Abstract:
A method and apparatus for controlling a light string is provided. A controller is coupled to the light string and is used to bias one or more of the multicolor LEDs within each bulb on the light string. Using a prearranged determination of 1) the multicolor LEDs within each bulb, 2) the placement of the bulbs within the light string, and 3) the proper biasing of the plurality of leads within the light string, the controller can be used to change the entire light string from one complex holiday color scheme to another using a simple switching mechanism to select from one a of a plurality of desired color schemes.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/631,200 filed Dec. 29, 2011 titled “Method and Apparatus for Controlling a Multi-colored LED light String” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The patent relates generally to an apparatus and method for controlling multi-color LED light strings. To date, none of the existing LED light string controllers have an easy and convenient mechanism for displaying preset patters of colored LED lights corresponding to particular holidays. 
         [0004]    Prior art systems have attempted to control light string in a variety of other ways. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,653,797, titled Apparatus and Method for Providing Synchronized Lights (hereinafter Puleo Sr. et al.), uses a digital controller to synchronize different light groups on a plurality of decorative lighting strings. In this patent, a master control unit is configured to control slave controllers so as to provide and pass through individual color signals to the plurality of light strings thereby illuminating the same color bulbs on each light string in the master-slave configuration. The bulbs of Puleo Sr. et al. are not multicolored such that a plurality of colors is available for controlling and there is only one control signal controls each color. 
         [0005]    Thus, the prior art of LED light string controllers is lacking in certain aspects. In particular, none of the prior art discloses a controller used to easily and conveniently select LED light display patterns that correspond to prearranged lighting color schemes, particularly as they correspond to holiday lighting. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In one preferred embodiment, the invention is a lighting system that includes a controller coupled to a power source at a first connection and at least one light string at a second connection, the second connection including at least three connection leads, the second connection being polarized such that the light string is capable of only one connection orientation at the second connection, the light string containing a plurality of lighting elements, each of the lighting elements containing a plurality of different colored lights, the controller having a switch with a plurality of switch positions including: a first switch position for providing electrical power at the second connection to the light string by applying a first voltage phase on a first connection lead, the first voltage phase biasing a first light among the plurality of different colored lights within the lighting elements; a second switch position for providing electrical power at the second connection to the light string by applying a second voltage phase on the first connection lead, the second voltage phase biasing a second light among the plurality of different colored lights within the lighting elements; and a third switch position for providing electrical power at the second connection to the light string in a third voltage phase on a second connection lead, the third voltage phase biasing a third light among the plurality of different colored lights within the lighting elements. 
         [0007]    In certain preferred aspects of the invention, the plurality of different colored lights are multicolored LEDs and the lighting element is a bulb containing the multicolored LEDs; a fourth switch position is disclosed for providing electrical power at the second connection to the light string by simultaneously applying the first voltage phase on the first connection lead and the second voltage phase on the second connection lead, the plurality of applied voltage phases biasing a plurality of the different colored lights within of the lighting elements; the lighting element includes a diffusion element for blending the colors of the plurality of biased lights. Additional aspects of the invention provide for sockets for receiving the lighting elements, the sockets and the lighting elements including an orientation mechanism used to govern the proper insertion of the lighting elements into the sockets; the connection mechanism permits a plurality of orientations of the light element within the socket; the controller includes a bypass switch position, the bypass switch position applying the same biasing voltages present at connection leads of the first connection to the connection leads of the second connection. In still other arrangements, the controller includes a rectifier for converting AC voltage input at the first connection to DC voltage to the switch for providing the biasing voltage phases; an adapter is included and used to convert the at least three connection leads to a standard two prong NEMA plug coupling to accommodate existing holiday decorations within the system; and an ornament including a plurality of lighting elements provided, each of the lighting elements containing a plurality of different colored lights, the ornament coupled to the controller at another second connection, a first, second and third light among the plurality of different colored lights being biased in combination with the first, second and third light among the plurality of different colored lights on the light string. 
         [0008]    In another preferred embodiment, a light string is provided including: a connection including at least three connection leads, the connection being polarized such that the light string is capable of only one connection orientation to a controller, the light string containing a plurality of lighting elements, each of the lighting elements containing a plurality of different colored lights, the light string being operable by the controller wherein the controller has a switch with a plurality of switch positions including: a first switch position for providing electrical power at the second connection to the light string by applying a first voltage phase on a first connection lead, the first voltage phase biasing a first light among the plurality of different colored lights within the lighting elements; a second switch position for providing electrical power at the second connection to the light string by applying a second voltage phase on the first connection lead, the second voltage phase biasing a second light among the plurality of different colored lights within the lighting elements; and a third switch position for providing electrical power at the second connection to the light string in a third voltage phase on a second connection lead, the third voltage phase biasing a third light among the plurality of different colored lights within the lighting elements. 
