Patent Publication Number: US-2022225485-A1

Title: Hard and soft light module with ambient light sensing

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/019,863, filed Sep. 14, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/830,095, filed Mar. 25, 2020, now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 11,096,260 on Aug. 17, 2021, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/359,078, filed Mar. 20, 2019, now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 10,609,781 on Mar. 31, 2020, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/646,375, filed Mar. 22, 2018, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to lighting systems, and more particularly, to an ambient light sensing lighting system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional image capture systems may utilize a light emitting diode (“LED”) to illuminate a subject of a photograph. Such systems, however, typically provide inadequate light in low ambient light environments. Particularly, for small and portable devices, such as smartphone cameras, an LED flash is typically limited to a few watts making them inadequate in low ambient light environments. Conventional strobe or flash lighting systems also lack functionality for accurately matching the color of ambient light so that shadows are not of a different color than non-shadowed areas in the captured image and so that the subject will appear to have uniform tone. 
     Conventional lighting systems are configured to generate either one of a hard light or soft light. Hard light is characterized as light that has a projected or throw distance of three yards or more. A downside of hard light is that it can be harsh to a subject&#39;s eyes, causing discomfort, and may create glare or unwanted hot spots. To counter such affects, a light modifier such as a diffusion panel or reflector may be used to soften the hard light. Systems that generate soft light are capable of delivering non-harsh and non-glare lighting without the use of a light modifier. Such soft light systems, however, are incapable of projecting or throwing light beyond a foot. 
     SUMMARY 
     The disclosed embodiments provide for a hard and soft light module. The hard and soft light module includes a housing having a first surface to accommodate a lens. A first plurality of LEDs are disposed along a periphery of the first surface, the first plurality of LEDs are configured to generate light in a first direction toward an edge of the lens. A second plurality of LEDs disposed proximate to the first surface, the second plurality of LEDs are configured to generate light in a second direction through the lens. The first plurality of LEDs are configured to generate a soft light and the second plurality of LEDs are configured to generate a hard light. 
     In some embodiments, a method for illuminating a subject using a hard and soft light module is disclosed. The method includes emitting light from a first plurality of LEDs disposed along a periphery of a first surface of a housing. The first surface accommodates a lens. The first plurality of LEDs are configured to generate light in a first direction toward an edge of the lens. The method further includes emitting light from a second plurality of LEDs disposed proximate to the first surface. The second plurality of LEDs are configured to generate light in a second direction through the lens. The first plurality of LEDs are configured to generate a soft light and the second plurality of LEDs are configured to generate a hard light. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments herein may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a lighting strobe system incorporated within a portable device case, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of a lighting strobe system incorporated within a portable device case, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of a lighting strobe system incorporated within a portable device case, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a lighting strobe system removably attached to a portable device, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a lighting strobe system incorporated on a camera, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a first perspective view of a dual-facing lighting system, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology; 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a second perspective view of a dual-facing lighting system, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology; 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates a perspective view of a hard and soft light module, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a block diagram of a lighting strobe system, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an example method for controlling a lighting strobe system, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology; and 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an example of a system configured for adjusting a brightness and color temperature of light generated by a lighting strobe system, in accordance with some aspects. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     Conventional LED strobe or flash lighting systems may be inadequate for illuminating a subject in low ambient light environments. In addition, conventional LED strobe or flash lighting systems may be incapable of adjusting their color temperature based on the lighting conditions of an environment. Color temperature of sunlight varies wildly depending on the time of day, cloud cover, pollution, weather, season, location, and other environmental factors. Similarly, a color temperature of an indoor environment may also vary based on the type of lighting utilized in the room (e.g., incandescent, fluorescent, etc.), the amount of sunlight entering a space, and other factors that may alter lighting conditions in an indoor environment. Accordingly, there is a need for an LED strobe lighting system that is capable of sensing ambient lighting levels and color temperature to intelligently adjust a brightness and color temperature of a pulse of light generated by the strobe, in order to provide excellent lighting for capturing still images. 
     The disclosed technology addresses the foregoing limitations of conventional LED strobe and flash systems by utilizing an intelligent color tunable LED strobe system that is capable of sensing and measuring a lighting level or brightness, as well as color temperature, of ambient light in an environment to generate a pulse or flash of light to illuminate a subject with sufficient brightness and color to capture superior still-images. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a lighting strobe system  100  incorporated within a portable device case  102 , in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. The lighting strobe system  100  is configured to provide sufficient and adequate lighting to illuminate a subject of a still-image or photograph. The lighting strobe system  100  may provide substantially all of the light used to expose the subject, provide only fill light to reduce the darkness of shadows from the ambient light, or be used to provide an artistic effect, as desired. The lighting strobe system  100  may comprise a plurality of LEDs  104 , one or more lenses  106  for controlling the beam angle of the light emitted by the plurality of LEDs  104 , an ambient light sensor  108 , and a processor (as shown in  FIG. 7 ). In one aspect, the lighting strobe system  100  may be configured to utilize one or more processors of the portable electronic device to perform one or more of the functions described further below. 
     In one example, the plurality of LEDs  104  may comprise RGB+WW LEDs (e.g., Red Green Blue Warm-White). Each LED of the plurality of LEDs  104  may comprise a warm-white diode and RGB color diodes. In another aspect, the plurality of LEDs  104  may be configured to output 20-50 Watts and over 3000 lumens using LEDs that emit two or more color temperatures to allow tuning of the color temperature of the light produced by the lighting strobe system  100 . In some aspects, the plurality of LEDs  104  may have a color rendering index (CRI) greater than 90. The plurality of LEDs  104  may be surface mount type light emitting diodes. 
