Multi-dimensional control of arrayed lights to produce synchronized dynamic decorative patterns of display, particularly for festival and Christmas lights

• US 5,747,940 A
• Filed: 01/11/1996
• Issued: 05/05/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 01/11/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Renato M. Openiano
• Original Assignee: Renato M. Openiano
• Inventors: Openiano, Renato M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pascal, Robert
• Assistant Examiner(s): VU, DAVID HUNG
• Application Number:
  US08/585,209
• Time in Patent Office: 845 Days
• Field of Search: 362/249, 362/252, 362/806, 362/122, 362/123, 315/185 S, 315/185 R, 315/312, 315/194, 315/195, 315/291, 315/307, 315/294
• US Class Current: 315/185.00S
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 10/02 changing colors F21S10/002 - F21S10/007, F21S10/04 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/10 with light sources attached to loose electric cables, e.g. Christmas tree lights
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0407 for flashing
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2121/04 for Christmas trees
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/155 Coordinated control of two or more light sources
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/806 Ornamental or decorative

Abstract

A number of voltage and ground buses--normally four or more each of which respectively connects to groups of lights within a large number of lights that are typically both multicolored and regularly geometrically arrayed in two and three dimensions--are separately simultaneously selectively energized in order to produce dynamic decorative patterns of display, particularly for use as Christmas lights. Buses are preferably selectively enabled and energized in at least four major and ten or more minor combinations in order to, along with differences in sequencing and phasing and timing, produce great numbers of different display patterns, typically at least ten such patterns that are recognizable to an observer. The progressive displays of a great number of individual light arrays may be coordinated in both (i) synchronization, and (ii) repetition rate, by the simple expedients of (i) applying a.c. line power to all light arrays in common at the same time, and (ii) selecting by wire jumpers a fundamental repetition rate at each light array.

Claims

1. An electrical system electrically connected between a system voltage and a system ground for producing decorative patterns of display in a multiplicity of lights, the system comprising;

a multiplicity of arrayed lights each for emitting illumination when electrically connected between the system voltage and the system ground;

a plurality of voltage distribution buses, each connected to an associated plurality of the arrayed lights, and each selectively electrically connected to the system voltage so as to carry the system voltage to the arrayed lights of the associated plurality;

a plurality of ground buses, each connected to an associated plurality of the arrayed lights, and each selectively electrically connected to the system ground so as to carry the system ground to the arrayed lights of the associated plurality;

means for selectively electrically connecting one or more of the plurality of voltage buses to the system voltage, and also for selectively electrically connecting one or more of the plurality of ground buses to the system ground, so that those individual ones of all the multiplicity of lights that are electrically connected between both a system-voltage-connected one of the plurality of voltage busses, and also to a system-ground-connected one of the plurality of ground buses, will emit illumination while other individual ones of the multiplicity of lights not then so connected will not then illuminate;

wherein selected ones of the multiplicity of arrayed lights are illuminated, producing a display.

2. The electrical system according to claim 1 wherein the multiplicity of lights are circularly arrayed.

3. The electrical system according to claim 1

wherein the multiplicity of lights are arrayed in a two-dimensional matrix.

4. The electrical system according to claim 1

wherein each of the plurality of voltage distribution buses carries system voltage to the arrayed lights of the associated plurality in electrical series.

5. The electrical system according to claim 1

wherein each of the plurality of voltage distribution buses carries system voltage to the arrayed lights of the associated plurality in electrical parallel.

6. The electrical system according to claim 1

wherein each of the plurality of ground buses carries system ground to the arrayed lights of the associated plurality in electrical parallel.

7. The electrical system according to claim 1

wherein each of the plurality of ground buses carries system ground to the arrayed lights of the associated plurality in electrical series.

8. The electrical system according to claim 1

wherein the means for selectively energizing momentarily

(i) electrically connects all the plurality of voltage buses to the system voltage, and, concurrently,

(ii) electrically connects all the plurality of ground buses to the system ground;

therein momentarily illuminating all the multiplicity of lights.

9. The electrical system according to claim 1

wherein the means for selectively energizing momentarily

(i) electrically connects all the plurality of voltage buses to the system voltage, and, concurrently,

(ii) electrically connects in successive rotation all the plurality of ground buses to the system ground;

therein momentarily illuminating in rotation successive pluralities of the multiplicity of lights, which pluralities are respectively connected to the plurality of ground buses.

10. The electrical system according to claim 1

wherein the means for selectively energizing momentarily

(i) electrically connects all the plurality of ground buses to the system ground, and, concurrently,

(ii) electrically connects in successive rotation all the plurality of voltage buses to the system voltage;

therein momentarily illuminating in rotation successive pluralities of the multiplicity of lights, which pluralities are respectively connected to the plurality of voltage buses.

