Patent Grant
7766518
The present disclosure relates generally to modular lighting apparatus and methods of assembly, installation and replacement of such apparatus. In various aspects, methods and apparatus according to the disclosure facilitate ease of manufacture, installation and replacement of modular lighting apparatus components as well as thermal efficiency during operation. In one aspect, such lighting apparatus and methods employ LED-based light sources to provide visible light in a variety of environments and for a variety of lighting applications. BACKGROUND
LED-based lighting fixtures are employed for a variety of illumination applications. In some cases, the lighting fixture may include a controller, one or more LED-based light sources, and may further include one or more components to facilitate heat dissipation, in one incorporated unit. To replace any one element of such an incorporated unit may require either replacement of the entire lighting fixture or repair by a skilled technician. Additionally, physically exchanging new LED-based light sources for the existing LED-based light sources can be difficult if different LED-based lighting assemblies are desired, or if the existing LED-based source(s) fail.
Recessed lighting is a popular lighting option for both new construction and remodeling. With recessed lighting, the majority of a lighting fixture is disposed substantially behind or recessed into an architectural surface or feature, such as a ceiling (or wall, or soffit). The lighting fixture typically includes a housing (sometimes commonly referred to as a “can”), a bulb such as an incandescent, fluorescent or halogen bulb, and some means for electrically connecting the fixture to a source of operating power. With new construction, the fixture is typically supported by hangars attached to joists. When remodeling, to reduce the amount of ceiling (or other architectural surface) that is removed, the fixture may be inserted through a ceiling hole and attached to the drywall forming the ceiling, wherein the ceiling hole provides a light exit aperture for light generated by the fixture's bulb. SUMMARY
Various embodiment of the present disclosure are directed to modular lighting fixtures that allow convenient installation and removal of LED-based light-generating modules as well as controller modules that may be employed to control the light-generating modules. In one example, a modular lighting fixture includes a housing that is configured to be recessed into or otherwise disposed behind an architectural surface such as ceiling, wall, or soffit, in new or existing construction scenarios. The fixture housing includes a socket configured to facilitate one or more of a mechanical, electrical and thermal coupling of the light-generating module to the fixture housing. The ability to easily engage and disengage the LED-based light-generating module with the socket, without removing the fixture housing itself, allows for straightforward replacement of the light-generating module upon failure, or exchange with another module having different light-generating characteristics. Modular lighting controllers (also referred to as “controller modules”) for such fixtures also may be easily installed in or removed from the fixture housing, in some instances via the same access route by which the light-generating module is installed and removed.
Thus, according to various aspect of the disclosure, modular lighting fixtures are provided in which a single housing may accommodate different LED-based light-generating modules that may be switched in and out of the housing. In this regard, light-generating modules according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may mimic the ease of installation and replacement of conventional incandescent, fluorescent or halogen light bulbs in that a new light-generating module can be inserted into the housing without changes to the fixture. A new light-generating module may be inserted, for example, when a previous light-generating module stops working or an improved or different light-generating module is desired.
As indicated above, according to one aspect of the disclosure, a socket or other attachment element facilitates the attachment of a light-generating module to a housing of a lighting fixture. In addition to providing a mechanical connection between the light-generating module and the lighting fixture, the socket also may provide an electrical connection and/or a thermal connection. For example, the socket may include electrical connections that provide drive signals and operating power to a light-generating module when the light-generating module is inserted into or otherwise coupled to the socket. According to another aspect of the disclosure, a socket or other attachment element may facilitate thermal diffusion in at least two manners. First, the socket may be configured to interact with the light-generating module so that the light-generating module achieves a thermal connection with the housing or other component of the lighting fixture. Second, the socket itself may be thermally conductive and help to transfer heat to the housing and/or directly to surrounding air (e.g., via a front light-exit face of the light-generating module).
According to another aspect of the disclosure, a removable light-generating module is itself configured to facilitate heat transfer away from the light sources present in the module. The heat transfer is achieved in some embodiments by using a thermally conductive chassis for the light-generating module to facilitate transfer of heat away from a front side (light exit face) of the light-generating module. In some embodiments, a thermally conductive base plate is attached to a rear side of the light-generating module to facilitate transfer of heat to a housing or other part of a lighting fixture, in some cases via the socket.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, the engagement and disengagement of a light-generating module with the socket of a lighting fixture is accomplished via a simple rotating motion. In this regard, installing and removing an LED-based light-generating module from a modular lighting fixture may have a familiar feel similar to the process of changing a conventional incandescent light bulb.
In particular, in one exemplary implementation, the socket is configured as a collar with screw-type threads, and the module is configured so as to be attachable to and detachable from a socket via a threaded grip ring that is placed over the module and engages with the threads on the socket via rotation, thereby “sandwiching” the module between the grip ring and socket. According to another aspect of the disclosure, a removable light-generating module includes a number of hexagonally-shaped LED subassemblies. In some embodiments, the grip ring is rotatable relative to the module so that the orientation of the LED subassemblies is not affected by the rotation of the grip ring (i.e., the module itself does not rotate in the socket as the grip ring is rotated). Additionally, the relative rotation of the grip ring may allow a connector to be directly mounted to light-generating module without concern for the effects of twisting on the connector.
