Patent Publication Number: US-10791611-B2

Title: Light emitting diode (LED) lamp with wireless controller

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/582,032 filed Nov. 6, 2017, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates generally to the field of electronics, and more particularly, to a light emitting diode (LED) lamp that is controlled remotely. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     LEDs are solid-state lamps that use semiconductor material, instead of a filament or neon gas, to emit light. When compared to traditional incandescent light bulbs, LEDs offer a number of advantages. For example, because LEDs operate on low voltage and consume less power, they are less expensive to operate and generate significantly less heat than traditional light bulbs. Also, because LEDs are of solid-state design, they are structurally more durable and less likely to break than traditional bulbs. Another advantage of LEDs is their rather long service life. Some LED lamps can operate for up to 100,000 hours, compared to about 1,500 hours for a standard incandescent filament light bulb. Moreover, LEDs are environmentally friendly, contain no mercury and produce no electromagnetic emissions. Another advantage is that a single LED bulb can produce many different colors without the need for colored coatings or lenses. 
     In view of their numerous advantages, LEDs are being used in many applications where fluorescent or incandescent lighting was previously used. For example, LED lighting is frequently being used to replace older incandescent lighting in swimming pools, spas, water features (e.g., decorative water falls), along pathways or walkways, and the like. In some instances, the replacement LED lighting may include different colored LEDs or multicolor LEDs and a control device that is programmed to cause the LEDs to emit light in a number of different lighting schemes (e.g., light shows using different colors and/or patterns of emitted light). Such LED lighting control devices typically have a user interface, such as a dial or selector on the face of the control device, for example, to allow a user to select a desired lighting scheme from a variety of pre-programmed lighting schemes. 
     Some LED lamps are capable of being controlled remotely via a Bluetooth wireless connection. To control an LED lighting control device via a Bluetooth wireless connection, the LED lamp has a separate antenna in the form of a wire hanging outside the LED lamp or the fixture in which the LED lamp is installed. The wire hanging outside of the lamp or fixture is aesthetically unattractive and can be easily damaged by the environment or landscaping tools. The wire is necessary, however, because the Bluetooth wireless signal will not travel far inside of the housing of the LED lamp, which is typically made of metal. 
     A need exists for an LED lamp that is controllable via a Bluetooth wireless link, that has an antenna for improved range and that is aesthetically attractive. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first example form, the present invention relates to a light emitting diode (LED) lamp. In the example form, the LED lamp includes a lamp housing including a body portion and a lens. At least one LED emitter is secured within the lamp housing and electrical circuitry is also secured within or to the lamp housing and is electrically coupled to the at least one LED emitter. An antenna is electrically coupled to the electrical circuitry. Advantageously, at least a portion of the antenna is positioned adjacent the lens. 
     Optionally, at least a portion of the antenna can be embedded in the lens itself. Also optionally, the lens can include a rib or raised portion that extends at least partly across the lens and wherein at least a portion of the antenna is embedded in the rib or raised portion. In one optional form, the rib substantially bisects the lens and the antenna traverses most of the lens. 
     Preferably, the housing includes a body portion and the lens and the body portion are separate elements and the lens is attached to the body portion with a fastener-free snap-fit. 
     Preferably, the electrical circuitry includes a Bluetooth transmitter. Also, preferably the antenna is a Bluetooth antenna. 
     In another example form, the present invention relates to a light emitting diode (LED) lamp including a housing having a lens and an LED disposed inside of the housing. An electrical circuitry is electrically coupled to the LED and an antenna is electrically coupled to the electrical circuitry. Preferably, at least a portion of the antenna is embedded in the lens. 
     Preferably, the housing includes a body portion and the lens and the body portion are separate elements and the lens is attached to the body portion with a fastener-free snap-fit. 
     Optionally, at least a portion of the antenna is embedded in a raised portion of the lens. 
     In another example form, the present invention relates to an LED lighting system having a plurality of LED lamps and a wireless controller. The LED lamps include a housing having a lens, an LED emitter, electrical circuitry, and an antenna coupled to the circuitry and positioned adjacent the lens. The wireless controller includes a controller housing, controller circuitry including a Bluetooth wireless transmitter, and a user interface. The controller circuitry is operative for sending Bluetooth signals from the wireless controller to the antennas in the LED lamps to effect remote, wireless control of the LED lamps from the wireless controller. 