     In another example, the plurality of LEDs  104  may comprise a first array of LEDs  105 A comprising warm color temperature LEDs having a color temperature approximating incandescent lighting (e.g., 2400-3600 Kelvin), and a second array of LEDs  105 B comprising cool color temperature LEDs having a color temperature approximating daylight (e.g., 5600-7500 Kelvin). Each of the first array and the second array of LEDs,  105 A and  105 B respectively, may be separately driven or powered, as described below with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     The lighting strobe system  100  may comprise, for example, twelve warm LEDs in the first array of LEDs  105 A and twelve cool LEDs in the second array of LEDs  105 B. The LEDs of the first array and the second array,  105 A and  105 B respectively, may be arranged in an alternating arrangement wherein a warm LED is disposed between two cool LEDs. Similarly, a cool LED may be disposed between two warm LEDs. Referring to  FIG. 1 , in another example, the lighting strobe system  100  may comprise sixteen warm LEDs in the first array of LEDs  105 A and sixteen cool LEDs in the second array of LEDs  105 B. The LEDs of the first array and the second array,  105 A and  105 B respectively, may be arranged in an alternating checkerboard arrangement wherein a first warm LED is followed by a first cool LED, which is then followed by a second warm LED, which is then followed by a second cool LED. It is understood that the number of warm and cool LEDs of the first array and the second array,  105 A and  105 B respectively, may be any number, as desired. It is also understood that the plurality of LEDs  104  may be arranged in varying arrangements, shapes, and arrays, without departing from the scope of the invention. In some aspects, arranging the warm and cool LEDs of the first array  105 A and the second array  105 B in a checkerboard-like pattern causes the emitted light to be mixed to thereby generate and emit light of a homogenous color temperature when an intermediate color temperature is selected. 
     The plurality of LEDs  104  may be mounted on a circuit board coated with a neutral color, such as white, silver, gray, or black, and of a material having some reflective properties so that light that is reflected back from the lens  106  will be reflected toward the lens  106 . In one example, the lens  106  may comprise a single lens disposed in front of the LEDs  104  to control the beam angle of the light emitted by the plurality of LEDs  104 . In another example, the lens  106  may comprise multiple lenses that capture and focus the light emitted by each LED or a grouping of LEDs. 
     The ambient light sensor  108  may be configured to measure a brightness of ambient light surrounding the lighting strobe system  100 . In one aspect, the ambient light sensor  108  may be configured to detect a pulse of light from an external pulse of light, strobe or flash so that and when detected, the lighting strobe system  100  is configured to emit a pulse of light such that the lighting strobe system  100  operates in a “slave” mode. In another aspect, the ambient light sensor  108  may be configured to measure a color temperature of ambient light surrounding the lighting strobe system  100 . 
     In one aspect, the lighting strobe system  100  may be powered by an internal battery  110  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) disposed within the case that is configured to provide electrical power to the lighting strobe system  100 . In another aspect, the internal battery  110  may also be configured to provide additional power to a portable electronic device  150  disposed within the case  102 . In yet another aspect, the lighting strobe system  100  may be configured to be powered by the portable electronic device  150 . The internal battery  110  may be a rechargeable battery or secondary cell, such as a lithium ion battery. In one aspect, the lighting strobe system  100  may comprise a charging port that is configured to charge the internal battery  110  and the portable electronic device  150 , simultaneously. When a charge of the internal battery  110  is full, the lighting strobe system  100  may be configured to direct additional charge provided to the charging port to the portable electronic device  150  until a battery of the portable electronic device  150  is full. 
     The lighting strobe system  100  may be housed within the case  102  that is configured to receive the portable electronic device  150 , such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet. For example, the case  102  may substantially cover a rear surface of the portable electronic device  150  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and surround a periphery of a front surface of the portable electronic device  150  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). The plurality of LEDs  104  may be disposed proximate to a camera lens or shutter  152 . The case  102  may be a unitary case, comprised of a single component, or may be formed of a plurality of components that are configured to attach or couple together to surround the portable electronic device  150 . 
     The case  102  may include one or more buttons  112  that are each configured to receive user input for operation of the lighting strobe system  100 . For example, a power or multi-button  112  may be disposed on a lower portion of the case  102  that when depressed, may power on or power off the lighting strobe system  100 . The multi-button  112  may also be configured to facilitate pairing with the portable electronic device  150  when depressed for a short period of time. The multi-button  112  may also be configured to cause the plurality of LEDs  104  to emit a high-brightness light (e.g., flashlight or continuous light) when depressed once, or a low-brightness light (e.g., flashlight or continuous light) when depressed twice. In other aspects, the multi-button  112  may be configured to control operations of the lighting strobe system  100  based on a duration of a depression. For example, the multi-button  112  may be configured to cause the internal battery  110  of the case  102  to charge the portable electronic device  150  when depressed for a duration of two seconds. In another example, the multi-button  112  may be configured to power off the lighting strobe system  100  when depressed for a duration of four seconds. 
     In another aspect, the case may have a button disposed on an upper portion of the case  102  to control operation of the plurality of LEDs  104 . For example, a button  112 B (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) may be disposed proximate to the plurality of LEDs  104  to control a brightness of light emitted by the plurality of LEDs  104 . In this example, when depressed for an elongated period of time, the plurality of LEDs  104  may cycle from bright to dim, and vice versa. 
     In some aspects, the case  102  may also include one or more indicators  114  that are configured to indicate to a user a status of the lighting strobe system  100 . For example, the case  102  may include a first indicator comprising a multi-color LED that may emit a red-colored light to indicate to the user that the lighting strobe system  100  is powered on. The first indicator may also be configured to emit a blue-colored light to inform the user that the lighting strobe system  100  is charging or ready for pairing with the portable electronic device  150 . As another example, the case  102  may comprise four or more indicators that are configured to inform a user a level of charge remaining in the internal battery. In this example, if there are four LED indicators, each illuminated indicator represents a charging capacity of 25%. It is understood that other colors and operating conditions may be conveyed to the user by modifying the color and/or illumination duration and pattern (e.g., solid light, blinking, phased in, phased out, etc.) of the one or more indicators. 
     The case  102  may also include one or more apertures  116  to facilitate operation of the portable electronic device  150 . For example, the case  102  may include a camera lens aperture  116 A to allow a camera  152  of the portable electronic device  150  to operate without obstruction. The case  102  may also include apertures  116 B to allow a user to activate one or more buttons of the portable electronic device. In another example, the case may include one or more speaker apertures  116 C to allow sound to be conveyed to the user (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) or one or more microphone apertures to allow sound to be captured from the user. 
