Methods and apparatus for remotely controlled illumination of liquids

• US 6,936,978 B2
• Filed: 10/25/2001
• Issued: 08/30/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Signify North America Corporation (Signify N.V.)
• Original Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated (Signify N.V.)
• Inventors: Lys, Ihor A., Mueller, George G., Dowling, Kevin J., Morgan, Frederick M., Holmes, Timothy, Warwick, John
• Primary Examiner(s): Wong, Don
• Assistant Examiner(s): Tran, Chuc
• Application Number:
  US10/040,291
• Publication Number:
  US 20020153851A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,405 Days
• Field of Search: 315/291, 315/292, 315/299, 324/115, 324/96, 324/131, 844/64.R, 345/83, 345/150, 345/88, 345/589, 362/85, 362/227, 362/250, 362/231, 362/223, 362/293
• 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: 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 8/00 Lighting devices intended for fixed installation F21S9/00, F21S10/00 take precedence; using a string or strip of light sources F21S4/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/04 the elements being switches safety devices F21V25/00
• 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: F21W 2121/02 for fountains
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/401 for swimming pools
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2113/13 comprising an assembly of point-like light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 15/08 Circuits for altering the measuring range
• 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 2310/0272 Details of drivers for data electrodes, the drivers communicating data to the pixels by means of a current
• 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: H05B 45/20 Controlling the colour of the light
• 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 47/165 : following a pre-assigned programmed sequence; Logic control [LC]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/19 : via wireless transmission

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for remotely controlled illumination of liquids in a variety of environments. In one example, remotely controlled multi-color LED-based light sources are employed to achieve a wide range of enhanced lighting effects in liquids. In another example, a pool or spa is illuminated by one or more remotely controlled multicolor light sources that may be employed as individually and independently controllable devices, or coupled together to form a remotely controlled networked lighting system to provide a variety of programmable and/or coordinated color illumination effects in the pool or spa environment.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one light source adapted to be supported by one of a pool and a spa to illuminate a liquid contained in the one of the pool and the spa, the at least one light source being further adapted to generate a remotely controllable variable color radiation output to illuminate the liquid without requiring the use of a color filter,

wherein the at least one light source includes at least one input to receive at least one external signal, and wherein the at least one light source is adapted such that at least a color of the variable color radiation output is controlled based on the at least one external signal.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, in combination with the one of the pool and the spa.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source is adapted to generate the remotely controllable variable color radiation output having at least one of a remotely controllable variable hue, a remotely controllable variable saturation, and a remotely controllable variable intensity.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source includes means for engaging the at least one light source mechanically and electrically with a conventional light socket supported by the one of the pool and the spa.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source includes at least one LED.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one LED includes at least two differently colored LEDs.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one LED includes at least one red LED, at least one green LED, and at least one blue LED.

8. The apparatus of claim 1,

wherein the at least one external signal is derived from a power source that supplies power to the apparatus, and wherein the at least one light source is adapted such that the variable color radiation output is controlled based on at least one interruption in the power supplied to the apparatus.

9. The apparatus of claim 1,

wherein the at least one external signal is derived from at least one sensor adapted to output at least one detection signal in response to at least one detectable condition, and wherein the at least one light source is adapted such that the variable color radiation output is controlled based on at least one detectable condition.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one external signal is derived from at least one other device associated with the one of the pool and the spa, and wherein the at least one light source is adapted such that the variable color radiation output is controlled based on the at least one device.

11. The apparatus of claim 1,

wherein the at least one external signal is derived from at least one audio signal, and wherein the at least one light source is adapted such that the variable color radiation output is controlled based on the at least one audio signal.

