Methods and apparatus for controlling devices in a networked lighting system
US6777891B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05B47/184
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for computer-based control of light sources in a networked lighting system. In one example, a plurality of LED-based lighting systems are arranged as computer controllable “light strings.” Applications contemplated for such light strings include, but are not limited to, decorative and entertainment-oriented lighting applications (e.g., Christmas tree lights, display lights, theme park lighting, video and other game arcade lighting, etc.). Via computer control, one or more such light strings may provide a variety of complex temporal and color-changing lighting effects. In one example, lighting data is communicated in a given light string in a serial manner, according to a variety of different data transmission and processing schemes. In another example, individual lighting systems of a light string are coupled together via a variety of different conduit configurations to provide for easy coupling and arrangement of multiple light sources constituting the light string. In yet another example, small LED-based lighting systems capable of being arranged in a light string configuration are manufactured as integrated circuits including data processing cir…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.