     In one aspect, the lighting strobe system  100  may be synchronized to a shutter of a camera of the portable electronic device  150  via a wireless connection, such as an RF, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wireless connection as would be known by a person of ordinary skill. In other aspects, the lighting strobe system  100  may be operated through use of an application and/or processor running on the portable electronic device  150 . For example, the application may be used to control certain parameters of the lighting strobe system  100 , such as synchronization characteristics (e.g., creation of groups to control and synch multiple lighting strobe systems  100  together to enable multiple lighting strobe systems  100  to emit a pulse of light simultaneously, synchronization of a pulse of light emitted by the lighting strobe system  100  based on a shutter of a camera, etc.), adjust settings of the lighting strobe system  100  (e.g., default settings, brightness, color temperature between warm and cool, strobe duration, plus or minus f-stop adjustment, timer to flash, ISO settings, shutter speed, etc.), control available presets of the lighting strobe system  100  that affect the color temperature and brightness of the light emitted by the plurality of LEDs  104  (e.g., candle, sunset, tropical, day, artic, etc.), select operational modes (e.g., selfie mode in which the lighting strobe system emits continuous light, flash mode in which the lighting strobe system emits a flash, photobooth mode in which the lighting strobe system emits more than one flash in a sequence to facilitate the capture of a series of still-images, etc.). 
     In another aspect, the lighting strobe system  100  may be configured to operate using voice commands. For example, the processor of the lighting strobe system  100  may be directly or indirectly connected to a processor and microphone of the portable electronic device  150  to enable voice commands to control the operation of the plurality of LEDs  104 . The voice commands may control the intensity or brightness of the plurality of LEDs  104 , the color temperature of the plurality of LEDs  104  and operational modes (e.g., flash, selfie, flashlight, etc.). 
     In another aspect, the lighting strobe system  100  may be configured to utilize an ambient light sensor of the portable electronic device  150  to detect a brightness or intensity of the ambient light and/or the color temperature of the ambient light. For example, the lighting strobe system  100  may utilize wireless connection (e.g., RF, WiFi, Bluetooth) to receive data from the ambient light sensor of the portable electronic device  150  representing ambient light brightness/intensity and/or color temperature. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate a front and side view, respectively, of the lighting strobe system  100  incorporated within the portable device case  102 , in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. In one aspect, a portion of the plurality of LEDs  104  may be disposed on a rear facing surface of the case (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and a remaining portion of the plurality of LEDs  104 B may be disposed on a front facing surface of the case  102  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). In one aspect, the remaining portion of the plurality of LEDs  104 B on the front facing surface of the case may be disposed on an upper portion of the case  102  along a periphery of the case  102 . In some aspects, the remaining portion of the plurality of LEDs  104 B on the front facing surface of the case may comprise RGB+WW LEDs or a plurality of warm and cool LEDs. For example, the plurality of LEDs  104 B may include two warm LEDs  105 A and two cool LEDs  105 B, arranged along a linear array and disposed at outer ends of the array. The two warm LEDs  105 A and the two cool LEDs  105 B may be arranged on the linear array in an alternating arrangement wherein at a left-most position, a first warm LED is disposed, followed by a first cool LED, followed by a second warm LED, with a second cool LED disposed at a right-most position. In other aspects, the remaining portion of the plurality of LEDs  104 B on the front facing surface of the case may comprise three warm LEDs  105 A and three cool LEDs  105 B. It is understood that the number of warm and cool LEDs,  105 A and  105 B respectively, of the remaining portion of the plurality of LEDs  104 B on the front facing surface of the case  102  may be any number, as desired. It is also understood that the LEDs of the remaining portion of the plurality of LEDs  104 B on the front facing surface of the case  102  may be arranged in varying arrangements, shapes, and arrays, without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     The lighting strobe system  100  may be configured to continuously output light from the remaining portion of the plurality of LEDs  104 B on the front facing surface of the case  102  to provide constant illumination on a subject during a video capture session. In another aspect, the lighting strobe system  100  may be configured to continuously output light from the portion of the plurality of LEDs  104  on the rear facing surface of the case  102  to provide constant illumination during a video capture session. In yet another aspect, the lighting strobe system  100  may be configured to output a pulse of light from the remaining portion of the plurality of LEDs  104 B on the front facing surface of the case  102  to illuminate a subject for a still-image capture or photograph. In yet another aspect, the lighting strobe system  100  may be configured to output a pulse of light from the portion of the plurality of LEDs  104  on the rear facing surface of the case  102  to illuminate a subject for a still-image capture or photograph. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a lighting strobe system  200  removably attached to a portable device  250 , in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. Similar reference numerals refer to similar or identical structure to the lighting strobe system  100 . The lighting strobe system  200  comprises a housing  202 , a plurality of LEDs  204  directed toward the front of housing  202 , one or more lenses  206  for controlling the beam angle of the light emitted by the plurality of LEDs  204 , and an ambient light sensor  208  to detect and measure characteristics of the ambient light, such as brightness or intensity and color temperature. In the example shown in  FIG. 4 , the lighting strobe system  200  may utilize about 60 LEDs that are configured to emit two or more color temperatures to allow tuning of the color temperature of the light produced by the lighting strobe system  200 . 
     The housing  202  may comprise an attachment mechanism  218  for mounting to the portable electronic device  250 , which may be a smartphone. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the attachment mechanism  218  may be a spring-loaded clip that is configured to attach to a periphery of the portable electronic device  250 . In another example, the attachment mechanism  218  may comprise a slip cover that is configured to slide over the portable electronic device. In yet another example, the attachment mechanism  218  may comprise a magnet that is configured to magnetically engage the portable electronic device  250 . In yet another example, the attachment mechanism  218  may comprise an adhesive or hook and loop fabric that is configured to bond to the portable electronic device  250 . Other attachment mechanisms  218  are contemplated without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a lighting strobe system  300  incorporated on a camera  350 , in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. Similar reference numerals refer to similar or identical structure to the lighting strobe system  100 . In one aspect, the lighting strobe system  300  may be configured to be mounted to or incorporated within a camera, such as a digital single lens reflex camera  350  (“DSLR”), a single lens reflex camera, a point-and-shoot style camera, or the like. The lighting strobe system  300  comprises a housing  302 , a plurality of LEDs  304  directed toward the front of housing  302 , one or more lenses  306  for controlling the beam angle of the light emitted by the plurality of LEDs  304 , and an ambient light sensor  308  to detect and measure characteristics of the ambient light, such as brightness or intensity and color temperature. In another aspect, the lens  306  may be configured to receive a gel such as a colored filter or diffusion material. The lighting strobe system  300  may also comprise a shoe adapter for attachment to the camera  350 . The shoe adaptor may comprise one or more electrical contacts to synchronize the lighting strobe system  300  to a shutter. In another aspect, the lighting strobe system  300  may be configured to use a sync cord for connection to the camera  350  to synchronize the lighting strobe system  300  with the shutter. 
