ARTWORK SUBSTRATE ENHANCING SYSTEM, METHOD, AND DEVICE

An artwork substrate enhancing system, method, and device are provided. An artwork substrate enhancing device may include a housing to which one or more light elements may be coupled. A processing unit and a power source may be in communication with the light elements, and the processing unit may control the electrical power communicated to the light elements from the power source to control the illumination generated by the light elements which may be directed on an artwork substrate to visually enhance the appearance of artwork substrates in a dynamic and changing manner. The processing unit may comprise one or more programs having one or more settings which may cause one or more different illumination patterns to be generated by the light elements. A control input may be positioned on the housing, and may be in communication with the processing unit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This patent specification relates to the field of systems, methods and devices for enhancing artwork substrates. More specifically, this patent specification relates to a system, method, and device for visually enhancing the appearance of artwork substrates using alternating wavelengths of visible light.

BACKGROUND

Art is integral to the human experience and people have been generating artwork in various forms since time immemorial. One such form is applying colored materials to substrates, such as paper products, canvas, and other objects, to form images and indicia. Examples include painting, and coloring with pencils, crayon, markers, pastels, and the like. Unfortunately, these art forms are limited in that the art is static or unchanging when viewed in everyday lighting. While most people are able to enjoy static art, a great proportion would also enjoy an un-static art viewing experience.

Therefore, a need exists for a novel system, method, and device for visually enhancing the appearance of artwork substrates. There is also a need for a novel system, method, and device for visually enhancing the appearance of artwork substrates in a dynamic and changing manner.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An artwork substrate enhancing system, method, and device are provided which may be configured to visually enhance the appearance of artwork substrates in a dynamic and changing manner.

According to an embodiment consistent with the principles of the invention, an artwork substrate enhancing device may include a housing to which one or more light elements may be coupled. A processing unit and a power source may be in communication with the light elements, and the processing unit may control the electrical power communicated to the light elements from the power source to control the illumination generated by the light elements. The processing unit may comprise one or more programs having one or more settings, optionally contained in one or more arrays, which may cause one or more different illumination patterns to be generated by the light elements. A control input may be positioned on the housing, and may be in communication with the processing unit. The control input may be manipulated by a user to allow the user to select which setting of a program may be active at a given time.

According to another embodiment consistent with the principles of the invention, an artwork substrate enhancing system may include one or more artwork substrate enhancing devices which may be configured to generate various colors and intensities of illumination which may be directed onto one or more artwork substrates. Preferably, each device may generate various and dynamic colors and intensities of illumination which may alter the wavelengths or colors of light which may be reflected off of one or more artwork substrates thereby altering the perception of the artwork substrates by one or more users.

In further embodiments, an artwork substrate enhancing system may include an artwork substrate enhancing device having one or more light elements and a processing unit. The processing unit may be operable to cause one illumination pattern, and more preferably at least two different illumination patterns, to be generated by the one or more light elements, and the artwork substrate enhancing device may be configured to direct the illumination pattern(s) onto an artwork substrate.

In still further embodiments, an artwork substrate enhancing system may include an artwork substrate enhancing device having one or more light elements, a radio, and a processing unit. The processing unit may include a modulation engine that is operable to allow a user to select a number of illumination settings, each illumination setting including one illumination pattern, and more preferably at least two different illumination patterns, to be generated by the light element, and the illumination pattern(s) generated by the light element may be directed onto an artwork substrate. A client device may be in communication with the radio, and the client device may be operable by the user to provide input to the program to select the illumination settings.

According to yet another embodiment consistent with the principles of the invention, an artwork substrate enhancing method may include the steps of: generating illumination via one or more light elements according to an initial setting; performing a hardware interrupt to check for user input; determining if a user has interacted with a control input; determining if the user has interacted with the control input in a first manner of input; determining if the current setting is the last setting in the array; switching to the next setting in the array and controlling the illumination of the light elements accordingly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “rear”, “front”, “side”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented inFIG. 1. However, one will understand that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Therefore, the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element may be designated as the second element, and the second element may be likewise designated as the first element without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. Additionally, as used in this application, the term “substantially” means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, particularly within about 5% of the actual desired value and especially within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein.

Definitions

As used herein, the terms “computer” and “computing device” refer to a machine, apparatus, or device that is capable of accepting and performing logic operations from software code. The term “application”, “software”, “software code”, “source code”, “script”, or “computer software” refers to any set of instructions operable to cause a computer to perform an operation. Software code may be operated on by a “rules engine” or processor. Thus, the methods and systems of the present invention may be performed by a computer or computing device having a processor based on instructions received by computer applications and software.

