lighting system100 comprises a plurality of lighting system components electrically connected to each other in parallel. In some embodiments,lighting system100 comprises a plurality of lighting system components electrically connected to each other in series. In a plurality of embodiments,lighting system100 comprises components, such as light sources110 orpower supplies140 connected to each other in parallel or in series or in a combination of parallel and series electrical connections. Sometimes,lighting system100 includes any number of systems, products, components or devices assisting any functionality, operation or control of light sources110. In a number of embodiments,lighting system100 includes one or more components, systems, products or devices assisting or controlling communication between a light source110 and another light source110 or another component, device, system or product. In a plurality of embodiments,lighting system100 is any system comprising a plurality of light sources110, such as light fixtures for example, illuminating or lighting an area or a space. In many embodiments,lighting system100 is any system comprising a plurality of light sources110, providing illumination or lighting an area or a space as controlled by one or more lighting system components.
• In some embodiments,lighting system100 comprises one or more lighting devices, or light sources110. In numerous embodiments,lighting system100 comprises one or more light sources110 comprising apower supply140. In a number of embodiments,lighting system100 comprises a master/slave addressor130, acontroller120, apower supply140 and acommunicator125 as separate and independent components of thelighting system100. In a plurality of embodiments, lighting system components are electrically connected to one or more light sources110 via connections, cables, wires, lines or any electrically conductive mediums. In some embodiments, lighting system components are electrically connected to one or more light sources110 vianetwork104. In a number of embodiments,lighting system100 comprises any number of lighting system components connected to each other or other lighting system components either directly viaconnections105, via combinations ofconnections105 andnetwork104 or via one ormore networks104.
• In one embodiment, thelighting system100 is installed, deployed or otherwise provided in any type or form of indoor, outdoor, residential or commercial environment. In one embodiment,lighting system100 is deployed, installed or provided in any type of indoor environment. In some embodiments,lighting system100 is deployed, installed or provided in a residential building or a room. In a number of embodiments,lighting system100 is deployed, installed or provided in a commercial building or an office area. In many embodiments,lighting system100 is deployed, installed or provided in a store or a mall. In a plurality of embodiments,lighting system100 is deployed, installed or provided in a hallway, or a parking garage. In numerous embodiments,lighting system100 is deployed, installed or provided in a restaurant or a museum. In some embodiments, thelighting system100 is installed in a laboratory or a research or development laboratory, area or an institution. In some embodiments,lighting system100 is deployed in an outside environment, such as a stadium, or a concert stage. In a plurality of embodiments,lighting system100 is deployed, installed or provided in a town square, residential area, or section of a town or city.
• In many embodiments,lighting system100 comprises one or more light sources110 which are different from other light sources110 of thelighting system100. In a number of embodiments,lighting system100 comprises one or more light sources110 which are same or similar to other light sources110 of thelighting system100. In some embodiments,lighting system100 includes only one or two light sources110 while in other embodiments,lighting system100 includes a very large number of light sources110, such as tens or hundreds. In a plurality of embodiments, a plurality oflighting systems100 are electrically connected to each other and form onelarger lighting system100 or a lighting system farm. In some embodiments,lighting system100 includes a plurality ofseparate lighting systems100 or lighting system farms.
• Connections105 are represented inFIG. 1A by lines connecting components oflighting system100 toother lighting system100 components vianetwork104.Connections105 may comprise any type of medium or means for transferring, transporting or propagating electrical power, electronic analog or digital signals, or any other type of communication signal between any two components or devices of thelighting system100. In some embodiments,connection105 is a wire or a plurality of wires of any size or gauge capable of conducting electricity or an electronic signal. In a plurality of embodiments,connection105 is a cable including one or more electrical conductors electrically insulated from each other and other conductors. In many embodiments,connection105 comprises a plurality of separate and mutually insulated conductive mediums, each one transmitting a separate signal or information. In some embodiments,connection105 is a cable including a plurality of wires insulated with any non-conductive material, the wires being used for electrical power distribution in residential or commercial areas. In certain embodiments,connection105 includes a cable or a group of wires of any size and gauge comprising any electrical current conducting material. In some embodiments,connection105 comprises an optical fiber transmitting an optical signal. In a number of embodiments,connection105 is a coaxial cable. In a plurality of embodiments,connection105 is a wire harness comprising any number of sheathed or unsheathed wires, each wire transmitting a separate signal without interference from an outside wire. In a plurality of embodiments,connection105 is a wire harness comprising a plurality of mediums for transmitting electrical signals and optical signals. In some embodiments,connection105 is a wire harness comprising three separate mediums for transmitting electrical signals or conducting electricity. In a number of embodiments,connection105 comprises a plurality of current conducting mediums wherein each of the mediums is sheathed or electrically insulated from other conducting mediums of theconnection105.
• Connection105, in some embodiments, is a wireless connection between two ormore lighting system100 components. In many embodiments,connection105 comprises a medium for wireless communication between two ormore lighting system100 components. In some embodiments, theconnection105 is a wireless communication link between two ormore lighting system100 components. In many embodiments, theconnection105 is a medium through which wireless communication of two ormore lighting system100 components is propagated. Theconnection105 may comprise any number of wireless communication links and wired communication links. In a plurality of embodiments,connection105 comprises a number ofconnection105 components each of which may further comprise any number of wireless communication links for communication between two ormore lighting system100 components. The wireless communication link or the wireless communication propagated viaconnection105 may refer to any transfer of information between any two ormore lighting system100 components without the use of electrical conductors or wires. In some embodiments,connection105 comprises any one, or any combination of: a metal wire, a metal line, a cable having one or more wires or lines, a light guide, an optical fiber and a wireless link or wireless connection system. In some of embodiments,connection105 comprises a plurality ofconnection105 components comprising metal lines or wires, wireless links, optical fibers or cables.
• Network104 may be any medium or means for transferring electrical power, electronic data, electromagnetic waves, electrical signals, or communication signals between two ormore lighting system100 components. In some embodiments,network104 is a mesh ofconnections105 connecting any lighting system component with any other component of thelighting system100. In a plurality of embodiments,network104 comprises a number ofconnections105 connecting light sources110, with each other. In many embodiments,network104 comprises a number ofconnections105 connecting anylighting system100 component to anyother lighting system100 component.Network104, in some embodiments, is plurality ofconnections105 connectingspecific lighting system100 components to otherspecific lighting system100 components. In a plurality of embodiments, lighting system components are connected to other lighting system components via one ormore connections105. Thenetwork104 may also be a wireless network and comprise any number of wireless communication links between any number oflighting system100 components. In some embodiments, thenetwork104 comprises wireless links and non-wireless links, such as connections via wires.Network104, in some embodiments, is a plurality ofconnections105 connecting any of thelighting system100 components to anyother lighting system100 components, such as alighting device110A tolighting devices110B and110C and vice versa.
• A device110, also referred to as a lighting device110 or a light source110, is any device performing or executing a function or an instruction, or any device operating, outputting or performing as instructed or commanded by an instruction or information received by the device via aconnection105. In many embodiments, device110 is any device or an apparatus performing a functionality as directed by a signal. The device110 may be any electrical, electromechanical or mechanical component, such as a motor for example. The device110 may be an engine, a turbine, or may be any apparatus or a system comprising a motor or an engine. In some embodiments, device110 is a device, apparatus or a material capable of producing, emitting or emanating light or electromagnetic radiation. In a plurality of embodiments, a device110 is any device performing any functionality as instructed via aconnection105 or any device transmitting instruction to other devices110, even if the device110 or the devices110 receiving or transmitting instructions are not light emitting devices. Devices110 may be any electronic or electrical components, devices, products or apparatuses performing a function or an operation in response to an electrical or electronic signal.
• In many embodiments, device110 is a lighting device110 or a lighting fixture, a light source, or any device producing or emitting light. In a plurality of embodiments, device110 or a light source110 is a fluorescent light. In a number of embodiments, light source110 is a lamp or a light bulb. In many embodiments, light source is a white light emitting diode. In some embodiments, light source110 is a semiconductor light emitting device, such as a light emitting diode of any spectral or wavelength range. In a plurality of embodiments, the light source110 is a broadband lamp or a broadband light source. In number of embodiments, the light source110 is a black light. In a plurality of embodiments, light source110 is a hollow cathode lamp. In a number of embodiments, light source110 is a fluorescent tube light source. In some embodiments, the light source110 is a neon or argon lamp. In a plurality of embodiments, light source110 is a plasma lamp. In certain embodiments, light source110 is a xenon flash lamp. In a plurality of embodiments, light source110 is a mercury lamp. In some embodiments, light source110 is a metal halide lamp. In certain embodiments, light source110 is a sulfur lamp. In a number of embodiments, light source110 is a laser, or a laser diode. In some embodiments, light source110 is an OLED, PHOLED, QDLED, or any other variation of a light source110 utilizing an organic material. In certain embodiments, light source110 is a monochromatic light source. In a number of embodiments, light source110 is a polychromatic light source. In a plurality of embodiments, light source110 is a light source emitting light partially in the spectral range of ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, light source110 is a device, product or a material emitting light partially in the spectral range of visible light. In a number of embodiments, light source110 is a device, product or a material partially emanating or emitting light in the spectral range of the infra red light. In a number of embodiments, light source110 is a device, product or a material emanating or emitting light in the visible spectral range. In some embodiments, light source110 includes a filter to control the spectral range of the light emitted from the light source110. In certain embodiments, light source110 includes a light guide, an optical fiber or a waveguide through which light is emitted from the light source110. In some embodiments, light source110 includes one or more mirrors for reflecting or redirecting of light. In some embodiments, lighting device110 reflects light emitted from another light source. In some embodiments, light source110 includes a light reactive material affecting the light emitted, such as a polarizer, filter or a prism. In a plurality of embodiments, light source110 is a coherent light source. In some embodiments, light source110, or a lighting device110, is an incoherent light source.
• The device110, or the lighting device110, may be any light emitting device, comprising one or more light sources and capable of providing light to an area or a space. In other embodiments, lighting device110 is a semiconductor light emitting diode producing an incoherent light of any given spectral or power range. In another embodiment, lighting device110 is an ultra-violet light emitting source used for illuminating a light reactive material. A light reactive material sometimes, in response to the illuminated light absorbs the light, and in response to the absorbed light, produces a light of its own. In some embodiments, lighting device110 is an LED or a light source used for color rendering of the fruits, vegetables, meats or any light reactive materials. In a number of embodiments, lighting device110 emits light which alters the color of the object illuminated by the light source110 as perceived by the human eye. In some embodiments,lighting system100 is used for illuminating an object whose appearance of color pigment is shifted as perceived by a human eye in response to the illumination of the object using a specific spectral range of light. For example, an object of a yellow pigment may appear orange to a human eye when illuminated by purple light. In another example, a blue pigment may appear black to a human eye when illuminated by orange light. In some embodiments, an object of a red pigment, when illuminated by a deep red light may be perceived by human eye as a even more red. In some embodiments, light source110 emits a light having a specific spectral range tailored for illuminating a specific object and creating a perception to a human observer of an object having a different color pigment as the result of the illumination. In some embodiments, an array of light sources110 are used to vary the wavelength and intensity of the light emitted. In a number of embodiments, light source110 is a monochromatic light source, emitting only a single wavelength of light. In some embodiments, light source110 is a tunable light source, emitting a light of varying spectral range. In a plurality of embodiments, light source110 is a broadband light utilizing a filter for narrowing down the light spectral range. Light source110, in some embodiments, is any device, product or material emitting, emanating or illuminating light of any spectral or power range, any constant output or varying intensity output, and any type of coherent or incoherent light.
• In some other embodiment, light source110 creates color of the light emitted from the light source110 using a plurality of light sources emitting specific wavelengths of light which individually or mixed produce the color of the light emitted. In a number of embodiments, light source110 includes one or more light sources emitting a monochromatic light. In many embodiments, light source110 includes one or more light sources emitting a relatively monochromatic light, wherein relatively means about ninety percent monochromatic. In a plurality of embodiments, light source110 includes one or more light sources emitting a light having a narrow spectral range which when mixed with other light produces white light or light of a color different from the original color. In a plurality of embodiments, monochromatic light is a light having only a single wavelength of light. Relatively monochromatic light is a light similar to a light emitted by a monochromatic laser or a laser diode and it may have a spectral wavelength range of one or a few nanometers. Narrow spectral range, in some embodiments, means a range of about five to fifty nanometers of wavelength range. In some embodiments, light source110 emits one or more of any of the monochromatic, relatively monochromatic or a narrow spectral range light individually or in any combination. In a number of embodiments, light source110 emits blue light, such as the light having wavelength length between 460 nanometers and 490 nanometers. Light emanated or emitted from the light source, in some embodiments, has shorter wavelengths or a higher energy than the visible light. In some embodiments, light emitted or emanated from a light source110 has a spectral range at least partially in the ultraviolet range and at least partially in a visible range. In a plurality of embodiments, the light emitted or emanated from a light source110 has a spectral range at least partially in the visible range and at least partially in the infrared range. In a number of embodiments, light emitted from a light source110 is pulsed or varying in intensity, or continuous and/or without any interruption in emission. In some embodiments, light emitted from light source110 is periodically or non-periodically pulsed. In some embodiments, a light source110 comprises a plurality of light sources, each of which emits a light having a partially different wavelength from light emitted by other light sources of the light source110. In a number of embodiments, light source110 comprises a plurality of light sources each emitting a light of different color or a different wavelength or wavelength range. In a number of embodiments, light source110 comprises a plurality of light sources, wherein each of the light sources emits a light having a different intensity or power range.
• The device110, also referred to as the light source110, may also comprise a wireless device, such as a wireless signal receiver or a wireless signal transmitter. In some embodiments, light source110 comprises an antenna for receiving or for transmitting wireless communication. In a plurality of embodiments, light source110 comprises a wireless connector, a wireless receiver or a wireless signal emitter. In many embodiments, light source110 comprises a device or a unit controlling and implementing wireless communication between two or more light sources110. In some embodiments, the light source110 may comprise a wireless link, such as an infrared channel or satellite band. In many embodiments, the light source110 comprises a wireless RF network port, such as a network port supporting IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocols or Bluetooth technology. In a plurality of embodiments, anylighting system100 component may comprise any number of wireless communication devices, such as wireless network ports, wireless transmitters or receivers or wireless transceiver used for wireless communication between thelighting system100 components.
• In a number of embodiments, the light source110 comprises acontroller120. In a plurality of embodiments, light source110 comprises acommunicator125. In a number of embodiments, light source110 comprises a master/slave addressor130. In some embodiments, light source110 comprises apower supply140. In certain embodiments, light source110 comprises any of, or any combination of:controller120,communicator125, master/slave addressor130 andpower supply140. In a plurality of embodiments, light source110 comprises an enclosure which encloses any of or any combination of:controller120,communicator125, master/slave addressor130 andpower supply140. In a plurality of embodiments, light source110 comprises aconnection105 which can be used to connect the light source110 with any other light sources110 or other lighting system components.
• Light system components may transmit to the light sources110 signals comprising any number of instructions. Instructions, such as theinstruction650, may include any type and form of instruction or command for operating, configuring, controlling or managing on or more light sources110. In some embodiments, an instruction comprises a command to set a master or slave status to a lighting device. In other embodiments, instruction includes an instruction to turn a lighting device on or off. In further embodiments, instruction instructs a lighting device to change intensity of light, wavelength of light, pulse of light. In some embodiments, instruction comprises a command to change or set up a configuration of a device, such as a pulsing illumination mode or a constant illumination mode. The instruction may also include a command to include a lighting device110 into a zone or a group of a plurality of lighting devices. In some embodiments, instruction comprises a command to assign an address to the lighting device. In further embodiments, instruction comprises a command to operate the light for a duration of time identified by the instruction. For example, a lighting device may receive an instruction to maintain an operation at a current intensity for a specific duration of time. In further embodiments, the instruction identifies a command to turn off a lighting device. The instruction may also identify when to turn off the lighting device. The instruction may include any type and form of command, configuration, request, setting or data needed by the lighting device to implement any function of the lighting system described herein.
• Still referring toFIG. 1A,controller120 is any unit, system, device or component capable of controlling, modulating light emitted or emanated from any light source110. In some embodiments,controller120 includes software, hardware, or any combination of software and hardware for controlling, managing or otherwise directing the operation and/or performance of one or more light sources110.Controller120 may include any type and form of logic, electronic circuitry, logic operations or functions, software or hardware embodied in forming instructions or enabling control of one or more light sources110. In some embodiments,controller120 comprises any type and form of digital and/or analog circuitry, any device, system, unit or a program for performing any of the operations described herein.Controller120 may include any type and form of executable instructions, including an application, a program, a library, a process, a service, a task or a thread. In one embodiment,controller120 provides, includes or controls power output for one or more of light sources110. Herein, terms light emanated from a light source, light produced from a light source or light emitted from a light source may be used interchangeably and may comprise the meaning of any of these terms.
• In some embodiments,controller120 is any unit used for controlling one or more light sources110. Sometimes,controller120 is any device, system, structure, circuit, piece or hardware or software used for controlling a light source110 or any other lighting system component. In a plurality of embodiments,controller120 comprises a combination of any device, system structure, circuit, piece of hardware or software, computer program, structure or algorithm used for controlling a light source110 or any other lighting system component. In some embodiments,controller120 includes logic, functions or operations to establish, determine, adapt, coordinate, manage or control any characteristics of light emitted from one or more light sources110. In numerous embodiments,controller120 includes logic, functions or operations to establish, determine, adapt, coordinate, manage or control any characteristics of any output of any lighting system component. In a plurality of embodiments,controller120 controls a light source110 which produces a light of a predetermined wavelength. In another embodiment, thecontroller120 directs the light source to emit a light having a wavelength in a predetermined range. In some embodiments, thecontroller120 directs the light source to emanate a light at a predetermined frequency or within a predetermined frequency range. In other embodiments,controller120 adjusts one or more characteristics of the light to be emitted or emanated from the light source110. In a plurality of embodiments,controller120 establishes or adjusts the color and/or color temperature of the light to emanate from the light source. For example, the color may be established or adjusted based on a color rendering index or value thereof. In another example, the color temperate may be established or adjusted based on a temperature value, such as for example, Kelvin scale. In some embodiments,controller120 comprises functionality for detecting, or detects a duty cycle of a signal.
• In some embodiments, responsive to information from any one of a light source110,communicator125, master/slave addressor130 or apower supply140,controller120 establishes or adjusts intensity of the light emitted from a light source110. In a number of embodiments, responsive to information from any one of a light source110,communicator125, master/slave addressor130 or apower supply140,controller120 establishes or adjusts spectral range of the light emitted from a light source110. In many embodiments, responsive to information from any one of a light source110,communicator125, master/slave addressor130 or apower supply140,controller120 establishes or adjusts wavelength of the light emitted from a light source110. In numerous embodiments, responsive to information from any one of a light source110,communicator125, master/slave addressor130 or apower supply140,controller120 establishes or adjusts frequency of pulses of the light emitted from a light source110. In certain embodiments, responsive to information from any one of a light source110,communicator125, master/slave addressor130 or apower supply140,controller120 establishes or adjusts brightness or luminance of the light emitted from a light source110. In some embodiments, responsive to information from any one of a light source110,communicator125, master/slave addressor130 or apower supply140,controller120 establishes or adjusts chromaticity of the light emitted from a light source110. In many embodiments, anylighting system100 component may comprise any number ofother lighting system100 components, such as, for examplelight source110A illustrated inFIG. 1A. In a plurality of embodiments,lighting system100 components comprisingother lighting system100 components are still controlled, modified, affected or adjusted byother lighting system100 components not comprised by them. For example,light source110A inFIG. 1A having a master/slave addressor130A, in some embodiments, is affected, adjusted, modified or controlled by a master/slave addressor130. Similarly, in some embodiments,light source110A having acontroller120A is affected, adjusted, controlled or modified by acontroller120 not comprised bylight source110A.
• In a number of embodiments,controller120 comprises functionality for detecting an instruction within a duty cycle of a signal. In a number of embodiments,controller120 comprises functionality for detecting a time interval associated with a duty cycle. In a plurality of embodiments,controller120 receives, decodes or processes a signal comprising a duty cycle of a time interval or within a time interval. In some embodiments,controller120 receives, decodes or processes an instruction comprised within the duty cycle. In some embodiments,controller120 receives, decodes or processes a duty cycle within a time interval wherein the duty cycle comprises a plurality of separated portions within the time interval. Thecontroller120 may detect or process the duty cycle within the time interval regardless if the duty cycle is a single active signal portion within the time interval or a plurality of separated active signal portions within the time interval.
• In some embodiments,controller120 receives an information from anotherlighting system100 component and adjusts the output or the light emitted from the light source110 in response to the communication or information received. In some embodiments, information received by acontroller120 or anyother lighting system100 component comprises any one, or any combination of: a command, a signal, an instruction, a digital or analog code, a pulse, a data bit, a data byte, data or any form of electronic or electrical signal. In a number of embodiments,controller120A oflight source110A receives an information fromlight source110B orlight source110C and changes, amends or adjusts the control of thelight source110A in response to the received information. In a plurality of embodiments,controller120A oflight source110A receives an information from any one ofcommunicator125,controller120,power supply140 or master/slave addressor130 and changes, amends or adjusts the control oflight source110A in response to the received information. In certain embodiments,controller120A oflight source110A receives an information from any one ofcommunicator125A, address127A, master/slave addressor130A and adjusts, changes or amends the control of thelight source110A in response to the received information.
• In some embodiments, thecontroller120 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a memory unit, a power supply and a current driving circuitry for powering and controlling one or more light sources110. In a plurality of embodiments,controller120 comprises a software application controlling a logic unit for managing the circuitry which powers up or controls one or more light sources110 or an array of light sources within the light source110. In a number of embodiments,controller120 is a module comprising a CPU or a microprocessor, a memory and a digital logic circuit subsystem associated with control and management of the light sources110. In some embodiments,controller120 controls intensity of the light emitted from a light source110 using electronic circuitry, software, or a combination of electronic circuitry and software of thecontroller120. In certain embodiments,controller120 controls wavelength of the light emitted from a light source110 using electronic circuitry, software, or a combination of electronic circuitry and software of thecontroller120. In a number of embodiments,controller120 controls a duty cycle of the intensity varying light emitted from the light source110 using hardware, software or a combination of the hardware and software of thecontroller120. In some embodiments,controller120 controls or modulates the light emitted from light source110 using a microprocessor or a processing unit, such as a central processing unit. In a number of embodiments,controller120 modulates or controls intensity or wavelength of a light source110 using a combination of hardware and software to control or modulate current through the light source110. In a plurality of embodiments,controller120 modulates or controls intensity or wavelength of a light source110 using hardware or software or any combination of hardware or software to control or modulate voltage of light source110. In some embodiments,controller120 modulates or controls intensity or wavelength of a light source110 using hardware or software or any combination of hardware and software. In a plurality of embodiments,controller120 modulates or controls frequency of pulses of light emitted by light source110 using hardware or software or any combination of hardware and software.
• Controller120 may include any type and form of device, circuitry or a function for generating a signal to be transmitted to a remote lighting device. Such a component of thecontroller120 may be referred to as asignal generator155. The signal generator may further include a function, component or a device for generating digital patterns.Signal generator155 generating data stream of bits forming digital patterns may also be referred to as a digital pattern generator.Signal generator155 or the digital pattern generator may generate digital patterns within time intervals or time periods in order to maintain a predetermined intensity of the light to be emitted by the receiving lighting device. The signal generated by thesignal generator155 may include digital patterns or instructions any number of remote lighting devices. Digital patterns of the signal may include data bits having high and low values. Thesignal generator155 of thecontroller120 may include any type and form of processors, functions or components that generate the signals, including the digital patterns of the signal, such that the total duration of the signal for which the digital patterns have a high value within a predetermined time interval is predetermined.Controller120 may generate the signal such that the digital patterns and instructions are included and embedded into the signal. The signal may further be generated to have a ratio of a duration of the signal for which the digital patterns have a high value within a time interval over the total duration of the time interval. The signal may be generated to ensure that this ratio, which may also be referred to as the duty cycle within the time interval, stays at a level indicating the intended intensity of light to be emitted by the remote lighting device. This ratio may be included in the signal and remain at the intended level regardless of the instructions or commands for the remote lighting device inserted into the signal. The signal generator of thecontroller120 may include any functionality to generate digital patterns, instructions, or any other component of the signal. The signal generator may embed the digital patterns and the instructions into the signal. In some embodiments, thesignal generator155 may be comprised by any component of the lighting device110, such as acommunicator125 for example.
• Controller120 may include any type and form of device, circuitry or a function for filtering or processing the signal received from another lighting system component. Such a component of thecontroller120 may be referred as asignal processor157. Thesignal processor157 may include any type and form of a filter for filtering the signal. The filters may include frequency filter, optical filter, power filter, intensity filter, phase filter or any other type and form of filter for filtering the signal. Thesignal processor157 of thecontroller120 may include circuitry for identifying the duty cycle of the signal within a time interval. The signal processor may determine the duty cycle by determining a sum of all portions of the digital pattern of the signal having a high value within a time interval. In some embodiments, the signal processor determines the duty cycle by determining a ratio of a sum of all durations the digital pattern of the signal within a time interval for which the digital pattern has a high value and the entire duration of the time interval. Thesignal processor157 may use the ratio to establish the percentage of the maximum intensity with which to operate the lighting device. In some embodiments, the signal processor determines an average value of the signal for the time duration of the signal. In further embodiments, the signal processor of thecontroller120 determines a duty cycle by summing all the portions of any number of digital patterns of the signal having a high value within a time interval and establishing a ratio of the sum to a total duration of the time interval. Thesignal processor157 of thecontroller120 may include any functionality to generate digital patterns, instructions, or any other component of the signal. Thesignal processor157 may embed the digital patterns and the instructions into the signal. In some embodiments, thesignal processor157 may be comprised by any component of the lighting device110, such as acommunicator125 for example.
• Thecontroller120, in some embodiments, is a commercial off the shelf system or comprises a commercial off the shelf product, component or a system. In many embodiments,controller120 is a customized or a proprietary system for controlling light sources110 or any other lighting system components. In some embodiments,controller120 comprises controller components such as control circuits, analog or digital logic circuitry, processors or micro-processors, memory units, software or firmware which individually, or in combination, control the output of a light source110. In a number of embodiments,controller120 includes any of the products or modules manufactured or provided by Integrated Illumination Systems, Inc. referred to as I2 Systems, of Morris, Conn. In some embodiments,controller120 includes user interface modules and light source control modules to control and drive one or more light sources110.
• FIG. 1A also displays a stand-alone communicator125 connected toother lighting system100 components vianetwork104. In some embodiments,communicator125 andcommunicator125A comprise or share any embodiments of anycommunicator125. In some embodiments,communicator125 comprises all the functionality and performance characteristics ofcommunicator125A and vice versa.Communicator125A or anyother communicator125, may be any device, unit or a component capable of communicating with anyother lighting system100 component. In some embodiments,communicator125A receives an information from any component inside oflight source110A, such ascontroller120A, address127A, master/slave130A or apower supply140A and in response to the received information transmits an information to any component inside oflight source110A or anylighting system100 component.
• In some embodiments,communicator125 includes software, hardware, or any combination of software and hardware for receiving or sending information or communication, processing received information and sending information. In some embodiments,communicator125 includes any one of, or any combination of: analog or digital logic circuitry, processing units or microprocessors, memory, hardware or software for receive and processing information, performing and implementing logical functions or algorithms or transmitting information toother lighting system100 components. In some embodiments,communicator125 includes any one of, or any combination of: analog or digital logic circuitry, processing units or microprocessors, memory, hardware or software for receive and processing information, performing and implementing logical functions or algorithms or transmitting information to other components withinlight source110A.Communicator125 may include any type and form of logic, electronic circuitry, logic operations or functions, software or hardware embodied in forming instructions or enabling control of one or more light sources110. In some embodiments,communicator125A or anyother communicator125 comprises any type and form of digital and/or analog circuitry, any device, system, unit or a program for performing any of the operations described herein.Communicator125, in some embodiments, includes any type or form of executable instructions, including an application, program, library, process, service, task or thread.
• In a number of embodiments,communicator125 detects and processes an instruction within a duty cycle of a signal. In a number of embodiments,communicator125 detects a time interval associated with a duty cycle. In a plurality of embodiments,communicator125 receives, decodes or processes a signal comprising a duty cycle of a time interval or within a time interval. In some embodiments,communicator125 receives, decodes or processes an instruction comprised within the duty cycle. In some embodiments,communicator125 receives, decodes or processes a duty cycle within a time interval wherein the duty cycle comprises a plurality of separated portions within the time interval. Thecommunicator125 may detect or process the duty cycle within the time interval regardless if the duty cycle is a single active signal portion within the time interval or a plurality of separated active signal portions within the time interval.
• In a number of embodiments,communicator125A receives all communication or information external to thelight source110A and distributes the received communication to any of the components within thelight source110A. In a plurality of embodiments,communicator125A receives all communication or information from outside of light source110 and processes, decodes, interprets or reformats the received information. In certain embodiments,communicator125A transmits the processed, decoded or interpreted received information to one or more components within thelight source110A. In some embodiments,communicator125A receives all communication or information from one or more components inside oflight source110A and processes, decodes, interprets or reformats the received information. In certain embodiments,communicator125A transmits the processed, decoded or interpreted received information to one ormore lighting system100 components, such as another light source110 or anothercommunicator125 outside oflight source110A. It will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art thatcommunicator125A may comprise all the functionality of anyother communicator125, and vice versa.