In other embodiments, no grip ring is used to secure the light-generating module to the socket, and electrical connections between the light-generating module and the socket are achieved through connections of post (or threads) on the light-generating module and corresponding threads (or posts) on the socket. That is to say, electrical contacts may be provided on the engagement elements themselves in some embodiments.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, a controller module may be used in connection with a light-generating module in a lighting fixture implementation. According to another aspect of the disclosure, a controller module may have a physical structure that is configured for installation in a specific type of lighting fixture housing. For example, a controller module may have one or more rounded edges to facilitate placement or removal of the controller module from a recessed lighting fixture which is not itself removable from an architectural feature such as a ceiling.
In one embodiment, a controller module itself may have an internal modular construction. More specifically, the controller module may be configured for interchangeability of components that are used for receiving input control signals and/or data at a “front-end” input interface (e.g., coupled to a user interface, control network, sensor, etc.). The controller module further may be configured for interchangeability of components that are used for outputting control signals and/or data and/or power at a “back-end” output interface to the light-generating module. In this regard, the controller module may be flexible in its ability to communicate with various light-generating modules and/or networks, computers, or other controllers without the need for numerous hardware and/or software components being simultaneously present within the controller module. Such a configuration may save on space and/or cost when producing controller modules for modular lighting fixtures and other applications.
According to another aspect, a light-generating module for a modular lighting fixture may be configured with some nominal data storage and processing capability for providing information to a controller associated with the lighting fixture and packaged as a separate controller module of the fixture. For example, the light-generating module may provide information on one or more of the type of light sources present in the light-generating module, their power requirements, operating temperature, operating time or temperature history, calibration parameters and the like, so that a separate controller module may provide appropriate drive signals and operating power to the light-generating module.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, a controller module is configured to receive information, data and or control signals from a light-generating module relating to some operating parameter or characteristic associated with the light-generating module. The controller module may be programmed to alter its outgoing control signals and/or power output to the light-generating module based on the information received from the light-generating module. For example, the light-generating module may indicate to the controller the voltage or current levels desired for operation of that particular light-generating module, and the controller may provide the appropriate voltage and current levels based on that information.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, a battery or other auxiliary power source is provided in an LED lighting fixture such that the LED lighting fixture may be used for emergency lighting in addition to its primary lighting purpose.
In sum, as discussed in greater detail below, one embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a light-generating apparatus comprising an LED assembly, a plurality of optical components, and a chassis coupled to the LED assembly and including a plurality of chambers in which the plurality of optical components respectively are held. The LED assembly comprises an assembly substrate and a plurality of LED subassemblies coupled to the assembly substrate. Each LED subassembly of the plurality of LED subassemblies forms at least one of a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, and a first thermal connection to the assembly substrate. The chassis is configured such that each optical component of the plurality of optical components is disposed in an optical path of a corresponding one of the plurality of LED subassemblies.
Another embodiment is directed to a light-generating apparatus comprising a thermally conductive chassis through which light exits from the apparatus, an LED assembly to generate the light, and a thermally conductive base plate. The LED assembly is disposed between the thermally conductive base plate and the thermally conductive chassis. The LED assembly and the thermally conductive chassis form a first thermal connection to facilitate first heat dissipation from the LED assembly via the thermally conductive chassis. The LED assembly and the thermally conductive base plate form a second thermal connection to facilitate second heat dissipation from the LED assembly via the thermally conductive base plate.
Another embodiment is directed to a light-generating apparatus comprising a circular chassis and a circular printed circuit board substrate coupled to the circular chassis. The circular printed circuit board substrate includes at least one chip-on-board LED module.
Another embodiment is directed to a lighting control apparatus, comprising at least one connection mechanism configured to permit a modular installation and removal of at least a first circuit board including input circuitry configured to receive at least one input signal including information relating to lighting, and a second circuit board including output circuitry configured to output at least one lighting control signal that is based at least in part on the information included in the at least one input signal. The at least one connection mechanism provides at least one electrical connection between the first circuit board and the second circuit board when both the first and second circuit boards are coupled to the at least one connection mechanism.
Another embodiment is directed to a modular lighting fixture, comprising a fixture housing having at least one thermally conductive portion, and a socket mounted to the at least one thermally conductive portion of the fixture housing. The socket is configured to facilitate a thermal conduction path between a light-generating module installed in the socket and the at least one thermally conductive portion of the fixture housing.
Another embodiment is directed to a modular lighting fixture, comprising a fixture housing having at least one light exit aperture, a socket mounted to the fixture housing and accessible via the at least one light exit aperture, a light-generating module installed in and removable from the socket via the at least one light exit aperture, and a controller module to control the light-generating module. The controller module is disposed in the fixture housing and accessible via the at least one light exit aperture to facilitate installation and removal of the controller module.
Another embodiment is directed to a modular lighting fixture, comprising a fixture housing, a socket mounted to the fixture housing, a light-generating module installed in and removable from the socket, and a controller module to control the light-generating module, the controller module disposed in or proximate to the fixture housing. The light-generating module is configured to provide information to the controller module relating to at least one characteristic of the light generating module, and the controller module is configured to control the light-generating module based at least in part on the information provided by the light-generating module.