         [0009]    In certain variations of this arrangement, the light string includes plurality of different colored lights are multicolored LEDs and the lighting element is a bulb containing the multicolored LEDs; the controller includes a fourth switch position for providing electrical power at the connection to the light string by simultaneously applying the first voltage phase on the first connection lead and the second voltage phase on the second connection lead, the plurality of applied voltage phases biasing a plurality of the different colored lights within of the lighting elements; and the lighting element includes a diffusion element for blending the colors of the plurality of biased lights. In other invention variations, the light string includes sockets for receiving the lighting elements, the sockets and the lighting elements include an orientation mechanism used to govern the proper insertion of the lighting elements into the sockets; and the connection mechanism permits a plurality of orientations of the light element within the socket. 
         [0010]    In a preferred method of operating the present the method includes coupling a controller to a power source at a first connection of the controller; coupling the controller to at least one light string at a second connection of the controller, the second connection includes at least three connection leads, the second connection being polarized such that the light string is capable of only one connection orientation at the second connection, the light string containing a plurality of lighting elements, each of the lighting elements containing a plurality of different colored lights, the controller having a switch with a plurality of switch positions; switching the controller to a first switch position, the first switch position provides electrical power at the second connection to the light string in a first voltage phase on a first connection lead, the first voltage phase biasing a first colored light within the plurality of different colored lights; switching the controller to a second switch position, the second switch position providing electrical power at the second connection to the light string in a second voltage phase on the first connection lead, the second voltage phase biasing a second colored light within the plurality of different colored lights; and switching the controller to a third switch position, the third switch position providing electrical power at the second connection to the light string in a third voltage phase on a second connection lead, the third voltage phase biasing a third colored light within the plurality of different colored lights. 
         [0011]    In one particular aspect of the method, the method includes the step of switching the controller to a fourth switch position, the fourth switch position providing electrical power at the second connection to the light string by simultaneously applying the first voltage phase on the first connection lead and the second voltage phase on the second connection lead, the plurality of applied voltage phases biasing a plurality of the different colored lights within of the lighting elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein: 
           [0013]      FIGS. 1A-1C  are modular component views of the invention according to one preferred embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are perspective views of two light elements according to alternative embodiments of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 3A-3F  are a sequential series of side, top and bottom views of the light elements and sockets according to several embodiments of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 4A &amp; 4B  are circuit diagrams of the invention according to several embodiments of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 5A &amp; 5B  are charts illustrating the color patterns displayed by the LED light elements according to particular embodiments of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  shows an alternative light string according to a particular embodiment of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 7A &amp; 7B  show various modular lighting systems containing a variety of alternative elements according to particular embodiments of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  shows a plurality of modular adapters of for use in interconnecting lighting elements according to particular embodiments of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  shows an LED-lighted decoration according to a particular embodiment of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  shows a solid state controller for use with the lighting elements according to a particular embodiment of the invention; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 11A &amp; 11B  show variations of wireless control functions for use with the lighting elements according to a particular embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  shows a LED ornament for use with the lighting elements according to a particular embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    To facilitate a clear understanding of the present invention, illustrative examples are provided herein which describe certain aspects of the invention. However, it is to be appreciated that these illustrations are not meant to limit the scope of the invention, and are provided herein to illustrate certain concepts associated with the invention. 
         [0026]    It is also to be understood that certain aspects of the present invention may be implemented in various forms of hardware, software, firmware, special purpose processors, or a combination thereof. Preferably, certain aspects of the present invention may be implemented in software as a program tangibly embodied on a program storage device. The program may be uploaded to, and executed by, a machine comprising any suitable architecture. Preferably, certain aspects of the invention are implemented on a computer platform having hardware such as one or more central processing units (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), and input/output (I/O) interface(s). The computer platform may also include an operating system and microinstruction code. The various processes and functions described herein may either be part of the microinstruction code or part of the program (or combination thereof) which is executed via the operating system. In addition, various other peripheral devices may be connected to the computer platform such as an additional data storage device and a printing device. 
