PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10477659-B1
Application Number: US-201715682929-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Adjustable lighting systems

Abstract:
An adjustable lighting system is controlled to achieve a configuration for an internal light condition.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus, comprising:
 an enclosure that has one or more windows; 
 one or more internal sensors that sense an internal light condition and generate an internal light condition signal that corresponds to the internal light condition; 
 one or more lighting control components that include an edge lit panel that has a panel portion and an array of lighting elements that are positioned along an edge of the panel portion; and 
 a controller configured to:
 receive data that represent an image that was captured by a camera; 
 determine a configuration for the internal light condition based on a color gradient defined by a first color value from a first portion of the image and a second color value from a second portion of the image, and 
 control operation of the edge lit panel of the one or more lighting control components to define the color gradient in the enclosure according to the configuration for the internal light condition and the internal light condition signal. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first apparatus located in the enclosure, the first apparatus having a network interface that is configured to receive data representing the image is received from a second apparatus that is remote from the enclosure. 
 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the one or more lighting control components comprises a variable light transmittance component associated with the one or more windows, and 
 wherein the controller is configured to control a light transmittance characteristic of the variable light transmittance component. 
 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the one or more lighting control components comprises one or more dimmable lamps, and 
 wherein the controller is configured to control illumination intensity of the one or more dimmable lamps. 
 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the one or more lighting control components comprises one or more lamps having a variable output color temperature, and 
 wherein the controller is configured to control the variable output color temperature of the one or more lamps. 
 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a user interface device, 
 wherein the controller is further configured to:
 cause display of the image to a user at the user interface device, 
 receive data identifying a the first portion of the image and the second portion of the image in response to a user input made at the user interface device. 
 
 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a user interface device, 
 wherein the controller is further configured to:
 cause display of the image to a user at the user interface device, 
 receive data representing the first portion of the image in response to a first user input made at the user interface device, and 
 receive data representing the second portion of the image in response to a second user input made at the user interface device. 
 
 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to:
 identify an activity that is depicted in the image, and 
 determine the configuration based on the activity that is depicted in the image. 
 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the image is accessed from a storage device. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the image is received by a data transmission from a remote computing device. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the edge lit panel is positioned adjacent to a first window from the one or more windows. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the edge lit panel is spaced from the first window. 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the edge lit panel is mounted such that it is in contact with the first window. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein external light that enters the enclosure through the first window passes through the edge lit panel and combines with internal light emitted by the edge lit panel. 
     
     
       15. An apparatus, comprising:
 an enclosure that has one or more windows that include a first window; 
 one or more internal sensors that sense an internal light condition and generate an internal light condition signal that corresponds to the internal light condition; 
 lighting control components that include a variable light transmittance component that is associated with the first window and an edge lit panel that has a panel portion and an array of lighting elements that are positioned along an edge of the panel portion, wherein the edge lit panel is positioned adjacent to the first window; and 
 a controller configured to:
 receive data that represent an image that was captured by a camera; 
 determine a configuration for the internal light condition based on the image; and 
 control operation of the variable light transmittance component and the edge lit panel of the one or more lighting control components based on the internal light condition signal to maintain the internal light condition according to the configuration for the internal light condition. 
 
 
     
     
       16. An apparatus, comprising:
 an enclosure that has an interior space and one or more windows that include a first window; 
 one or more internal sensors that sense an internal light condition and generate an internal light condition signal that corresponds to the internal light condition; 
 lighting control components that an edge lit panel that has a panel portion and an array of lighting elements that are positioned along an edge of the panel portion, wherein the edge lit panel is positioned adjacent to the first window; and 
 a controller configured to:
 receive data that represent an image that was captured by a camera; 
 determine a configuration for the internal light condition that includes a first light condition that is based on a first color value from a first portion of the image and a second light condition that is based on a second color value from a second portion of the image, and 
 control operation of a first group of the lighting elements of the edge lit panel of to maintain the first light condition in a first area of the interior space, and 
 control operation of a second group of the lighting elements of the edge lit panel to maintain the second light condition in a second area of the interior space.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/394,893, filed on Sep. 15, 2016, entitled “Adjustable Lighting Systems,” the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The application relates generally to adjustable lighting. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Lighting conditions in enclosed spaces may be dependent upon a variety of factors. As an example, lighting in a room may be dependent on internal light from an electric lamp in combination with external light from the sun. In this example, the external lighting condition may change, such as when a cloud passes in front of the sun, or as the sun rises or sets. Such a change in the external lighting condition may result in a change in the internal lighting condition. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is an apparatus that includes an enclosure that has one or more windows, one or more internal sensors that sense an internal light condition and generate an internal light condition signal that corresponds to the internal light condition, one or more lighting control components, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive data that represents an image, determine a configuration for the internal light condition based on the image, and control operation of the one or more lighting control components to maintain the internal light condition according to the configuration. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is an enclosure having a window that permits passage of external light from an external light source into the enclosure, wherein the window comprises an edge lit panel for providing additional light, wherein when external light passes through the window the external light passes through the edge lit panel, one or more internal sensors configured to generate an internal light condition signal that corresponds to an illumination intensity inside the enclosure, a controller configured to receive the internal light condition signal and control operation of at least the edge lit panel to provide additional light to an interior of the enclosure. 
     Systems and methods are also described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a first example of an adjustable lighting system. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustration showing an enclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-section view illustration taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2  showing the enclosure and the adjustable lighting system. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-section view illustration taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2  showing the enclosure and a second example of an adjustable lighting system. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-section view illustration taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2  showing the enclosure and a third example of an adjustable lighting system. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration showing a portion of an edge lit panel. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-section view illustration taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6  showing a portion of the edge lit panel. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing a first lighting control process. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing a second lighting control process. 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a third lighting control process. 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing a fourth lighting control process. 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing a fifth lighting control process. 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing a sixth lighting control process. 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart showing a seventh lighting control process. 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart showing an eighth lighting control process. 
