Patent Publication Number: US-2023156890-A1

Title: Systems and methods for touchless passenger light control

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, India Patent Application No. 202141052309, filed Nov. 15, 2021 (DAS Code D62A) and titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TOUCHLESS PASSENGER LIGHT CONTROL,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. 
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to light assemblies and, more particularly, to touchless light systems for aircraft and methods for operating touchless light systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Modern aircraft typically include passenger reading lights located throughout the aircraft cabin. For example, each seat may have a dedicated reading light located in the ceiling panel over the seat. The passenger reading lights are manually operated (e.g., the passenger manually turns the light on/off, positions the light at a desired angle, and/or selects the desired brightness). Pathogens may be present on contact surfaces of an aircraft cabin and can spread to passengers and/or crew members through contact with the surface. The safety of passengers and crew members may be improved by reducing the number of surfaces a passenger directly contacts (e.g., touches) during a flight. 
     SUMMARY 
     A touchless light system is disclosed herein. In accordance with various embodiments, the touchless light system comprises a light assembly, a light controller operably coupled to the light assembly, and a touchless control panel. The touchless control panel configured to detect and interpret a user input and send an object detection signal to the light controller based on the user input. The light controller is configured to send to a light command to the light assembly based on the object detection signal received from the touchless control panel. 
     In various embodiments, the touchless control panel includes a touchless sensor configured to detect an object within a detection region a surface of the touchless control panel, and a touchless control module operably coupled to the touchless sensor. The touchless control module is configured to determine a location of the object over the surface based on an electrical signal received from the touchless sensor. The touchless control module outputs the object detection signal based on the location of the object over the surface. 
     In various embodiments, the touchless sensor is configured to project an electromagnetic field over the surface of the touchless control panel. In various embodiments, the touchless control module is configured to send an on/off object detection signal to the light controller in response to determining the object is located over an on/off region of the surface, and the light controller is configured to output an on/off light command to the light assembly in response to receiving the on/off object detection signal. 
     In various embodiments, the touchless control module is configured to send an increase intensity object detection signal to the light controller in response to determining the object is located over an increase intensity area of the surface, and the light controller is configured to output an increase intensity light command to the light assembly in response to receiving the increase intensity object detection signal. 
     In various embodiments, the touchless control module is configured to send a decrease intensity object detection signal in response to determining the object is located over a decrease intensity area of the surface, and the light controller is configured to output a decrease crease intensity light command to the light assembly in response to receiving the decrease intensity object detection signal. 
     In various embodiments, the touchless control module is configured to send a mode control object detection signal in response to determining the object is located over a mode control region of the surface, and the light controller is configured to output at least one of a focus beam light command, an increase area light command, a decrease area light command, or a custom pattern light command in response to receiving the mode control object detection signal. 
     In various embodiments, the touchless control module is configured to change an image displayed in the mode control region of the surface in response to determining the object is located over a mode select region of the surface. 
     A method for controlling a touchless light system is also disclosed herein. In accordance with various embodiments, the method may comprise detecting, by a touchless sensor, an object located in a detection region over a surface of a touchless control panel; receiving, by a touchless control module, an electrical signal from the touchless sensor; determining, by the touchless control module, a location of the object over the surface based on the electrical signal received from the touchless sensor; outputting, by the touchless control module, an object detection signal based on the location of the object; receiving, by a light controller, the object detection signal; and outputting, by the light controller, a light command to a light assembly based on the object detection signal. 
     In various embodiments, determining, by the touchless control module, the location of the object over the surface comprises determining, by the touchless control module, the object is located in an on/off region of the surface. 
     In various embodiments, the method may further comprise determining, by the touchless control module, whether to turn on the light assembly or turn off the light assembly; and at least one of commanding, by the touchless control module, a display of the touchless control panel to illuminate at least one of a mode control region, an intensity control region, or a mode select region in response to the touchless control module determining to turn on the light assembly; or commanding, by the touchless control module, the display of the touchless control panel to stop illuminating at least one of the mode control region, the intensity control region, or the mode select region in response to the touchless control module determining to turn off the light assembly. 
     In various embodiments, determining, by the touchless control module, the location of the object over the surface comprises determining, by the touchless control module, the object is located over an increase intensity area of the surface, and the light command is configured to increase an intensity of a light emitted by the light assembly. 