         [0027]    It is to be understood that, because some of the constituent system components and method steps depicted in the accompanying figures are preferably implemented in software, the actual connections between the system components (or the process steps) may differ depending upon the manner in which the present invention is programmed. Specifically, any of the computers or devices may be interconnected using any existing or later-discovered networking technology and may also all be connected through a lager network system, such as a corporate network, metropolitan network or a global network, such as the internet. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1A  shows a modular component view of the lighting system  5  of the present invention. Lighting system  5  includes a controller  10 , light strings  80 , and light string connections  70 . The controller  10  is plugged into a power source  7  at a first connection  11 . Power source  7  may be any of a plurality of power sources, including any AC or DC power source. In a typical commercial embodiment, power source  7  is a typical 115V AC power outlet as found in a residence or a building and the first connection  11  is coupled to that power source with a NEMA standard electrical power plug. 
         [0029]    Controller  10  provides various switching functions to control the light strings  80  and is connected to the light strings at a second connection  13 . Second connection  13  may be distributed to multiple light strings  80  by means of a distribution harness  70  having its own connectors  74  and  75  that connect to the light strings  80  at light string connections  104 . Connectors  74 ,  75  and  104  may be comprised of any of the standard male-female mating systems typically used for making electrical connections for light strings. Further, connectors  74 ,  75  and  104  may be polarized so that only one connection orientation is possible in making the mating connection between the two. For this invention, however, a minimum of three control signals or leads are provided at the controller&#39;s second connection  13  and distributed to mating connector pairs  74  and  104  along wires  71 ,  72  and  73 . The reason for this limitation will become clear as described in more detail below. 
         [0030]    Functionally, controller  10  provides several electrical functions. First, controller  10  provides a switching function to control the illumination of light strings  80 . Such illumination is provided by direct power transmission from power source  7  through controller  10  and over the wires  71 ,  72 , and  73  of distribution harness  70 . The switching functions of controller  10  include an off position  12 , a bypass position  17 , and a plurality of color selection positions  13 . Regarding power management, controller  10  may include high-to-low voltage conversion functions and AC/DC conversion functions, as well as any other power management functions required by or desirably provided to the light strings  80 . 
         [0031]    Light strings  80  are connected to the distribution harness  70 , or alternatively the controller  10  directly, at connectors  104 . Light strings  80  include a plurality of light elements  82  each of which includes a plurality of lights within each light element. The lights within each light element may be incandescent, fluorescent, LED or any of a variety of other illumination technologies. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the lights within the light element include 4 or 6 LEDs of different colors. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 1B and 1C  provide alternative configurations of the distribution harness  70  as used to couple additional light strings  80  to the controller  10  or to add-on connector  75  of  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 1B  shows a distribution harness  70  that includes a male connector  76  used to mate with female add-on connector  75  of  FIG. 1A  and an additional female connector  77  for providing a connection to additional downstream distribution harnesses. Female connectors  74  are provided for connection to light strings  80  having male connectors  104 . Connectors  76 ,  77  and  74  are provided with at least three leads  71 ,  72  and  73  which are physically connected in series from one connector to the next, so as to provide a parallel electrical connection coupling the three prong male connections at male connector  76  and the three prong female connectors  74  and  77 .  FIG. 1C  shows a similar distribution harness with the difference being that the three leads  71 ,  72  and  73  are physically connected in a “Y” or parallel physical arrangement, from male connector  76  to directly to each of the other female connectors  74  and  77 , so as to provide a parallel electrical connection coupling the three prong male connections at male connector  76  and the three prong female connectors  74  and  77 . Thus, unlike the arrangement of  FIG. 1B , there are bundles of the three leads  71 ,  72  and  73  providing the connections from male connector  76  to each of the female connectors  74  and  75 . 
         [0033]    In an alternative powering arrangement of  FIGS. 1A-1C , the distribution harnesses or the light strings  80  themselves may each be plugged directly into a power source  7  so as to provide power to the light elements  82 . In this arrangement, the control signals passed along leads  71 ,  72  and  73  may either be hardwired to each of the distribution harnesses, as previously described, or wirelessly transmitted by controller  10 . In a wireless configuration, the harnesses and/or light strings would necessarily include wireless receivers and the controller would include a wireless transmitter (none of which are shown). Whether in a wireless or wired configuration, the controller may be physically composed of a separate piece of hardware, as shown in  FIG. 1A , or may take the form of a hand-held electronic device or a computer. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 2A  and B provide a perspective view of the light elements  82  according to two preferred embodiments of the invention. In  FIG. 2A , a four-LED light element is provided having individual LEDs  84 ,  85 ,  86 , and  87 . Each of the LEDs may be of a different color or may contain any of a variety of color combinations according to the holiday lighting needs of light strings  80 . Pairs of the LEDs may be wired in parallel, but cross-connected, such that two leads  74  and  75  are needed to power each pair depending on the voltage polarity (phase) applied to the LED lead pairs. As shown in  FIG. 2A , a positive voltage phase on LED lead  75  as compared to LED lead  74  will result in the illumination of LED  84 , B. Revering that polarity will result in the illumination of LED  85 , A. The same function is applicable to the two LED leads  76  and  77  coupled to cross-connected LEDs  86  and  87 . In this manner of arrangement, the number of leads from the light elements  82  is reduced and 4 LEDs may be supported by four leads. Finally, as shown in  FIG. 2A , the light element  82  containing the LEDs may be constructed as a single piece/housing (left side of  FIG. 2A ) or component pieces that are later assembled or affixed to one another to effectuate the appearance of a single light element (right side of  FIG. 2A ). 