The term “electronic device” as used herein is a type of computer comprising circuitry and configured to generally perform functions such as recording audio, photos, and videos; displaying or reproducing audio, photos, and videos; storing, retrieving, or manipulation of electronic data; providing electrical communications and network connectivity; or any other similar function. Non-limiting examples of electronic devices include: personal computers (PCs), workstations, servers, laptops, tablet PCs including the iPad, cell phones including iOS phones made by Apple Inc., Android OS phones, Microsoft OS phones, Blackberry phones, digital music players, or any electronic device capable of running computer software and displaying information to a user, memory cards, other memory storage devices, digital cameras, external battery packs, external charging devices, and the like. Certain types of electronic devices which are portable and easily carried by a person from one location to another may sometimes be referred to as a “portable electronic device” or “portable device”. Some non-limiting examples of portable devices include: cell phones, smartphones, tablet computers, laptop computers, wearable computers such as Apple Watch, other smartwatches, Fitbit, other wearable fitness trackers, Google Glasses, and the like.

The term “client device” as used herein is a type of computer or computing device comprising circuitry and configured to generally perform functions such as recording audio, photos, and videos; displaying or reproducing audio, photos, and videos; storing, retrieving, or manipulation of electronic data; providing electrical communications and network connectivity; or any other similar function. Non-limiting examples of client devices include: personal computers (PCs), workstations, servers, laptops, tablet PCs including the iPad, cell phones including iOS phones made by Apple Inc., Android OS phones, Microsoft OS phones, Blackberry phones, Apple iPads, Anota digital pens, digital music players, or any electronic device capable of running computer software and displaying information to a user, memory cards, other memory storage devices, digital cameras, external battery packs, external charging devices, and the like. Certain types of electronic devices which are portable and easily carried by a person from one location to another may sometimes be referred to as a “portable electronic device” or “portable device”. Some non-limiting examples of portable devices include: cell phones, smartphones, tablet computers, laptop computers, tablets, digital pens, wearable computers such as Apple Watch, other smartwatches, Fitbit, other wearable fitness trackers, Google Glasses, and the like.

As used herein the term “data network” or “network” shall mean an infrastructure capable of connecting two or more computers such as client devices either using wires or wirelessly allowing them to transmit and receive data. Non-limiting examples of data networks may include the internet or wireless networks or (i.e. a “wireless network”) which may include Wifi and cellular networks. For example, a network may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet), a mobile relay network, a metropolitan area network (MAN), an ad hoc network, a telephone network (e.g., a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)), a cellular network, a Zigbee network, or a voice-over-IP (VoIP) network.

The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments.FIGS. 1-9illustrate examples of an artwork substrate enhancing device (“the device”)100according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the device100may comprise a housing11to which one or more light elements21may be coupled. A processing unit50and a power source31may be in communication with the light elements21, and the processing unit50may control the electrical power communicated to the light elements21from the power source31to control the illumination generated by the light elements21. The processing unit50may comprise one or more programs57, such as a modulation engine59, having one or more settings, optionally contained in one or more arrays, which may cause one or more different illumination patterns to be generated by the light elements21. A control input61may be positioned on the housing11, and may be in communication with the processing unit50. The control input61may be manipulated by a user201to allow the user201to select which setting of a modulation engine59may be active at a given time.

FIG. 1shows a block diagram of an example of a device100according to various embodiments described herein. In some embodiments and in the present example, the device100can be a digital device that, in terms of hardware architecture, comprises a processing unit50which generally includes a processor51, input/output (I/O) interfaces52, an optional radio53, a data store54, and memory55. Optionally, the processing unit50may be configured as a microcontroller. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatFIG. 1depicts the processing unit50in an oversimplified manner, and a practical embodiment may include additional components or elements and suitably configured processing logic to support known or conventional operating features that are not described in detail herein.

The components of a processing unit50and elements (21,31,61) may be communicatively coupled via a local interface58. The local interface58can be, for example but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, integrated circuits, etc., as is known in the art. The local interface58can have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, among many others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface58may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

The processor51is a hardware device for executing software instructions. The processor51can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the processing unit50, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), or generally any device for executing software instructions. When the processing unit50is in operation, the processor51is configured to execute software stored within the memory55, to communicate data to and from the memory55, and to generally control operations of the device100pursuant to the software instructions. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor51may include a mobile optimized processor such as optimized for power consumption and mobile applications.

The I/O interfaces52can be used to input and/or output information and power. The I/O interfaces52can also include, for example, a serial port, a parallel port, a small computer system interface (SCSI), an infrared (IR) interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and the like.

