Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2025-03-14)
Rejection types: 112 - Written Description/Enablement, Double Patenting

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS We claim:
1\. An elongated hexagonal decorative light system comprising: a plurality of light panel assemblies, each light panel assembly further comprising: a base having an elongate hexagonal shaped outer periphery, the base defining two connector apertures at each end of the elongate base in a bottom of the base; a printed circuit assembly mounted to the base and having a plurality of light emitting diodes populated thereon and electronic circuitry for selectively illuminating the light emitting diodes; a plurality of electrical receptacles, at least two receptacles positioned at each end of the printed circuit assembly, each electrical connector in registration with one of the connector apertures defined in the base at each end of the elongate base; and a prismatically shaped lens affixed to an upper surface of the base; a controller having a base receiving an electrical power cord, the power cord electrically connected to a printed circuit assembly mounted on the base wherein the printed circuit assembly includes the circuitry and logic for controlling the plurality of light panel assemblies, and further includes a signal and power cord extending therefrom and terminating with an electrical connector connectively compatible with the receptacles of the light panel assemblies; and a plurality of connector cables, each connector cable having a multi-lead cable segment terminated at each end with an electrical plug receivable in the electrical receptacles in the light panel assemblies.
2\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 1 wherein the electrical receptacles at each end of the light panel assemblies are aligned parallel to a long axis of the light panel assembly.
3\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 1 wherein the base further includes a visible orientation arrow corresponding to the arrangement orientation of the light emitting diodes on the printed circuit assembly of the light panel assembly to aid in the orientation of one light panel assembly to another like light panel assembly.
4\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 1 wherein the prismatically shaped lens is translucent.
5\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 4 wherein the prismatically shaped lens has a raised center and faceted sides, each faceted side corresponding to a side of the light panel assembly.
6\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 1 wherein the controller further includes a plurality of microswitches electrically interconnected therewith for manual control inputs.
7\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 6 wherein the microswitches are covered with a flexible membrane having legends embossed thereon for identification of the function of each microswitch.
8\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 1 wherein the controller further includes circuitry and logic to be remotely responsive to wireless electronic inputs from a remote electronic device for controlling the plurality of light panel assemblies.
9\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 1 wherein each of the connector cables is directionally biased to permit flow of electrical signals in one direction only, at least one electrical plug bearing a visible legend identifying the directional bias of the connector cable.
10\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 1 wherein the printed circuit assembly of the light panel assembly further includes circuitry and logic to illuminate the light emitting diodes thereon in a plurality of predetermined patterns and light motions.
11\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 10 wherein the light panel assemblies of the system are identically responsive to electrical signals from the controller to display identical light patterns and motions concurrently.
12\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 10 wherein the light panel assemblies of the system are responsive to electrical signals from the controller to display a progressive light pattern and motion across the plurality of the light panel assemblies.
13\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 1 further including an octagonal mounting bracket, the mounting bracket having a magnet housed therein.
14\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 13 wherein the light assembly base defines an octagonal aperture in a bottom surface thereof for receiving the octagonal mounting bracket.
15\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 14 wherein the light assembly base further includes a magnetically sensitive plate mounted over the octagonal aperture in a manner that the magnetic force of the mounting bracket magnet retains the light panel assembly in a desired location and position, the light panel assembly being readily detachable and rotationally repositionable from the hexagonal mounting bracket by overcoming the magnetic force.
16\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 1 wherein the connector cables are electrically bidirectional.
17\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 16 wherein the printed circuit assembly of the light panel assembly further includes circuitry and logic to determine which of the receptacles at each end of the light panel assembly is functioning as an electrical input and automatically electrically configures the remaining receptacles as electrical outputs.