         [0035]      FIG. 2B  discloses a light element  82  that includes six LEDs  81 ,  83 ,  84 ,  85 ,  86  and  87 . In this arrangement, three LED lead pairs are required to provide the six individual voltage biases required to illuminate the six LEDs. Those of skill in the art will realize that AC voltages across any pair of LED leads in lighting element  82  will result in the illumination of both cross-connected LEDs connected to those leads. Further, the simultaneous DC biasing of two or more pairs of LED leads will result in the simultaneous illumination of multiple LEDs. In this fashion, more than four colors (in  FIG. 2A ) or six colors (in  FIG. 2B ) may be obtained from a single light element. In the example of  FIG. 2B , if LED  84  is red and LED  87  is blue, the simultaneous illumination of these two LEDs will result in a purple color being emitted by light element  82 . This effect can be enhanced by providing a diffuser within the LED housing/light element  82 . Finally, as with the four-LED arrangement of  FIG. 2A , the light element  82  containing the six LEDs may be constructed as a single piece/housing (left side of  FIG. 2B ) or component pieces that are later assembled or affixed to one another to effectuate the appearance of a single light element (right side of  FIG. 2B ). 
         [0036]      FIGS. 3A-3F  show in a pair-wise fashion, cut away side views and top/bottom views of three light elements and their corresponding sockets.  FIG. 3A  shows a four LED light element  82  including base  89  and bulb  88 , which houses the four LEDs shown in  FIG. 2A . LED leads  74  and  75  are shown extruding from based  89 . LED leads  76  and  77  are not shown but are present on the base backside. Four-LED socket  90  consists of a socket body  92 , a terminal lock  93  and orientation slot  91 . Four spring action terminals  98  are provided within the socket body for mateable connection with LED leads  74 ,  75 ,  76 , and  77  when light base  89  is inserted into socket body  92 . Spring action terminals are in turn electrically coupled to socket leads  94 ,  95 ,  96  and  97  which compose a portion of the wiring within light string  80 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 3B  provides the bottom view of the lighting element  82  (top image) and top view of socket  90  (bottom image). Square base  89  shows the bulb  88  as a hidden line circle with LED leads  74 ,  75 ,  76  and  77  protruding outward from the base bottom and wrapping up the side of the base  89 . Lead separator  73  is provided to maintain separation of the LED leads. Orientation tab  71  is provided on one side of the base  89 . Bulb  88  is shown as the hidden line circle. Regarding the bottom image, orientation slot  91  is shown on one inner face of socket  90 . Terminal lock  93  is provided to lock the bulb base in place once fully inserted. Socket leads  94 ,  95 ,  96  and  97  are connected at one end to spring terminals  98  and are shown leading out of the socket  90  at its bottom end. 
         [0038]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , light string  80  is comprised of a plurality of light sockets  90  wired to light string connector  104 . Leads  114  and  116  from light string connector  104  are wired to socket leads  94  and  96  respectively on the first in the series of sockets. First socket leads  95  and  97  are subsequently connected to socket leads  94  and  96  of the second socket. This wiring pattern is continued, socket to socket, until the last socket&#39;s terminals  94  and  96  are wired to the previous socket. It should be noted that the last socket in light string  80  is wired slightly differently in that socket leads  95  and  97  are wired together to provide one return ground  100  to terminal  110  of light string connector  104 . 
