Patent Publication Number: US-2018033358-A1

Title: Electric lighting device with display

Description:
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application having Ser. No. 62/367,027 filed on Jul. 26, 2016. This application also claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application having Ser. No. 62/402,175 filed on Sep. 30, 2016, and U.S. provisional application having Ser. No. 62/413,138 filed on Oct. 26, 2016. These and all other referenced extrinsic materials are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in a reference that is incorporated by reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein is deemed to be controlling. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the invention is electric lighting devices, and in particular, electric candles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The following background discussion includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     Various electric lights are known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,132,936 to Patton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,070,319 to Schnuckle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,837,355 to Schnuckle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,261,455 to Schnuckle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,994 to Schnuckle et al., US 2011/0127914 to Patton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,720 to Jaworski et al.; US 2005/0285538 to Jaworski et al. (publ. December 2005); U.S. Pat. No. 7,481,571 to Bistritzky et al.; US 2008/0031784 to Bistritzky et al. (publ. February 2008); US 2006/0125420 to Boone et al. (publ. June 2006); US 2007/0127249 to Medley et al. (publ. June 2007); US 2008/0150453 to Medley et al. (publ. June 2008); US 2005/0169666 to Porchia, et al. (publ. August 2005); U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,668 to Porchia, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,824,627 to Michaels, et al.; US 2006/0039835 to Nottingham et al. (publ. February 2006); US 2008/0038156 to Jaramillo (publ. February 2008); US 2008/0130266 to DeWitt et al. (publ. June 2008); US 2012/0024837 to Thompson (publ. February 2012); US 2011/0134628 to Pestl et al. (publ. June 2011); US 2011/0027124 to Albee et al. (publ. February 2011); US 2012/0020052 to McCavit et al. (publ. January 2012); US 2012/0093491 to Browder et al. (publ. April 2012); and US 2014/0218903 to Sheng. However, all of these products suffer from one or more disadvantages. 
     Flat screen displays, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, and electroluminescent (EL) displays have been continuously improved and now are commonly used in televisions and other devices. However, such components have not been used in consumer products such as electric candles for a variety of reasons. 
     Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary. 
     However, there is still a need in the art for improved electric candles and other lighting devices that generate a flickering flame effect. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides apparatus, systems, and methods in which an electronic lighting device (e.g., an artificial candle) comprises a display structure that simulates a real candle flame, and is preferably housed in a traditional candle body. In particular, electronic lighting devices are described that utilize a transparent or translucent flat or curved display to present images or video of a real, moving flame. 
     Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a vertical cross-section view of one embodiment of an electronic lighting device. 
         FIG. 1B  is a top view of the circuit board of the device of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  is a vertical cross-section view of another embodiment of an electronic lighting device. 
         FIG. 2B  is a top view of the circuit board of the device of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3  is a vertical cross-section view of third embodiment of an electronic lighting device. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of an electronic lighting device that can communicate with a computing device via a wired or wireless connection. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of an electronic lighting device that can communicate with a computing device via a wired or wireless connection to vary the flame shown on the display. 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  are front and side vertical cross-section views, respectively, of another embodiment of an electronic lighting device. 
         FIG. 7A  is a front, vertical cross-section view of another embodiment of an electronic lighting device, and  FIGS. 7B-7C  are side vertical cross-section views of the device of  FIG. 7A  showing the display in a normal and retracted view. 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of yet another embodiment of an electronic lighting device. 
         FIGS. 9A-9B  are perspective views of another embodiment of an electronic lighting device. 
         FIGS. 10A-10F  are snap-shots of another embodiment of an electronic lighting device having a display screen in various states.  FIGS. 10A and 10F  illustrate the display screen in an off condition.  FIG. 10B  illustrates the display screen in an initial, “on” condition having an image of a wick.  FIGS. 10C-10E  illustrate the display screen having images of a flame. 
         FIGS. 11A-11B  are schematic views of one embodiment of an electronic lighting device having a retractable display screen in an extended and retracted state, respectively. 
         FIGS. 12A-12B  are schematic views of one embodiment of an electronic lighting device having a retractable display screen in an extended and retracted state, respectively. 
         FIG. 13A  is a cross-section, schematic view of one embodiment of an electronic lighting device having a rotatable display screen. 
         FIGS. 13B-13D  are top, schematic views of the lighting device of  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 14A  is a cross-section, schematic view of an embodiment of an electronic lighting device having a moveable display screen. 