     Optionally, at least a portion of the antenna can be embedded in the lens itself. Also optionally, the lens can include a rib or raised portion that extends at least partly across the lens and wherein at least a portion of the antenna is embedded in the rib or raised portion. In one optional form, the rib substantially bisects the lens and the antenna traverses most of the lens. Preferably, the antenna is a Bluetooth antenna. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a front elevation view of a control panel of an LED lighting control device that is capable of remotely controlling an LED lamp over a Bluetooth wireless link in accordance with a first example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a rear elevation view of the LED lighting control device shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  is a front perspective view of the LED lighting control device shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  and shown with a cover portion thereof in a closed position. 
         FIG. 1D  is a rear perspective view of the LED lighting control device shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram of the LED lighting control device shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D . 
         FIG. 3A  is a schematic functional diagram depicting an example LED lighting control device as shown in  FIGS. 1A-2  and showing it wirelessly controlling multiple example LED lamps. 
         FIGS. 3B and 3C  are top front perspective and plan views, respectively, of an example lens portion of the LED lamp as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view of an example LED lamp adapted to be remotely controlled by the LED lighting control device shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 . 
         FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C  are side, front, and sectional views, respectively, of an LED lamp as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic perspective view of a lens portion of the LED lamp as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7A  is a front view of the lens portion of the LED lamp as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIGS. 7B and 7C  are sectional views of the lens portion of the LED lamp as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
     WRITTEN DESCRIPTION 
     In accordance with example embodiments, an LED lamp is provided that is capable of being controlled wirelessly and remotely by an LED lighting control device. The LED lamp has an antenna that exits the main optic on a face of the LED lamp and that is concealed on the face of the LED lamp in a raised section of lens material. Locating the antenna in the raised section of lens material allows the LED lamp to be controlled by a stronger control signal from the LED lighting control device at greater distances (e.g., typically greater than ten feet) and does not detract from the aesthetic appeal of the LED lamp. 
     Exemplary, or representative, embodiments of an LED lighting system and of the LED lighting control device are described below with reference to the figures, in which like reference numerals represent like components, elements or features. 
     It should also be understood that the word “example,” as used herein, is intended to be non-exclusionary and non-limiting in nature. More particularly, the word “exemplary,” as used herein, indicates one among several examples, and it should be understood that no undue emphasis or preference is being directed to the particular example being described. It should also be understood that the word “exemplary,” as used herein, is intended to be non-exclusionary and non-limiting in nature. 
     The terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. The defined terms are in addition to the technical, scientific, or ordinary meanings of the defined terms as commonly understood and accepted in the relevant context. 
     The terms “a,” “an” and “the” include both singular and plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, “a device” includes one device and plural devices. Where a first device is said to be directly connected or directly coupled to a second device, this encompasses examples where the two devices are connected together without any intervening devices other than bonding material or devices. Where a first device is said to be coupled to a second device, this encompasses examples where the two devices are directly connected together without any intervening devices other than bonding material or devices and examples where the first and second devices are connected to one another via one or more intervening devices. The term “electrically coupled,” as that term is used herein, encompasses examples where two devices or elements are directly electrically connected together without any intervening devices or elements and examples where the two devices or elements are electrically connected to one another via one or more intervening devices or elements. 
     A “control device,” as that term is used herein, denotes an electronic component or circuit that is configured to carry out operations by which the control device controls some other device. The control device may be, for example, a microprocessor or a microcontroller that executes computer instructions in the form of software and/or firmware. As another example, the control device may be electrical hardware that is configured in such a way as to carry out operations by which the control device controls some other device. As yet another example, the control device may be a combination of electrical hardware and software and/or firmware configured in such a way as to carry out operations by which the control device controls some other device. References herein to a system comprising “control device” should be interpreted as a system having one or more control devices. 
     The term “memory” or “memory device”, as those terms are used herein, are intended to denote a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that is capable of storing computer instructions, or computer code, for execution by one or more control devices. Memory may also store various types of data, which is of particular focus of the inventive principles and concepts discussed herein. References herein to “memory” or “memory device” should be interpreted as one or more memories or memory devices. The memory may, for example, be multiple memories within the same system. The memory may also be multiple memories distributed amongst multiple systems or control devices. 
     A “Bluetooth wireless link,” as that term is used herein, denotes a wireless link that operates in accordance with Bluetooth® standards of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), which is a corporation headquartered in Kirkland, Washington. The Bluetooth® standards are wireless technology standards for exchanging data over short distances using short-wavelength ultra high frequency (UHF) radio waves in the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio band. 
