Data delivery track

• US 6,720,745 B2
• Filed: 12/17/1998
• Issued: 04/13/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Philips Lighting North America Corporation (Signify N.V.)
• Original Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated (Signify N.V.)
• Inventors: Lys, Ihor, Mueller, George G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Wilson
• Application Number:
  US09/213,540
• Publication Number:
  US 20010028227A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,944 Days
• Field of Search: 315/291, 315/292-296, 315/295, 315/362, 315/312, 315/315, 315/317, 315/326, 315/316, 315/324, 315/360, 315/185.R, 315/185.S, 315/318
• US Class Current: 315/312
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0652 Arrays of diodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/0616 Skin treatment other than tanning
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/0618 Psychological treatment
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/20 Light sources comprising attachment means
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/23 Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with a single fitting for each light source, e.g. for substitution of incandescent lamps with bayonet or threaded fittings
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 2/00 Systems of lighting devices, not provided for in main groups F21S4/00 - F21S10/00 or F21S19/00, e.g. of modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/28 rigid, e.g. LED bars
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0442 activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/004 Sanitary equipment, e.g. mirrors, showers, toilet seats or paper dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/006 General building constructions or finishing work for buildings, e.g. roofs, gutters, stairs or floors; Garden equipment; Sunshades or parasols
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2111/027 for indicating kerbs, steps or stairs
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2111/08 for handles or handrails
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2105/10 comprising a two-dimensional array of point-like light-generating elements
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2300/06 Passive matrix structure, i.e. with direct application of both column and row voltages to the light emitting or modulating elements, other than LCD or OLED
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2320/0626 for control of overall brightness
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2320/0666 for control of colour parameters, e.g. colour temperature
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/14 Semiconductor devices, e.g. diodes
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/2014 by modulation of the duration of a single pulse during which the logic level remains constant
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/32 semiconductive, e.g. using light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/3283 : in which the data driver supplies a variable data current for setting the current through, or the voltage across, the light-emitting elements
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/20 : Controlling the colour of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/30 : Driver circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/325 : Pulse-width modulation [PWM]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/38 : using boost topology
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/46 : having LEDs disposed in parallel lines
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/10 : Controlling the light source
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/155 : Coordinated control of two or more light sources
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/18 : via data-bus transmission
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/30 : Semiconductor lamps, e.g. solid state lamps [SSL] light emitting diodes [LED] or organic LED [OLED]

Abstract

Provided herein may be methods and systems for delivering data, which may include a track having a plurality of conducting wires, a housing for the track, a driver, for delivering data to the track, the driver capable of controlling a transition signal between a state representing a logical one and a state representing a logical zero, and a plurality of devices disposed on the housing and connected to the track, the devices being compatible with the RS-485 standard, wherein the devices include an LED system designed to be controlled by a processor.

Claims

1. A track lighting system comprising:

a plurality of fixtures, at least one fixture of the plurality of fixtures including a plurality of LEDs;

a lighting track adapted to attach mechanically and electrically to the plurality of fixtures, the lighting track including;

a power conductor that provides power to each one of the plurality of fixtures attached to the lighting track;

a data conductor that provides data to each one of the plurality of fixtures attached to the lighting track;

a plurality of electrical attachment points, each electrical attachment point directly electrically connecting at least one of the plurality of fixtures to the power conductor and the data conductor, such that at least two of the fixtures attached to the lighting track directly receive the power from the same power conductor and the data from the same data conductor; and

a plurality of mechanical attachment points, each mechanical attachment point providing mechanical support to at least one fixture of the plurality of fixtures such that the at least one fixture is attached to the lighting track at a plurality of different locations along a length of the lighting track; and

a data driver, the data driver delivering the data to the data conductor, at least a portion of the data being received by each of the plurality of fixtures attached to the lighting track.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of fixtures is compatible with the RS-485 standard.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of fixtures includes an illumination unit.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the illumination unit is digitally controlled to produce a lighting effect including a change of at least one of intensity, direction, focus, or color.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fixtures further includes a processor, the processor configured to process data received from the data conductor to generate signals that control activation of one or more of the plurality of LEDs.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the data driver is capable of controlling a transition signal between a state representing a logical one and a state representing a logical zero.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the data driver includes a controlled waveshape driver.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the controlled waveshape driver has a continuous output of at least one hundred milliamps and a peak output of at least two hundred milliamps.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the controlled waveshape driver generates an output with at least an eight hundred nanosecond transition time.