     In various embodiments, determining, by the touchless control module, the location of the object over the surface comprises determining, by the touchless control module, the object is located over a decrease intensity region of the surface, and the light command is configured to decrease an intensity of a light emitted by the light assembly. 
     In various embodiments, determining, by the touchless control module, the location of the object over the surface comprises determining, by the touchless control module, the object is located over a mode control region of the surface, and light command comprises at least one of a focus beam direction light command, an increase area light command, a decrease area light command, or a custom pattern light command. 
     In various embodiments, determining, by the touchless control module, the location of the object over the surface comprises determining, by the touchless control module, the object is located over a mode select region of the surface, and the method may further include commanding, by the touchless control module, a display of the touchless control panel to change an image displayed in the mode control region. 
     In various embodiments, the touchless sensor comprise a projected capacitive sensor configured to project an electromagnetic field over the surface of the touchless control panel. 
     An article of manufacture including a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon for controlling a touchless light system is also disclosed herein. In accordance with various embodiments, the instruction, in response to execution by a touchless control module, cause the touchless control module to perform operations comprising receiving, by the touchless control module, an electrical signal from a touchless sensor; determining, by the touchless control module, a location of an object over a surface of a display based on the electrical signal received from the touchless sensor; outputting, by the touchless control module, an object detection signal to a light controller based on the location of the object. 
     In various embodiments, determining, by the touchless control module, the location of the object over the surface comprises determining, by the touchless control module, whether the object is located over a mode control region of the surface; determining, by the touchless control module, whether the display is in at least one of a first mode of light control, a second mode of light control, or a third mode of light control, in response to determining the object is located over the mode control region; and determining, by the touchless control module, whether to output the object detection signal as at least one of a focus beam object detection signal, a change area object detection signal, or a customs shape object detection signal based on whether the display is in the first mode of light control, the second mode of light control, or the third mode of light control. 
     In various embodiments, determining, by the touchless control module, the location of the object over the surface comprises determining, by the touchless control module, whether the object is located over an intensity control region of the surface; and determining, by the touchless control module, whether to output the object detection signal as at least one of an increase intensity object detection signal or a decreasing intensity object detection signal sending in response to the touchless control module determining the object is located over the intensity control region of the surface. 
     In various embodiments, determining, by the touchless control module, the location of the object over the surface comprises determining, by the touchless control module, whether the object is located over an on/off region of the surface, and the operations further comprise commanding, by the touchless control module, the display to illuminate at least one of a mode control region, an intensity control region, or a mode select region in response to the touchless control module determining the object is located over the on/off region of the surface. 
     In various embodiments, determining, by the touchless control module, the location of the object over the surface comprises determining, by the touchless control module, whether the object is located over a mode selection region of the surface; and changing, by the touchless control module, an image displayed in a mode control region of the display in response to the touchless control module determining the object is located over at least one of a first change mode area or a second change mode area in the mode selection region of the display. 
     The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated herein otherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation of the disclosed embodiments will become more apparent in light of the following description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the following detailed description and claims in connection with the following drawings. While the drawings illustrate various embodiments employing the principles described herein, the drawings do not limit the scope of the claims. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a view of a cabin of an aircraft, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a schematic view of a touchless light system, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates an object located over a touchless sensor of a touchless light system, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIGS.  4 A,  4 B, and  4 C  illustrates a display of a touchless light system, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a method for controlling a touchless light system, in accordance with various embodiments; and 
         FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  illustrate a method for controlling a touchless control panel, in accordance with various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description of various embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way of illustration. While these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected, or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. It should also be understood that unless specifically stated otherwise, references to “a,” “an” or “the” may include one or more than one and that reference to an item in the singular may also include the item in the plural. Further, all ranges may include upper and lower values and all ranges and ratio limits disclosed herein may be combined. 
     Disclosed herein are systems and methods for touchless control of a passenger cabin light. In accordance with various embodiments, the system includes a touchless control panel which operates the respective passenger cabin light (also referred to as a passenger overhead reading light). In various embodiments, the control panel includes projective capacitive sensor configured to detect and react to a user&#39;s finger located a short distance from a surface of the control panel. The touchless control panel is configured to allow the user (e.g., passenger) to control turning the passenger cabin light on/off and adjusting an intensity/brightness of the light. In various embodiments, the user may also control one or more of a direction of the light output by the passenger cabin light, the size of the illumination area of the light, and/or a shape of the illumination area. 