       FIG. 1A  is a front view of the LED lighting control device  110  in accordance with a representative embodiment in an opened position in which a door or cover  101  of the LED lighting control device  110  is opened to allow a user to access a user interface (UI)  102  of the LED lighting control device  110 .  FIG. 1B  is a rear view of the LED lighting control device shown in  FIG. 1A  in accordance with a representative embodiment with the door  101  in a closed position.  FIG. 1C  is a front perspective view of the LED lighting control device  110  shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in accordance with a representative embodiment with the door  101  in the closed position.  FIG. 1D  is a rear perspective view of the LED lighting control device  110  shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C  in accordance with a representative embodiment with the door  101  in the closed position. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram of the LED lighting control device  110  shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D  in accordance with a representative embodiment.  FIGS. 3A and 3B  are plan and top perspective views, respectively, of the LED lamp  300  that is remotely controlled by the LED lighting control device  110  shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 1A , the door  101  includes an outwardly projecting tab  101   a  that allows the user to easily grip the door  101  to move the door  101  from the closed position to an opened position, and vice versa. The door  101  is hingedly attached to a housing  101   b  of the LED lighting control device  110  that houses the components shown in  FIG. 2 . In accordance with this representative embodiment, a user interface or UI  102  comprises a control panel having an on/off button  103 , a plurality of lighting scheme icons or buttons  104 , a hold button  105 , a recall button  106  and a Bluetooth button  107 . Each of the lighting scheme icons  104  corresponds to a respective pre-programmed lighting scheme that the LED lamp  300  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) can display. In accordance with a representative embodiment, a plurality of the pre-programmed lighting scheme icons  104  correspond to respective solid colors that can be displayed by the LED lamp and a plurality of the lighting scheme icons  104  correspond to respective color light shows. While numerals are depicted on the buttons/icons  104 , other indicia can be employed as desired, such as symbols, letters, colors, etc. 
     During manual operations of the LED lighting control device  110 , when the user selects one of the lighting scheme icons  104  by pressing the corresponding lighting scheme icon  104 , the selected lighting scheme icon  104  is illuminated to indicate the active selection. If the recall button  106  is selected by the user, the last color or color show that was displayed becomes the current active selection. Depressing the hold button  105  causes the LED lighting control device  110  to lock to the color that is currently displayed. Depressing the Bluetooth button  107  causes the LED lighting control device  110  to enter the remote mode of operations during which the LED lighting control device  110  is remotely controlled by a Bluetooth-enabled device (not shown) operated by a user. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of the LED lighting control device  110  shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D  in accordance with a representative embodiment. The LED lighting control device  110  comprises processing logic  230 , a non-transitory memory device  240 , digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) circuitry  260 , front end analog circuitry  270  and an antenna  280 . 
     In accordance with an embodiment, based on a user-selected lighting scheme, the LED lighting control device  110  sends radio frequency (RF) control signals to the LED lamp  300  via the antenna  280  to instruct the LED lamp  300  to display a particular lighting scheme. The processing logic  230  may be implemented solely in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software and/or firmware. For illustrative purposes, it is assumed that the processing logic  230  is implemented as a microcontroller or a microprocessor that executes software and/or firmware of a lighting application program  232 . In accordance with a representative embodiment, the memory device  240  stores computer instructions comprising the lighting application program  232 , which is executed by the processing logic  230  when the LED lighting control device  110 . In accordance with an embodiment, the processing logic  230  executes computer instructions comprising an operating system  231  that controls the operations of the LED lighting control device  110 , including operations performed by the LED lighting control device  110  when the processing logic  230  is executing the lighting application program  232 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a schematic functional diagram depicting an example LED lighting control device  110  as shown in  FIGS. 1A-2  and showing it wirelessly controlling multiple example LED lamps  300 . With reference to  FIG. 3A , the LED lighting control device  110  is shown controlling multiple LED lamps  300 . This is accomplished wirelessly, using a Bluetooth wireless coupling  250 . Each LED lamp  300  includes a housing  310  including a narrow bowl-shaped body  320  and a lens  301 . 
       FIGS. 3B and 3C  are top front perspective and plan views, respectively, of an example lens portion  301  of the LED lamp  300  as shown in  FIG. 3A . As shown in more detail in these figures, in one optional form the LED lamp  300  has a lens  301  that includes a plurality of medium-sized lens diffusers  302  and a large number of smaller diffuser lenses  305  surrounding each of the medium-sized lens diffusers  302 . For each medium-sized lens diffuser  302  there are dozens of small diffuser lenses  305  surrounding each and they extend outwardly therefrom to such an extent that they more or less connect with or engage the small diffuser lenses  305  from an adjacent medium-sized diffuser lens  302 . 