         [0039]    Upon insertion of all the light elements  82  into sockets  90  in light string  80  the three lead circuit of the light string is complete. With respect to  FIG. 3B , LED leads  74 ,  75 ,  76 , and  77  make electrical connection to spring terminals  98  and the four socket leads  94 ,  95 ,  96 , and  97  respectively. It should be noted that the LEDs are arranged in the bulb such that LED pairs  84 / 85  and  86 / 87  are connected to LED lead pairs  74 / 75  and  76 / 77  respectively. Orientation tab  71  on base  89  is aligned with orientation slot  91  so that there is only one possible insertion orientation of the light element into the socket thereby ensuring that voltage bias applied across socket leads  94 / 95  and  96 / 97  result in biasing one of the four respective LEDs  84 ,  85 ,  86 ,  87 . Thus, the LEDs are biased and thereby illuminated according to the following table: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 LIGHT STRING 
                   
                   
               
               
                 CONNECTOR 
                 VOLTAGE WITH RESPECT TO 
                 LED BIASED 
               
               
                 LEAD 
                 GROUND 100 
                 (EACH BULB) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 114 
                 POSITIVE 
                 85 
               
               
                 114 
                 NEGATIVE 
                 84 
               
               
                 116 
                 POSITIVE 
                 86 
               
               
                 116 
                 NEGATIVE 
                 87 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 3C and 3D , a lighting element  82  and socket  90  are shown corresponding to the 6 LED light element. Most elements correspond similarly to those provided with respect to the 4 LED light element and socket including: the orientation slot  91  in the socket  90  of  FIG. 3C , the orientation tab  71  and lead separator  73  on the light element base. As necessitated by the additional cross-connected LED pair, the number of LED leads on the base and corresponding socket leads to which they couple is increased from four to six as shown in  FIG. 3D . Likewise the light string used to illuminate the 6 LED lighting elements will include a light string connector possessing four leads, three to bias the 3 LED pairs and the fourth as a return ground on the string. 
         [0041]    Those of skill in the art will recognize that alternative orientations of the light element within the socket will allow for a single light element containing multiple LED pairs to be used in the same socket to provide different color schemes. Referring to  FIGS. 3E and 3F , the use of multiple orientation slots (or keys)  91  on socket  90  in connection with a 90-degree symmetrical socket are disclosed. This arrangement allows for the light element base to be inserted into the socket in any one of for possible orientations according to the keyed availability. It should be appreciated that the available keying combinations will be dependent on the orientation of the LEDs presented within the bulb, since the electrical connections to the socket leads remain unchanged. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  provide circuit schematics for the lighting system operation according to two different embodiments of the invention. In  FIG. 4A , power source  7  is shown as a typical 115V AC outlet-supplied power which feeds AC power to the first connector  11  of controller  10  (shown within the dashed lines). Controller  10  is shown connected to the light string  80  at second connector  13 . One exemplary light string  80  is shown with eight light elements  82  numbered 1-8. Each of the light elements contains 4 LEDs, arranged in two cross-coupled pairs within the light element as provided in  FIG. 2A . For reference, the individual LEDS are labeled A, B, C, and D within each light element. These LED letter designations are also shown in  FIG. 2A . In operation, a positive voltage presented on wire  94  with respect to ground wire  100  will bias all the A LEDs in the light elements. A negative voltage presented on wire  94  with respect to ground wire  100  ill bias all the B LEDs in the light elements. Similar operation is obtained with respect to LEDs C and D when positive and negative biases are presented on wire  96  relative to ground wire  100 . Additional light strings may be connected at connector  75  which is also connected electrically to second connector  13 . First and second connectors  11  and  13  of controller  10  may be polarized so as to maintain proper power and light string connections respectively. 
         [0043]    In  FIG. 4A , controller  10  includes a Wheatstone bridge 10 for rectifying the input AC voltage to DC voltage. Following rectification, DC signals of varying polarity combinations are provided to a three pole gang switch  40  which is shown in  FIG. 4A  as having 6 switch positions. The operation of rectifiers, in general, is well known and those of skill in the art are able to determine the proper tap points on the Wheatstone bridge  10  to obtain the proper combination of voltage biases at the 5 switch points within three-pole switch  40 . For the purpose of this illustration and description of the system operation, it is sufficient to note that the LEDs of  FIG. 4A  are biased according to the following switch positions: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 SWITCH POSITION 
                 LEDs BIASED 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 0 
                 All off 
               
               
                 1 
                 A 
               
               
                 2 
                 B 
               
               
                 3 
                 C 
               
               
                 4 
                 D 
               
               
                 5 
                 Bypass 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0044]    In switch position 0, none of the LEDs are biased, and in switch position 5, the bypass position, the input voltages at pins  17 ,  18  and  19  bypass the rectifier and switching elements and are presented directly at wires  94 ,  96  and  100  respectively. 