12. The apparatus of claim 1,

wherein the at least one external signal is derived from a data network that provides at least one information signal intended for the at least one light source, and wherein the at least one light source is adapted such that the variable color radiation output is controlled based on the at least one information signal.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further including the data network, wherein:

the data network is associated with a networked lighting system including a plurality of remotely controllable light sources; and

the at least one light source forms part of the networked lighting system.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein:

the data network is coupled to at least one other device associated with the one of the pool and the spa; and

the at least one information signal is received from the at least one other device, such that the variable color radiation output is controlled by the at least one other device.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the data network includes the Internet, wherein the at least one information signal includes at least one Internet signal, and wherein the at least one light source is adapted such that the variable color radiation output is controlled based on the at least one Internet signal.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one Internet signal relates to at least one weather condition, and wherein the at least one light source is adapted such that the variable color radiation output is controlled based on the at least one weather condition.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one storage device, coupled to the at least one light source, to store at least one illumination program, wherein the apparatus is adapted to execute the at least one illumination program so as to control the remotely controllable variable color radiation output by the at least one light source based on the at least one external signal.

18. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one light source adapted to be supported by one of a pool and a spa to illuminate a liquid contained in the one of the pool and the spa, the at least one light source being further adapted to generate a remotely controllable variable color radiation output to illuminate the liquid without requiring the use of a color filter; and

at least one remote user interface, coupled to the at least one light source, to allow a user to remotely control at least a color of the variable color radiation output of the at least one light source.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, in combination with the one of the pool and the spa.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein at least one of the at least one light source and the at least one remote user interface comprises at least one storage device to store at least one illumination program, wherein the at least one remote user interface is adapted to allow the user to cause the execution of the at least one illumination program so as to control the remotely controllable variable color radiation output by the at least one light source.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one illumination program includes a plurality of illumination programs, wherein the at least one storage device stores the plurality of illumination programs, and wherein:

the at least one remote user interface is adapted to allow a user to select a particular illumination program of the plurality of illumination programs; and

the at least one remote user interface is adapted to cause the execution of the selected particular illumination program.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one remote user interface includes the at least one storage device and further comprises at least one processor, coupled to the at least one storage device, to execute the at least one illumination program.

23. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least one remote user interface further comprises at least one processor and at least one selector, coupled to the at least one processor, to allow the user to remotely control at least one parameter associated with the variable color radiation output of the at least one light source, wherein the at least one processor is responsive to operation of the at least one selector.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the at least one selector includes at least one button.

25. The apparatus of claim 23,

where in the at least one selector includes at least one of an adjustable dial, an adjustable slider, an adjustable thumb wheel and a joystick.

26. The apparatus of claim 23,

wherein the at least one selector includes at least one of a keypad and a touch-sensitive pad.

27. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the at least one selector includes at least one switch.

28. The apparatus of claim 27,

wherein the at least one switch is configured to selectively provide power to the apparatus, and wherein the at least one light source is adapted such tat the variable color radiation output is controlled based on at least one interruption in the power supplied to the apparatus.

29. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein at least one of the at least one light source and the at least one remote user interface comprises at least one storage device to store at least one illumination program.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least one parameter includes at least one of an intensity of the variable color radiation, the color of the variable color radiation, and at least one property of the at least one illumination program, and wherein:

the at least one remote user interface is adapted such that the at least one selector allows the user to remotely control at least one of the intensity of the variable color radiation, the color of the variable color radiation, and the at least one property of the illumination program.

31. The apparatus of claim 30,

wherein the at least one property of the illumination program includes an execution speed of the illumination program, and wherein:

the at least one remote user interface is adapted such that the at least one selector allows the user to remotely control the execution speed of the illumination program.

32. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least one illumination program includes a plurality of illumination programs, wherein the at least one storage device stores the plurality of illumination programs, and wherein:

the at least one remote user interface is adapted such that the at least one selector allows the user to remotely select a particular illumination program of the plurality of illumination programs.

33. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the at least one remote user interface includes at least one display screen, coupled to the processor, to indicate to the user a status of at least one parameter associated with the variable color radiation output of the at least one light source.

34. The apparatus of claim 18,

wherein the at least one remote user interface further includes at least one communication port to output at least one control signal, and wherein the apparatus further comprises:

at least one controller, coupled to the at least one light source and to the at least one communication port, to receive the at least one control signal from the at least one remote user interface and to control the variable color radiation output based on the at least one control signal.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the at least one communication port is adapted to support transport of the at least one control signal to the at least one controller via at least one of a wire link and a fiber optic.