     With reference to  FIG.  1   , a portion of a cabin  50  of an aircraft  52  is shown, according to various embodiments. The aircraft  52  may be any aircraft such as an airplane, a helicopter, or any other aircraft. The cabin  50  may include passenger seats such as first seat  60 , second seat  62 , and third seat  64 . First seat  60 , second seat  62 , and third seat  64  may be located in a row  68  of cabin  50 . Touchless light systems, such as first touchless light system  102 , second touchless light system  104 , third touchless light system  106 , may be installed over and/or correspond to each passenger seat in a respective row in cabin  50 . For example, first touchless light system  102  is installed over first seat  60 , second touchless light system  104  is installed over second seat  62 , and third touchless light system  106  is installed over third seat  64 . 
     Each touchless light system includes a light assembly and a touchless control panel. In this regard, first touchless light system  102  includes a first light assembly  112  and a first touchless control panel  122 . Second touchless light system  104  includes a second light assembly  114  and a second touchless control panel  124 . Third touchless light system  106  includes a third light assembly  116  and a third touchless control panel  126 . In various embodiments, first light assembly  112  and first touchless control panel  122 , second light assembly  114  and second touchless control panel  124 , and third light assembly  116  and third touchless control panel  126  may each be incorporated and/or installed in a passenger service unit (PSU)  110  located in the ceiling above row  68 . While first touchless control panel  122 , second touchless control panel  124 , and third touchless control panel  126  are illustrated and described as located in PSU  110 , it is contemplated and understood that the touchless control panels may located in any locations. For example, in various embodiments, first touchless control panel  122  may be located on the seatback of the seat directly in front of first seat  60 , second touchless control panel  124  may be located on the seatback of the seat directly in front of second seat  62 , and third touchless control panel  126  may be located on the seatback of the seat directly in front of third seat  64 . In various embodiments, first touchless control panel  122  may be located on an armrest  61  of first seat  60 , second touchless control panel  124  may be located on an armrest  63  of second seat  62 , and third touchless control panel  126  may be located on an armrest  65  of third seat  64 . 
     With additional reference to  FIG.  2   , a schematic of first touchless light system  102  is illustrated. While first touchless light system  102  is illustrate and described with reference to  FIGS.  2 ,  3 ,  4 A,  4 B, and  4 C , it is contemplated and understood that each of the touchless light systems in cabin  50  (e.g., second touchless light system  104  and third touchless light system  106 ) include the features and functionalities as described herein with reference to first touchless light system  102 . 
     In accordance with various embodiments, first touchless light system  102  includes a light controller  130 . Light controller  130  is operably coupled to touchless control panel  122  and light assembly  112 . Light controller  130  is configured to receive and interpret object detection signals  132  output from first touchless control panel  122 . Light controller  130  is further configured send light commands  134  to first light assembly  112  based on the object detection signal  132  received from first touchless control panel  122 . 
     Light controller  130  may include one or more logic devices such as one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like (e.g., light controller  130  may utilize one or more processors of any appropriate type/configuration, may utilize any appropriate processing architecture, or both). In various embodiments, light controller  130  is in communication with, and may include, any non-transitory memory  136  known in the art. The memory  136  may store instructions usable by the logic device(s) of light controller  130  to perform operations related to controlling first touchless light system  102 . Any appropriate computer-readable type/configuration may be utilized as the memory  136 , any appropriate data storage architecture may be utilized by the memory  136 , or both. 
     In accordance with various embodiments, first touchless control panel  122  includes a touchless sensor  140 . Touchless sensor  140  may be formed as part of a display  142  of first touchless control panel  122 . As described in further detail below, touchless sensor  140  is configured to detect a user input  144 . A touchless control module  146  of first touchless control panel  122  is configured to interpret the user input  144  detected by touchless sensor  140  (e.g., detect a location of the user input over display  142 ) and output object detection signal  132  to light controller  130  based on the detected user input  144 . 
     Touchless control module  146  may include one or more logic devices, such as one or more of a CPU, an APU, a DSP, a FPGA, an ASIC, or the like (e.g., touchless control module  146  may utilize one or more processors of any appropriate type/configuration, may utilize any appropriate processing architecture, or both). Touchless control module  146  is in communication with and may include any non- transitory memory  147  known in the art. The memory  147  may store instructions, usable by the logic device(s) of touchless control module  146 , to perform operations related to determining a location of user input  144 , controlling touchless control panel  122 , and/or communicating with light controller  130 . 