11. The electrical system according to claim 1

wherein the means for selectively energizing momentarily

(i) electrically connects in successive rotation all the plurality of ground buses to the system ground, and, concurrently, momentarily

(ii) electrically connects in successive rotation all the plurality of voltage buses to the system voltage;

therein momentarily illuminating in rotation successive ones of the multiplicity of lights.

12. The electrical system according to claim 1

wherein the multiplicity of arrayed lights emit light in a plurality of colors.

13. The electrical system according to claim 12

wherein the multiplicity of arrayed lights are arrayed in a geometric pattern.

14. The electrical system according to claim 13

wherein the plural colors of the multiplicity of arrayed lights are also in a geometric pattern.

15. A plurality of the electrical systems according to claim 1 wherein each comprises:

a means for synchronizing an onset of a succession of sequential displays with others of the plurality of systems.

16. The plurality of the electrical systems according to claim 15

wherein the means for synchronizing the onset of a succession of sequential displays is also for determining the rate of successive sequential displays.

17. The plurality of the electrical systems according to claim 16

wherein the means for synchronizing the onset and for determining the rate of successive sequential displays is so determining the rate in consideration of the rate of at least one other of the plurality of systems.

18. The plurality of the electrical systems according to claim 17

wherein the means for synchronizing the onset and for determining the rate of successive sequential displays is so determining the rate to be an integer multiple of the rate of at least one other of the plurality of systems.

19. The electrical system according to claim 1 further comprising:

one or more substantially planar substrates each for holding a plurality of the multiplicity of lights in a regular geometrical array.

20. The electrical system according to claim 19

wherein the one or more substantially planar substrates are substantially rectangular, and hold a plurality of the multiplicity of lights in a regular rectangular array.

21. The electrical system according to claim 19

wherein the one or more substantially planar substrates are substantially circular, and hold a plurality of the multiplicity of lights in a regular circular array.

22. A method of selectively electrically energizing an arrayed multiplicity of lights to display patterns, the method comprising;

partitioning the arrayed multiplicity of lights among a plurality of voltage distribution buses each of which voltage distribution buses connects to an associated plurality of the arrayed lights, and each of which voltage distribution buses is selectively electrically connected to a system voltage so as to carry the system voltage to the arrayed lights of the associated plurality;

further partitioning the same arrayed multiplicity of lights among a plurality of ground buses, each of which ground buses connects to an associated plurality of the arrayed lights, and each of which ground buses is selectively electrically connected to the system ground so as to carry a system ground to the arrayed lights of the associated plurality;

first selectively electrically connecting one or more of the plurality of voltage buses to the system voltage; and

second selectively electrically connecting one or more of the plurality of ground buses to the system ground;

wherein those individual ones of all the multiplicity of lights that are electrically connected between both a system-voltage-connected one of the plurality of voltage busses, and also to a system-ground-connected one of the plurality of ground buses, will emit illumination;

wherein other individual ones of the multiplicity of lights not then so connected to both a system-voltage-connected one of the plurality of voltage busses, and also to a system-ground-connected one of the plurality of ground buses, will not then illuminate;

wherein selected ones of the multiplicity of arrayed lights are illuminated, producing a display.

23. A light display comprising:

an arrayed multiplicity of lights;

a plurality of voltage distribution buses, each connected to an associated plurality of the arrayed lights;

a plurality of ground buses, each connected to an associated plurality of the arrayed lights;

means for selectively successively electrically connecting one or more of the plurality of voltage buses to a system voltage, and also for selectively successively electrically connecting one or more of the plurality of ground buses to a system ground, in at least the following four combinations

(1) all the plurality of ground buses are connected to the system ground, and, concurrently, all the plurality of voltage buses are connected to the system voltage;

(2) all the plurality of ground buses are connected to the system ground, and, concurrently, successive ones of the plurality of voltage buses are successively connected to the system voltage;

(3) successive ones of all the plurality of ground buses are successively connected to the system ground, and, concurrently, all the plurality of voltage buses are connected to the system voltage;

(4) successive ones of all the plurality of ground buses are successively connected to the system ground, and, concurrently, successive ones of the plurality of voltage buses are successively connected to the system voltage;

wherein selected ones of the multiplicity of arrayed lights are illuminated, producing a display.