         FIG. 16  is a block diagram showing communications between a first video conference endpoint, a second video conference endpoint, and an adjustable lighting system. 
         FIG. 17  is an illustration showing an example of a hardware configuration for a controller. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram that shows an adjustable lighting system  100 . The adjustable lighting system  100  may include a controller  102 , lighting control components  104 , light condition sensors  106 , cameras  108 , and a user interface device  110 . 
     The adjustable lighting system  100  is operable to regulate the lighting conditions in an area, such as an enclosed space such as a room or a compartment in a transportation system. The lighting condition inside the enclosed space may be referred to herein as an internal light condition. The enclosed space may receive illumination that originates outside of the enclosed space, and the outside light that the enclosed space is subjected to may be referred to herein as an external lighting condition. 
     The controller  102  coordinates operation of the various components of the adjustable lighting system  100 . The controller  102  may receive information (e.g., signals and/or data) from various components of the adjustable lighting system  100 , such as the light condition sensors  106 , the cameras  108 , and the user interface device  110 . In some embodiments, this information is used by the controller  102  to change operating parameters or characteristics of one or more components of the adjustable lighting system, such as the lighting control components  104 . As an example, the controller  102  may send commands to the lighting control components  104  to change operating parameters or characteristics for the lighting control components  104 . The controller  102  may operate the various components of the adjustable lighting system  100  to achieve and maintain a configuration for the internal light condition. The configuration for the internal light condition may be a predetermined state, such as a state corresponding to default settings or previously-made user-selected settings for the adjustable lighting system  100 . 
     The controller  102  may communicate electronically with the components of the adjustable lighting system  100 . As one example, the controller  102  may be connected to the lighting control components  104 , the light condition sensors  106 , the cameras  108 , and/or the user interface device  110  by wired connections that are able to transmit information in any suitable form. As one example, the controller  102  and any or all of the lighting control components  104 , the light condition sensors  106 , the cameras  108 , and/or the user interface device  110  may incorporate a wireless communication interface that allows wireless transmission of information in any suitable form. Examples of wireless communication protocols that may be used include the 802.11 standard maintained by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the Bluetooth standard maintained by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. 
     The lighting control components  104  include components that are operable to change the lighting condition within the space that is illuminated by the adjustable lighting system  100 . The lighting control components  104  may include any structure or feature that is operable to modify the amount of light that is incident upon surfaces within the space that is being illuminated by the adjustable lighting system. The controller  102  may modify operation of the one or more lighting control components  104  by changing a property or operating characteristic of the one or more lighting control components. 
     In some embodiments, some of the lighting control components  104  may utilize variable light transmittance (VLT) technologies to regulate the amount of external light that enters the space being illuminated by the adjustable lighting system  100 . As an example, the lighting control components may include variable light transmittance components, which are referred to herein as VLT components  112 . The VLT components  112  are able to change the amount of light that is transmitted through a structure that otherwise allows transmittance of light. The VLT components  112  may be operated by a control signal, such as a control signal from the controller  102 . The control signal may cause the VLT components  112  to modify a current light transmittance characteristic such that, in response to the control signal, the VLT components  112  are modified from having a first light transmittance value to having a second light transmittance value. As an example, the VLT components  112  may be applied to or incorporated in transparent or translucent structures such as windows. Technologies that may be used to implement the VLT components  112  include suspended particle devices, electrochromic devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices, and guest host liquid crystal devices. In some embodiments, the VLT components  112  may be applied to windows or other structures that allow light from an external light source to enter the space, in order to regulate the amount of light from the external light source that enters the space being illuminated by the adjustable lighting system  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the lighting control components  104  include lighting devices  114 . The lighting devices  114  may be or include lamps of any type. As used herein, the term “lamp” refers to any type of electrically-operated device that emits light, such as incandescent lighting devices, fluorescent lighting devices, halogen, lighting devices, and light-emitting diodes. In some embodiments, the lighting devices  114  include one or more arrays of lighting devices, which may be one or more arrays of electric lamps. In some embodiments that include multiple lighting devices, the lighting devices  114  may be operated by a single control signal from the controller that specifies operating characteristics for the lighting devices  114 . In some embodiments that include multiple lighting devices, the lighting devices  114  may be operated by multiple control signals that are each directed to a group of one or more of the lighting devices  114 . 
     The lighting devices  114 , such as the one or more electric lamps, may have at least one variable illumination characteristic. In embodiments where the lighting devices  114  have at least one variable illumination characteristic, the controller  102  may modify operation of the lighting devices  114  by sending a control signal to the lighting devices  114  that changes the at least one variable illumination characteristic. As one example, the variable illumination characteristic of the lighting devices  114  may be an illumination intensity of the light emitted by the lighting devices  114 , in which case, the lighting devices  114  may be referred to as dimmable lighting devices or dimmable lamps. As another example, the variable illumination characteristic of the lighting devices  114  may be a color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting devices  114 . As another example, the variable illumination characteristic of the lighting devices  114  may be a color or hue of the light emitted by the lighting devices  114 . 