     In various embodiments, touchless sensor  140  is configured to detect user input  144 . User input  144  may correspond to a presence, a location, and/or a movement of a detectable object (e.g. a finger, stylus, or other detectable object) located within a detection distance (also referred to as a detection region) from touchless sensor  140 , without the detectable object needing to be in direct contact with touchless sensor  140  and/or display  142 . Touchless sensor  140  may include one sensor, two sensors, or an array of sensors, with the sensor(s) being capable of determining distance in one or more directions and being touchless in a “height” dimension (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to a surface  150  ( FIG.  3   ) of display  142 ). 
     In various embodiments, touchless sensor  140  may be a projected capacitive sensor. For example, and with additional reference to  FIG.  3   , in various embodiments, touchless sensor  140  includes a projected capacitive sensor configured to detect the presence of an electromagnetic field-absorbing object  154  within a detection region D near surface  150  of touchless control panel  122 . In various embodiments, touchless sensor  140  includes a pattern of X (or first) electrodes  160  and a pattern of Y(or second) electrodes  161 . X-electrodes  160  and Y-electrodes  161  form a grid pattern in a plane parallel to surface  150  (e.g., in the X-Y plane). In various embodiments, surface  150  may be formed by a protective layer  158  formed of, for example, glass or plastic located over the electrodes. X-electrodes  160  and Y-electrodes  161  may project an electromagnetic field into the detection region D over surface  150 . Detection region D may extend a distance  152  from surface  150 . Touchless sensor  140  is configured to generate a capacitance coupling with an electromagnetic field-absorbing object  154  (e.g., a finger of a user) located in detection region D. Stated differently, a capacitance coupling between object  154  and X-electrodes  160  and Y-electrodes  161  is generated in response to object  154  coming within distance  152  of surface  150 . Touchless sensor  140  is configured to generate the capacitance coupling without object  154  directly contacting surface  150 . The capacitance coupling with object  154  changes the electrostatic capacitance between the X-electrodes  160  and the Y-electrodes  161  at, or near, object  154 . Touchless control module  146  determines a location and/or a movement of object  154  over surface  150  based on the location(s) where the electrostatic capacitance changes occur. Touchless control module  146  outputs object detection signals  132  based on the determined location(s) of the electrostatic capacitance changes. 
     Returning to  FIG.  2   , light controller  130  is configured to send light commands  134  in response to, and based on, object detection signals  132 . Light commands  134  may be sent to a light driver  170  of first light assembly  112 . Light commands  134  are configured to control a light source  172  of first light assembly  112 . In various embodiments, light source  172  includes an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs)  174 . Light commands  134  may control the light output by light source  172 . For example, light commands  134  may control which LEDs  174  are powered on and/or an intensity of light output by one or more of the LEDs  174  and/or a color of light output by one or more of the LEDs  174 . Light commands  134  may also be employed to control a liquid crystal display (LCD) array over the LEDs  174 , a DLP matrix, a liquid crystal lens for beam shape, and/or any other light system of first light assembly  112 . 
     Light driver  170  may adjust which LEDs  174  are powered on and/or an amount of current provided to one or more LEDs  174  based on the light commands  134  received from light controller  130 . 
     In accordance with various embodiments, touchless control module  146  may make determination regarding the images to displayed on display  142  and/or the mode in which touchless control panel  122  controls light source  172  based on user input t 144  (e.g., based on a location of object  154  ( FIG.  3   ) over touchless sensor  140 ). With reference to  FIGS.  4 A,  4 B, and  4 C  various display image layouts for display  142  of touchless control panel  122  are illustrated.  FIG.  4 A  illustrates an exemplary display layout for a first mode of light control.  FIG.  4 B  illustrates an exemplary display layout for a second mode of light control.  FIG.  4 C  illustrates an exemplary display layout for a third mode of light control. 
     In various embodiments, display  142  may include an “on/off” region  180 , an instructions region  182 , a mode control region  184 , an intensity control region  186 , and a mode select region  188 . With combined reference to  FIG.  2   ,  FIG.  3    and  FIGS.  4 A,  4 B, and  4 C , in accordance with various embodiments, in response to determining object  154  is located over on/off region  180 , touchless control module  146  sends a “on/off” (or first) object detection signal  132  to light controller  130 . The on/off object detection signal  132  is configured to cause light controller  130  to send an “on/off” light command  134  to light driver  170 . The on/off light command  134  causes light driver  170  to power on or power off light source  172 . In various embodiments, on/off light command  134  causes light source  172  to power on if light source  172  is currently off, and to power off if light source  172  is currently on. 
