Night light apparatus and method for altering the environment of a room

• US 5,307,051 A
• Filed: 09/24/1991
• Issued: 04/26/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 09/24/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Steven R. Sedlmayr
• Original Assignee: Steven R. Sedlmayr
• Inventors: Sedlmayr, Steven R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Swann, III, Glen R.
• Application Number:
  US07/764,777
• Time in Patent Office: 945 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573, 340/575, 340/540, 340/692, 181/0.5, 307/117, 362/276, 362/802, 362/458, 362/253, 446/175, 446/227, 40/473, 40/457
• US Class Current: 340/573.1
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 3/001 simulating physiological processes, e.g. heartbeat, breathing or fever with fluid ingestion or emission A63H3/24
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 3/006 provided with electrical lighting electrical lighting F21
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/035 by means of plugging into a wall outlet, e.g. night light
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 17/00 Fire alarms; Alarms responsive to explosion

Abstract

A night light apparatus and method alters the environment of a room, particularly a darkened room, in response to an audio input such as a child'"'"'s voice. The apparatus and method is adapted to provide a sense of security to a child in a room in order to improve the child'"'"'s sleeping habits and reduce or eliminate the child'"'"'s fear of the dark or the child'"'"'s fear of being left alone. A predetermined audio level in the darkened room is sensed. If the audio level exceeds a background noise level, a signal is generated and an audio output and a light output are activated. The audio output may include a bedtime story or a soothing song. The light output may include an image such as a cartoon character that is lit. A fire and smoke detector may also be included to activate audio instructions to a child in the event of a fire. The apparatus may be suitably programmed to transmit a signal to a remote location and activate an object warning device and/or a motion generating device.

Claims

1. A method of altering an environment of a room for providing a sense of security to a child, said method comprising the steps of:

a. sensing an ambient audio level, and a light level in the room and generating a signal in response to detecting an audio level a predetermined amount above said ambient level when the light level in said room is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold intensity;

b. using the generated signal to activate a generator of an audio output and a light output;

c. following activation of said generator, generating an audio output and a light output in said room;

d. following generation of said audio output and light output, sensing again said pre-determined audio level in said room and generating another signal in response thereto and using said signal to activate again said generator and, following actuation of said generator, generating another audio output and light output in said darkened room;

e. providing an image in said room for viewing by said child; and

f. using said generated output to illuminate said image.

2. A method as described in claim 1 and wherein:

a child'"'"'s voice input produces the detected audio level; and

the child'"'"'s voice input is continuously sensed.

3. A method as described in claim 1 wherein:

said image is recognizable by said child.

4. A method as described in claim 1 wherein:

said image is provided on a surface portion in said room, and;

said generated light output illuminates said surface portion.

5. A method as described in claim 1 wherein:

said image is a character recognizable by said child; and

said generated light output illuminates said recognizable character.

6. A method as described in claim 1 wherein:

a surface portion contains a cartoon character as said image; and

said generated light output illuminates said cartoon character.

7. A method as described in claim 1 including the step of:

g. gradually reducing the intensity of the light output.

8. A method as described in claim 1 including the step of:

g. gradually reducing the level of the audio output.

9. A method as described in claim 1 including the step of:

g. gradually reducing the level of the light output and the audio output.

10. A method as described in claim 1 including the steps of:

g. detecting the existence of smoke and/or fire and generating a signal in response thereto;

h. providing a means for furnishing information in audible form instructing said child as to the course of action to pursue; and

i. using the signal generated in response to said smoke and/or fire detection to activate said means for furnishing information in audible form while deactivating that portion of the generator for generating an audio output.

11. A method as described in claim 1 including the steps of:

g. counting the number of times an audio level said predetermined amount above said ambient level has been sensed within a predetermined period of time (T4) and generating a second signal in response to a predetermined number of times of sensing such an audio level;

i. using said second generated signal to activate a transmitter for transmitting a signal to a remote location; and

j. receiving at said remote location the signal transmitted by said transmitter.

12. A method as described in claim 11 in which the step of receiving the transmitted signal at a remote location includes receiving the transmitted signal at a location outside said room.