10. The system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of lighting tracks.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the lighting track includes a terminator for absorbing excess energy in the lighting track.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the terminator includes a bridge rectifier.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the terminator includes a shunt regulator.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the data conductor and the power conductor are provided together using a single pair of conductors.

25. The system of claim 11, wherein the power conductor and the data conductor are arranged as at least one pair of essentially rigid electrically conductive tracks.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the at least one fixture including the plurality of LEDs is configured to process at least the data so as to control at least one of an intensity of radiation generated by the at least one fixture, a color of the generated radiation, a focus of the generated radiation, and a movement of the at least one fixture.

27. The system of claim 26, further comprising at least one controller coupled to the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks and configured to control the at least one fixture including the plurality of LEDs, based at least in part on the data, using a pulse width modulation technique.

28. The system of claim 25, wherein:

the at least one fixture including the plurality of LEDs is configured to output at least first radiation having a first wavelength and second radiation having a second wavelength; and

the system further comprises at least one controller coupled to the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks and configured to independently control at least a first intensity of the first radiation and a second intensity of the second radiation output by the at least one fixture including the plurality of LEDs based at least in part on the data.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the at least one controller is configured to independently control at least the first intensity of the first radiation and the second intensity of the second radiation output by the at least one fixture including the plurality of LEDs using a pulse width modulation technique.

30. The system of claim 25, wherein the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks includes only one pair of electrically conductive tracks to provide both the power and the data to the plurality of fixtures.

31. The system of claim 25, wherein the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks includes at least a first track to provide the power to the plurality of fixtures and at least a second track to provide the data to the plurality of lighting fixtures.

32. The system of claim 25, wherein the lighting track further includes an essentially rigid linear or curvilinear housing, and wherein the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks is mechanically coupled to the housing via at least one electrical insulator.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the housing is metallic.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein the housing includes an extruded aluminum track.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks includes at least two copper conductors, and wherein the at least one insulator includes at least one extruded plastic insulator configured to support the at least two copper conductors.

36. The system of claim 25, wherein the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks includes a controlled impedance medium.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein at least one electrically conductive track of the at least one pair is configured to have a resistance per unit length less than that needed to deliver 1.5 volts of signal to each of the plurality of fixtures.

38. The system of claim 36, wherein at least one electrically conductive track of the at least one pair is configured to have a resistance per unit length of approximately 0.09 ohms per foot.

39. The system of claim 25, further including at least one termination coupled to the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks and configured to compensate at least in part for an inductive effect of the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein the at least one termination is configured to compensate at least in part for the inductive effect of the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks without constantly drawing power from the data conductor.

41. The system of claim 25, further including at least one termination coupled to the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks and configured to clamp a voltage of a signal providing the data to a maximum of approximately +5 volts and a minimum of approximately −

5 volts.

42. The system of claim 25, further including at least one termination coupled to the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks and configured to absorb energy that would otherwise be reflected on the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein the at least one termination is configured to absorb approximately 95% of the energy that would otherwise be reflected on the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks.

15. A method of controlling fixtures on a lighting track comprising:

supplying a plurality of fixtures;

attaching each one of the plurality of fixtures to an electrical attachment point of a lighting track, the lighting track including a power conductor and a data conductor, the electrical attachment point directly electrically connecting at least one of the plurality of fixtures to the power conductor and the data conductor, such that at least two of the fixtures attached to the lighting track directly receive power from the same power conductor and data from the same data conductor;

transmitting the power through the power conductor to the plurality of fixtures;

transmitting the data through the data conductor to the plurality of fixtures; and

receiving at least a portion of the data at one of the plurality of fixtures, the portion of the data controlling the operation of one or more LEDs in a plurality of LEDs in the one of the plurality of fixtures.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein one of the plurality of fixtures is an illumination unit.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein at least the one fixture includes a processor, the processor controlling operation of the LEDs of the one fixture.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein transmitting data includes controlling a transition signal between a state representing a logical one and a state representing a logical zero.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein transmitting data includes driving the data with a controlled waveshape driver.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising absorbing excess energy in the lighting track.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein absorbing excess energy is performed by a bridge rectifier.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein absorbing excess energy is performed by a shunt regulator.

23. The method of claim 15, wherein the data conductor and the power conductor are provided together using a single pair of conductors.