18\. An elongated hexagonal decorative light system comprising: a plurality of light panel assemblies, each light panel assembly further comprising: a base having an elongate hexagonal shaped outer periphery, the base defining two connector apertures at each end of the elongate base in a bottom of the base; a printed circuit assembly mounted to the base and having a plurality of light emitting diodes populated thereon and electronic circuitry for selectively illuminating the light emitting diodes and circuitry and logic to illuminate the light emitting diodes thereon in a plurality of predetermined patters and light motions; a plurality of electrical receptacles, at least two receptacles positioned at each end of the printed circuit assembly, each electrical connector in registration with one of the connector apertures defined in the base at each end of the elongate base; and a prismatically shaped translucent lens having a raised center and a facet corresponding with each side of the base and affixed to an upper surface of the base; a controller having a base receiving an electrical power cord, the power cord electrically connected to a printed circuit assembly mounted on the base wherein the printed circuit assembly includes the circuitry and logic for controlling the plurality of light panel assemblies, a plurality of microswitches electrically interconnected therewith for manual control inputs, and further includes a signal and power cord extending therefrom and terminating with an electrical connector connectively compatible with the receptacles of the light panel assemblies; an octagonal mounting bracket having a magnet embedded therein; and a plurality of connector cables, each connector cable having a multi-lead cable segment terminated at each end with an electrical plug receivable in the electrical receptacles in the light panel assemblies.
19\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 18 wherein the light assembly base defines an octagonal aperture in a bottom surface thereof for receiving the octagonal mounting bracket.
20\. The elongated hexagonal decorative light system according to Claim 19 wherein the light assembly base further includes a magnetically sensitive plate mounted over the octagonal aperture in a manner that the magnetic force of the mounting bracket magnet retains the light panel assembly in a desired location and position, the light panel assembly being readily detachable and rotationally repositionable from the octagonal mounting bracket by overcoming the magnetic force.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b)  CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claim 9 is  rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claim 9  recites the limitation electrical plugs  in line 2.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim, since claim 1, from which it depends, recites “electrical receptacle”.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA  as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 1-20 are provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-20  of copending Application No. 17/992,383. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because of the following reasons:
Regarding claim 1, claim 1 of the ‘383 application recites essentially the same subject matter as that of the instant invention.
Regarding claims 2-8, claims 2-8 of the ‘383 application recite the same subject matter as that of the instant invention.
Regarding claim 9, claim 9  of the ‘383 application recites essentially the same subject
matter as that of the instant invention.
Regarding claims 10-17, claims 10-17 of  the ‘383 application recite  the same subject
matter as that of the instant invention.
Regarding claim 18, claim 18 of the ‘383 application recites essentially the same subject matter as that of the instant invention.
Regarding claims 19-20, claims 18-20 of the ‘838 application recite essentially the same subject matter as that of the instant invention.
This is a provisional nonstatutory double patenting rejection because the patentably indistinct claims have not in fact been patented.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. WO2021247533, 8,299,719; 2023/0085582, 2009/0073692; 2002/0113246 all disclose decorative  lighting devices with housings.


NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Terminal Disclaimer
The terminal disclaimer filed on 9/9/2025 disclaiming the terminal portion of any patent granted on this application which would extend beyond the expiration date of 12,247,718 has been reviewed and is accepted.  The terminal disclaimer has been recorded.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-20 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: Subsequent the Terminal Disclaimer filed on 9/9/2025, the prior art cited of record does not anticipate individually or teach in combination the limitations as stated below:
An elongated hexagonal decorative light system comprising: a plurality of light panel assemblies, each light panel assembly further comprising: a base having an elongate hexagonal shaped outer periphery, the base defining two connector apertures at each end of the elongate base in a bottom of the base; a printed circuit assembly mounted to the base and having a first plurality of white light emitting diodes populated thereon and a second plurality of colored light emitting diodes populated thereon and electronic circuitry for selectively illuminating between the white light emitting diodes and the colored light emitting diodes and further including logic to illuminate the light emitting diodes thereon in a plurality of predetermined patterns and light motions; a plurality of electrical receptacles, at least two receptacles positioned at each end of the printed circuit assembly, each electrical receptacle connector in registration with one of the connector apertures defined in the base at each end of the elongate base; and a prismatically shaped lens affixed to an upper surface of the base; a controller having a base receiving an electrical power cord, the power cord electrically connected to a printed circuit assembly mounted on the base wherein the printed circuit assembly includes the circuitry and logic for controlling the plurality of light panel assemblies, and the controller further terminating with an electrical connector connectively compatible with the electrical receptacles of the light panel assemblies; and a plurality of connectors, each connector cable having a multi-lead electrical plug at each of opposing ends thereof and receivable in the electrical receptacles in the light panel assemblies.