As used herein for purposes of the present disclosure, the term “LED” should be understood to include any electroluminescent diode or other type of carrier injection/junction-based system that is capable of generating radiation in response to an electric signal. Thus, the term LED includes, but is not limited to, various semiconductor-based structures that emit light in response to current, light emitting polymers, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), electroluminescent strips, and the like.
In particular, the term LED refers to light emitting diodes of all types (including semi-conductor and organic light emitting diodes) that may be configured to generate radiation in one or more of the infrared spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum, and various portions of the visible spectrum (generally including radiation wavelengths from approximately 400 nanometers to approximately 700 nanometers). Some examples of LEDs include, but are not limited to, various types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, red LEDs, blue LEDs, green LEDs, yellow LEDs, amber LEDs, orange LEDs, and white LEDs (discussed further below). It also should be appreciated that LEDs may be configured and/or controlled to generate radiation having various bandwidths (e.g., full widths at half maximum, or FWHM) for a given spectrum (e.g., narrow bandwidth, broad bandwidth), and a variety of dominant wavelengths within a given general color categorization.
For example, one implementation of an LED configured to generate essentially white light (e.g., a white LED) may include a number of dies which respectively emit different spectra of electroluminescence that, in combination, mix to form essentially white light. In another implementation, a white light LED may be associated with a phosphor material that converts electroluminescence having a first spectrum to a different second spectrum. In one example of this implementation, electroluminescence having a relatively short wavelength and narrow bandwidth spectrum “pumps” the phosphor material, which in turn radiates longer wavelength radiation having a somewhat broader spectrum.
It should also be understood that the term LED does not limit the physical and/or electrical package type of an LED. For example, as discussed above, an LED may refer to a single light emitting device having multiple dies that are configured to respectively emit different spectra of radiation (e.g., that may or may not be individually controllable). Also, an LED may be associated with a phosphor that is considered as an integral part of the LED (e.g., some types of white LEDs). In general, the term LED may refer to packaged LEDs, non-packaged LEDs, surface mount LEDs, chip-on-board LEDs, T-package mount LEDs, radial package LEDs, power package LEDs, LEDs including some type of encasement and/or optical element (e.g., a diffusing lens), etc.
The term “light source” should be understood to refer to any one or more of a variety of radiation sources, including, but not limited to, LED-based sources (including one or more LEDs as defined above), incandescent sources (e.g., filament lamps, halogen lamps), fluorescent sources, phosphorescent sources, high-intensity discharge sources (e.g., sodium vapor, mercury vapor, and metal halide lamps), lasers, other types of electroluminescent sources, pyro-luminescent sources (e.g., flames), candle-luminescent sources (e.g., gas mantles, carbon arc radiation sources), photo-luminescent sources (e.g., gaseous discharge sources), cathode luminescent sources using electronic satiation, galvano-luminescent sources, crystallo-luminescent sources, kine-luminescent sources, thermo-luminescent sources, triboluminescent sources, sonoluminescent sources, radioluminescent sources, and luminescent polymers.
A given light source may be configured to generate electromagnetic radiation within the visible spectrum, outside the visible spectrum, or a combination of both. Hence, the terms “light” and “radiation” are used interchangeably herein. Additionally, a light source may include as an integral component one or more filters (e.g., color filters), lenses, or other optical components. Also, it should be understood that light sources may be configured for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, indication, display, and/or illumination. An “illumination source” is a light source that is particularly configured to generate radiation having a sufficient intensity to effectively illuminate an interior or exterior space. In this context, “sufficient intensity” refers to sufficient radiant power in the visible spectrum generated in the space or environment (the unit “lumens” often is employed to represent the total light output from a light source in all directions, in terms of radiant power or “luminous flux”) to provide ambient illumination (i.e., light that may be perceived indirectly and that may be, for example, reflected off of one or more of a variety of intervening surfaces before being perceived in whole or in part).
The term “spectrum” should be understood to refer to any one or more frequencies (or wavelengths) of radiation produced by one or more light sources. Accordingly, the term “spectrum” refers to frequencies (or wavelengths) not only in the visible range, but also frequencies (or wavelengths) in the infrared, ultraviolet, and other areas of the overall electromagnetic spectrum. Also, a given spectrum may have a relatively narrow bandwidth (e.g., a FWHM having essentially few frequency or wavelength components) or a relatively wide bandwidth (several frequency or wavelength components having various relative strengths). It should also be appreciated that a given spectrum may be the result of a mixing of two or more other spectra (e.g., mixing radiation respectively emitted from multiple light sources).
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “color” is used interchangeably with the term “spectrum.” However, the term “color” generally is used to refer primarily to a property of radiation that is perceivable by an observer (although this usage is not intended to limit the scope of this term). Accordingly, the terms “different colors” implicitly refer to multiple spectra having different wavelength components and/or bandwidths. It also should be appreciated that the term “color” may be used in connection with both white and non-white light.