24. A system of a plurality of groups of decorative lights each group comprising:

a multiplicity of lights;

an independent sequencing means sufficient in of itself without outside control for independently sequencing individual ones of the multiplicity of lights to light in succession so as to produce a stepwise sequential light display; and

a means for synchronizing the independent sequencing means with the independent sequencing means of others of the plurality of groups when electrically connected thereto so that a succession of light displays as is produced by each and by all groups commences at the same time, the synchronizing means not interfering with the sequencing that is independently performed by the sequencing means should no other groups be so electrically connected.

25. The system according to claim 24

wherein each means for synchronizing is responsive to an application of power to the associated group of lights.

26. The system according to claim 24

wherein the means for synchronizing so that a succession of sequential displays commences at the same time is also for determining the rate at which the independent sequencing means will affect the successive sequential displays;

wherein the independent sequencing means is independent only in its sequencing function only in that it can, should it be within a group not electrically connected to another group, still function in of itself without outside control.

27. The system according to claim 26

wherein the means for synchronizing within each group, so that the onset and the rate of successive sequential displays is synchronized, is so synchronizing the rate in consideration of the rate of at least one other of the plurality of groups;

wherein, at least as regards rate, no one group nor its synchronizing means is absolutely controlling, but, instead, the synchronizing means of at least two groups interact in determining the synchronized rates of sequential display in both groups.

28. The system according to claim 27

wherein the means for synchronizing the onset and for determining the rate of successive sequential displays within one of the plurality of groups is so determining the rate within that one group to be an integer multiple of the rate of at least one other of the plurality of groups.

29. The system according to claim 24 wherein the means for synchronizing comprises:

a counter connected for continuous sequencing over a predetermined number of sequence steps;

a reset means for resetting the counter when power is first applied to the associated group of lights.

30. The system according to claim 29

wherein the counter is connected for continuous sequencing over a predetermined number of sequence steps by selective jumper wires.

31. The system according to claim 29 wherein reset means comprises:

a relay that when the power is off connects a terminal at which power is received to a reset input of the counter, the application of power serving, for a very brief period because of the delay in relay activation, to reset the counter before the relay disconnects the terminal from the counter.

32. Decorative lights comprising;

a matrix of an arbitrary number W of sub-groups of arrayed lights in a first spatial dimension, and of an arbitrary number X of sub-groups of arrayed lights in a second spatial dimension, for a total of WX sub-groups of arrayed lights;

each sub-group of arrayed lights being of an arbitrary number Y of lights in the first spatial dimension by an arbitrary number Z of lights in the second spatial dimension;

each of the YZ lights of each sub-group being uniquely electrically connected between one of a total number Y of first-type electrical busses and one of a total number Z of second-type electrical buses, where the number of lights Y in a one, first, spatial dimension of each sub-group is thus the same as the total number Y of first-type electrical busses, while the number of lights Z in the other, remaining second, spatial dimension of each sub-group is thus the same as the total number Z of second-type electrical buses, each of the YZ lights so connected

illuminating when an associated one of the Y first-type electrical busses is connected to one of an electrical voltage and an electrical ground while the associated one of the Z second-type electrical busses is also connected to a remaining one of the electrical voltage and the electrical ground, and

not illuminating otherwise;

where the Y first-type electrical busses of each sub-group are electrically common with the Y first-type electrical busses of every other sub-group, and are thus called Y matrix first-type electrical busses;

where the Z second-type electrical busses of each sub-group are electrically common with the Z second-type electrical busses of every other sub-group, and are thus called Z matrix second-type electrical busses;

first means for selectively electrically connecting one or more of the Y matrix first-type electrical busses to one of the electrical voltage and the electrical ground; and

second means for selectively electrically connecting one or more of the Z matrix second-type electrical busses to a remaining one of the electrical voltage and the electrical ground;

wherein those YZ lights that are within each of the WX sub-groups of arrayed lights that are electrically connected to both the selectively-electrically-connected one or more of the Y matrix first-type electrical busses, and also (ii) the (i) the selectively-electrically-connected one or more of the Z matrix second-type electrical busses, will illuminate while no others of the lights will so illuminate;

wherein if the YZ lights of each sub-group are in the same relative spatial positions relative to their electrical connections to the Y matrix first-type electrical busses, and relative to the Z matrix second-type electrical busses, then those particular lights that are at any one time illuminating in each of the WX sub-groups of arrayed lights that are within the matrix will be spatially related, and will form a co-ordinated decorative display of lights not just from a single sub-group, but rather from a matrix consisting of the W sub-groups of arrayed lights in a first dimension, and the X sub-groups of arrayed lights in a second dimension;

wherein co-ordination of light illuminations in a matrix of sub-groups of arrayed lights is realized.