An elongated hexagonal decorative light system comprising: a plurality of light panel assemblies, each light panel assembly further comprising: a base having an elongate hexagonal shaped outer periphery, the base defining two connector apertures at each end of the elongate base in a bottom of the base; a printed circuit assembly mounted to the base and having a first plurality of white light emitting diodes populated thereon and a second plurality of colored light emitting diodes populated thereon and electronic circuitry for selectively illuminating between the white light emitting diodes and the colored light emitting diodes and circuitry and logic to illuminate the light emitting diodes thereon in a plurality of predetermined patterns and light motions; a plurality of electrical receptacles, at least two receptacles positioned at each end of the printed circuit assembly, each electrical receptacle connector in registration with one of the connector apertures defined in the base at each end of the elongate base; and a prismatically shaped translucent lens having a raised center and a facet corresponding with each side of the base and affixed to an upper surface of the base; a controller having a base receiving an electrical power cord, the power cord electrically connected to a printed circuit assembly mounted on the base wherein the printed circuit assembly includes the circuitry and logic for controlling the plurality of light panel assemblies, a plurality of microswitches electrically interconnected therewith for manual control inputs, and further includes a signal and power cord extending therefrom and terminating with an electrical connector connectively compatible with the receptacles of the light panel assemblies; an octagonal mounting bracket having a magnet embedded therein; Anda plurality of connector cables, each connector cable having a multi-lead cable segment terminated at each end with an electrical plug receivable in the electrical receptacles in the light panel assemblies.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20230085582A1: Claims:
A geometric light system comprising: a plurality of light panel assemblies, each light panel assembly further comprising: a base having a regular geometric shaped outer periphery, the base defining a connector aperture in a bottom of the base at a midpoint of each side of the geometric shape; a printed circuit assembly mounted to the base and having a plurality of light emitting diodes populated thereon and electronic circuitry for selectively illuminating the light emitting diodes; a plurality of electrical connectors positioned about a periphery of the printed circuit assembly, each electrical connector in registration with one of the connector apertures defined in the base; and a prismatically shaped lens affixed to an upper surface of the base; a controller having a base receiving an electrical power cord, the power cord electrically connected to a printed circuit assembly mounted on the base wherein the printed circuit assembly includes the circuitry and logic for controlling the plurality of light panel assemblies, and further includes an electrical connector at a bottom of one side thereof, the controller electrical connector being identical to the electrical connectors of the light panel assembly; and a plurality of rigid bridge connectors, each rigid bridge connector having two opposed ends and two identical electrical connectors, a first of the connectors positioned at a first end and a second of the connectors positioned at a second end, the first connector configured to electrically mate with one of the electrical connectors about the periphery of a first light panel assembly and the second electrical connector configured to electrically mate with one of the electrical connectors about the periphery of a second light panel assembly.
a plurality of light panel assemblies, each light panel assembly further comprising: a base having a regular geometric shaped outer periphery, the base defining a connector aperture in a bottom of the base at a midpoint of each side of the geometric shape; a printed circuit assembly mounted to the base and having a plurality of light emitting diodes populated thereon and electronic circuitry for selectively illuminating the light emitting diodes; a plurality of electrical connectors positioned about a periphery of the printed circuit assembly, each electrical connector in registration with one of the connector apertures defined in the base; and a prismatically shaped lens affixed to an upper surface of the base;
a base having a regular geometric shaped outer periphery, the base defining a connector aperture in a bottom of the base at a midpoint of each side of the geometric shape;
a printed circuit assembly mounted to the base and having a plurality of light emitting diodes populated thereon and electronic circuitry for selectively illuminating the light emitting diodes;
a plurality of electrical connectors positioned about a periphery of the printed circuit assembly, each electrical connector in registration with one of the connector apertures defined in the base; and
a prismatically shaped lens affixed to an upper surface of the base;
a controller having a base receiving an electrical power cord, the power cord electrically connected to a printed circuit assembly mounted on the base wherein the printed circuit assembly includes the circuitry and logic for controlling the plurality of light panel assemblies, and further includes an electrical connector at a bottom of one side thereof, the controller electrical connector being identical to the electrical connectors of the light panel assembly; and
a plurality of rigid bridge connectors, each rigid bridge connector having two opposed ends and two identical electrical connectors, a first of the connectors positioned at a first end and a second of the connectors positioned at a second end, the first connector configured to electrically mate with one of the electrical connectors about the periphery of a first light panel assembly and the second electrical connector configured to electrically mate with one of the electrical connectors about the periphery of a second light panel assembly.