13. A method of altering an environment of a room, said method comprising the steps of:

a. sensing a predetermined audio level in the room and generating a signal in response thereto;

b. using the generated signal to activate a generator of an audio output and a light output;

c. following activation of said generator, generating an audio output and a light output in said room; and

d. following generation of said audio output and light output, sensing again said predetermined audio level in said room and generating another signal in response thereto and using said signal to activate again said generator and, following actuation of said generator, generating another audio output and light output in said room;

e. providing a means for warming an object;

f. providing a means for enabling activation for said object warming means; and

g. using said generated signal to activate said warming means.

14. A method as described in claim 13 in which the step of providing a means for warming an object includes providing a means for warming a bottle of liquid.

15. A method as described in claim 13 including the steps of:

h. counting the number of times said predetermined audio level has been sensed within a predetermined period of time (T4) and generating a second signal in response to a predetermined number of times of sensing said predetermined audio level;

i. using said second generated signal to activate a transmitter for transmitting a signal to a remote location; and

j. receiving at said remote location the signal transmitted by said transmitter.

16. A method as described in claim 15 in which the step of receiving the transmitted signal at a remote location includes receiving the transmitted signal at a location outside said room.

17. A method of altering an environment of a room, said method comprising the steps of:

a. sensing a predetermined audio level in the room and generating a signal in response thereto;

b. using the generated signal to activate a generator of an audio output and a light output;

c. following activation of said generator, generating an audio output and a light output in said room; and

d. following generation of said audio output and light output, sensing again said predetermined audio level in said room and generating another signal in response thereto and using said signal to activate again said generator and, following actuation of said generator, generating another audio output and light output in said room;

e. providing an image in said room; and

f. providing fiber optic means to convey the generating light output to said image.

18. A method of altering an environment of a room, said method comprising the steps of:

a. sensing a predetermined audio level in the room and generating a signal in response thereto;

b. using the generated signal to activate a generator of an audio output and a light output;

c. following activation of said generator, generating an audio output and a light output in said room;

d. following generation of said audio output and light output, sensing again said predetermined audio level in said room and generating another signal in response thereto and using said signal to activate again said generator and, following actuation of said generator, generating another audio output and light output in said room; and

e. providing an image in said room, at least a portion of said image being formed, in part, by fiber optic means operatively associated with said signal generator.

19. A method as described in claim 18 in which the step of generating an audio output and light output includes generating a light output having an intensity less than a predetermined threshold intensity.

20. A method as described in claim 18 wherein:

said image is of a cartoon character; and

said generated light output illuminates said image of said cartoon character.

21. A method as described in claim 18 wherein:

said image is provided by using said generated light output to convey to a surface portion in said room an image recognizable by said child.

22. A method as described in claim 18 wherein:

said image is provided as a surface portion containing a cartoon character; and

said generated light output illuminates said cartoon character.

23. A method as described in claim 18 including the step of:

f. reducing gradually the intensity of the light output.

24. A method as described in claim 18 including the steps of:

f. following the second generation of said audio output and said light output, sensing again said predetermined audio level in said room and generating a signal in response thereto and using said signal to activate said generator; and

g. following actuation of said generator, generating yet another another output imitating a heartbeat and another light output in said room.

25. A method of altering an environment of a room, said method comprising the steps of:

a. sensing a predetermined audio level in the room and generating a signal in response thereto;

b. using the generated signal to activate a generator of an audio output and a light output;

c. following activation of said generator, generating an audio output and a light output in said room;

d. following generation of said audio output and light output, sensing again said predetermined audio level in said room and generating another signal in response thereto and using said another signal to activate again said generator and, following actuation of said generator, generating another audio output and light output in said room;

e. gradually reducing the level of the light output and the audio output;

f. providing a means for warming an object;

g. providing a means for activating said object warming means; and

h. following an interval of time, using said generated signal to activate said object warming means.

26. A method as described in claim 25 including the steps of:

i. providing an image in said room; and

j. using said generated light output to illuminate said image.

