Patent ID: 12188652

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods, and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation.

The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.

While this disclosure includes a number of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail particular embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosed concepts to the embodiments illustrated.

Outdoor spaces such as backyards and patios can often be enhanced by transferring elements of the indoors without removing the appeal of outdoors. The beauty, appeal, and utility of such an outdoor area can be increased with the addition of elements such as lighting.

Some conventional outdoor lighting systems provide a range of colors and intensities, allowing for the creation of a lighting setup tailored to a particular space or a particular function or activity, such as a party. However, bespoke conventional lighting systems can be very expensive, requiring careful installation and wiring. Such systems, though expensive and custom made, often lack features such as individually addressable lights. Once installed, rearranging the lighting units can be time consuming and expensive, sometimes requiring replacement of a portion of the system.

While less expensive conventional lighting systems exist, they have their own set of drawbacks. The cost of such systems is low because they can be mass produced, with lights spaced evenly along a line, such as every two feet. Such a constraint can make such systems difficult to adapt to locations needing variable spacing between the lights.

Another common addition to outdoor areas are misting systems, which spray a fine mist of water, creating a pleasant cooling effect and making an otherwise unpleasantly hot outdoor space more comfortable. Typically, misting nozzles are located in areas where people will most often be. These areas are also logical locations for lighting. Additionally, the combination of misting and lighting can produce a desirable effect, particularly with lighting having variable color and brightness. However, such an integration would require the placement of lighting units next to, or integrated with, misting nozzles, which can only be accomplished with an expensive, rigid bespoke lighting system. Integrating a misting system with a less expensive lighting system with regularly spaced lighting units may result in misting being constrained to the regular spacing, or there may be much less integration between the two systems.

Contemplated herein is a system and method for modular lighting. The contemplated modular lighting system (hereinafter “lighting system” or “system”) comprises a plurality of lighting units that are individually addressable and able to provide a wide range of functionality, customization, and effects. However, unlike conventional lighting solutions with individually addressable lights, the lighting units of the system contemplated herein are also modular, able to be rearranged at will and deployed in any desired configuration.

Unlike conventional outdoor lighting solutions, the systems contemplated herein are not limited to lights equally spaced along a fixed wire. This adaptability allows some embodiments to be integrated with a misting system, having a water delivery conduit, or misting stem, that passes through the center of each lighting unit, terminating in a misting nozzle surrounded by LEDs.

Within the systems contemplated herein, lighting units may be fungible, able to be swapped with each other, or replaced as needed, without having to manually reprogram the system. The system is able to adapt itself to new, different, and/or additional lighting units, automatically, according to various embodiments. Because the system may be assembled from a collection of identical lighting units, they may be mass produced. This allows the system to have greater functionality than the conventional bespoke lighting systems while also enjoying the cost benefits of the mass producibility of conventional off-the-shelf lighting solutions involving rigid, equal spacing of the lights.

It should be noted that while the following discussion will focus on non-limiting examples having lighting units with a particular form factor, those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods and systems contemplated herein may be adapted to other types of lighting units and lighting systems, including but not limited to indoor systems.

FIG.1Ais a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a modular lighting system. As shown, the system100comprises a plurality of lighting units102, connected to each other in series by a plurality of cables108. The lighting units102are connected to, and controlled by, a control box104, according to various embodiments. The control box104provides power and instructions to the lighting units102, causing them to emit light110.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of lighting units102and the cables108that connect them are outdoor rated, able to withstand exposure to a range of weather conditions and temperatures. In some embodiments, the control box104may also be weather-proof, while in other embodiments the control box104may need to be sheltered, either indoors, or within a secondary housing.

As shown, the control box104comprises a user interface106. The control box104will be discussed in greater detail with respect toFIG.6, and the user interface106will be discussed in greater detail with respect toFIG.11, below.

It should be noted that whileFIG.1Ashows a system100having four lighting units102, other embodiments may comprise many more. For example, in one embodiment, the system100may have up to 80 lighting units. Other embodiments may have more, or less. According to various embodiments, the number of lighting units102a system100may include is dependent upon the nature of the power supplied by the control box104. Lighting units102will be discussed in much greater detail with respect toFIGS.2A-2F, below. Additionally, cables108will be discussed further with respect toFIG.5, below.

FIG.1Bis a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a modular lighting system with misting system integration. As shown, in this system100each lighting unit102comprises a misting stem114that is coupled to a misting water supply line116. This allows each lighting unit102to emit both light110and mist112.

In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a misting water supply line116is a line that provides water to a misting system, and may be coupled to a water source and, in some embodiments, a pump. According to various embodiments, the misting lighting units102contemplated herein may be adapted for use with any conventional outdoor misting solution. In some embodiments, the system100may be integrated with a conventional misting system that has already been installed, simply replacing the misting nozzles with lighting units having misting stems, as shown inFIG.1B.

It should be noted that whileFIG.1Bshows a system with all of the lighting units102having misting stems114, in other embodiments the system may comprise lighting units102that are all non-misting, while in still other embodiments, a system100may have both misting and non-misting lighting units102, allowing it to be adapted to a wider range of use scenarios. Misting stems114, and misting lighting units102, will be discussed in greater detail with respect toFIGS.3A-3E, below

FIGS.2A-2Fare various views of a non-limiting example of a lighting unit102. Specifically,FIG.2Ais a perspective view,FIG.2Bis an exploded perspective view,FIG.2Cis a top view,FIG.2Dis a side view, andFIG.2Eis a front view.FIG.2Fis a cross-sectional view of the lighting unit102, taken along line A-A ofFIG.2D.