     In various embodiments, instructions region  182  includes images, words, symbols, and/or the like configured to convey to a user that display  142  does not need to be touched to control first light assembly  112 . In various embodiments, the instructions conveying to the user that display  142  does not need to be touched may be located separate from display  142 . For example, the instructions may be located on a placard or a sticker located near display  142 , or in an airline safety manual. 
     In various embodiments, in response to determining object  154  is located over intensity control region  186 , touchless control module  146  determines whether the object  154  is located over an increase intensity area  186   a  of intensity control region  186  or a decrease intensity area  186   b  of intensity control region  186 . In response to determining the object  154  is located over increase intensity area  186   a , touchless control module  146  sends an “increase intensity” object detection signal  132  to light controller  130 . In response to receiving the increase intensity object detection signal  132 , light controller  130  sends an increase intensity light command  134  to light driver  170 . The increase intensity light command  134  causes light driver  170  to at least one of increase a number LEDs  174  that are powered on and/or increase an intensity (e.g., brightness) of the light output by one or more of the LEDs  174 . In response to determining object  154  is located over decrease intensity area  186   b , touchless control module  146  sends a decrease intensity object detection signal  132  to light controller  130 . In response to receiving the decrease intensity object detection signal  132 , light controller  130  sends a decrease increase intensity light command  134  to light driver  170 . The decrease intensity light command  134  causes light driver  170  to decrease a number LEDs  174  that are powered on and/or to decrease an intensity (e.g., brightness) of the light output by the one or more of the LEDs  174 . 
     With combined reference to  FIG.  2   ,  FIG.  3    and  FIG.  4 A , in various embodiments, in the first mode of light control, mode control region  184  may display first mode control indicators  184   a ,  184   b ,  184   c ,  184   d  for controlling a location of the light beam output by light source  172 . In response to determining object  154  is located over one of first control mode indicators  184   a ,  184   b ,  184   c  or  184   d , touchless control module  146  sends a focus beam object detection signal (also referred to as a mode control object detection signal)  132  to light controller  130 . The focus beam object detection signal  132  corresponds the direction indicated by the control mode indicator (e.g., right, left, up, down). In response to receiving the focus beam object detection signal  132 , light controller  130  sends a focus beam light command  134  to light driver  170 . The focus beam light command  134  causes light driver  170  to change which LEDs  174  are powered on and which LEDs  174  are powered off. Changing which LEDs  174  are powered on and powered off changes the direction of the light beam output by LEDs  174 . In various embodiments, light assembly  112  may include an actuator configured to control the direction of the light beam output by light source  172 . In this regard, the focus beam light commands  134  sent from light controller  130  may be cause actuation of the actuator, thereby changing the direction of the light beam in accordance with the focus beam object detection signal  132  received from touchless control module  146 . 
     In various embodiments, the mode select region  188  of display  142  may include indicators  188   a ,  188   b ,  188   c  configured to convey which light control mode (e.g., first control mode, second control mode, or third control mode) the light assembly is currently operating in. For example, in the first control mode, indicator  188   a  may be different from indicators  188   b  and  188   c . In various embodiments, in response to determining object  154  is located over a change-mode-right (or first) area  188   d  of mode select region  188 , touchless control module  146  commands display  142  to switch from the current mode of light control to the current control mode + 1 . For example, if touchless control panel  122  is operating in the first mode and object  154  is detected over change-mode-right area  188   d , then touchless control module  146  changes mode control region  184  to the second mode of light control, as shown in  FIG.  4 B . If touchless control panel  122  is currently in the second mode of light control and object  154  is detected over change-mode-right area  188   d , then touchless control module  146  changes mode control region  184  to the third mode of light control shown in  FIG.  4 C . On/off region  180 , instructions region  182 , and intensity control region  186  may be the same in each of first mode of light control ( FIG.  4 A ), the second mode of light control ( FIG.  4 B ) and the third mode of light control ( FIG.  4 C ). 