         [0045]    Different arrangements of rectifiers and switches may be used within the controllers of the present invention and other components may be used in conjunction with controller to make the overall controller operation more efficient. As shown in  FIG. 4B , supply power  7  is provided to a high-to-low voltage conversion unit  30  so as to provide a low voltage input to the first connectors  11  and  12  of controllers  10  and  15  respectively, thereby making the overall lighting system more safe. Further, controller  15  is shown with a rectifier  22  and switch  42 . Selector switch  43  is used to cycle between switched outputs. In this controller however, the rectifier  22  is a double Wheatstone bridge that provides a maximum of eight taps which are fed to an electronic switch module  42 . Alternatively, the switch module, as well as the rectifier, may be comprised of integrated circuits or other circuit-based electronics including programmable devices. In any case, the desired combination of bias outputs, including an off and bypass positions, may be generated by the controllers  10  and  15 , at second connectors  13  and  14 , respectively by any known or later discovered techniques according to the general teachings of the present invention. It should be realized that four LED light elements have a total of eight possible LED bias combinations not including off and bypass. In the case of six LED light elements,  16  such bias combinations are possible. 
         [0046]    Also shown in  FIG. 4B  is a system variation regarding the modularization of the components of the present invention. As seen at the bottom, a power booster plug  50  may also be used to power a light string. In this arrangement, external power  8  provides power to the power booster plug  50  where it is rectified by an AC/DC converter  51 . Booster plug  50  accepts the unpowered or low powered bias inputs  99  provided from a coupled light string at booster connector  16 . The input bias signals may then be boosted in power by the power booster plug so as to feed the bias inputs to other light string circuit elements such as further light strings or additional controllers  44 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 5A  shows the actual color output  200  of the circuit of  FIG. 4A , at least for switch positions 1-4. A more advanced rectification circuit and switch must be used to realize all 8 holiday displays shown in  FIG. 5A . First, it should be noted that holiday/switch positions are provided within columns  220 . Second, bulb numbers run across rows  260 . The key to achieving the purpose of this invention is to properly construct and select the appropriate four LED light element for each light socket in the string. Thus, referring across the row for bulb  1 ,  241 , a light element is needed in which LED A is red, LED B is red, LED C is white and LED D is yellow. Referring across the row for bulb  3 ,  242 , a light element is needed in which LED A is green, LED B is blue, LED C is white and LED D is green. These criteria require that particular four color bulbs be constructed according to these specifications. Further, the bulbs must be inserted properly within the socket. The orientation slots and tabs described above provide one reliable method of achieving proper orientation of the LEDs with respect to socket leads. When all eight sockets are populated with four LED light elements according to the chart of  FIG. 5A , the holiday sequences are fully realized. For example, when the four LED light element are so populated and the switch set to position 1, the pattern of RED, BLUE, GREEN, YELLOW, RED, BLUE, GREEN, YELLOW occurs in sequence across light elements  1 - 8  of  FIG. 4A . Likewise, when the four LED light element are so populated and the switch is set to position 5, Halloween, the pattern of ORANGE, LIGHT PURPLE, TURQUOISE, ORANGE, ORANGE, LIGHT PURPLE, TURQUOISE, ORANGE occurs in sequence across light elements  1 - 8  of  FIG. 4A . It is noteworthy that the combination of colored LEDs being biased simultaneously allow for a broader range of color displays. 
         [0048]      FIG. 5B  shows a similar LED color chart for light strings containing six LEDs. More advanced rectification circuit and switch must be used to realize all sixteen holiday displays possible with 6 LEDs per light element. First, it should be noted that holiday/switch positions are provided within columns  320 . Second, bulb numbers run across rows  360 . Again, the key to achieving the purpose of this invention is to properly construct and select the appropriate six LED light element for each light socket in the string. Thus, referring across the row for bulb  4 ,  344 , a light element is needed in which LED A is yellow, LED B is white, LED C is white, LED D is orange, LED E is purple, and LED F is white. Through the proper construction, selection and placement of the six LED light elements in sockets  1 - 8 , the holiday color combinations provided in columns  320  are achieved through appropriate switch operation. 