Optionally, the device100may comprise a radio53which may enable wireless communication to an external access device or network. In preferred embodiments, a radio53may operate via WiFi and/or Bluetooth communication standards to enable a wireless data connection106between the device100and a radio406of a client device400. In further embodiments, a radio53may operate on a cellular band and may communicate with or receive a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or other wireless network identifier. Any number of suitable wireless data communication protocols, techniques, or methodologies can be supported by the radio53, including, without limitation: RF; IrDA (infrared); Bluetooth; ZigBee (and other variants of the IEEE 802.15 protocol); IEEE 802.11 (any variation); IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX or any other variation); Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum; Near-Field Communication (NFC); Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum; Long Term Evolution (LTE); cellular/wireless/cordless telecommunication protocols (e.g. 3G/4G, etc.); wireless home network communication protocols; paging network protocols; magnetic induction; satellite data communication protocols; wireless hospital or health care facility network protocols such as those operating in the WMTS bands; GPRS; proprietary wireless data communication protocols such as variants of Wireless USB; and any other protocols for wireless communication.

The data store54may be used to store data. The data store54may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, and the like)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, and the like), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the data store54may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media.

The memory55may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, etc.), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the memory55may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory55may have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remotely from one another, but can be accessed by the processor51. The software in memory55can include one or more software programs, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions.

In the example ofFIG. 1, the software in the memory system55includes a suitable operating system (O/S)56and programs57. The operating system56essentially controls the execution of input/output interface52functions, and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The operating system56may be, for example, LINUX (or another UNIX variant), Android (available from Google), Symbian OS, Microsoft Windows CE, Microsoft Windows 7 Mobile, iOS (available from Apple, Inc.), webOS (available from Hewlett Packard), Blackberry OS (Available from Research in Motion), Raspbian (available from the Raspberry Pi Foundation) and the like. The programs57may include a modulation engine59(FIG. 11) and various applications, add-ons, etc. configured to provide end user functionality with the device100. For example, exemplary programs57may include, but not limited to, environmental variable analytics and modulation of input/output interface52functions. In a typical example, the end user typically uses one or more of the programs57to control functions of the device100and to control the illumination generated by the light elements21.

The processing unit50may also include a main memory, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device (e.g., dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), and synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)), coupled to the bus for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor51. In addition, the main memory may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions by the processor51. The processing unit50may further include a read only memory (ROM) or other static storage device (e.g., programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), and electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM)) coupled to the bus for storing static information and instructions for the processor51.

The device100may comprise one or more light elements21which may be configured to illuminate with various colors and intensities of light allowing a plurality of color patterns and intensity patterns to be generated by the device100. In some embodiments, a light element21may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) which may be configured to provide light of various wavelengths and intensities. In other embodiments, a light element21may comprise an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), incandescent light bulb, fluorescent light, bulb halogen light bulb, high-intensity discharge light bulb, laser light emitter, electroluminescent light source, neon light source, or any other type of suitable light source.

The device100may comprise one or more control inputs61which may be positioned anywhere on the housing11and/or on a light diffusing cover13. A control input61may be manipulated by a user201to allow the user201to select which setting and/or array may be active or performed by a modulation engine59at a given time. In some embodiments, a control input61may include one or more depressible button type switches, turnable control knobs, a key pad, slide type switches, dip switches, rocker type switches, rotary dial switches, numeric input switches or any other suitable input which a user may interact with to provide input.

A power source31may supply electrical power to the device100. In some embodiments, the device100may comprise a power source31which may provide electrical power to any component that may require electrical power. A power source31may comprise a battery, such as a lithium ion battery, nickel cadmium battery, alkaline battery, or any other suitable type of battery, a fuel cell, a capacitor, a super capacitor, or any other type of energy storing and/or electricity releasing device. In further embodiments, a power source31may comprise a power cord, kinetic or piezo electric battery charging device, a solar cell or photovoltaic cell, and/or inductive charging or wireless power receiver. In further embodiments, a power source31may comprise a power charging and distribution module which may be configured to control the recharging of the power source31, discharging of the power source31, and/or distribution of power to one or more components of the device100that may require electrical power. In alternative embodiments, the device100may not comprise a power source31, but may be in communication with a power source31via a wired connection, such as an electrical cord.

The device100may comprise a housing11which may be configured in any shape and size, such as rectangular prism shaped, generally triangular prism shaped, or with any other shape including combinations of shapes, to give the device100any style of form factor. For example, a housing11may be configured as being generally capsule shaped as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. As another example, a housing11may be configured generally as a picture frame box as shown inFIGS. 4-6. As a further example, a housing11may be configured generally as a light bulb as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8. As yet another example, a housing11may be configured generally as a light strip as shown inFIG. 9. It should be understood that a housing11may be configured as a spot light, ceiling track light, chandelier, or any other style of light producing fixture.