As shown, each lighting unit102comprises a housing204, a first cable connector200, a second cable connector202, a light cover208or lens, a printed circuit board210(hereinafter PCB210), a plurality of LEDs212, and a microcontroller214.

According to various embodiments, the housing204encloses the sensitive components of the lighting unit102, protecting them from outdoor exposure, and making the unit more aesthetically pleasing. In some embodiments, the housing204may also serve as a heat sink for heat generated by the electronic components, particularly the LEDs.

The housing204may be constructed of any material compatible with outdoor use. For example, in one embodiment, the housing204may be aluminum. As an option, the housing204may be machined from a single piece of material. Other examples include, but are not limited to, other metals, plastics, thermoplastics, and any other material known in the art of outdoor fixtures.

The housing204may have a wide range of shapes including, but not limited to, a traditional “bulb-like” shape like the non-limiting example ofFIG.2A, spherical, cylindrical, and the like. The housing204may be sized to accommodate a wide range of internal components. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the housing204may be roughly 50 mm wide on a wide end, roughly 35 mm wide at a narrow end, and may be roughly 43 mm tall. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the size and/or shape of the housing204may be adapted for a wide range of applications and form factors.

The light cover208is coupled to the housing204, and serves to protect the internal components of the lighting unit102. According to various embodiments, the light cover208is at least translucent, allowing light110to pass through to illuminate the surrounding area. In some embodiments, the light cover208may be frosted or otherwise translucent, providing a more diffuse light. In other embodiments, the light cover208may be clear, and may comprise a lensed portion to focus the light110in a particular area beneath the lighting unit102.

In still other embodiments, the light cover208may have both translucent and substantially transparent segments. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the light cover208may have a clear spotlight area around the center, with a frosted diffuse surface around the perimeter. As an option, the central area may be polished, while the surrounding perimeter may be bead-blasted to achieve a frosted look. In some embodiments, the light cover208may be composed of acrylic. In other embodiment the light cover208may comprise some other plastic, or other material appropriate for outdoor use and at the least transparent.

As shown inFIG.2B, in some embodiments, the light cover208may be threaded, and may be releasably coupled to the housing204. As an option, in some embodiments, a lighting unit102may have interchangeable light covers208, allowing some units to have a diffuse look while others may provide a spotlight focused on a smaller area. In other embodiments, the light cover208may be affixed to the housing204, aiding in making the unit102waterproof.

As shown in the top view ofFIG.2C, in some embodiments of the lighting unit102, the housing204may have holes in the top, permitting the attachment of various brackets206or other mounting hardware or adapters. These holes may be just surface deep in some embodiments, not exposing the interior of the housing204. In some embodiments, the lighting unit102may be adaptable for various mounting brackets206including, but not limited to, hooks (e.g. hanging from a wire or pipe, etc.), mounting plates to be coupled to a surface, ball-and-socket mounts allowing the lighting unit102to be held in a desired orientation, and the like.

Each lighting unit102comprises at least one PCB210inside the housing204. The internal electronic components, such as the LEDs212and the microcontroller214are mounted on a PCB210. In some embodiments, these components may all be mounted on the same PCB210. In other embodiments, the lighting unit102may comprise more than one PCB210, which may allow the lighting unit102to have a narrower shape, or smaller diameter. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the lighting unit102may have two PCBs210, one PCB210comprising the LEDs212, and the other comprising control components such as the microcontroller214. As an option, these two PCBs210may be communicatively coupled to each other through connectors.

Each lighting unit102comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs)212. In the non-limiting example shown inFIG.2B, the lighting unit102comprises six LEDs212mounted on a PCB210. Other embodiments may make use of more LEDs, or fewer LEDs, depending on the application, the power available, and the materials used in the lighting unit102(e.g. able to withstand the heat generated by the LEDs, etc.).

In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, an LED type may refer to the wavelength/color or range of wavelengths/colors the LED is able to emit, the range of intensities the LED is able to emit, or both. Examples include, but are not limited to, RGB LEDs, white LEDs, single color LEDs, and the like.

In some embodiments, the colors and/or brightness levels available may be limited by the capabilities of the LED driver (i.e. microcontroller214). As a specific example, in one embodiment, the lighting unit102is able to emit 8 different colors, having 20 shades each, yielding160different tones.

In some embodiments, the LEDs212may all be identical, while in other embodiments the lighting unit102may comprise more than one kind of LED212. For example, in one embodiment, the lighting unit102may comprise a plurality of RGB LEDs212, and a single, high intensity infrared LED212, allowing the lighting unit102to provide lighting for people in the outdoor venue, and later provide illumination to security cameras.

Each lighting unit102comprises a microcontroller214communicatively coupled to the plurality of LEDs210. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a microcontroller214refers to a programmable device able to drive the LEDs210and receive instructions from the control box104. It is assumed that the microcontroller214comprises either on-board memory, or is coupled to memory capable of storing instructions. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the role of microcontroller214could be filled by a processor and memory, or other components known in the art.