• Address127A is an address, piece of data, or a piece of information uniquely identifying alighting system100 component having theaddress127A fromother lighting system100 components. In some embodiments,address127A is a number. In many embodiments,address127A is an electronic data, a number, an electronic code, a binary code or a binary number. In a plurality of embodiments,address127A is a piece of electronic information stored in a memory location. In some embodiments,address127A is a setting of a switch or a key. In certain embodiments,address127A is a setting of a logical circuitry set by a user. In a number of embodiments,address127A is a digital signal or a digital code. In a plurality of embodiments,address127A is an internet protocol address.
• In some embodiments, address127 is a unique identifier used for network communication of a lighting system component comprising the address127. In certain embodiments, address127 comprises a host name, an internet protocol address or a unique identifier. In a plurality of embodiments, address127 is used by a lighting system component comprising the address127 to distinguish a message addressed to the lighting system component from a plurality of messages. In many embodiments, address127 is used by a lighting system component comprising the address127 to distinguish an information addressed to the lighting system component from a plurality of information. In numerous embodiments, address127 is used by a lighting system component comprising the address127 to distinguish a communication addressed to the lighting system component from a plurality of communications. In some embodiments,address127A is used as a unique network identifier of alighting system100 component comprising theaddress127A for network communications of thelighting system100 component. In a number of embodiments,address127A is used as a unique network identifier of alighting system100 component comprising theaddress127A for communication between thelighting system100 component and alighting system100 component comprising an address127 different than anaddress127A. It will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art that address127A may comprise all the functionality of any other address127, and vice versa.
• Master/slave addressor130 may be any unit, circuit, device, software or a system capable of setting, resetting or establishing a master or a slave status of any lighting system component. In many embodiments, master/slave addressor130 is any device, unit or a system setting, resetting or establishing a status of a master or a slave of one of lighting system components from a plurality of lighting system components. In some embodiments, master/slave addressor130 is a component independent from any light source110. In a plurality of embodiments, master/slave addressor130 is a component within a light source110 and specifically used by the same light source110. In a plurality of embodiments, master/slave addressor130 is associated with a specific lighting system component and used by the same specific lighting system component. In numerous embodiments, master/slave addressor130 is associated with a group of lighting system components within a plurality of groups of lighting system components, and is used by the group of lighting system components for setting or resetting the statuses of the lighting systems components within the group. In a number of embodiments, any master/slave addressor130 performs any functionality and comprises any embodiments of a master/slave addressor130A, and vice versa. In a plurality of embodiments, master/slave addressor130 is used interchangeably with master/slave addressor130A.
• FIG. 1A illustrates master/slave addressor130 as alighting system100 component while illustrating master/slave addressor130A as alight source110A component. Master/slave addressor130A, in a number of embodiments, is any device, unit, setting, monitoring or recognizing a master or a slave status oflight source110A among a plurality oflighting system100 components. Master/slave addressor130, in a plurality of embodiments, is any is any device, unit, circuit, software or a system setting, resetting, monitoring or recognizing a master or a slave status of any light source110 of alighting system100 among a plurality of light sources110 of thelighting system100 components.
• In many embodiments, one lighting system component of a plurality of lighting system components has a status of a master, while all the remaining lighting system components have status of a slave. In numerous embodiments, all lighting system components of alighting system100 have a status of a slave. In a plurality of embodiments, all light sources110 of alighting system100 have a status of a slave. In many embodiments, all lighting system components of alighting system100 have a status of a master. In some embodiments, all light sources110 of alighting system100 have a status of a master. In many embodiments, master/slave addressor130 is independent of any other lighting system component and has a status of a master. In many embodiments, master/slave addressor130 is independent of any other lighting system component and has a status of a master and all other lighting system components have a status of a slave. In numerous embodiments, master/slave addressor130 is independent of any other lighting system component and has a status of a slave. In some embodiments, master/slave addressor130 is independent of any other lighting system component and has a status of a slave and one or more of other lighting system components have a status of a master. In a plurality of embodiments, plurality of light sources110 of alighting system100 have a status of a master or a slave. In some embodiments, all light sources110 of alighting system100 have a status of a master or a slave. In certain embodiments, none of light sources110 of alighting system100 have a status of a master or a slave. In a number of embodiments, one of a plurality of light sources110 has a status of a master and all the remaininglighting system100 components have a status of a slave.
• In some embodiments, a lighting system component having a status of a master controls one or more tasks, actions, functionalities or performances of one or morelight sources100 having a slave status. Sometimes, a lighting system component having a status of a master controls one or more tasks, actions, functionalities or performances of any lighting system components having a slave status. In many embodiments, alighting system100 component having a status of a master sends commands or instructions to one or morelight sources100 having a slave status. In certain embodiments, alighting system100 component having a status of a master adjusts performance or functionality of one or more components of thelighting system100 components having a status of a slave. In many embodiments, alighting system100 component having a status of a master assigns another component which used to have a status of a slave a status of a master. In a plurality of embodiments, alighting system100 component having a status of a master assigns a status of a slave to itself or anyother lighting system100 component. In some embodiments, wherein all of lighting system components have a status of a slave, a status of a master is assigned to one of a plurality oflighting system100 components by alighting system100 component having a status of a slave.
• Still referring toFIG. 1A,power supply140 is illustrated as an independent lighting system component.Power supply140 may be any component, device, apparatus or a source supplying one of, or any combination of: electrical current, voltage and power, to one ormore lighting system100 components. In many embodiments,power supply140 performs any functionality and comprises any embodiments of apower supply140A, and vice versa. In some embodiments,power supply140 may be used interchangeably with power supply140A. Power supply140 may be a part of any lighting system components. In someembodiments power supply140 is comprised by a lighting system component and it supplies any of or any combination of power, current or voltage to thelighting system100 component. In a number of embodiments,power supply140 is a subsystem of a lighting system component and it supplies power, current or voltage to a plurality of lighting system components. In many embodiments, power, current or voltage is transferred or supplied from apower supply140 to one ormore lighting system100 components via one ormore connections105. In some embodiments,power supply140 is an electrical outlet supplying electrical current, voltage or power to alighting system100 component, such as a light source110. In a plurality of embodiments,power supply140 comprises a battery. In a number of embodiments,power supply140 comprises a transformer. In many embodiments,power supply140 is a device, system or a unit supplying an alternating current or a current changing through time to one ormore lighting system100 components. In certain embodiments,power supply140 supplies a constant current to one ormore lighting system100 components. In a plurality of embodiments,power supply140 supplies an alternating power or a power changing through time to one ormore lighting system100 components. In some embodiments,power supply140 supplies a constant power to one ormore lighting system100 components. In many embodiments,power supply140 supplies an alternating voltage or a voltage varying through time to one ormore lighting system100 components. In certain embodiments,power supply140 supplies a constant voltage to one ormore lighting system100 components. In a plurality of embodiments,power supply140 supplies a plurality of different power, voltage or source signals to one ormore lighting system100 components.
• Power supply140 may comprise any number of thelighting system100 components or may be connected to or service any number oflighting system100 components. In some embodiments,power supply140 allows or enables the power to be transferred between a plurality of lighting system components. In certain embodiments,power supply140 transmits, propagates or sends commands and communication to other components of thelighting system100. In numerous embodiments,power supply140 receives or accepts commands and communication from other components of thelighting system100. In some embodiments,power supply140 includes software, hardware, or any combination of software and hardware. In many embodiments,power supply140 uses software, hardware or the combination of software and hardware to control, manage or supply power, electrical current or voltage to one ormore lighting system100 components. In many embodiments,power supply140 utilizes any one of or any combination of hardware, circuitry, or software to supply, manage or control the flow of current, voltage or power to any one oflighting system100 components.Power supply140 may comprise any type or form of logic, electronic circuitry, logic operations or functions, software or hardware. In some embodiments,power supply140 comprises any type and form of digital and/or analog circuitry, any device, system, unit or a program for performing any of the operations described herein.
• In a number of embodiments,power supply140 supplies two alternating current signals to one ormore lighting system100 components, first one of the two having a phase different than a second one of the two. In a number of embodiments,power supply140 supplies a constant power signal to one or more lighting system components. In numerous embodiments,power supply140 supplies a varying power signal to one or more lighting system components. In certain embodiments,power supply140 supplies a constant current signal to one or more lighting system components. In a plurality of embodiments,power supply140 supplies a constant voltage signal to one or more lighting system components. In some embodiments,power supply140 supplies a varying current signal, to one or more lighting system components. In certain embodiments,power supply140 supplies a varying voltage signal, to one or more lighting system components. In some embodiments,power supply140 supplies any combination of one or more alternate or constant current signals, alternate or constant voltage signals and alternate or constant power signals to one ormore lighting system100 components.
• In further reference toFIG. 1A,light source110A may includes any of, or any combination of: acontroller120, acommunicator125, master/slave addressor130 and apower supply140. In many embodiments,communicator125A oflight source110A comprises anaddress127A. In a plurality of embodiments,communicator125A does not comprise anaddress127A.Light source110A, sometimes, comprises acontroller120A which controls functionality, performance or features oflight source110A or any other component within thelight source110A. In many embodiments,light source110A comprises acontroller120A which controls one or more lighting system components. In many embodiments,controller120A is anycontroller120. In a plurality of embodiments,communicator125A is anycommunicator125. In a number of embodiments, master/slave addressor130A is any master/slave addressor130. In a plurality of embodiments,power supply140A is anypower supply140.
• Communicator125A is illustrated byFIG. 1A as a component oflight source110A.Communicator125A may communicate or enable communication with any other components of thelighting system100. In a number of embodiments,communicator125A is a unit or a device communicating with one ormore lighting system100 components. In some embodiments,communicator125A communicates to a plurality of components withinlight source110A. In a number of embodiments,communicator125A communicates to other systems or components within any other lighting system component, also referred to aslighting system100 component.Communicator125A, in some embodiments, is used for communication between any components within thelight source110A or within any other lighting system component.Communicator125A, in a number of embodiments, includes an address127 used to uniquely identify alight source110A in a network110.Communicator125A, in many embodiments, uses address127 for communication between two or more lighting system components. In a number of embodiments,communicator125A uses address127 to distinguish which information out of a plurality of information reaching the light source110 is intended for thelight source110A. In a plurality of embodiments,communicator125A comprises address127 which is used for receiving or transmitting information, communication, commands or instructions between thecommunicator125A and any lighting system component. In many embodiments,communicator125A comprises address127 which is used for receiving or transmitting information, communication, commands or instructions betweenlight source110A and any other lighting system component.
• FIG. 1A also illustrates another component of alight source110A, called a master/slave addressor130A. A master/slave addressor130A comprises any functionality of any master/slave addressor130, and vice versa. In many embodiments, master/slave addressor130A controls the status of thelight source110A in relation to other lighting system components. In a number of embodiments, master/slave addressor130A receives an instruction from a lighting system component and sets a status of alight source110A to master. In a plurality of embodiments, master/slave addressor130A receives an instruction from a lighting system component and sets a status of alight source110A to a slave. In some embodiments, master/slave addressor130A sends an instruction to set a status of another lighting system component to a status of a master or a slave. In a plurality of embodiments, master/slave addressor130A receives an information from one of acontroller120A,communicator125A,power supply140A or alight source110A and sets a status of another lighting system component to a master or a slave. In a plurality of embodiments, master/slave addressor130A comprises any functionality or embodiments of acontroller120, and vice versa. In a plurality of embodiments, master/slave addressor130A comprises any functionality or embodiments of acommunicator125, and vice versa. In a number of embodiments, master/slave addressor130A comprises any functionality or embodiments of apower supply140, and vice versa.
• In addition tolight source110A,FIG. 1A also presentslight sources110B and110C connected tolight source110A vianetwork104.Light source110B includes acommunicator125B, whilelight source110C includescontroller120C and anaddress127C. Light source110 may comprise any number of components of thelighting system100. Some light sources110 sometimes comprise all of components of thelighting system100, while other light sources110 do not comprise any of thelighting system100 components. In some embodiments, light source110 comprises a plurality of other light sources110. In a number of embodiments, a light source110 comprises an array of light sources110. In many embodiments, any of thelighting system100 components comprise any of the functionality or embodiments of anyother lighting system100 components. In some embodiments, any of thelighting system100 components comprise any number of anyother lighting system100 components.
• FIG. 1B uses a block diagram to illustrate other embodiments of environment of alighting system100.FIG. 1B depicts alighting system100 having alight source110A andlight source110B connected to each other and also connected to apower supply140 viaconnections105. Each light source110 includes one ormore controllers120 for controlling features or functionalities of the light source110. Light sources110 also includecommunicators125 for communicating to other components of thelighting system100 or other light sources110. Thecommunicators125 in each of the two light sources110 include addresses127. Addresses127 comprised by lighting system components are be used, in many configurations, to uniquely identify communications directed to thespecific lighting system100 components. A light source110 also includes a master/slave addressor130 for controlling the status of the light source in terms of control within a lighting system110. Thepower supply140 is connected to one or more light sources110 and it may be used to provide power or electricity to each of the light sources110 or any other component withinlighting system100. Connections115 connect one or more of components of thelighting system100 and allow for the transfer of power or communication between the components of thelighting system100.
• FIG. 1B presents a configuration involvinglight sources110A and110B connected to each other and apower supply140. In many embodiments,controllers120A and120B control, adjust, modify or affect light emitted or functionality oflight sources110A and110B, respectively. In some embodiments,light sources110A and110B receive all of their power, voltage or current frompower supply140. In some embodiments,light source110A has anaddress127A which is different fromaddress127B oflight source110B. In other embodiments,light source110A has anaddress127A which is different fromaddress127B oflight source110B. In a number of embodiments,light sources110A and110B communicate with each other using their addresses127. In many embodiments, master/slave addressors130A and130B control, adjust, monitor, set or reset the master or slave status oflight sources110A and110B, respectively. In a plurality of embodiments,light source110A having a master status adjusts the status of alight source110B to a status of a master or a slave. In numerous embodiments,light source110A having a master status controls, adjusts or modifies the functionality of alight source110B having a status of a slave. In a number of embodiments,light source110B having a master status adjusts the status of alight source110A to a status of a master or a slave. In some embodiments,light source110A having a master status controls, adjusts or modifies the functionality of alight source110B having a status of a slave. In a number of embodiments,light source110A having a master status controls, modifies, affects or governs functionality, performance or light emitted fromlight source110B. In a plurality of embodiments,light source110B has a status of master and alight source110A has a status of a slave, andlight source110B controls, modifies, affects or governs functionality, performance or light emitted fromlight source110A.
• Still referring toFIG. 1B,power supply140 may sometimes comprise anaddress127C which is different thanaddress127A and address127B. In a plurality of embodiments,address127C ofpower supply140 is used by thepower supply140 to communicate withlight source110A and110B. In a number of embodiments,address127C is used for communication betweenlight sources110A and110B andpower supply140.Addresses127C, for example, may be used to distinguish information, data or commands directed to thepower supply140 from the information, data or commands directed tolight sources110A and110B. In many embodiments,light sources110A and110B andpower supply140 are connected in any electrical connection configuration. In some embodiments,lighting system100 components are connected in series, in parallel or in a combination of series and parallel configurations. In some embodiments, information transmitted between lighting system components comprises an address127 of aspecific lighting system100 component the transmitted information is intended for. In some embodiments,light sources110A and110B andpower supply140 are connected in series and information transmitted comprising an instruction, a command or data is accessible to all threelighting system100 components while the address127 within the information transmitted defines which of thelighting system100 components is the information addressed to.
• In some embodiments,light source110A transmits an information viaconnection105 which connectslight source110A withlight source110B andpower supply140. The information transmitted by thelight source110A sometimes comprises instructions, commands, data and anaddress127B. Thecommunicator125B of thelight source110B may receive theaddress127B from the transmitted information and confirm that it matches withaddress127B of thecommunicator125B. Thecommunicator125B, in response to the confirmed match, then may receive the entire transmitted information.
• In many embodiments, master/slave addressor130 performs all functionality of acommunicator125, or vice versa. In a number of embodiments, light source110 performs all functionality of a master/slave addressor130 or acommunicator125, and vice versa. In a plurality of embodiments, anylighting system100 components performs any functionality of anyother lighting system100 component, and vice versa. In many embodiments, any subcomponent of alighting system100 component performs any functionality of anyother lighting system100 component, and vice versa. In certain embodiments, any subcomponent of alighting system100 component performs any functionality of any other subcomponent of alighting system100 component, and vice versa.
• Referring now toFIG. 1C embodiments of systems and methods for digital communication of lighting system components is illustrated.FIG. 1C presentslight sources110A,110B and110C connected to each other viaconnections105.Connection105 is illustrated as a shaded region within whichconnection105 components are comprised. In some embodiments,connection105 is a wire or a cable harness comprising an enclosure enclosing three separate wires or three electrical conducting lines. Each of the three separate wires or conducting lines may sometimes be referred to asconnection105 components.FIG. 1C illustratesconnection105 components:connection105A,connection105B andconnection105C, as independent conducting lines propagating through theconnection105.Connection105, however, may also be a wireless communication link. In some embodiments,connection105 is a wireless communication band comprising a number of wireless communication links Illustrated as separated from each other,connection105 components are shown as electrically insulated from each other or mutually independent. In some embodiments, however,connection105 components are not electrically insulated from each other and are not mutually independent.FIG. 1C depictsconnection105A marked with a bold line, aconnection105B with a dashed line and aconnection105C illustrated with a thin non-dashed line. Herein, theterms connections105A,105B and105C and theterm connection105 components may sometimes be used interchangeably.
• One ormore connections105 may be used as means for transmitting communication between a plurality of lighting system components, such aslight sources110A,110B and110C. In some embodiments,connections105 connect all of the lighting system components within alighting system100. In a number of embodiments, one ormore connection105 components, such asconnections105A,105B and105C connect two ormore lighting system100 components. In many embodiments, allconnection105 components connect two ormore lighting system100 components. In a plurality of embodiments, allconnection105 components connect all of thelighting system100 components. In many embodiments,connection105 comprises any number ofconnection105 components connecting any number oflighting system100 components.
• Sometimes,connection105 components transmit electrical current, voltage or power between two ormore lighting system100 components. In some embodiments,connection105 comprises one ormore connection105 components transmitting information or communication between two ormore lighting system100 components. In many embodiments,connection105 comprises one ormore connection105 components which serve as mediums or means for delivering, supplying or transmitting electrical current, power or voltage to one or more lighting system components. In some embodiments,connection105 comprises one ormore connection105 components which serve as mediums or means for delivering, supplying or transmitting information transmitted between thelighting system100 components.
• Connection105 components, such asconnections105A,105B or105C are, in many embodiments, means for delivering electrical power, voltage or current together with electronic analog or digital communication signals. In a number of embodiments, one ormore connection105 components are means through which electrical power is delivered to alighting system100 component along with analog or digital information or communication. In a plurality of embodiments, two or more lighting system components are connected to each other via one ormore connections105 or one or more components ofconnections105. In some embodiments,connection105 components are means, paths or mediums through which electrical power, voltage or current is transmitted to a group oflighting system100 components. Sometimes,connection105 components are means, paths or mediums through which electrical power, voltage, current or information is transmitted to alighting system100. In a number of embodiments, one ormore connection105 components are means, paths or mediums through which analog or digital information is transmitted between the two or more lighting system components. Theconnection105 components may also comprise means, paths or mediums through which wireless information is transmitted between the two or more lighting system components.
• In some embodiments,light source110A comprises apower supply140 andlight source110A provides electrical power tolight source110B via one ormore connection105 components. In a number of embodiments,light source110A supplies power tolight source110B viaconnections105A and105B, while providing information, such as digital communication for example, viaconnection105C. In a some embodiments,light source110A supplies power tolight source110B viaconnections105A and105B while receiving information or communication fromlight source110B. In a plurality of embodiments,light source110A communicates withlight source110C andlight source110B viaconnection105C. In a number of embodiments,light source110A provides electrical power tolight sources110B and110C viaconnections105A and105B, while communicating withlight sources110B and110C viaconnection105C. In a number of embodiments,light source110A provides electrical power tolight sources110B and110C viaconnections105A and105B, whilelight sources110B and110C communicate to each other viaconnection105C. In many embodiments, any one or more oflight sources110A,110B and110C provide electrical power to any one or more oflight sources110A,110B and110C via any one or more ofconnections105A,105B, or105C whilelight sources110A,110B and110C communicate to each other via any one ofconnections105A,105B or105C.
• In a plurality of embodiments,light source110A comprises apower supply140 and provideslight sources110B and110C with electrical power viaconnections105A and105B. In some embodiments,light source110A comprises apower supply140 and provides electrical power and communication tolight sources110B and110C via any combination ofconnections105A,105B and105C. In a number of embodiments,light source110A comprises apower supply140 and provideslight sources110B and110C with electrical power viaconnections105B and105C, whilelight source110A communicates withlight sources110B and110C viaconnections105B and105A. In a plurality of embodiments,light source110B, comprising apower supply140, provideslight sources110A and110C with electrical power viaconnections105B and105C, whilelight source110A communicates withlight sources110B and110C viaconnections105B and105A. In a number of embodiments, any one or more oflight sources110A,110B and110C provides electrical power to any one or more oflight sources110A,110B and110C via any one or more ofconnections105A,105B, or105C whilelight sources110A,110B and110C communicate to each other via any one or more ofconnections105A,105B or105C.
• FIG. 1D presents an embodiment ofconnection105 comprisingconnection105 components used for transmission of electrical power and digital data.FIG. 1D illustrates alight source110A having acontroller120A, acommunicator125A with anaddress127A and amaster slave130A.Light source110A is connected to byconnection105 which comprisesconnection105A,connection105B andconnection105C.Connection105A is also labeled as VAC or V+.Connection105B is also labeled Ground, which can sometimes be referred to as electrical ground or a ground potential wire.Connection105C, in many cases, may be labeled as a neutral, a control, or a control line.
• Connection105A, may sometimes be used for transmitting or propagating alternate voltage or voltage varying through time. Sometimes,connection105 is also used for transmitting or propagating alternate current or power or current or power varying through time.Connection105A, in some embodiments, is used for transmission or propagation of a constant voltage which is positive relative to ground. In such cases, theconnection105A may be labeled V+. In a number of embodiments,connection105A is also used for transmission or propagation of a negative voltage potential relative to ground. In a plurality of embodiments,connection105A is a medium through which constant power, constant current or constant voltage are propagated or transmitted.Connection105B is also labeled Ground, and is sometimes used for transmission or propagation of electrical ground or a ground potential. In some embodiments,connection105 B is used for same purposes asconnection105A. In a plurality of embodiments,connection105 B is used for grounding and has a zero voltage potential relative to ground. In many embodiments,connection105B is a medium through which alternate voltage or constant voltage, alternate or constant current or alternate or constant power signals are propagated or transmitted.Connection105C is sometimes used as a neutral wire which may have any potential relative to ground, or zero potential relative to ground.Connection105C is sometimes used as a control wire or a control line which may have any potential relative to ground, or not have any potential relative to ground. In some embodiments,connection105C is a control line used as a medium through whichlighting system100 components send information, controls, signals, commands or instructions among each other. In some embodiments,connection105C performs all the functionality ofconnection105A. In a plurality of embodiments,connection105C performs all the functionality ofconnection105B.
• Connection105C is sometimes used for transmission or propagation of electronic signals. In some embodiments,connection105C is a medium or a means for transmitting or propagating a digital electronic signal. In various embodiments,connection105C is a control line connecting two or more light sources110 or any other lighting system components. Sometimes,connection105C is a wireless communication link between two ormore lighting system100 components. In a number of embodiments,connection105C is a control line or a control wire connecting two ormore lighting system100 components. In a number of embodiments,connection105C is a control line used as a medium through which information, instructions, signals or commands are propagated between two ormore lighting system100 components. In a plurality of embodiments,connection105C is a medium or means for transmitting or propagating an analog electronic signal.
• In many embodiments,connection105C is a medium through which digital or analog information or data is transmitted or propagated. Digital data sometimes comprises a high voltage level and a low voltage level which defines communication transmitted as binary values of 1 or 0, respectively. In some embodiments, a signal comprises a high value, or a 1, which is defined by a predetermined threshold having a predetermined voltage value. The voltage of the signal may cross above the voltage value of the predetermined threshold resulting in the signal having a high value, or a value of 1. In some embodiments, a signal comprises a low value, or a 0, which is defined by a predetermined threshold having a predetermined voltage value. The voltage of the signal may cross below the voltage value of the predetermined threshold resulting in the signal having a low value, or a value of 0. In some embodiments, a signal has only one threshold value defining a low and a high value of the signal, the signals below the threshold value being low, or 0, and signals above the threshold value being high, or 1. In a number of embodiments, digital data transmitted viaconnection105C comprises digital representation of bits. In a plurality of embodiments, digital data transmitted throughconnection105C comprises digital representation of pluralities of bits or bytes. In a number of embodiments, digital data transmitted viaconnection105C comprises square waves, wherein the low value of the square wave equals the low voltage value and the high value of the square wave equals a high voltage value. In many embodiments, digital data transmitted viaconnection105C comprises square waves wherein the low value of the square wave equals zero volts and the high value of the square wave equals any positive voltage value, such as three volts or five volts, for example.
• Connection105 may comprise anynumber connection105 components, such asconnection105A,105B through105N where N is any number. Any ofconnection105 components of theconnection105 may be a wire, a conductor line, a wireless link, a frequency range for a wireless signal, a fiber optic or any other medium capable of transmitting a signal. Any one of theconnection105 components may comprise a control signal or a return for a control signal. In some embodiments, aconnection105 component is a control line. Sometimes, aconnection105 component is a return line. Sometimes, aconnection105 is a differential line wherein one line of theconnection105 comprises a voltage above a certain threshold and another line of theconnection105 comprises a voltage below a certain threshold. In some embodiments,connection105 comprises any number ofconnection105 components which may be dedicated to transmitting any one or any number of signals from any components oflighting system100.
• Digital data, such asdata bits215 may be generated using any device capable of generating signals. Sometimes, acontroller120 or acommunicator125 generates signals which are transmitted toother lighting system100 components. In many embodiments, acontroller120 receives or processes signals from other devices110 and generates or sends signals to other devices110. In a plurality of embodiments, acommunicator125 receives or processes from other devices110 and generates or sends signals to other devices110. In some embodiments, digital data may be generated using a phase control dimmer for example. In a number of embodiments, a device generating a pulsed waveform may be combined with a circuitry clipping top portions of the waveform and creating digital bits using portions of the clipped waveform. In many embodiments, a device producing a square-wave waveform may be used in conjunction with an electronic circuit which controls or adjusts the waveform to produce bits of digital signal, such asdata bits215 for example. Digital data may be produced or generated using any electronic signal generating device providing means for generating a digital signal having high values corresponding to digital value of 1 (one) and low values corresponding to a digital value of a 0 (zero). In some embodiments, digital signal having high and low values may resemble a square wave having sharp edges. In other embodiments, digital signal may comprise portions of waveforms having rounded edges.
• In some embodiments,connection105C is a medium through which pulse width modulated information is propagated. In a number of embodiments,connection105C is a medium through which pulse code modulated data is propagated or transmitted. In many embodiments,connection105C is a medium through which pulse density modulated data is transmitted or propagated. In a number of embodiments,connection105C is a medium through which pulse amplitude modulated data is transmitted or propagated. In some embodiments,connection105C is a medium through which pulse position modulated data is transmitted or propagated. In many embodiments,connection105C is a medium through which sigma delta modulated data is transmitted or propagated.Connection105C may be used as a medium through which any type of an electronic or electrical signal is propagated. The propagated signal may be a digital signal of any modulation, such as frequency or phase modulation, amplitude modulation, pulse width modulation or any other type of modulation available. In some embodiments, any one ofconnections105A,105B or105C can be used interchangeably with anyother connection105 or anyother connection105 component, such asconnections105A,105B or105C.
B. Communication Between Lighting System Components
• Referring now toFIG. 2A, an embodiment of communication betweendevices110A and110B is illustrated.FIG. 2A depictsdevices110A and110B, also referred to aslight sources110A and110B, connected to each other viaconnection105.Connection105 may be used bylight sources110A and110B as a medium for transmission of communication between thelight sources110A and110B.FIG. 2A also illustrates a signal transmitted and represented asdata210.Data210 may be transmitted via aconnection105 and may comprise a plurality ofdata bits215. In some instances, active portions of the signal, such asdata bits215 having high values may define a duty cycle of the signal.Data210 illustrated inFIG. 2A comprises fivedata bits215 having high values grouped together.Time Interval205, also referred to as aperiod205, is a time interval within which portions ofdata210 are transmitted viacommunication105.FIG. 2A presents an embodiment showing twotime intervals205, eachtime interval205, also known asperiod205, having a group ofdata210 comprising an equal amount ofbits215 having a high value. Amount of bits transmitted within eachtime interval205 may vary between different embodiments or different applications.
• Data210 may be any information, communication, instruction or data transmitted viaconnection105. In some embodiments,data210 comprises a digital signal. In a plurality of embodiments,data210 comprises an analog signal. In some embodiment,data210 comprises a mix of an analog or a digital signal. In a number of embodiments,data210 comprises a square wave signal. In many embodiments,data210 comprises a pulse. In some embodiments,data210 comprises a pulse width modulated signal or data. In a plurality of embodiments,data210 comprises a pulse amplitude modulated data or signal. In some embodiments, thedata210 is a wirelessly communicated digital data. In numerous embodiments,data210 comprises data which is encoded using a binary system and comprises only high values and low values. In some embodiments, high value corresponds to a square-shaped signal whose peak is flat over a period of time and has a value of voltage which is higher than a square-shaped signal of a low value. In a number of embodiments, low value corresponds to a square-shaped wave whose lowest point is flat over a period of time and has a value of voltage which is lower than a square-shaped signal of a high value.