     The light condition sensors  106  include components that are operable to sense light conditions in and/or around the area that is illuminated by the adjustable lighting system  100 . The light condition sensors  106  may be or include photodetectors of any type, such as photodetectors that operate using photoemission, photoelectric, or photovoltaic light detection mechanisms. In some embodiments, some or all of the light condition sensors  106  output a signal that indicates the intensity of light that is incident upon the sensor, expressed in units such as lumens per square meter. In some embodiments, some or all of the light condition sensors  106  output one or more signals that indicate the color temperature of the light that is incident upon the sensor, expressed in units such as Kelvins. In some embodiments, some or all of the light condition sensors  106  output one or more signals that indicate the hue of the light that is incident upon the sensor, which may be expressed in, for example, units indicating the relative intensity of red, blue, and green sensing elements of the sensor. 
     In some embodiments, the light condition sensors  106  include two or more groups of sensors that are utilized differently by the controller  102 . As will be explained herein, the controller may utilize the two or more groups of sensors from the light condition sensors  106  to determine how to modify operating characteristics of the lighting control components  104 . 
     As an example, the light condition sensors  106  may include one or more external illumination sensors  116  and one or more internal sensors  118 . The external illumination sensors  116  are located outside of the space that is illuminated by the adjustable lighting system  100 . The external illumination sensors  116  are operable to sense an external light condition and generate an external light condition signal that corresponds to the external light condition. The internal sensors  118  are located inside of the space that is illuminated by the adjustable lighting system  100 . The internal sensors  118  are operable to sense an internal light condition and generate an internal light condition signal that corresponds to the internal light condition. 
     The cameras  108  may be any type of image capture device that is able to generate data that represents an image or data that represents a series of images. As examples, the cameras  108  may be visible spectrum still cameras or visible spectrum video cameras. The image signals generated by the cameras  108  depict objects and people that are present in a field-of-view of the cameras  108 . In some embodiments, the cameras  108  are oriented toward an interior of the space that is being illuminated by the adjustable lighting system  100 . In some embodiments, the cameras  108  are oriented toward an environment that is located outside of the space that is being illuminated by the adjustable lighting system  100 . In some embodiments, the cameras  108  include one or more cameras that are oriented toward the interior of the space that is being illuminated by the adjustable lighting system  100  in combination with one or more cameras that are oriented toward the environment that is located outside of the space that is being illuminated by the adjustable lighting system  100 . 
     The user interface device  110  may be included in the adjustable lighting system  100  in order to allow a user to modify aspects of the operation of the adjustable lighting system  100 , and to set a configuration for the adjustable lighting system  100 . In some embodiments, the user interface device  110  allows the user to control operating parameters and characteristics of the lighting control components  104 . In some embodiments, the user interface device  110  allows user control of settings that regulate operation of the controller  102 , such as by modifying how the controller  102  responds to signals received from the light condition sensors  106 . 
     As one example, the user interface device  110  may allow the user to select a setting for the intensity level, color temperature, or color of the illumination provided by the adjustable lighting system  100 . The user may select from predetermined illumination intensity settings, such as a high illumination intensity level, a medium illumination intensity level, or a low illumination intensity level setting. As another example, the user interface device  110  may be configured to allow the user to create and store custom settings for the configuration of the adjustable lighting system  100 . As another example, the user interface device  110  may be configured to allow the user to set the configuration for the internal light condition to be equivalent to the current state of the internal light condition, and this configuration may be saved as a predetermined state that can be used at a later time. Thus, if the user is pleased with the current lighting conditions, information describing the current lighting conditions, such as values reported by the internal sensors  118 , may be stored in order to allow the same lighting conditions to be recreated at a different time. 
     In some embodiments, as will be explained herein, different light condition settings may be applied to different areas that are illuminated by the adjustable lighting system  100 . The user interface device  110  may provide an interface screen that allows selection of light condition settings on an area-by-area basis, such as by incorporating a graphical, map-like depiction of the areas. Thus, for example, the lighting devices  114  may include a first electric lamp and a second electric lamp, wherein the controller  102  determines a first configuration for the first electric lamp based on a first user input made with the user interface device  110 , and the controller  102  determines a second configuration for the second electric lamp based on a second user input made with the user interface device  110 . The controller  102  then modifies operation of the first electric lamp based on the first configuration, and the controller  102  modifies operation of the second electric lamp based on the second configuration. 
     In some embodiments, as will be explained herein, the user interface device  110  may allow the user to define or select a gradient-type lighting configuration that varies spatially between a first light condition and a second light condition. Based on the user selection of the gradient-type lighting configuration, the controller  102  may cause a plurality of lamps from the lighting devices  114  to emit light according to the gradient. 
     The controller  102  may determine a configuration for the light condition based on a sample from a portion of the image of a still image or video image. For example, the sample includes a color value and an intensity, and the controller modifies operation of the lighting control components  104  based on the color value and/or intensity. In some embodiments, the portion of the image is identified based on a user input that selects the portion of the image. Thus, the user may select a configuration for the light condition by selecting a portion of a still image or video image using the user interface device  110 , and the controller  102  will modify operation of the adjustable lighting system  100  according to the brightness and/or colors that are present in the portion of the still image or video image. 
     In some embodiments where a video is utilized for selecting a desired lighting condition using the user interface device  110 , the controller  102  may utilize the brightness and/or colors that are present in the portion of the video at time the selection is made. In some embodiments where a video is utilized for selecting a desired lighting condition using the user interface device  110 , the controller  102  may vary the desired lighting condition at time intervals according to changes in the brightness and/or colors that are present in the portion of the video as they change over time. Thus, the controller  102  may periodically receive an updated image subsequent to receiving a previous image, and the controller  102  may modify operation of the one or more lighting control components  104  based on the updated image. 