In some embodiments, and as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the device100may be configured as a hand held device100A having a housing11that may be configured as being generally capsule shaped with a rounded or smooth surface suitable for being held and positioned by people, including children. Optionally, a battery compartment cover12may comprise a flat surface upon which the device100may be rested.

A housing11may be made from or may comprise a substantially rigid material, suitable for supporting the housing11and other elements of the device100. A substantially rigid material may comprise steel alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, other types of metal or metal alloys, ceramics such as alumina, porcelain, and boron carbide, earthenware, natural stone, synthetic stone, various types of hard plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, nylon, Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) also known as acrylic, melamine, hard rubbers, fiberglass, carbon fiber, resins, such as epoxy resin, wood, other plant based materials, or any other material including combinations of materials that are substantially rigid.

In some embodiments, the device100may comprise a battery compartment cover12which may be used to secure a power source31, such as a replaceable battery14, in a battery compartment which may provide electrical power to an element that may require electrical power and to any other electronic device or electronics that may optionally be in electrical communication with a processing unit50(FIG. 1). Access to the battery compartment may be governed by the battery compartment cover12which may be configured as a lid, door, etc., and which may from a removable covering over the battery compartment. In preferred embodiments, a battery compartment cover12may be removably coupled to the housing11, via threading, a fastener, such as a threaded fastener, clasp fastener, push or slide to lock fastener, or any other suitable removable coupling method.

In some embodiments, the device100may comprise a light diffusing cover13which may be coupled to the housing11. Generally, a light diffusing cover13may be positioned to cover or conceal all or portions of the light element(s)21which may preferably be positioned within the device100, and each light diffusing cover13may be configured to allow light from the light element(s)21to pass through it. A light diffusing cover13may be made from or comprise a transparent or translucent material, such as polycarbonate, acrylic or polyacrylate made from Methyl Methacrylate (MMA), Poly Methyl Methacrylate, or a combination of both, polystyrene, glass, or any other substantially transparent or translucent material. In further embodiments, a light diffusing cover13may be configured to direct, diffuse, or otherwise manipulate the direction and/or color of light emitted by a light element21. For example, a light diffusing cover62may comprise one or more, such as a plurality, of ridges such as may be found on a Fresnel lens.

In some embodiments, and as shown inFIGS. 4-6, the device100be configured as a picture frame box100A by comprising a frame41. Generally, a frame41may form a picture frame box having a lid42which may be movably and/or removably coupled to the housing11and which may form a cavity44for removably receiving an artwork substrate250. Preferably, a frame41may comprise a rectangular prism shape and have a rectangular prism shaped cavity44. Alternatively, a frame41and its cavity44may be configured in any other shape and size.

In some embodiments, a frame41may comprise one or more sidewalls43, such as four sidewalls43for a rectangular prism shaped frame41, which may be coupled to a housing11and a lid42which may be movably and/or removably coupled to the housing11by being coupled to one or more sidewalls43via one or more hinges46. The sidewalls43may extend away from the housing11, and the lid42may preferably contact one or more sidewalls43when in the closed position71. In this manner the lid42, the sidewalls43, and the housing11may generally form a rectangular prism shaped box.

Preferably, the lid42may comprise a viewing portal45, optionally formed of transparent glass, plastic, or other transparent or translucent material, which may allow a user201to see through the lid42to observe an artwork substrate250disposed in the cavity44. A lid42may be moved between a closed position71(FIG. 4) and an open position72(FIG. 5) via hinges46, a slide to open/shut connection method, or any other suitable movably connection method. Example hinges46include butt hinges, piano hinges, barrel hinges, butt/Mortise hinges, case hinges, although any type of hinge may be used.

One or more light elements21may be coupled to a lid42and/or housing11and may be configured to generate various colors and intensities of illumination into the cavity44which may alter the wavelengths or colors of light which may be reflected off of one or more artwork substrates250disposed in the cavity44. Preferably, one or more of the light elements21may provide their illumination to the cavity44through a light diffusing cover13.

In some embodiments, and as shown inFIGS. 7-8, the device100may be configured as a light bulb100B. Generally, a device100configured as a light bulb may comprise a light diffusing cover13which may be generally bulbous in shape or otherwise shaped to resemble the transparent or translucent portions of a light bulb. Preferably, the device100may comprise a coupler47which may be configured to couple to the device100to various objects and surfaces. In some embodiments, a coupler47may comprise a hook, clamp, clip, etc., which may allow the device100to be hung from or otherwise removably attached to objects similar to a camping light bulb. In further embodiments, a coupler47may comprise a track lighting coupler which may enable the device100to function as a spot light or other type of track lighting fixture. In preferred embodiments, a coupler47may comprise socket threading48which may enable the device100to mate with a threaded light socket, such as which is used to removably coupled a threaded light bulb. The socket threading48may conduct electricity so that when the socket threading is mated to a powered, threaded light socket, the device100may receive electrical power from the light socket via the socket threading48.