36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the at least one communication port is adapted to support transport of the at least one control signal to the at least one controller via a wireless link.

37. The apparatus of claim 34, further comprising:

at least one storage device, coupled to at least one of the at least one remote user interface and the at least one controller, to store at least one illumination program,

wherein the at least one controller is adapted to execute the at least one illumination program, based on the at least one control signal output by the at least one remote user interface, so as to control the radiation output by the at least one light source.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the at least one illumination program includes a plurality of illumination programs, wherein the at least one storage device stores the plurality of illumination programs, and wherein:

the at least one remote user interface is adapted to allow a user to remotely select a particular illumination program of the plurality of illumination programs and to output the at least one control signal so as to indicate the selected particular illumination program; and

the at least one controller is adapted to execute the selected particular illumination program based on the at least one control signal.

39. A method of illuminating a liquid, comprising acts of:

a) illuminating the liquid with variable color radiation that is generated without requiring the use of a color filter; and

b) remotely controlling at least a color of the variable color radiation,

wherein the act b) comprises an act of;

remotely controlling the variable color radiation based on at least one interruption in power supplied to at least one light source that generates the variable color radiation.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the liquid is contained in one of a pool and a spa, and wherein the act a) comprises an act of:

illuminating the liquid in the one of the pool and the spa with the variable color radiation.

41. The method of claim 39, wherein the act b) comprises an act of:

remotely varying at least one of an intensity and the color of the variable color radiation.

42. A method of illuminating a liquid, comprising acts of:

a) illuminating the liquid with variable color radiation that is generated without requiring the use of a color filter; and

b) remotely controlling at least a color of the variable color radiation,

wherein the act b) comprises an act of;

remotely controlling the variable color radiation based on at least one detectable condition.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the liquid is contained in a fountain, and wherein the act a) comprises an act of:

illuminating the liquid in the fountain with the variable color radiation.

44. A method of illuminating a liquid, comprising acts of:

a) illuminating the liquid with variable color radiation that is generated without requiring the use of a color filter; and

b) remotely controlling at least a color of the variable color radiation,

wherein the act b) comprises an act of;

remotely controlling the variable color radiation based on at least one audio signal.

45. A method of illuminating a liquid, comprising acts of:

a) illuminating the liquid with variable color radiation that is generated without requiring the use of a color filter; and

b) remotely controlling at least a color of the variable color radiation,

wherein the act b) comprises an act of;

b1) remotely controlling the variable color radiation based on information obtained from a data network.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the act b1) comprises an act of:

remotely controlling the variable color radiation based on information obtained from at least one other device coupled to the data network.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein the act b1) comprises an act of:

b2) remotely controlling the variable color radiation based on information obtained from the Internet.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the information received from the Internet relates to at least one weather condition, and wherein the act b2) includes an act of:

remotely controlling the variable color radiation based on the at least one weather condition.

49. A method of illuminating a liquid, comprising acts of:

a) illuminating the liquid with variable color radiation that is generated without requiring the use of a color filter; and

b) remotely controlling at least a color of the variable color radiation,

wherein the act b) comprises an act of;

b3) remotely initiating execution of at least one illumination program so as to control the variable color radiation.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the at least one illumination program includes a plurality of illumination programs, and wherein the act b3) comprises acts of:

remotely selecting a particular illumination program of the plurality of illumination programs; and

executing the selected particular illumination program so as to control the variable color radiation.

51. The method of claim 49, wherein at least one parameter is associated with the at least one illumination program, and wherein the act b) further comprises an act of:

b4) remotely adjusting the at least one parameter associated with the at least one illumination program.

52. A method of illuminating a liquid, comprising acts of:

illuminating the liquid with variable color radiation that is generated without requiring the use of a color filter;

remotely controlling at least a color of the variable color radiation; and

indicating to a user a status of at least one parameter associated with the remotely controllable variable color radiation.

53. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one remote user interface to remotely control at least one light source adapted to be supported by one of a pool and a spa, the at least one light source further adapted to generate variable color radiation to illuminate a liquid contained in the one of the pool and the spa, the at least one remote user interface comprising;

at least two selectors to allow a user to remotely control at least one parameter associated with the variable color radiation generated by the at least one light source.

54. The apparatus of claim 53, in combination with the at least one light source.

55. The combination of claim 54, in combination with the one of the pool and the spa.

56. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein at least one selector of the at least two selectors includes at least one button.

57. The apparatus of claim 53,

wherein at least one selector of the at least two selectors includes at least one of an adjustable dial, an adjustable slider, an adjustable thumb wheel and a joystick.

58. The apparatus of claim 53,

wherein at least one selector of the at least two selectors includes at least one of a keypad and a touch-sensitive pad.

59. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein at least one selector of the at least two selectors includes at least one switch.

60. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the at least one parameter includes at least one of an intensity of the variable radiation output of the at least one light source and a color of the variable radiation output of the at least one light source, and wherein the at least one remote user interface is adapted such that at least one selector of the at least two selectors allows the user to remotely control at least one of the intensity and the color of the variable radiation output of the at least one light source.

61. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the at least one remote user interface includes at least one processor, responsive to the at least two selectors, to control the variable radiation output of the at least one light source.

62. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein at least one of the at least one light source and the at least one remote user interface includes at least one storage device to store at least one illumination program, wherein the at least one remote user interface is adapted to cause the execution of the at least one illumination program, in response to at least one selector of the at least two selectors, so as to control the variable color radiation output by the at least one light source.

63. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the at least one remote user interface includes the at least one storage device, and wherein the at least one storage device is coupled to the at least one processor.

64. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the at least one parameter includes at least one of an intensity of the variable radiation output, a color of the variable radiation output, and at least one property of the illumination program, and wherein:

the at least one remote user interface is adapted such that at least one selector of the at least two selectors allows the user to control at least one of the intensity of the variable radiation output, the color of the variable radiation output, and the at least one property of the illumination program.

65. The apparatus of claim 64,

wherein the at least one property of the illumination program includes an execution speed of the illumination program, and wherein:

the at least one remote user interface is adapted such that the at least one selector allows the user to control the execution speed of the illumination program.

66. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the at least one illumination program includes a plurality of illumination programs, wherein the at least one storage device stores the plurality of illumination programs, and wherein:

the at least one remote user interface is adapted such that at least one selector of the at least two selectors allows the user to select a particular illumination program of the plurality of illumination programs.

67. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein:

a first selector of the at least two selectors allows the user to select the particular illumination program of the plurality of illumination programs; and

a second selector of the at least two selectors allows the user to control at least one property of the selected particular illumination program.

68. The apparatus of claim 61,

wherein the at least one remote user interface includes at least one display screen, coupled to the at least one processor, to indicate to the user a status of at least one parameter associated with the variable radiation output of the at least one light source.

69. An apparatus of claim 61,

wherein the at least one remote user interface further includes at least one communication port to output at least one control signal to the at least one light source, and wherein the at least one communication port is adapted to support transport of the at least one control signal to the at least one light source via at least one of a wire link and a fiber optic.

70. An apparatus of claim 61,

wherein the at least one remote user interface further includes at least one communication port to output at least one control signal to the at least one light source, and wherein the at least one communication port is adapted to support transport of the at least one control signal to the at least one light source via a wireless link.

71. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one light source adapted to be supported by a fountain to illuminate a liquid in the fountain, the at least one light source being further adapted to generate a remotely controllable variable color radiation output to illuminate the liquid without requiring the use of a color filter,

wherein the at least one light source includes at least one input to receive at least one external signal, and wherein the at least one light source is adapted such that at least a color of the variable color radiation output is controlled based on the at least one external signal, and wherein the at least one external signal is derived from at least one sensor adapted to output at least one detection signal in response to at least one detectable condition, and wherein the at least one light source is adapted such that the variable color radiation output is controlled based on at least one detectable condition.