The term “color temperature” generally is used herein in connection with white light, although this usage is not intended to limit the scope of this term. Color temperature essentially refers to a particular color content or shade (e.g., reddish, bluish) of white light. The color temperature of a given radiation sample conventionally is characterized according to the temperature in degrees Kelvin (K) of a black body radiator that radiates essentially the same spectrum as the radiation sample in question. Black body radiator color temperatures generally fall within a range of from approximately 700 degrees K (typically considered the first visible to the human eye) to over 10,000 degrees K; white light generally is perceived at color temperatures above 1500-2000 degrees K.
Lower color temperatures generally indicate white light having a more significant red component or a “warmer feel,” while higher color temperatures generally indicate white light having a more significant blue component or a “cooler feel.” By way of example, fire has a color temperature of approximately 1,800 degrees K, a conventional incandescent bulb has a color temperature of approximately 2848 degrees K, early morning daylight has a color temperature of approximately 3,000 degrees K, and overcast midday skies have a color temperature of approximately 10,000 degrees K. A color image viewed under white light having a color temperature of approximately 3,000 degree K has a relatively reddish tone, whereas the same color image viewed under white light having a color temperature of approximately 10,000 degrees K has a relatively bluish tone.
The term “lighting fixture” is used herein to refer to an apparatus including one or more light sources of same or different types. A given lighting fixture may have any one of a variety of mounting arrangements for the light source(s), enclosure/housing arrangements and shapes, and/or electrical and mechanical connection configurations. Additionally, a given lighting fixture optionally may be associated with (e.g., include, be coupled to and/or packaged together with) various other components (e.g., control circuitry) relating to the operation of the light source(s). An “LED-based lighting fixture” refers to a lighting fixture that includes one or more LED-based light sources as discussed above, alone or in combination with other non LED-based light sources. A “multi-channel” lighting fixture refers to an LED-based or non LED-based lighting fixture that includes at least two light sources configured to respectively generate different spectrums of radiation, wherein each different source spectrum may be referred to as a “channel” of the multi-channel lighting fixture.
The term “controller” is used herein generally to describe various apparatus relating to the operation of one or more light sources. A controller can be implemented in numerous ways (e.g., such as with dedicated hardware) to perform various functions discussed herein. A “processor” is one example of a controller which employs one or more microprocessors that may be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform various functions discussed herein. A controller may be implemented with or without employing a processor, and also may be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) to perform other functions. Examples of controller components that may be employed in various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).
In various implementations, a processor or controller may be associated with one or more storage media (generically referred to herein as “memory,” e.g., volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, floppy disks, compact disks, optical disks, magnetic tape, etc.). In some implementations, the storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and/or controllers, perform at least some of the functions discussed herein. Various storage media may be fixed within a processor or controller or may be transportable, such that the one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded into a processor or controller so as to implement various aspects of the present disclosure discussed herein. The terms “program” or “computer program” are used herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code (e.g., software or microcode) that can be employed to program one or more processors or controllers.
The term “addressable” is used herein to refer to a device (e.g., a light source in general, a lighting fixture, a controller or processor associated with one or more light sources or lighting fixtures, other non-lighting related devices, etc.) that is configured to receive information (e.g., data) intended for multiple devices, including itself, and to selectively respond to particular information intended for it. The term “addressable” often is used in connection with a networked environment (or a “network,” discussed further below), in which multiple devices are coupled together via some communications medium or media.
In one network implementation, one or more devices coupled to a network may serve as a controller for one or more other devices coupled to the network (e.g., in a master/slave relationship). In another implementation, a networked environment may include one or more dedicated controllers that are configured to control one or more of the devices coupled to the network. Generally, multiple devices coupled to the network each may have access to data that is present on the communications medium or media; however, a given device may be “addressable” in that it is configured to selectively exchange data with (i.e., receive data from and/or transmit data to) the network, based, for example, on one or more particular identifiers (e.g., “addresses”) assigned to it.
The term “network” as used herein refers to any interconnection of two or more devices (including controllers or processors) that facilitates the transport of information (e.g. for device control, data storage, data exchange, etc.) between any two or more devices and/or among multiple devices coupled to the network. As should be readily appreciated, various implementations of networks suitable for interconnecting multiple devices may include any of a variety of network topologies and employ any of a variety of communication protocols. Additionally, in various networks according to the present disclosure, any one connection between two devices may represent a dedicated connection between the two systems, or alternatively a non-dedicated connection. In addition to carrying information intended for the two devices, such a non-dedicated connection may carry information not necessarily intended for either of the two devices (e.g., an open network connection). Furthermore, it should be readily appreciated that various networks of devices as discussed herein may employ one or more wireless, wire/cable, and/or fiber optic links to facilitate information transport throughout the network.
The term “user interface” as used herein refers to an interface between a human user or operator and one or more devices that enables communication between the user and the device(s). Examples of user interfaces that may be employed in various implementations of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, switches, potentiometers, buttons, dials, sliders, a mouse, keyboard, keypad, various types of game controllers (e.g., joysticks), track balls, display screens, various types of graphical user interfaces (GUIs), touch screens, microphones and other types of sensors that may receive some form of human-generated stimulus and generate a signal in response thereto.