In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG. 9, the device100may be configured as a light strip100C having a plurality of light elements21which may be arranged in a linear fashion on an elongated housing11. A plurality of light elements21may comprise three, four, five, six, seven, and preferably eight, nine, ten or more light elements21. A device100configured as a light strip100C may also include an elongated light diffusing cover13which may cover, one or more, and more preferably all of the light elements21so that the light elements21are disposed between the light diffusing cover13and housing11.

FIG. 10illustrates an example of an artwork substrate enhancing system (“the system”)200according to various embodiments described herein. A system200may comprise one or more devices100, such as hand held device(s)100A, picture frame box device(s)100B, light bulb device(s)100C, and light strip device(s)100D ,which may be configured to generate various colors and intensities of illumination which may be directed onto one or more artwork substrates250as an illumination pattern22. Preferably, each device100may generate various colors and intensities of illumination patterns22which may alter the wavelengths or colors of light which may be reflected off of one or more artwork substrates250thereby altering the perception of the artwork substrates250by one or more users201. Optionally, one or more devices100of the system200may be in communication with each other. In preferred embodiments, one or more devices100of the system200may be in communication with one or more client devices400, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop, etc., so that the illumination generated by the devices100may be coordinated or otherwise controlled by client device(s)400. In further embodiments, communication between a device100and a client device400may be enabled via server(s)300and network connections104. In this manner, the system200is configured to facilitate the transfer of data and information between one or more devices100, access points103, client devices400, and servers300over a data network105. Each client device400may send data to and receive data from the data network105through a network connection104with an access point103.

An artwork substrate250may comprise any object of artwork or any object upon which artwork may be applied. In preferred embodiments, an artwork substrate250may comprise a coloring book, coloring sheet, or the like, to which color vehicles, such as colored pencils, crayons, markers, pastels, chalk, paint, etc., may be applied. In further embodiments, an artwork substrate250may comprise paintings, such as which may be created by applying paint or other color vehicles to canvas, walls, paper, etc. In still other embodiments, an artwork substrate250may comprise sculptures and other three-dimensional physical representations and creations optionally to which color vehicles may be applied. In yet further embodiments, an artwork substrate250may comprise any object or entity which may be observed by a user201using illumination generated by a device100.

Referring now toFIG. 11a block diagram showing some software rules engines and components which may be found in a system200and which may optionally be configured to run on one or more devices100, servers300and/or client devices400according to various embodiments described herein are illustrated. In some embodiments, a device100may be in direct electronic communication with a client device400via a wired, and more preferably, a wireless data connection106. In further embodiments, a device100and client device400may be in wired and/or wireless electronic communication through a network105via a server300. The engines59,421, may be in electronic communication so that data may be readily exchanged between the engines59,421, and optionally one or more engines59,421, may read, write, or otherwise access data in one or more databases of one or more data stores308.

In this and some embodiments, one or more devices100may be configured to run one or more software rules engines or programs such as a modulation engine59while a client device400may be configured to run one or more software rules engines or programs such as a remote interface engine421. In other embodiments, a modulation engine59and/or remote interface engine421may be configured to run on one or more devices100, client devices400, and/or servers300with data transferred to and from a modulation engine59and/or remote interface engine421that may be in communication through a network105. It should be understood that the functions attributed to the engines59,421, described herein are exemplary in nature, and that in alternative embodiments, any function attributed to any engine59,421, may be performed by one or more other engines59,421, or any other suitable processor logic.

In some embodiments, a modulation engine59may comprise or function as modulation logic stored in a memory55,310,410, which may be executable by the processor51,302,402, of a device100, server300, and/or client device400. Generally, a modulation engine59may control the color, intensity or brightness, and the length of time(s) for the one or more colors and light intensity or brightness level(s) brightness of illumination that may be generated by the light elements21. User201input may be provided to a modulation engine59, via a control input61and/or via an I/O interface404and a remote interface engine421of a client device400that may be in communication with the modulation engine59, and the modulation engine59may use that user input to control or change the illumination pattern(s)22of a device100.