         [0049]    One key advantage of this invention is that using a single switch, numerous holiday color schemes are available on a single light string. One of the complications, however, is that highly specific multicolor LED light elements must be manufactured according to the specifications of the color charts in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . These construction requirements may be able to be relaxed somewhat if a multi-colored light element could be fabricated, say containing LEDs of each color red, white, yellow, blue, green, purple, and orange. Then, through the proper arrangement of LEDs in connection with the LED leads  74 ,  75 ,  76  and  77  of  FIG. 3B  and the proper use of socket keying, a minimal number of different light elements may need to be constructed while still preserving the diversity of display colors. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a rope light string  480  is provided in which is housed the previously described LED light elements. In this arrangement, the light elements  482  are not exposed directly to the outside air but rather are enclosed in a watertight clear plastic and flexible tube  484 . Polarized male and female connectors  493  and  491  respectively are disposed at opposite end of the rope light string for electrical connection to power sources and other rope light strings. A watertight cap  488  may be provided at an open end to ensure watertight encasement of the rope light string at an unconnected end. Controller  410  is provided for the usual function of rectifying AC power to DC power from power source  407  and switching the bias control signals via multi-pole switch  440  and coupled control knob  443 . Controller  410  is connected to the power source at polarized plug  411  and the rope light string at polarized plug  413 . Additional, optional control features may be included within the controller  410  such as a button or buttons  441  that cause the light elements in the light string to fade and/or flash. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , various interconnections of the all holiday lighting systems are disclosed. In  FIG. 7A , control modules  510  of the type previously described are coupled to electric power  507  at polarized connectors  511 . In each of the three systems shown in  FIG. 7A , the controllers are coupled to a four-color rope light strings  580  at second controller connector  513 . In the top system, the LED-lit first rope light string is connected to and sequentially followed by a second LED-lit rope light string. In the middle and bottom systems, typical 115V AC ornaments are inserted between the two LED-lit rope light strings. In a preferred aspect, these lighted ornaments can be holiday specific, such as the lighted wreath  550  shown in the middle system and the liberty bell display  560  shown in the bottom system. If the inserted decoration is only to go on at certain holidays, as selected at the controller, then modular adapter elements are required to provide power, e.g.  630  as described in connection with  FIG. 8  below. Notwithstanding specific lighting requirements, modular adapters are needed to provide power to the two prong NEMA power cords that are typically plugged into 115V AC and are not compatible with the male/female connectors used within the LED-lit display systems of the present invention. 
         [0052]    Inserted, holiday specific decorations may also be constructed of the same LED lighting elements disclosed above, in which case the connectors to these specific holiday decorations may be the standard connection provided by the rope light strings, e.g.  491 / 493 . Alternatively, specific adapters, such as “T” adapter  566  of  FIG. 7B , may be constructed so as to provide connection to the ornament while passing the bias control signals on to subsequent elements. Finally, the inserted holiday specific lighted ornaments may be a fully configured, stand alone LED lighted system with its own controller, e,g, the wreath of  FIG. 7B . In this case, the controller  510  associated with that ornament is simply set to bypass and the ornament becomes another element in the series-connected light string. Finally, plug in power boosters,  550  may be inserted anywhere in the series connection to provide additional power, particularly over long series-connected lighting runs. 
         [0053]      FIG. 8  provides a group of four-LED and six-LED modular adapters that may be used to accommodate various elements within the LED lighting systems shown in  FIGS. 7A &amp; 7B . With respect to the four-LED adapters  610 ,  620 ,  630 ,  640 ,  650 , the three wire bias control signals are provided to the adapter at the typical LED system male connector  604 , equivalent to connector  104  of  FIG. 1A  or  493  of  FIG. 6 . Output from the adapters are two wire converted signals at two prong NEMA plug type  605 . The pass through function is shown within the adapter for each of the four-LED adapters. For example, a DC positive bias signal that biases the A diodes are passed by adapter  610  to two-pronged output  605 . All other bias sequences are not passed by that adapter. A DC positive bias signal that biases the B diodes are passed by adapter  620 , A+C biases are passed by adapter  640 , B+D biases are passed by adapter  650 , and all patterns biases are passed by adapter  630 . Again each of the outputs of these adapters is provided on a standard two prong output plug for attaching non-LED light string ornaments that will be lit by the appropriate switch positions. Although all possible combinations are not illustrated, those of skill in the art should be able to take the teachings of this application and construct the required circuitry to create any desired bias adapter. Further, any of the adapters may be supplemented by connecting connector  604  to connector  694  of the “T” adapter  699 . Use of the “T” type connector in combination with the conversion adapter permits the three wire bias signaling at connector  695  to be passed straight to an output  696 , while also providing the conversion function along the stem portion of the T connection which contains one of the adapters. This arrangement prevents bias signal blockage downstream from the adapter. 