     In embodiments where a portion of a still image or video image is selected using the user interface device  110 , the user interface device  110  may receive a first user selection that indicates a first portion of the still image or video and a second user selection that indicates a second portion of the still image or video. The controller  102  may utilize the first user selection and the second user selection to identify first and second desired light conditions, such as a first and second color, color temperature, and/or illumination intensity values. Thus, as an example, the lighting devices  114  may include a first electric lamp and a second electric lamp, wherein the controller  102  determines the configuration based on a first color value from a first portion of the image and a second color value from a second portion of the image, the controller  102  modifies operation of the first electric lamp based on the first color value, and the controller  102  modifies operation of the second electric lamp based on the second color value. As another example, the controller  102  may utilize the first user selection and the second user selection to identify a color gradient in the image and modify operation of the lighting devices  114  based on the color gradient. 
     The user interface device  110  may communicate with the adjustable lighting system  100  by a wired connection or a wireless connection that allows information to be exchanged between the controller  102  and the user interface device  110 . In some embodiments, the user interface device  110  is a dedicated component of the adjustable lighting system  100 . In some embodiments, the user interface device  110  is a non-dedicated component, such as a computing device that is associated with a user of the adjustable lighting system  100 . As an example, a user&#39;s smartphone or tablet computer may serve as the user interface device by communicating with the controller  102  through a user interface application that executes on the user&#39;s device. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustration showing an enclosure  220 . The enclosure  220  includes one or more structural elements  222  and one or more windows  224 . The structural elements  222  define the shape of the enclosure  220  and define openings  226  in the enclosure  220 , with the windows  224  being positioned in the openings  226 . The structural elements  222  may be formed from any material in any type of configuration. As examples, the structural elements  222  may be formed from wood, masonry, steel, and/or aluminum. The windows  224  permit passage of light into the enclosure  220 . The windows  224  may be formed from a transparent or translucent material, such as glass or plastic. Light from an external light source  228  is incident upon the enclosure  220 . The external light source  228  is positioned outside the enclosure  220 . As one example, the external light source  228  may be a natural light source such as the sun. As another example, the external light source  228  may be an artificial light source such as electric lighting that is positioned outside of the enclosure  220 . 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-section view illustration taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2  showing the enclosure  220 . The enclosure  220  has an interior space  330 . The interior space  330  may be partially or fully separated from the exterior of the enclosure  220  by the structural elements  222 , the windows  224 , and optionally by other components that are associated with the enclosure  220 . 
     Some or all of the components of the adjustable lighting system  100  of  FIG. 1  are incorporated in and/or used with the enclosure  220  in order to adjust an internal light condition that is present in the interior space  330  of the enclosure  220 . In the illustrated example, the VLT components  112  are disposed in or on the windows  224 , the lighting devices  114  are disposed within the interior space  330  of the enclosure  220 , the external illumination sensors  116  are located at the exterior of the enclosure  220  to sense the external light condition that the enclosure  220  is subject to, and the internal sensors  118  are located in the interior space of the enclosure  220  to sense the internal light condition. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the internal light condition is a function of the external light condition, the light transmittance characteristic of the VLT components  112 , and the illumination intensity of the lighting devices  114 . The internal light condition may further be a function of a color temperature characteristic and/or a color characteristic of the lighting devices  114 . The controller  102  is operable to modify operation of the VLT components  112  and/or the lighting devices  114  to maintain a configuration for the internal light condition. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  102  receives the internal light condition signal from the internal sensors  118  and modifies operation of the VLT components  112  and/or the lighting devices  114  to cause the internal light condition signal to conform to desired values that correspond to the configuration for the internal light condition. The internal sensors  118  allow the controller  102  to exercise feedback-based control that accounts for the internal light condition as a function of the external light condition in combination with blocking of the external light by the VLT components  112  and addition of internal light by the lighting devices  114 . 
     In some embodiments, the external light condition signal from the external illumination sensors  116  is utilized in conjunction with the internal light condition signal. For example, the sensor may modify operation of the VLT components  112  and/or the lighting devices  114  in response to a change in the external light condition signal that exceeds a predetermined magnitude. This change may correspond to an abrupt change in external light conditions, such as a cloud passing in front of the sun. By utilizing the external light condition signal in addition to the internal light condition signal, abrupt changes in lighting conditions can be detected and operating characteristics modified accordingly, without false signals that may occur inside the enclosure  220 , for example, as a result of a person moving past one of the internal sensors  118 . As another example, the controller  102  may be configured to, in accordance with the internal light condition signal from the internal sensors  118  being below a threshold illumination, increase light transmittance of the VLT components  112 . As another example, the controller  102  may be configured to, in accordance with the internal light condition signal from the internal sensors  118  being above a threshold illumination, decrease transmittance of the VLT components  112 . 
     In some embodiments, the extent to which external light is blocked by the VLT components  112  is selected in order to attain a desired color and/or color temperature for the internal light condition. For instance, when the external light is bright, the VLT components  112  may be controlled by the controller  102  to reduce the light transmittance characteristic of the VLT components. This reduces the intensity of the external light that enters the enclosure  220 , and allows a higher intensity of light to be emitted by the lighting devices  114  in response to an appropriate command from the controller  102 . Because the lighting devices  114  are able to emit light at a greater intensity, they are able to have greater influence on aspects of the internal light condition, such as the color and color temperature of the lighting inside the enclosure  220 . 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-section view illustration taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2  showing an enclosure  420  and a second example of an adjustable lighting system, which is similar to the adjustable lighting system  100  and is consistent with the description made in connection with respect to  FIGS. 1-3  except as described herein. 