The geometric light system according to claim 1 wherein the regular geometric shape of the base is an equilateral triangle.
The geometric light system according to claim 1 wherein the base further includes a visible orientation arrow corresponding to the arrangement orientation of the light emitting diodes on the printed circuit assembly of the light panel assembly to aid in the orientation of one light panel assembly to another like light panel assembly.
The geometric light system according to claim 1 wherein the prismatically shaped lens is translucent.
The geometric light system according to claim wherein the prismatically shaped lens has a raised center and faceted sides, each faceted side corresponding to a side of the light panel assembly.
The geometric light system according to claim 1 wherein the controller further includes a plurality of microswitches electrically interconnected therewith for manual control inputs.
The geometric light system according to claim 6 wherein the microswitches are covered with a flexible membrane having legends embossed thereon for identification of the function of each microswitch.
The geometric light system according to claim 1 wherein the controller further includes circuitry and logic to be remotely responsive to wireless electronic inputs from a remote electronic device for controlling the plurality of light panel assemblies.
The geometric light system according to claim 1 wherein each of the rigid bridge connectors is directionally biased to permit flow of electrical signals in one direction only, each connector bearing a visible legend identifying the directional bias of the connector.
The geometric light system according to claim 1 wherein the printed circuit assembly of the light panel assembly further includes circuitry and logic to illuminate the light emitting diodes thereon in a plurality of predetermined patterns and light motions.
The geometric light system according to claim 10 wherein the light panel assemblies of the system are identically responsive to electrical signals from the controller to display identical light patterns and motions concurrently.
The geometric light system according to claim 10 wherein the light panel assemblies of the system are responsive to electrical signals from the controller to display a progressive light pattern and motion across the plurality of the light panel assemblies.
The geometric light system according to claim 1 further including a hexagonal mounting bracket, the mounting bracket having a magnet housed therein.
The geometric light system according to claim 13 wherein the light assembly base defines a hexagonal aperture in a bottom surface thereof for receiving the hexagonal mounting bracket.
The geometric light system according to claim 14 wherein the light assembly base further includes a magnetically sensitive plate mounted over the hexagonal aperture in a manner that the magnetic force of the mounting bracket magnet retains the light panel assembly in a desired location and position, the light panel assembly being readily detachable and repositionable from the hexagonal mounting bracket by overcoming the magnetic force.
The geometric light system according to claim 1 wherein the rigid bridge connectors are electrically bidirectional.
The geometric light system according to claim 16 wherein the printed circuit assembly of the light panel assembly further includes circuitry and logic to determine which of the connectors at its various sides is functioning as an electrical input and automatically electrically configures the remaining connectors at its remaining sides as an electrical output.