44. The method of claim 15, wherein:

the plurality of fixtures includes at least one LED-based lighting fixture configured to be responsive to the data;

the lighting track includes an essentially rigid linear or curvilinear-shaped housing;

the power conductor and the data conductor are implemented as at least one pair of essentially rigid electrically conductive tracks that are mechanically coupled to the housing; and

the at least one LED-based lighting fixture is mechanically coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks,

and wherein the acts of transmitting the power and transmitting the data include;

A) providing the power and the data to the plurality of lighting fixtures via the at least one pair of essentially rigid electrically conductive tracks.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the act A) includes an act of:

providing the power and the data in parallel to the plurality of lighting fixtures via the at least one pair of essentially rigid electrically conductive tracks.

46. The method of claim 44, wherein the act A) includes an act of:

processing at least the data so as to control at least one of an intensity of radiation generated by the at least one LED-based lighting fixture, a color of the generated radiation, a focus of the generated radiation, and a movement of the at least one LED-based lighting fixture.

47. The method of claim 44, wherein the act A) includes an act of:

processing at least the data so as to control the at least one LED-based lighting fixture using a pulse width modulation technique.

48. The method of claim 44, wherein the at least one LED-based lighting fixture is configured to output at least first radiation having a first wavelength and second radiation having a second wavelength, and wherein the act A) includes an act of:

B) providing at least the data so as to independently control at least a first intensity of the first radiation and a second intensity of the second radiation output by the at least one LED-based lighting fixture.

49. The method of claim 48, further comprising an act of:

C) processing the data so as to independently control at least the first intensity of the first radiation and the second intensity of the second radiation output by the at least one LED-based lighting fixture using a pulse width modulation technique.

50. The method of claim 44, further comprising an act of:

conditioning at least one signal on the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks so as to reduce radio frequency radiation from the apparatus.

51. The method of claim 44, wherein the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks includes only pair of electrically conductive tracks, and wherein the at least one pair of:

providing both the power and the data in parallel to the plurality of lighting fixtures only via the one pair of electrically conductive tracks.

52. The method of claim 44, wherein the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks includes at least a first track and a second track, and wherein the act A) includes acts of:

providing the power to the plurality of lighting fixtures via at least the first track; and

providing the data to the plurality of lighting fixtures via at least the second track.

53. The method of claim 44, wherein the at least, one pair of electrically conductive tracks is mechanically coupled to the housing via at least one electrical insulator.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the housing includes an extruded aluminum track.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks includes at least two copper conductors, and wherein the at least one insulator includes at least one extruded plastic insulator configured to support the at least two copper conductors.

56. The method of claim 44, wherein the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks includes a controlled impedance medium.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein at least one electrically conductive track of the at least one pair is configured to have a resistance per unit length less than that needed to deliver 1.5 volts of signal to each of the plurality of lighting fixtures.

58. The method of claim 56, wherein at least one electrically conductive track of the at least one pair is configured to have a resistance per unit length of approximately 0.09 ohms per foot.

59. The method of claim 44, further comprising an act of:

B) compensating a signal providing the data at least in part for an inductive effect of the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein the act B) further comprises an act of:

compensating the signal providing the data at least in part for the inductive effect of the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks without constantly drawing power from the signal providing the data.

61. The method of claim 44, further comprising an act of:

B) clamping a voltage of a signal providing the data to a maximum of approximately +5 volts and a minimum of approximately −

5 volts.

62. The method of claim 44, further comprising an act of:

B) conditioning at least one signal providing the data so as to reduce distortion of the at least one signal by absorbing energy that would otherwise be reflected on the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein the act B) includes an act of:

conditioning the at least one signal providing the data so as to reduce the distortion of the at least one signal by absorbing approximately 95% of the energy that would otherwise be reflected on the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks.

24. A system for controlling fixtures on a lighting track, comprising:

a plurality of fixtures, each fixture including an array of LEDs;

electrical attaching means for electrically attaching each one of the plurality of fixtures to the lighting track, the lighting track including a power conductor and a data conductor, the electrical attaching means directly electrically connecting at least one of the plurality of fixtures to the power conductor and the data conductor, such that at least two of the fixtures attached to the lighting track directly receive power from the same power conductor and data from the same data conductor;

power transmitting means for transmitting the power through the power conductor to the plurality of fixtures;

data transmitting means for transmitting the data through the data conductor to the plurality of fixtures; and

receiving means for receiving at least a portion of the data at one of the plurality of fixtures, the portion of the data controlling the operation of the one of the plurality of fixtures;

whereby the one of the plurality of fixtures is controlled independently of at least one other fixture of the plurality of fixtures.