     With combined reference to  FIG.  2   ,  FIG.  3    and  FIG.  4 B , in various embodiments, in the second mode of light control, mode control region  184  may be employed by a user to increase or decrease an area of the light beam emitted by the array of LEDs  174 . In the second mode of light control, mode control region  184  may display an instruction symbol  184   e  configured to convey to a user how to increase or decrease the area of the emitted light beam. For example, instruction symbol  184   e  may indicate that a “pinch” motion may be used to control the area of the emitted light beam. 
     In various embodiments, in response to determining object  154  is performing a “pinch-in” motion (e.g., in response to a distance between two points on object  154  decreasing over surface  150 ), touchless control module  146  sends a decrease area object detection signal (also referred to as mode control object detection signal)  132  to light controller  130 . In response to receiving decrease area object detection signal  132 , light controller  130  sends a decrease area light command  134  to light driver  170 . The decrease area light command  134  causes light driver  170  to decrease a number LEDs  174  that are powered. In various embodiments, in response to determining object  154  is performing a “pinch-out” motion (e.g., in response to a distance between two points on object  154  increasing over surface  150 ), touchless control module  146  sends an increase area object detection signal (also referred to as mode control object detection signal)  132  to light controller  130 . In response to receiving the increase area object detection signal  132 , light controller  130  sends an increase area light command  134  to light driver  170 . The increase area light command  134  causes light driver  170  to increase a number LEDs  174  that are powered. 
     In the second mode of light operation, indicator  188   b  in mode select region  188  may be different from indicators  188   a  and  188   c . In various embodiments, in response to determining object  154  is located over change-mode-right area  188   d  of mode select region  188 , touchless control module  146  commands display  142  to switch to the mode control region  184  to the third mode of light control ( FIG.  4 C ). In various embodiments, in response to determining object  154  is located over a change-mode-left (or second) area  188   e  of mode select region  188 , touchless control module  146  commands display  142  to switch from the current mode of light control to the current control mode − 1 . For example, if touchless control panel  122  is operating in the second mode of light control and object  154  is detected over change-mode-left area  188   e , then touchless control module  146  changes mode control region  184  to the first mode of light control, as shown in  FIG.  4 A . If touchless control panel  122  is currently in the third mode of light control and object  154  is detected over change-mode-left area  188   e , then touchless control module  146  changes mode control region  184  to the second mode of light control shown in  FIG.  4 B . 
     With combined reference to  FIG.  2   ,  FIG.  3    and  FIG.  4 C , in various embodiments, in the third mode of light control, mode control region  184  may be employed to create a custom shape light beam emitted by the LEDs  174 . In the third mode of light control, mode control region  184  may display an instruction symbol  184 f configured to convey to a user how to draw a custom area/shape for the emitted light beam. For example, instruction symbol  184   e  indicates that a “drawing” motion may be used to control the area and/or shape of the light beam emitted from light source  172 . In accordance with various embodiments, mode control region  184  may also be configured to allow a user to reset the beam shape to a default shape and/or to clear areas of the custom pattern (e.g., using mode control region  184  a user could select or “draw” regions back to the “off state”). 
     In various embodiments, in response to determining object  154  is performing a “drawing” motion (e.g., in response to object  154  drawing a pattern in the shape of a square, a triangle, a circle, or any other shape), touchless control module  146  sends a custom shape object detection signal (also referred to as mode control object detection signal)  132  to light controller  130 . In response to receiving the custom shape object detection signal  132 , light controller  130  sends a custom pattern light command  134  to light driver  170 . The custom pattern light command  134  causes light driver  170  to power on and power off the LEDs  174  needed to form a light beam having the shape the user drew in mode control region  184 . 
     In the third mode of light operation, indicator  188   c  in mode select region  188  may be different from indicators  188   a  and  188   b . In various embodiments, in response to determining object  154  is in change-mode-left area  188   e  of mode select region  188 , touchless control module  146  commands display  142  to switch mode control region  184  to the display associated with the second mode of light control ( FIG.  4 B ). 
     With reference to  FIG.  5   , a method  300  for controlling a touchless light system, such the first touchless light system  102  described above, is illustrated. In accordance with various embodiments, method  300  may comprise detecting, by a touchless sensor, an object located in a detection region over a surface of a touchless control panel (step  302 ) and receiving, by a touchless control module, an electrical signal from the touchless sensor (step  304 ). Method  300  may further include determining, by the touchless control module, a location of the object over the surface based on the electrical signal received from the touchless sensor (step  306 ) and outputting, by the touchless control module, an object detection signal based on the location of the object over the surface (step  308 ). Method  300  may further include receiving, by a light controller, the object detection signal (step  310 ) and outputting, by the light controller, a light command to a light assembly based on the object detection signal (step  312 ). 
