Abstract:
An LED light bulb having separately addressable groupings of LED&#39;s. The LED light bulb can serve as a visual indicator of emergency or non-emergency conditions by selectively illuminating groupings of LED&#39;s in a variety of colors, each color corresponding to a predetermined condition.

Description:
This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 11/584,157 filed Oct. 20, 2006 now abandoned which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This disclosure relates generally to signal lights using light emitting diodes (LED&#39;s) to convert electrical energy into light energy. 
   BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
   Light emitting diodes are becoming increasingly prevalent for a variety of lighting functions. They are low cost in terms of use electricity, and now come in a variety of different colors. Not only are they useful in flashlights and automotive uses, but they find additional uses on a regular basis since their cost to operate, brightness, and low heat generation make them useful in a variety of applications. 
   It would be useful to have an LED light bulb that may be used in emergency and non-emergency situations to visually identify a condition of interest, and optionally identify that condition with a particular building, or room within a building. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One embodiment is a light emitting diode (LED) light bulb. The LED light bulb has multiple groupings of LED&#39;s. One LED grouping can have plural LED&#39;s that all have a particular light color that is associated with a condition. Another LED grouping has plural LED&#39;s that all have a different light color, which is different from the other light colors and is associated with a different condition. The LED light bulb also has control circuitry that selectably addresses the different LED groupings with a supply of electrical power depending upon the condition. A threaded base is connected to supply the control circuitry with electrical power when screwed into a light socket. An envelope connects to the base to house the first LED grouping and the second LED grouping. 
   Another embodiment is also a LED light bulb. The LED light bulb has multiple LED boards. One LED board bears plural LED&#39;s that all have a particular light color. Another LED board bears plural LED&#39;s that all have a different light color. The LED light bulb also has control circuitry that is connected to selectably address the LED boards with a supply of electrical power. A threaded base is connected to supply the control circuitry with electrical power when screwed into a light socket. An envelope connects to the base to house the LED boards. 
   Still another embodiment is another light emitting diode (LED) light bulb. The LED light bulb has multiple groupings of LED&#39;s. Each LED grouping has plural LED&#39;s that all have a similar light color that is associated with a given condition. Other LED groupings have plural LED&#39;s that all have a similar light color (different from other groupings), and which is associated with a different condition. The LED light bulb also has control circuitry that is connected to selectably address the different LED groupings or with a supply of electrical power depending upon the condition. In this embodiment a wireless receiver is connected to command selectable address by the control circuitry based upon a received RF signal. A threaded base is connected to supply the control circuitry with electrical power when screwed into a light socket. An envelope connects to the base to house the different LED groupings. 
   Yet another embodiment is an emergency alert system. The emergency alert system has first and second alarm sensors. The first alarm sensor is adapted to sense a first emergency condition. The second alarm sensor is adapted to sense a second emergency condition, which is different from the first emergency condition. The emergency alert system also has a system controller connected to receive sensor signals from the first and second alarm sensors and connected to transmit an alarm signal to a command center indicating the first emergency condition or the second emergency condition. The emergency alert system further has a signal conditioner connected to receive an illumination signal from the system controller indicating a first light color corresponding to the first emergency condition or a second light color corresponding to the second emergency condition, the second light color being different from the first light color. The signal conditioner transmits a command signal to selectably illuminate according to the first light color or the second light color, based upon the received illumination signal. A LED light bulb has first and second LED groupings. The first LED grouping has plural light emitting diodes all having the first light color. The second LED grouping has plural light emitting diodes all having the second light color. The LED light bulb further has control circuitry connected to selectably address the first light emitting diode grouping or the second light emitting diode grouping with supply of electrical power based upon the command signal from the signal conditioner. 