The following patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference:
U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,038, issued Jan. 18, 2000, entitled “Multicolored LED Lighting Method and Apparatus;”
U.S. Pat. No. 6,211,626, issued Apr. 3, 2001 to Lys et al, entitled “Illumination Components;”
U.S. Pat. No. 6,548,967, issued Apr. 15, 2003, entitled “Universal Lighting Network Methods and Systems;”
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/675,419, filed Sep. 29, 2000, entitled “Systems and Methods for Calibrating Light Output by Light-Emitting Diodes;”
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/245,788, filed Sep. 17, 2002, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Generating and Modulating White Light Illumination Conditions;”
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/325,635, filed Dec. 19, 2002, entitled “Controlled Lighting Methods and Apparatus;” and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/010,840, filed Dec. 13, 2004, entitled “Thermal Management Methods and Apparatus for Lighting Devices.”
It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminology explicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described below, including certain embodiments relating particularly to LED-based light sources. It should be appreciated, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular manner of implementation, and that the various embodiments discussed explicitly herein are primarily for purposes of illustration. For example, the various concepts discussed herein may be suitably implemented in a variety of environments involving LED-based light sources, other types of light sources not including LEDs, environments that involve both LEDs and other types of light sources in combination, and environments that involve non-lighting-related devices alone or in combination with various types of light sources.
In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the lighting fixture 100 shown in
In one embodiment, the lighting fixture 100 shown in
As shown in
In general, the intensity (radiant output power) of radiation generated by the one or more light sources is proportional to the average power delivered to the light source(s) over a given time period. Accordingly, one technique for varying the intensity of radiation generated by the one or more light sources involves modulating the power delivered to (i.e., the operating power of) the light source(s). For some types of light sources, including LED-based sources, this may be accomplished effectively using a pulse width modulation (PWM) technique.
In one exemplary implementation of a PWM control technique, for each channel of a lighting fixture a fixed predetermined voltage Vsource is applied periodically across a given light source constituting the channel. The application of the voltage Vsource may be accomplished via one or more switches, not shown in
According to the PWM technique, by periodically applying the voltage Vsource to the light source and varying the time the voltage is applied during a given on-off cycle, the average power delivered to the light source over time (the average operating power) may be modulated. In particular, the controller 105 may be configured to apply the voltage Vsource to a given light source in a pulsed fashion (e.g., by outputting a control signal that operates one or more switches to apply the voltage to the light source), preferably at a frequency that is greater than that capable of being detected by the human eye (e.g., greater than approximately 100 Hz). In this manner, an observer of the light generated by the light source does not perceive the discrete on-off cycles (commonly referred to as a “flicker effect”), but instead the integrating function of the eye perceives essentially continuous light generation. By adjusting the pulse width (i.e. on-time, or “duty cycle”) of on-off cycles of the control signal, the controller varies the average amount of time the light source is energized in any given time period, and hence varies the average operating power of the light source. In this manner, the perceived brightness of the generated light from each channel in turn may be varied.
As discussed in greater detail below, the controller 105 may be configured to control each different light source channel of a multi-channel lighting fixture at a predetermined average operating power to provide a corresponding radiant output power for the light generated by each channel. Alternatively, the controller 105 may receive instructions (e.g., “lighting commands”) from a variety of origins, such as a user interface 118, a signal source 124, or one or more communication ports 120, that specify prescribed operating powers for one or more channels and, hence, corresponding radiant output powers for the light generated by the respective channels. By varying the prescribed operating powers for one or more channels (e.g., pursuant to different instructions or lighting commands), different perceived colors and brightness levels of light may be generated by the lighting fixture.
In one embodiment of the lighting fixture 100, as mentioned above, one or more of the light sources 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D shown in
In another aspect of the lighting fixture 100 shown in
Thus, the lighting fixture 100 may include a wide variety of colors of LEDs in various combinations, including two or more of red, green, and blue LEDs to produce a color mix, as well as one or more other LEDs to create varying colors and color temperatures of white light. For example, red, green and blue can be mixed with amber, white, UV, orange, IR or other colors of LEDs. Such combinations of differently colored LEDs in the lighting fixture 100 can facilitate accurate reproduction of a host of desirable spectrums of lighting conditions, examples of which include, but are not limited to, a variety of outside daylight equivalents at different times of the day, various interior lighting conditions, lighting conditions to simulate a complex multicolored background, and the like. Other desirable lighting conditions can be created by removing particular pieces of spectrum that may be specifically absorbed, attenuated or reflected in certain environments.
As shown in
One issue that may arise in connection with controlling multiple light sources in the lighting fixture 100 of
The use of one or more uncalibrated light sources in the lighting fixture 100 shown in
Now consider a second lighting fixture including a second uncalibrated red light source substantially similar to the first uncalibrated red light source of the first lighting fixture, and a second uncalibrated blue light source substantially similar to the first uncalibrated blue light source of the first lighting fixture. As discussed above, even if both of the uncalibrated red light sources are controlled in response to respective identical commands, the actual intensity of light (e.g., radiant power in lumens) output by each red light source may be measurably different. Similarly, even if both of the uncalibrated blue light sources are controlled in response to respective identical commands, the actual light output by each blue light source may be measurably different.