     With combined reference to  FIG.  5    and  FIGS.  2  and  3  and  4 A , in various embodiments, step  302  may include detecting, by touchless sensor  140 , object  154  located in detection region D over surface  150  of touchless control panel  122 . Step  304  may include receiving, by touchless control module  146 , an electrical signal (e.g., user input  144 ) from touchless sensor  140 . Step  306  may include determining, by touchless control module  146 , a location of object  154  over surface  150  based on the electrical signal (e.g., user input  144 ) received from touchless sensor  140 . Step  308  may include outputting, by touchless control module  146 , an object detection signal  132  based on the location of object  154  over surface  150 . Step  310  may include receiving, by light controller  130 , the object detection signal  132  from touchless control module  146 . Step  312  may include outputting, by light controller  130 , light command  134  to light assembly  112  based on the object detection signal  132  received from touchless control module  146 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  6 A , a method  350  for on/off touchless light control is illustrated. Method  350  may be carried on touchless control panel  122  by touchless control module  146 . With combined reference to  FIG.  6 A ,  FIG.  3   , and  FIG.  4 A , method  350  may begin by the touchless control panel  122  being powered on (step  352 ). In various embodiments, step  352  may include detection of object  154  in the detection region D of touchless sensor  140 . In various embodiments, step  352  may include waking touchless control module up from a “sleep mode.” 
     In response to touchless control panel  122  powering on, touchless control module  146  may cause display  142  to illuminate the on/off region  180  (step  354 ). Touchless control module  146  may then determine, based on signals output by touchless sensor  140 , that an object  154  is located over on/off region  180  (step  356 ). In response to determining an object  154  is over on/off region  180 , touchless control module  146  determines whether to turn the light assembly  112  on or to turn the light assembly  112  off (step  358 ). 
     For example, in response to touchless control module  146  determining the light assembly  112  is currently off, touchless control module  146  determines that the light assembly  112  should be turned on. In response to determining the light assembly  112  should be turned on, touchless control module  146  outputs an on/off object detection signal  132  to light controller  130 , with the on/off object detection signal  132  being configured to cause light controller  130  to power on light source  172  ( FIG.  2   ) (step  360 A). In response to determining the light assembly  112  should be turned on, touchless control module  146  may also command display  142  to illuminate one or more other control regions (e.g., mode control region  184 , intensity control region  186 , and/or mode select region  188 ) on display  142  (step  362 A). 
     If touchless control module  146  determines the light assembly  112  is currently powered on, then touchless control module  146  determines that the light assembly  112  should not be turned on (i.e., should be turned off). In response to determining the light should be turned off, touchless control module  146  outputs an on/off object detection signal  132  to light controller  130 , with the on/off object detection signal  132  being configured to cause light controller  130  to power off light source  172  ( FIG.  2   ) (step  360 B). In response to determining the light assembly  112  should not be turned on, touchless control module  146  may also command display  142  to stop illuminating one or more other control regions (e.g., mode control region  184 , intensity control region  186 , and/or mode select region  188 ) on display  142  (Step  362 B). 
     With reference to  FIG.  6 B , a method  400  for light mode control of a touchless light system is illustrated. Method  400  may be carried on touchless control panel  122  by touchless control module  146 . With combined reference to  FIG.  6 B ,  FIG.  3   , and  FIG.  4 A , method  400  may begin by touchless control module  146  determining an object  154  is located over display  142  (step  402 ). Step  402  may include touchless sensor  140  detecting an object with detection region D, outputting a user input signal  144 , and touchless control module  146  receiving the user input signal  144 . 
     In response to determining an object  154  is located over display  142 , touchless control module  146  then determines in whether the object  154  is located over Mode control region  184  (step  404 ). In response to touchless control module  146  determining the object is located over mode control region  184 , touchless control module  146  determines whether the display  142  is in the first mode of light control (step  406 ). In response to touchless control module  146  determining the display  142  is in the first mode of light control, touchless control module  146  configures touchless control panel  122  to operate in the first mode of light control, for example, to operate in focus control mode (step  408 ). As described above with reference to  FIG.  4 A , in the first mode of light control, touchless control module  146  may correlate the location of the object  154  with a desired change in the direction, or focus, of the light beam output by light assembly  112 . In this regard, when the mode is set to the first mode of light control, touchless control module  146  may output focus beam object detection signal  132  to light controller  130  (step  410 ). 