   The LED light bulb may be implemented with only a single color of LED&#39;s or it may have two, three, or more colors of LED&#39;s. The number of LED&#39;s may vary without departing from the scope of the present invention. Each color (or combination of colors) is associated with a particular condition. For example, and without limitation, emergency conditions and non-emergency conditions may be indicated by different color LED&#39;s or combinations thereof, all of which are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. 
   The embodiments of the LED light bulb may also be used in conjunction with an automated network notification to emergency responders of the existence of an emergency, as well as a visual indication of the location and type of emergency that has been automatically detected. 
   The use of a standard screw in type power contact configuration enables the LED light bulb to be easily retrofitted into existing light bulb sockets. Thus, no new equipment needs to be installed to make the LED light bulb useful. 
   In one embodiment, communication between the controller and the LED light bulb is implemented using a wireless connection. According to an alternate embodiment, communication between the controller and the LED light bulb is implemented using existing power wiring and an ×10 protocol (or the like). 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a LED light bulb according to a first embodiment with LED color groupings arranged horizontally and stacked atop one another. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a light assembly for a LED light bulb according to a second embodiment with LED&#39;s arranged in vertical columns of stacked LED color groupings. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a monitoring system that incorporates use of an LED light bulb. 
       FIG. 4  illustrate an LED bulb embodiment 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an LED bulb and controller circuit layout. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , An LED light bulb  10  according to one embodiment has a light assembly  100  which has plural LED boards  110 ,  120 ,  130  stacked atop one another. The LED&#39;s  114  on the top LED board  110  all radiate light of the same color as one another and are electrically connected so as to illuminate together as a group. The LED&#39;s  124  on the middle LED board  120  all radiate light of the same color as one another, but which is of a different color than that radiated by the LED&#39;s  114  of the top LED board  110 . The LED&#39;s  124  on the middle LED board  120  are electrically connected so as to illuminate together as a group. The LED&#39;s  134  on the bottom LED board  130  all radiate light of the same color as one another, but which is of a different color than those radiated by the LED&#39;s  114  of the top LED board  110  and the LED&#39;s  124  of the middle LED board  120 . The LED&#39;s  134  on the bottom LED board  130  are electrically connected so as to illuminate together as a group. 
   Control circuitry  200  is disposed inside the bulb  10  and receives power, and in one embodiment a control signal, via the bulb&#39;s base  300 . The control circuit  200  controls illumination of the bulb by energizing only one of the LED boards  110 ,  120 ,  130 , at a given moment. This is accomplished by an addressing circuit that is advantageously implemented as a PIC 16C54 microcontroller. The PIC 16HV540 microcontroller has thirteen input/output (I/O) pins of which twelve are general purpose. These pins are used to address and drive a selected one (or none) of the plural groups of LED&#39;s that display light of a selected color characteristic. The PIC is a suitable microcontroller for implementing the invention because it is robust, simple to interface to the outside world, and relatively simple to program. 
   The control circuitry  200  also includes a power supply circuit that converts the 120 VAC power received via the bulb&#39;s base  300  into a DC voltage appropriate to power the microcontroller, as well as the LED&#39;s. 