     The enclosure  420  has an interior space  430  defined by structural elements  422 , windows  424 , and optionally by other components. The enclosure includes a controller  402 , one or more cameras  408 , VLT components  412 , lighting devices  414 , external illumination sensors  416  to sense the external light condition, and internal sensors  418  to sense the internal light condition. Light from an external light source  428  is incident upon the enclosure  420 . 
     An occupant  432  is located in the interior space  430  of the enclosure  420 , and is engaged in an activity. Examples of activities include eating, sleeping, reading, watching television, and using computing devices and other electronic devices. The occupant  432  is located within a field-of-view of the camera  408 . The camera  408  captures an image or a series of images (e.g., a movie) depicting objects and persons that are located in the interior space  430  of the enclosure  420 . The controller analyzes the image or images that are generated by the camera  408  to identify an activity that is depicted in the image or images. As an example, the controller  402  may utilize an image content analysis algorithm to identify the activity depicted in the image or images. 
     The controller  402  may modify the light condition within the enclosure  420  based on the activity depicted in the image or images. As an example, activities may be associated with predetermined settings for the configuration of the internal light condition of the enclosure  420 . On determining that an activity is occurring in the enclosure  420 , the controller  402  may access information that identifies a light condition that is associated with the activity and modify operation of components such as the VLT components  412  and the lighting devices  414  to achieve and maintain the desired light condition. Thus, as one example, when the user is using a light-emissive device, such as a tablet computer, the light condition can be adjusted to allow comfortable use of the device. As another example, if the user is using a camera to take a photograph of himself or herself (i.e., a “selfie”), the light condition can be adjusted to evenly light the user&#39;s face. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  402  may control the light condition separately for multiple areas of the interior space  430  of the enclosure  420 . As an example, the cameras  408  may include first and second cameras that output images depicting first and second areas of the interior space  430 . Upon determining, based on an analysis of the images generated by the first and second cameras, that different activities are occurring in the first and second areas, the controller  402  may identify different light conditions for the first and second areas, and modify operation of components such as the VLT components  412  and the lighting devices  414  in order to achieve and maintain a first light condition in the first area and a second light condition in the second area. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-section view illustration taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2  showing an enclosure  520  and a third example of an adjustable lighting system, which is similar to the adjustable lighting system  100  and is consistent with the description made in connection with respect to  FIGS. 1-3  except as described herein. 
     The enclosure  520  has an interior space  530  defined by structural elements  522 , windows  524 , and optionally by other components. The enclosure includes a controller  502 , VLT components  512 , one or more lighting devices that include an edge lit panel  514  that provides internal light for the interior space  530 , external illumination sensors  516  to sense the external light condition, and internal sensors  518  to sense the internal light condition. Light from an external light source  428  is incident upon the enclosure  520 . The edge lit panel  514  is positioned adjacent to one of the windows  524 . In some embodiments, the edge lit panel  514  is spaced from the respective one of the windows  524 . In some embodiments, the edge lit panel  514  is mounted such that it is in contact with the respective one of the windows  524 . In some embodiments, the edge lit panel  514  is a laminated layer of the respective one of the windows  524 . 
     External light from the external light source  528  passes through one of the windows  524 , and at least a portion of the external light also passes through the edge lit panel  514 . The external light that passes through the edge lit panel  510  combines with the internal light that is emitted by the edge lit panel  514 , and the combined light from external light source  528  and the edge lit panel  514  affects the internal light condition in the interior space  530  of the enclosure  520 . 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration showing a portion of the edge lit panel  514 . The edge lit panel includes a panel portion  534  that includes one or more layers of transparent or translucent material, such as glass. The panel portion  534  may be flat or non-flat, such as by including a side-to-side curvature. 
     An array of lighting elements  536  is positioned along an edge  538  of the panel portion  534 . The array of lighting elements  536  may be an array of electric lamps. The array of lighting elements  536  is positioned such that the light emitted by the array of lighting elements  536  shines through the edge  538  of the panel portion  534  and into the interior of the panel portion  534 . The lighting elements from the array of lighting elements  536  may be electric lamps, such as light-emitting diodes. Although the edge  538  is depicted as a single edge of the panel portion  534 , the panel portion  534  may include multiple edges that may include additional arrays of lighting elements that are similar to the array of lighting elements  536 . 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-section view illustration taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6  showing a portion of the edge lit panel  514 . Internal light  540  that is emitted by the array of lighting elements  536  may be oriented such that some or all of the internal light  540  is initially retained within the panel portion  534  by total internal reflection. A portion of the internal light  540  is incident upon particles  542  that are suspended in the panel portion  534 , and the internal light  540  may be redirected by reflection or refraction at an angle that allows the internal light  540  to exit the panel portion  534  and enter the interior space  530 . External light  544  from the windows  524  is incident upon the panel portion  534 , and passes through the panel portion  534  such that the light exiting the panel portion  534  into the interior space  530  of the enclosure  520  is a combination of the internal light  540  and the external light  544 . 
     The controller  502  may control operation of the edge lit panel  514  based on the internal light condition in the interior space  530 . For example, the controller  502  may receive an internal light condition signal from the internal sensors  518  and modify operation of the one or more lighting control components to achieve a configuration for the internal light condition. As one example, the controller  502  may be configured to, in accordance with the internal light condition signal from the internal sensors  518  being below a threshold illumination, decrease light transmittance of the VLT components  512  and increase illumination intensity from the edge lit panel  514 . As another example, the controller  502  may be configured to, in accordance with an external light condition signal from the external illumination sensors  516  being above a threshold illumination, increase light transmittance of the VLT components  512  and decrease illumination intensity of the edge lit panel  514 . As another example, the controller  502  may be configured to, in accordance with an external light condition signal from the external illumination sensors  516  being below a threshold illumination, decrease light transmittance of the VLT components  512  and increase illumination intensity of edge lit panel  514 . As another example, the controller  502  may be configured to, in accordance with an external light condition signal below a threshold illumination, increase light transmittance of the VLT components  512  and increase illumination intensity of edge lit panel  514 . 