         FIGS. 14B-14D  are top, schematic views of the lighting device of  FIG. 14A . 
         FIG. 15A  is a cross-section, schematic view of another embodiment of an electronic lighting device having a moveable display screen. 
         FIGS. 15B-15C  are top, schematic views of the lighting device of  FIG. 15A . 
         FIGS. 16A-16B  are perspective and side views, respectively, of one embodiment of an electronic lighting device having a display screen disposed about an exterior of the housing. 
         FIGS. 17A-17B  are perspective and side views, respectively, of another embodiment of an electronic lighting device having a display screen disposed about an exterior of the housing. 
         FIGS. 18A-18B  are perspective views of another embodiment of an electronic lighting device having a display screen disposed about an exterior of the housing. 
         FIGS. 19A-19C  are top, side, and isometric views, respectively, of another embodiment of an electronic lighting device having a curved display screen. 
         FIG. 19D  is a side view of the device of  FIG. 19A  showing the flexibility of the screen. 
         FIGS. 20A-20C  are top, side, and perspective views, respectively, of another embodiment of an electronic lighting device having a cylindrical display screen. 
         FIG. 21  is an embodiment of a circuit diagram for display electronics for a display screen. 
         FIG. 22  is another embodiment of a circuit diagram for display electronics for a display screen. 
         FIG. 23  is a schematic of one embodiment of a display screen for an electric lighting device. 
         FIG. 24  is a time lapse showing still images of a video of a candle that is lit. 
         FIG. 25  is a side view of another embodiment of an electronic lighting device having a sail switch. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Throughout the following discussion, numerous references will be made regarding servers, services, interfaces, portals, platforms, or other systems formed from computing devices. It should be appreciated that the use of such terms is deemed to represent one or more computing devices having at least one processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a computer readable tangible, non-transitory medium. For example, a server can include one or more computers operating as a web server, database server, or other type of computer server in a manner to fulfill described roles, responsibilities, or functions. 
     The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed. 
     One should appreciate that the disclosed subject matter provides many advantageous technical effects including providing various designs of an artificial candle that simulate the appearance of a real flame. Thus, many drawbacks of conventional methods of providing an artificial candle can be reduced, and even possibly eliminated, by the disclosed subject matter. 
       FIGS. 1A-1B  illustrate one embodiment of an electric lighting device  100  having a housing  102 . A circuit board (PCB)  104  is disposed within the housing  102 , and fixed in place relative to the housing  102 . Although shown mounted to the top surface of the housing  102 , it is contemplated that the PCB  104  could alternatively be supported from below such as shown in  FIG. 2A . 
     Preferably, the PCB  104  includes a support  106  for a display screen  110  that is integral with the PCB  104 . However, it is contemplated that the support  106  could be affixed or coupled to the PCB  104 . The support  106  is configured to secure the screen  110  in place while allowing for, or providing, electrical and data connections between the screen  100  and PCB  104 . 
     The display screen  110  can be mounted in a display screen holder  112  that can act as a support and/or protector for the display screen  110 , as well as prevent light from escaping from the sides of the display screen where desired. 
     Additional detail concerning the display screen  110  and its associated hardware can be found below in the discussion referencing  FIG. 9 . Such discussion is incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIGS. 2A-2B  illustrate another embodiment of an electric lighting device  200  having a housing  202 . A circuit board (PCB)  204  is disposed within the housing  202 , and fixed in place relative to the housing  202 . The PCB  204  can be supported from below and affixed to or otherwise coupled to a battery compartment, for example. As shown in  FIG. 2A , the PCB  204  can be disposed on a spacer  208  that is disposed on the battery compartment  214 . 
     Preferably, the PCB  204  includes a support  206  for a display screen  210  that is integral with the PCB  204 . However, it is contemplated that the support  206  could be affixed or coupled to the PCB  204 . The support  206  is configured to secure the screen  210  in place while allowing for, or providing, electrical and data connections between the screen  200  and PCB  204 . With respect to the remaining numerals in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  apply, respectively. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates another embodiment of an electric lighting device  300  having a housing  302 . A circuit board (PCB)  304  is disposed within the housing  302 , and fixed in place relative to the housing  302 . The PCB  304  can be supported from above or below. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the PCB  304  can be supported by spacers  308  that are coupled to an upper surface of housing  302 . With respect to the remaining numerals in  FIG. 3 , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIG. 1A  apply. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of an electric lighting device  400  that is configured to connect to an external computing device  450  via a wired or wireless connection. Exemplary wired connections include USB or other commercially suitable connections. Exemplary wireless connections include Bluetooth™, WIFI, and any other commercially suitable connections. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of an electric lighting device  500  that is configured to connect to an external computing device  550  via a wired or wireless connection. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the computing device  550  can be used to select a preferred flame effect to be displayed on the device  500 . This could include a specific video of a moving flame, or varying characteristics of what is displayed including color of the flame, brightness, speed of movement and so forth. Contemplated computing devices include, for example, smart phones or smart watches or other wearables, but could also include a tablet PC, a laptop, or a desktop computer. 
       FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrates another embodiment of an electric lighting device  600  having an elongated housing  602  resembling a taper candle. As discussed above, a PCB  604  can be disposed within the housing  602  and is preferably mounted in place relative to the housing. The PCB  604  could be secured to the housing via preformed supports on an interior surface of the housing, such as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017/0038020 filed on May 26, 2016. Alternatively, the PCB  604  could be mounted from below or above via one or more injection molded piece, such as a spacer. With respect to the remaining numerals in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIG. 1A  applies. 
       FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrates another embodiment of an electric lighting device  700  having a retractable display screen  710 . The display screen  710  is preferably connected with a rack and pinion system  720  or other height adjustment mechanism that allows for vertical movement of the display screen relative to the housing  702 . In this manner, the display screen can be retracted within the housing  702 , such as when the display screen is not in use or when the device  700  will be stored or moved. In some contemplated embodiments, the display screen  710  can be automatically retracted upon powering down of the device and/or when the device is tilted or knocked over, for example. This could be down via a simple circuit and/or the use of a sensor to detect when the device is not upright. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7B and 7C , the PCB  704  can include the rack on a first surface that can be moved as the pinion rotates. 
     an elongated housing  602  resembling a taper candle. As discussed above, a PCB  604  can be disposed within the housing  602  and is preferably mounted in place relative to the housing. The PCB  604  could be secured to the housing via preformed supports on an interior surface of the housing, such as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017/0038020 filed on May 26, 2016. Alternatively, the PCB  604  could be mounted from below or above via one or more injection molded piece, such as a spacer. With respect to the remaining numerals in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIG. 1A  applies. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of an electric lighting device  800  having a display screen  810  that comprises an elongated display screen. It is contemplated that such devices could be larger in size, such as to simulate a fireplace or fire pit, for example. 
       FIGS. 9A-9B  illustrate another embodiment of an electronic lighting device  900 , here that has a housing  902  resembling a traditional wax candle and that is preferably at least partially composed of wax. A display screen  910  extends from an upper surface of the housing. In preferred embodiments, an image of a flame, or more preferably a video of a flame, can be displayed such that viewers of the device  900  appear to see a moving flame atop of the device. Although not required, it is contemplated that the display screen  910  can be retracted within the housing automatically via a rack and pinion system or manually such as by a user applying force to a top of the screen  910  until the screen is inserted within the housing  902 . A latch could be used to keep the screen  910  within the housing until released, at which point a spring could be used to propel the screen  910  upwardly.  FIG. 9B  shows a slit  915  in the upper surface through which the display screen  910  can move. 
     Although the display screen  910  could be a monochrome transparent electroluminescent or similar display used to present a moving flame, preferred display screens are selected to allow for multiple colors to be displayed. The display screen  910  can be placed in a central area on an upper surface of the device&#39;s housing  902 , with the display connector preferably located within the housing  902  and on the PCB, as discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1B . 
     Preferred display screens are transparent such that they are less visible when the screen is in an “off” state, although translucent, partially transparent, or opaque screens are also contemplated. On the display screen, a realistic portrayal of a moving candle flame may be displayed. 
     In some contemplated embodiments, the display driver and associated electronics are located on the circuit board (PCB) inside the housing of the lighting device. The electronics and associated software are activated when the power switch is turned on, the remote control is operated, or the built-in timer cycles to a start time. Once energized, the MCU (microcontroller) begins executing its firmware program. The program accesses the memory (either internal or external) and begins sending data to a controller that processes the data and drives the display screen. Simultaneously, the EL bias voltage is applied to the Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) electrodes of the EL to produce photon output based upon the animation or video brightness and input from the (MCU) based upon the ambient light measuring photo transistor and software brightness algorithm. The display image is continually updated based upon the display refresh rate and video frame rate giving the appearance of a real candle flame moving and flickering. The displayed images are displayed as the video or animation information is processed and preferably starts over (loops) when the end of the animation or video information is reached. 