As shown, each lighting unit102also comprises a first cable connector200and a second cable connector202, both communicatively coupled to at least the microcontroller214. In some embodiments, the cable connectors may be composed of aluminum. In other embodiments, the cable connectors may be composed of plastic, or other material known in the art. The cable connectors will be discussed in greater detail with respect toFIGS.4and5, below.

As shown, the lighting unit102may also comprise other components, such as various O-rings used to weather-proof the connections of various components. These O-rings may be composed of a synthetic rubber like Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), silicone rubber, or any other elastomeric material known in the art for use in O-rings and gaskets. Other components of the lighting unit102, which will be discussed in greater detail with respect toFIG.4, include a power converter and a communication interface.

FIGS.3A-3Dare various views of a non-limiting example of a lighting unit102configured to integrate with a misting system. Specifically,FIG.3Ais a perspective view,FIG.3Bis an exploded perspective view, andFIG.3Cis a side view.FIG.3Dis a cross-sectional view of the lighting unit102ofFIG.3C, taken along line B-B.FIG.3Eis a perspective view of another embodiment of a misting stem114.

As shown, the lighting unit102that is configured to integrate with a misting system comprises a misting stem114. In the context of the present description, a misting stem114is essentially a conduit for water, carrying it from a misting water supply on one side of the lighting unit102to a misting nozzle304on the other side. Specifically, the misting stem114comprises an input end300and an output end302distal to the input end300. The misting stem114may be composed of stainless steel, or any other material known in the art of misting systems.

The input end300is configured to couple with a misting water supply line116, such that the output end302is in fluid communication with said water supply. In some embodiments, the input end300may be threaded, either internally or externally. In some embodiments, the input end300may be shaped to couple with any misting system known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the input end300may resemble a standard misting nozzle304or other structure that couples with the supply line116of a conventional misting solution.FIGS.3A-3Dshow an input end300that has external threading.FIG.3Eshows another embodiment of a misting stem114whose input end300is configured to internally receive an interface with the misting system.

The output end302is shaped to couple with a conventional misting nozzle304, shaped to emit the supplied water as a mist112. IN some embodiments, the output end may releasably couple with a nozzle304, allowing for it to be replaced or removed for clearing scale or a clog, without having completely disconnect the lighting unit102. In other embodiments, the nozzle304may be permanently affixed to the misting stem114.

According to various embodiments, the only difference between a lighting unit102, such as the non-limiting example shown inFIG.2A, and a lighting unit102configured to integrate with a misting system, such as the non-limiting example shown inFIG.3A, is that the misting lighting unit102comprises a misting stem114that passes through the housing204, the one or more PCBs210, and the light cover208. Advantageously, this may allow the same PCB210to be used in both misting and non-misting lighting units102, allowing these units to operate identically.

FIG.4is a schematic view of a non-limiting example of a lighting unit102. Specifically,FIG.4shows the internal wiring of an exemplary lighting unit102. As shown, in addition to a microcontroller214, each lighting unit102further comprises a communication interface400and a power converter402, according to various embodiments. The communication interface400and the power converter402are both communicatively coupled to the microcontroller214.

In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a communication interface400is a device responsible for sending and receiving messages from the control box104and to/from other lighting units102. In some embodiments, the communication interface400may be an isolated integrated circuit or separate microcontroller, while in other embodiments it may be a module on the microcontroller214.

According to various embodiments, the communication interface400may send and receive information in the form of packets, and may employ a variety of communication methods. For example, in some embodiments, the control box104and the lighting units102may communicate using serial communications based on the RS485 standard. According to various embodiments, each of the lighting units102has a unique address to which packets may be addressed. In some embodiments, a packet may be labeled as universal. The method for assigning addresses will be discussed in greater detail with respect toFIG.7, below.

In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a power converter402is a device that can receive the power provided by the control box104and place it in a condition to power the plurality of LEDs212, which may comprise a modification of the current and/or voltage of the incoming electricity. In some embodiments, the power converter402may be a buck power supply, which steps down the voltage while increasing the current of the incoming electricity. Those skilled in the art will recognize other power conversions that may be necessary, depending on the LEDs212used, and the nature of the power provided by the control box104.

Each lighting unit102comprises a first cable connector200and a second cable connector202, and is connected to other units102or the control box104through cables108. As will be discussed in greater detail with respect toFIG.5, according to various embodiments, the cables108may each have five wires. Three of these wires are for communication, and two are for power. When the cables108are releasably coupled to the cable connectors, those five wires are communicatively coupled to five terminals.

As shown, each of the cable connectors comprises a first power terminal404, a second power terminal406, a first control terminal408, and a second control terminal410. Furthermore, the first cable connector200further comprises an address output terminal412, and the second cable connector202further comprises an address input terminal414.

As shown, the communication interface400is communicatively coupled with the first control terminal408and second control terminal410of both the first cable connector200and the second cable connector202. Similarly, the power converter402is communicatively coupled with the first power terminal404and second power terminal406of both the first cable connector200and the second cable connector202. According to various embodiments, like terminals of both cable connectors are also directly coupled to each other, with the exception of the address terminals. Specifically, the first power terminal404of the first cable connector200is communicatively coupled to the first power terminal404of the second cable connector202, and so forth, with the other power and control terminals. In this way, other lighting units102are not reliant on an “upstream” lighting unit102to pass along power and/or packets. With respect to the communication interface400, it should be noted that in other embodiments, other methods and protocols may be employed, such as each lighting unit102handing off each packet it receives.