     If touchless control module  146  determines the display  142  is not in the first mode of light control, touchless control module  146  then determine whether the display is in the second mode of light control (step  412 ). In response to touchless control module  146  determining the display  142  is in the second mode of light control, touchless control module  146  configures touchless control panel  122  to operate in the second mode of light control, for example, to operate in a pinch/zoom control mode (step  414 ). As described above with reference to  FIG.  4 B , in the second mode of light control, touchless control module  146  may correlate the movement of the object  154  over surface  150  with a desired change in area of the light beam output by light assembly  112 . In this regard, when the mode is set to the second mode of light control, touchless control module  146  may output a change (e.g. increase or decrease) area object detection signal  132  to light controller  130  (step  410 ). 
     In response to touchless control module  146  determining the display  142  is not in the second mode of light control, touchless control module  146  determines whether the display  142  is in the third mode of light control (step  416 ). In response to touchless control module  146  determining the display  142  is in the third mode of light control, touchless control module  146  configures touchless control panel  122  to operate in the third mode of light control, for example, to operate in a custom shape control mode (step  418 ). As described above with reference to  FIG.  4 C , in the third mode of light control, touchless control module  146  may correlate the movement of the object  154  over surface  150  with a desired change in the shape of the light beam output by light assembly  112 . In this regard, when the mode is set to the third mode of light control, touchless control module  146  may output custom shape object detection signal  132  to light controller  130  (step  410 ). In response to touchless control module  146  determining the display  142  is not in any of the first, second or third mode of light control, touchless control module  146  may determine the signal is an invalid input (Step  420 ). 
     Returning to step  404 , in response to touchless control module  146  determining the object  154  is not located over mode control region  184 , touchless control module  146  determines whether the object  154  is located over the mode select region  188  (Step  422 ). 
     If touchless control module  146  determines the object  154  is located over the mode select region  188  , touchless control module  146  changes the image(s) displayed in mode control region  184  of display  142  (step  424 ). For example, if in step  424 , touchless control module  146  determines the object  154  is located over the change-mode-right area  188   d  of mode select region  188 , touchless control module  146  commands display  142  to switch from the current mode of light control to the current control mode + 1  (e.g., from first mode to second mode or from second mode to first mode). If in step  424  touchless control module  146  determines the object  154  is located over the change-mode-left area  188   e  of mode select region  188 , touchless control module  146  commands display  142  to switch from the current mode of light control to the current control mode − 1  (e.g., from second mode to first mode or from third mode to second mode). 
     Returning to step  422 , in response to touchless control module  146  determining the object  154  is not located over mode select region  188 , touchless control module  146  determines whether the object  154  is located over the intensity control region  186  (Step  426 ). 
     If touchless control module  146  determines the object  154  is located over the intensity control region  186 , touchless control module  146  configures touchless control panel  122  to operate in an intensity control mode (step  428 ). In intensity control mode, touchless control module  146  may determine whether the object  154  is located over the increase intensity area  186   a  of intensity control region  186  or over the decrease intensity area  186   b  of intensity control region  186 . In this regard, when the mode is set to the intensity control mode, touchless control module  146  outputs increase intensity object detection signal  132  or decrease intensity object detection signal  132  to light controller  130  based on whether the object  154  is located over increase intensity area  186   a  or decrease intensity area  186   b  (step  410 ). 
     The system and methods described herein may be described in terms of functional block components, optional selections, and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware or software components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, the system may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, the software elements of the system may be implemented with any programming or scripting language such as C, C++, C#, JAVA®, VBScript, COBOL, MICROSOFT® Active Server Pages, assembly, PERL®, PHP, PYTHON®, Visual Basic, SQL Stored Procedures, PL/SQL, any UNIX® shell script, and extensible markup language (XML) with the various algorithms being implemented with any combination of data structures, objects, processes, routines or other programming elements. Further, it should be noted that the system may employ any number of conventional techniques for data transmission, signaling, data processing, network control, and the like. 
     Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Different cross-hatching is used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials. 
     Systems, methods and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments. 
     Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. 
     Finally, it should be understood that any of the above described concepts can be used alone or in combination with any or all of the other above described concepts. Although various embodiments have been disclosed and described, one of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the principles described or illustrated herein to any precise form. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.