With the foregoing in mind, it should be appreciated that if multiple uncalibrated light sources are used in combination in lighting fixtures to produce a mixed colored light as discussed above, the observed color (or color temperature) of light produced by different lighting fixtures under identical control conditions may be perceivably different. Specifically, consider again the “lavender” example above; the “first lavender” produced by the first lighting fixture with a red command having a value of 125 and a blue command having a value of 200 indeed may be perceivably different than a “second lavender” produced by the second lighting fixture with a red command having a value of 125 and a blue command having a value of 200. More generally, the first and second lighting fixtures generate uncalibrated colors by virtue of their uncalibrated light sources.
In view of the foregoing, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lighting fixture 100 includes calibration means to facilitate the generation of light having a calibrated (e.g., predictable, reproducible) color at any given time. In one aspect, the calibration means is configured to adjust (e.g., scale) the light output of at least some light sources of the lighting fixture so as to compensate for perceptible differences between similar light sources used in different lighting fixtures.
For example, in one embodiment, the processor 102 of the lighting fixture 100 is configured to control one or more of the light sources so as to output radiation at a calibrated intensity that substantially corresponds in a predetermined manner to a control signal for the light source(s). As a result of mixing radiation having different spectra and respective calibrated intensities, a calibrated color is produced. In one aspect of this embodiment, at least one calibration value for each light source is stored in the memory 114, and the processor is programmed to apply the respective calibration values to the control signals (commands) for the corresponding light sources so as to generate the calibrated intensities.
In one aspect of this embodiment, one or more calibration values may be determined once (e.g., during a lighting fixture manufacturing/testing phase) and stored in the memory 114 for use by the processor 102. In another aspect, the processor 102 may be configured to derive one or more calibration values dynamically (e.g. from time to time) with the aid of one or more photosensors, for example. In various embodiments, the photosensor(s) may be one or more external components coupled to the lighting fixture, or alternatively may be integrated as part of the lighting fixture itself. A photosensor is one example of a signal source that may be integrated or otherwise associated with the lighting fixture 100, and monitored by the processor 102 in connection with the operation of the lighting fixture. Other examples of such signal sources are discussed further below, in connection with the signal source 124 shown in
One exemplary method that may be implemented by the processor 102 to derive one or more calibration values includes applying a reference control signal to a light source (e.g., corresponding to maximum output radiant power), and measuring (e.g., via one or more photosensors) an intensity of radiation (e.g., radiant power falling on the photosensor) thus generated by the light source. The processor may be programmed to then make a comparison of the measured intensity and at least one reference value (e.g., representing an intensity that nominally would be expected in response to the reference control signal). Based on such a comparison, the processor may determine one or more calibration values (e.g., scaling factors) for the light source. In particular, the processor may derive a calibration value such that, when applied to the reference control signal, the light source outputs radiation having an intensity that corresponds to the reference value (i.e., an “expected” intensity, e.g., expected radiant power in lumens).
In various aspects, one calibration value may be derived for an entire range of control signal/output intensities for a given light source. Alternatively, multiple calibration values may be derived for a given light source (i.e., a number of calibration value “samples” may be obtained) that are respectively applied over different control signal/output intensity ranges, to approximate a nonlinear calibration function in a piecewise linear manner.
In another aspect, as also shown in
In one implementation, the controller 105 of the lighting fixture monitors the user interface 118 and controls one or more of the light sources 104A, 104B, 104C and 104D based at least in part on a user's operation of the interface. For example, the controller 105 may be configured to respond to operation of the user interface by originating one or more control signals for controlling one or more of the light sources. Alternatively, the processor 102 may be configured to respond by selecting one or more pre-programmed control signals stored in memory, modifying control signals generated by executing a lighting program, selecting and executing a new lighting program from memory, or otherwise affecting the radiation generated by one or more of the light sources.
In particular, in one implementation, the user interface 118 may constitute one or more switches (e.g., a standard wall switch) that interrupt power to the controller 105. In one aspect of this implementation, the controller 105 is configured to monitor the power as controlled by the user interface, and in turn control one or more of the light sources based at least in part on a duration of a power interruption caused by operation of the user interface. As discussed above, the controller may be particularly configured to respond to a predetermined duration of a power interruption by, for example, selecting one or more pre-programmed control signals stored in memory, modifying control signals generated by executing a lighting program, selecting and executing a new lighting program from memory, or otherwise affecting the radiation generated by one or more of the light sources.
Examples of the signal(s) 122 that may be received and processed by the controller 105 include, but are not limited to, one or more audio signals, video signals, power signals, various types of data signals, signals representing information obtained from a network (e.g., the Internet), signals representing one or more detectable/sensed conditions, signals from lighting fixtures, signals consisting of modulated light, etc. In various implementations, the signal source(s) 124 may be located remotely from the lighting fixture 100, or included as a component of the lighting fixture. In one embodiment, a signal from one lighting fixture 100 could be sent over a network to another lighting fixture 100.