     The diagram shown in  FIG. 21  illustrates one embodiment of a schematic of the display electronics configuration for the display screen  910 . 
     Preferred display screens are based upon color non-electroluminescent transparent display technology such as a transparent organic light emitting diode (TOLED) and variations such as transparent active matrix light emitting diode (TAMOLED), transparent passive matrix light emitting diode (TPMOLED), transparent polymer light emitting diodes (TPLED) and transparent flexible organic light emitting diode (TFOLED). 
     PMOLEDs have strips of cathode, organic layers and strips of anode. The anode strips are arranged perpendicular to the cathode strips. The intersections of the cathode and anode make up the pixels where light is emitted. External circuitry applies current to selected strips of anode and cathode, determining which pixels get turned on and which pixels remain off. The brightness of each pixel is proportional to the amount of applied current. 
     AMOLEDs have full layers of cathode, organic molecules and anode, but the anode layer overlays a thin film transistor (TFT) array that forms a matrix. The TFT array itself is the circuitry that determines which pixels get turned on to form an image. 
     PMOLEDs consume more power than other types of OLED, but are most efficient for text and icons and are best suited for small screens (2-3 inch diagonal). AMOLEDs consume less power than PMOLEDs because the TFT array requires less power than external circuitry. AMOLEDs also have faster refresh rates and are therefore often used in large-screen TVs, etc. 
     Transparent OLEDs have only transparent components (substrate, cathode and anode) and, when turned off, are up to 85 percent as transparent as their substrate. When a transparent OLED display is turned on, it allows light to pass in both directions. A transparent OLED display can be either active- or passive-matrix. This technology can be used for heads-up displays. 
     OLEDs are manufactured by printing organic molecules that emit colored light onto a substrate. OLEDs can be printed onto any substrate by an inkjet printer or by screen printing. 
     A flat or curved transparent color organic light emitting diode (OLED) or other display may be used to simulate the appearance of a candle flame by means of displaying a changing video image of a pre-recorded candle flame. The video file is preprocessed, using a proprietary method, to optimize power consumption and correct for the brightness non-linearity problem inherent in OLED displays. The video file is stored in onboard memory connected to the OLED display integrated circuit (IC). The OLED display IC processes the video file and distributes the images through the segment and common outputs to the OLED display. See diagram in  FIG. 22 . 
     Transparent OLED screens (or similar display technology) operate similarly to the EL display embodiment, in that the display driver and associated electronics is located on a printed circuit board (PCB) inside the device&#39;s housing. The electronics and associated software are activated when the power switch is turned on, the remote control is operated or the built in timer cycles to a start time. Once energized the MCU (microcontroller) begins executing its firmware program. The program commands the OLED Driver IC to process the video or animation information in the external memory. The OLED Driver IC then processes the data and drives the display based upon the animation or video content and input from the (MCU). The brightness of the display is controlled based animation or video and the ambient light measuring photo transistor and software brightness algorithm (see below). The display image is continually updated based upon the display refresh rate and video frame rate giving the appearance of a real candle flame moving and flickering. The displayed images are displayed as the video or animation information is processed and starts over when the end of the animation or video information is reached. 
     Some advantages of OLED displays are that the individual OLED pixels emit their own individual light (photons) and do not require a backlight or other light source. This provides the OLED display the ability to conserve power by varying the power to each pixel and only illuminating the needed pixels. In contrast, other technologies such as LCD require a backlight to illuminate all pixels regardless of whether they are needed. 
     The inventors have further found that power consumption of the display can be reduced by adding a phototransistor to detect an ambient light level. Based upon a unique proprietary non-linear software algorithm, power to the TOLED pixels can be reduced when the ambient light level is lower and maximum brightness is not necessary. 
     It is further contemplated that a user can download various flame movies to the lighting device via a wired or wireless connection, and could select one or more preloaded flame or other videos or images via a user interface. In preferred embodiments, the user interface comprises a webpage or a mobile application that directs a device to transmit one or more commands to the lighting device, preferably via a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, WIFI, etc.). 
     Although shown as used with a pillar candle shape, it is contemplated that the inventions discussed herein could be used with differently sized and shaped lighting devices, including a taper candle, for example. It is further contemplated that a lighting device could have two or more display screens extending from an upper surface of the housing, which may be separately movable and/or controllable. 