     In some embodiments, portions of the array of lighting elements  536  or individual lighting elements from the array of lighting elements  536  may be separately addressed and controlled by the controller  502 . As one example, the controller  502  may set illumination characteristics for a first group (e.g., GROUP A in  FIG. 6 ) of one or more lighting elements from the array of lighting elements  536  and may set different illumination characteristics for a second group (e.g., GROUP B in  FIG. 6 ) of one or more lighting elements from the array of lighting elements  536 . In this manner, the controller  502  may use the edge lit panel  514  to set a first light condition in a first area of the interior space  530  and a second light condition in a second area of the interior space  530 . As another example, based on a first light condition and a second light condition that differ in any or all of illumination intensity, color temperature, and color value, the controller  502  may modify operation of multiple groups of one or more lighting elements from the array of lighting elements  536  to create a gradient effect that varies along a length and/or width of the edge lit panel  514  between the first light condition and the second light condition. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing a first lighting control process  800 . The first lighting control process  800  may be implemented using, as examples, the adjustable lighting systems described in connection with  FIGS. 1-7 . The first lighting control process  800  may be implemented by executing computer program instructions using, for example, controller  102  of the adjustable lighting system  100 . 
     In operation  810 , a configuration is identified for the internal light condition. The configuration may be identified, as examples, based on a default state or as described with respect to the user interface device  110 . Operation  810  may include sub-operation  812 , in which the configuration for the internal light condition is identified by using a current internal light condition as the configuration for the internal light condition. Operation  810  may include sub-operation  814 , in which the configuration for the internal light condition is identified using a received lighting condition, which may be a light condition described by inputs received from a user. Operation  810  may include sub-operation  816 , in which the configuration for the internal light condition is identified using a previously-stored lighting condition, which may be selected by a user from a group of one or more previously-stored lighting conditions. 
     In operation  820 , a light condition is sensed. Operation  820  may be performed, for example, using the light condition sensors  106  of the adjustable lighting system  100 . Operation  820  may include one or both of sub-operations  822  and  824 . Sub-operation  822  includes sensing an external light condition. For example, one or more of the external illumination sensors  116  of the adjustable lighting system  100  may be used to sense the external light condition and generate the external light condition signal that corresponds to the external light condition. Sub-operation  824  includes sensing an internal light condition. For example, one or more of the internal sensors  118  of the adjustable lighting system  100  may be used to sense the internal light condition and generate the internal light condition signal that corresponds to the internal light condition. 
     Operation  830  includes modifying operation of lighting control components, such as by modifying one or more illumination characteristics of the lighting control components  104  of the adjustable lighting system  100 . Operation of the lighting control components may be modified based on the configuration for the light condition and the sensed values of the external and/or internal light conditions. Operation  830  may include one or both of sub-operations  832  and  834 . Sub-operation  832  includes modifying an operating characteristic of one of the lighting devices  114  of the adjustable lighting system  100 , such as one or more electric lamps. Sub-operation  834  includes modifying an operating characteristic of one or more of the VLT components  112  of the adjustable lighting system  100 . 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing a second lighting control process  900 . The second lighting control process  900  may be implemented using, as examples, the adjustable lighting systems described in connection with  FIGS. 1-7 . The second lighting control process  900  may be implemented by executing computer program instructions using, for example, controller  102  of the adjustable lighting system  100 . 
     In operation  910 , a configuration is identified for the internal light condition. In operation  920 , a current light condition is sensed, such as the external light condition or the internal light condition. In operation  930  a determination is made, for example, by the controller  102  of the adjustable lighting system  100 , as to whether the light condition that was sensed in operation  920  has changed relative to a previously-sensed light condition. If the light condition has changed, the process proceeds to operation  940 , where the light condition is modified to the previous state of the light condition, to restore the light condition to the state it was in prior to the change detected in operation  930 . Modifying the light condition in operation  940  can be performed, for example, by the controller  102  sending commands to the lighting control components  104  to modify one or more operating parameters of the lighting control components  104 . If, per the determination made in operation  930 , the light condition has not changed, then operation  940  is skipped. 
     In operation  950 , if the configuration of the light condition has changed, the process returns to operation  910 , where the configuration of the light condition is identified again. Otherwise, the process returns to operation  920 . 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a third lighting control process  1000 , which is an example of identifying the configuration for the light condition and can be utilized in conjunction with other processes, such as the first lighting control process  800  and the second lighting control process  900 . The third lighting control process  1000  may be implemented using, as examples, the adjustable lighting systems described in connection with  FIGS. 1-7 . The third lighting control process  1000  may be implemented by executing computer program instructions using, for example, controller  102  of the adjustable lighting system  100 . 
     In operation  1010 , an image (i.e., data that represents an image) is received. As examples, an image can be received by accessing a stored image, by capturing an image using a camera, or by receiving an image by a data transmission from a remote computing device. In operation  1020 , the configuration for the light condition is identified based on the image that was received in operation  1010 . As examples, the configuration may be identified by sampling all or part of the image and identifying a light intensity based on the brightness of the sample and/or identifying a color based on the color present in the sampled portion of the image. The identified brightness or color may be, for example, an average brightness or an average color in the selected portion of the image. The configuration identified in operation  1020  may then be used to control lighting characteristics as described in other embodiments and processes. 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing a fourth lighting control process  1100 , which is an example of identifying the configuration for the light condition and can be utilized in conjunction with other processes, such as the first lighting control process  800  and the second lighting control process  900 . The fourth lighting control process  1100  may be implemented using, as examples, the adjustable lighting systems described in connection with  FIGS. 1-7 . The fourth lighting control process  1100  may be implemented by executing computer program instructions using, for example, controller  102  of the adjustable lighting system  100 . 