• Duty cycle of a signal may be any ratio or fraction of atime interval205 in an active state. The active state may be any state of bits ofdata210 or any portions of the signal which may have high values or low values. In some embodiments, active state comprises bits ofdata210 having high values, or values equivalent to digital value of 1. In other embodiments, active state comprises bits ofdata210 having low values, or values equivalent to digital value of 0. Duty cycle may be a ratio of a portion of atime interval205 for which the signal comprises high values, such as a digital value of 1, to a duration of that same thewhole time interval205. For example, a duty cycle for atime interval205 of 1 millisecond may be a ratio of a fraction of theperiod205 for whichdata bits210 have a value of 1, e.g. for which the signal is high, to the whole duration period of thetime interval205, e.g. 1 millisecond. In some embodiments, duty cycle is a ratio oftime interval205 for which the signal has low values, or values of 0, to the entire duration of the wholesame time interval205. In another example, a duty cycle for atime interval205 of 1 millisecond may be a ratio of a fraction of theperiod205 for whichdata bits210 have a value of 0, e.g. for which the signal is low, to the whole duration period of thetime interval205, e.g. 1 millisecond. In a number of embodiments,data210 comprises bits or portions of signal having high values within atime interval205, and the bits or portions of signal having high values within thetime interval205 define a duty cycle of the signal or a duty cycle of thetime interval205. Sometimes,data210 comprises bits or portions of signal having low values within atime interval205, and the bits or portions of signal having low values within thetime interval205 define a duty cycle of the signal or a duty cycle of thetime interval205. In some embodiments, duty cycle of a signal within atime interval205 is defined by a total amount of bits or portions of the signal having high values and transmitted with thetime interval205, regardless if the portions are separated or bunched together. In many embodiments, duty cycle of a signal within atime interval205 is defined by a total amount of bits or portions of the signal having low values and transmitted with thetime interval205, regardless if the portions are separated or bunched together. The duty cycle may include a ratio of a duration of aperiod205 for which the signal or communication have a high value to a duration of theentire period205. The duty cycle of aperiod205 may further include an average value of the signal within theperiod205.
• In a number of embodiments,data210 is transmitted viaconnection105 in respect to thetime interval205. Sometimes,time interval205 is a predetermined period of time within which a communication or an information comprising a specified amount of data bits is transmitted over aconnection105. In some embodiments,time interval205, also referred to asperiod205, is a period of time within which a communication or an information comprising an unspecified amount of data bits is transmitted over aconnection105. In a number of embodiments,data210 is a predetermined amount of data transmitted betweenlight source110A andlight source110B within a time range defined by theperiod205. In many embodiments,data210 is an amount of data having a predetermined amount of bits having a high or a low value transmitted throughconnection105 within a time range defined by aperiod205. In a plurality of embodiments,data210 transmitted betweendevices110A and110B remains constant for a plurality of periods, ortime intervals205. In many embodiments,data210 having portions having a high value may remain constant through a plurality oftime intervals205. In many embodiments,data210 transmitted betweendevices110A and110B in afirst period205 is different thandata210 transmitted betweenlight sources110A and110B in asecond period205. In some embodiments,data210 transmitted betweenlight sources110A and110B viaconnection105 has a constant amount of bits through plurality ofperiods205. Sometimes,data210 transmitted betweendevices110A and110B viaconnection105 has a constant amount of bits having a high value through plurality ofperiods205. In a number of embodiments,data210 transmitted betweendevices110A and110B viaconnection105 has a constant amount of bits having a low value through plurality ofperiods205. In a number of embodiments,data210 transmitted betweendevices110A and110B viaconnection105 comprises an amount of bits transmitted within afirst period205 which is different than the amount of bits transmitted within asecond period205.Data210 transmitted betweendevices110A and110B may also comprise an amount of bits having a high value transmitted within afirst time interval205 different than the amount of bits having a high value transmitted within asecond time interval205. Similarly,data210 transmitted betweendevices110A and110B may also comprise an amount of bits having a low value transmitted within afirst time interval205 different than the amount of bits having a low value transmitted within asecond time interval205.
• In a number of embodiments,time interval205, or aperiod205, is a predetermined period or a duration of time. In a plurality of embodiments,period205 is constant period or a duration of time. In many embodiments,period205 is a changing or undetermined period of time. In many embodiments,period205 is a period of time or a duration of time determined bydata210. In a plurality of embodiments,period205 is a period of time or a duration of time determined by one ormore data bits215. In many embodiments,period205 is a period of time or a duration of time determined bylight source110A. In some embodiments,period205 is a period of time or a duration of time determined bylight source110B. In many embodiments,period205 is period of time or a duration of time determined by anylighting system100 component. In a plurality of embodiments,period205 is a period of time or a duration of time determined by a clock or a circuit. In some embodiments,period205 is a period of time within which a predetermined amount of information such as one ormore bits215 is transmitted.
• In a number of embodiments,lighting system100 component receiving information or a signal determinesperiod205 based on the statistics ofprevious periods205. In a plurality of embodiments,lighting system100 component receiving information or a signal anticipates anext period205 based on the duration of aprevious period205. In many embodiments,lighting system100 component receiving information or a signal anticipates aperiod205 based on an algorithm which uses durations ofprevious periods205 to determine thenext period205. In a number of embodiments,lighting system100 component receiving information or a signal anticipates aperiod205 based on a weighted statistics of recently arrivedperiods205 or cycles of information. In many embodiments, one ormore lighting system100 components maintains statistics such as average data bits perperiod205, tolerance for variation of aperiod205, or duration ofperiods205. In some embodiments,statistics relating periods205 ordata bits215 maintained by one ormore lighting system100 components are used to anticipate or predict thenext period205.
• In some embodiments,time interval205, or aperiod205, is a period of time determined by an event or a signal. In a plurality of embodiments, afirst period205 is immediately followed by asecond period205 and a time duration of thefirst period205 is different from a time duration of thesecond period205. In many embodiments, afirst period205 is immediately followed by asecond period205 and a time duration of thefirst period205 is the same as the time duration of thesecond period205. In a number of embodiments, a number ofdata bits215 transmitted viaconnection105 within aperiod205 is predetermined. In a plurality of embodiments, a number ofdata bits215 transmitted within afirst period205 is same as a number ofdata bits215 transmitted within asecond period205, the second period immediately following the first. In many embodiments, a number ofdata bits215 transmitted within afirst period205 is different from a number ofdata bits215 transmitted within asecond period205, the second period immediately following the first. In some embodiments, time duration ofperiod205 in afirst connection105 component, such asconnection105B, is different from a time duration of aperiod205 in asecond connection105 component, such asconnection105C. In many embodiments, time duration of aperiod205 relating an information transmitted by afirst connection105 component is the same as a time duration of aperiod205 relating an information transmitted by asecond connection105 component. In some embodiments, one ormore connection105 components do not have aperiod205.
• Referring now toFIG. 2B another embodiment of communication betweendevices110A and110B is illustrated.FIG. 2B presentsdevices110A and110B connected to each other viaconnection105.Connection105 is used by thedevices110A and110B as a medium of communication between thelight sources110A and110B.FIG. 2B also illustratesdata210 transmitted viaconnection105. In comparison to the embodiment illustrated byFIG. 2A, the embodiments illustrated inFIG. 2B showsdata bits215 spread out through the time interval, or theperiod205.Time intervals205 and an amount of215 data bits having a high value in eachtime interval205 remain the same in the embodiments depictedFIG. 2A andFIG. 2B, illustrating a same or a similar duty cycle for both embodiments. Somedata bits215, however, are also marked asinstruction bits220, and may be used for a variety of communication related purposes, such as instructions or commands.
• Still referring toFIG. 2B,data bits215 are spread out through theperiod205.First period205, in some embodiments, comprisesdata bits215 spaced out differently thandata bits215 insecond period205, thesecond period205 immediately following thefirst period205. In many embodiments,first period205 comprisesdata bits215 having a high or a low value spaced out differently thandata bits215 insecond period205 having a high or a low value, thesecond period205 immediately following thefirst period205. When two periods comprise a same amount ofdata bits215 having a high value, which includesinstruction bits220, then the two periods may have a same duty cycle. Similarly, when two periods comprise a same amount ofdata bits215 having a low value, which includesinstruction bits220, then the two periods may also have a same duty cycle.
• Sometimes,data bits215 may be transmitted within a specific time range withinperiod205. In many embodiments, somedata bits215 having a high or a low value are transmitted outside of a specific time range withinperiod205 andother data bits215 are transmitted within the specific time range withinperiod205. In a plurality of embodiments,data bits215 having a high or a low value are transmitted outside of a specific time range withinperiod205. In many embodiments, a specific time range withinperiod205 is predetermined by anylighting system100 component. In a plurality of embodiments, a specific time range is always within a same time period for anyperiod205. In many embodiments, a specific time range within a first205 period is within a different time period than a second specific time range of a second205 period, thesecond period205 immediately following thefirst period205.
• Referring now toFIG. 2A andFIG. 2B together, combinations of two embodiments of communication betweenlight sources110A and110B are discussed. InFIG.2A data bits215 having a high value are sequentially combined together anddata210 therefore resembles a periodic square wave having high value during a first portion ofperiod205 and a low value during the remainder ofperiod205. In some embodiments, afirst bit215, which may or may not beinstruction bit220, ofdata210 withinperiod205 triggers or causes theperiod205 to start. In many embodiments, afirst bit215, which may or may not beinstruction bit220, ofdata210 withinperiod205 is aligned withperiod205. In some embodiments, one ormore lighting system100 components uses thefirst bit215 ofdata210 withinperiod205 to define the beginning of anew period205. In a number of embodiments, one ormore lighting system100 components uses thelast bit215 ofdata210 withinperiod205 to define beginning or end ofperiod205. In many embodiments, one or more lighting system components uses one ormore bits215 ofperiod205 to define a specific part ofperiod205. In some embodiments, communication or information between one or more lighting system components is transmitted within the specific part ofperiod205 defined by one ormore bits215 ofperiod205. In embodiments in whichdata210 ordata bits215 or220 are transmitted wirelessly,periods205,305 or315 may be periods of time within which an amount of data is wirelessly transmitted.
• In a plurality of embodiments, one ormore lighting system100 components use one ormore bits215 or220 ofdata210 within aperiod205 to synchronize communication, transmission of communication or information transmitted viaconnection105. In many embodiments, one ormore lighting system100 components use one ormore bits215 or220 ofdata210 within aperiod205 to specify a timing withinperiod205 within which communication or information between two ormore lighting system100 components is transmitted. In a plurality of embodiments, one ormore lighting system100 components communicate information within a part of aperiod205 which is defined by one ormore bits215 or220 ofdata210 within theperiod205. In many embodiments, one ormore bits215 or220 withinperiod205 are used to identify a specific time period within any of a plurality of205 periods, wherein the specific time period is a period within which communication between two ormore lighting system100 components takes place. In some embodiments, one ormore bits215 or220 withinperiod205 are used to identify a specific time period within any of a plurality of concatenated205 periods. The specific time period is sometimes designated for communication between two ormore lighting system100 components.
• FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an embodiment wherein information relating intensity oflight sources110A and110B is transmitted over aconnection105. In some embodiments,light source110A is sending information, status, instruction or command tolight source110B regarding intensity of light emitted bylight source110A. In many embodiments, light source110 may be sending any information including information relating: humidity of a room, temperature of a light source110, temperature of a room, presence of a person in a room, intensity of a light, color of a light or more. In many embodiments,light source110A is sending information, status, instruction or command tolight source110B regarding intensity or color of light emitted bylight source110B. In a some embodiments,light source110B is sending information, status, instruction or command tolight source110A regarding temperature or any other characteristic relating specifically tolight source110A. In many embodiments,light source110B is sending information, status, instruction or command tolight source110A regarding intensity of light emitted bylight source110B.
• In some embodiments,FIG. 2A depicts an embodiment whereinlight source110B is sending five 215 bits having a high value or a value of 1, to light source110. The five 215 bits communicated withinperiod205 having a high value, in some embodiments, specifies an amount of intensitylight source110A should emit. In many embodiments, the amount ofbits215 within aperiod205 having a high value, or a value of 1, is proportional to the intensity of light to be emitted. In a number of embodiments, an instruction comprising an amount ofbits215 having a high value of a value of 1, within aperiod205 specifies an intensity a light source110 receiving the instruction should emit. In a number of embodiments, the higher the proportion ofbits215 having a high value within aperiod205, the higher the intensity of the light to be emitted. In a plurality of embodiments, an amount of bits transmitted bylight source110B to lightsource110A signifies an instruction forlight source110A to emit a specific intensity of light as specified by the amount ofbits215 or220 transmitted. In a number of embodiments, bits transmitted bylight source110B to lightsource110A signify an instruction forlight source110A to emit a specific intensity of light as specified by the bits transmitted.
• In many embodiments, a total amount ofbits215 having a high value within aperiod205, transmitted bylight source110B to lightsource110A, is an instruction forlight source110A to emit. In many embodiments, a total amount ofbits215 having a low value within aperiod205, transmitted bylight source110B to lightsource110A, is an instruction forlight source110A to emit. In a plurality of embodiments, amount ofdata bits215 having a value of 1 within aperiod205 transmitted bylight source110B indicates or signifies intensity oflight source110A. In some embodiments, amount ofdata bits215 having a value of 0 within aperiod205 transmitted bylight source110B indicates or signifies the intensity oflight source110A.
• InFIG. 2Alight source110B transmits fivebits215 within eachperiod205, wherein the five bits specifies intensity with whichlight source110A should emit light.FIG. 2A also illustrates fivebits215 ofdata210 withinperiod205 positioned at the beginning of eachperiod205. In many embodiments, allbits215 positioned at the beginning ofperiod205 specify intensity of light but do not carry any additional information. In a number of embodiments, fivebits215 positioned at the beginning ofperiod205 specify the beginning of aperiod205.
• InFIG. 2B, fivebits215 are spread out withinperiod205, wherein first twobits215 are at the beginning of eachperiod205 and remainingbits215, also referred to asinstruction bits220, are spread out within a latter portion ofperiod205. In many embodiments, wherein theinstruction bits220 are spread out within a latter portion ofperiod205, theinstruction bits220 signify information which is not related to intensity of light. In many embodiments, wherein theinstruction bits220 are spread out within a latter portion ofperiod205, theinstruction bits220 signify information which are related to intensity of light as well as another information transmitted to the lighting system component. In a plurality of embodiments, wherein theinstruction bits220 are spread out within a latter portion ofperiod205, theinstruction bits220 signify an instruction to one ormore lighting system100 components. In many embodiments, wherein theinstruction bits220 are spread out within a latter portion ofperiod205, theinstruction bits220 are information transmitted to onemore lighting system100 components. In some embodiments,instruction bits220 arebits215 spread out through any part or portion of aperiod205. In many embodiments,instruction bits220 arebits215 performing a specific task. In a variety of embodiments,instruction bits220 arebits215 aredata210 emitted by alighting system100 component which sends an information within a specific time frame withinperiod205. In many embodiments,instruction bits220 aredata210 emitted within any one or more sections or portions ofperiod205.
• In many embodiments,data bits215 spread out within a latter portion ofperiod205 are referred to as theinstruction bits220. In a number of embodiments,data bits215 spread out within a first portion ofperiod205 are referred to as theinstruction bits220.Instruction bits220, in some embodiments form an address of alighting system100 component. In many embodiments,instruction bits220 form a command or an instruction addressed to aspecific lighting system100 component to change status from master to slave. In a plurality of embodiments,instruction bits220 are a part of an instruction or a command addressed to aspecific lighting system100 component to change status from slave to master. In many embodiments,instruction bits220 form an instruction addressed to aspecific lighting system100 component relating control of thespecific lighting system100 component. In a number of embodiments,instruction bits220 form an instruction addressed to aspecific lighting system100 component to change a spectral range of light emitted.
• In a plurality of embodiments,instruction bits220 form an instruction addressed to aspecific lighting system100 component to change, adjust or amend intensity of light emitted. In some embodiments,instruction bits220 form an instruction addressed to aspecific lighting system100 component to maintain or confirm intensity of light emitted. In many embodiments,instruction bits220 form an instruction addressed to aspecific lighting system100 component to adjust address127 of thelighting system100 component. In numerous embodiments,instruction bits220 form an instruction addressed to aspecific lighting system100 component to turn thelighting system100 component on. In some embodiments,instruction bits220 form an instruction addressed to aspecific lighting system100 component to start emitting light. In numerous embodiments,instruction bits220 form an instruction addressed to aspecific lighting system100 component to turn thelighting system100 component off. In some embodiments,instruction bits220 form an instruction addressed to aspecific lighting system100 component to stop emitting light. In numerous embodiments,instruction bits220 form an instruction addressed to aspecific lighting system100 component to turn thelighting system100 component on. In some embodiments,instruction bits220 form an information, instruction or command addressed to aspecific lighting system100 component to perform a task, an action or an adjustment of any kind.
• In some embodiments,instruction bits220 are positioned in a very first portion ofperiod205. In many embodiments,instruction bits220 are positioned in central or middle portion ofperiod205. In a number of embodiments,instruction bits220 are positioned in last or final portion ofperiod205. In numerous embodiments,instruction bits220 are transmitted within any portion ofperiod205 or within a plurality of portions ofperiod205. In a number of embodiments, the portion ofperiod205 within whichinstruction bits220 are transmitted remains the same for allperiods205. In many embodiments, the portion ofperiod205 within which instruction bits22 are transmitted varies betweenperiods205.
• FIG. 2A andFIG. 2B also illustrate how alighting system100 component, in some embodiments, maintains a same light intensity regardless of whetherdata210 is in a group or dispersed throughperiod205. As illustrated byFIG. 2A, in some embodiments,light source110B transmits an amount ofdata bits215 having a high value within aperiod205 tolight source110A to indicate a light intensitylight source110A should emit light with. In some embodiments, as illustrated byFIG. 2B,light source110B transmits the same amount ofdata bits215 having a high value within theperiod205 as inFIG. 2A, while transmittinginstruction bits220 further specifying additional information to lightsource110A. In such embodiments,light source110B is sometimes a master sending instructions to a slavelight source110A.Light source110B, in some embodiments, maintains the same intensity oflight source110A while sending additional information to lightsource110A. The additional information may be any information, such as instructions, commands, settings, calibrations, tasks, actions, statuses or any other informationlight sources110A and110B are capable of communicating.
• In some embodiments, it is a position ofdata bits220, orinstruction bits220, in relation to theperiod205 which defines the instruction or information transmitted byinstruction bits220. In a number of embodiments,instruction bits220 form or define a digital instruction, such as a digital number, a digital sequence of values or a digital value pattern. In a plurality of embodiments, information comprisesdata bits215 which are notinstruction bits220, whereindata bits215 are positioned within a specific portion ofperiod205 and signify intensity of light to be emitted by light source110 receiving the information. In numerous embodiments,data bits215 which are notinstruction bits220, transmitted within aperiod205 and comprising bothbits215 andbits220, form or define information relating intensity of light to be emitted by a light source110 receiving the information. In many embodiments, information relating intensity of light to be emitted by the light source110 is a command or an instruction indicating the intensity of light the light source110 will emit. In some embodiments, information relating intensity of light to be emitted by the light source110 is a command or an instruction indicating to turn light source110 on or off. In some embodiments,instruction bits220 form or define an information or instruction which is different from an instruction relating intensity of light for alighting system100 device.
• In some embodiments, information transmitted bydata bits215 is digital communication information. In a number of embodiments, information transmitted byinstruction bits220 is digital communication information. In a plurality of embodiments,data bits215 comprise digital communication. In many embodiments,data bits215 comprise one or more digital values of 0's and 1's. In many embodiments,bits215 are digital communication wherein digital value of 1 is marked by a square wave having a height signifying a digital value of 1 and a square wave having a lack of height signifying a digital value of 0. In many embodiments, height of the square wave is defined by a voltage signal, such as a voltage step or a voltage impulse. In a plurality of embodiments,data bits215 are digital communication wherein digital value of 0 is marked by a square-like wave having a height and a digital value of 0 is marked by a lack of a square-like wave. In a plurality of embodiments, high to low transition of a digital communication, a wave or an electronic signal indicates or signifies adata bit210, abit215 or abit220. In a number of embodiments, low to high transition of a digital communication, a wave or an electronic signal indicates or signifies adata bit210, abit215 orbit220. In a plurality of embodiments, a missing, or a lack of, high to low transition of a digital communication, a wave or an electronic signal indicates or signifies adata bit210, abit215 or abit220. In a number of embodiments, a missing, or a lack of, low to high transition of a digital communication, a wave or an electronic signal indicates or signifies adata bit210, abit215 orbit220.
• Duty cycle ofperiod205, in some embodiments, is defined as amount ofdata bits215 having a value of 1 within aperiod205. Duty cycle ofperiod205, in other embodiments, is defined as amount ofdata bits215 having a value of 0 within aperiod205. Duty cycle ofperiod205, in many embodiments, is defined as amount ofdata bits215 having any value. In many embodiments, duty cycle ofperiod205 signifies or defines intensity light source110 should emit light with. In a number of embodiments,light source110B with a master status transmits information tolight source110A with a slave status, wherein duty cycle ofperiod205 of the transmitted information signal, signifies or defines intensity instructions forlight source110A.Light source110A, in some embodiments, in response to the duty cycle ofperiod205 of the transmitted information signal adjusts, changes or amends intensity of the light emitted.Light source110A, in a number of embodiments, in response to the duty cycle ofperiod205 of the transmitted information signal maintains or remains unchanged intensity of the light emitted. In many embodiments, duty cycle of a signal or an information is related to the intensity of the light to be emitted by a light source110 receiving the signal or the information. In a plurality of embodiments, duty cycle of a signal or an information is proportional to the intensity of the light to be emitted by a light source110 receiving the signal or the information. In many embodiments, duty cycle of a signal or an information is inversely proportional to the intensity of the light to be emitted by a light source110 receiving the signal or the information.
• In some embodiments, a duty cycle may be comprised within a time interval of a signal transmitted between two or more lighting system components. The duty cycle within a time interval may be ratio or a fraction of a duration of time within which signal has a certain value to the entire duration of thetime interval205. In some embodiments, the duty cycle is a duration of time within atime interval205 for which the signal has high values, such as adigital value 1 in digital signals for example, over the entire duration of thetime interval205. In some embodiments, duty cycle is a fraction of time within atime interval205 for which the signal has a high value over the entire duration of thetime interval205. The duty cycle within a time interval, in some embodiments, may be ratio or a fraction of a time within atime interval205 for which signal is low values, such as adigital value 0 in digital signals for example, over the entire duration of thetime interval205. In some embodiments, duty cycle is a fraction of time within atime interval205 for which the signal has a low value over the entire duration of thetime interval205. Sometimes, the duty cycle may comprise a plurality of portions. Sometimes, each of the portions of the plurality of portions of the duty cycle of the signal may further comprise a duration of the duty cycle. In some embodiments, a duty cycle of a time interval may be a ratio of total amount of time for which the signal within thetime interval205 was high to thetotal time interval205 duration. For example, a duty cycle may comprise a duration of time within which a plurality of separateddata bits215 having high values are dispersed within atime interval205 and separated from each other by portions oftime interval205 which does not comprise high values. Therefore, a duty cycle may be the duty cycle of theentire time interval205, regardless of the number of portions of time within thetime interval205 for which signal was high or low and regardless of whether the signal having certain values is separated by portions of the signal having certain other values.
• In some embodiments, a length of aperiod205 is adjusted to modulate intensity of a light source110 receiving the information. In a number of embodiments, a length of a preceding or a succeedingperiod205 is adjusted to modulate intensity of a light source110 receiving the information. Sometimes, an instruction in apreceding period205 causes a duty cycle of thepreceding period205 to temporarily increase the light intensity. In such embodiments, aperiod205 succeeding thepreceding period205 is adjusted to compensate for the duty cycle in thepreceding period205 and maintain intensity or brightness of light to be emitted unchanged. In many embodiments, an instruction in apreceding period205 causes the duty cycle of thepreceding period205 to temporarily decrease the light intensity. In such embodiments, aperiod205 succeeding thepreceding period205 is adjusted to compensate for the duty cycle in thepreceding period205 and adjust the duty cycle in the succeedingperiod205 to maintain intensity or brightness of light to be emitted unchanged or as intended. In a number of embodiments,lighting system100 component transmitting or sending information or communication to anotherlighting system100 component maintains a queue of data to be sent. In a number of embodiments,period205 or amount ofdata bits215 orinstruction bits220 is adjusted or changed to compensate for the information queued.
• In a plurality of embodiments,lighting system100 comprises one ormore lighting system100 components, such as light source110, receiving, reading, interpreting or understanding information transmitted viadata bits215 orinstruction bits220. In many embodiments,lighting system100 comprises one ormore lighting system100 components not receiving, reading, interpreting or understanding information transmitted viadata bits215 orinstruction bits220. In some embodiments,lighting system100 comprises one ormore lighting system100 components receiving, reading, interpreting or understanding duty cycle of aperiod205. In many embodiments,lighting system100 comprises one or more light sources110 which in response to understanding duty cycle ofperiod205 adjust intensity of the one or more light sources110. In some embodiments,lighting system100 comprises one or more light sources110 which in response to understanding duty cycle ofperiod205 maintain intensity of the one or more light sources110.
• FIG. 2A andFIG. 2B, in some respect, illustrate embodiments of alighting system100 wherein duty cycle within any of a plurality of concatenatedperiods205 remains equal with or withoutinstruction bits220. In such embodiments,light source110B controls intensity oflight source110A by transmitting within any period205 a duty cycle having a specific time duration. Time duration of a duty cycle may be defined or specified by a number of bits, number of bits having avalue 1 or avalue 0. In some embodiments, time duration of a duty cycle is defined or specified by a number of bits transmitted within aperiod205. In many embodiments, time duration of a duty cycle is defined or specified by a number of bits having a value of 1 transmitted within aperiod205. In some embodiments, communication or information transmitted using a duty cycle may be referred to as pulse width modulation.
• Referring now toFIG. 3, a flow chart of a method for communicating between devices using a duty cycle of a signal is illustrated. In some embodiments,FIG. 3 also relates to a method for communicating between devices using a duty cycle of a signal while a device maintains operation which is responsive to the duty cycle. In brief overview ofmethod300, at step305 a first device receives a signal comprising a duty cycle within a time interval. The duty cycle may comprise a plurality of portions and each of which may further comprise a duration of the duty cycle. Atstep310 the first device operates responsive to the duty cycle. Atstep315 the first device detects an instruction identified by at least one portion of the duty cycle. Atstep320 the first device performs a function based on the instruction while the first device maintains operating responsive to the duty cycle. Atstep325 the first device receives a second signal comprising a second duty cycle within a second time interval. The second duty cycle of the second signal may comprise a plurality of portions and each of the plurality of portions of the second duty cycle of the second signal may further comprise a duration of the second duty cycle. Atstep330 the first device operates responsive to the second duty cycle of the second signal. Atstep335 the first device detects that at least a portion of the second duty cycle of the second signal comprises a second instruction. Atstep340 the first device performs, responsive to the detection, a function based on the second instruction while maintaining operating responsive to the duty cycle of the second signal.
• Atstep305 of the method300 a first device receives a signal comprising a duty cycle within a time interval. In some embodiments, the first device receives a signal from a second device110. In many embodiments, the first device receives a plurality of signals from a plurality of devices110. In some embodiments, the first device receives a signal from a controller, a switch or a source external to thelighting system100. In various embodiments, the first device receives a signal via a wireless link. In a number of embodiments, the first device receives a signal comprising a plurality of duty cycles within a time interval. In various embodiments, the first device receives a signal comprising a plurality of duty cycles within a time interval, the plurality of duty cycles comprising portions of the signal having high values whose sum defines the total duty cycle of the time interval.
• Atstep310 the first device operates responsive to the duty cycle. In some embodiments, the first device operates in any manner and at any time, in response to the duty cycle. The first device, also referred to as a device110, may perform any operation which is responsive to, or modified by the duty cycle of the signal. In some embodiments, the first device spins a motor and a rotational speed or an acceleration of the motor spin is controlled by the duty cycle. In a plurality of embodiments, the first device operates an engine which performs or runs in response to the duty cycle of the signal. In many embodiments, the first device operates an emission of light having an intensity, wherein the intensity is responsive to, modified by, or related to the duty cycle. Sometimes, the first device emits a light having a specific feature, such as a pulse of light, periodicity of pulse, wavelength of light, phase of light, spectral range of light emitted or even power of light, and any of which may be modulated or be responsive to the duty cycle of the signal. The first device may receive a signal comprising a duty cycle within atime interval205 of the signal and perform a function or an operation modulated, controlled or instructed by the duty cycle within thetime interval205 of the signal. In some embodiments, the first device operates a second device in response to the duty cycle. In many embodiments, the first device operates a plurality of devices in response to the duty cycle. The plurality of devices may perform as instructed by the duty cycle of the signal received by the first device. In some embodiments, the first device operates based on a threshold or a plurality of thresholds of the duty cycle. The duty cycle may be within or past a threshold point which defines an action or an operation which the first device has to perform. For example, the first device may receive a signal having a duty cycle within a threshold range for which the first device does not perform any function, such as the device is shut off or on standby. In a number of embodiments, the first device receives a signal having a duty cycle within a threshold range for which the first device emits a light at a specific intensity or brightness. In many embodiments, the duty cycle of a signal received is within a threshold range which defines a spin speed of a motor, an intensity range of a light source, a wavelength range of a light source, a power output, a current output, a voltage output, or any other operation by any other device.
• Atstep315 the first device detects an instruction identified by at least one portion of the duty cycle. The first device may detect an instruction using any number of components, units or functions capable of detecting, decoding and processing instructions. In some embodiments, thecommunicator125 or thecontroller120 detects an instruction comprisinginstruction bits220,data bits215 or anydata210. In a number of embodiments, the first device detects an instruction using a function, structure or an unit of the first device for intercepting and decoding the instruction. The instruction, in such embodiments, may be a codeword, a number of data bits or a pattern of data bits. In some embodiments, the first device detects an instruction using a detector which detects or decodes the signal. The detector may observe, monitor or detect instructions by monitoring a portion of a signal within a predetermined time interval within thetime interval205. The detector may observe, monitor or detect instructions by monitoring adata bits215 orinstruction bits220 of the signal within a predetermined time interval within thetime interval205. In some embodiments, the first device detects an instruction by receiving, decoding or monitoring anydata bits215,220 or210 which are within a predetermined portion of atime interval205 of the signal. In some embodiments, the first device detects an instruction by recognizing, reading or detecting a portion of a signal within a predetermined portion of atime interval205, orperiod205. In a plurality of embodiments, the first device detects instructions by observing a specific portion or a specific plurality of portions of thetime interval205 of the signal. In many embodiments, the instruction is detected by the first device which observes a latter portion of the time interval to search for instruction bits. The first device may detect a codeword, a digital pattern or an instruction comprising any number ofdata bits215, which may be positioned within any portion of specific time interval within thetime interval205. In a variety of embodiments, a portion of the duty cycle of the signal comprises a portion of the instruction. In many embodiments, the first device detects that at least a portion of the duty cycle of the signal comprises a portion of the instruction.