       FIGS. 10A-10F  illustrate a set of snap-shots of an electronic lighting device having a display screen configured to display a video of a flame, such that a moving flame appears at an upper surface of the device.  FIG. 10A  depicts the display screen in an “off” state in which no image or video is shown. In such state, the display screen is preferably transparent to limit the visibility of the display screen. As shown in  FIG. 10B , when the device is first illuminated or optionally even in an “off” state, an image or video of a wick can be shown. As shown in  FIGS. 10C-10E , a video of a flame can be shown on the wick, which thereby presents a moving flame. Finally,  FIG. 10F  shows the display screen in the “off” state. 
       FIGS. 11A-11B  illustrate another embodiment of an electronic lighting device  1100  having a retractable display screen  1110 . As shown in the figures, the display screen  1110  is preferably an organic LED display (OLED), but liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and other video screens are also contemplated. A rack  1120  and pinion  1122  could be motorized and used to lift and lower the display screen  1110  on demand or per a set program, such as when the candle is turned on or off. Of course, other manners of lifting and lowering the display screen  1110  are also contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     Although the device is shown configured to raise or lower the PCB  1104  and the display screen  1110 , in some contemplated embodiments, only the display screen  1110  may be raised, and one or more wires can electrically couple the display screen to the PCB  1104 . A hole or list  1115  can be provided in an upper surface of the housing  1102  through which the display screen  1110  can rise and lower with respect to the housing  1102 . Spacers  1108  or a frame can be used to connect the PCB  1104  with the rack  1120 , for example. However, in other embodiments, the PCB and rack could be a single piece. 
       FIGS. 12A-12B  illustrate another embodiment of an electronic lighting device that also has a retractable display screen having a different shape from that shown in  FIGS. 11A-11B . With respect to the remaining numerals in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIGS. 11A and 11B  applies, respectively. 
     Optionally or additionally, as shown in  FIGS. 13A-13D  the electronic lighting device  1300  can include a motor  1330  configured to work with one or more gears  1332  to thereby rotate an orientation of the display screen  1310  with respect to the device&#39;s housing  1302 . It is contemplated that the screen  1310  could automatically rotate to an orientation that faces a line-of-sight of a remote control, such that the display will always be oriented toward the user when the user transmits a command using a remote control. It is further contemplated that the screen  1310  could rotate as part of a predefined program, or per a control command of the user (e.g., rotate 90 degrees clockwise). In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the display screen  1310  and the components that allow for rotation of the display screen  1310  could all be lowered or raised as desired. 
       FIGS. 13B-13D  illustrate various positions of the display screen  1310  after rotation. 
       FIGS. 14A-15C  illustrate various embodiments of a display screen that is movably mounted with respect to the housing, such that the display screen can move in at least two dimensions. 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 14A-14D , the display screen  1410  could be pivotally mounted on a support arm  1460  that extends within the housing  1402 . A coil  1462  can be configured to generate an electromagnetic field that directly or indirectly causes movement of the display screen  1410  about the support arm  1460 , such as by repelling or attracting a magnet  1464  disposed on the lower portion of the display screen  1410 . A more detailed discussion about the movement of a pendulum member about a support arm can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,335,014 issued on May 10, 2016. In addition, the device  1400  can include a motor  1430  and gears  1432  disposed within the housing  1402  such that the display screen  1410  and support arm  1460  can be rotated to thereby reorient the display screen  1410  with respect to the housing  1402 . Thus, in such embodiment, the display screen  1410  can be oriented such that it faces a specific direction when at rest, while also allowing for movement of the display screen  1410  from the at rest position of the display screen  1410 . 
       FIGS. 15A-15C  illustrate another embodiment of an electronic lighting device  1500 , where a motor  1530  and crank  1532  are substituted for an electromagnet and magnet to thereby cause movement of the display screen about a support arm  1560 . With respect to the remaining numerals in  FIG. 15A , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIGS. 11A and 11B  applies. 
       FIGS. 16A-16B  and  FIGS. 17A-17B  illustrate another embodiment of an electric lighting device  1600  having a display screen  1610  disposed about an exterior of the device&#39;s housing  1602 . In such embodiments, it is contemplated that a user will view a video of a flame regardless of an orientation of the display screen or the device  1600 , and thereby could be useful in environments where the device may be used from various directions. 
       FIGS. 18A-18B  illustrate another embodiment of an electric lighting device  1800  having a transparent display screen  1810  disposed about an exterior of an upper portion of the device&#39;s housing  1802 . It is contemplated that using a screen that surround the outer surface, the appearance of a flame can be presented without any viewing angle restriction that exists with traditional electric candles, as the image or video is presented about the candle&#39;s housing. 