Unlike the power and control terminals, the address input terminal412and address output terminal414of a lighting unit102are not directly coupled to each other, but rather are both coupled to the microcontroller214. This plays an important part in the method for assigning addresses to the lighting units102without knowing their order at startup. This allows the system100to have lighting units102that are both individually addressable and interchangeable.

It should be noted that while the previous discussion was done in the context of cables108having five wires, and the cable connectors having five terminals, in other embodiments, the cables108may have four wires, and the cable connectors may have four terminals. In these embodiments, the method for assigning addresses to the lighting units102would be adapted to rely entirely on the packet based communication, rather than on the combination of packet based communication and the detection of a state change, as will be discussed with respect toFIG.7, below.

FIG.5is a side view of a non-limiting example of a cable108. For illustrative purposes, the middle of the cable108has been enlarged, and the outer shielding has been removed to expose the internal wires500. This is for illustrative purposes only, and is not meant to be a limitation on the size or shape of a cable segment108.

One of the advantages the system100contemplated herein has over conventional outdoor lighting solutions is that its modularity allows for it to be adapted to a variety of applications. The lighting units102are not forced to be spaced equidistant from each other, but rather are each releasably coupled to a cable108that may have whatever length is most appropriate for that portion of the system100.

As shown, each cable108comprises a first end502and a second end504. According to various embodiments, the ends of the cable108comprise couplings that allow the cables108to easily and reliably couple lighting units102to each other and to the control box102. Because the system100is intended for outdoor use, the cables108comprise connectors at both ends that are weather resistant. For example, in some embodiments, the cables108have 5 pin, circular M12 connectors at each end that threadedly couple to the first/second cable connectors of the lighting units102and control box104. As an option, the M12 may have a locking thread to better secure the cable108to the connector. These connectors may be IP68rated, and suitable for outdoor use.

Each cable108comprises a plurality of wires500. In some embodiments, the cable108may have five wires500, while in others the cable may have four wires500. When the cable108has been coupled to a first cable connector200and a second cable connector202, each of the wires500inside the cable108is communicatively coupled to like terminals in the two connectors, with the address output terminal412of the first cable connector200being communicatively coupled to the address input terminal414of the second cable connector202.

As will be discussed with respect toFIG.7, the system100assigns addresses to each lighting unit102to make them individually addressable in whatever order they are coupled in. This requires that each lighting unit102be installed in a predictable orientation. Specifically, the second cable connector202of a lighting unit102is the connector where messages from the control box104would first be received, and the first cable connector200is coupled to a lighting unit102considered to be “downstream”. According to various embodiments, the coupling of lighting units102in the proper direction is ensured by employing cables108having a first end502that is different than the second end504, and cable connectors formed to mate with the cable ends. This means that a first end502will fit into a first cable connector200, but not a second cable connector202, and vice versa for the second end504. As an option, in some embodiments, the lighting units102, the connectors, and/or the cables108may have additional visual indications of which end is which, to facilitate installation.

The advantage of using modular lighting units102that are releasably coupled to each other with cables108is that various cable lengths506may be used. Cables108may be provided in a variety of lengths506, allowing an installer to choose the best length for the desired separation between two lighting units102. Since the cables108are releasably coupled to the lighting units102, if the system100is rearranged, different cables may be used to relocate the lighting units102to have a different separation. The lengths may range from a few inches, to a foot, to multiple feet, and even longer, according to some embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of lengths may be employed by the system100.

As shown, in some embodiments, the wires500within the cable108are not identical. For example, in some embodiments, the power wires may be thicker (have a smaller gauge) than the wires used for communication and signaling. As an option, the pair of wires that couple to the control terminals may be a shielded, twisted pair, as is known in the art for serial communication. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the two power wires may be 18 gauge, while the communication and addressing wires may be 24 gauge. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the thickness and shielding of the wires may be modified to meet the needs of various embodiments.

FIG.6is a network view of a non-limiting example of a modular lighting system100comprising a control box104and a plurality of lighting units102coupled together by a plurality of cables108. It should be noted that although the lighting units102shown inFIG.6are individually labeled (e.g.102a,102b, etc.), such labeling is only meant to indicate the current order of the lighting units102, which may be temporary. The labeling is not meant to indicate any difference between the lighting units apart from their relative order. However, it should also be noted that such a system100could also be assembled with a heterogeneous collection of lighting units102, as well. For the purposes of the following discussion, the different unit labels simply refer to their present order in the chain of lighting units coupled to the control box104, with102abeing the first lighting unit,102bbeing the second, and so forth.

According to various embodiments, a modular lighting system100is assembled by first releasably coupling the control box104to the plurality of lighting units102in a series using the cables108. Each lighting unit102has a first and second cable connector, while the control box104only has a first cable connector200. Once the lighting units102and control box104are all connected to each other, the system100may be initialized.

In some embodiments, the system100is initialized every time the power of the control box104is turned on. In other embodiments, system initialization may be triggered in response to some other event, or may be triggered manually. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, initializing the system means, at the least, trigging the lighting units102to each adopt a unique address602. According to various embodiments, addresses602are sent among the lighting units102via address packets600, which comprise an address602. Adopting unique addresses will be discussed in detail with respect toFIG.7.