     In some aspects, the housing  302  may comprise an attachment mechanism disposed on a lower portion of the housing  302 , such as a threaded socket, for attachment to a ball head or shoe adapter, a tripod or lighting stand adapter, or to receive an accessory such as a multi-light bracket, external battery pack, or the like. In another aspect, the housing  302  may comprise a magnet disposed on a rear surface to facilitate attachment to metal surfaces as desired. 
     In some aspects, the lighting strobe system  300  may utilize a user interface  320  to receive user input to operate the lighting strobe system  300 . For example, referring to  FIG. 5 , the user interface  320  may comprise a plurality of buttons that are configured to control operations of the lighting strobe system  300 . The user interface  320  may be disposed on an upper portion of the housing  302  and may include a power button for turning the lighting strobe system  300  on and off; brightness controls for adjusting the intensity of the light, both in a continuous mode or during a flash; color temperature control for RGB+WW LEDs or for crossfading between the first and second arrays of LEDs,  150 A and  150 B, respectively, and an LCD or OLED display  322  for displaying the selected color temperature and/or a numerical indication of an intensity/brightness. The lighting strobe system  300  may also comprise a port  324  for charging an internal battery and/or programming certain features of the lighting strobe system  300 . 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate perspective views of a dual-facing lighting system  300 B, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. Similar reference numerals refer to similar or identical structure to the lighting strobe system  100 . The dual-facing lighting system  300 B provides a soft light along a first direction and a hard light along a second direction, from a single housing  302 B by using a first plurality of LEDs  304 A to generate light along the first direction and a second plurality of LEDs  304 B to generate light along the second direction. The dual-facing lighting system  300 B comprises the housing  302 B having a first surface  303 A and a second surface  303 B that is opposite the first surface  303 A. The dual-facing lighting system  300 B is thus capable of generating both a hard light and a soft light without requiring use of a separate light modifier. The first plurality of LEDs  304 A are disposed proximate to the first surface  303 A. The first plurality of LEDs  304 A are configured to generate a soft light in the first direction. For example, the first plurality of LEDs  304 A are configured to emit light having a color temperature of 2400 Kelvin to 4000 Kelvin, and to project light at a distance of 1 foot to 2 feet. In one aspect, the first plurality of LEDs  304 A may be disposed along a periphery of a first lens  306 A. In this arrangement, the first plurality of LEDs  304 A are configured emit light along an edge of the first lens  306 A to thereby illuminate the lens and to generate the soft light. The first lens  306 A may comprise a frosted material that is configured to illuminate when lit from an edge, such as acrylic. 
     The second plurality of LEDs  304 B are disposed proximate to the second surface  303 B. The second plurality of LEDs  304 B are configured to generate a hard light in the second direction that is opposite the first direction. For example, the second plurality of LEDs  304 B are configured to emit light having a color temperature of 4000 Kelvin to 8000 Kelvin, and to project light at a distance of 6 feet to 12 feet. The second plurality of LEDs  304 B may be arranged behind a second lens  306 B that may be configured focus light emitted by the second plurality of LEDs  304 B in the second direction. In one example, the second lens  306 B may comprise a single lens disposed in front of the second plurality of LEDs  304 B to control the beam angle of the light emitted by the second plurality of LEDs  304 B. In another example, the second lens  306 B may comprise multiple lenses that capture and focus the light emitted by each LED or a grouping of LEDs. 
     Each of the first and second plurality of LEDs,  304 A and  304 B respectively, may comprise an array of LEDs having varying color temperatures or RGB+WW LEDs, as discussed above. The first and second plurality of LEDs,  304 A and  304 B respectively, may be mounted on respective circuit boards coated with a neutral color, such as white, silver, gray, or black, and of a material having some reflective properties so that any light that is reflected toward the circuit board is reflected back toward the first lens  306 A or second lens  306 B. 
     The dual-facing lighting system  300 B may also comprise the ambient light sensor  308  to detect and measure characteristics of the ambient light, such as brightness or intensity and color temperature. As discussed below, a processor may be configured to receive an output from the ambient light sensor  308  and adjust, based on the output, at least one of an intensity and color temperature of the first plurality of LEDs  304 A and/or the second plurality of LEDs  304 B. 
     In some aspects, the dual-facing lighting system  300 B may utilize the user interface  320  to receive user input to operate the dual-facing lighting system  300 B. For example, referring to  FIG. 6A , the user interface  320  may comprise a plurality of buttons that are configured to control operations of the dual-facing lighting system  300 B. The user interface  320  may be disposed on an upper portion of the housing  302 B and may include a power button for turning the dual-facing lighting system  300 B on and off; brightness controls for adjusting the intensity of the light, both in a continuous mode or during a flash; and/or color temperature control. The dual-facing lighting system  300 B may also comprise the port  324  (e.g., USB port, USB-C port, etc.) for charging an internal battery and/or programming certain features of the dual-facing lighting system  300 B. 
     In one aspect, the dual-facing lighting system  300 B may be powered by an internal battery disposed within the housing  302 B that is configured to provide electrical power to the dual-facing lighting system  300 B. The internal battery may be a rechargeable battery or secondary cell, such as a lithium ion battery. 
       FIG. 6C  illustrates a perspective view of a hard and soft light module  300 C, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. Similar reference numerals refer to similar or identical structure to the lighting strobe system  100 . The hard and soft light module  300 C is configured to illuminate a subject with a soft light and/or hard light by illuminating an edge of a lens  306 C to generate a soft light using a first plurality of LEDs  304 A, or by emitting light through the lens to generate a hard light using a second plurality of LEDs  304 B. The lens  306 C may comprise a frosted lens disposed proximal to a first surface  303 C of a housing  302 C. The first surface  303 C may accommodate the lens  306 C by, for example, providing a lip or recess for the lens  306 C to be installed. 