• Atstep320 the first device performs a function based on the instruction while the first device maintains operating responsive to the duty cycle. In some embodiments, the first device performs any type and form of function or operation while maintaining operating of the first device responsive to the duty cycle. In some embodiments, the first device performs any type and form of function or operation while maintaining operating of a second device responsive to the duty cycle. In some embodiments, the first device performs any type and form of function or operation while maintaining operating of a plurality of devices responsive to the duty cycle. In some embodiments, the first device performs a function based on the instruction without maintaining operating responsive to the duty cycle. In some embodiments, the first device instructs a second device to perform a function and operates, or maintains operating, of the second device in response to the duty cycle. In some embodiments, the first device was emitting light having an intensity, brightness or pulse frequency as instructed by the previous duty cycle and upon receiving the signal and the duty cycle of the signal, the first device maintains the intensity, the brightness or the pulse frequency of the light emitted as instructed by the duty cycle of the signal. In a variety of embodiments, the first device was operating any one, or any combination of: a light source, a motor, an engine, a power supply or a unit supplying electrical power as instructed by the previous duty cycle as instructed by previous duty cycles, and upon receiving the duty cycle of the signal, the first device maintains operating of the light source, the motor, the engine, the power supply or the unit supplying electrical power of the light emitted as instructed by the duty cycle of the signal. The function may be any action executed upon receiving an instruction, such as for example, turning on or off of a first device. In some embodiments, the function is setting an intensity of the light emitted by the first device. In a plurality of embodiments, the function performed is setting a status, such as a master or a slave status to the first device. In a variety of embodiments, the function performed is processing a communication, data or a command comprised by the instruction. In a number of embodiments, the function is any function or any operation performed by the first device or any device110, or any lighting system component described herein. In some embodiments, the first device performs the function based on the instruction and maintains operating of the first device responsive to the duty cycle. Operating may refer to performing operation of any device110 or any function or operation of anylighting system100 component described herein.
• Atstep325 the first device receives a second signal comprising a second duty cycle within a second time interval. In some embodiments, the first device receives a second signal which is a signal immediately following the signal. In some embodiments, the second duty cycle of the second signal comprises a plurality of portions. Each of the plurality of portions of the second duty cycle of the second signal may further comprise a duration of the second duty cycle. A second signal may comprise any functionality or any characteristics of the first signal. In some embodiments, the second signal is identical or substantially similar to the first signal. In a variety of embodiments, the second signal comprises a second duty cycle which is different than a first duty cycle. In many embodiments, the second duty cycle is the same as the first duty cycle. The plurality of portions of the second duty cycle may comprise any number ofdata bits215 comprising any number of digital portions of the signal having high or low values. The second duty cycle may comprise a plurality of portions which are similar or identical to the plurality of portions of the first duty cycle. The plurality of portions may comprise a portion of atime interval205 within which a signal has a high value for the cases in which high value is the active value of the signal, or low value for the cases in which the low value is the active value of the signal. The second time interval may be same as the time interval or any otherprevious time interval205 in the chain oftime intervals205. In some embodiments, the second time interval is a different time interval than the time interval, or thepreceding time interval205. In a number of embodiments, the second time interval is a longer period of time than the time interval. In a plurality of embodiments, the second time interval is a shorter period of time than the time interval.
• Atstep330 the first device operates responsive to the second duty cycle of the second signal. The first device operating responsive to the second duty cycle of the second signal may be similar to the first device operating responsive to the duty cycle of the signal. In a number of embodiments, the first device operates or performs an operation of the first device or any other device110 in response to the duty cycle of the signal received. In many embodiments, the second duty cycle of the second signal is different than the duty cycle of the signal. The first device may change or modify the operating of, or operation performed by, the first device, the second device or any device which operates in response to the second duty cycle of the second signal. In a number of embodiments, the first device instructs a second device or a plurality of devices to perform in response to the second duty cycle of the second signal. The operating may comprise emitting a light having a specific brightness, intensity, spectral range or pulse duration. In a variety of embodiments, the operating comprises supplying electricity or power to a component or a plurality of components of the first device or any number of devices110, the electricity or power responsive to the duty cycle or the second duty cycle.
• Atstep335 the first device detects that at least a portion of the second duty cycle of the second signal comprises a second instruction. The first device may detect the second instruction in a same way as detecting the instruction. In many embodiments, the second instruction is detected differently than the first instruction. In a number of embodiments, the second instruction comprises a number ofdata bits215 positioned within a specific time interval withintime interval205. In a variety of embodiments, a portion of the second duty cycle of the second signal comprises a portion of the second instruction. In many embodiments, the first device detects that at least a portion of the second duty cycle of the second signal comprises a portion of the second instruction.
• Atstep340 the first device performs, responsive to the detection, a function based on the second instruction while maintaining operating responsive to the duty cycle of the second signal. In some embodiments, the first device performs a function based on the second instruction without maintaining operating responsive to the second duty cycle. The function may be any action executed upon receiving an instruction. In a number of embodiments, the function is any function or any operation performed by the first device or any other device110 described herein. In some embodiments, the first device performs the function based on the second instruction and maintains operating of the first device responsive to the second duty cycle. In a variety of embodiments, the first device performs the function based on the second instruction and maintains operating of a second device responsive to the second duty cycle. Sometimes, the first device performs the function by any device110 based on the second instruction for any device110 and maintains operating of any device110 in response to the second duty cycle. In some embodiments, the first device instructs a second device to perform a function and operates or maintains operating of the second device in response to the second duty cycle. Operating may refer to performing operation of any device110 described herein.
C. Status Assignment of Lighting System Components
• Further referring to figuresFIG. 2A andFIG. 2B discussed in the earlier sections,FIGS. 2A and 2B further refer to embodiments within which light sources110 may transmit among each other instructions to assign statuses of masters and slaves. In one example, afirst lighting system100 component, such as a lighting device110 may have a status of a master. The master first lighting device110 may transmit a first information usingdata bits215 or220 to asecond lighting system100 component, such as a second lighting device110. The second lighting device component having a slave status. Thesecond lighting system100 component receives the first information and in response to the first information adjusts the status of thesecond lighting system100 component to a master status. Thesecond lighting system100 component having a master status transmits a second information usingdata bits215 or220 to thefirst lighting system100 component. Thefirst lighting system100 component receives the second information and in response to the second information adjusts the status of thefirst lighting system100 component to a status of a slave.
• In some embodiments,light source110B, having a master status, transmits a first information usingdata bits215 orinstruction bits220 tolight source110A which has a slave status.Light source110A receives the first information and in response to the first information adjusts the status of thelight source110A to a master status.Light source110A, having a master status, transmits a second information usingdata bits215 orinstruction bits220 to thelight source110B.Light source110B receives the second information and in response to the second information adjusts the status of the firstlight source110B to a slave status. In a number of embodiments,light source110A, having a master status, transmits a third information viadata bits215 orinstruction bits220 to a plurality of lighting system components, one of which islight source110B. The third information transmitted bylight source110A comprisesaddress127B. The plurality of lighting system components receive the third information andlight source110B receives the third information.Light source110B matches address127B within the third information to address127B of thelight source110B. In some embodiments,light source110B, in response to the third information, adjusts the status oflight source110B to a status of a master. In a number of embodiments,light source110B, in response to theaddress127B matching theaddress127B of thelight source110B, adjusts the status oflight source110B to a status of a master. In a plurality of embodiments,light source110B, in response to the received third information and in response to theaddress127B matching theaddress127B of thelight source110B, adjusts the status oflight source110B to a status of a master.
• In some embodiments, a plurality of light sources110, each having a status of a master or a slave, communicate using asame connection105 component, such as a wire or an electrical current conducting line. In such embodiments, any of the light sources110 may become a master or a slave. Sometimes, the plurality of light sources110 communicating over asame connection105 component include only a single master, while all other light sources110 have a status of a slave. In such embodiments, one of the light sources110 having a status of a slave pulls the voltage potential within theconnection105 component low for a period of time, such as a microsecond, a millisecond or a second. The light source110 having a status of a master interprets the low voltage signal in theconnection105 component as a signal to change status from master to slave. The light source110 having a status of a master accepts the status of a slave, and the light source110 which pulled the voltage potential low accepts the status of a master. Thus the signal across theconnection105 component signals a change in the status of one or more light sources110 communicating over thesame connection105 component. In some embodiments, the signal that changes the status of one or more lighting system components may be a high voltage potential signal, a low voltage signal, an impulse, a digital pattern, a ground signal, or any other analog or digital signal transmitted overconnection105.
• In a number of embodiments, when a group of light sources110 are all off, upon being turned on, each one of the group of light sources110 turns on with a status of a master. In some embodiments, upon receiving a signal that a light source110 having a master status, also called a master, already exists, a light source that has just turned on changes its own status to a status of a slave. Thus, when a group of light sources110 are all turned on at once it is ensured that at least one master exists. In some embodiments, light source110 upon turning on and automatically changing its own status to a master, the light source110 listens for a period of time if there is another master on the network. If the light source110 does not receive any messages that there is another master on the network, the light source110 remains the master.
• In some embodiments, alighting system100 component receiving instruction from a sender assembles receivedbits215 from a plurality ofperiods205. In some embodiments, thelighting system100 component receiving information from a sender parses the bits and bytes of the received information and forms instruction, data or commands. In a plurality of embodiments,lighting system100 component receiving instruction from a sender interprets the forms instructions, data or commands and implements the same formed instructions, data or commands.
• Therefore, in many embodiments,lighting system100 components use bidirectional digital pulse width modulated communication to transmit and receive information. Furthermore, in some embodiments,lighting system100 components use digital pulse width modulated communication to control performance and functionality of one ormore lighting system100 components. Light brightness, also referred to as intensity, in many embodiments is controlled, communicated or instructed using a pulse width modulated communication. In many embodiments, light brightness or intensity is controlled, communicated or instructed using a duty cycle of aperiod205. Pulse width modulated signals may therefore be referred to as transport mechanism of the digital communication betweenlighting system100 components.
• D. Lighting System Intensity Control with Digital Patterning and Color Mixing
• Referring back toFIG. 2A andFIG. 2B, embodiments of systems and methods for controlling intensity or brightness of light devices110 using digital patterns are depicted. A digital pattern may be any order or any formation ofdata210,data bits215 orinstruction bits220. A digital pattern may include an order or a formation of a specific number of data bits within aperiod205. Data bits, such asdata bits215, may include bits having a high value, or a digital value of 1, and a number of data bits having a low value, or a digital value of 0. Data bits may form a duty cycle within theperiod205. The duty cycle formed by the data bits of the digital pattern may identify the intensity or brightness of the light emitted. Duty cycle may be determined by summing up all time durations of the digital patterns for which data bits had high values within the time interval. For example, if the signal comprising a data stream made up of digital patterns has data bits havinghigh values 70 percent of the time within a time interval, the duty cycle for the time interval may be 0.7. The duty cycle may be determined by summing portions of the signal within the time interval for which the signal was high and dividing the signal by the total duration of the time interval. In some embodiments, duty cycle is determined based on a sum of time durations of the signal having low values.
• Data bits215 may be transmitted via aconnection105 within one ormore time intervals205. A number of data bits having a value of 1 (and/or a value of zero) within the time interval may determine the intensity of light or brightness of light emitted by the light device110. The intensity may be determined for the duration of that time interval. A digital pattern may include an order or a formation ofdata bits215 orinstruction bits220 within a predetermined number of concatenatedperiods205. For example, a stream ofdata bits215 may be transmitted to a light device110 within a chain of a predetermined number ofperiods205, such as for example 128periods205. Eachperiod205 may include a separate digital pattern. A lighting device110 receiving the data stream may calculate a duty cycle for all of 128periods205 using all the digital data patterns within each period. The duty cycle of the 128 periods may indicate the brightness or intensity at which light device110 will emit. In one instance, duty cycle of 128 periods may be 0.8, indicating that the light device110 will emit at 80% of it's maximum brightness.
• A digital pattern may comprise a ratio of high to low values which encode or identify an intensity or brightness of light. The intensity or brightness of light emitted may defined by a total number of bits having a value of 1 within a period of time per a period of time. Digital patterns may include one or more predetermined patterns ofdata bits215 that are oriented to have any high value signal to low value signal ratio. In some embodiments, the ratio of high signal to a total duration of period may encode or identify the brightness or intensity. For example, if aperiod205 has six bits of data having a value of 1 and two bits of data having a value of zero, the intensity or brightness may indicate 6/8 of maximum intensity or brightness for thatperiod205.
• In some embodiments, a digital pattern may identify a specific ratio of bits having high values to bits having low values within aperiod205. A specific ratio may include a duration of time for which a portion of aperiod205 includes high values, such as digital bits with a value of 1 divided by the entire time duration ofperiod205. Similarly, the specific ratio may include a duration of time for which a portion of theperiod205 includes low values having a digital value of zero divided by the entire time duration ofperiod205. The specific ratio may identify a duty cycle. The duty cycle may be proportional or inversely proportional to the brightness or intensity of the light emitted. Similarly, the specific ratio of the signal may include a ratio of a duration of time for which signal is high in relation to the duration of time for which the signal is low. An algorithm may be used to identify the intensity or brightness based on the ratio of the duration of time for which the signal is high in relation to the time duration for which the signal is low. A digital pattern may identify or form an average value of the signal within one ormore periods205. In some embodiments, a digital pattern forms an average value of the bits within aperiod205. The average value of the bits within aperiod205 may determine or identify the intensity or brightness of the light emitted. Any of the duty cycle, average signal, and the specific ratios may be formed by digital signals, as well as analog signals, pulses, PWM signals, encoded data bit signals, encoded digital number signals, or any other type and form of signals having at least a high value and a low value.
• A digital pattern may be random or predetermined and may include any number of digital bits of any pattern of format. Digital bits may be formed by a switch or a transistor. The switch or the transistor may transmit high and low signals. The high and low signals may be received by the light devices110, and may be processed by filters to determine the specific ratios, average values or the duty cycles. In one example, a digital pattern may include a predetermined total number of data bits of which 10 data bits have a high value within aperiod205. The brightness or intensity of the light emitted by the light device may be determined by dividing 10 bits with the total predetermined number of data bits within the period that can be transmitted within theperiod205. In some embodiments, digital pattern may include a predetermined order of bits. In other embodiments, digital pattern includes a random order of the bits.
• Digital pattern may be altered to accommodate instructions or information transmitted to the light device110 usinginstruction bits220. For example, if a transmission includes a number of bits having a high value within aperiod205, the digital pattern may add a number of bits that accommodates the already transmittedinstruction bits220 within theperiod205. Iftransmission bits220 carry an instruction to thelight device220, the digital pattern within thesame period205 may include a number of bits determined by subtracting the number of instruction bits having a high value from the originally intended digital pattern bits. Then, a digital pattern that has a number of data bits that is determined by subtracting the number of already sent instruction bits having a high value from the total intended number of data bits having a high value. As such, the number of bits having a high value from the instruction within theperiod205 would be included in the overall digital pattern, thereby maintaining the duty cycle unchanged even if an instruction is transmitted withinsame period205. Using this technique, a digital pattern may maintain the intensity or brightness of the light device110, while an instruction could be transmitted within theperiod205 without affecting the total number of data bits having a high value. In a similar embodiment, in techniques where data bits determining intensity have a low value, a number of bits having the low value would be maintained within the period to accommodate the transmitted instruction.
• In some embodiments, a digital pattern comprises a number ofdata bits215 orinstruction bits220 which is equal over allperiods205. As the data bits are transmitted through a plurality ofperiods205, the lighting device110 may continuously receive intensity information and instructions via digital patterns of theperiods205. The digital patterns may instruct the lighting device110 to emit light at the intensity or brightness indicated by the digital pattern of each period. As periods may include predetermined durations of time a continuous data stream of digital patterns may be received to maintain desired intensity. Each digital pattern may include a predetermined number of data bits or a varying or random number of data bits within each time period. In some embodiments,periods205 may have a varying number ofdata bits215 orinstruction bits220. Asperiods205 may be indicated by a specific signal, such as one or more bits, pause or an impulse,periods205 may vary in time duration as well as the number of bits transmitted. In some embodiments, digital pattern affects or defines duty cycle of aperiod205.
• A digital pattern of aperiod205 may include any number of data bits, such as between 1 and 1024 data bits. In some embodiments, a digital pattern includes more than 1024 data bits within aperiod205. In further embodiments, a digital pattern includes between 4 and 512 data bits, such as 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 32, 48, 64, 96, 128, 256 and 512 data bits. In one example, eightdata bits215 may be transmitted within aperiod205. An 8-bit digital patterning for generating the digital pattern may include any number of sequences or distinct digital patterns of any variation of 8 bits. In some embodiments, a digital pattern includes a single bit having a high value, or a value of 1, and seven remaining bits within theperiod205 having a low value or a value of zero. In these embodiments, duty cycle of theperiod205 may be ⅛. In some embodiments, a digital pattern includes two out of eight bits having a high value or a bit having a value of 1, and six remaining bits having a value of zero or a low value. In these embodiments, duty cycle may be ¼. In still further embodiments, a digital pattern may include 4 bits of high value and 4 bits of low value. In these embodiments, duty cycle may be ½. These bits may be ordered in a predetermined fashion to maintain a desired duty cycle. In some embodiments, digital patterns are randomized while maintaining the desired duty cycle. For example, a duty cycle of ½ may be generated by an 8-bit digital pattern of 01010101, 00001111, 11001100, 01100110 or any other digital pattern having 4 high bits and 4 low bits within aperiod205. Similarly, any digital patterns may be generated, including five, six, seven or eight bits having high values. Asperiod205 may include any number of bits, such as a total of 16 bits, a digital pattern may have any number of variations to accommodate any number of bits. In the example of a digital pattern for a 16bit period205, a duty cycle of 15/16 may be implemented by a pattern of 0111111111111111, 1110111111111111, 1111111101111111, 1111111111111101, or any other configuration of the similar kind. Such concepts may apply to embodiments of digital patterns of any number ofbits215 within aperiod205, such as a 4 bit digital pattern, 6 bit digital pattern, 8 bit digital pattern, 10 bit digital pattern, 12 bit digital pattern, 16 bit digital pattern, 24 bit digital pattern, 32 bit digital pattern, 64 bit digital pattern or a digital pattern comprising any number of data bits within one ormore periods205.
• A digital pattern may also include a numbering format or a code. In some embodiments, a digital pattern includes a data bits identifying a number. For example, a digital pattern may include code 0001 identifying thenumber 1, 0010 identifying a number 2, 0100 identifying a number 4 or a 1000 identifying anumber 8. In further embodiments, a digital pattern may include code 0101 identifying a number 5 or a 1010 identifying anumber 10. The light source110 may receive the codes and interpret the numbers accordingly. The light source may determine a value of 10 to mean an intensity of 10/16 of the maximum intensity of the light for the lighting device. In some embodiments, the light source may determine the value of 10 to mean alevel10 of a total of 16 levels of intensity for the light emitted. Similarly, a digital pattern may include any type and form of code that may be mapped, encoded, decoded or interpreted by the light source110 to identify a brightness or intensity of the light emitted.
• Referring now toFIGS. 4A-B embodiments of a digital pattern having a smaller number of bits within aperiod305 is illustrated.FIGS. 4A-B illustrate digital data transmitted betweenlight sources110A and110B divided intoperiods305, each of which includes 8 bits of data.Period305 include a period of time within which 8 bits ofdata215 are transmitted, sent or received by lighting device110. Similarly,period305 may be modified so that any number of data bits are transmitted within theperiod305, such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 24, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512 or any other number of data bits. In some embodiments,period305 is aperiod205. In further embodiments,period305 is a duration of time within which 8 bits are transmitted. In still further embodiments, aperiod205 includes a plurality ofperiods305. Aperiod305 may include a number of bits of data one ormore lighting system100 components use or receive in a single instruction or a single instruction set.Periods205 or305 may have any duration of time between 1 microsecond and 100 seconds.Periods205 or305 may include one or more durations of time, such as 0.1 microsecond, 1 microsecond, 10 microseconds, 50 microseconds, 100 microseconds, 1 millisecond, 10 milliseconds, 50 milliseconds, 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 10 seconds or a 100 seconds. In some embodiments, 8-bit period305 is a period of time defined by, determined by, or corresponding to a duration of time within whichlighting system100 components communicated viaconnection105 transmit 8 bits ofdata210. In some embodiments,period305 is a period of time defined by, determined by, or corresponding to a duration of time within whichlighting system100 components communicated viaconnection105 receive any predetermined number of data bits, such as 8, 16, 24, 32, 48, 64, 96, 128, 256, or 512.Periods305 may include same or different durations of time. In some embodiments, someperiods305 are longer or shorter thanother periods305. In further embodiments, allperiods305 are of a same predetermined length of time. Eachperiod305 may include a same predetermined number of data bits. In some embodiments, someperiods305 include a number of data bits that is different than the number of data bits of anotherperiod305. Aperiod205 may include a predetermined number ofperiods305. For example, aperiod205 may include a duration of time within which a predetermined number ofperiods205 is enclosed. Eachperiod205 may include a digital pattern having any number of bits. In some embodiments, someperiods305 of aperiod205 may have different average value of the data bits within theperiod205 from the average values of data bits ofother periods305 of thesame period205. Similarly, someperiods305 of aperiod205 may include a different number of data bits having a high value from a number of data bits having a high value withinother periods305 of thesame periods205. As such, a total duration of time for which the signal has a high value within aperiod305 may vary fromother periods305 of thesame period205. A ratio of a duration of time within which the signal has a high value per a total duration of aperiod305 may be also referred to as the duty cycle of theperiod305. Duty cycles of someperiods305 of aperiod205 may differ from the duty cycles ofother periods305 of thesame period205.
• In one example, aperiod205 may include 128periods205 each of which further includes an 8 bit digital pattern. Theperiod205 along with all the bits from each of theperiods305 within theperiod205 may form or identify a specific ratio of a number of bits having a high value to a number of bits having a low value within theperiod205. Theperiod205 may have a duty cycle determined by a total duration of time within theperiod205 for which the signal is high (or for which the bits have a value of 1) divided by the total duration of time of theperiod205. The duty cycle of theperiod205 may be used to scale the maximum intensity or brightness of the light emitted by the light source110 to the desired intensity. Anew period205 immediately following theperiod205 may identify another duty cycle for a changed or modified intensity or brightness. The light source may modify the light intensity emitted based on the new duty cycle for thenew period205. Should the light source110 receive an instruction or a command within one ormore periods305 of aperiod205, digital patterns ofother periods305 within theperiod205 may be modified by the pattern generator of thecommunicator125 of the sender to maintain the desired intensity for the light source110 at a predetermined level. Using the real time update via a stream of bits divided intoperiods305 within aperiod205, light devices110 may receive real-time updated intensity or brightness while receiving instructions or commands for other functions or purposes of the light device110.
• Still referring toFIGS. 4A-B, an embodiment of a digital pattern determining intensity or brightness via aperiod315 for a 16-bit transmission is illustrated.FIGS. 4A-B illustrate alight source110A connected tolight source110B viaconnection105.Connection105 transmits information or communication transmitted betweenlight sources110A and110B.FIG. 4B illustrates embodiments where digital data transmitted betweenlight sources110A and110B divided into 8-bit periods305 and 16-bit periods315. In some embodiments, 8-bit period305 may be modified to accommodate a 16-bit period315 for a finer control of the brightness and intensity range. As such, instead of dividing the total brightness in 8 shades of brightness, the brightness intensity may be divided into 16 shades, or any other number of shades. In this example, a 16-bit period315 is aperiod205 whose time length is tailored to allow transmission of 16 bits ofdata215 within theperiod205.
• The plurality ofperiods305 orperiods315 within aperiod205 may include any digital pattern. In one example, aperiod305 of aperiod205 may have 4 bits having a high value and 4 bits having a low value, while anotherperiod305 from thesame period205 may include 8 bits having a high value and no bits having a low value. Duty cycles ofperiods305, average values of signal within theperiod305 or specific ratios of the high to low bits withinperiods305 may vary while the overall duty cycle, average value or specific ratio of theperiod205 as a whole may be maintained at a particular predetermined level. In further example, aperiod205 comprising 50periods305 may include one or more periods comprising instructions and commands for the light device110. Theperiods305 within which the instructions were transmitted may have duty cycles altered from other duty cycles. (Duty cycles ofperiods305 may be defined as durations of time for which the signal had a high value divided by the total duration of time of period305) A pattern generator of thecommunicator125 sending the data bits to the light device110 may compensate for the transmitted instructions by increasing or decreasing the number of data bits having a high value in order to maintain the intensity or brightness of theentire period205 at a predetermined level. The pattern generator may keep a track of the number of data bits having a high value within aperiod205. As instructions and commands are transmitted to the light device110, pattern generator of thecommunicator125 of the sender may determine how many data bits having a high value need to be added in theperiods305 following theperiods305 that included the instructions. By keeping track of the overall number ofdata bits215 within aperiod205, intensity and brightness may remained controlled by the number of data bits having a high value even when the instructions are transmitted within theperiod205.
• In some embodiments,lighting system100 components, such aslight source110B andlight source110A, communicate usingdata bits215,instruction bits220 or a combination ofdata bits215 andinstruction bits220. The light devices110 may receive real time adjustments for the brightness or intensity for each light source110 via the stream of data bits per each receivingperiod205. Sometimes, lighting system components using 8-bit periods305 are capable of transmitting or receiving information twice as fast. In such embodiments, lighting system components, such aslight sources110A and110B 16 bit send or transmit a 16-bit digital pattern within an 8 bit period. In further embodiments,light source110B communicates withlight source110A transmitting or receiving information within 8-bit periods305. In many embodiments,light source110B transmits a 16-bit digital pattern comprisingdata bits215 orinstruction bits220 within an 8-bit period305 tolight source110A.Light source110A receives 16-bit digital pattern within the 8-bit period305 and in response to the received 16-bit digital pattern adjusts, changes or maintains the intensity of the light emitted by thelight source110A.
• Duration ofperiods205,305 or315 may be adjusted to affect intensity. In some embodiments,periods205,305 or315 are increased or decreased to modulate average intensity of a light source110 receiving the information. In some embodiments, precedingperiods305 or315 are increased or decreased and succeedingperiods305 or315 are adjusted accordingly to maintain a desired intensity over a205 period.
• Digital patterns comprising any number of bits may have duty cycles ofperiods205,305 or315, defined by a number of bits having values of 1 or 0. In many embodiments, two different digital patterns comprising a same total number of bits within a period, such asperiod205,305 or315, may have a same or a different duty cycle. The duty cycle of a period may be determined by a ratio of the number of bits having a high value to the number of bits having a low value of that same period. Duty cycle of a period may also be determined by summing up all durations of time for which the signal (data bits) had a high value and divide this sum of the durations of time with a total duration of time of the period. Duty cycle may also be determined by taking an average value of all portions of the signal (bits having a high value and bits having a low value). Duty cycle may be used to identify or determine the brightness or the intensity of the light emitted. The light device110 may include a filter within acontroller120 or acommunicator125 that determines the duty cycle and controls the brightness or intensity of the light emitted. The filter may determine the duty cycle of eachperiod205 by counting the instructions from within theperiod205. In some embodiments, the filter of thecontroller120 or thecommunicator125 of the receiving light source110 may determine the duty cycle of theperiod205 while not including the instructions within theperiod205.
• Digital patterns withinperiods305,315 and205 may be used to control light intensity or color mixing of light sources110 emitting different color light or having different spectral ranges. In some embodiments,lighting system100 comprises a plurality of light sources110 each emitting a light of a different spectral range or a different color. The plurality of light sources may be within a single lighting fixture, or they may comprise separate lighting devices. Thelighting system100 may include alight source110A emitting a red light, alight source110B emitting a green light and alight source110C emitting a blue light. In such a configuration, thelighting system100 may use digital patterns withinperiods305,315 and205 to govern or control the overall color of light emitted by all of thelight sources110A-C. For example, digital patterns may govern the intensity of each of thelight devices110A-C in order to establish a specific hue of light, such as a white color for example. The lighting system may transmit digital patterns and vary the number of data bits within each period of time to produce any particular color by mixing light at intensities determined via digital patterning from each one of thesources110A-C. Thelight sources110A-C may receive digital patterns within varying durations of time, or varyingperiods205 for each of thelight source110A-C in order to produce the white light. Thelight sources110A-C may receive real-time updates of the intensity at periods of205 and receive instructions withinperiods305 which are withinperiods205. Sometimes, alighting system100 controls the total color output of the light emitted by all three light sources110 by using a feedback to adjust intensity of some light sources via digital patterning in order to adjust the total hue of the output light. In one example, a plurality oflight sources110A-N may each emit light of a different spectral range or a different color. In such embodiments, alighting system100 component controlling thelight sources110A-N may emit separate data streams comprising digital patterns withinperiods305 and205 to each of the light sources110 in order to control the color rendering or the total color output produced by thelight sources110A-N.
• Referring now toFIG. 4C, an embodiment of steps of amethod400 for modulating intensity of light emitted by a lighting device using a digital pattern is depicted. In some embodiments,method400 relates to a method of color mixing of a plurality of light sources emitting different light color. Atstep405 of themethod400, a controller receives or generates an instruction for a remote lighting device and a setting for an intensity of light to be emitted by the remote lighting device. Atstep410, the controller generates a signal that comprises the instruction, a time period and a duty cycle of the signal within a time interval of the time period. The duty cycle of the signal may be based on a sum of portions of a digital pattern of the signal which have a high value within the time interval. Atstep415, the remote lighting device receives the signal via a wire used for supplying electrical power to the remote lighting device. Atstep420, the remote lighting device establishes intensity of light or performs color mixing of a plurality of lights emitting different colors of light, based on a determination of the duty cycle of the signal within the time interval. Atstep425, the remote lighting device emits light based on the determined intensity of the light or mixes colors of light based on intensities of each of the plurality of light sources emitting a different color of light. Atstep430, the remote lighting device takes or implements an action based on the instruction from the signal.
• Further referring to step405, a controller acquires an instruction and a setting for a remote lighting device. The remote lighting device may include a single light source or a plurality of light sources. The instruction may include an instruction for a single light source or for each of the plurality of light sources. In some embodiments, the controller generates the instruction or the setting. In further embodiments, the controller receives the instruction or the setting from another lighting system component. In still further embodiments, the controller generates an instruction or a setting based on a configuration set by a user. In further embodiments, the controller receives an instruction or a setting from a user input or an instruction file. In some embodiments, a controller generates instructions based on a program, script, prior instruction file or a user input identifying actions to be taken by the remote lighting device.
• The acquired instruction may include any type and form of a command for an action implemented by a lighting device. In some embodiments, the instruction includes a command to send an error message. In other embodiments, the instruction includes a command to send an acknowledgement message or an alert when an address of an instruction matches the address of the lighting device. In further embodiments, the instruction includes a command to send an acknowledgement if ambient light detector of the lighting device is active. In still further embodiments, the instruction includes a command to send an acknowledgement if a presence of an object is detected in the vicinity of a light switch enclosure.