A geometric light system comprising: a plurality of light panel assemblies, each light panel assembly further comprising: a base having a equilateral triangle shaped outer periphery, the base defining a connector aperture in a bottom of the base at a midpoint of each side of the geometric shape; a printed circuit assembly mounted to the base and having a plurality of light emitting diodes populated thereon and electronic circuitry for selectively illuminating the light emitting diodes and circuitry and logic to illuminate the light emitting diodes thereon in a plurality of predetermined patterns and light motions; a plurality of electrical connectors positioned about a periphery of the printed circuit assembly, each electrical connector in registration with one of the connector apertures defined in the base; and a prismatically shaped translucent lens having a raised center and a facet corresponding with each side of the base and affixed to an upper surface of the base; a controller having a base receiving an electrical power cord, the power cord electrically connected to a printed circuit assembly mounted on the base wherein the printed circuit assembly includes the circuitry and logic for controlling the plurality of light panel assemblies, a plurality of microswitches electrically interconnected therewith for manual control inputs, and further includes an electrical connector at a bottom of one side thereof, the controller electrical connector being identical to the electrical connectors of the light panel assembly; and a plurality of rigid bridge connectors, each rigid bridge connector having two opposed ends and two identical electrical connectors, a first of the connectors positioned at a first end and a second of the connectors positioned at a second end, the first connector configured to electrically mate with one of the electrical connectors about the periphery of a first light panel assembly and the second electrical connector configured to electrically mate with one of the electrical connectors about the periphery of a second light panel assembly.
a plurality of light panel assemblies, each light panel assembly further comprising: a base having a equilateral triangle shaped outer periphery, the base defining a connector aperture in a bottom of the base at a midpoint of each side of the geometric shape; a printed circuit assembly mounted to the base and having a plurality of light emitting diodes populated thereon and electronic circuitry for selectively illuminating the light emitting diodes and circuitry and logic to illuminate the light emitting diodes thereon in a plurality of predetermined patterns and light motions; a plurality of electrical connectors positioned about a periphery of the printed circuit assembly, each electrical connector in registration with one of the connector apertures defined in the base; and a prismatically shaped translucent lens having a raised center and a facet corresponding with each side of the base and affixed to an upper surface of the base;
a base having a equilateral triangle shaped outer periphery, the base defining a connector aperture in a bottom of the base at a midpoint of each side of the geometric shape;
a printed circuit assembly mounted to the base and having a plurality of light emitting diodes populated thereon and electronic circuitry for selectively illuminating the light emitting diodes and circuitry and logic to illuminate the light emitting diodes thereon in a plurality of predetermined patterns and light motions;
a prismatically shaped translucent lens having a raised center and a facet corresponding with each side of the base and affixed to an upper surface of the base;
a controller having a base receiving an electrical power cord, the power cord electrically connected to a printed circuit assembly mounted on the base wherein the printed circuit assembly includes the circuitry and logic for controlling the plurality of light panel assemblies, a plurality of microswitches electrically interconnected therewith for manual control inputs, and further includes an electrical connector at a bottom of one side thereof, the controller electrical connector being identical to the electrical connectors of the light panel assembly; and
The geometric light system according to claim 18 wherein the light assembly base defines a hexagonal aperture in a bottom surface thereof for receiving the hexagonal mounting bracket.
The geometric light system according to claim 19 wherein the light assembly base further includes a magnetically sensitive plate mounted over the hexagonal aperture in a manner that the magnetic force of the mounting bracket magnet retains the light panel assembly in a desired location and position, the light panel assembly being readily detachable and repositionable from the hexagonal mounting bracket by overcoming the magnetic force.
Ref US20090073692A1: Claims:
A modular, expandable lighting system comprising at least one light emitting diode segment having at least one printed circuit board, at least one light emitting diode and at least one pair of terminals connected to said printed circuit board and means for fixedly but removable fastening and mounting said light emitting diode segment with ease in tight spaces.
Ref US8299719B1: Claims:
An individually selective intelligent serial lighting system comprising: a. a control unit to generate and process communication data, b. a plurality of at least one set of extendable serial light string, and a power source c. said control unit comprising a main printed circuit board assembly, said main printed circuit board assembly comprising: a microcontroller device, memory containing control unit's software routines, integrated circuit switch device driver, a power regulator, reset pushbutton, at least one pattern select pushbutton, power switch, power indicator LED, a connector to connect the serial light string chain to the control unit and a power supply connector, d. said serial light string each consisting of a plurality of at least one switch printed circuit board assembly, said switch printed circuit board assembly distributed along a length of each serial light string, e. each said switch printed circuit board assembly comprising: a dual channel addressable switch, said addressable switch having at least one bi-directional port A and one output port B as control pin, and a unique 64-bit lasered ROM serial number and an illumination device said illumination device being at least one selected from a light emitting diode, a laser diode, a multi color light emitting diode, and a light bulb.