   Bulb  10  has a bulb base  300  that conforms to the same physical dimensions as any standard sizes for incandescent light bulb that use line voltage. In North America, there are four standard sizes of screw-in sockets used for line-voltage lamps: 
   E12 candelabra (E10 &amp; E11 in Europe), 
   E17 intermediate (E14 in Europe), 
   E26 medium or standard (E27 in Europe), and 
   E39 mogul (E40 in Europe). 
   The LED light bulb base  300  may also be configured according to the standard dimensions of so-called “bayonet” type bulbs having a pair or radially opposed prongs, which are used in low power applications. 
   According to an alternate embodiment, the LED light bulb is hardwired to receive power and control signals rather than interfacing with a conventional socket. 
   According to another alternate embodiment, the LED light bulb is self-powered with a solar array mounted on the exterior of the bulb and having a battery to store energy gathered via the solar array. 
   The base  300  has screw threads  320  formed using a conductive (e.g., metal) material. The threads  320  mechanically engage a standard size bulb socket to retain the bulb  10  in the socket. The threads  320  provide conductive connection between the socket and the control circuitry  200 . The base  300  also has an electrical foot contact  330  formed using a conductive (e.g., metal) material. The electrical foot contact  330  provides conductive connection between the socket and the control circuitry  200 . The threads  320  are electrically isolated from the foot contact  330  by insulation material. 
   Not only does electrical power enter through the threads  320  and the electrical foot contact  330 , but according to at least one embodiment these electrical contact points also serve to couple control signals received via the socket into the control circuitry  200 . 
   Bulb  10  has an envelope  400  that surrounds the LED boards  110 ,  120 ,  130 . Although illustrated as having a quasi-spherical shape, the envelope  400  may be formed to have any serviceable shape that provides protection to the LED boards  110 ,  120 ,  130  and the control circuitry  200  from impact or exposure to ambient conditions (liquids, corrosive materials, salt air, etc.). 
   The light assembly  100 ,  102  and the control circuitry  200  are housed inside the combination of the envelope  400  and the threaded base  300 . The envelope  400  and the threaded base  300  are integrally joined together to form a protective housing for the internal elements of the bulb. Although a tight fit between the envelope  400  and the threaded base  300  is useful to protect the internal elements of the bulb from ambient conditions, a vacuum seal (as required in incandescent lamps) is not necessary. 
   The control circuitry  200  is electrically connected to the threads  320  and the foot contact  330  of the base  300  so as to receive both power and control signals. Each of the LED boards  110 ,  120 ,  130  connects electrically to the control circuitry  200  to receive electrical power to illuminate addressed groups of the LED&#39;s  114 ,  124 ,  134 . The addressing of the LED&#39;s  114 ,  124 ,  134  is based upon the control signals received by the control circuitry  200 . The control signals may be transmitted via a wireless connection and received via a wireless receiver (explained in detail below) in the control circuitry  200 , or it may be transmitted via the line voltage wiring  546  (refer to  FIG. 3 ) and into the base  300  contacts. 
   In any of the described embodiments, the number of LED boards illustrated is not meant as a limitation. Further the number of colors represented is similarly not meant as a limitation. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , a structure is illustrated for how LED&#39;s may be successfully arranged inside the bulb using an alternative light assembly  102 . This alternative light assembly  102  has plural elongated LED boards  140 ,  150 ,  160  arrayed in parallel and facing radially outwards away from one another. The LED groupings  142 ,  152 ,  162  on the top portions of each of the elongated LED boards  140 ,  150 ,  160  all radiate light of the same color as one another and are electrically connected so as to illuminate together as a group. The LED groupings  144 ,  154 ,  164  on the middle portions of each of the elongated LED board  140 ,  150 ,  160  all radiate light of the same color as one another, but which is of a different color than that radiated by the top LED groupings  142 ,  152 ,  162 . The middle LED groupings  144 ,  154 ,  164  are electrically connected so as to illuminate together as a group. The LED groupings  146 ,  156 ,  166  on the bottom portions of each of the elongated LED board  140 ,  150 ,  160  all radiate light of the same color as one another, but which is of a different color than those radiated by the top LED groupings  142 ,  152 ,  162  and the middle LED groupings  144 ,  154 ,  164 . The bottom LED groupings  146 ,  156 ,  166  are electrically connected so as to illuminate together as a group. 