     In operation  1110 , an image is received. As examples, an image can be received by accessing a stored image, by capturing an image using a camera, or by receiving an image by a data transmission from a remote computing device. In operation  1120 , the image is analyzed to identify an activity that is depicted in the image. Operation  1120  may be performed, for example, by using an image content analysis algorithm that is executed by the controller  102  of the adjustable lighting system  100 , or by another computing device. 
     In operation  1130 , the configuration for the light condition is identified based on the activity depicted in the image that was received in operation  1010 . As an example, stored light condition values may be stored for specific activities, such as in a table or in a database that relates the activities to the stored light condition values. The configuration identified in operation  1130  may then be used to control lighting characteristics as described in other embodiments and processes. 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing a fifth lighting control process  1200 , which is an example of identifying the configuration for the light condition and can be utilized in conjunction with other processes, such as the first lighting control process  800  and the second lighting control process  900 . The fifth lighting control process  1200  may be implemented using, as examples, the adjustable lighting systems described in connection with  FIGS. 1-7 . The fifth lighting control process  1200  may be implemented by executing computer program instructions using, for example, controller  102  of the adjustable lighting system  100 . 
     In operation  1210 , an image is received. As examples, an image can be received by accessing a stored image, by capturing an image using a camera, or by receiving an image by a data transmission from a remote computing device. In operation  1220 , a first user input is received. The first user input identifies a first portion of the image. Operation  1220  may be performed using the user interface device  110  of the adjustable lighting system  100 . As an example, using a computing device that incorporates a touchscreen interface device, the user may tap an area of the screen where the image is displayed in order to select the portion of the image that is being displayed at the location of the tap. In optional operation  1222 , a second user input may be received in the same manner described with respect to operation  1220 . The second user input identifies a second portion of the image that was received in operation  1210 . 
     In operation  1230 , a first color value is identified based on the first portion of the image, such as by sampling the first color value from the first portion of the image. In optional operation  1232 , a second color value is identified based on the second portion of the image, such as by sampling the second color value from the second portion of the image. 
     In operation  1240 , the configuration for the light condition is identified based on the first color value that was identified in operation  1230 , such as by setting a configuration for the internal light condition such that the same color is achieved in the illuminated space. In optional operation  1242 , the configuration for the light condition is identified based further on the second color value that was identified in optional operation  1232 . As one example, a first group of lighting devices from the lighting devices  114  of the adjustable lighting system  100  may be operated to achieve the first color value that was identified in operation  1230 , and a second group of lighting devices from the lighting devices  114  of the adjustable lighting system  100  may be operated to achieve the second color value that was identified in optional operation  1232 . As another example, the first color value and the second color value may be used to define a gradient, such as by averaging values spatially between the first color value and the second color value, and this gradient may be recreated within the illuminated space, such as by using the edge lit panel  514  of the enclosure  520  as described in connection with  FIGS. 5-7 . The configuration identified in operation  1240  and optionally further identified in optional operation  1242  may then be used to control lighting characteristics as described in other embodiments and processes. 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing a sixth lighting control process  1300 , which is an example of identifying the configuration for the light condition and can be utilized in conjunction with other processes, such as the first lighting control process  800  and the second lighting control process  900 . The sixth lighting control process  1300  may be implemented using, as examples, the adjustable lighting systems described in connection with  FIGS. 1-7 . The sixth lighting control process  1300  may be implemented by executing computer program instructions using, for example, controller  102  of the adjustable lighting system  100 . 
     In operation  1310 , a video (i.e., data that represents one or more video frames) is received. As examples, the video can be received by accessing a stored video, by capturing a video using a camera, or by receiving a video by a data transmission from a remote computing device. In operation  1320 , the configuration for the light condition is identified based on the video that was received in operation  1010 . As examples, the configuration may be identified by sampling all or part of one or more frames from the video and identifying a light intensity based on the brightness of the sample and/or identifying a color based on the color present in the sampled portion of the video. The identified brightness or color may be, for example, an average brightness or an average color in the selected portion of the video. The configuration identified in operation  1320  may then be used to control lighting characteristics as described in other embodiments and processes. 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart showing a seventh lighting control process  1400 , which is an example of identifying the configuration for the light condition and can be utilized in conjunction with other processes, such as the first lighting control process  800  and the second lighting control process  900 . The seventh lighting control process  1400  may be implemented using, as examples, the adjustable lighting systems described in connection with  FIGS. 1-7 . The seventh lighting control process  1400  may be implemented by executing computer program instructions using, for example, controller  102  of the adjustable lighting system  100 . 
     In operation  1410 , a video is displayed in the space that is illuminated, for example, using the user interface device  110 , or another device that is located in the space and is in communication with the controller  102 . The video being displayed may be received by the playback device, for example, by accessing a stored video, by capturing a video using a camera, or by receiving a video by a data transmission from a remote computing device. 
     In operation  1420 , a first user input is received. The first user input identifies a first portion of the video. Operation  1420  may be performed using the user interface device  110  of the adjustable lighting system  100 . As an example, using a computing device that incorporates a touchscreen interface device, the user may tap an area of the screen where the video is displayed in order to select the portion of the video that is being displayed at the location of the tap. 