• In further embodiments, the instruction includes a command to set a brightness value of the remote lighting device or a light source within the remote lighting device, such as a green light source, blue light source or a red light source of the remote lighting device. In further embodiments, the instruction includes a command to use an external source for PWM signal to control the intensity of the light. In further embodiments, the instruction includes a command to use a value sent to the remote lighting device as a maximum intensity or maximum brightness value of the remote lighting device. In still further embodiments, the instruction includes a command to turn the light emitted by the remote lighting device off by dimming.
• In some embodiments, the instruction includes a setting for the remote lighting device as a master or a slave. In still further embodiments, the instruction includes a setting for the remote lighting device as a member of a group or a zone. The setting for the remote lighting device may include a setting for an intensity or brightness of the light to be emitted by the remote lighting device. In some embodiments, the setting identifies an intensity or brightness of light relative to the maximum intensity set for the remote lighting device. The setting may identify the dimness or brightness of light to be emitted by the remote lighting device for a predetermined duration of time.
• Atstep410, the controller generates a signal comprising the instruction, a time period and a duty cycle of the signal within a time interval. The controller may generate a signal comprising one or more digital patterns. Digital patterns may be generated to compensate for any instructions to be embedded with the signal. Digital patterns may further be generated to ensure that a duty cycle within a time interval remains at a predetermined level. In some embodiments, digital patterns comprise one or more portions of the signal having high and low values within a time interval. In further embodiments, a digital pattern that includes a plurality of high and low data bits is located within a predetermined time interval of a plurality of time intervals of a time period of a signal. Each time interval may or may not include an instruction. Each time interval may include one or more digital patterns generated to ensure that the duty cycle of the signal remains at a level indicating a predetermined light intensity for the time interval, regardless of the presence of the instruction within the time interval. The duty cycle of the signal may be based upon a sum of portions of one or more digital patterns having a high value within a predetermined time interval. In one embodiment, the controller generates the signal that has a digital pattern that includes digital bits having high values and low values within a time interval of the time period. In some embodiments, digital patterns may include any variation or order of high and low data bits within a time interval. The digital pattern may be generated such that a sum of time durations of the digital bits having high values within a time interval divided by the duration of the time interval corresponds to the setting for the intensity of the light.
• In one example, a generated digital pattern includes a sum of time durations of the signal having high values 65 percent of the time within the time interval. In such example, the sum of the time durations having high values divided by the total duration of the time interval may equal 0.65. This result may correspond to the setting for the intensity of light to be emitted by the remote lighting device identifying an intensity of about 65% of the maximum light intensity.
• In other embodiments, digital patterns of the signal may be generated to identify any intensity of light. The intensity may be in percentages of the maximum light intensity, in Watts, Watts per meter square, lumens, nits or any other unit of light intensity or brightness. In some embodiments, a signal generator of the controller generates the signal comprising the digital patterns and a plurality of time intervals within a time period. The signal may be generated to further include the instruction into one or more of the time intervals of the time period of the signal. In some embodiments, the controller generates a signal to be comprised by a first time interval of the time period while generating one or more digital patterns of the first time interval.
• The digital patterns may be generated to account for the number of the portions of the instruction having high values so that the total duty cycle within the first time interval remains at a predetermined level regardless of the instruction being present. In further embodiments, the controller generates the signal to include the instruction in the first time interval of the time period. In such embodiments, digital patterns are included into other time intervals of the time period to compensate or account for the instruction and maintain the duty cycle within the period at a predetermined level.
• Atstep415, the remote lighting device receives the signal via a wire of the remote lighting device. In some embodiments, the remote lighting device receives the signal via a power supplying line or an active wire of a standard power distribution system powering the lighting device. In other embodiments, the remote lighting device receives the signal via a common wire of a traditional power distribution system. In further embodiments, the remote lighting device receives the signal via a ground wire, or a conductive sheathing of a cable. In still further embodiments, the remote lighting device receives the signal via a wireless signal, such as a WIFI signal or a radio signal. In yet further embodiments, the remote lighting device receives the signal via a network, such as a computing network or a communication network of the plurality of lighting devices. In still further embodiments, the remote lighting device receives the signal via an infrared channel. In still further embodiments, the remote lighting device receives the signal via an optical channel, such as a fiber optic or an optical wireless receiving system. The remote lighting device may receive the signal via a controller or a communicator. In some embodiments, the remote lighting device uses a signal processor or a signal processing unit to receive and process the signal. In other embodiments, controller filters the signal using filters, such as frequency filters, power filters or optical filters. The filtered signal may be processed for the duty cycle and for the instructions for the remote lighting device.
• Atstep420, the remote lighting device establishes intensity of light based on a determination of the duty cycle of the signal within the time interval. The remote lighting device may establish the intensity based on a determination of the duty cycle of the signal within the time period. In some embodiments, the remote lighting device determines the ratio of the sum of the portions of the digital patterns within the time interval having high values and a duration of the time interval. In other embodiments, the duty cycle is determined based on a ratio of the sum of the portions of the digital patterns within a plurality of time intervals of the time period and the entire duration of the time period. In some embodiments, a signal processor of a controller of the remote lighting device processes the signal to determine the duty cycle. The signal may be processed using any type of function, script or an algorithm operating of the signal processor to determine the duty cycle. In further embodiments, the controller of the remote lighting device determines the duty cycle. In further embodiments, the communicator of the remote lighting device determines the duty cycle within the time period. In still further embodiments, the controller of the remote lighting device screens for any instructions within the received signal and determines the duty cycle of the signal. In other embodiments, the remote lighting device determines the intensity of light in terms of the Watts of the light emitted. In other embodiments, the remote lighting device determines the intensity of light in terms of Watts per unit of area. In some embodiments, the remote lighting device determines the intensity of light by determining the duty cycle within each single time period. In other embodiments, the remote lighting device determines the intensity of light by determining the duty cycle over a plurality of time periods. In some embodiments, the remote lighting device determines the intensity of light by determining the duty cycle over a plurality of time intervals within a single time period. In other embodiments, the remote lighting device determines the intensity of light by determining the duty cycle within each individual time interval of each individual time period. In further embodiments, the remote lighting device determines the intensity of light in terms of the relative light intensity of the remote lighting device, such as the maximum light intensity. For example, the remote lighting device may determine the intensity of light based on the duty cycle identifying 0.85 or 85% of the maximum light intensity of the remote lighting device.
• Atstep425, the remote lighting device emits light based on the determined intensity of light. In some embodiments, the remote lighting device emits light based on the determined ratio. In further embodiments, the remote lighting device multiplies the ratio with the maximum intensity to determine the intensity of light at which the remote lighting device will emit. In further embodiments, the remote lighting device continuously receives the signal and determines the intensity for each time period of the signal. In such embodiments, the remote lighting device updates or adjusts the intensity of the light emitted in real-time. For example, in an instance where a time period comprises time a duration of a millisecond, the intensity of the light emitted may be determined for the millisecond. The intensity of light at which the remote lighting device would operate the following millisecond may be determined based on the duty cycle of the signal within the following time period. In further embodiments, the remote lighting device maintains the intensity of light until a signal comprising a different duty cycle within a time period or time interval is detected.
• Atstep430, the remote lighting device takes an action based on the instruction. In some embodiments, the remote lighting device sends an error message out in response to the instruction. In other embodiments, the remote lighting device sends an acknowledgement message or an alert when an address of an instruction matches the address of the lighting device in response to the instruction. In further embodiments, the remote lighting device sends an acknowledgement if ambient light detector of the lighting device is active. In still further embodiments, the remote lighting device sends an acknowledgement if a presence of an object is the object is detected in the vicinity of a light switch enclosure. In further embodiments, the remote lighting device sets a brightness value of the remote lighting device or a light source within the remote lighting device. In some embodiments, the remote lighting device sets a brightness or intensity value for a green light source, a blue light source or a red light source within the remote lighting device. In further embodiments, the remote lighting device begins to use an external source for PWM signal to control the intensity of the light. In further embodiments, the remote lighting device begins to use a value sent to the remote lighting device as a maximum intensity or maximum brightness value of the remote lighting device. In still further embodiments, the remote lighting device turns the light emitted by the remote lighting device off by dimming. In some embodiments, the remote lighting device sets a status for the remote lighting device as a master or a slave in response to the instruction. In still further embodiments, the remote lighting device sets the remote lighting device as a member of a group or a zone in response to the instruction. The remote lighting device may implement any instruction received or set any configuration or setting in response to the instruction received from the signal. Any portion of the controller of the remote lighting device may receive and process the instruction. In some embodiments, a communicator of the remote lighting device processes the instruction. The remote lighting device may implement any action or a function instructed by any instruction of a command received.
• In one example, a lighting device, such as a standard fluorescent lighting fixture or a source comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes is installed in an office, a building or at a home. The lighting device may include a single color light source or a plurality of light sources, each of which may emit light of a different color. The lighting device may be used in communication with one or more other lighting devices which may use controllers to send control signals coordinating operations between the light sources. The intensity of light emitted by a lighting device, or a light source, may be controlled via a received signal that includes one or more digital patterns identifying the intensity or brightness. The signal may be delivered to the lighting device via standard wiring components commonly used for providing power to the lighting fixtures. Such standard wiring components may include electrical wires or power lines used for providing electrical power for the light sources. More specifically, the signal may be delivered via traditional wires, such as active lines, common lines or ground lines of the standard power distribution electrical wiring system. The signal may include analog or digital components and may include any type, form or format of signal. The signal may comprise digital patterns that may be made up of pulse width modulated signals, square wave signals, datagram, data packets, or any other type or form of digital information. The signal may further comprise a stream of data bits divided into time intervals, each comprising one or more portions of the signal. The portions of the signal may include digital patterns identifying intensity or brightness of the light to be emitted by the remote lighting device receiving the signal. In some embodiments, digital patterns identify a duty cycle within a time interval. Such duty cycle within the time interval may be based on a sum of all time durations of the signal for which the signal is high within the time interval. The sum of the time durations may be divided by the total duration of the time interval to determine the ratio of the intensity. The ratio may be the ratio of the maximum intensity of light that can be emitted by the remote lighting device. The lighting device may filter and process the digital patterns and identify the intensity of the light from the digital patterns by determining the duty cycle or the ratio based on the duty cycle. The remote lighting device may emit the light as identified by the duty cycle or the ratio based on the duty cycle.
E. Non-Contact Switch and Selection
• Referring now toFIG. 5A, an embodiment of a non-contact selection and control device of alighting system100 is illustrated.FIG. 5A depicts alighting system100 comprising anon-contact device400 or a lightnon-contact switch400 that includes alight source LED405,LED controller410,power supply140,light detector420 anddetector controller425. Thenon-contact device400 is in connection with one or more LED devices, such as lighting devices or sources110 or any other components of thelighting system100.LED405 andlight detector420 furthercomprise gain circuit470.LED405 of thenon-contact switch400 is a light source that may emit an electromagnetic signal, such as a light, a wireless or an optical signal.LED405 is controlled by aLED Controller410 via aconnection105. The components of thenon-contact device400 may also be connected to apower supply140.Non-contact switch400 may further include alight detector420 that may be connected todetector controller425 viaconnection105. Thenon-contact device400 may detect anobject450 located outside of the lightnon-contact switch400 by detecting any interference, effect or reflection of the signal emitted byLED405 caused by theobject450.Object405 may also generate or emit an electromagnetic or other type or form signal to be detected by thenon-contact device400.Light detector420 of thenon-contact device400 may be controlled or modulated by thedetector controller425 in any number of configurations to detect the signal reflected or emitted by theobject450.Non-contact device400 may transmit any detected signals to any number of lighting devices110 or any other components of thelighting system100.
• Referring toFIG. 5A in further detail,non-contact switch400 may be any device, apparatus or a unit comprising any type and form of hardware, software, or any combination of hardware and software for non-contact selection or detection by any object. In some embodiments,non-contact switch400 is a light switch box or a light switch device or package.Non-contact switch400 may be any unit, apparatus, system or a component detecting anobject450, a signal, a person or any living being within a distance from the non-contact switch. In further embodiments,non-contact switch400 detects anobject450, a person or a living being without theobject450, the person or the living being touching thenon-contact switch400 physically. In still further embodiments,non-contact switch400 detects anobject450, a person or a living being with theobject450, the person or the living being physically touching or nearly touching thenon-contact switch400.Non-contact switch400 may comprise a box enclosing aLED405, alight detector420 or anyother lighting system100 component, or more specifically a lightnon-contact switch400 component, such as those displayed inFIG. 5. In some embodiments, anon-contact switch400 comprises, or is a component of a light fixture installed in a room. Thenon-contact device400 may include any type of processor or processors configured to implement specialized functions for controlling, modulating or configuring any component of thenon-contact device400, such as thelight detector420 orLED405.Non-contact device400 may include any type and form of firmware or software instructions operating on the processor or the processors configured for controlling any of thenon-contact device400 components. In addition to the components illustrated byFIG. 5,non-contact switch400 may further include any number of hardware components detecting of any type and form of object, person or a user located at any distance from thenon-contact device400.Non-contact device400 may be used by a user to control one or more lighting devices, adjust brightness of the light emitted or to select specific lighting devices. In some embodiments,non-contact device400 is used to select a particular light source110 or a group of light sources110 during the configuration thelighting system100. In further embodiments, the user selects one or more light sources110 to select or identify specific light sources to be configured a certain way, to be assigned a particular address or to be processed, programmed or controlled in a way determined by the system or the user.
• Transparent cover460 may be any portion ofnon-contact switch400 comprising a material that is transparent to a portion of the light emitted byLED405.Non-contact switch400 may comprise an enclosure that may further include any number of additional components, such as thetransparent cover460. In some embodiments,transparent cover460 comprises a material transparent in the visible or infrared range, such as for example, a glass, a clear plastic or a plexiglass cover.Transparent cover460 may further comprise any other material that is transparent or semi-transparent to any light or signal emitted by theLED405. The transparent cover may comprise a filter that filters out wavelengths of light outside of a predetermined range. The transparent cover may reflect a portion of a light, such as for example 0.01, 0.1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 percent of the light, or any other percentage of light between 10 and 90 percent that reach thetransparent cover460. Thetransparent cover460 may further include any component or a part of thenon-contact switch400 that reflects or is capable of reflecting signal emitted from theLED405.Transparent cover460 may be opaque to any wavelength of light aside from the light emitted by theLED405.Transparent cover460 may comprise an optical filter, filtering, absorbing or reflecting some wavelengths of light and allowing others to pass through.Transparent cover460 may be positioned on the enclosure of thenon-contact switch400 to reflect a specific portion of light from theLED405 towards thelight detector420.Transparent cover460 may comprise a reflective coating to ensure a specific reflectivity, or a reflectivity of a specific percentage or portion of the signal fromLED405. In some embodiments,transparent cover460 comprises a reflective surface, such as a mirror for example. Transparent cover may be positioned anywhere within thenon-contact switch400 or outside of theswitch400. In some embodiments,transparent cover460 is a component of the enclosure of thenon-contact switch400.
• Transparent cover460 may allow only a portion of light to propagate through the transparent cover while reflecting a fraction of the light. In some embodiments, transparent cover reflects between 10 and 20, 20 and 30, 30 and 40, 40 and 50, 50 and 60, 60 and 70, 70 and 80, 80 and 90 and 90 and 99.99 percent of the signal. The transparent cover may also propagate, transmit or allow transmission of any portion of the signal such as for example, 99.99 and 95, 95 and 90, 90 and 80, 80 and 70, 70 and 60, 60 and 50, 50 and 40, 40 and 30, 30 and 20, 20 and 10, or 10 and 0.01 percent of the signal. In some embodiments, the transparent cover reflects between about 0 and 1 percent of light, such as for example 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 or 0.8 percent of light emitted by theLED405 reaching the transparent cover. In some embodiments, the transparent cover reflects between about 1 and 2 percent of light, such as for example 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 or 1.8 percent of light emitted by theLED405 reaching the transparent cover. In some embodiments, the transparent cover reflects between about 2 and 3 percent of light, such as for example 2.2, 2.4, 2.6 or 2.8 percent of light emitted by theLED405 reaching the transparent cover. In some embodiments, the transparent cover reflects between about 3 and 4 percent of light, such as for example 3.2, 3.4, 3.6 or 3.8 percent of light emitted by theLED405 reaching the transparent cover. In some embodiments, the transparent cover reflects between about 4 and 5 percent of light, such as for example 4.2, 4.4, 4.6 or 4.8 percent of light emitted by theLED405 reaching the transparent cover. In some embodiments, the transparent cover reflects between about 5 and 6 percent of light, such as for example 5.2, 5.4, 5.6 or 5.8 percent of light emitted by theLED405 reaching the transparent cover. In some embodiments, the transparent cover reflects between about 6 and 7 percent of light, such as for example 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 or 6.8 percent of light emitted by theLED405 reaching the transparent cover. In further embodiments, the transparent cover reflects between about 7-10 percent of light emitted by theLED405. In further embodiments, the transparent cover reflects between about 10 and 20 percent of light, or between 20 and 30, 30 and 40, 40 and 50, 50 and 60, 60 and 70, 70 and 80, 80 and 90 or 90 and 99.99 percent for example.Transparent cover460 may comprise any component, or any group of components of thenon-contact switch400 that reflect, refract, permeate or propagate any portion of the signal emitted byLED405.
• LED405 of thenon-contact device400 may be any type and form of an apparatus, component or a device emitting or producing an electromagnetic signal.LED405 may be positioned or deployed anywhere within or around any lighting system110 component. In some embodiments,LED405 is light source110. In other embodiments,LED405 is a semiconductor light emitting diode. In further embodiments,LED405 is a component producing a wireless signal. In still further embodiments,LED405 is a unit producing a radio or an RF (radio frequency) signal.LED405 may emit or generate an electromagnetic wave of any wavelength, power or spectral range. In still further embodiments,LED405 is an infra red light emitting diode or source.LED405 may be a light emitting source that emits light of constant intensity or varying intensity. In some embodiments,LED405 is a light emitting diode emitting a time dependent intensity or power varying signal. In further embodiments,LED405 is a flickering light emitting device.LED405 may emit an amplitude modulated, frequency modulated, phase modulated, pulse width modulated or any signal or output of single or multi-level modulation scheme or type.LED405 may further comprise any number of light sources or light emitting devices. In some embodiments,LED405 comprises an array of light emitting diodes, laser diodes, lamps, bulbs or any other type or form of electromagnetic wave emitting devices.LED405 may include a number of similar or different light emitting devices, sources, diodes or any other components which may or may not be associated with a light source110.
• Different light sources within theLED405 may emit signals at different power ranges, different spectral ranges, different intensities and signals with no modulations or signals modulated with various types of modulation schemes.LED405 may further include a second light emitting source emitting a light signal intended to help control or modulate the gain circuitry, such asgain circuit470, of thelight detector420. The noise signal light source may emit light at a specific average intensity and a specific spectral range to maintain the gain feedback circuitry, such as thegain circuit470, of thelight detector420 within a specific sensitivity range. Such sensitivity range of thelight detector420, based on the intensity and the spectral range of the signal, may enable thelight detector420 to detect anobject450 at a specific distance or distance range from thenon-contact device400. The total light of theLED405 may include the first light source emitting the modulated and controlled signal and the second light source emitting the noise or the background signal for modulating the gain of thelight detector420. In some embodiments,LED405 includes two ormore LED405 components, each of which may include any functionality or embodiment of anyother LED405.
• LED405 may include any number of sources that emit pulsed signals at a specific frequency or at a number of specific frequencies or frequency ranges. For example, light emitted by one or more sources of theLED405 may have a spectral ranges in the visible, near infra red, infra red or far infra red range. The light emitted may also be modulated in bursts or pulses occurring for a specific duration of time at a specific frequency or a range of frequencies. In some embodiments, light emitted may be random and constant light. In further embodiments, signal comprises light in x-ray range, visible range, near infrared range, mid infrared range, a far infrared range or radio wavelength range.
• The signal may comprise light having any spectral range, such as between 1 and 5 nanometers, 5 and 10 nanometers, 10 and 15 nanometers, 15 and 20 nanometers, 20 and 25 nanometers, 25 and 30 nanometers, 30 and 40 nanometers, 40 and 60 nanometers, 60 and 80 nanometers, 80 and 100 nanometers, 100 and 400 nanometers or 400 and 2000 or more nanometers. In still further embodiments, signal comprises pulses or bursts of signal which may occur at a carrier frequency. The carrier frequency may be any frequency, such as for example, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 or 60 kilohertz. In still further embodiments, the carrier frequency may include any frequency between 100 hertz and 1 kilohertz, 1 kilohertz and 5 kilohertz, 5 kilohertz and 20 kilohertz, 20 kilohertz and 50 kilohertz, 50 kilohertz and 70 kilohertz, 70 kilohertz and 150 kilohertz, 150 kilohertz and 300 kilohertz, 300 kilohertz and 1 megahertz, 1 megahertz and 10 megahertz, 10 megahertz and 100 megahertz, or 100 megahertz and 1000 megahertz. The signal may comprise modulation such as frequency, phase, amplitude or pulse width modulation. In some embodiments, the carrier frequency of the signal is in the range of 30-35 kilohertz. In further embodiments, the signal has a carrier frequency of 35-40 kilohertz. In still further embodiments, the signal has a carrier frequency of 40-45 kilohertz. In yet further embodiments, the signal has a carrier frequency of 45-100 kilohertz. The signal may be emitted within any conical angle from the LED, such as between 1 and 3 degrees, 3 and 5 degrees, 5 and 10 degrees, 10 and 20 degrees, 20 and 30 degrees, 30 and 40 degrees, 40 and 50 degrees, 50 and 60 degrees, 60 and 70 degrees, 70 and 80 degrees, 80 and 90 degrees, 90 and 100 degrees, 100 and 110 degrees, 110 and 120 degrees, 120 and 130 degrees, 130 and 140 degrees, 140 and 150 degrees, 150 and 180 degrees, 180 and 220 degrees, 220 and 250 degrees, 250 and 270 degrees and 270 and 360 degrees. In a plurality of embodiments,LED405 emits pulses of light wherein the pulses occur within any frequency range. In some embodiments,LED405 emits pulses of light wherein the pulses have a specific duty cycle. In some embodiments,LED405 emits an electromagnetic signal that is modulated and controlled byLED controller410. In some embodiments,LED405 is positioned inside thenon-contact switch400. In other embodiments,LED405 is positioned outside of thenon-contact switch400. In some embodiments,LED405 is positioned or installed on or within a lighting device110. In further embodiments,LED405 is positioned near alighting system100 component, such as a lighting device110. In still further embodiments,LED405 is positioned on a wall of a room that is illuminated by a lighting device110.
• Gain circuit470 may be any hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software that controls, modulates or maintains performance or operation ofLED405 orlight detector420.Gain circuit470 may include logic circuits, or software operating on one or more processors to control or manage how signals from theLED405 are detected bylight source410.Gain circuit470 may utilize a fraction of light reflected by thetransparent cover460 towards thelight detector420 to maintain thelight detector420 within a specific detection range. In some embodiments,gain circuit470 manages or controls detection oflight detector410 of any signal, including the signal from theLED405 or from any other light source, such as for example an emitter ofobject450. In some embodiments, gain circuit may be comprised by any component of thenon-contact switch400, such as anLED405,light detector420,LED controller410 ordetector controller425.Gain circuit470 may be connected in a feedback loop with thelight detector420 or theLED405.
• Thegain circuit470 may maintain thelight detector420 at a specific detection threshold or detection range. The gain circuit may be configured to provide real-time adjustments to thelight detector420 so that the signal detected by thelight detector420 may be maintained within a specific operating range of thelight detector420. In some embodiments, thegain circuit470 maintains a feedback loop with thelight detector420 to maintain the detecting range of thelight detector420 at a specific detection range, such as slightly below a threshold level of the detection of thelight detector420. As ambient light, such as background noise light, increases in intensity, thegain circuit470 may compensate and adjust to still maintain the gain of thelight detector420 within the specific range. Following the adjustment by thegain circuit470,light detector420 would still adjust and maintain the sensitivity to the presence ofobject450. For example, when there is a lot of ambient light in the room wherenon-contact switch400 is installed,gain circuit470 may decrease the gain of thelight detector420 to compensate for the increased ambient light. In the instance where theobject450 is brought within a specific distance from thenon-contact device400, the reflected portion of theLED405 signal may increase the amount of the detected signal slightly above the threshold. Thelight detector420 may then detect the presence of theobject450 as the threshold has been exceeded by the portion of the signal reflected by theobject450. Normally, thegain circuit470 may compensate for any changes in ambient light by setting and maintain thelight detector420 within the detection range just below the detectable threshold. However, as thepresent object450 reflects a substantial amount of light towards thelight detector420, thegain circuit470 may not compensate for such a great increase in light intensity fast enough and theobject450 may be detected by thelight detector420. As such,gain circuit470 may control the sensitivity of the signal detected bylight detector420 such that compensates for changes in ambient light or background noise but does not lose sensitivity to the presence of theobject450. Thegain circuit470 may control thelight detector420 such that thelight detector420 it is not oversensitive to detect the presence of theobject450 when theobject450 is not present within a predetermined distance from thenon-contact device400. The gain circuit of any of theLED405,LED controller410,detector controller425 orlight detector420 may perform any functionality or include any embodiments of any of the gain circuits of theLED405,LED controller410,light detector420 anddetector controller425.
• In some embodiments,gain circuit470 includes an average intensity filter, a frequency filter and a comparator. The average intensity filter of thegain circuit470 may monitor the average intensity of the signal detected by thelight detector420. The average intensity filter may further filter out intensity of signal that is below or above a predetermined threshold intensity. In some embodiments, average intensity filter may only allow the signals that are within a predetermined range of the average intensities to pass through the filter. For example, if average intensity of light received by thelight detector420 is below a predetermined intensity threshold, the average intensity may filter out the signal. As such, the average intensity filter may filter out signals outside of the predetermined range. Just as with average intensity filter, the frequency filter of thegain circuit470 may filter out any signal that is outside of a predetermined frequency range. In some embodiments, the frequency signal filters out signals that have carrier frequency outside of the allowed frequency range. In some embodiments, the carrier frequency range of allowed signals may be any signals that have pulses or carrier frequency between 30 and 50 kilohertz. In some embodiments, the carrier frequency range of allowed signals may be around 40 kilohertz, such as 41 or 42 kilohertz for example. Comparator of thegain circuit470 may compare the signals that passed through the average intensity filter and the frequency filter against a threshold. The comparator may compare the signal filtered by the average intensity filter and the frequency filter against a predetermined threshold or a predetermined threshold range. If the comparator detects that the signal exceeds the threshold theobject450 is detected. Similarly, in set-ups where the comparator compares the signal that is lower than a predetermined threshold, theobject450 is detected if the signal is lower than the predetermined threshold.Gain circuit470 may use any one of, or any combination of, the average intensity filter, frequency filter and a comparator together with any automatic gain controller circuit to control the detection of thelight detector420.
• LED controller410 may be any device, unit, component or a function for controlling, managing or drivingLED405.LED controller410 may include any hardware, software or any combination of hardware and software for controlling, driving or enabling emitting of light by one ormore LED405.LED controller410 may be a device, product or a system controlling, maintaining or enabling functionality or operation ofLED405. In some embodiments,LED controller410 comprises a processing unit configured or comprising specific instructions for controlling, adjusting, maintaining or enabling functionality or operation ofLED405, such as signal or light emitting. In many embodiments,LED controller410 comprises analog or digital circuitry for controlling, maintaining, adjusting or enabling functionality ofLED405. In further embodiments,LED controller410 comprises switches, latches or transistor circuitry which switchLED405 on or off. In a plurality or embodiments,LED controller410 comprises monitoring circuitry monitoring and observing performance or functionality ofLED405. In many embodiments,LED controller410 comprises modulating circuitry, gain circuitry or circuitry for maintaining the detector within a specific gain range or detection range. Sometimes,LED controller410 modulates, adjusts or changes state, status or performance ofLED405 in response to the monitored or observed performance or functionality ofLED405.
• In some embodiments,LED controller410 may include gain circuitry, such asgain circuit470, adjustment of gain of the signal emitted by the LED and detected by thelight detector420 in order to maintain thelight detector420 within a specific detection range. The adjustment may be real-time adjustment.Gain circuit470 may be comprised by any component of thenon-contact switch400. For example, a gain circuitry of theLED controller410 may maintain the output at a specific threshold or within a specific range. Thegain circuit470 of theLED controller410 may control the properties of the electromagnetic signal emitted by theLED405 such that thelight detector420 is maintained slightly below a detection range threshold. By maintaining thelight detector420 within a specific range, thelight detector420 may be controlled such that the reflected signal reaching the detector is below the detectable threshold unless anobject450 is placed within a predetermined distance from thenon-contact switch400.LED controller410 may modulate current, voltage or power toLED405 to maintain thelight detector420 within a specific threshold or operating range as desired by the configuration of distance within which theobject450 may be detected. In some embodiments, gain circuitry may be adjusted so thatobject450 is detected at a greater distance. In other embodiments, gain circuitry is adjusted so that theobject450 is detected at a distance very close to thenon-contact switch400. The distance may be any distance ranging from 1 millimeter, 2 millimeters, 5 millimeters, 1 centimeter, 2 centimeters, 5 centimeters, 10 centimeters, 20 centimeters, 50 centimeters, 70 centimeters, 1 meter, 2 meters, 5 meters, 10 meters, 20 meters or any other distance desired by the user. In some embodiments,LED controller410 comprises functionality which scales up or scales down the gain of theLED405 using a dial, a button or a setting. In some embodiments, software operating on a processor of theLED controller410 monitors and modulates the gain of the light emitted by one or more light sources of theLED405 to maintainlight detector420 within a specific operating detection range. The gain circuitry of theLED controller410 may be adjusted in response to background noise to compensate for increased or decreased background noise.
• LED controller410 may modulate, control or adjustLED405 operation such thatLED405 emits or generates light of a specific wavelength, power or intensity range as controlled by theLED controller410. In a number of embodiments,LED controller410 modulates, adjusts or controls LED405 such thatLED405 emits one or more signals of a specific intensity controlled byLED controller410. In many embodiments,LED controller410 modulates, adjusts or controls LED405 such thatLED405 emits light in pulses occurring at a specific frequency. In some embodiments,LED controller410 modulates LED405 to emit light within the infra red wavelength range. In many embodiments,LED405 emits light within infra-red wavelength range. In a plurality of embodiments,LED405 emits light having a spectral range of less than 100 nanometers. In many embodiments,LED405 emits light having a spectral range of less than 50 nanometers. In some embodiments,LED405 emits light having a spectral range of less than 10 nanometers. In a number of embodiments,LED405 emits light having a spectral range of about 5 nanometers or less than 5 nanometers. In some embodiments,LED405 emits light having a spectral range of about one or two nanometers of full width at half maximum of the signal. In a number of embodiments,LED405 emits light having a spectral range of less than one nanometer.