         [0054]    Also shown in  FIG. 8  are similar modular adapters for the six-LED lighting system. With respect to the six-LED adapters  660 ,  670 ,  680 , and  690 , the four wire bias control signals are provided to the adapter at the typical LED system male connector  607 . Output from the adapters are two wire converted signals at two-prong NEMA plug type  605 . The pass through function is shown within the adapter for each of the six-LED adapters. For example, a DC positive bias signal that biases the C diodes are passed by adapter  660  to two-pronged output  605 . All other bias sequences are not passed by that adapter. A DC positive bias signal that biases the D diodes are passed by adapter  680 , A+B biases are passed by adapter  670 , and C+D biases are passed by adapter  690 . Again each of the outputs of these adapters is provided on a standard two prong output plug for attaching non-LED light string ornaments that will be lit by the appropriate switch positions. Although all possible combinations are not illustrated, those of skill in the art should be able to take the teachings of this application and construct the required circuitry to create any desired bias adapter. 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , an LED-lit wreath  705  is shown constructed of the four-LED light string technology of the present invention. As with other decorations, the wreath may have typical feed and pass-through connectors  704  and  709  so as to allow the wreath to be inserted into a series LED light connection as shown in  FIGS. 7A &amp; 7B . Alternatively, battery packs  705  or power plug  707  may be used to provide power to the wreath. Controller  710  is present to provide for rectification (as needed) and switching using control switch  743 . Opaque plastic sections  781 , or leaves, are interleaved in a layered fashion to create the effect of a complete wreath composed of petals. In this ornament, the LEDs  782  are embedded in the opaque plastic sections in such a way that each leaf illuminates as if the leaf itself was an individual light element. The repeated numbering of the leaves, 1-4 serves to indicate that each of the LEDs in each leaf functions like one of the first four light elements in a light string sequence, such as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 5A . Thus all the LEDs in leaf 1 are type 1 LED bulbs  782 , and so on for leaves 2-4. Based on the patterns shown in  FIG. 5A , the visual appearance of the wreath  705  during its operation is unique in character. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , a solid state controller  810  is shown. Solid-state controller is composed almost entirely of integrated circuits and/or program-controlled modules. Standard male connector  813  is provided for connection for connection to light strings and/or other LED display elements. Standard female connector  811  is provided for connection to a power or bias signal source. Within the controller  810  are block circuit sections or program modules that perform all the aforementioned functions: AC/DC rectification  820 , switching function  840  for LED bias signal generation and bypass signal transmittal  828 . Externally accessible selector switch for making a switching selection  843  is also provided on the housing of controller  810  in any of a variety of physical formats, e.g. multi-pole switch, push button cycling switch, LED touch display, etc. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate the remote control operation of the switching function of the controller  910  through remote controller  918 . Water tight, screw-in male connectors  913  having three individual electrical connections within them (such as provided by leads  114 ,  116  and  110  of  FIG. 1 ) are coupled to female sheath connectors  911  via threaded engagement. Controller  910  has at least a wireless receiver for receiving switching signals from a transmitter in the remote controller  918 . If controller status is to be returned to the remote controller for display thereon, then both the controller and remote controller may have bidirectional wireless communication means. The wireless communication protocol employed may be any of the known or future developed protocols, some currently popular technologies of which include RF signaling, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth etc. 
         [0058]      FIG. 11B  shows the same use of a remote controller  918  to operate (optionally) the electronic switching function. In the arrangement of  FIG. 11B , however, two discrete modules are provided for the rectification  920  and switching  940  functions. Rectification module  920  may include a high-to-low voltage conversion module  919  followed by an AC/DC conversion at module  917 . Connection between the rectification module  920  and switching module  940  is made at connectors  914  and  911 . As with the control module in  FIG. 11A , switching module  940  may have a bidirectional transceiver to receive commands from and report status to the remote control device  918 . Separate switches may also be provided on switching module  940  to make the proper holiday selection,  943 , as well as providing additional display effects,  941 , such as fade and flash. All of these functions, including the additional effects, can be controlled by the remote control  918 . 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , another LED decoration  1050  is shown as an LED lighted tree. The tree  1050  has LEDs  1082  as leaves with optional optical fibers  1084  extending through the branches from the base container  1090 . The optical fibers are lit by an illumination module  1080 , which is composed of extra bright LEDs in one embodiment of the invention. Illumination module  1080  is contained within base container  1090 . A solar panel  1092  may optionally be included as an alternate power source for an outdoor ornament. A plug  1075  is included for adding on additional LED lighted segments. Modular controller  1010  is provided to accommodate the rectification and switching functions (or providing bypass) as described above. 
         [0060]    While the invention has been shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.