27. A method of altering an environment of a room, said method comprising the steps of:

a. sensing an ambient audio level and a light level in the room and generating a signal in response to detecting an audio level a predetermined amount above said ambient level when the light level in said room is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold intensity;

b. using the generated signal to activate a generator of an audio output and a light output;

c. following activation of said generator, generating an audio output and a light output in said room;

d. following generation of said audio output and light output, sensing again said predetermined audio level in said room and generating another signal in response thereto and using said another signal to activate again said generator and, following actuation of said generator, generating another audio output and light output in said room;

e. following the second generation of said audio output and said light output, sensing again said predetermined audio level in said room and generating a third signal in response thereto and using said third signal to activate said generator;

f. following actuation of said generator, generating yet another audio output and light output in said room;

g. providing an image in said room;

h. using said generated light output to illuminate said image; and

i. reducing the intensity of the light output during a part of one of the times light output is being generated.

28. A method as described in claim 27 in which the step of generating an audio output and light output includes generating a light output having an intensity less than a predetermined threshold intensity.

29. A method as described in claim 27 wherein:

said image in said room is recognizable by a child; and

said generated light output illuminates said recognizable image.

30. A method as described in claim 27 wherein:

said image is provided by using said generated light output to convey to a surface portion in said room an image recognizable by a child.

31. A method as described in claim 27 wherein:

said image is provided by using said generated light output to illuminate in said room a character recognizable by said child.

32. A method as described in claim 27 wherein:

said image is provided by using said generated light output to illuminate a surface portion containing a cartoon character.

33. A method of altering an environment of a darkened room for providing a sense of security to a child, said method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a generator for generating an audio output and light output in the darkened room;

b. activating said generator for a first predetermined period of time;

c. following generation of said audio output and light output for said first predetermined period of time, periodically sensing a predetermined audio level above an ambient level in the darkened room for a second predetermined period of time and generating a signal in response to the child'"'"'s voice input at the predetermined audio level above said ambient level;

d. using the generated signal to activate the generator of an audio output and light output for a second predetermined period of time;

e. following activation of said generator for said second predetermined period of time in response to said generated signal, sensing again said ambient audio level in said darkened room and generating another signal in response to a child'"'"'s voice input at a predetermined level above said ambient level and using said signal to activate said generator for a third predetermined period of time and, following activation of said generator, generating another audio output and light output in said darkened room for a third predetermined period of time and wherein,

the step c is performed only when sensing a light intensity in the darkened room having an intensity less than a predetermined amount.

34. A method as described in claim 33 including the steps of:

f. providing an image in said darkened room; and

g. using said generated light output to illuminate said image.

35. A method as described in claim 33 including the steps of:

f. providing an image in said darkened room that is recognizable by said child; and

g. using said generated light output to illuminate said recognizable image.

36. A method as described in claim 33 including the steps of:

f. providing a surface portion in said room, and;

g. using said generated light output to convey an image onto said surface portion, said image being recognizable by said child.

37. A method as described in claim 33 including the steps of:

f. providing a surface portion in said room, and;

g. using said generated light output to convey an image to said surface portion, said image being recognizable by said child.

38. A method as described in claim 33 including the steps of:

f. providing a character in said room recognizable to said child; and

g. using said generated light output to illuminate said recognizable character.

39. A method as described in claim 33 including the steps of:

f. providing in said room a surface portion containing a cartoon character; and

g. using said generated light output to illuminate said cartoon character.

40. A method as described in claim 33 including the steps of:

f. detecting the existence of smoke and/or fire and generating a signal in response thereto;

g. providing a means for furnishing information in audible form instructing a child as to the course of action to pursue; and

h. using the signal generated by said smoke and/or fire detector to activate said means for furnishing information in audible form while deactivating that portion of the generator for generating an audible output.

41. A method as described in claim 33 including the steps of:

f. providing a means for warming an object;

g. providing a means for activating said object warming means after a predetermined interval of time; and

h. following said predetermined interval of time, using the generated signal to activate said object warming means following expiration of said predetermined interval of time.

42. A method as described in claim 33 in which the step of providing a means for warming an object includes providing a means for warming a bottle of liquid.

43. A method as described in claim 33 including the step of:

f. reducing the intensity of light output at least during the latter part of said second predetermined period of time.

44. A method as described in claim 33 including the step of:

f. reducing the level of audio output at least during the latter part of said second predetermined period of time.

45. A method as described in claim 33 including the step of:

f. reducing the level of the audio output and the intensity of the light output at least during the latter part of said second predetermined period of time.