a. a control unit to generate and process communication data,
b. a plurality of at least one set of extendable serial light string, and a power source
c. said control unit comprising a main printed circuit board assembly, said main printed circuit board assembly comprising: a microcontroller device, memory containing control unit's software routines, integrated circuit switch device driver, a power regulator, reset pushbutton, at least one pattern select pushbutton, power switch, power indicator LED, a connector to connect the serial light string chain to the control unit and a power supply connector,
d. said serial light string each consisting of a plurality of at least one switch printed circuit board assembly, said switch printed circuit board assembly distributed along a length of each serial light string,
e. each said switch printed circuit board assembly comprising: a dual channel addressable switch, said addressable switch having at least one bi-directional port A and one output port B as control pin, and a unique 64-bit lasered ROM serial number and an illumination device said illumination device being at least one selected from a light emitting diode, a laser diode, a multi color light emitting diode, and a light bulb.
The individually selective intelligent serial lighting system of claim 1 , wherein each said switch printed circuit board assembly in the chain, is serially connected to a very next adjacent switch printed circuit board assembly at each end, by a fixed set of interconnect wires comprising: one power supply wire, one control signal wire, one communication wire and one system return ground wire.
The individually selective intelligent serial lighting system of claim 2 , wherein each said unique 64-bit lasered ROM serial number is used in software to address and select each individual said switch printed circuit board assembly, by sharing a communication protocol on a common bus with all other dual channel addressable switch devices.
The individually selective intelligent serial lighting system of claim 3 , wherein said port B control pin of each dual channel addressable switch in the chain is connected to port A of the very next adjacent dual channel addressable switch.
The individually selective intelligent serial lighting system of claim 4 , wherein said port A of each dual channel addressable switch, either directly drives at least one light emitting diode (LED) or laser diode, mounted on the switch printed circuit board assembly and pulled up to power supply through a current limiting resistor, or drives and controls at least one illumination device or light bulb assembly through a device driver circuit.
The individually selective intelligent serial lighting system of claim 5 , wherein control unit's software routines, through the communication line, generate variety of patterns by addressing each individual dual channel addressable switch device in the chain.
The individually selective intelligent serial lighting system of claim 6 , wherein patterns generated by said control unit's software are individually selected by said at least one select pushbutton of said control unit.
The individually selective intelligent serial lighting system of claim 1 , wherein each one of said switch printed circuit board assembly comprise a programmable integrated circuit device, said device capable of being programmed with a standard inter-integrated circuit (I 2 C) communication protocol module, said module having at least one single bit output port A, at least one single bit output port B, at least one single bit input port C, and a unique at least 16 bits wide identifiable identity serial number, said serial number used in the control unit's software to address and select each individual said switch printed circuit board assembly.
The individually selective intelligent serial lighting system of claim 8 , wherein each said switch printed circuit board assembly in the chain, is serially connected to the very next adjacent switch printed circuit board assembly at each end, by fixed set of interconnect wires comprising: one power supply wire, one control signal wire, one clock wire, one data wire, and one system return ground wire.
The individually selective intelligent serial lighting system of claim 9 , wherein said output port B control pin of each said programmable integrated circuit device in said light string is connected to said input port C of the very next adjacent said programmable integrated circuit device while said port A of each said programmable integrated circuit device drives the at least one illumination device, mounted on the switch printed circuit board assembly by pulling said illumination device up to power supply through a current limiting resistor, or drives and controls the at least one illumination device through a device driver circuit.
The individually selective intelligent serial lighting system of claim 10 , wherein the control unit's software routines generate a variety of light patterns by addressing each individual programmable integrated circuit device in the chain.
The individually selective intelligent serial lighting system of claim 11 , wherein the said light patterns generated by said control unit's software are individually selected by said at least one select pushbutton of said control unit.
Ref US20020113246A1: Claims:
A light-emitting unit comprising: a flat polygonal member; a light-emitting member which is provided on a main surface of the polygonal member; three sets of terminals, ea
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