Some examples of a signal source 124 that may be employed in, or used in connection with, the lighting fixture 100 of
Additional examples of a signal source 124 include various metering/detection devices that monitor electrical signals or characteristics (e.g., voltage, current, power, resistance, capacitance, inductance, etc.) or chemical/biological characteristics (e.g., acidity, a presence of one or more particular chemical or biological agents, bacteria, etc.) and provide one or more signals 122 based on measured values of the signals or characteristics. Yet other examples of a signal source 124 include various types of scanners, image recognition systems, voice or other sound recognition systems, artificial intelligence and robotics systems, and the like. A signal source 124 could also be a lighting fixture 100, another controller or processor, or any one of many available signal generating devices, such as media players, MP3 players, computers, DVD players, CD players, television signal sources, camera signal sources, microphones, speakers, telephones, cellular phones, instant messenger devices, SMS devices, wireless devices, personal organizer devices, and many others.
In one embodiment, the lighting fixture 100 shown in
As also shown in
In particular, in a networked lighting system environment, as discussed in greater detail further below (e.g., in connection with
In one aspect of this embodiment, the processor 102 of a given lighting fixture, whether or not coupled to a network, may be configured to interpret lighting instructions/data that are received in a DMX protocol (as discussed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,016,038 and 6,211,626), which is a lighting command protocol conventionally employed in the lighting industry for some programmable lighting applications. For example, in one aspect, considering for the moment a lighting fixture based on red, green and blue LEDs (i.e., an “R-G-B” lighting fixture), a lighting command in DMX protocol may specify each of a red channel command, a green channel command, and a blue channel command as eight-bit data (i.e., a data byte) representing a value from 0 to 255. The maximum value of 255 for any one of the color channels instructs the processor 102 to control the corresponding light source(s) to operate at maximum available power (i.e., 100%) for the channel, thereby generating the maximum available radiant power for that color (such a command structure for an R-G-B lighting fixture commonly is referred to as 24-bit color control). Hence, a command of the format [R, G, B]=[255, 255, 255] would cause the lighting fixture to generate maximum radiant power for each of red, green and blue light (thereby creating white light).
It should be appreciated, however, that lighting fixtures suitable for purposes of the present disclosure are not limited to a DMX command format, as lighting fixtures according to various embodiments may be configured to be responsive to other types of communication protocols/lighting command formats so as to control their respective light sources. In general, the processor 102 may be configured to respond to lighting commands in a variety of formats that express prescribed operating powers for each different channel of a multi-channel lighting fixture according to some scale representing zero to maximum available operating power for each channel.
In one embodiment, the lighting fixture 100 of
While not shown explicitly in
Additionally, one or more optical elements as discussed above may be partially or fully integrated with an enclosure/housing arrangement for the lighting fixture. Furthermore, the various components of the lighting fixture discussed above (e.g., processor, memory, power, user interface, etc.), as well as other components that may be associated with the lighting fixture in different implementations (e.g., sensors/transducers, other components to facilitate communication to and from the unit, etc.) may be packaged in a variety of ways; for example, in one aspect, any subset or all of the various lighting fixture components, as well as other components that may be associated with the lighting fixture, may be packaged together. In another aspect, packaged subsets of components may be coupled together electrically and/or mechanically in a variety of manners, as discussed below.
Additionally, while not shown explicitly in
As shown in the embodiment of
In the system of
For example, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the central controller 202 shown in
More specifically, according to one embodiment, the LUCs 208A, 208B, and 208C shown in
It should again be appreciated that the foregoing example of using multiple different communication implementations (e.g., Ethernet/DMX) in a lighting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is for purposes of illustration only, and that the disclosure is not limited to this particular example.
From the foregoing, it may be appreciated that one or more lighting fixtures as discussed above are capable of generating highly controllable variable color light over a wide range of colors, as well as variable color temperature white light over a wide range of color temperatures.
In some embodiments, the light-generating module 300 may be implemented in a relatively straightforward manner, including one or more LED-based light sources and connectors for connection of the LEDs to drive signals and operating power. In other embodiments, the light-generating module 300 may include a variety of components, including but not limited to thermal dissipation elements, on-board memory and/or control features, and optical components. When the light-generating module 300 is attached to the housing 304 via the socket 302, the light-generating module 300 may be electrically connected to the controller module 105 via a connector 310.
In some embodiments, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the controller module 105 associated with a given lighting fixture may be disposed internally within the housing, as illustrated in
With reference to
In the module shown in
With respect to heat management, dissipating heat through the front face (light exit face) of the light-generating module may aid in thermal efficiency. In assembling the light-generating module 300 of
While the particular embodiment shown in
In one implementation, the LED hex subassemblies 344 may be components manufactured under the name OSTAR® by OSRAM Opto Semiconductors Gmbh (see http://www.osram-os.com/ostar-lighting). Each OSTAR® subassembly 344 may provide up to 400 lumens of radiation at an operating current of 700 milliamps from six LED junctions that are driven simultaneously to provide white light having a color temperature of approximately 5600 degrees Kelvin.
