Light emitting diode based products

• US 20030137258A1
• Filed: 09/17/2002
• Published: 07/24/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Philips Lighting North America Corporation (Signify N.V.)
• Original Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated (Signify N.V.)
• Inventors: Lys, Ihor A., Piepgras, Colin, Mueller, George G., Dowling, Kevin J., Morgan, Frederick M.
• Granted Patent: US 6,965,205 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 315/291
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/00 Light sources using semiconductor devices as light-generating elements, e.g. using light-emitting diodes [LED] or lasers
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/035 by means of plugging into a wall outlet, e.g. night light
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2121/006 for illumination or simulation of snowy or iced items, e.g. icicle
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/20 Controlling the colour of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/28 using temperature feedback
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

Various exemplary implementations of light emitting diode (LED) based illumination products and methods are disclosed including, but not limited to, glow sticks, key chains, toys, balls, various game accessories, light bulbs, night lights, wall lights, wall switches, wall sockets, wall panels, modular lights, flexible lights, automotive lights, wearable accessories, light ropes, decorative lights such as icicles and icicle strings, light tubes, insect control lights and methods, and lighted air fresheners/scent dispensers. Any of the foregoing devices may be equipped with various types of user interfaces (both “local” and “remote”) to control light generated from the device. Additionally, devices may be controlled via light control information or programs stored in device memory and/or transmitted or downloaded to the devices (e.g., devices may be controlled individually or collectively in groups via a network, glow sticks or other products may be downloaded with programming information that is stored in memory, etc.). Devices also may include sensors so that the generated light may change in response to various operating and/or environmental conditions or a user input. Various optical processing devices which may be used with any of the devices (e.g., reflectors, diffusers, etc.) also are disclosed.

Claims

1. An illuminated wall panel apparatus, comprising:

an essentially planar member; and

an LED-based light source adapted to be positioned with respect to the essentially planar member so as to be behind the essentially planar member when the essentially planar member is mounted on a wall, the LED-based light source configured to generate light that is perceived by an observer while viewing the essentially planar member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the LED-based light source is adapted to output at least first radiation having a first wavelength and second radiation having a second wavelength.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the LED-based light source includes a controller to independently control at least a first intensity of the first radiation and a second intensity of the second radiation.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to independently control at least the first intensity of the first radiation and the second intensity of the second radiation so as to vary an overall color of the light perceived by the observer.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to independently control at least the first intensity of the first radiation and the second intensity of the second radiation so as to vary an overall brightness of the light perceived by the observer.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the essentially planar member is adapted to be essentially flush-mounted on the wall.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the essentially planar member is adapted as a panel to form a portion of the wall.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the essentially planar member includes a shaped portion so as to direct at least some of the light generated by the LED-based light source.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the essentially planar member is formed so as to optically alter at least some of the light generated by the LED-based light source.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further including at least one fiber optic to direct at least some of the light generated by the LED-based light source to the essentially planar member.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the essentially planar member includes at least one switch mounted thereon, and wherein the LED-based light source is positioned so as to illuminate at least the at least one switch, such that at least some of the light is perceived by the observer via the at least one switch.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the essentially planar member includes at least one socket mounted thereon, and wherein the LED-based light source is positioned so as to illuminate at least the at least one socket, such that at least some of the light is perceived by the observer via the at least one socket.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further including at least one user interface adapted to facilitate control of the LED-based light source.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one user interface is mounted on the essentially planar member.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the LED-based light source is adapted to receive at least one control signal from an external or remote device or a network to facilitate control of the LED-based light source.