A modulation engine59may be is operable to allow a user201to select a number of illumination settings in which each illumination setting is used by the modulation engine to generate an illumination pattern22via the one or more light elements21of a device100. In some embodiments, a device100may include a control input61, and the control input61may be operable by a user201to select one or more illumination settings, such as which may be used to form an array. In further embodiments, a device100may include a radio53, a client device400may be in communication with the radio53, such as via a radio406of the client device400, and the client device400may be operable by the user201to select one or more illumination settings, such as which may be used to form an array. Each array may comprise one or more illumination settings. Each illumination setting may comprise data that is used by the processor51(via a modulation engine59) to cause one or more light elements21of a device100to generate an illumination pattern22via the illumination output by the one or more light elements21. Each illumination pattern may include: one or more colors of light to be output by one or more light elements21; one or more light intensity or brightness level(s) for each of the one or more colors of light to be output by one or more light elements21; a length of time for each of the one or more colors of light to be output by one or more light elements21; and/or a length of time for each light intensity or brightness level(s) for each of the one or more colors of light to be output by one or more light elements21. For example, an illumination setting may comprise data which may be used by a modulation engine59to allow a processor51to operate one or more light elements21to generate an illumination pattern22that includes fading (moving from low brightness to high brightness and then back to low brightness) between the colors red, green, and blue, for time periods of 2 seconds for red, 3 seconds for green, and 2.5 seconds for blue. As another example, an illumination setting may comprise data which may be used by a modulation engine59to allow a processor51to operate one or more light elements21to generate an illumination pattern22that includes fading (moving from low brightness to high brightness and then back to low brightness) between the colors red, green, and blue, for time periods of 10 seconds for red (increasing in brightness from off to high then off), 9 seconds for green (decreasing in brightness from high to off then increasing to high), and 20 seconds for blue (repeatedly pulsing from low brightness to medium brightness).

In preferred embodiments, the system200may include a client device400running a remote interface engine421and a device100running a modulation engine59, and data may be exchanged between the engines59,421, via electronic communication between a radio406of the client device400and a radio53of the device100. In some embodiments, a remote interface engine421may comprise or function as remote interface logic stored in a memory310,410, which may be executable by the processor302,402, of a server300and/or client device400. The remote interface engine421may receive input from the user201, preferably through an I/O interface304,404, such as a touch screen display, keyboard, mouse, touch pad, etc., and the input may comprise information for selecting or generating a pattern of one or more colors, the light intensity or brightness level(s), and/or length of time(s) for the one or more colors and light intensity or brightness level(s) brightness of illumination that may be generated by the light elements21of a device100. In this manner, a client device400may be operable by a user201to select the number of illumination settings that the device100may use to generate illumination patterns22.

In preferred embodiments, a remote interface engine421may receive data from a modulation engine59of a device100which may describe one or more arrays, with each array comprising one or more settings and each setting describing a pattern of one or more colors, the light intensity or brightness level(s), and/or length of time(s) for the one or more colors and light intensity or brightness level(s) brightness of illumination that may be generated by the light elements21of that device100. The remote interface engine421may display this data to the user201, such as via a display screen404A, and the remote interface engine421may receive data from the user201via an I/O interface404describing one or more arrays and/or settings that the user201may desire the modulation engine59of the device100to perform. For example, the remote interface engine421may provide a listing of the available arrays and/or settings of a modulation engine59of a device100is able to perform so that the user201can select one or more of the arrays and/or settings and the order in which the modulation engine59of a device100may perform the selected arrays and/or settings.

FIG. 12depicts a computer implemented artwork substrate enhancing method (“the method”)500according to various embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, one or more steps of the method500may be performed by a device100and other elements, such as which may be found in a system200. In preferred embodiments, a modulation engine59of the device100may comprise or otherwise have access to one or more arrays with each array comprising one or more settings. Generally, a setting may describe a pattern of one or more colors, the light intensity or brightness level(s), and/or length of time(s) for the one or more colors and light intensity or brightness level(s) brightness of illumination that may be generated by the light elements21. For example, a setting may comprise alternating the illumination pattern22by changing between the colors red, green, and blue, for time periods of 10 seconds for red (decreasing in brightness from high to off), 9 seconds for green (decreasing in brightness from high to off then increasing to high), and 20 seconds for blue (repeatedly pulsing from medium brightness to low brightness).

In some embodiments, the method500may start501and the light elements21may generate an illumination pattern22according to an initial setting in step502. An initial setting may comprise a setting that may be an initial or default setting of an array that is performed upon startup of the device100. The arrays and settings may be performed by a modulation engine59of the device100. Preferably, a modulation engine59may contain a number of arrays and settings which the user201may select between by operating one or more control inputs61and/or by operating the I/O interfaces of a client device400that the device100running the modulation engine59may be in communication with.

In step503, the modulation engine59may perform a hardware interrupt to check for user input which may be provided by the user201interacting with a control input61.

In decision block504, the modulation engine59may determine if a user201has interacted with a control input61by detecting if the control input61has been modulated. If a user201not interacted with a control input61, the method500may proceed to decision block506. If a user201has not interacted with a control input61, the method500may proceed to step505, and the modulation engine59may maintain the current setting resulting in the light elements21maintaining the current pattern of color and light intensity of illumination. After step505, the method500may continue to step503.