     It is also contemplated that the display screen  1910  itself could be curved to form a semi-circle (e.g., 180 degrees) as shown in  FIGS. 19A-19D , or a screen that is less or more than a half-circle. The effect is a greater viewing range of the flame effect by having a curved surface. In the case of the cylindrically-shaped display screen, rotation of the display screen is not needed as the effect should be visible from all sides. In such embodiments, it is further contemplated that the screen  1910  could be flexible to allow some bending or movement of the screen. This helps ensures the screen is durable and prevents breaking due to unwanted handling or movement. With respect to the remaining numerals in  FIG. 19A-19D , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIGS. 11A and 11B  applies. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 20A-20C , the display screen  2010  could alternatively comprise a complete or nearly complete cylinder (360 degrees). With respect to the remaining numerals in  FIG. 20A-20C , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIGS. 11A and 11B  applies. 
     As shown in  FIG. 23 , the display screen  2310  as described in the various embodiments herein can include a plastic edging  2340  disposed about a clear glass  2342  that comprises the display surface of an OLED display, for example. Of course, the edging could comprise a different material so long as the material adds sufficient rigidity and mutes light output from a side of the screen  2310 . A flex circuit  2346  can be connected to the display via bonding  2348  to provide power and signals to the display screen  2310 . Where the display unit is to be used in an electric candle, the display unit is configured to be inserted into an aperture in an upper surface of the candle&#39;s housing, with the memory, processor and other components disposed within the candle&#39;s housing and below the upper surface and alignment holes  2349  to secure the display screen  2310  with a PCB or support surface within a housing of the device. 
       FIG. 24  is a time lapse showing still images of a video of a candle that is lit, and the melting or shrinking in height of the candle as time passes. The example shown in  FIG. 24  provides a 6 hour burn of the candle, which progressively melts from that shown in the upper left corner to what is shown in the lower right corner. 
       FIG. 25  is another embodiment of an electric lighting device  2500  having a housing  2502  and a display screen  2510  extending from an upper surface of the housing  2502 . The device  2500  can also include one or more sail switches  2570  that generate a signal when wind or air is detected. Thus, for example, if a user were to blow air near a sail switch  2570 , it is contemplated that the flame shown in the video or images can be adjusted to appear to react to the sudden airflow. It is further contemplated that the video or images could be turned off if a user blew a sufficient amount of air past the sail switch. Although three locations for sail switches are shown, it is contemplated that only a single sail switch may be included in the device. 
     Where the display screen comprises an electroluminescent (EL) display, there are two standard methods for dimming EL displays. Frame rate dimming allows the brightness of the display to be lowered proportionally by reducing the frame rate. Analog dimming allows the brightness to be reduced with an external, user supplied potentiometer or electronic circuitry. The brightness range for analog dimming is from 100% to nearly 5% of the full brightness. Frame rate dimming is performed within the application by lowering the frame rate of the video input signals. Because brightness is proportional to refresh rate, the display can be dimmed by adding pauses between every horizontal period. The lowest possible frame rate (brightness) is dependent on the perceived flicker of the displayed image, but could potentially be around 60 Hz. 
     A table of frame rates versus power consumption for EL displays is shown below. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Frame Rate 
                 Power Consumption % 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 60 
                 100 
               
               
                   
                 120 
                 144 
               
               
                   
                 240 
                 256 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     For OLED screens, refresh rates can be as high as 144 Hz and even 240 Hz, with frame rates typically about 60 Hz. In OLED screens, brightness is controlled by individual pixel illumination control. 
     Like an LED, an OLED is a solid-state semiconductor device that is 100-500 nm thick or about 200 times smaller than a human hair. OLEDs typically have 2-3 layers of organic material, with the optional third layer facilitating the transport of electrons from a cathode to an emissive layer. 
     OLEDs emit light via electro phosphorescence. A substrate which may comprise glass or plastic for example can be used to support the OLED. When current flows through the display, a transparent anode removes electrons, adding electron “holes”. A conducting layer comprising polyaniline or other organic plastic molecules can transport the “holes” from the anode. Finally, an emissive layer comprising polyfluorene or other organic plastic molecules different from the conducting layer transport the electrons from the cathode and thereby creates light. A cathode, which may or may not be transparent, injects electrons when a current flows through the display. 
     As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. 
     As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. 
     It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.