• LED405 may include a plurality of light sources, one of which acts as a light source emitting a background noise signal. In some embodiments, anon-contact switch400 comprises a plurality ofLEDs405. A first one of theLEDs405 may emit a pulsed signal designated to be the signal that thelight detector420 detects and interprets. This signal may be the signal to be reflected off of theobject450 and detected by thelight detector420. The second one of theLEDs405 may emit a constant low intensity signal, such as a synthetic background noise signal. Synthetic noise may be noise generated byLED405 to suppress any background noise created by the environment. The synthetic noise signal may be in the general intensity or power range or in an intensity or power range that is larger than the intensity or power range of the background signal of the environment coming from outside of thenon-contact switch400. The synthetic background noise or background noise signal produced by thesecond LED405 may be any signal within a wavelength and power range detectable by thelight detector420. By having a stronger synthetic constant background noise signal transmitted by one ormore LEDs405, any additional less intense background noise signals from the environment may be not as damaging to the communications of theLED405. In one example, afirst LED405 emits a high intensity signal via which thelight switch enclosure400 detects the presence of theobject450. Thesecond LED405 of the same or a different light switch enclosure may emit a lower intensity signal than the signal emitted by thefirst LED405. Thesecond LED405 signal may have an intensity that is higher than a common or expected background noise from the environment. Both, the first and thesecond LEDs405, may emit signals that are electromagnetic signals within a frequency, power or intensity range that is detected by thelight detector420. Thelight detector420 may detect both signals. As background noise is generated from the environment, thesecond LED405 emitting a stronger signal in this wavelength range than the background noise, may in suppress the background noise. In some embodiments,LED405 comprises a Rohm or Sharp surface mount infrared emitting component, such as for example a Rohm palm device component emitting infrared light at pulses of around 40 kilohertz.
• Light detector420 may be any device, component or a unit detecting or sensing any electromagnetic signal or wave.Light detector420 may include or comprise any type and form of hardware, software or combination of software and hardware for sensing or detecting light or optical signal. In some embodiments,light detector420 senses light or an electromagnetic wave and produces a voltage or a current proportional to the intensity or the power of the light or the electromagnetic wave sensed. Thelight detector420 may detect emission or radiation of any type and form, of any frequency and of any power or wavelength range.Light detector420 includes a semiconductor detector, such as a silicon detector or a Gallium Arsenide detector. In some embodiments,light detector420 includes a diode, such as a photodiode. In some embodiments,light detector420 detects or senses heat or infra red radiation or signals. In other embodiments,light detector420 includes a sensor for detecting light within a room that is illuminated by a lighting device110. In another embodiment,light detector420 includes a sensor detecting ambient light. In other embodiments,light detector420 includes a color sensor for sensing a color of light or a wavelength of light. In yet further embodiments,light detector420 is a color temperature sensor for detecting color temperature of a light source. In still further embodiments,light detector420 senses or detects chromaticity of light. In a number of embodiments,light detector420 detects an electromagnetic signal within the frequency or wavelength range of the signal emitted by theLED405. For example,light detector420 may be tuned to collect any radiation having spectral or modulation characteristics of the signal emitted byLED405 in order to detect if anobject450 is present. Theobject450 may be detected by thedetector420 due to theobject450 reflecting the signal from theLED405 to thelight detector420. In such instances,light detector420 may detect the presence of anobject450 whenobject450 is within a specific distance from thelight detector420. In some embodiments,light source420 is a sound or acoustic wave sensor detecting sound or acoustic signals. In some embodiments,light detector420 detects RF or radio frequency signals.
• In still further embodiments,light source420 detects any type, form or configuration of a signal that may be affected by presence of anobject450 within a perimeter of thelight detector420. In some embodiments,light detector420 detects or senses near infra red signals, such as the signals emitted by a remote control. In still further embodiments,light detector420 detects or senses wireless transmission signals, such as the signals of a wireless internet connection generally received by wireless network cards of computers and laptops. In various embodiments,light detector420 comprises any functionality of anyother lighting system100 component.Light detector420 may be detecting modulation of the light oscillating at a carrier frequency. The carrier frequency may be any carrier frequency, such as a carrier frequency of about 40 kilohertz. In some embodiments,light detector420 comprises a Panasonic receiver, such PNA4602 receiver.
• Detector controller425 may be any device controlling or managing operation or functionality of thelight detector420.Detector controller425 may be any device, unit or component processing or modifying the output signal of thelight detector420. In some embodiments,detector controller425 is a device, product or a system controlling, configuring or managing thelight detector420. In other embodiments,detector controller425 comprises hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software for controlling, adjusting or maintaining functionality of one or morelight detectors420. In some embodiments,detector controller425 comprises analog or digital circuitry for controlling, maintaining, adjusting or enabling functionality of thelight detector420. In further embodiments,detector controller425 comprises switches, latches or transistor circuitry which controls or modulateslight detector420.Detector controller425 may comprise monitoring circuitry which uses a software running on a processor of thedetector controller425 to receive, process or modify the output signal of thelight detector420. For example, output signal of alight detector420 may be sent to thedetector controller425, which may use any functionality to determine if the received signal signifies the presence of anobject450 within a predetermined perimeter from thelight detector420. In some embodiments,light detector controller425 may use thelight detector420 output signal to determine performance, operation or action of the lighting device110. For example, if alight detector420 detects a signal affected by anobject450,detector controller425 may process the signal and determine that anobject450 is present. Thedetector controller425 may in response to the determination that theobject450 is present sent a signal to the lighting device110 or any other component of thelighting system100. The lighting device110 may, in response to the signal from thedetector controller425, start emitting light, stop emitting light or change the intensity, color or any other configuration of the light emitted.
• Detector controller425 may receive and monitor current or voltage output signals from any number oflight detectors420. In some embodiments,detector controller425 receives current or voltage output signal from one or morelight detectors420 and converts the current or the voltage signal into a digital signal. Sometimes,detector controller425 processes current or voltage output signal from one or morelight detectors420. In various embodiments,detector controller425 adjusts one or more functionalities or performance characteristics of one or morelight detectors420 in response to the received current or voltage output signal received. In a plurality of embodiments,detector controller425 may form and transmit commands or instructions, such asinstructions650, to any lighting device110.Detector controller425 may send communication or receive communication fromother lighting system100 components, as desired or as necessary. In some embodiments,detector controller425 includes any functionality of anyother lighting system100 component, such as the lighting device110.
• Object450 may be any type and form of an object, such as a book, a chair, a door, a pen, a signal, a human being or any other living being.Object450 may be an object capable of changing, modifying or affecting the signal detected by thelight detector420.Object450 may be a person or a part of a person, such as a person's hand.Object450 may be a signal emitter emitting an electromagnetic signal, such as a remote controller, light emitter or a radio emitter. In some embodiments,object450 is a person that reflects a signal into thelight detector420 of thenon-contact switch400 by walking into a room that has a lightnon-contact switch400 installed on a wall. In some embodiments,LED405 emits an electromagnetic signal which is reflected off of the person and detected by thelight detector420. Thelight detector420 may detect the presence of the person in the room and send the signal to thedetector controller425 which in turn may send an instruction to lighting devices110 in the room to turn on and emit light.
• Object450 may be a device or an apparatus emitting a signal. In some embodiments,object450 is an emitter such as a remote controller that emits an infra red signal detected by thenon-contact switch400. The signal may be detected by thelight detector420 and the light from the lighting devices110 may be turned on. In still further embodiments, object450 may be any object, person or a device intercepting, reflecting or affecting the signal detected or sensed by thelight detector420.Object450 may be any object reflecting a portion of light emitted byLED405 towardlight detector420. In some embodiments,object450 emits an electromagnetic signal, heat, acoustic or sound signal, a wireless signal, radio signal or any type and form of signal that thelight detector420 detects. In some embodiments,object450 creates an interference or obstruction to an intensity, phase, frequency or amplitude of a signal detected bylight detector420.Object450 may create an obstruction or a lapse in the signal amplitude, phase, frequency or intensity, which may be detected by alight detector420. In some embodiments,object450 reflects a signal such that thelight detector420 detects the reflected signal in an increasing fashion as theobject450 approaches thelight detector420.
• The components of thenon-contact switch400, such as theLED405,LED controller410,light detector420 and thedetector controller425 may each include one or more gain circuits to adjust the amount of light from theLED405 to be detected by thelight detector410. In one example, a gain circuit of aLED405 may adjust and control the output light of theLED405 to maintain thelight detector420 within a specific operating range. The specific operating range may be a range of operation of theLED405 orlight detector420 or both such that thelight detector410 detects the light from theLED405 with a specific sensitivity. For example, the gain circuit may cause theLED405 to emit just enough light to enable thelight detector420 to barely detect portions of the light from theLED405 reaching thelight detector410. The portions of light may be the fraction of light reflected from a transparent or a semi-transparent portion of an enclosure of thenon-contact switch400, such as a transparent cover. The transparent cover may include glass or a plexiglass portion that reflects the light towardsdetector420. The gain circuit may maintain the amount of light detected by thelight detector420 just below the threshold of the presence of theobject450. The presence of theobject450 may then provide an additional amount of reflection reaching thelight detector420, thus exceeding the threshold of detection. Once the threshold is exceeded thelight detector420 may send the signal that object450 has been detected.
• Similarly in another example, a gain circuit oflight detector420 may adjust and control the detection settings of thelight detector420 to maintain thelight detector420 within a specific operating range. The gain circuit may cause thelight detector420 to detect light with a specific sensitivity or configuration to enable thelight detector420 to detect portions of the light from theLED405 just below the detection threshold of thelight detector420. As such, thelight detector420 may detect absence of anyobject450 from the perimeter of thenon-contact switch450. In the instance that theobject450 approaches thenon-contact switch400, theobject450 will detect an additional amount of the signal from theLED405 back into thelight detector420. The gain circuit maintaining the amount of light detected by thelight detector420, may experience a rising signal which will be too strong to be compensated for by the gain circuit quickly enough and thelight detector410 will detect the presence of theobject450. Similarly, gain circuits may be deployed in the ledcontroller410 ordetector controller425 in any orientation. The gain circuits may control the sensitivity of thelight detector420 or the gain circuits may control the intensity, power, pulse frequency, carrier frequency or even wavelength of the light emitted fromLED405 to enable and control the detection of theobject450 when present.
• Non-contact switch400 may be used by any number of users to control, manage or configure alighting system100 as well as to communicate with one or more oflighting system100 components. Sometimes, lightnon-contact switch400 is configured to perform a set of tasks enabling user communication with alighting system100. In some embodiments,non-contact switch400 is configured or tuned to perform sensing of a user's presence. In many embodiments,non-contact switch400 is configured or tuned to enable a user to control light intensity, light color, pulsing or other performance characteristics of light sources110. In many embodiments,non-contact switch400 is configured or tuned to enable a user to select a group of light sources110 and control them separately from otherlight sources100. In some embodiments,non-contact switch400 components are tuned and configured to operate based on frequency of pulses of signal at a specific predetermined frequency. In some embodiments, lightnon-contact switch400 components are tuned and configured to emit and/or detect pulses of signal at a specific predetermined intensity. In still further embodiments, lightnon-contact switch400 components are tuned and configured to emit and/or detect pulses of signal within a specific predetermined spectral range.
• For example,non-contact switch400 components may be tuned and configured to emit and/or detect the signal at a specific predetermined combination of frequency, intensity, wavelength or modulation. Upon placing anobject450 in the vicinity of thenon-contact switch400 component, any feature of the signal, such as the intensity, frequency, wavelength or format, may be interrupted and the interruption may be detected by thelight detector420. In some embodiments,LED controller410 modulates LED405 to emit or generate pulses or bursts of electromagnetic, acoustic or other wireless signal at a specific frequency and a specific intensity.Light detector420 may be modulated bydetector controller425 to detect the signals emitted by theLED405 at the frequency and intensity range emitted by theLED405. Thedetector controller425 may modulate thelight detector420 by user configuration, frequency or resistance adjustment, programming of thedetector controller425, setting up configuration inputs or any other user action or activity.Detector controller425 may process the signals from thelight detector420 in accordance with configuration settings and alertother lighting system100 components when theobject450 is in the vicinity. In some embodiments, signals emitted byLED405 may be adjusted to include pulse frequency, signal intensity, signal wavelength and modulation format which are all within detectable range of thelight detector410. Thelight detector410 may continuously, periodically or randomly check for the signal presence. The signal being maintained by the gain circuit within a specific range just below a detectable threshold range of thelight detector410 may signify that theobject450 is not within the vicinity. However, when theobject450 is within the vicinity the signal reflected off of theobject450 and reaching thelight detector410 may increase and exceed the threshold.Light detector410 may then detect the presence of theobject450. In some embodiments, object450 may interrupt or change the intensity, power, frequency, wavelength or modulation of the signal emitted from theLED405.Light detector410 may detect such changes and interpret the detection as the presence of theobject450.
• The threshold distance or distance range within which thenon-contact switch400 components detect the presence ofobject450 may be configured by any configuration method. In some embodiments, the user configures the threshold or distance range by setting the distance or relative position or direction of thenon-contact switch400 components, such as theLED405 andlight detector420. In further embodiments, the threshold or distance range may be set by choosing a duration of pulse and the frequency of pulses emitted byLED405. In still further embodiments, the threshold or distance range may be set by selecting a spectral range of the light emitted byLED405, as well as the average intensity of the light emitted. In other embodiments,lighting system100 includes a configuration tool which enables the user to configure the vicinity range or threshold within which theobject450 is detected. In some embodiments, the threshold or the range of the vicinity or distance within which theobject450 is detected is preset or preconfigured by the manufacturer. In further embodiments, the threshold range or the distance range of the vicinity may be adjusted by a button, setting, dial or an input on thelight switch enclosure400 or anyother lighting system100 component.
• The vicinity or range within which theobject450 is detected by thenon-contact switch400 may be as any range or threshold of distance. In some embodiments, the vicinity is any length between theobject450 and thenon-contact switch400. In some embodiments, the vicinity is any distance or range of about 1, 2, 5, 10 or 15 centimeters. In further embodiments, the vicinity is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 millimeters. In further embodiments, vicinity is a distance of 15, 20, 20, 30, 40 or 50 centimeters. In other embodiments, vicinity is a range or a threshold of distance of between 50 centimeters and 1 meter. In further embodiments, vicinity is a range of between 1 and 10 meters. Vicinity may be configured by configuring or adjusting the output signal characteristics of theLED405 and detectable range and performance oflight detector420. In some embodiments, vicinity may be altered by the user using configuration schemes, settings, programs or inputs for thelight switch enclosure400 orlighting system100. In many embodiments, vicinity is a range or threshold of distance which is constant and predetermined for a specificnon-contact switch400. In other embodiments, vicinity is a range or threshold of distance which may vary depending on the configuration, user inputs and signals or instructions fromother lighting system100 components.
• Non-contact switch400 may communicate toother lighting system100 components by sending or receiving signals or instructions. In some embodiments,LED405 of a first light switch enclosure transmits communication to a secondlight switch enclosure400. Thelight detector420 of the secondlight switch enclosure400 may detect the signal emitted by theLED405 of the firstlight switch enclosure400. The secondlight switch enclosure400 may process or forward theinstruction650 to one or more lighting devices110. In some embodiments, both the first and thesecond enclosures650 are associated with one or more lighting devices110. When a firstlight switch enclosure400 transmits a transmission, such as aninstruction650 viaLED405, the secondlight switch enclosure400 may receive the transmission and forward it to the one or more lighting devices110 associated with the secondlight switch enclosure400. The one or more lighting devices110 may implement theinstruction650 or operate in accordance to the instructions received. In some embodiments, a plurality oflight switch enclosures400 are configured to be in communication with one or more lighting devices110. The master lighting device110 may transmit aninstruction650 to any number of the plurality of lighting devices110 via it's ownnon-contact switch400. The signal, such as theinstruction650, may be transmitted wirelessly via theLED405 and the plurality oflight switch enclosures400 may receive theinstruction650 and forward theinstructions650 to the lighting devices110 to implement theinstruction650.
• Non-contact switch400 may further communicate with one or more light sources110. In some embodiments, components of thenon-contact switch400 may be associated with one or more light sources110. For example, a light source110 may comprise components of thenon-contact switch400, such as theLED405 or thelight detector420.Non-contact switches400 may be used for assigning of unique digital addresses to one ormore lighting system100 components. In some embodiments, anon-contact switch400 is used to assign a unique digital address to a lighting device110 that is connected to aswitch400. In further embodiments, anon-contact switch400 is used to assign a unique digital address to a plurality of lighting devices110 that are connected to or in communication with thelight switch enclosure400. Assigning of the unique digital address may be done by sending an instruction or a command viaconnections105 to all the lighting devices110 connected. The instruction or the command may be anyinstruction650 that indicates that a lighting device110 will be assigned an unique digital address. The same or another instruction may be transmitted identifying a first unique digital address, or the first address127 to all the lighting devices110. A user may place a hand, or anyother object450, within the vicinity of aswitch400 associated with a particular lighting device110. Thelight detector420 of thelight switch enclosure400 may detect the presence of the hand and send the signal to the lighting device110 associated with thelight switch enclosure400. The receipt of the signal by the lighting device110 will indicate to the lighting device110 that the user has identified that particular lighting device110 as the lighting device110 to be assigned the first address127. This particular lighting device110 may then save the address127 and use the address127 for communicating with any other lighting devices110 on the network of lighting devices110. In such or similar manner the user may identify other lighting devices110 and assign to them any particular unique digital addresses or addresses127. The user may also assign to a group of lighting devices110 one address127, such that entire group will behave and act in accordance with instructions or commands transmitted along with that particular address127.
• Non-contact switch400 may be used for assigning a master or slave status to any lighting device110. In some embodiments, the user may select a master or slave status by placing a hand in the vicinity of thelight switch enclosures400 associated with particular lighting devices110. A component of alighting system100 may receive an instruction or a signal that the lighting system110 is placed into an assignment mode. An assignment mode may be any mode of operation of thelighting system100 wherein thelighting system100 assigns an addresses127 or a status, such as slave or master status, to one ormore lighting system100 components. In some embodiments, an assignment mode is a mode, a function, a feature of alighting system100 to assign an addresses127 to anylighting system100 component. In other embodiments, an assignment mode is a mode, a function, a feature of alighting system100 to assign an master or a slave status to anylighting system100 component. In yet further embodiments, an assignment mode is a mode, a function, a feature of alighting system100 to assign any number of lighting devices to a group. Assignment mode may be a mode of operation or configuration in which thelighting system100 allows the user to select vianon-contact switch400 associated with light sources110 the light sources110 will be assigned to specific statuses, specific groups or specific addresses127. When thelighting system100 is placed in the assignment mode, the lighting system may send a group assigning instruction to each lighting device110. The user may select vianon-contact switch400 which of the lighting devices will be assigned to this particular group. Following the selection, the user may exit the assignment mode and each selected light source110 may be saved into the group as selected. Similarly, the user may assign addresses127 or master and slave statuses to each of the lighting devices110.
• Assignment mode, implemented by anon-contact switch400, may be any function or a setting of any of thelighting system100 components, such as a function, a feature or a setting implemented by any of acontroller120, acommunicator125, a master/slave addressor130, apower supply140 or a light source110. Assignment mode may include a software, a hardware or a combination of software and hardware for implementing tasks relating to assignment of addresses127 for each of thelighting system100 components. Assignment mode may include a means for transmitting or receiving messages from each of thelighting system100 components who have received and accepted the addresses127. Assignment mode may further receive confirmation messages from the lighting devices110 that were selected by the user vianon-contact switch400. In some embodiments,lighting system100 components store the address127 received from the master and transmit the confirmation messages to the master lighting device110. The master lighting device110 may then be aware which lighting devices have accepted and saved the address127 the user has selected. The master lighting device127 may send any further communication of these devices using the addresses127 assigned. In some embodiments, the master lighting device110 transmits one of a plurality of addresses127 to each of thelighting system100 components and waits for thelighting system100 components to accept the address127 transmitted. Thelighting system100 components may accept the address127 upon receiving the signal from anon-contact switch400 as selected by the user. Thoselighting system100 components selected by the user may return to the master lighting device110 the confirmation messages indicating that theselighting system100 component have accepted the addresses127. Similarly, the master lighting device110 may send out group assignment signals to the lighting devices110 in the network. The lighting devices110 may, upon receiving signals from thenon-contact switch400 that anobject450 was detected, send to the master lighting device the confirmation signals that the user has selected these lighting devices110 to be in the same group. The group may be assigned a special group address127, or a group identifier. Such a group address or a group identifier may be used to control the group of lighting devices110 selected by the user in the future. In one example,light source110A acceptingaddress127A previously sent by the master receives a signal from a light switch enclosure that a user's presence, or anobject450, was detected. Thelight source110A sends a confirmation message confirming thatlight source110A has accepted the address127. The master lighting device110, in response to the received confirmation message, associates address127 with thelighting system100 component for any future communication. In some embodiments, assignment mode entails the master receiving messages from one ormore lighting system100 components and assigning addresses127 in response to the received messages.
• In one example, anon-contact switch400 may be utilized with associatedlighting system100 components for assignment of addresses127. In some embodiments, a master communicates with a plurality oflighting system100 components which may or may not have a master status. One of the plurality oflighting system100 components is alight source110A. In a number of embodiments,lighting system100 components send information to the master usingnon-contact switch400 associated withlighting system100 components. A master may be placed in an assignment mode and may be available to receive any information from any one or more oflighting system100 components. A user may select alight source110A by placing anobject450, such as a hand, in front of anon-contact switch400 associated with thelight source110A.Light detector420 of thenon-contact switch400, in response to the placedobject450, detects light emitted byLED405 andnon-contact switch400 sends a signal indicating that thelight source110A is selected.Light source110A transmits a signal to the master indicating the user's selection and the master assigns an address127, such asaddress127A, to lightsource110A. The master transmits information notifyinglight source110A of the new address127 assigned to thelight source110A. Thelight source110A uses the assigned address127 to receive for communication with master or anyother lighting system100 component. In some embodiments,light source110A uses the assigned address127 to recognize which information transmitted by anyother lighting system100 component is addressed tolight source110A.
• In a similar example, the user may proceed to select any number oflighting system100 components by placing anobject450 in front of anon-contact switch400 associated of each selectedlighting system100 component. The master, in response to user's selections via anon-contact switch400, may assign an address127 to each of the user selectedlighting100 system components. Upon completing all the selections, the user may terminate the assignment mode and the master may store all the addresses127 andlighting system100 components associated with each of the addresses127. Thelighting system100 components may use addresses127 assigned to transmit or receive information or communication among thelighting system100 components assigned. In some embodiments, similar methods may be used to create a group oflighting system100 components, or a group oflight sources100. A user may configure the group by selecting vianon-contact switch400 the light sources110 that are the members of the group. In further embodiments,non-contact switch400 may be used to distinguish a group of light sources110 from another group of light sources110. In some embodiments, each of the groups selected may be controlled separately by thelighting system100. Eachlighting system100 component may store an addresses127 of the group or a zone. As the commands or instructions are received for the light sources110 of the specific group, the address127 may be used as a key to address the members of the specific group to perform a certain function without affecting light sources110 of other groups. Such addresses may also be referred to as group identifiers.Non-contact switch400 may be used in any combination with anyother lighting system100 component to select, set up or configure any number oflighting system100 components.
• Referring now toFIG. 5B, an embodiment of steps of a method for detecting an object is depicted. Atstep505, an LED of a device emits a signal. Atstep510, a first portion of the signal reflects off of a transparent cover towards a detector of the device and a second portion of the signal propagates through the transparent cover. Atstep515, a gain circuit maintains a predetermined operation of the detector. Atstep520, the detector determines that a reflected first portion of the signal is below a threshold of the detector. Atstep525, the second portion of the signal reflects off of an object outside of the device towards the detector of the device. Atstep530, the device determines that the object is present responsive to the detector determining that the reflected first and second portions of the signal exceed the threshold of the detector.
• Further referring to step505 ofFIG. 5B, a LED of a device emits a signal. The signal emitted may be any signal, such has an electromagnetic signal. In some embodiments, the signal is an infrared signal or a radio signal. In further embodiments, the signal is a modulated signal comprising a carrier frequency between 20 and 60 kilohertz, such as 40 kilohertz for example. The carrier frequency may be a frequency of pulses of bursts of light emitted by the LED. The signal may further be amplitude, frequency, phase or pulse width modulated. In some embodiments, the signal may further be modulated in any additional way. In some embodiments, the signal comprises high components of the signal and low components of the signal. In some embodiments, high components of the signal correspond to pulses of light emitted from the LED. In further embodiments, low components of the signal correspond to durations of time when there are no pulses of the signal. In still further embodiments, low components of the signal correspond to durations of time where LED emits light having a lower intensity than the intensity of light emitted during the emission of high components of the signal. The high components of the signal may comprise or correspond to portions of the signal comprising voltage, current, power or intensity that is higher or larger than the voltage, current, power or intensity of the portions of the signal that are comprised by, or correspond to, the low components. The signal may comprise portions of the signal comprising any number of pulses such as 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 80, 90 or 100 pulses for example. In some embodiments, the portions of the signal comprise more than 100 pulses, such as 200, 500 or 1000 pulses. Each pulse may be a part of a period comprising high and low components. In some embodiments, a pulse may comprise any number of periods comprising high and low components. In further embodiments, a pulse comprises a high component and a duration of signal not having a pulse comprises a low component. The signal may be emitted within any conical angle from the LED, such as 180 degrees, for example. The signal may be emitted from within an enclosure of the device. The signal may comprise any type and form of communication comprising instructions, commands or data. The signal may comprise communication for any component of thelighting system100, such as for example alighting device100 or anothernon-contact switch400.
• Atstep510, a transparent cover of the device reflects a first portion of the signal and allows a second portion of the signal to propagate through or transmit through the transparent cover. In some embodiments, the first portion is emitted by a first light source of theLED405 and the second portion is emitted by a second light source of theLED405. In further embodiments, the first and the second portions are emitted by the same light source of theLED405. In other embodiments, the first and second portions of the signal are emitted by different light sources of theLED405. In still further embodiments, some portions of the first or second portions of the signal are emitted by multiple light sources of theLED405, which may be same or different light sources. In some embodiments, the signal may be reflected from components, such as enclosure of the device, ledcontroller410,power supply140,light detector420,detector controller425,connections105 or any other component of thenon-contact switch400. In some embodiments, a first portion of the signal is reflected off of thetransparent cover460. A portion of the first portion of the signal may be reflected towards a light detector, such as thelight detector420. In some embodiments, the second portion of the signal propagates through the transparent cover and exit thenon-contact switch400. The transparent cover may reflect a percentage of the signal, such as 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 percent and propagate the remainder of the signal.
• Atstep520, a gain circuit maintains, monitors, controls or adjusts operation of the detector. Gain circuit may begain circuit470. The detector may belight detector420. Gain circuit may maintain operation of the detector to ensure that the detector operates within a predetermined sensitivity range. In some embodiments, predetermined sensitivity range may be an average intensity range of the detector that is below the threshold for detecting a presence of anobject450. In some embodiments, specific sensitivity range may be an average intensity range of the light detected that is above the detection threshold for detecting a presence of anobject450. In other embodiments, specific sensitivity range may be an average intensity range of the light detected that includes a detection threshold for detecting a presence of anobject450. In some embodiments, specific sensitivity range may be an intensity or power range of the detector that is below the detection threshold for detecting of the presence of theobject450. Gain circuit may maintain operation of the detector a specific percentage of the detection threshold intensity or power for detecting the presence of theobject450. In some embodiments, gain circuit maintains operation of the detector between below the detection threshold for detecting theobject450 by a predetermined percentage of the threshold. The predetermined percentage of the threshold may be any percentage of the intensity or power of light detected to meet or exceed the threshold for detecting of theobject450. In some embodiments, the predetermined percentage of the threshold may be between 0 and 5 percent, 5 and 10 percent, 10 and 20 percent, 20 and 30, 30 and 40 percent, 40 and 50, 50 and 60 percent, 60 and 70 percent, 70 and 80 percent, 80 and 90 percent, 90 and 95 percent, or 95 and 100 percent of the detection threshold. In some embodiments, the gain circuit determines that the signal or a portion of the signal detected by the detector is below the specific sensitivity range. The portion of the signal may be a duration of any number of pulses, such as between 1 and 10 pulses, 10 and 20 pulses, 20 and 30 pulses, 30 and 40 pulses, 40 and 50 pulses, 50 and 60 pulses, 60 and 80 pulses, 80 and 100 pulses, 100 and 200 pulses, 200 and 2000 pulses or any other number of pulses. In some embodiments, the gain circuit determines that a portion of the signal comprising any number of high components and low components is below the specific sensitivity range. The gain circuit may adjust or increase the gain to ensure that the detector detects the portion of the signal within the specific sensitivity range or within a specific percentage range of the detection threshold. Similarly, the gain circuit may determine that a portion of the signal comprising any number of high components and low components is above the specific sensitivity range. The gain circuit may adjust or decrease the gain to ensure that the detector detects the portion of the signal within the specific sensitivity range or within a specific percentage range of the detection threshold. Adjustment of gain may be done by varying pulse width of the signal. In some embodiments, adjustment of gain is implemented by increasing or decreasing a duration high components of each pulse. In further embodiments, adjustment is implemented by increasing or decreasing a duration of low components of each pulse. By adjusting the high component to low component duration ratio of the pulses of the signal the device may adjust the gain of the detector. Adjustment of gain may be done at a specific rate to allow the gain not to be adjusted fast enough in embodiments whenobject450 approaches the device. In such instances, theobject450 may cause the portion of the signal detected to exceed the detection threshold of the detector faster than the gain circuit would adjust the gain of the signal.
• Atstep520, the detector determines that a reflected first portion of the signal is below a threshold of the detector. The threshold of the detector may be a sufficient the power or intensity of signal detected by the detector to recognize the presence of theobject450. In some embodiments, the reflected first portion of the signal includes the portion of the signal reflected by thetransparent cover460. In further embodiments, the reflected portion of the signal includes the portions of the signal reflected by any segment or component of thenon-contact switch400. In still further embodiments, detector determines that the total signal reaching the detector is below the threshold, in response to actions, adjustments or maintaining of performance performed by the gain circuit.