33. The decorative lights according to claim 32

wherein the matrix is of plurality W of sub-groups of arrayed lights in a first dimension, and of 2 sub-groups of arrayed lights in a second dimension, for a total of W×

2=2W sub-groups of arrayed lights;

wherein each sub-group of arrayed lights is of a square dimension of Y=Z lights by Y=Z lights, or Y² lights;

wherein each of the Y×

Y=Y² lights of each sub-group is uniquely electrically connected between one of Y first-type electrical voltage busses and one of Y second-type ground buses;

wherein the Y electrical voltage busses of each sub-group are electrically common with the Y electrical voltage busses of every other sub-group;

wherein the Y electrical ground busses of each sub-group are common with the Y electrical ground busses of every other sub-group;

wherein the first means for selectively electrically connecting is connecting one or more of the Y matrix electrical voltage busses to electrical voltage;

wherein the second means for selectively electrically connecting is connecting one or more of the Y matrix ground busses to ground;

wherein those the lights that are within each of the Y×

Y=Y² sub-groups of arrayed lights that are electrically connected to both the selectively electrically connected one or more of the Y matrix electrical voltage busses, and also to the selectively electrically connected one or more of the Y matrix ground busses, will illuminate while no others of the lights will so illuminate; and

wherein if the Y×

Y=Y² lights of each sub-group are in the same relative spatially positions relative to their electrical connections to the Y electrical voltage busses, and relative to the Y electrical ground busses, then those particular lights at any one time illuminating in each of the W×

2=2W sub-groups of arrayed lights that are within the matrix will be spatially related, and a coordinated decorative display of lights not just from a single sub-group, but rather from the matrix of the W sub-groups of arrayed lights in a first dimension, and the 2 sub-groups of arrayed lights in a second dimension, will be produced.

34. The decorative lights according to claim 33

wherein W equals 3;

and

wherein Y equals 2;

wherein the matrix is thus of 3 sub-groups of arrayed lights in a first dimension, and of 2 sub-groups of arrayed lights in a second dimension, for a total of 3×

2=6 sub-groups of arrayed lights;

wherein each sub-group of arrayed lights is of dimension 4 lights by 4 lights;

wherein each of the 4×

4=16 lights of each sub-group are uniquely electrically connected between a one of 4 first-type electrical voltage busses and a one of 4 second-type ground buses;

wherein the 4 electrical voltage busses of each sub-group are electrically common with the 4 electrical voltage busses of every other sub-group;

wherein the 4 electrical ground busses of each sub-group are electrically common with the 4 electrical ground busses of every other sub-group;

wherein the first means for selectively electrically connecting some one or more of the 4 matrix electrical voltage busses to electrical voltage;

wherein the second means for selectively electrically connecting is connecting one or more of the 4 matrix ground busses to ground;

wherein those lights that are within each of the 4×

4=16 sub-groups of arrayed lights that are electrically connected to both the selectively electrically connected one or more of the 4 matrix electrical voltage busses, and also to the selectively electrically connected one or more of the 4 matrix ground busses, will illuminate while no others of the lights will so illuminate; and

wherein if the 4×

4=16 lights of each sub-group are in the same relative spatially positions relative to their electrical connections to the 4 electrical voltage busses, and relative to the 4 electrical ground busses, then those particular lights at any one time illuminating in each of the 3×

2=6 sub-groups of arrayed lights that are within the matrix will be spatially related, and a co-ordinated decorative display of lights not just from a single sub-group, but rather from the matrix of the 3 sub-groups of arrayed lights in a first dimension, and the 2 sub-groups of arrayed lights in a second dimension, will be produced.

35. To a method of selectively activating decorative lights distributed among and between a number of voltage buses and a ground by selectively sequentially powering one and then another voltage bus so as to cause the lights associated with each voltage bus to selectively sequentially illuminate, an improvement directed to enhancing the sophistication of the selective sequential illuminations of the decorative lights, the improvement method further comprising:

distributing the same decorative lights that are distributed among the number of voltage buses among and between these voltage buses and a number of ground buses; and

selectively sequentially grounding one and then another ground bus so as to cause those of the lights that are associated with each ground bus, and that are also associated with a voltage bus that is concurrently powered, to selectively illuminate, all those lights not connected between a ground bus that is grounded and a voltage bus that is concurrently powered failing to illuminate.

36. The method according to claim 35 applied to a rectangular array of lights with the voltage buses running perpendicular to the ground buses, therein to produce successive sequential patterns of illumination that appear to move diagonally within the rectangular array.

37. The method according to claim 35 applied to a circular array of lights with a one of the voltage and ground buses running radially and the other of the voltage and ground buses running cicumferentially, therein to produce successive sequential patterns of illumination that appear to move on chords within the circular array.