   When powered and controlled to be illuminated, the LED light bulb  10  emits light according to a selected color. For example, the colors may be red, green, and white. These are colors of LED&#39;s that are readily commercially available and are easily distinguishable from one another with natural human vision. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , a system for providing alerts to emergency personnel approaching a building is illustrated. One or more sensors  510 ,  512 ,  514  or signaling systems  520  are connected via a network  530  to a system controller  540 . The system controller  540  continuously monitors the sensors  510 ,  512 ,  514  and the signaling systems  520  and provides notifications of an alarm condition to a relevant monitoring-dispatching control center  550 . The control center  550  relays, either automatically or at human discretion, alerts to external agencies  560  such as fire/rescue, ambulance, or police. 
   Fire detection sensors  510  for use in this system may be embodied as including (without limitation) smoke detectors, flame detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, or a combination of such detectors. Water detection sensors  512  for use in this system may be embodied as including (without limitation) capacitive sensors, conductive sensors, mechanical float switch sensors, or a combination of such sensors. Intrusion detection sensors  514  for use in this system may be embodied as including (without limitation) magnetic proximity switches, motion sensors, pressure switches, or a combination of such devices. 
   The system controller  540  also interfaces with a signal conditioner structure that functions to activate the LED light bulb  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a wireless transmitter  570  serves as the signal conditioner that sends an addressing signal to the LED light bulb  10  commanding it to display a selected color of light. 
   When one of the sensors  510 ,  512 ,  514  or the signaling system  520  notifies the system controller  540  of an alarm condition, the system controller  540  identifies the type of alarm condition (fire, intrusion, medical, etc.) being sensed and forwards commensurate signals onward to both the command center  550  and the wireless transmitter  570 . The system controller  540  sends a signal to the command center  550  that identifies the location of the alarm and the type of alarm condition detected. For example, if a fire condition is sensed the command center  550  is notified of a fire condition at the monitored address. The system controller  540  sends a signal to the wireless transmitter  570  instructing illumination of a color that corresponds to the type of alarm condition detected. For example, if a fire condition is sensed the wireless transmitter  570  is instructed to illuminate with the color red. The wireless transmitter  570  in turn sends a command signal to the LED light bulb  10  to address its red LED&#39;s. 
   Emergency responders receive information in two ways in this system. The responders receive an external alert  560  from the command center  550  telling them the location and nature of the emergency and, when they approach the location of the alarm, they receive signaling from the LED light bulb  10  illuminating to confirm the precise building to respond to. In the case of an apartment building, the LED light bulb  10  will indicate the location of the building and, optionally, which one of the many units in the apartment building the alarm is originating from. Alternatively, the LED light bulb  10  is augmented by a LED digital numeric display  12  that is also activated by the wireless transmitter  570  to indicate the apartment number the alarm is originating from. For example, when the fire alarm in apartment number 872 is activated, the LED light bulb  10  indicates the building and the LED numeric display  12  indicates that apartment number 872 is the source of the alarm. 
   When the system controller  540  receives a notification of an alarm from one of the sensors  510 ,  512 ,  514  or from an alert device  522 ,  524 ,  526  via the network  530 , or by monitoring of the telephone  544  line (dial of 911) or dry contact closure  548  from an additional unspecified sensor, the system controller  540  send serial data to the wireless transmitter  570 . The format of the serial data may advantageously take the form: 
   