Another aspect of system initialization is that, as the lighting units102adopt addresses602, the control box104assembles an ordered list of addresses612, which is stored by the control box104for use in instructing specific units102. Before initialization begins, in some embodiments, this ordered list612is erased, so the system100is set up fresh each time the power is turned on, or some other initialization stimulus is detected.

Once the system100has been initialized, the control box104may send begin sending instructions to the various lighting units102, using their unique addresses602. Each lighting unit102may be instructed to drive the LED's210in a particular way. Such an instruction may take the form of a light packet604. According to various embodiments, a light packet604comprises an address602that has been adopted by one of the lighting units102, and a color value606. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a color value606is a data object that describes attributes of an instance of light110emitted by an LED212or collection of LEDs212. The color value606may indicate a hue608(e.g. a point within a color space accessible to the LED driver of the microcontroller214, etc.), a brightness610(e.g. scalar intensity, driving current, etc.), or both. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different microcontrollers214may be configured to receive LED driving instructions in different formats, and that a color value606may be represented in a number of different formats.

Upon receipt of a light packet604whose address602matches the unique address that has been adopted, the associated lighting unit102will drive the plurality of LEDs212to emit light110described by the color value606of the light packet604. As will be discussed with respect toFIG.8C, in some embodiments, lighting units102may take note of and store the color values606that are addressed to other lighting units102, as well.

In some embodiments, the system100may be initialized automatically each time it is powered on. In many instances, the initialization process will be so fast, reinitializing the system each time it is powered on will not result in any noticeable delay for the user. In other embodiments, the initialization of the system100may be triggered when a reset packet614is sent out. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a reset packet614is a packet that triggers each lighting unit102to forget the previously adopted address, in preparation for the adoption of a new address. In some cases, forgetting the address comprises overwriting the address in the memory of the microcontroller214, while in other embodiments, the forgetting of the address effectively occurs when the unit102is placed into an addressable state, which will be discussed with respect toFIG.7. In some embodiments, a reset packet may have no address, with all units102reacting to it as it propagates through the chain of units. In other embodiments, a reset packet614may be addressed to each individual lighting unit102.

As shown inFIG.6, the control box104comprises a power supply616and a network interface618, both communicatively coupled to a processor622and memory624. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in some embodiments, the processor622and memory624may be replaced with a microcontroller214, or another form of embedded system. Similar to the lighting units, the processor622, power supply616, and network interface618are also communicatively coupled to the terminals of the first cable connector200of the control box104.

As previously mentioned, the power supply616of the control box214may be the limiting factor in how many lighting units102may be included in the system100. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the power supply616may output 36 volts to the lighting units102, and the cables108used are limited to 9 A of current. In some embodiments, a system100may be expanded beyond such limits by joining two systems100together. For example, in one embodiment, one system100may be slaved to another system100, such that they operate as a single system, but each receives power from its own control box104.

The network interface618of the control box104may operate in the same way as the communication interface400of the individual lighting units102, being adapted for communication between units102and the control box104. In some embodiments, the network interface618of the control box104may have additional functionality including, but not limited to, Bluetooth and WIFI communications with other devices (e.g. mobile devices running a control application, remote servers, media streaming services, home automation systems, virtual assistants, etc.). Some embodiments may provide a network interface to the individual lighting units102, providing great flexibility in how the system100may be controlled by the user.

In some embodiments, the control box104may also have an auxiliary power output620. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, an auxiliary power output620is a low voltage power output that can be controlled using the control box104, or an interface (e.g. physical, remote, etc.) of the control box104. This may be used to turn on/off a number of related devices, such as the pump for a misting system, a music system, and the like. Some embodiments also have an audio input, which will be discussed in greater detail with respect toFIGS.9and10.

FIG.7is a non-limiting example of a process for a lighting unit102to adopt an address602in response to a system initialization. It should be noted that the lighting unit102ashown inFIG.7is representative of the first lighting unit of the plurality102, and is the first lighting unit102acoupled to the control box104, the process being described is followed by all of the lighting units102.

First, the control box104or the lighting unit102immediately preceding the lighting unit being discussed places the lighting unit102ain an addressable state700. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, an addressable state700is when the microcontroller214of a lighting unit102has been prepared to adopt the address602of the next address packet600received. Only one lighting unit102in the system100should be in the addressable state700at a time, to prevent duplicate addresses.

In some embodiments, a lighting unit102may be driven into an addressable state700through a signal or a change in state702detected at the address input terminal414of the second cable connector202. For example, in some embodiments, the change in state702is the crossing of a voltage threshold704, a predefined voltage wherein when the voltage on the address input terminal414crosses said threshold704(e.g. surpasses it, drops below it, etc.), the microcontroller214enters the addressable state700. See circle ‘1’. As an option, being in the addressable state700may further require a lack of activity or state changing occurring on the address terminal of the first cable connector200(e.g. the addressable state700requires a change in state at the input and a lack of change of state at the output, etc.). In other embodiments, different changes in state or signals (e.g. a pulse, etc.) may be used. The monitoring of the address input terminal414is advantageous since, unlike the other terminals, it does not pass through. A change in state702at the address input terminal414is not simultaneously propagated on to the address output terminal412, around the microcontroller214, like the power and control terminals. Other embodiments may trigger the addressable state700through a change in state in a different terminal/wire.

