LIGHTING INCLUDING INTEGRAL COMMUNICATION APPARATUS

• US 20110188240A1
• Filed: 01/05/2011
• Published: 08/04/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/24/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ilumisys Incorporated (Altair Engineering Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Altair Engineering Incorporated
• Inventors: Ivey, John, Simon, David L.
• Granted Patent: US 8,251,544 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/234
• 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: F21K 9/232 specially adapted for generating an essentially omnidirectional light distribution, e.g. with a glass bulb
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/27 Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with two fittings for each light source, e.g. for substitution of fluorescent tubes
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/0045 by tongue and groove connections, e.g. dovetail interlocking means fixed by sliding
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/003 the elements being electronics drivers or controllers for operating the light source, e.g. for a LED array
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0435 activated by remote control means
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0442 activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0471 the sensor detecting the proximity, the presence or the movement of an object or a person
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0478 by means of an image recording device, e.g. a camera
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0052 Audio or video equipment, e.g. televisions, telephones, cameras or computers; Remote control devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0056 Audio equipment, e.g. music instruments, radios or speakers
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0076 Safety or security signalisation, e.g. smoke or burglar alarms, earthquake detectors; Self-defence devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/10 comprising a linear array of point-like light-generating elements
• 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: G08B 13/19619 Details of casing
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19636 pertaining to the camera
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19697 Arrangements wherein non-video detectors generate an alarm themselves
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 15/001 Concealed systems, e.g. disguised alarm systems to make covert systems
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 15/002 : with occupancy simulation
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 3/10 : using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/028 : associated with devices performing functions other than acoustics, e.g. electric candles
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/12 : by detecting audible sound

Abstract

A lighting and communication system for use in a standardized light fixture is provided. The lighting and communication system includes a light source and a communication apparatus, and the communication apparatus is at least one of an audio device or a camera. At least one electrical connector configured for physical and electrical connection to the standardized light fixture is included, and the at least one electrical connector is electrically connected to the light source and the communication apparatus.

Claims

1. A lighting and communication system for use in a standardized light fixture, the lighting and communication system comprising:

a light source;

a communication apparatus;

wherein the communication apparatus is at least one of an audio device or a camera; and

at least one electrical connector configured for physical and electrical connection to the standardized light fixture, the at least one electrical connector electrically connected to the light source and the communication apparatus.

2. The lighting and communication system of claim 1, wherein the light source includes at least one LED.

3. The lighting and communication system of claim 1 wherein the audio device includes a speaker, and further comprising:

a receiver configured to receive an audio signal; and

wherein the speaker is operable to output sound in response to the audio signal.

4. The lighting and communication system of claim 1, further comprising a controller operative in response to the communication apparatus to control a brightness of the light source.

5. The lighting and communication system of claim 1, wherein the communication apparatus includes a memory operative to store a recording;

and

wherein the audio device is operative to produce a sound corresponding to the recording.

6. The lighting and communication system of claim 1, further comprising:

a housing at least partially enclosing the light source and the communication apparatus; and

wherein the light source includes multiple LEDs arranged along a length of the housing.

7. The lighting and communication system of claim 6, wherein the at least one electrical connector includes a pair of pin-carrying connectors;

and

wherein the housing and the pair of pin-carrying connectors at least partially define a single package sized for use in a standardized fluorescent fixture.

8. An LED-based light including a lighting and communication system for use in a fluorescent fixture, the LED-based light comprising:

at least one LED;

a communication apparatus;

wherein the communication apparatus is least one of an audio device or a camera; and

a pair of pin-carrying connectors for physical and electrical connection to the fluorescent fixture, the connectors electrically connected to the LEDs and the communication apparatus.

9. The LED-based light of claim 8, further comprising:

a receiver configured to receive an audio signal;

wherein the audio device includes a speaker operable to output sound in response to the audio signal.

10. The LED-based light of claim 8, further comprising a controller operative in response to the communication apparatus to control a brightness of the light source.

11. The LED-based light of claim 8, further comprising:

a housing including a light transmitting portion;

wherein the at least one LED is oriented to produce light through the light transmitting portion; and

wherein the housing and the pair of pin-carrying connectors define a single package at least partially enclosing the at least one LED and the communication apparatus.

12. A lighting and communication system for use in a standardized light fixture, the lighting and communication system comprising:

a light source;

a communication apparatus;

wherein the communication apparatus is at least one of an audio device or a camera; and

a controller operative to control a brightness of the light source in response to an input signal received from the communications apparatus.

13. The lighting and communication system of claim 12, further comprising:

at least one connector configured for physical connection to the standardized light fixture.

14. The lighting and communication system of claim 13, wherein the at least one connector is further configured for electrical connection to the standardized light fixture;

and

wherein the at least one connector is electrically connected to the light source and the communications apparatus.

15. The lighting and communication system of claim 13, further comprising:

a housing at least partially enclosing the light source and the communication apparatus;

wherein the light source includes a plurality of LEDs arranged along a length of the housing;

wherein the at least one connector includes a pair of pin-carrying connectors; and

wherein the housing and the pair of pin-carrying connectors at least partially define a single package sized for use in a standardized fluorescent fixture.

16. The lighting and communication system of claim 15, wherein the a housing includes a light transmitting portion;

and

wherein the plurality of LEDs is oriented to produce light through the light transmitting portion.

17. The lighting and communication system of claim 15, wherein the pair of pin-carrying connectors is further configured for electrical connection to the standardized fluorescent fixture;

and

wherein the pair of pin-carrying connectors is electrically connected to the light source and the communications apparatus.

18. The lighting and communication system of claim 12, wherein the light source includes at least one LED.

19. The lighting and communication system of claim 12 wherein the audio device includes a speaker, and further comprising:

a receiver configured to receive an audio signal; and

wherein the speaker is operable to output sound in response to the audio signal.

20. The lighting and communication system of claim 12, wherein the communication apparatus includes a memory operative to store a recording;

and

wherein the audio device is operative to produce a sound corresponding to the recording.