     
       
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
               First word 
               Sync Word 
             
             
                 
               Second word 
               Unit ID Word (System controller and LED 
             
             
                 
                 
               Light Bulb must have the same Unit ID, for 
             
             
                 
                 
               Led Bulb to be activated) 
             
             
                 
               Third word 
               Strobe ON or OFF word 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   The wireless communication link between the system controller  540  and the LED light bulb  10  can be tested using the telephone. The operator will remove the hand set of the telephone  544  (sometimes referred to as an “off-hook” condition) that the system controller  540  is monitoring and dials the test code (for example, #88). The system controller  540  will decode the buttons pushed on the phone and transfer the flash ON code to the LED light bulb  10 . 
   The LED light bulb  10  will decode the Sync Word to determine the start of the transmission then verify that the ID Word received is equal to (i.e., matches) the ID Word it has been set to. If the ID Words match the LED light bulb  10  will act on the third word received, either Flash On or Flash OFF. 
   To turn the Flash OFF after an emergency condition has been ended or verification that the wireless link is working, the operator will remove the hand set of the telephone  544  that the system controller  540  is monitoring and dials a Stop/Reset code (for example, #55). The system controller  540  will decode the buttons pushed on the phone and transfer the Flash OFF code to the LED light bulb  10 . 
   Implementation of the wireless link embodiments can be accomplished using any of various commercially available RF transmitters and receivers hardware. Most any RF transmitter as known in the prior art may be used, since size and power constraints are not a concern at the system controller  540 . On the other hand, at the LED light bulb  10  a compact receiver is useful to fit inside a light bulb form factor package. 
   EXAMPLE 1 
   As a working example, a system controller, wireless transmitter, and LED light bulb wireless receiver have been successfully implemented utilizing RF transmitters and receivers manufactured by LINX Technologies. The LINX RF transmitters and receivers operate on two (2) different carrier frequency ranges depending on the models selected: the low range (nominally 400 MHz) operates at available frequencies including 315, 418 and 433 MHz, and the high range (nominally 900 MHz) operates at available frequencies including 869 and 916 MHz. These devices convert the serial TTL Data stream into RF impulses to be transferred between the two transmitter and receiver components. 
   Examples of LINX Technologies manufactured RF receivers of the sort that can be advantageously implemented are receiver model numbers RXM-869-ES (nominally 869 MHz) and RXM916-ES (nominally 916 MHz). Alternatively, receiver model numbers RXM-416-LR or LC (nominally 416 MHz) can be used if lower range frequency use is desired. These models have ultra-compact SMD packages and are set up to perform both analog frequency modulation (FM) and digital frequency shift keying (FSK). These models have high noise immunity, excellent sensitivity, and consume little power. No additional components or tuning are required, other than to provide an antenna of the appropriate impedance (nominally 50 Ω) at the selected operating frequency. These models can operate under conditions as hot as 70° C. and require a regulated power supply of nominal 5 VDC with noise of less than 20 mV. They provide a range of up to 1,000 feet outdoors and up to 500 feet indoors, which is more than plenty for residential applications. 
   For additional technical details the component manufacturer, LINX Technologies, may be contacted at 575 S.E. Ashley Place, Grants Pass, Oreg. 97526. 
   EXAMPLE 2 
   As an additional example, the wireless transmitter and receiver components of the disclosed embodiments can be implemented using an RF modem transceiver system, made by Xecom Inc., which operates on AT commands. When data is to be transferred from one modem to the other or a multipoint RF network, the initiating device makes the connection then sends the data. The distant receiving end then sends back to the initiating end an acknowledgment that the data was received error free. 
   Examples of Xecom Inc. manufactured RF transceivers of the sort that can be advantageously implemented are model numbers XE900SL10 (low power) and XE900S-500 (high power). These models have compact packages that house spread spectrum transceiver and integrated micro-controller that manages a frequency hopped spread spectrum link and a host system interface. These models each have −100 dBm receiver sensitivity, can operate at temperatures as high as 85° C., require a nominal 3.3 Volt power supply, and operate in a frequency band of about 902 through 928 MHz. The lower power XE900SL10 model has package dimensions of 1 inch square with a 0.26 inch thickness, and has an obstructed signal range of 300 feet. The higher power model has package dimensions of 1.295 inch by 1.410 inch by 0.255 inch, and has an obstructed signal range of 1000 feet. 
   For additional technical details the component manufacturer, Xecom Inc., may be contacted at 3374 Turquoise Street, Milpitas, Calif. 95035. 
   EXAMPLE 3 
   When a life threatening emergency occurs, fast response time by emergency personnel is important. Although response times have been shortened substantially via automated alarm systems that provide timely alerts to emergency services organization, many deaths associated with delayed response times are attributable to difficulties in locating the right house, apartment, or business location in a timely manner when responding to emergency calls. Despite rigorous training of emergency personnel to attempt to improve the speed of location of emergency locations, this remains a stubbornly hard-to-eliminate source of delay. Embodiments of the LED light bulb herein described allow responders to quickly find the emergency location via the LED color that is visible. 
   EXAMPLE 4 