After the lighting unit102ahas entered the addressable state700in response to detecting the change in state702at the address input terminal414of its second cable connector202, it then waits for the next address packet600to come along, which will be referred to as the first address packet600a, meaning the first address packet seen by the microcontroller214since entering the addressable state700. Upon receipt of the first address packet600a, the lighting unit102aadopts the address602a, which is unique among the lighting units102since the first lighting unit102awas the only unit in the addressable state700. See circle ‘2’.

Next, the first lighting unit102aplaces the next lighting unit102b, into the addressable state700, while also leaving the addressable state700itself. For example, in the embodiments where the addressable state700is triggered by the crossing of a voltage threshold704, the first lighting unit102awould drive the address output terminal412to cross the voltage threshold704, after which the microcontroller214of the first lighting unit102aknows to leave the addressable state700and ignore any additional address packets600that pass by. See circle ‘3’.

In response to leaving the addressable state700, the freshly addressed first lighting unit102acreates and sends a second address packet600bcomprising a second address602bthat is different from the first address600a, which was adopted by the first lighting unit102a. See circle ‘4’. In some embodiments, the generated address may be based, at least in part, on the previous address. For example, in some embodiments, the first lighting unit102amay simply increment the first address602ato create the second address602b. Such a method also makes it easy to count the number of units in the system. In other embodiments, the addresses602may be generated using other methods, such as a random number, a running sequence (e.g. allowing the system to track the number of initializations since manufacture, etc.), and the like.

In some embodiments, the address ultimately adopted may be modified by the adopting unit102. For example, in one embodiment, a light unit102adopting a new address may take the first address602afrom the first address packet600a, and then prepend a value to it, indicating an attribute of that particular unit. For example, the address may indicate a model number or type, or an available palate or collection of evolutions. In such cases, after adopting an address602, a light unit102would send out a new address packet for the next lighting unit, as well as a reporting packet that indicates the address600that was just modified and adopted.

The process continues until all of the lighting units102have received a unique address602. As this process is going on, the control box104is making note of the address packets600being sent among the units, using what it observes to create and store the ordered list of addresses612previously discussed, which is used when controlling the lighting units102. All but the last address packet are recorded, since the last address packet is sent by the last lighting unit102in the series, and is thus never adopted.

FIG.8ais a non-limiting example of a process for implementing a mode in a modular lighting system100. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a mode is a preprogramed sequence of modifications of color and/or brightness of the lighting units102within the system100. Modes may also be referred to as light evolutions804. Numerous examples of light evolutions/modes804will be discussed with respect toFIGS.8B-11.

First, an instruction800is received from a user through a user interface of the control box104. See circle ‘1’. In some embodiments, the control box104may have a physical user interface. See, for example, the non-limiting example of a user interface shown inFIG.11. In other embodiments, the control box104may have additional interfaces including, but not limited to, mobile apps, web frontends, remote connection, voice commands, digital assistants, and the like.

The user is able to select from a number of predefined light evolutions804, all of them having been predefined within the lighting units102. Upon selection, the control box104sends a mode packet802comprising the light evolution804(i.e. identifying a light evolution804, etc.) through the first cable connector200of the control box104. See circle ‘2’.

Upon receipt, each lighting unit102is able to retrieve the predefined series of modifications that make up a light evolution804, that have been stored in the microcontroller214. See circle ‘3’. According to various embodiments, the lighting units102to not execute the indicated light evolution804until they receive a sync packet808from the control box104. See circle ‘4’.

In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a sync packet808is a packet meant to keep all of the lighting units102synchronized, executing light evolutions with precise timing, throughout the system100. In some embodiments, a sync packet808may be addressed to a specific lighting unit102, using its address602. Such an arrangement may be advantageous for modes where not all of the lighting units are executing the evolution in sync. See, for example, the rain evolution, discussed with respect toFIG.11, below. In other embodiments, a sync packet808may be universal, received and obeyed by all of the lighting units102at substantially the same time (e.g. allowing for miniscule delays due to signal propagation, etc.).

Upon receipt of a sync packet808, each lighting unit102begins execution of the indicated, preprogramed light evolution804selected by the user from the collection806indicated on the user interface and predefined within each lighting unit102. See circle ‘5’. In some embodiments, the evolutions804are defined as a sequence of modifications of one or more aspects of the light110that is being emitted by the unit102(e.g. color, brightness, etc.). The speed with which the unit102moves through these steps is defined by the control box104. In some embodiments, this speed is received as an instruction800from a user.

According to various embodiments, this effect speed is roughly the period810at which the sync packets808are repeatedly sent by the control box104to the lighting units102. Upon receipt of the sync packet808, the units to which it was addressed (or all of the units, in some embodiments) initiate execution of the light evolution804. After initiation, the evolution is executed on a per-unit level, using timing internal to the microcontroller214. In some embodiments, upon definition of an effect speed, a timing calculation is made by the control box104and sent to the lighting units102, so they know how quickly to execute the evolution upon receipt of the sync packet808. This calculation is updated and redistributed to the units in response to any changes made to the effect speed (e.g. receiving a new value through the user interface, etc.).