     The lens  301  is generally disk-shaped and has an antenna  304  extending and traversing across the lens, generally from one side to the other. The antenna need not traverse the entirety of the lens. But generally speaking, the longer the antenna, the better the reception the antenna  304  can pull in. So it is preferred that the antenna be longer rather than shorter and it is preferred that it traverse as much of the lens as is practicable. 
     Optionally, the lens  301  includes a raised section or rib  303  in which all or at least a portion of an antenna  304  is embedded. An end of the antenna is electrically coupled to the electrical circuitry of the LED lamp  300 . Embedding the antenna  304  in the lens material protects the antenna  304  and prevents it from being damaged while allowing the antenna  304  to receive the RF control signals transmitted by the LED lighting control device  110 . The lens material is typically a plastic, non-conductive material that is transparent to the RF wavelength or RF wavelength range. Optionally, the lens material can be glass or other materials as desired. Embedding the antenna  304  in the lens material also does not detract from the aesthetic appeal of the LED lamp  300 . 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view of an example LED lamp  400  adapted to be remotely controlled by the LED lighting control device  110  shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 . The LED lamp  400  includes a housing  410  including a narrow bowl-shaped body  420  and a lens  401 . In this optional form, the lens  401  does not include lens diffusers on the front face  401   a  of the lens  401 . Instead, as will be seen in subsequent figures, the lens  401  is provided with more or less internal lens diffusers. 
     The lens  401  is generally disk-shaped and has an antenna  404  extending and traversing across the lens, generally from one side to the other. Optionally, the lens  401  includes a raised section or rib  403  in which all or at least a portion of an antenna  404  is embedded. The rib  403  intersect a raised button portion  406  positioned in the center of the disk-shaped lens. The lens  401  is formed as a separate element from the body  420  and is designed to snap into place into a front rim portion  421  of the body  420  and be secured thereat, as will be seen in subsequent figures. The snap features are positioned equidistant around the edge of the lens at positions  451 ,  452 ,  453 . An end of the antenna is electrically coupled to the electrical circuitry of the LED lamp  400 . 
     The narrow bowl-shaped body  420  of the housing  410  bears a plurality of cooling vents or apertures, such as aperture  430 . These apertures or openings are positioned in a middle portion of the bowl-shaped body  420  and extend all the way around the body  420  in a circle. A slightly tapered rectangular base portion  440  is formed at a distal end of the housing  410  and carries two electrical prongs or terminals  441 ,  442  extending therethrough for connection to a source of electrical power. 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  are side, front, and sectional views respectively of the LED lamp  400  as shown in  FIG. 4 . As best seen in the sectional view in  FIG. 5C , the terminals  441 ,  442  extend through the base portion  440  and are connected to electrical wires  461 ,  462 . These wires extend to and couple with connectors  463 ,  464  embedded in the body  420 . The connectors  463 ,  464  connect to and provide electrical power to a circuit board  460 . The circuit board houses the electronics of the lamp  400  and bear LED emitters, such as emitters  471 ,  472 ,  473 ,  474 . The emitters  471 ,  472 ,  473 ,  474  are mounted on the circuit board  460  and extend somewhat into reflector elements  411 ,  412 ,  423 ,  414  formed in or attached to the lens  401 . The lens  401  also includes diffuser elements, such as diffusers  416  and  417 . Preferably, each emitter is positioned in a reflector and has an associated diffuser. The antenna  404  is connected to the circuit board  460  by an antenna lead or wire  407 . 
     The lens  401  is secured in place by three barbed tabs or barbed prongs, such as barbed tab  480 . These are somewhat bendable to allow the barbs to be deflected slightly as the lens is snapped into place. The barbed tabs grab the underside of a ledge  422  formed in the inside portion of the rim  421 . The upper side of the ledge  422  acts as a stop, so that lens  401  is snugly held in place when snapped into place. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7A , the lens  401  includes eight emitter reflectors, such as reflectors  411 ,  412 ,  413 ,  414 . is a front view of the lens portion of the LED lamp as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 7A and 7C , the lens  401  includes a positioning lug  490  for insertion into a positioning aperture in the circuit board  460  or in the body  420 . In this way, the lens can only be inserted into the body in one orientation, ensuring that the reflectors are properly positioned over the emitters. 
     It should be noted that embodiments described herein are intended to demonstrate inventive principles and concepts and that the inventive principles and concepts are not limited to these embodiment. For example, the LED lamp  300  may be used with LED lighting control devices that are different from the configuration of the LED lighting control device  110  shown in  FIGS. 1A-2  is an example of one suitable configuration of the LED lighting control device  110 , but other suitable configurations can be used. These and many other modifications can be made to the representative embodiment without deviating from the scope of the invention, as will be understood by those of skill in the art in view of the description provided herein.