46. A method as described in claim 33 in which the step of generating an audio output and light output includes generating a light output having an intensity less than a predetermined threshold intensity.

47. A method as described in claim 33 in which the step of generating an audio output includes forming said audio output as a sound like the heartbeat of the child'"'"'s mother.

48. An apparatus for altering the environment of a room and for providing a source of security for a child, comprising:

a. means for sensing an ambient audio level and a light level in a room for a predetermined period of time (T1) and generating a signal in response to the child'"'"'s voice input at a level a predetermined amount above said ambient audio level only when the light level in said room is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold intensity;

b. means for generating an audio output and light output in said room;

c. mean responsive to said generated signal to activate said means for generating an audio output and light output for a second predetermined period of time (T2); and

d. a surface portion containing an image for viewing by the child, said image being illuminated by said means for generating an audio output and light output.

49. An apparatus as described in claim 48 wherein:

said image is a character recognizable by said child.

50. An apparatus as described in claim 48 wherein:

said image is a cartoon character.

51. An apparatus as described in claim 48 including:

e. means for reducing the intensity of the light output at least during the latter part of said second predetermined period of time (T2).

52. An apparatus as described in claim 48 including:

e. means for reducing the level of audio output and the intensity of the light output at least during the latter part of said second predetermined period of time (T2).

53. An apparatus as described in claim 48 including:

e. means for detecting the existence of smoke and/or fire and generating a signal in response thereof;

f. means for furnishing in said room information in audible form instructing said child as to the course of action to pursue; and

g. means for activating said information furnishing means and deactivating that portion of the generator for generating an audio output.

54. An apparatus as described in claim 48 including:

e. means for warming an object; and

f. means for activating said object warming means after a predetermined interval of time, said means including the signal generated by said means responsive to said generated signal.

55. An apparatus as described in claim 54 in which said means for warming an object includes a means for warming a bottle of liquid.

56. An apparatus as described in claim 54 including:

g. means for sensing the number of times said predetermined audio level has been sensed within a predetermined period of time (T4) and generating a second signal in response to a predetermined number of times of sensing said predetermined audio level;

h. means for using said second generated signal to activate a transmitter for transmitting a signal to a remote location; and

i. means for receiving at a remote location the signal transmitted by said transmitter.

57. An apparatus as described in claim 56 in which the means for receiving the transmitted signal at a remote location includes the means for receiving the transmitted signal at a location outside said room.

58. An apparatus as described in claim 48 including:

e. means for sensing the number of times said predetermined audio level has been sensed within a predetermined period of time (T4) and generating a second signal in response to a predetermined number of times of sensing said predetermined audio level;

f. means for using said second generated signal to activate a transmitter for transmitting a signal to a remote location; and

g. means for receiving at a remote location the signal transmitted by said transmitter.

59. An apparatus as described in claim 48 including:

e. means for periodically generating a sound like a heartbeat of the child'"'"'s mother;

f. means for activating said means for generating the sound like a heartbeat of the child'"'"'s mother for a third predetermined period of time (T3).

60. An apparatus as described in claim 48 wherein:

e. fiber optic means is operatively associated with said light generating means to convey the generated light output to said illuminated image.

61. An apparatus as described in claim 48 wherein:

at least a portion of said illuminated image is formed, in part, by fiber optic means operatively associated with said illuminated image.

62. An apparatus for altering the environment of a room for providing a sense of security to a child in the room comprising:

a. means for generating an audio output and a light output to illuminate an image in the room;

b. means for activating for a first predetermined period of time said means for generating an audio output and a light output in said room;

c. means for sensing an ambient audio level in said room and a light level in said room for a second predetermined period of time and generating a signal in response to a child'"'"'s voice input above said ambient audio level when said light level in said room is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold intensity;

d. means for using said generated signal to activate said means for generating an audio output and a light output for said first predetermined period of time.

63. An apparatus as described in claim 62 including:

e. a surface portion; and

f. means for conveying to said surface portion an image recognizable to said child, said means including the means for generating an audio output and light output.

64. An apparatus as described in claim 62 including:

e. a surface portion containing an image, said image being illuminated by said means for generating an audio output and light output.

65. An apparatus as described in claim 62 including:

e. a surface portion containing a character recognizable by said child, said character being illuminated by said means for generating an audio output and light output.