FIG.8bis a schematic view of four exemplary light evolutions,804a-804d, modifying the output of a single lighting unit102, over time. The patterns within the boxes are meant to represent different hue and brightness values as the light110changes according to the evolution804. As shown, a light evolution804may be considered to be a sequence of modifications applied to attributes of light, such as hue and brightness, applied over a predefined period812. According to various embodiments, these modifications are applied to a seed color value814, or a starting point in the evolution. This allows predefined light evolutions804to be applied to any starting point defined by a user.

For example, light evolution804astarts with a seed color value814that is dark, and over the period812it gets lighter and then moves back to dark again, creating a pulsing effect. This operation of increasing then decreasing the brightness could be applied to any color for the seed color value814.

In some embodiments, a light evolution804may be defined to move through a sequence of seed color values814. See, for example, light evolution804b, which shows a period of static light that is “black”, meaning “black” is the seed color value814, and then in the next period812, the seed color is “white”, and for that period812the color is static “white”. Movement through a sequence of seed colors will be discussed in greater detail with respect toFIG.8C, below.

In some embodiments, a light evolution804may be defined to make use of features of the microcontroller214to “walk” between colors, creating a smooth transition between different points that define the evolution804itself. This may be referred to as a blended mode. See, for example, light evolution804c, where the first period has a first seed color value814(i.e. diagonal lines close together), and the second period has a second seed color value814(i.e. white); the evolution804citself comprises a walk from one seed color value to another.

As discussed with respect toFIG.8A, in some embodiments, sync packets808may be addressed to specific lighting units102to create a particular effect. The fourth non-limiting example of a light evolution804dis an example of this, in use. This evolution may be referred to as a rain evolution, and is more of a system-wide evolution than an evolution that is executed on a per-unit basis. Essentially, the control box104chooses a unit at random and addresses a sync packet808to it. Upon receipt, the unit executes the predefined rain evolution804d, which starts with a seed color value that fades away (e.g. fades to zero light emission, etc.). The unit then lies dormant until the next address-specific sync packet808is received. In a system100with a plurality of lighting units102, this evolution804dcreates a randomized, rain-like effect. As an option, the control box104may incorporate random variations in the interval between sending addressed sync packets808.

In some embodiments making use of addressed sync packets, a system100may combine multiple light evolutions804. For example, a first light evolution could be executing on a first subset of lighting units, while a different evolution is being executed on a second subset. With addressed sync packets, the differing evolutions could also have differing execution times. In other embodiments, multiple evolutions may be executed using a share, universal sync packet808.

FIG.8cis a schematic view of a non-limiting example of a light evolution operating on a sequence816of seed color values among multiple lighting units102. As shown, the lighting units102are executing a blended chase evolution804, but the evolution was initiated after each lighting unit102was defined with light packets604having different color values606. As previously discussed, the chase evolution804is defined to move through a sequence of color seed values814, defined by the sequence of color values assigned to the series of units102before the evolution804began execution.

As shown, each lighting unit102comprises a sequence of color seed values816. In some embodiments, each lighting unit102may assemble its own sequence of color seed values816representative of the different colors and/or patterns that have been defined within the series of lighting units102. For example, each lighting unit102may record all of the light packets that604pass by, not just the packets that are addressed to that particular lighting unit. In some embodiments, the addresses602themselves may be used to create an ordered list of color values. In other embodiments, the sequence of seed color values816may be provided to all of the units102from the control box104, with an indication of where each unit is within the sequence.

Depending on the evolution chosen by the user, the pattern may be used in different ways (e.g. simply cycling through the different color values, cycling through assigned color values weighted by the number of units assigned the same value in a row, etc.). As shown, when the chase evolution is executed, at the start of the second period812b, the seed color values have shifted over by one. In practice, this evolution has the appearance of a pattern of colors moving around the series in a circuit.

FIG.9is a process flow showing the execution of a non-limiting example of an audio-dependent light evolution804within a modular lighting system100. According to some embodiments, the control box104may comprise an audio input900configured to receive an audio signal902. Examples of the audio input900include, but are not limited to, a wired connection (e.g. plugging a wire into the control box104and the audio output of another device, etc.), a wireless connection (e.g. music streamed to the control box104from another device over a Bluetooth or WIFI connection, music streamed from a streaming service over an Internet connection directly to the control box104, etc.), and an internal audio source (e.g. playback of an audio file stored within the audio system104, etc.). Those skilled in the art will recognize that this audio-dependent light evolution804may be applied to other audio sources and input methods known in the art. As an option, some embodiments of the control box104also include a line out, allowing the system to be coupled to speakers or other audio systems.

As shown, an audio signal902is received through the audio input900and fed into an audio processing unit906. See circle ‘1’. In some embodiments, the audio processing unit906may be a discrete device within the control box104(e.g. a digital signal processor, etc.), while in other embodiments, the audio processing unit906may be a hardware module that is part of the processor622, and in still other embodiments it may be a collection of executable instructions used by the processor622. The audio processing unit906receives the audio signal, and manipulates it (e.g. Fourier transform, spectral decomposition, waveform analysis, etc.) to generate a value that describes some aspect of the audio signal. See circle ‘2’. For example, in one embodiment, the value may describe the intensity of a particular range of frequencies, such as the bass. Those skilled in the art will recognize this may be applied to any other way of representing an aspect of an audio signal as a value for the purpose of visualization. In some embodiments, the value may be scalar, while in others it may be a vector within a color space.