In decision block506, the modulation engine59may determine if the user201has interacted with the control input61in a first manner of input. For example, if the control input61is a depressible button, the modulation engine59may determine a manner of input that may describe if the control input61has simply been pressed and released, pressed a number of times, pressed and held for a period of time (such as one second), etc. In preferred embodiments, a modulation engine59may determine in what manner that the user201has interacted with the control input61so as to detect if a user201has provided a first or second input. Continuing the above example, if the control input61has simply been pressed and released the modulation engine59may determine that a first input has been received, while if the control input61has been pressed and held for a period of time (such as one second) the modulation engine59may determine that a second input has been received. If the modulation engine59determines that a first input has been received, the method500may proceed to step509and the device100may power off If the modulation engine59determines that a first input has not been received then the input must be a different input, such as a second input, and the method500may proceed to decision block507.

In decision block507, the modulation engine59may determine if the current setting is the last setting in the array. If the current setting is not the last setting in the array, the method500may proceed to step502. If the current setting is the last setting in the array, the method500may proceed to step508, and the modulation engine59may switch to the next setting in the array. The next setting in the array may be any setting, for example a user may press the control input61twice and the modulation engine59may skip a setting to advance to the next setting in the array. After step508, the method500may continue to step503.

Referring now toFIG. 13, in an exemplary embodiment, a block diagram illustrates a server300of which one or more may be used in the system100or standalone and which may be a type of computing platform. The server300may be a digital computer that, in terms of hardware architecture, generally includes a processor302, input/output (I/O) interfaces304, a network interface306, a data store308, and memory310. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatFIG. 13depicts the server300in an oversimplified manner, and a practical embodiment may include additional components and suitably configured processing logic to support known or conventional operating features that are not described in detail herein. The components (302,304,306,308, and310) are communicatively coupled via a local interface312. The local interface312may be, for example but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface312may have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, among many others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface312may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

The processor302is a hardware device for executing software instructions. The processor302may be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the server300, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), or generally any device for executing software instructions. When the server300is in operation, the processor302is configured to execute software stored within the memory310, to communicate data to and from the memory310, and to generally control operations of the server300pursuant to the software instructions. The I/O interfaces304may be used to receive user input from and/or for providing system output to one or more devices or components. User input may be provided via, for example, a keyboard, touch pad, and/or a mouse. System output may be provided via a display device and a printer (not shown). I/O interfaces304may include, for example, a serial port, a parallel port, a small computer system interface (SCSI), a serial ATA (SATA), a fibre channel, Infiniband, iSCSI, a PCI Express interface (PCI-x), an infrared (IR) interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, and/or a universal serial bus (USB) interface.

The network interface306may be used to enable the server300to communicate on a network, such as the Internet, the data network105, the enterprise, and the like, etc. The network interface306may include, for example, an Ethernet card or adapter (e.g., 10 BaseT, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, 10 GbE) or a wireless local area network (WLAN) card or adapter (e.g., 802.11a/b/g/n). The network interface306may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications on the network. A data store308may be used to store data.

The data store308is a type of memory and may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, and the like)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, and the like), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the data store308may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. In one example, the data store308may be located internal to the server300such as, for example, an internal hard drive connected to the local interface312in the server300. Additionally, in another embodiment, the data store308may be located external to the server300such as, for example, an external hard drive connected to the I/O interfaces304(e.g., SCSI or USB connection). In a further embodiment, the data store308may be connected to the server300through a network, such as, for example, a network attached file server.

The memory310may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, etc.), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the memory310may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory310may have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remotely from one another, but can be accessed by the processor302. The software in memory310may include one or more software programs, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The software in the memory310may include a suitable operating system (O/S)314and one or more programs320.

The operating system314essentially controls the execution of other computer programs, such as the one or more programs320, and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The operating system314may be, for example Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016 (all available from Microsoft, Corp. of Redmond, Wash.), Solaris (available from Sun Microsystems, Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif.), LINUX (or another UNIX variant) (available from Red Hat of Raleigh, N.C. and various other vendors), Android and variants thereof (available from Google, Inc. of Mountain View, Calif.), Apple OS X and variants thereof (available from Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.), or the like. The one or more programs320may be configured to implement the various processes, algorithms, methods, techniques, etc. described herein.