     In operation  1430 , the configuration for the light condition is identified based on the video that was displayed in operation  1410 , by sampling one or more frames of the video. In particular, the configuration may be identified by sampling one or more frames of the video at the location identified by the first user input received in operation  1420 , and identifying a light intensity based on the brightness of the sample and/or identifying a color based on the color present in the sampled portion of the video. The identified brightness or color may be, for example, an average brightness or an average color in the selected portion of the video. The configuration identified in operation  1430  may then be used to control lighting characteristics as described in other embodiments and processes. 
     As display of the video continues, the process proceeds to operation  1440 , in which an update of the configuration for the light condition is initiated. The update may be performed once per frame of the video, at predetermined intervals, at random intervals, or according to any other schedule or in response to any condition. After the update is initiated in operation  1440 , the process returns to operation  1430  to again identify the configuration for the light condition. 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart showing an eighth lighting control process  1500 , which is an example of identifying the configuration for the light condition and can be utilized in conjunction with other processes, such as the first lighting control process  800  and the second lighting control process  900 . The eighth lighting control process  1500  may be implemented using, as examples, the adjustable lighting systems described in connection with  FIGS. 1-7 . The eighth lighting control process  1500  may be implemented by executing computer program instructions using, for example, controller  102  of the adjustable lighting system  100 . 
     In operation  1510 , a video is received. As examples, an image can be received by accessing a stored image, by capturing an image using a camera, or by receiving an image by a data transmission from a remote computing device. In operation  1520 , a first user input is received. The first user input identifies a first time point in the video. Operation  1520  may be performed using the user interface device  110  of the adjustable lighting system  100 . In operation  1522 , a second user input is received. The second user input identifies a second time point in the video. Operation  1520  may be performed using the user interface device  110  of the adjustable lighting system  100 . 
     In operation  1530 , a first color value is identified based on the first time point of the video, such as by sampling the first color value from a portion of a video frame from the first time point of the video. In operation  1532 , a second color value is identified based on the second time point of the video, such as by sampling the second color value from a portion of a video frame from the second time point of the video. 
     In operation  1540 , the configuration for the light condition is identified based on the first color value that was identified in operation  1530  and the second color value that was identified in operation  1532 . As an example, the configuration for the internal light condition may be set such that it initially is based on the first color, and changes to the second color during a time period. Thus, the configuration for the internal light condition may change over time, such as by a gradual transition from the first color to the second color. The time period may correspond to a temporal separation of the first and second time points of the video. Additional time points may also be used to identify other colors from the video for setting the configuration of the light condition. 
     The configuration identified in operation  1540  may then be used to control lighting characteristics as described in other embodiments and processes. This control may occur independent of display of the video. As an example, the configuration determined in operation  1540  may be saved for later use. 
       FIG. 16  is a block diagram showing communications between an adjustable lighting system  1600 , a first video conference endpoint  1646 , and a second video conference endpoint  1652 . The adjustable lighting system  1600  may incorporate the same features as any or all of the adjustable lighting systems described with respect to  FIGS. 1-7 . The first video conference endpoint  1646  is located within an enclosure (not shown in  FIG. 16 ) of the adjustable lighting system  1600 , which may be similar to the enclosure  220  of  FIG. 2 . 
     The first video conference endpoint  1646  includes a first video capture device  1648  that is exposed to a first lighting condition  1650 . The second video conference endpoint  1652  includes a second video capture device  1654  that is exposed to a second lighting condition  1656 . 
     Video signals are transmitted between the first video conference endpoint  1646  and the second video conference endpoint  1652 . The video captured at the second video conference endpoint  1652  is transmitted to the first video conference endpoint  1646 , and is output for display at the first video conference endpoint  1646 . The video received at the first video conference endpoint  1646  may be used to control the adjustable lighting system  1600 . As examples, the video received at the first video conference endpoint  1646  from the second video conference endpoint  1652  may be used as described in the sixth lighting control process  1300  or the seventh lighting control process  1400 . In some embodiments, the user of the first video conference endpoint  1646  may cause the adjustable lighting system  1610  to set the light condition based on a light condition in a selected portion of a video frame received from the second video conference endpoint  1652 . In some embodiments, the user of the first video conference endpoint  1646  may cause the adjustable lighting system  1610  to periodically update the light condition in the illuminated space based on a light condition in a selected portion of a video frame recently received from the second video conference endpoint  1652 . 
       FIG. 17  shows an example of a hardware configuration for a controller  1700  that may be used to implement the controller  102  and/or other portions of the adjustable lighting system  100 . In the illustrated example, the controller  1700  includes a processor  1710 , a memory  1720 , a storage device  1730 , one or more input devices  1740 , and one or more output devices  1750 . These components may be interconnected by hardware such as a bus  1760  that allows communication between the components. The processor  1710  may be a conventional device such as a central processing unit, and is operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. The memory  1720  may be a volatile, high-speed, short-term information storage device such as a random-access memory module. The storage device  1730  may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive or a solid state drive. The input devices  1740  may include any type of human-machine interface, such as buttons, switches, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen input device, a gestural input device, or an audio input device. The output devices  1750  may include any type of device operable to provide an indication to a user regarding an operating state, such as a display screen or an audio output.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170822
Publication Date: 20191112
Grant Date: 20191112
Priority Date: 20160915
Inventors: MAZUIR, Clarisse
CHALMERS, DEVIN W.
Kingman, David E.
DAN, BUDHADIPTA
COHOON, GREGORY A.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H05B45/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05B47/11", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05B47/155", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05B41/39", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05B39/042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G2320/0626", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G5/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133615", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05B39/042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05B41/39", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G5/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G2320/0626", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133615", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02B20/40", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 68466126