     The first plurality of LEDs  304 A are disposed along a periphery of the first surface  303 C. The first plurality of LEDs  304 A are configured to generate a soft light in a first direction toward an edge of the lens  306 C. For example, the first plurality of LEDs  304 A are configured to emit light having a color temperature of 2400 Kelvin to 4000 Kelvin, and to project light at a distance of 1 foot to 2 feet. In one aspect, the first plurality of LEDs  304 A may be disposed along a periphery of the lens  306 C. In this arrangement, the first plurality of LEDs  304 A are configured emit light along an edge of the lens  306 C to thereby illuminate the lens  306 C and to generate the soft light. The lens  306 C may comprise a frosted material that is configured to illuminate when lit from an edge, such as acrylic. 
     The second plurality of LEDs  304 B are disposed on recessed surface  305  that is proximate to the first surface  303 C. The second plurality of LEDs  304 B are configured to generate a hard light in a second direction through the lens  306 C. The second direction is different from the first direction, and may, for example, be perpendicular or orthogonal to the first direction (e.g., first direction is along edge of lens  306 C and the second direction is through the lens  306 C). The second plurality of LEDs  304 B may be configured to emit light having a color temperature of 4000 Kelvin to 8000 Kelvin, and to project light at a distance of 6 feet to 12 feet. The second plurality of LEDs  304 B are arranged behind the lens  306 C and are configured to emit light through the lens  306 C. The hard and soft light module  300 C is thus capable of generating both a hard light and a soft light without requiring use of a separate light modifier. 
     Each of the first and second plurality of LEDs,  304 A and  304 B respectively, may comprise an array of LEDs having varying color temperatures or RGB+WW LEDs, as discussed above. The first and second plurality of LEDs,  304 A and  304 B respectively, may be mounted on respective circuit boards coated with a neutral color, such as white, silver, gray, or black, and of a material having some reflective properties so that any light that is reflected toward the circuit board is reflected back toward the lens  306 C. 
     The hard and soft light module  300 C may also comprise the ambient light sensor  308  to detect and measure characteristics of the ambient light, such as brightness or intensity and color temperature. As discussed below, a processor may be configured to receive an output from the ambient light sensor  308  and adjust, based on the output, at least one of an intensity and color temperature of the first plurality of LEDs  304 A and/or the second plurality of LEDs  304 B. 
     In some aspects, the hard and soft light module  300 C may utilize the user interface  320  to receive user input to operate the hard and soft light module  300 C. For example, the user interface  320  may comprise a plurality of buttons that are configured to control operations of the hard and soft light module  300 C. The user interface  320  may be disposed on an upper portion of the housing  302 C and may include a power button for turning the hard and soft light module  300 C on and off; brightness controls for adjusting the intensity of the light, both in a continuous mode or during a flash; and/or color temperature control. The hard and soft light module  300 C may also comprise the port  324  (e.g., USB port, USB-C port, etc.) for charging an internal battery and/or programming certain features of the hard and soft light module  300 C. 
     In one aspect, the hard and soft light module  300 C may be powered by an internal battery disposed within the housing  302 C that is configured to provide electrical power to the hard and soft light module  300 C. The internal battery may be a rechargeable battery or secondary cell, such as a lithium ion battery. 
     It is understood that while the lighting strobe systems  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  300 B and  300 C have been described above as a component of a case, stand-alone light, or integrated with an electronic device, the lighting strobe systems  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  300 B and  300 C should not be limited to the above-described embodiments and numerous modifications fall within the spirit and scope of the subject technology. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a block diagram of a lighting strobe system  400 , in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. Similar reference numerals refer to similar or identical structure to the lighting strobe system  100 . The lighting strobe system  400  comprises a plurality of LEDs  404  (which may comprise an array of LEDs, such as a first array of LEDs  405 A, a second array of LEDs  405 B), an LED driver  403  for independently controlling the brightness of the first array and/or the second array of LEDs,  405 A and  405 B respectively, an ambient light sensor  408  for measuring one or more characteristics of the ambient light in the environment surrounding the lighting strobe system  400 , a communications module  409  for communicating with or connecting to a camera or a portable electronic device, a battery  410  for powering the lighting strobe system  400 , and a processor  411  for managing the function and operations of the lighting strobe system  400 . The battery  410  may be managed by a battery management system  413  that is configured to provide regulated voltage to other electronic components of the lighting strobe system  400  and manage charging of the battery  410 . It is understood that one or more functions of the processor  411  may be performed by one or more processors of a paired portable electronic device, such as a camera, smartphone, or tablet. It is also understood that one or more of the components of the lighting strobe system  400  may be shared with a paired portable electronic device. 
     In one example, the plurality of LEDs  404  may comprise RGB+WW LEDs. In another example, the plurality of LEDs  404  may comprise an array of LEDs, such as the first array of LEDs  405 A and the second array of LEDs  405 B. The first array of LEDs  405 A may emit light at a relatively warm color temperature typically in a range from 2400 Kelvin to 4000 Kelvin. The second array of LEDs  405 B may emit light at a relatively cool color temperature typically in a range from 4000 Kelvin to 8000 Kelvin. 
     The ambient light sensor  408  may be configured to measure an intensity (or brightness) and color temperature of the ambient light in the environment surrounding the lighting strobe system  400 . In one example, the ambient light sensor  408  may be disposed proximate to the plurality of LEDs  404  to measure ambient lighting conditions from the perspective of the plurality of LEDs  404 . In another example, the ambient light sensor  408  may be disposed within an image path within a housing so that the data from the ambient light sensor  408  is limited to either the captured frame or a portion of the captured frame, regardless of a selected lens. 
     In one aspect, the ambient light sensor  408  is configured to detect and measure three or more color bands of ambient light surrounding the lighting strobe system  400 . The ambient light sensor  408  may be configured to detect and output data representing Red, Green, and Blue intensities of light. The detected values may be converted to CIE x-y values using a lookup table based on the ratio of Red over Blue, or other means of compensating for cross sensitivity of the individual color sensors. In one aspect, the lookup values may be adjusted to account for a degree to which Green varies from a reference value. The resulting data may then be converted to a color temperature using McCamy&#39;s polynomial formula for correlated color temperature (CCT): CCT=449*n.sup.3+3525*n.sup.2+6823.3*n+5520.33, where n=(x−0.3320)/(0.1858−y). The processor  411  may be configured to receive and process data from the ambient light sensor  408  (e.g., Red, Green, and Blue intensities) and to process the data to determine CIE x-y values, color temperature, or any combination thereof. The ambient light sensor  408  may be configured to detect and output data representing an intensity of light, by for example, summing the Red, Green, and Blue registers. Intensity data may be supplied to the processor  411  as raw data, lux, foot candles, ev, or any combination of such values. 