Referring toFIG. 14, in an exemplary embodiment, a block diagram illustrates a client device400of which one or more may be used in the system100or the like and which may be a type of computing platform. The client device400can be a digital device that, in terms of hardware architecture, generally includes a processor402, input/output (I/O) interfaces404, a radio406, a data store408, and memory410. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatFIG. 14depicts the client device400in an oversimplified manner, and a practical embodiment may include additional components and suitably configured processing logic to support known or conventional operating features that are not described in detail herein. The components (402,404,406,408, and410) are communicatively coupled via a local interface412. The local interface412can be, for example but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface412can have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, among many others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface412may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

The processor402is a hardware device for executing software instructions. The processor402can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the client device400, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), or generally any device for executing software instructions. When the client device400is in operation, the processor402is configured to execute software stored within the memory410, to communicate data to and from the memory410, and to generally control operations of the client device400pursuant to the software instructions. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor402may include a mobile optimized processor such as optimized for power consumption and mobile applications.

The I/O interfaces404can be used to receive data and user input and/or for providing system output. User input can be provided via a plurality of I/O interfaces404, such as a keypad, a touch screen, a camera, a microphone, a scroll ball, a scroll bar, buttons, bar code scanner, voice recognition, eye gesture, and the like. System output can be provided via a display screen404A such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), touch screen, and the like. The I/O interfaces404can also include, for example, a global positioning service (GPS) radio, a serial port, a parallel port, a small computer system interface (SCSI), an infrared (IR) interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and the like. The I/O interfaces404can include a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables a user to interact with the client device400. Additionally, the I/O interfaces404may be used to output notifications to a user and can include a speaker or other sound emitting device configured to emit audio notifications, a vibrational device configured to vibrate, shake, or produce any other series of rapid and repeated movements to produce haptic notifications, and/or a light emitting diode (LED) or other light emitting element which may be configured to illuminate to provide a visual notification.

The radio406enables wireless communication to an external access device or network. Any number of suitable wireless data communication protocols, techniques, or methodologies can be supported by the radio406, including, without limitation: RF; IrDA (infrared); Bluetooth; ZigBee (and other variants of the IEEE 802.15 protocol); IEEE 802.11 (any variation); IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX or any other variation); Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum; Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum; Long Term Evolution (LTE); cellular/wireless/cordless telecommunication protocols (e.g. 3G/4G, etc.); wireless home network communication protocols; paging network protocols; magnetic induction; satellite data communication protocols; wireless hospital or health care facility network protocols such as those operating in the WMTS bands; GPRS; proprietary wireless data communication protocols such as variants of Wireless USB; and any other protocols for wireless communication.

The data store408may be used to store data and is therefore a type of memory. The data store408may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, and the like)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, and the like), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the data store408may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media.

The memory410may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, etc.), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the memory410may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory410may have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remotely from one another, but can be accessed by the processor402. The software in memory410can include one or more software programs420, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. In the example ofFIG. 14, the software in the memory system410includes a suitable operating system (O/S)414and programs420.

The operating system414essentially controls the execution of other computer programs, and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The operating system414may be, for example, LINUX (or another UNIX variant), Android (available from Google), Symbian OS, Microsoft Windows CE, Microsoft Windows 7 Mobile, Microsoft Windows 10, iOS (available from Apple, Inc.), webOS (available from Hewlett Packard), Blackberry OS (Available from Research in Motion), and the like.

The programs420may include various applications, add-ons, etc. configured to provide end user functionality with the client device400. For example, exemplary programs420may include, but not limited to, a web browser, social networking applications, streaming media applications, games, mapping and location applications, electronic mail applications, financial applications, and the like. In a typical example, the end user typically uses one or more of the programs420along with a network105to manipulate information of the system100.

While some exemplary shapes and sizes have been provided for elements of the device100, it should be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that the housing11, light diffusing cover13, and any other element described herein may be configured in a plurality of sizes and shapes including “T” shaped, “X” shaped, square shaped, rectangular shaped, cylinder shaped, cuboid shaped, hexagonal prism shaped, triangular prism shaped, or any other geometric or non-geometric shape, including combinations of shapes. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible alternatives, equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms and proposed shapes used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes, such as to size and shape, may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Additionally, while some materials have been provided, in other embodiments, the elements that comprise the device100may be made from or may comprise durable materials such as aluminum, steel, other metals and metal alloys, wood, hard rubbers, hard plastics, fiber reinforced plastics, carbon fiber, fiber glass, resins, polymers or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. Additionally, one or more elements may be made from or comprise durable and slightly flexible materials such as soft plastics, silicone, soft rubbers, or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. In some embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device100may be coupled or connected together with heat bonding, chemical bonding, adhesives, clasp type fasteners, clip type fasteners, rivet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, other types of fasteners, or any other suitable joining method.

In other embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device100may be coupled or removably connected by being press fit or snap fit together, by one or more fasteners such as hook and loop type or Velcro® fasteners, magnetic type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, snap fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, a slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. In further embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device100may be coupled by being one of connected to and integrally formed with another element of the device100.