66. An apparatus as described in claim 62 including:

e. a surface portion containing a cartoon character, said cartoon character being illuminated by said means for generating an audio output and light output.

67. An apparatus as described in claim 62 including:

e. means for reducing the intensity of the light output at least during the latter part of said first predetermined period of time.

68. An apparatus as described in claim 62 including:

e. means for reducing the level of audio output and the intensity of light output at least during the latter part of said first predetermined period of time.

69. An apparatus as described in claim 62 including:

e. means for reducing the level of audio output at least during the latter part of said first predetermined period of time.

70. An apparatus as described in claim 62 including:

e. means for detecting the existence of smoke and/or fire and generating a signal in response thereto;

f. means for furnishing in said room information in audible form instructing said child in the course of action to pursue; and

g. means for activating said information furnishing means and deactivating that portion of the generator for generating an audio output.

71. An apparatus as described in claim 62 including:

e. means for warming an object; and

f. means for activating said object warming means after a predetermined interval of time (T3), said means responsive to the signal generated in response to said child'"'"'s voice input.

72. An apparatus as described in claim 62 including:

e. means for generating motion for rocking said child'"'"'s bed; and

f. means for activating said means for generating motion.

73. An apparatus as described in claim 62 including:

e. means responsive to said activating means for said first predetermined period of time for periodically generating a sound like a heartbeat of the child'"'"'s mother.

74. A night light apparatus, comprising:

a. a housing containing a portion of a pre-determined shape of a cartoon character and having a surface portion thereof formed of a translucent material;

b. at least one audio output means supported in the housing for generating an audio output;

c. at least one light output means supported in the housing for lighting the translucent material; and

d. electronic control means for controlling operation of the audio output means and light output means, the electronic control means comprising;

(1) an audio level detection means for detecting sound levels above a pre-determined audio threshold including a child'"'"'s voice and generating a signal in response thereto;

(2) a trigger for activating the audio output means to generate the audio output and for activating the light output means to light the housing;

(3) means for receiving the signal generated by the audio detection means and activating said trigger in response thereto;

(4) a timer for controlling a period during which the trigger is activated;

(5) a start switch for manually activating said trigger;

(6) light detection means for detecting light levels below a light threshold and generating a signal in response thereto; and

(7) means for receiving the signal generated by the light detection means and activating said audio output means and said light output means in response thereto.

75. A night light apparatus as described in claim 74 wherein at least a part of said surface portion includes a portion of a recognizable character.

76. A night light apparatus as described in claim 74 wherein at least a part of said surface portion includes a portion of a recognizable cartoon character.

77. A night light apparatus as described in claim 74 wherein the audio output means is an audio cassette player and the audio output is prerecorded.

78. A night light apparatus as described in claim 74 including:

e. a means supported in the housing and operable by said electronic control means for generating a second audio output.

79. A night light apparatus as described in claim 78 in which said second audio output sounds like a heartbeat.

80. A night light apparatus as described in claim 74 wherein the control means further includes a fire and/or smoke detector connected to the electronic control means.

81. A night light apparatus as described in claim 74 wherein said audio output means includes an information storage device selected from the group consisting of a compact disk, a digitally recorded memory device, an integrated circuit chip, a three dimensional storage device, an electromagnetic device, and an optical storage device.

82. A night light apparatus as described in claim 74 in which the light output means includes an image generating means.

83. A night light apparatus as described in claim 74 wherein the audio detection means includes means for adjusting the audio threshold based on the detected ambient audio level.

85. A night light apparatus as described in claim 83 in which said control means includes:

(g) a first gate connected to receive the output of an audio detection means and the output of a light detection means and in response thereto generating a re-trigger output when, following time-out of a timer, a sound level above an audio threshold is detected and a light level below a light threshold is detected; and

(h) a second gate having first and second inputs and an output connected to the timer, the first input of the second gate being connected to receive the output of the first gate and the second input being connected to receive the output of a start switch.

86. A night light apparatus as described in claim 85 wherein the surface portion includes an image of cartoon character and the audio output is a story about the cartoon character.

87. A night light apparatus as described in claim 85 wherein the light detection means includes means for adjusting the light threshold.