     In some aspects, the ambient light sensor  408  may be used to calibrate the color temperature of light produced by the plurality of LEDs  404 . For example, light emitted by the plurality of LEDs  404  may be directed to a white card, a diffuser, or other reflective surface to reflect a portion of the emitted light toward the ambient light sensor  408 . In one example, the processor  411  may be configured to activate the plurality of LEDs  404  to output a known color temperature via the LED driver  403 . In another example, the processor  411  may be configured to activate independently, the first array and the second array of LEDs,  405 A and  405 B respectively, via the LED driver  403 . The ambient light sensor  408  may then be utilized to detect and measure a color temperature for the plurality of LEDs  404  or each of the first array and second array of LEDs,  405 A and  405 B respectively, and send data representing the detected color temperature to the processor  411  for comparison with stored values. In one example, the processor  411  may cause the LED driver  403  to power the plurality of LEDs  404  or to individually power the first array and the second array of LEDs,  405 A and  405 B respectively, through a series of preset ratios (e.g., brightness for each of the first and second array of LEDs ranging from 0-100% in 10% increments), while also receiving data from the ambient light sensor  408  regarding the detected intensity and/or color temperature at each preset. For example, for a preset of 1, each of the first array and the second array is at 100%. For a preset of ½, the first array is at 50% and the second array is at 100%. For a preset of 2, the first array is at 100% and the second array is at 50%. The detected color temperature for each of the first array and the second array of LEDs,  405 A and  405 B respectively, is stored in nonvolatile memory. To calibrate the color temperature produced by the first array and the second array of LEDs,  405 A and  405 B respectively, the processor  411  may be configured to read and compare the detected color temperatures for each of the first array and the second array of LEDs,  405 A and  405 B respectively, and compare the detected values to previously stored color temperature values associated for each preset ratio. If the processor  411  detects a difference between a detected value and a stored value, the processor  411  may be configured to adjust the LED driver  403  to account for the difference in value between the detected value and the stored value. 
     In one aspect, the processor  411  is configured to receive and use the measured intensity and color temperature of the ambient light from the ambient light sensor  408  to intelligently set a proportional brightness of the plurality of LEDs  404  or the first and second arrays of LEDs,  405 A and  405 B respectively, that is appropriate for the ambient conditions of the environment, as discussed further below. 
     The processor  411  may also be configured to communicate with a paired portable electronic device or camera via the communications module  409 , via a wireless signal, such as through Bluetooth, Wifi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and other suitable wireless schemes. In one aspect, the communications module  409  may include a Bluetooth interface for communication with the portable electronic device to allow a user to set a flash brightness, color temperature, duration, or other settings, and to override automatic settings when desired. In some aspects, the communications module  409  provides a bi-directional communication pathway between the lighting strobe system  400  and the portable electronic device that may enable an application, for example, running on the portable electronic device to interface with the lighting strobe system  400 . For example, the communications module  409  may provide information about the environment and information about a camera of the portable electronic device (e.g., such as shutter speed, ISO, aperture and focal length, zoom, brightness, or other information that may be captured by the portable electronic device and that may be useful in optimizing exposure for a particular artistic effect) to the processor  411  for controlling a brightness or intensity, color temperature, or flash duration of light emitted by the plurality of LEDs  404 . In one aspect, the information or data provided to the processor  411  from the communications module  409  and the portable electronic device may be compared to the information or data provided to the processor  411  by the ambient light sensor  408  to determine the appropriate brightness and/or color temperature settings for the plurality of LEDs  404 . For example, for human subjects the processor  411  may be configured to adjust the color temperature of a pulse of light or flash emitted by the plurality of LEDs  404  to be warm so that skin tones appear warm and more pleasant to the user. In another example, if the environment is heavily backlit, the processor  411  may be configured to increase an output voltage of a boost regulator  415  to increase an intensity or brightness of the pulse of light or flash generated by the plurality of LEDs  404 . In yet another example, the processor  411  may be configured to read the data received from the ambient light sensor  408  to adjust the intensity and/or color temperature of a pulse of light or flash generated by the plurality of LEDs  404  to recreate a “studio” look for portrait photographs. In other aspects, the processor  411  communicates with the battery management system  413  to minimize drain on the battery  410  depending on the needs of the lighting strobe system  400 . 
     In one aspect, the lighting strobe system  400  may utilize a boost regulator  415  to increase a voltage to a level that is sufficient to drive or operate the plurality of LEDs  404  or the first array and the second array of LEDs,  405 A and  405 B respectively. In one aspect, the processor  411  is configured to calculate a current for each of the first array and second array of LEDs,  405 A and  405 B respectively, to determine a minimum amount of voltage required to ensure that the boost regulator  415  provides the proper voltage to the first array and second array of LEDs,  405 A and  405 B respectively. 
     The LED driver  403  may be configured to control an intensity or brightness of plurality of LEDs  404 . For example, the LED driver  403  may be configured to control an intensity or brightness of each of the first array and the second array of LEDs, individually. The LED driver  403  may comprise a digital to analog converter  417  that has a pair of outputs  419  and  421 , each individually controllable, connected to variable current sources  423  and  425 , respectively, to set the drive current for each of the first array and the second array of LEDs,  405 A and  405 B respectively, thus making the brightness of each array independently controllable by the processor  411 . The LED driver  403  is coupled to the first array of LEDs  405 A to provide a selectable drive current to the first array of LEDs  405 A. The LED driver  403  is also coupled to the second array of LEDs  405 B to provide a selectable drive current to the second array of LEDs  405 B. 
     In another aspect, the lighting strobe system  400  may utilize a thermistor  427  to provide LED temperature feedback to the processor  411 . The thermistor  427  may provide data representing temperature of the plurality of LEDs  404  to the processor  411  to enable the processor  411  to intelligently set an output voltage of the boost regulator  415  to an optimal value. In another aspect, the temperature of the plurality of LEDs  404  may be used by the processor  411  to reduce voltage or power to the plurality of LEDs  404  when a temperature of the plurality of LEDs  404  reaches a predetermined maximum threshold. 