The control box104then uses at least part of the generated audio value to define a subset904of the lighting units102, based upon their relative position in the ordered list of addresses612stored in the control box104. See circle ‘3’. For example, in one embodiment, the subset904may start with the first unit102a(the unit102closest to the control box104) and extend to include a portion of the units102representative of the audio value compared to a predefined scale. In another embodiment, the subset904may be defined in a similar way, except extending in both directions from the unit determined to be at the center910of the ordered list612.

The control box104then sends out a stream of sync packets808at the same rate the audio signal is being sampled and the audio value is being calculated. See circle ‘4’. These packets are addressed to the units belonging to the subset904determined from the audio signal. In practice, this audio-dependent light evolution can make the lighting units102operate together like a large scale audio meter, or other visualization device. In some embodiments, this “equalizer mode” may be combined with other light evolutions, where the equalizer evolution defines the brightness, and the color is defined by a different evolution, or even a different audio-based evolution processing the same audio signal to determine the color for each unit102.

Other examples of audio-dependent evolutions include, but are not limited to, determining the color value for each unit based on multiple aspects of the audio signal902, with one aspect defining brightness and another defining hue, with the relative position of the units being representative of a subset of potential audio signals902or values derived from audio signals. Those skilled in the art will recognize other audio or music visualization methods and technologies may be adapted for use with a modular lighting system100that as individually addressable units102.

FIG.10is a process flow showing the application of a non-limiting example of a predefined, audio-dependent color value606within a modular lighting system100. According to various embodiments, the lighting units102may be defined with one or more dynamic colors, or colors that have color values606that change as a function of time or some other dynamic value, rather than simply as a function of an elected light evolution804.FIG.10shows a non-limiting example of such an implementation, where the lighting units have been set to “club” color, meaning that each of the LEDs212within the unit102may emit light110having different color values606, and those color values may be determined by applied a predefined function to a provided audio signal902, or a provided audio value100generated by the control box104. As shown, the audio signal902is received and sent to the audio processing unit906. See circle ‘1’. The audio processing unit906may perform a function, such as a Fourier transform, on the signal, resulting in an audio value1000. See circle ‘2’.

The control box104then proceeds to send a stream of sync packets, which may or may not be addressed, each packet comprising the audio value1000of a sample of the audio signal902, the packets being sent at roughly the sample rate of the audio and/or the generation rate for the audio value. See circle ‘3’. When lighting units102having a color value indicative of this “club” color receive these sync packets808, the audio values1000are used to change the color values of each LED212as a function of the audio value1000. See circle ‘4’. In some embodiments, the audio value1000is used to cycle through a predefined set of hues, while in others it may be used to manipulate hue, brightness, and number of LEDs212.

According to various embodiments, dynamic colors may be employed similar to any other color. For instance, they may be used in a light evolution804. In some embodiments, a dynamic color may be used in the absence of an audio signal. For example, in some embodiments, the “club” color will move through a predefined set of hues at a fixed rate, rather than the sync rate, and may move through the color space along a fixed path.

FIG.11is a front view of a non-limiting example of a user interface106for a control box104. As shown, the interface106provides the user with a number of Effects1100, also referred to as modes or light evolutions804. As shown, these may include a chase evolution1102(e.g. light evolutions804band804ofFIG.8B), a cycle evolution1104, a fade evolution1106, a pulse evolution1108(e.g. light evolution804aofFIG.8B), and a rain evolution (e.g. light evolution804dofFIG.8B). Also shown is a speed control1111allowing a user to modify the period810between transmission of sync packets808.

According to various embodiments, the cycle light evolution1104is similar to the chase evolution1102, except the “structure” of the series of lighting units102is maintained. For example, if a series of 5 units was defined with three red units, one blue unit, and one green unit, the chase evolution1102would result in that pattern moving in a cycle along the series, always having those three red units together, following after the blue and the green. In contrast, the application of the cycle evolution1104would result in the first three units moving from red to blue to green, with the remaining two units each cycling through hues further up the series of hues defined. If a series of units is programed with color values that does not have any sequential repeats, there is no visible difference between chase and cycle light evolutions, according to various embodiments.

The fade light evolution1106treats the entire series of lighting units102as having a single color, all dimming down to zero brightness before restoring brightness but with a different hue. In some embodiments, this may have appearance of the series “breathing”. Also shown are controls to activate a music mode1112or an equalizer mode1114(e.g. the modes discussed with respect toFIG.9). As well as controls for modifying the hue1116and/or brightness1118of individual lighting units102, through the transmission of a light packet604comprising a color value606with the modified hue608and/or brightness610to the targeted unit102. Also shown among the predefined hues is a “club” hue (e.g. the dynamic color discussed with respect toFIG.10).

Also shown is a programming interface1122, allowing a user to select individual units102and modify their hue and/or brightness. In some embodiments, the user interface may also allow a user to quickly replicate the last color value sent to a desired number of subsequent lighting units102in the series. Themes1124are sets of color values, where each lighting unit102has been assigned a color value. Themes allow a user to define a color for each unit, and quickly switch between sets of colors. According to various embodiments, the light evolutions804can operate on themes.

Where the above examples, embodiments and implementations reference examples, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that other modular lighting systems and lighting units could be intermixed or substituted with those provided. In places where the description above refers to particular embodiments of systems and methods of modular lighting, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these embodiments and implementations may be applied to other lighting technologies as well. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.