• Atstep525, the second portion of the signal reflects off of an object outside of the device. The second portion of the signal may comprise a portion of the signal that has propagated through the transparent cover. The second portion of the signal may comprise a portion of the signal that has propagated through the transparent cover and has reflected off of an object, such as anobject450. In some embodiments, the second portion of the signal or a portion of the second portion of the signal reflects towards detector, such as thelight detector420. In further embodiments, the second portion of the signal or a portion of the second portion of the signal reflects off the object and through the transparent cover towards the detector. The object may be a portion of a body of a person, such as a user, or any embodiment of theobject450.
• Atstep530, the device determines that the object is present responsive to the detector determining that the reflected first and second portions of the signal exceed the threshold of the detector. In some embodiments, the detector determines that the reflected first and second portions of the signal exceed the threshold of the detector. In some embodiments, the detector receives the reflected second portion of the signal reflected off of theobject450 in addition to the received first portion of the signal. The detector may detect the sum of the reflected first and second portions of the signal. In some embodiments, the detector detects average intensity or power of the reflected first and second portions of the signal. In further embodiments, the detector determines that the sum of the received first and second portions of the signal exceeds the threshold intensity or power needed for the detector to recognize the presence of theobject450. In still further embodiments, the device determines that the object is present responsive to the determination of the detector that the reflected first and second portions of the signal exceed the intensity or power threshold of the detector needed to detect the presence of the object. In still further embodiments, the determination that the object is present is responsive to the actions or adjustments by the gain circuit. In still further embodiments, the determination that the reflected first and second portions of the signal exceed the threshold is further based on the average intensity of the plurality of pulses of the reflected first and second portions of signal exceeding the threshold established by the gain circuit.
F. Systems and Methods for Assigning of Master and Slave Status
• Referring now toFIG. 6A, an embodiment of a system for assigning of master or slave status to a light device110 is illustrated.FIG. 6A depictslighting devices110A and110B exchanging communication signals via aconnection105.Lighting device110A comprisescontroller120A, master/slave addressor130A and acommunicator125A that further includesaddress127A anddetector605A.Lighting device110B includes acontroller110B that comprisescommunicator125B, address127B and master/slave addressor123B. The signals or communication transmitted between thelighting devices110A and110B includedata210,data bits215 andinstruction bits220 that are divided into time intervals orperiods205.Data210,data bits215 andinstruction bits220 within eachperiod205 define a duty cycle of eachperiod205. The duty cycle of eachperiod205 may further define or identifypower655 orintensity658 for the lighting devices110.Data210,data bits215 andinstruction bits220 of the signals may forminstructions650 for assigning master or slave status to the lighting devices110. Theinstructions650 in addition to providing instructions for assigning status, such as a master or slave status, may also be included within the duty cycle that may also providepower655 and/orintensity658 for the lighting device110.
• In further detail,FIG. 6A illustrates adetector605 that receives, detects and identifiesinstructions650.Detector605 may include any type and form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.Detector605 may include any type and form of a device, a unit, a structure, an apparatus, a function, an algorithm, a script, an executable file, a software application or a software program that operates on a computing device such as a lighting device with a processor. In some embodiments,detector605 includes any type and form of a function, application, device, unit or a structure for receiving, detecting, identifying, managing or manipulatinginstructions650.Detector605 may comprise any unit, function or a component for identifying or recognizinginstructions650 from any type and form ofdata210, such asdata bits215 orinstruction bits220. In some embodiments,detector605 includes any type and form of a policy or a policy engine. In further embodiments,detector605 includes a rule or a rule engine. The policy or policy engine or the rule or the rule engine may determine or identify actions to be taken in response to theinstructions650. In further embodiments,detector605 includes a parser that parsesincoming data210,data bits215 andinstruction bits220. The parsed data may be used by any component of the lighting device110 to implement or execute actions as defined by the receivedinstructions650. In some embodiments, the parsed data is used to operate the lighting device110 as identified by thepower655 orintensity658. In further embodiments,detector605 determines the duty cycle within each of the time interval orperiod205. In still further embodiments,detector605 determines the starting or ending point of each of the time intervals orperiods205.
• Power650 may be any rate of delivery of electrical energy to a lighting device110. In some embodiments,power650 is a product of voltage and current delivered to a lighting device110. Thepower650 may be delivered to the lighting device110 from another lighting device110, from apower supply140 or from any power outlet or plug. In some embodiments,power650 is defined by the duty cycle of a signal or communication received by the lighting device110 viaconnection105. In some embodiments,power650 within aperiod205 is defined by a ratio of a duration of aperiod205 for which the signal or communication have a high value to a duration of the entire duration of theperiod205. In further embodiments,power650 within aperiod205 is defined by an average voltage, current or power value of the signal within theperiod205. In some embodiments,power650 may be defined by a signal that comprises a plurality ofperiods205. The lighting device110 may emit light or otherwise operate in accordance withpower650. Thepower650 may change fromperiod205 toperiod205. In some embodiments, thepower650 may remain unchanged over any number ofconsecutive periods205, regardless if someperiods205 comprise one ormore instructions650.
• Intensity658 may be any amount of electromagnetic radiation emitted or emanated or to be emitted or emanated from the lighting device110. In some embodiments,intensity658 identifies an amount of photons of light emitted from the lighting device110. In further embodiments,intensity658 is an amount of light emitted by lighting device110 per a predetermined amount of time. In some embodiments,intensity658 is defined by the duty cycle of a signal or communication received by the lighting device110 viaconnection105. In some embodiments,intensity658 within aperiod205 is defined by a ratio of a duration of aperiod205 for which the signal or communication have a high value to a duration of the entire duration of theperiod205. In further embodiments,intensity658 within aperiod205 is defined by an average voltage, current or power value of the signal within theperiod205. In some embodiments,intensity658 may be defined by a signal that comprises a plurality ofperiods205. The lighting device110 may emit light or otherwise operate in accordance withintensity658. Theintensity658 may change fromperiod205 toperiod205. In some embodiments,intensity658 may remain unchanged over any number ofconsecutive periods205, regardless if someperiods205 comprise one ormore instructions650.
• Instructions650 may include any type and form of commands, instructions, or configurations, such as for assigning a status to a lighting device110.Instructions650 may includedata210,data bits215 orinstruction bits220. In some embodiment,instructions650 includes any combination ofdata220,data bits215 orinstruction bits220. In some embodiments,instructions650 include any type and form or commands and instructions for assigning a status of a master or a slave to a lighting device110. The status of a master may enable the lighting device110 to send out instructions or commands to one or more lighting devices on a network. The status of a master may further enable the lighting device to control, manage or modify operation, functionality or output of other lighting devices110 connected to the lighting devices110 via theconnection105. The status of a slave may enable the lighting device110 to receive instructions and commands from a lighting device110 that is assigned a status of the master. The status of a slave may enable the lighting device to be controlled, managed or have its operation, functionality or output modified by the lighting device that is assigned a status of the master. The lighting device110 assigned the status of a slave may be modified, commanded, operated or have its operation or functionality controlled or modified by the lighting device110 having the status of the master by receivinginstructions650 via theconnection105.
• In some embodiments,instructions650 include messages used to diagnose problems of lighting devices110.Instructions650 may include requests and responses to the requests and may be sent by master orslave lighting devices650, such as:
• LC_ACK_ON_ALERTS sending an acknowledgement to check for an error, such as humidity, temperature or voltage error;
  LC_CLEAR_ALERTS clearing alert flags from the lighting device110;
  LC_SET_ALERT_HISTORY setting alert flag if permanent history exists.
  LC_DRIVE_LED_ALERT setting an alert light or alert LED if an alert is set;
  LC_DRIVE_LED_ADDRESS setting alert light to on when a match between an address127 of a previously receivedinstruction650 and an address127 of the lighting device110 is detected;
  LC_NO_DRIVE_LED to set alert light to off;
  LC_ACK_ON_AMBIENT sending an acknowledgement if ambient light detector is active;
  LC_ACK_ON_PIR sending an acknowledgement if anobject450 is detected on a light switch enclosure.
• In some embodiments,instructions650 include messages that include commands for controlling or managing of the lighting devices110.Instructions650 may include dimming or brightness level instructions, color settings, flashing instructions, timing instructions, or any other control instructions, such as:
• LC_SET_DIM commanding a setting of a dimming or a brightness value
  LC_SET_RED setting a value of brightness of red light;
  LC_SET_GREEN setting a value of brightness of green light;
  LC_SET_BLUE setting a value of brightness of blue light;
  LC_LATCH_RGB setting a value of brightness or intensity using a previous value for a specific zone or a specific group of lighting devices110;
  LC_LATCH_RGB SHORT setting a value of brightness or intensity for all zones or all groups of lighting devices110;
  LC_MOVING_DOWN decreasing dim or brightness, intensity level;
  LC_MOVING_UP increasing dim or brightness, intensity level;
  LC_FOLLOW_DIM_LINE using external source for PWM signal to modify the dim or brightness and intensity level. Such external signal control may be cancelled with LC_SET_DIM instruction;
  LC_SELECT_LED1 selecting a lighting device110aof the plurality of lighting devices110;
  LC_SELECT_LED2 selecting a lighting device110bof the plurality of lighting devices110;
  LC_SELECT_LED3 selecting a lighting device110cof the plurality of lighting devices110;
  LC_LATCH_FADE_SPEED using a previously sent value to set speed of fading light between 0% and 100%;
  LC_LATCH_MAX_LEVEL using a previously sent value as maximum dim or intensity, brightness level;
  LC_LATCH_SMOOTH_TIME using a previously sent value as dim number last sent as DIM transition time for “smooth DIM”
  LC_LATCH_ON_TIME using a value sent as a time interval during which the lighting device110 will be turned on during the strobe or flashing effect;
  LC_LATCH_OFF_TIME using a value sent as a time interval during which the lighting device110 will be turned off during the strobe or flashing effect;
  LC_START_FLASH starting a flashing or strobe effect by counting PWM pulses from the master lighting device110;
  LC_STOP_FLASH stopping the flashing or strobe effect.
• In some embodiments,instructions650 include messages that set or check addresses of the lighting devices110.Instructions650 may include any requests for address matches, setting of addresses, such as:
• LC_ACK_ADDRESS requesting response from specific address. The address may include a number between 1 and 511. This instruction may send 0 to clear the addresses;
  LC_ENTER_LEARN_MODE turning on the learn mode or the addressing assignment mode and allowing the lighting devices110 to learn set addresses, be assigned addresses or modify addresses; LC_CANCEL_LEARN_MODE ignoring learn mode and not saving the modified addresses;
  LC_EXIT_LEARN_MODE turning off the learn mode or the addressing assignment mode;
  LC_ACK_ZONE_MATCH sending acknowledgement if a one-wire zone or group of lighting devices110 was recognized;
  LC_FLASH_ZONE_ID flashing a zone identifier;
  LC_RESET_ZONE setting the zone to default, such as value of 0 for example.
• In some embodiments,instructions650 include messages that activate or deactivate light switch enclosure detection of anobject450, such as:
• LC_IR_TOUCH_SENSE commanding to use infrared, or IR, touch sensing;
  LC_IR_CODE_SENSE commanding to use IR receive code sensing;
  LC_PIR_SENSE commanding to use passive IR person sensing
  LC_KEY_FOB_SENSE commanding to use wireless key fob sensing
  LC_OTHER_SENSE commanding to use unlisted or an auxiliary technology for sensing
  LC_NO_SENSE commanding to turn off all sensing, and instead use the line communication between the lighting devices110 only.
• In some embodiments,instructions650 include messages that set or check for master or slave statuses of the lighting devices110.Instructions650 may assign or verify master and slave statuses of the lighting devices using any number of commands, such as:
• LC_ACK_MASTER sending a global request to all the lighting devices110 to acknowledge a master status of a lighting device110.
  LC_ACK_GRANT_MASTER granting or assigning a master status to a lighting device110 previously having a slave status;
  LC_ACK_DECODE_ERR sending an acknowledgement response stating that theinstruction650 to acknowledge a master status was not recognized;
  LC_CHECK_FOR_SLAVE sending a request to set a status of a lighting device110 to slave status;
  LC_ACK_REQ_SHORT sending a default request to set a hardware to clear.
• In some embodiments,instructions650 include messages that configure options, such as clock and timing of the lighting devices. Such instructions may grant or assign generic status or be used for control of communications, such as:
• LC_POWER_ON_FULL powering on the lighting devices110 to full 100% brightness or intensity;
  LC_POWER_ON_LAST remembering a previous setting for next power-on
  LC_SET_NUMBER setting current value to be used for intensity, addresses, status, commands or communication to any value between 0 and 1023.
  LC_LATCH_COUNT using a value previously sent as count for upload/download bytes in packet, time setting;
  LC_LATCH_CLOCK_TIME using a value previously sent for a time and date, such as years/days/hours/seconds of time;
  LC_SET_ACTION using a value previously sent to assign the date and time of the event;
  LC_RESET_HARDWARE resetting hardware of the lighting devices110;
  LC_RAW_DATA sending raw data, such as higher-level protocol for extended commands;
  LC_REQUEST_STATUS asking for configuration string.
• Instructions650 may include status responses for lighting devices110 such as, 12″ V-Line “Gen2.1”, 18″ V-Line “Gen-2.1”, Touch V1, Aperion V2, TriLight V3,Lightlink105 V3, LightLink101 V3, Super LightLink, or any other lighting device110. Theinstructions650 may further include current software version or revision. In some embodiments,instructions650 include software interfaces used for communication, such as the line, DMX communication interface, differential serial communication line or a wireless connection.Instructions650 may further include hardware features installed, such as InfraRed, or IR detect present,light switch enclosure400 or PIR detect present, ambient light sensor present, fire sensor present, DMZ interface present or wireless radio present.Instructions650 may further include input selections, such as: 0 to 10 volt input, 10 volt current source, MOM switch, DMX address, PWM signal input, inverted PWM signal input, preset switch input, IR touch or IR command line.Instructions650 may further include a time, such as current time of day, total on duration of time, lighting device110 on running time, and event timers.Instructions650 may include humidity, temperature and voltage error readings, such as: humidity reading, minimum lifetime humidity reading with time stamp, maximum lifetime humidity reading with time stamp, temperature reading, minimum lifetime temperature reading with time stamp, maximum lifetime temperature reading with time stamp and over voltage detection with time stamp. Sometimes,instructions650 may further include current status of sensors, such as: IR detect, PIR detect, PIR person detector tripped since last request, current state of ambient light sensor, and current state of the fire or smoke sensor.
• Connection105, which may also be referred to as the line, may be any medium through which signals, communications, instructions, power and intensity are transmitted. In some embodiments, the line is a I2Systems Lightlink™ of I2Systems Inc. In further embodiments, the line is I2Systems or I2System Lightlink Control Bus, also referred to as LLCB by I2Systems Inc. The line may comprise a single active wire connection between two or more lighting devices110 and a single ground return wire. Two or more lighting devices110 may be connected via the line in parallel connection, in series connection or in any combination of parallel and series connections. In some embodiments, the lighting devices are connected in a parallel connection pattern in which the communication receiving pins of the lighting devices110 are connected to the active wire of the line and ground pins of the lighting devices110 are connected to the ground wire of the line. In some embodiments, the line includes a medium for controlling lighting devices110 via a lighting dimmer scheme, such as a DMX-512 protocol for a DMX connection. In further embodiments, the line includes a RS-232 connection, a wireless connection or an Ethernet connection. In still further embodiments, the line is any medium supporting or handling any 8/16 bit digital communication.
• In one embodiment, a master lighting device110acommunicates with a plurality of slave lighting devices110 via the line. The line may include an active wire via which the communications are transmitted, and a ground return wire. Communications transmitted may include signals, instructions, request and response messages, power or intensity modulating signals, commands, configurations, settings, read-backs or any other type and form of transmissions The communications may be digital transmissions of any voltage or current characteristics or range. In some embodiments, digital pulse width modulated (PWM) signals based on a 5 volt digital logic are transmitted via the line. The PWM signals may use a 5 volt signal to indicate a high state, while a 0 volt transmission may indicate a low state. A threshold distinguishing between the high and the low levels may be any value between 0 and 5 volts, such as 2.5 volts for example. In some embodiments, the signal in addition to only two levels, a high level and a low level, may further include additional levels, such as a third level, a fourth level, a fifth level, and so on. The line may transmit communication using a half-duplex channel allowing a single lighting device110ato send a communication at one time. The lighting devices110 receiving the communication may send acknowledgement transmissions in response to the received communication. The acknowledgement may include a response that a receivedinstruction650 was implemented or an indication that the received communication was acknowledged. In some embodiments, acknowledgements include a response that an error occurred or that that the receivedinstruction650 was not acknowledged. For example, the master lighting device110amay send aninstruction650 to set a first slave lighting device110bas a master lighting device. In response to the receivedinstruction650, the master lighting device110amay receive acknowledgements from each of the lighting devices110. Once each of the lighting devices110 has acknowledged affirmatively, the first slave lighting device110bmay be assigned a master status and all the remaining lighting devices110, including the master lighting device110a, may be assigned a slave status. The first slave lighting device110bis from that point on recognized as the master and may send anyinstructions650 or commands to any of the lighting devices110. Thus, the group of lighting devices110 in this embodiment only have a single master lighting device110 at a given time.
• Instructions and acknowledgements transmitted between the lighting devices110 may be sent via the line using any communication, such as DMX communication that uses DMX-512 protocol. In some embodiments, the DMX communication may be used or modified to enable two-way communication between lighting devices110 by using RS-232 connections to listen for incoming communication, such as instructions or acknowledgements. Instructions or commands may be of any bit length, such as 2 bits, 4 bits, 8 bits, 16 bits or 32 bits. In some embodiments, instructions include a command of 4 bits, 8 bits of data and 4 bit checksum. In further embodiments, an additional instruction may be used to check for activity over the line. The rate of the communication transmitted via the line may vary. In some embodiments, communication is transmitted via the line at a rate of 250 cps. In further embodiments, communication transmitted may be at speed of 500 cps or clocks per second, 1000 cps, 4000 cps, 16000 cps or any other rate.
• Referring now toFIG. 6B, an embodiment of steps for a method for assigning a status to a lighting device over a single line or a connection used by the lighting device to communicate with one or more of other lighting devices is illustrated. Atstep605, a first lighting device receives via a line a signal comprising an instruction within a first duty cycle. Atstep610, a detector of the first lighting device detects the instruction. Atstep615, a master/slave addressor assigns a status identified by the instruction to the first lighting device. Atstep620, the first lighting device emits light identified by the first duty cycle. Atstep625, the first lighting device receives via the line a second signal comprising a second duty cycle. Atstep630, the detector detects that the second signal comprises no instruction and the first lighting device emits light identified by the second duty cycle.
• Atstep605, a first lighting device, such as the lighting device110, receives via a line a signal comprising an instruction within a first duty cycle. The first lighting device may receive the signal via any line, such as aconnection105 for example. In some embodiments, the signal is transmitted to the first lighting device via a conducting wire. In further embodiments, the first lighting device receives the signal via a wireless link. In yet further embodiments, the first lighting device receives the signal in the form of an electromagnetic wireless transmission that can be of any bandwidth or spectral range. In still further embodiments, the first lighting device receives the signal via an optical fiber or via any type and form of a waveguide. The signal received may include any type and form of a communication or a transmission, such as digital, analog, optical, wireless, electromagnetic or electrical signal or transmission. The signal may be divided into any number ofperiods205. In some embodiments, the signal is of a duration of asingle period205. In other embodiments, the signal is of a duration of a plurality ofperiods205. The signal may include any number of instructions, such as theinstructions650. In some embodiments, the instruction includes aninstruction650 to set or establish a status of the first lighting device. In further embodiments, the instruction includes an instruction or a command to set or establish a master status to the first lighting device. In other embodiments, the instruction includes an instruction or a command to establish a slave status to the first lighting device. In still further embodiments, the instruction includes an instruction or a command to set or establish an intermediary status to the first lighting device. The intermediary status may be a status different from the master status or the slave status. The intermediary status may enable the first lighting device to act or operate as a master to a first number of lighting devices and to act or operate as a slave to a second number of lighting devices. The first number of lighting devices and the second number of lighting devices may be connected to the first lighting device via the same line, such as aconnection105. The instructions comprised by the signal may be included within the first duty cycle of the signal. The first duty cycle may be a duty cycle of afirst period205 of a plurality ofperiods205 of the signal. The first duty cycle may be any fraction or a ratio of a duration of aperiod205 for which the signal includes a high voltage value over the total duration of theperiod205. In some embodiments, first duty cycle is a fraction or a ratio of a duration of aperiod205 for which the signal includes a high current value over the total duration of theperiod205. In further embodiments, first duty cycle is a fraction or a ratio of a duration of aperiod205 for which the signal includes a high power value over the total duration of theperiod205. In some embodiments, duty cycle includes an average value of the signal averaged over theperiod205. The total duration of theperiod205 may include portions of the signal having any number of values.
• Atstep610, any component of the first lighting device detects the instruction. The instruction may be anyinstruction650. In some embodiments,detector605 detects theinstruction650. In further embodiments,communicator125 detects theinstruction650. In still further embodiments,controller120 detects theinstruction650. In yet further embodiments, master/slave addressor130 detects theinstruction650. The first lighting device may detect the instruction using any type and form of a detecting mechanism, apparatus, application or a device. In some embodiments, the first lighting device detects theinstruction650 using a detector that monitors the receiving signal detects theinstruction650 within the signal. In further embodiments, the first lighting device monitors the incoming signal for a specific signal profile in order to detect the instruction. The lighting device110 may detect theinstruction650 by matching an address or an identifier comprised by theincoming instruction650 to address127 stored on the lighting device110. The address or the identifier of theinstruction650 may include any set of characters, numbers, symbols,data210,data bits215 orinstruction bits220. In some embodiments, the address or the identifier of theinstruction650 includes a set ofdata bits215, characters, numbers or symbols that thatmatch data bits215, characters, numbers or symbols of the address127 stored on the lighting device110. The first lighting device may detect theinstruction650 by parsing the received instruction into components, one of which may be an address comprised by theinstruction650. The address or the identifier of the parsedinstruction650 may be matched to the address127 of the first lighting device by thedetector605. In some embodiments,detector605 matches the address or the identifier of theinstruction650 to the address127 of the lighting device using any type and form of a logic comparator, a policy or a rule. In further embodiments, the lighting device uses a policy engine to match an address or the identifier of theinstruction650 to the address127 of the lighting device. In still further embodiments, the lighting device uses a rule engine to match an address or the identifier of theinstruction650 to the address127 of the lighting device. In yet further embodiments, the lighting device110 uses any combination of a comparator, a logic component a parser, a rule engine, a policy engine or any other matching or detecting unit to detect theinstruction650.Detector605 may further identify the type of instruction, such as aninstruction650 to assign a master status, a slave status or any other type of status to the first lighting device110. In some embodiments, the first lighting device110 identifies the instruction to assign a master status to the first lighting device. In other embodiments, the first lighting device identifies the instruction to assign a slave status to the first lighting device. In further embodiments, the first lighting device identifies the instruction to assign any other status, such as an intermediary status, to the first lighting device.
• Atstep615, a component of the first lighting device assigns a status to the first lighting device. The status may be assigned to the first lighting device110 in response to the identification of the receivedinstruction650 by thedetector605. The status may be assigned to the first lighting device110 in response to the matching of the address or the identifier of theinstruction650. In some embodiments, master/slave addressor130 of the first lighting device assigns the status to the first lighting device110. In other embodiments, any component of the lighting device110 assigns the status to the first lighting device110. In further embodiments, the status assigned to the first lighting device110 is identified by theinstruction650 received by the first lighting device110. The status may be assigned in response to the detection of theinstruction650. In some embodiments, the status is assigned in response to the matching of the address or the identifier of theinstruction650 with the address127 of the first lighting device110. In still further embodiments, master/slave addressor130 modifies or edits configuration of the first lighting device110 in accordance with the status identified by theinstruction650. Master/slave addressor130 may edit or modify settings or configuration of the first lighting device110 to a specific configuration of the status identified by theinstruction650. In some embodiments, master/slave addressor130 edits or modifies the configuration of the first lighting device to the master configuration in response to thedetection650 of the instruction to set the first lighting device110 to the status of the master. In further embodiments, master/slave addressor130 edits or modifies the configuration of the first lighting device110 to the slave configuration in response to the detection of theinstruction650 to set the first lighting device110 to the status of a slave. In yet further embodiments, master/slave addressor130 edits or modifies the configuration of the first lighting device to the intermediary configuration in response to the detection of the instruction to set the first lighting device to the intermediary status. Modified configuration in response to the detection of theinstruction650 to set up or assign a master status to the first lighting device110 may change operation of the first lighting device110 to control or manage other lighting devices connected via the line. In some embodiments, modified configuration in response to the detection of theinstruction650 to assign or set up a slave status to the first lighting device110 changes or modifies the operation of the first lighting device110 to be controlled or managed by another lighting device110 that is connected via the line, or theconnection105, to the first lighting device110.
• Atstep620, the first lighting device emits light identified by the first duty cycle. The first lighting device110 may emit the light having theintensity650 or thepower655 as defined by the first duty cycle or as defined by the signal within the first duty cycle. In some embodiments, the first lighting device emits light that hasintensity658 that is identified by the first duty cycle. In further embodiments, first lighting device emits light that hasintensity658 that is identified by the plurality of successive duty cycles, such as the first duty cycle. In still further embodiments, the first lighting device emits light that hasintensity658 that is proportional to the first duty cycle. In still further embodiments, the first lighting device emits light that hasintensity658 that is proportional to the maximum intensity of light emitted by the first lighting device multiplied by the first duty cycle. In some embodiments, the first lighting device emits light that haspower655 identified by the first duty cycle. In further embodiments, first lighting device emits light that haspower655 identified by the plurality of successive duty cycles. In still further embodiments, the first lighting device emits light that haspower655 that is proportional to the first duty cycle. In still further embodiments, the first lighting device emits light that haspower655 that is proportional to the maximum power used by the first lighting device multiplied by the first duty cycle. In further embodiments, the first lighting device110 emits light that has pulse or intensity variation that is defined or identified by the first duty cycle or by a plurality of duty cycles such as the first duty cycle.
• Atstep625, the first lighting device receives via the line a second signal comprising a second duty cycle. The second signal may be divided into any number ofperiods205. In some embodiments, the second signal is of a duration of asingle period205. In other embodiments, the second signal is of a duration of a plurality ofconsecutive periods205. The first lighting device may receive via the line a second signal comprising any functionality or any feature of the signal received by the first lighting device instep605. In some embodiments, the second signal comprises a second duty cycle that is same as the first duty cycle or substantially similar to the first duty cycle. In other embodiments, the second duty cycle is different from the first duty cycle. The second duty cycle may include any embodiments and any functionality of any duty cycle. The second duty cycle may not include anyinstructions650 but may still define or identify thesame power655 or thesame intensity658 as defined by the first duty cycle. In some embodiments, the second duty cycle does not include anyinstructions650 but still identifies or definespower655 that is the same or substantially similar as thepower655 defined or identified by the first duty cycle. In further embodiments, the second duty cycle does not include anyinstructions650 but still identifies or definespower655 that is the same or substantially similar as thepower655 defined or identified by the first duty cycle.
• Atstep630, first lighting device detects that the second signal comprises no instructions and emits light identified by the second duty cycle. In some embodiments,detector605 detects noinstructions650 within the second signal. The first lighting device may emit light identified by the second duty cycle. The first lighting device110 may emit the light as identified by the second duty cycle regardless of the presence or absence of theinstruction650 from the signal within the second duty cycle. The first lighting device110 may emit the light having theintensity650 or thepower655 as defined by the second duty cycle or as defined by the signal within the second duty cycle. In some embodiments, the first lighting device emits light that hasintensity658 that is proportional to the second duty cycle. In still further embodiments, the first lighting device emits light that hasintensity658 that is proportional to the maximum intensity of light emitted by the first lighting device multiplied by the second duty cycle. In some embodiments, the first lighting device emits light that haspower655 identified by the second duty cycle. In further embodiments, first lighting device emits light that haspower655 identified by the plurality of successive duty cycles. In still further embodiments, the first lighting device emits light that haspower655 that is proportional to the second duty cycle. In still further embodiments, the first lighting device emits light that haspower655 that is proportional to the maximum power used by the first lighting device multiplied by the second duty cycle. In further embodiments, the first lighting device110 emits light that has pulse or intensity variation that is defined or identified by the second duty cycle or by a plurality of duty cycles such as the second duty cycle.
G. Intensity Profile Based on Battery Health and Time Period for a Solar LED System
• Systems and methods for using a solar based LED system to run an intensity profiled based on battery health and time period are presented. A solar based LED assembly unit, which may also be referred to as a solar assembly unit or a system is described. In one embodiment, the solar assembly unit or system may be a part number 8120193-2-F and/or 8120193-2C manufactured and/or supplied by I2Systems, Inc. of Morris, Conn.
• The solar based LED system may include a mode of independent operation. In some embodiments, no wires or “pattern” programming required for entering light timing patterns for the system. The system may automatically perform the operations and functions described herein without any user interaction, programming or wiring. The system may be active 24 hours per day and may continuously measure voltage to determine the time of day. In other embodiments, the system may be active for a predetermined amount of time during the day on any basis, such as for a certain percentage on predetermined amount of time of each hour. In some embodiments, the system monitors the voltage produced by the solar cells to determine the amount of light to be outputted from the LEDs. In one embodiment, the system continuously monitors the voltage produced by the solar cells. In other embodiments, the system monitors the voltage produced by the solar cells at a predetermined frequency or time period.
• The solar based LED system may include a long LED run time. In some embodiments, the system or assembly provides efficient switching power regulation to the LED. This may lead to longer LED run time or extension of battery life. The solar based LED system may further include an assembly or system comprising an intelligent controller, which may further comprise software, hardware or any combination of software and hardware. In some embodiments, the intelligent controller maintains a predetermined charge level on the battery to extend its life. In one embodiment, the intelligent controller maintain the charge level at high level to extend battery life even in cold weather.
• The solar based LED system may also include a sleep mode. In some embodiments, the assembly or system is designed and constructed to provide a predetermined power consumption, such as a very Low Power Consumption, when LED is Not Powered On or otherwise when the LED is not operating or emitting light. The solar based LED system, also referred to as the system, may include a large battery. In some embodiments, the assembly or system comprises a battery of a size, capacity or capability to enables running for a predetermined amount of days without sun or a predetermined amount of days that are cloudy, or any combination of no sun or cloudy days. In other embodiments, the battery is of a size, capacity or capability to run the assembly or system for a predetermined amount of days based on a predetermined amount of exposure to sun or a predetermined frequency of exposure to sun.
• In some embodiments, the assembly or system comprises a solar panel designed and constructed to be efficient and in a form factor suitable to the assembly or system. For example, the solar panel may designed and constructed to fit in a small space relative to the assembly or system and to operate efficiently. In one embodiment. single crystal cells are used for highest efficiency providing significant power to charge the battery even on partially cloudy days. The assembly or system may be designed and constructed with any number and type of solar panels. In some embodiments, the system is assembled with four independent solar panels. The solar panels may operate independently or dependently to each other. In one embodiment, the system will function if any one panel is shaded or not operational.
• The assembly or system may comprise any type and form of software or executable instructions that may be configured, upgraded or modified to change or add any operational or performance characteristic of the assembly or system. In some embodiments, software may be reconfigured by a technician allowing in field upgrades. In other embodiments, the assembly or system may comprise any type and form of interface or port for connecting to, communicating with or receiving any software configuration, upgrades, commands or instructions.
• In some embodiments, the assembly or system may have any of the following electrical characteristics under any of the following conditions: TA (Ambient Temperature)=25 deg. C., Load=0.5 W LED Load, Cooling: Convection, Battery: Panasonic LC-R067R2P.