     The lighting strobe system  400  may further comprise a sync circuit  429  that is configured to receive a sync input from an external device, such as a camera, smartphone, or portable electronic device, to trigger a pulse of light to be emitted from the plurality of LEDs  404 . The sync circuit  429 , may for example, be connected to the processor  411  to trigger a flash of light from the plurality of LEDs  404  in response to the sync signal. The sync signal may be generated when a shutter of a camera is fully open, partially open, begins to open, or other timing sequences as would be known by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In one aspect, the processor  411  may be configured to accommodate a variety of sync inputs. 
     In operation, the communications module  409  may provide a communication pathway between the processor  411  of the lighting strobe system  400  and a portable electronic device having a camera. A user may control functions, settings or operations of the lighting strobe system  400  through an application running on the portable electronic device. The portable electronic device may comprise a user interface, such as a touchscreen and display, to solicit and receive input from the user. The user interface may allow the user to select a particular color temperature and/or brightness for a pulse of light or flash to be emitted by the plurality of LEDs  404 . The settings and preferences may then be communicated or relayed to the processor  411  via the communications module  409 . Based on detection of a sync input from the sync circuit  429 , the processor  411  may cause the plurality of LEDs  404  to emit a pulse of light or flash at the selected color temperature and/or brightness. 
     By way of example and without limiting the scope of the subject technology, on powering up the lighting strobe system  400 , the processor  411  of the lighting strobe system  400  may enter a sleep mode and wait for an event to awaken the processor  411 . Such an event may be a periodic timer, a user input received from the user, a sync input, or voice command. Once awaken, the processor  411  may be configured to determine what caused the event and may, for example, read input buttons to see if one was pushed, and may check with the communications module  409  to see if a paired portable electronic device wishes to communicate. 
     The processor  411  may be configured to determine what operation mode has been selected by the user. For example, an operation mode may be selected by subsequent button pushes of the multi-button described above, via an application running on the paired portable electronic device, or a voice command. In one example, the operational modes may include a pulse/flash mode or a continuous light mode. Upon entering the flash mode the processor  411  periodically reads the ambient light sensor  408  to determine the color temperature of the ambient light in the environment. In response, the processor  411  may calculate a ratio between the first array and the second array of LEDs,  405 A and  405 B respectively, in order to achieve a color temperature for the flash that is substantially similar to the color temperature of the ambient light in the environment. In another example, the processor  411  may control the color temperature of RGB+WW LEDs, in order to achieve a color temperature for the flash that is substantially similar to the color temperature of the ambient light in the environment. The processor  411  may also be configured to read the ambient light sensor  408  to determine the intensity or brightness of the ambient light in the environment and in response, calculates an intensity for the flash and adjusts the output voltage of the boost regulator  415  to obtain a voltage that is required to achieve the desired flash. Upon receiving a command to generate the pulse of light or flash, the processor  411  causes the plurality of LEDs  404  to emit a pulse of light at the determined color temperature and intensity. 
     In one aspect, the processor  411  may be configured to receive additional data or information from a paired electronic device to adjust the color temperature and/or intensity of light generated by the plurality of LEDs  404 . For example, the processor  411  may receive exposure information from the paired electronic device and may use the received exposure information to calculate a distance to a subject for use in determining an amount of intensity for a pulse of light to be generated by the plurality of LEDs  404 . In another aspect, the processor  411  may also be configured to compare the amount of intensity calculated based on the exposure information with the amount of intensity calculated based on the level of intensity detected by the ambient light sensor  408  to determine if the subject is likely backlit, front lit, or top lit. In response, the processor  411  may be configured to calculate the amount of light or intensity needed to augment the ambient lighting conditions and as a result, adjusts the output voltage of the boost regulator  415  to obtain a voltage that is required to achieve the desired light for illuminating the subject. For example, if the processor  411  determines that the subject is backlit, the processor  411  may increase the output voltage. In another example, if the subject is front lit, the processor may reduce the output voltage. 
     In the continuous light mode, the processor  411  causes the plurality of LEDs  404  to emit a light for a continuous duration. The processor  411  may also be configured to periodically (e.g., every 1 second, every 5 seconds, every 10 seconds, etc.) read the ambient light sensor  408  to determine the color temperature of the ambient light in the environment and adjust the intensity and/or color temperature of light emitted by the plurality of LEDs  404  to maintain consistent illumination of a subject regardless of changing ambient light conditions. The processor  411  may calculate a ratio between the first array and the second array of LEDs,  405 A and  405 B respectively, in order to achieve a color temperature for the continuous light that is substantially similar to the color temperature of the ambient light in the environment, or otherwise desired. In another example, the processor  411  may control the color temperature of RGB+WW LEDs in order to achieve a color temperature for the continuous light that is substantially similar to the color temperature of the ambient light in the environment, or otherwise desired. The processor  411  may also be configured to read the ambient light sensor  408  to determine the intensity or brightness of the ambient light in the environment and in response, calculates an intensity for the continuous light and adjusts the output voltage of the boost regulator  415  to obtain a voltage that is required to achieve the desired light for illuminating a subject or object. 
     In some aspects, the processor  411  may be configured to receive intensity and color temperature settings from the paired portable electronic device via the communications module  409 . In another aspect, the processor  411  may be configured to select a default intensity and color temperature setting if there is no setting provided by the user or paired portable electronic device. The default color temperature may, for example, be set by sending an equal amount of current to each of the first array and second array of LEDs,  405 A and  405 B respectively. Sending equal amounts of current to each of the first array and second array of LEDs,  405 A and  405 B respectively, may conserve battery power. 
     In other aspects, the processor  411  may be configured to adjust an intensity and/or color temperature for the plurality of LEDs  404  based on user input. For example, a user may adjust the intensity and color temperature of the plurality of LEDs  404  by depressing one more input buttons, interfacing with an application running on a paired portable electronic device, or conveying voice commands. In one example, a user selectable intensity or brightness setting may be adjusted based on a number of times a button is pressed, or adjusted based on input from the user via a pair of up and down arrows. In response, the processor  411  modifies the ratio of voltage and/or current to be supplied to the plurality of LEDs  404  or first array and the second array of LEDs,  405 A and  405 B respectively, and causes the LED driver  403  to adjust the output of variable current sources  423  and  425 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an example method  500  for controlling a lighting strobe system, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. It should be understood that, for any process discussed herein, there can be additional, fewer, or alternative steps performed in similar or alternative orders, or in parallel, within the scope of the various aspects unless otherwise stated. The method  500  can be performed by a lighting strobe system (e.g., the system  100  of  FIG. 1 , the system  200  of  FIG. 4 , the system  300  of  FIG. 5 , the system  300 B of  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the system  300 C of  FIG. 6C , the system  400  of  FIG. 7 ) or similar system. 