   Other embodiments of the LED light bulb may be manually activated in a particular color by a user command. In such a case, a particular color might mean the home is open to “trick-or-treaters” or is a location where pets are located. In summary, the invention can signify any of various non-emergency conditions. 
   EXAMPLE 5 
   An LED light bulb provides signaling regarding various alarm conditions. Each alarm condition is represented by a distinct color profile of light emitted by the LED light bulb. The power connection contacts of the LED bulb are consistent with a standard screw-in type light bulb, although this is not meant as a limitation and other connection interfaces may be used to practice the present invention. The use of a standard screw-in type light bulb base configuration is useful to retrofit the novel structure and function of the present invention easily with existing lighting systems. The bulb incorporates an integrated circuit chip that receives and decodes control signals concerning what signals the LED light bulb is to make. Based on the decoded control signals, the integrated circuit chip controls application of power to a selected one of plural groups of LED&#39;s housed inside the bulb. Each of the plural groups of LED&#39;s is of a particular color emission characteristic that is distinct from the other LED groups. 
   EXAMPLE 6 
   The LED light bulb can function as part of a security system. Typically a network connects various monitoring subsystems, such as burglary detectors, fire/smoke detectors, medical alert monitors, water intrusion monitors, carbon monoxide sensors, etc. A central controller connects to these various subsystems via the network and provides alert signals to both a remote command center and to one or more of the LED light bulbs at, or near, the premises being monitored. Whereas the remote command center has the discretionary capability to summon emergency personnel (firefighters, police, private security, etc.) the LED light bulbs provide a local visual alert to building occupants, neighbors, passersby, and intruders of an alarm condition. 
   EXAMPLE 7 
   Each of the colors of the LED light bulb may be used to designate a particular condition of either an emergency or non-emergency nature, and when mounted on the exterior of a building (residential or commercial) provides to first responders or passersby information about the nature of the condition, in addition to providing a conspicuous indication of the location of the condition. For example when used in an emergency situation, red might symbolize a fire alarm, green would symbolize a medical alarm (e.g., from a medical alert transmitter), and white would symbolize an intrusion alarm. Other colors may indicate yet other conditions. The illumination may be continuous or modulated to indicate further information, and the frequency and duty cycle of modulation (slow blink, fast blink, strobe, etc.) can also convey information. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4  a preferred embodiment of the LED light bulb is illustrated. The LED bulb comprises a base  602  that can be a screw type base, pin base, or any other type of base known in the art that allows connection of the bulb to an electrical system. The base  602  provides power to the power supply  600  which in turn provides power to the remainder of the LED bulb embodiment. Day/night sensors  604 ,  606  allow the bulb to sense the ambient light and therefore provide greater or lesser power as needed. Once the outside illumination falls below a certain level the day/night sensors will permit the LED bulb to be turned on at a preset level which will not affect the later control or operation of the LED bulb. LED controller  608  is disposed over the power supply and allows both intensity, duration of the flash, and time interval for sequential flashes of the LEDs to be controlled. This controller then controls the LED “sticks”  610 . In a preferred embodiment the LED are disposed in a vertical stick-type arrangement with 8 sticks of LED&#39;s connected to the controller. Each stick has 4 LEDS although this is not meant as a limitation. A receiver board/antenna  612  is disposed on top of the LED sticks, although this physical position is not a limitation. The receiver board/antenna  612  allows the LED bulb to receive signals from a wireless controller that instructs the LED bulb to glow in a particular color, to flash in a particular manner, or to operate in other way disclosed herein. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5  a vertical view looking down on the LED bulb is illustrated. Note that the antenna board is not seen in this view. Timer circuit  700  controls the LED sticks  704 ,  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712 ,  714 ,  716 , and  718 . The timer determines the interval with which the LED sticks will flash (i.e., once every second, sequentially, color, and in other ways disclosed herein). The pulse/flash controller circuit  702  controls the intensity with which the LED sticks will flash at the predetermined interval controlled by the timer circuit  700 . 
   This particular layout of LED sticks and controlling circuits is not meant as a limitation. It is illustrated herein for this particular embodiment. 
   The embodiments are not limited to the number of colors specifically disclosed, nor to the specific colors mentioned. Practice of the present invention may be effected with as few as one single color of LED in the light bulb, although plural colors are preferred to provide increased versatility. The colors of LED&#39;s usable to practice the invention are not limited to those currently commercially available and shall be considered to encompass wavelengths and ranges of wavelengths that may come to be produced in the future. The colors of LED&#39;s usable to practice the invention are not limited to visible wavelengths and may include infrared and ultraviolet varieties, for example, for producing radiative alerts that trigger remote sensors or for producing stealthy alerts detectable only to emergency personnel with appropriate equipment to sense non-visible alerts. 
   An LED light bulb and an emergency alert system have been described using the LED light bulb. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed and that the examples and embodiments described herein are in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art of the present invention will recognize that other embodiments using the concepts described herein are also possible. Further, any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.