• PARAMETER	NOTES	MIN	TYP	MAX	UNITS

  Absolute Maximum Ratings

  Input Voltage	Continuous	3	6.3	20	Vdc
  Operating Environment		−40		85	deg. C.
  Temperature (LEDs off)
  Storage Temperature		−40		85	deg. C.
  Humidity
  				90	%
  (non-condensing)

  Battery Charge Characteristics*

  Charge Voltage			7.2	8.5	Vdc
  Charge Peak Current			0.12	0.15	Adc

  LED Driver Characteristics

  LED Drive Current		0.015		0.15**	Adc

  
  In some embodiments, the above electrical characteristics of the assembly or system have been designed and tested for use with Panasonic Valve Regulated Lead-Acid Battery, Model Number LC-R067R2p (6V, 7.2 Ah/20 HR). In some embodiments, other types of batteries may produce different electrical characteristics or operating results. ***In some embodiments, 3 LEDs are configured in parallel which results in 0.15 A/3=0.050 ADC per LED.
• The system may be installed by anyone, including a user or a customer. In some embodiments, the assembly or system includes static sensitive components and should be handled in a static free environment. Assembly or system should be installed such that no components or circuit traces are within contact with any conductive material, or any material capable of dislodging components or severing board traces due to vibration. In some embodiments, components are not to be potted.
• In some embodiments, the operating environment temperature shall not exceed that of the temperature listed above in section. Operation above or below the specified temperature range may result in reduced operating life or failure of the system. In some embodiments, the assembly or system shall be installed such that it is properly heat-sinked to a housing exposed to ambient air flow. In another embodiment, the assembly or system should be installed in a sealed environment. Condensation and exposure to water may result in reduced operating life or catastrophic failure of the product.
• Referring now toFIG. 7, an embodiment of a Solar Based Assembly System is presented. The solar based LED assembly may include a printed circuit board, a drive and a control circuitry, a programming and a test header, and a battery hookup with red and black wires feeding the circuit. In some embodiments, the Solar assembly is configured for day time charging via the installed solar panels installed to the top side of the assembly and illumination during evening hours. Throughout the day, the battery may charge at a maximum rate or any predetermined rate. When night time is detected, the LED may be turned on and run a profile as outlined below. Based on measured battery health, this discharge profile may scale over the range of 100/0 down to 25% or lower, operating time being the only constant.
• At Startup, the Solar assembly may flash the installed LED light source a predetermined number of times, such has 3 times, at any on/off frequency such 100 ms on, 300 ms off. If system detects the solar cell is dark consistently for a predetermined amount of time, such as 3 minutes, the system turns on or delivers power to the LEDs. If the system detects a predetermined amount light via the solar cell, the system may maintain the LEDs off and may continue to charge. In some embodiments, the LEDs slowly ramp up in intensity and operate per the below profile. The maximum intensity may be determined by the battery condition at the start of the ramp-up or any other predetermined or desired time. If the battery voltage under load is below a certain threshold, such as 5.1V, the system does not operate. The system may need additional charging and/or replacement of the battery in order to continue normal operation.
• Battery Health may be determined at any time and/or point of operation. In one embodiment, the system determines battery health when at or after the LED is turned. The battery health procedure use any type and form of logic, function or operates to measure battery impedance, voltage, and/or system temperature. In some embodiments, health is reflective of the voltage and impedance of the battery, where lower voltage and high impedance equal poor health. The battery health may change with current battery charge state and/or temperature, where low charge and low temperature will result in a high impedance. The system includes software and/or hardware provisions, mechanisms or logic that compare battery impedance to temperature. This is to help validate if the battery impedance is high due to a bad battery or due to temperature. In addition, in some embodiments, voltage under load is scaled to the anticipated voltage level at 25 degrees C. based on a temperature reading. For example, 6.3 Volts may be taken as a nominal voltage and the LED output is reduced from 100% to 12% in 30 linear steps based on the temperature adjusted voltage reading. If the battery is above the nominal voltage such as 6.3V, then the system may regulate as required in order to maintain 0.5 W output or less during LED operation.
• Referring now toFIG. 8, a graph showing a solar intensity profile of the Solar Assembly is presented. The intensity profile of the solar assembly or system may be dependent on any one or more factors related to any operation, performance or measurement of the assembly or system In some embodiments and by way of example, the Solar assembly's LED Intensity Profile may be dependant on two factors: Battery Health. Depending on the measured health of the battery, the LED intensity profile may be scaled in any corresponding manner, such as described in 5.3. In some embodiments, the 100% intensity power level being defined at the time of battery measurement (although the power level may be defined at any other time). When the battery is fully charged, 100% intensity may be approximately ½W LED Power.
• Time Period from Sunset to Sunrise. As seen in the chart below, the Solar Assembly LED intensity profile may ramp up and then ramp down over the first predetermined number of minutes such as 315 minutes at which the system maintains a predetermined amount of intensity, such s 25% intensity for an undefined or defined period after 315 minutes. At approximately a predetermined umber of minutes, such as 165 minutes before sunrise the Solar assembly initiate a second ramp up/ramp down profile.
• The Solar assembly may include a test mode that may be used prior to shipment of products to an installation site. The test mode may be accessed by installing any type and form test jumper, such as an I2Systems test jumper, to the 6-pin test jumper found on the bottom side of the assembly. The jumper may work in either orientation. To enter test mode the Solar Assembly may be connected to the battery. The 6-pin test jumper should be attached as shown inFIG. 8. A momentary switch installed to the jumper should be pressed and released. Upon release, the LED light source may flash once, 1 second on, 0.5 second off. The test routine may then begin. If the solar cell is active, the LEDs may turn off. If the solar cell is dark, then the LEDs may turn on. There may be a 3 second delay when the solar cell goes dark until the LEDs turn on.
• To exit test mode, the 6-pin test jumper may be removed. The system may restart according to normal operation in which the Solar assembly is configured for day time charging via the installed solar panels installed to the top side of the assembly and illumination during evening hours. The system may not be shipped to an installation site with the test jumper installed as the system may not be able to operate under such circumstances.
• Solar based systems may require an adequate amount of sunlight to recharge batteries in order to operate each night throughout the year. The amount of sunlight available may define the 100% intensity power level of which the product may operate. In some embodiments, system may not be installed in the shade or in shaded areas. In addition, obstructions that may shade the system during the winter due to the sun being lower on the horizon may be removed.
• The temperature of the batteries during recharging/discharging affects the lifespan of lead acid batteries as well as the components used to control the system and drive the LEDs. To ensure that the system remains within its optimal temperature range, in some embodiments, it may be recommended that the LED board assembly be heat sinked to the housing of which it is installed and that the final product that integrates the Solar assembly be installed away from high temperature environments, including locations such as black rooftops, tarmac, and desert locations unless additional heat sinking or other methods of cooling are provided. In some embodiments, the system may include one or more Nichia LED Models 8120193-2-F and/or Cree LED Models 8120193-2C. In further embodiments, the LED may not light if the battery falls below a predetermined threshold, such as for example 5V. The system may need at least a predetermined number of volts, such as 3V to keep track of time. In some embodiments, the board is protected from reverse polarity, but the battery may be drained if it is connected reverse for more than a few minutes. In some embodiments, there needs to be enough light to get some voltage from the panel, which may not need much. In some embodiments, if it is in darkness then it may run up to 14 hours and shut off and not light again until it sees some sun (for more than a few minutes).
• The board may be fused with a resettable fuse, but the battery may drain completely before the fault is found. The system may include integrated protection for voltage surges up to a predetermined threshold, such 40V. In some embodiments, with the system at room temperature (25 deg C.), for about 2 weeks to a month. The battery life may be shortened by deep discharges, and run time is much shorter at warmer and colder temperatures. The system may include a temperature sensor that takes continuous measurements of temperature or measurements at predetermined frequencies. The system may use the temperature reading to adjust battery voltage readings up or down to compensate for changes in voltage based on temperature fluctuation. If the voltage falls too low or if the current draw of lighting the LED causes the voltage to drop too much, the system may reduce the LED output substantially or by a predetermined amount to protect the battery. If enough sunlight appears on the solar cells to charge the battery back to a higher state of charge, the system may raise the LED output the following night.
• In some embodiments, the system may monitor (continuously or otherwise) “Open circuit” Voltage, and voltage under load. From the measurements, the system may determines the health of the battery and compensates LED light output accordingly. In some embodiments, this system continuously adjusts instead of switching between 3-4 different dimming presets. In some embodiments, the Solar Assembly tracks the number of days it has been running (Hours/Days/Weeks/Years) and stores it in any type and form of memory, such as flash memory. In some embodiments, the Solar Assembly tracks and averages sunrise and sunset in order to determine when to begin the final discharge phase of the profile as listed above. In some embodiments, upon initial power up, sunrise and sunset calibration may take several days of operation in order to determine the correct on/off times, in which during these several days operation may not be ideal.

Claims (26)

1. A method for modulating intensity of light emitted by a light emitting device using a digital pattern of a signal, the method comprising steps of:

receiving, by a controller, a setting for an intensity of light for a remote lighting device;

receiving, by the controller, an instruction to control the remote lighting device;

generating, by the controller for the remote lighting device, a signal having an instruction, a time period and a duty cycle corresponding to the setting for the intensity of light, the time period comprising a first time interval and a second time interval, a first portion of the signal within the first time interval comprising a first digital pattern corresponding to at least a portion of the instruction, a duty cycle of the first portion of the signal different than a duty cycle of the second portion of the signal, the first digital pattern comprising at least two bits;

determining, by the remote lighting device, the duty cycle of the time period of the signal received from the controller, the duty cycle based on a sum of durations of time for which the signal within the first time interval and the second time interval comprises a high value; and

establishing, by the remote lighting device, intensity of the light emitted based on the duty cycle while taking an action based on at least the portion of the instruction identified by the first digital pattern.

2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

generating, by the controller for the remote lighting device, the signal having the time period comprising a third time interval, the signal comprising a third portion of the signal within the third time interval, a third digital pattern of the third portion of the signal within the third time interval corresponding to at least a second portion of the instruction;

determining, by the remote lighting device, the duty cycle of the time period of the signal, the duty cycle based on a sum of durations of time for which the signal within the first time interval, the second time interval and the third time interval comprises a high value; and

establishing, by the remote lighting device, intensity of the light emitted based on the duty cycle while taking a second action based on at least the portion of the instruction identified by the first digital pattern and the second portion of the instruction identified by the third digital pattern.

3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

receiving, by the controller, a second setting for a second intensity of light for a remote lighting device, the second intensity of light different than the intensity of light;

generating, by the controller for the remote lighting device, a second signal having a second time period and a second duty cycle corresponding to the second setting for the intensity of light, the second time period comprising a new first time interval and a new second time interval,

determining, by the remote lighting device, the second duty cycle of the second time period of the second signal received from the controller, the second duty cycle based on a sum of durations of time for which the second signal within the new first time interval and the new second time interval comprises a high value; and

establishing, by the remote lighting device, the second intensity of the light emitted based on the second duty cycle.

4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising transmitting, by the controller to the remote lighting device, the signal via a wire used for providing electrical power to the remote lighting device.

5. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising emitting, by the remote lighting device, light based on the established intensity of light.

6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising determining, by the remote lighting device, the duty cycle of the time period based on a ratio of a sum of durations of time within time period for which the signal comprises a high value to a total duration of the time period.

7. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising generating, by the controller, the signal comprising the instruction instructing the remote lighting device to set a brightness value of a red light source, green light source or a blue light source of the remote lighting device.

8. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising generating, by the controller, the signal comprising the instruction instructing the remote lighting device to turn off the light by dimming the light down.

9. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising generating the signal comprising the instruction instructing the remote lighting device to enter a learning mode to accept an address assigned to the remote lighting device.

10. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising generating the signal comprising the instruction instructing the remote lighting device to send a message comprising a configuration status of the remote lighting device.

11. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising generating the signal comprising the instruction instructing the remote lighting device to set a maximum intensity of the light emitted for the remote lighting device.

12. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising generating the signal comprising a continuous stream of data bits divided into a plurality of time periods, the time period of the plurality of time periods.

13. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising generating, by the controller, the signal comprising the first portion of the signal consisting of the first time interval and the second portion of the signal consisting of the second time interval.

14. A system for modulating intensity of light emitted by a light emitting device using a digital pattern of a signal, the system comprising:

a controller receiving a setting for an intensity of light for a remote lighting device and an instruction to control the remote lighting device;

the controller generating, for the remote lighting device, a signal having an instruction, a time period and a duty cycle corresponding to the setting for the intensity of light, the time period comprising a first time interval and a second time interval, a first portion of the signal within the first time interval comprising a first digital pattern corresponding to at least a portion of the instruction, a duty cycle of the first portion of the signal different than a duty cycle of the second portion of the signal, the first digital pattern comprising at least two bits;

the remote lighting device determining the duty cycle of the time period of the signal received from the controller, the duty cycle based on a sum of durations of time for which the signal within the first time interval and the second time interval comprises a high value; and

the remote lighting device establishing intensity of the light emitted based on the duty cycle while taking an action based on at least the portion of the instruction identified by the first digital pattern.

15. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the controller generates for the remote lighting device, the signal having the time period comprising a third time interval, the signal comprising a third portion of the signal within the third time interval, a third digital pattern of the third portion of the signal within the third time interval corresponding to at least a second portion of the instruction; and

wherein the remote lighting device determines the duty cycle of the time period of the signal, the duty cycle based on a sum of durations of time for which the signal within the first time interval, the second time interval and the third time interval comprises a high value and establishes intensity of the light emitted based on the duty cycle while taking a second action based on at least the portion of the instruction identified by the first digital pattern and the second portion of the instruction identified by the third digital pattern.

16. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the controller receives a second setting for a second intensity of light for a remote lighting device, the second intensity of light different than the intensity of light and generates for the remote lighting device, a second signal having a second time period and a second duty cycle corresponding to the second setting for the intensity of light, the second time period comprising a new first time interval and a new second time interval; and

wherein the remote lighting device determines the second duty cycle of the second time period of the second signal, the second duty cycle based on a sum of durations of time for which the second signal within the new first time interval and the new second time interval comprises a high value and establishes the second intensity of the light emitted based on the second duty cycle.

17. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the controller transmits to the remote lighting device the signal via a wire used for providing electrical power to the remote lighting device.

18. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the remote lighting device emits light based on the established intensity of light.

19. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the remote lighting device determines the duty cycle of the time period based on a ratio of a sum of durations of time within time period for which the signal comprises a high value to a total duration of the time period.

20. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the controller generates the signal further comprising the instruction instructing the remote lighting device to set a brightness value of a red light source, green light source or a blue light source of the remote lighting device.

21. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the controller generates the signal further comprising the instruction instructing the remote lighting device to turn off the light emitted by dimming the light down.

22. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the controller generates the signal further comprising the instruction instructing the remote lighting device to enter a learning mode to accept an address assigned to the remote lighting device.

23. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the controller generates the signal further comprising the instruction instructing the remote lighting device to send a configuration status of the remote lighting device.

24. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the controller generates the signal further comprising the instruction instructing the remote lighting device to set a maximum intensity of the light emitted for the remote lighting device.

25. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the signal further comprises a continuous stream of data bits divided into a plurality of time periods, the time period of the plurality of time periods.

26. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the first portion of the signal consists of the first time interval and wherein the second portion of the signal consists of the second time interval.

Images