     In some implementations, method  500  may be implemented in one or more processing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information). The one or more processing devices may include one or more devices executing some or all of the operations of method  500  in response to instructions stored electronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or more processing devices may include one or more devices configured through hardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically designed for execution of one or more of the operations of method  500 . 
     An operation  510  may include detecting an intensity of ambient light using an ambient light sensor. An operation  520  may include detecting a color temperature of ambient light using the ambient light sensor. An operation  530  may include setting an intensity of light to be emitted by a plurality of LEDs. In one example, the plurality of LEDs may comprise RGB+WW LEDs. In another example, the plurality of LEDs may comprise a first array of LEDs and a second array of LEDs. The first array of LEDs may comprise warm color temperature LEDs having a color temperature of 2400-4000 Kelvin. The second array of LEDs may comprise cool color temperature LEDs having a color temperature of 4000-8000 Kelvin. An operation  540  may include setting a color temperature of light to be emitted by the plurality of LEDs. An operation  550  may include emitting light using the plurality of LEDs based on the set intensity and color temperature. 
     The method  500  may also include adjusting the color temperature of light to be emitted by the plurality of LEDs based on exposure data. The method  500  may also include adjusting the color temperature of light to be emitted by the plurality of LEDs based on a voice command, and adjusting the intensity of light to be emitted by the plurality of LEDs based on a voice command. 
     Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an example of a system  600  in which the components of the system are in communication with each other using connection  605 . Connection  605  can be a physical connection via a bus, or a direct connection into processor  610 , such as in a chipset architecture. Connection  605  can also be a virtual connection, networked connection, or logical connection. 
     In some embodiments computing system  600  is a distributed system in which the functions described in this disclosure can be distributed within a datacenter, multiple datacenters, a peer network, etc. In some embodiments, one or more of the described system components represents many such components each performing some or all of the function for which the component is described. In some embodiments, the components can be physical or virtual devices. 
     System  600  includes at least one processing unit (CPU or processor)  610  and connection  605  that couples various system components including system memory  615 , such as read only memory (ROM)  620  and random access memory (RAM)  625  to processor  610 . Computing system  600  can include a cache  612  of high-speed memory connected directly with, in close proximity to, or integrated as part of processor  610 . 
     Processor  610  can include any general purpose processor and a hardware service or software service, such as services  632 ,  634 , and  636  stored in storage device  630 , configured to control processor  610  as well as a special-purpose processor where software instructions are incorporated into the actual processor design. Processor  610  may essentially be a completely self-contained computing system, containing multiple cores or processors, a bus, memory controller, cache, etc. A multi-core processor may be symmetric or asymmetric. 
     To enable user interaction, computing system  600  includes an input device  645 , which can represent any number of input mechanisms, such as a microphone for speech, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphical input, keyboard, mouse, motion input, speech, etc. Computing system  600  can also include output device  635 , which can be one or more of a number of output mechanisms known to those of skill in the art. In some instances, multimodal systems can enable a user to provide multiple types of input/output to communicate with computing system  600 . Computing system  600  can include communications interface  640 , which can generally govern and manage the user input and system output. There is no restriction on operating on any particular hardware arrangement and therefore the basic features here may easily be substituted for improved hardware or firmware arrangements as they are developed. 
     Storage device  630  can be a non-volatile memory device and can be a hard disk or other types of computer readable media which can store data that are accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, solid state memory devices, digital versatile disks, cartridges, random access memories (RAMs), read only memory (ROM), and/or some combination of these devices. 
     The storage device  630  can include software services, servers, services, etc., that when the code that defines such software is executed by the processor  610 , it causes the system to perform a function. In some embodiments, a hardware service that performs a particular function can include the software component stored in a computer-readable medium in connection with the necessary hardware components, such as processor  610 , connection  605 , output device  635 , etc., to carry out the function. 
     It will be appreciated that computing system  600  can have more than one processor  610 , or be part of a group or cluster of computing devices networked together to provide greater processing capability. 
     For clarity of explanation, in some instances the various embodiments may be presented as including individual functional blocks including functional blocks comprising devices, device components, steps or routines in a method embodied in software, or combinations of hardware and software. 
     In some aspects the computer-readable storage devices, mediums, and memories can include a cable or wireless signal containing a bit stream and the like. However, when mentioned, non-transitory computer-readable storage media expressly exclude media such as energy, carrier signals, electromagnetic waves, and signals per se. 
     Methods according to the above-described examples can be implemented using computer-executable instructions that are stored or otherwise available from computer readable media. Such instructions can comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause or otherwise configure a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Portions of computer resources used can be accessible over a network. The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, firmware, or source code. Examples of computer-readable media that may be used to store instructions, information used, and/or information created during methods according to described examples include magnetic or optical disks, flash memory, USB devices provided with non-volatile memory, networked storage devices, and so on. 
     Devices implementing methods according to these disclosures can comprise hardware, firmware and/or software, and can take any of a variety of form factors. Typical examples of such form factors include laptops, smart phones, small form factor personal computers, personal digital assistants, rackmount devices, standalone devices, and so on. Functionality described herein also can be embodied in peripherals or add-in cards. Such functionality can also be implemented on a circuit board among different chips or different processes executing in a single device, by way of further example. 
     The instructions, media for conveying such instructions, computing resources for executing them, and other structures for supporting such computing resources are means for providing the functions described in these disclosures. 
     As used herein, the term “module” may refer to any component or set of components that perform the functionality attributed to the module. This may include one or more physical processors during execution of processor readable instructions, the processor readable instructions, circuitry, hardware, storage media, or any other components. 
     Although a variety of examples and other information was used to explain aspects within the scope of the appended claims, no limitation of the claims should be implied based on particular features or arrangements in such examples, as one of ordinary skill would be able to use these examples to derive a wide variety of implementations. Further and although some subject matter may have been described in language specific to examples of structural features and/or method steps, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to these described features or acts. For example, such functionality can be distributed differently or performed in components other than those identified herein. Rather, the described features and steps are disclosed as examples of components of systems and methods within the scope of the appended claims.