84. A night light apparatus comprising:

a. a housing;

b. a surface portion, said housing including means for supporting said surface portion;

c. at least one lighting means for lighting said surface portion;

d. a first audio device and an audio output device supported by the housing for generating a first audio output;

e. a second audio device connected to the audio output device and supported by the housing for generating a second audio output that simulates a heartbeat; and

f. a control means for automatically activating the audio devices and the lighting means in response to a child'"'"'s voice by sensing a predetermined audio level for a predetermined period of time.

88. A night light apparatus for providing a sense of security to a child in a darkened room comprising:

a. a housing;

b. means for conveying an image, said means including a surface portion;

c. at least one audio device and an audio output device supported by the housing for generating an audio output;

d. at least one lighting means for lighting said surface portion; and

e. control means for controlling the operation of the audio device and the lighting means, said control means comprising;

(1) light detection means for detecting a light level in said room;

(2) audio detection means for detecting audio levels above a pre-determined threshold level and generating a signal indicative thereof when the light level in said room is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold intensity;

(3) trigger means for activating the audio device to generate the audio output and for activating the lighting means to light said surface portion;

(4) said trigger means being actuated by the signal generated by said audio detection means;

(5) timing means for controlling the period during which the trigger means is activated; and

(6) means for controlling the operation of the timing means.

89. A night light apparatus as described in claim 88 and further comprising a motion generating means coupled to and operable by the trigger means for rocking a bed of the child.

90. A method of altering an environment of a darkened room for providing a sense of security to a child, said method comprising the steps of:

a. sensing the light level in the darkened room and generating a first signal in response to sensing an audio level a predetermined amount above an ambient level when the light level in said room is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold intensity;

b. using the first generated signal to activate a generator of an audio output and a light output;

c. following activation of said generator, generating an audio output and light output in said room for a predetermined first period of time thereby providing a sense of security to a child during said predetermined first period of time; and

d. following cessation of generation of said audio output and light output for said predetermined first period of time, sensing again said predetermined audio level above an ambient level in said darkened room and generating a second signal in response thereto and using said second signal to activate again said generator and, following activation of said generator, generating another audio output and light output in said darkened room for a predetermined second period of time, thereby providing a sense of security to said child during said predetermined second period of time.

91. A method of altering an environment of a darkened room for providing a sense of security to a child, said method comprising the steps of:

a. sensing a predetermined audio level above an ambient level in the darkened room and generating first signal in response thereto;

b. using the first generating signal to activate a generator of an audio output;

c. following activation of said generator, generating an audio output imitating a heartbeat in said room for a predetermined first period of time thereby providing a sense of security to a child during said predetermined first period of time; and

d. following cessation of generation of said audio output for said predetermined first period of time, sensing again said predetermined audio level above an ambient level in said darkened room and generating a second signal in response thereto and using said second signal to activate again said generator and, following activation of said generator, generating another audio output imitating a heartbeat in said darkened room for a predetermined second period of time, thereby providing a sense of security to said child during said predetermined second period of time.

92. A method for altering the environment of a room comprising:

a. sensing in said room an ambient audio level and a light level;

b. sensing an audio level a predetermined amount above said ambient level and generating a signal in response thereto only when the light level in said room is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold intensity;

c. using said signal to actuate a generator of an audio output and a light output in said room; and

d. altering the environment in said room by maintaining said audio output and light output for a predetermined period of time.

93. A method as described in claim 92 in which the step of sensing the predetermined audio level above said ambient level includes sensing a child'"'"'s voice when it exceeds said ambient level.

94. A method as described in claim 93 and wherein said light output is used for illuminating an image.

95. A method as described in claim 94 and wherein said audio output is a bedtime story.

96. A method as described in claim 92 including conveying at least a portion of the generated light output by fiber optic means.

97. A method as described in claim 92 including gradually reducing the level of the light output following expiration of said predetermined period of time.

98. A method as described in claim 92 including gradually reducing the level of the audio output following expiration of said predetermined period of time.

99. A method as described in claim 92 in which said audio output in step (d) includes a heartbeat.

100. A method as described in claim 92 in which step (c) includes activating a transmitter for transmitting a signal to a remote location and receiving at said remote location the signal transmitted by said transmitter.

101. A method as described in claim 92 and wherein said light output is used for projecting an image.