In one aspect, LED hex subassemblies 344, exemplified by the OSTAR® products, may be implemented as “chip-on-board” LED subassemblies or modules. In a chip-on-board assembly, an unpackaged silicon die (i.e., semiconductor chip) is attached directly onto the surface of a substrate (e.g., an FR-4 printed circuit board, a flexible printed circuit board, a ceramic substrate, etc.) and wire bonded to form electrical connections to the substrate. An epoxy resin or a silicone coating is then applied on top of the die/chip to encapsulate and protect the die/chip. In one exemplary OSTAR® configuration, the LED hex subassembly includes four or six LED semiconductor chips mounted on a ceramic substrate, which is in turn mounted directly to a surface of a metal core printed circuit board. To protect the semiconductor chips from environmental influences such as moisture, the chips may be coated with a clear silicone encapsulant.
Each OSTAR® includes an aluminum core substrate to facilitate thermal dissipation, on top of which is disposed electrical connections, the LED junctions (semiconductor chips), and an integrated primary lens (as one example of a primary optic) to provide a Lambertian beam shape. The hexagonally-shaped substrate is provided with multiple perimeter cut-outs and/or through-holes to permit coupling of the subassemblies via screws to the chassis 336 and also to facilitate registration of the individual hex subassemblies to a common substrate, as well as optional secondary optics. Electrical connections to the hex subassemblies may be made by soldering to contacts on the top of the subassembly, or by employing spring type contacts. An aluminum substrate of the OSTARs® may be, in some embodiments, placed in direct contact with thermally conductive features, such as the base plate 340, the socket 302, and/or the fixture housing 304, to facilitate a thermal conduction path away from the LED subassemblies.
While an example of an LED hex subassembly constituted by an OSTAR® component is discussed above, it should be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited in this respect, as LED hex subassemblies having other configurations, including one or more LEDs configured to generate essentially white light having a variety of color temperatures and/or light having a variety of non-white colors, may be employed in light-generating modules according to various embodiments.
In particular, in one exemplary implementation, one or more LED subassemblies of a given LED assembly may generate white light having a first color temperature, and one or more others of the LED subassemblies may generate white light having a different second color temperature, such that a given light-generating module may be configured as a multi-channel LED-base light source. Likewise, a lighting fixture including such a multi-channel light-generating module may be configured with a multi-channel controller module configured to independently control the multiple channels of the multi-channel light-generating module. In this manner, the light-generating module may be configured to generate either of the different color temperatures, or an arbitrary combination of the different color temperatures. Thus, lighting fixtures according to the present disclosure may be particularly configured to provide for controllable variable color-temperature white light from a single light-generating module.
From
More specifically,
A side of the printed circuit board 346 adjacent to the hex subassemblies (i.e., the side opposite to that in view in
In one implementation, the printed circuit board 346 may be made of conventional FR-4 (Flame Resistant 4) material, which is commonly used for making printed circuit boards and is a composite of a resin epoxy reinforced with a woven fiberglass mat. In one aspect, a printed circuit board 346 made of FR-4 may be fabricated as a relatively thin substrate to facilitate effective thermal transfer from the front (or top surface) of the hex subassemblies. Thus, when the LED assembly 338 is coupled to the die-cast chassis 336, the metal of the chassis further facilitates thermal transfer from the front (or light-exit face) of the light-generating module.
In another implementation, the printed circuit board may be made of a flexible circuit board material. Flexible circuit boards are used in some common conventional applications where flexibility, space savings, or production constraints limit the serviceability of rigid circuit boards or hand wiring. In addition to cameras, a common application of flexible circuits is in computer keyboard manufacturing; most keyboards made today use flexible circuits for the switch matrix. In one example, a flexible circuit board may be implemented as an appreciably thin substrate (e.g., on the order of a few micrometers) using thin flexible plastic or other insulating material and metal foil for conductors.
One example of a suitable flexible insulating material for flexible circuit boards is Kapton®, which is a polyimide film developed by DuPont® that can remain stable in a wide range of temperatures, from −269° C. to +400° C. (−452° F. to 752° F.). In implementations of LED assemblies using flexible circuit boards, windows may be cut into the insulating material on both the top and the bottom of the circuit board to expose contact pad areas in the conducting metal foil layer. Holes may be formed in the middle of these areas to facilitate the soldering process, as discussed above. In one aspect of implementations using flexible circuit boards, a non-planar LED assembly may be fabricated and appropriately mounted to a chassis to allow customized or predetermined patterns and directions of light emission from the LEDs of the hex subassemblies.
In implementations employing a flexible circuit board, an aluminum base plate serving as an alternative to the base plate 340 may be equipped with pegs similar to those illustrated in
A slightly different embodiment of a secondary optic component 334-1 is illustrated in
In one exemplary implementation of the module, grip ring and socket combination illustrated in
In the embodiment of
In various aspects, the electrical contacts or connectors of the chassis 336-2 may include: components which are insert-molded into the chassis; stamped pieces which may be pressed into the chassis during assembly; a flex printed circuit board (flex PCB); or conductive ink screened onto the molded chassis. The LED hex subassemblies 344-1 may be assembled into the chassis 336-2 by pressing to ensure satisfactory electrical contact with the contacts or connectors of the chassis. To facilitate satisfactory contact, the chassis may further include small fasteners or retention clips in the injection molded plastic.
With reference again to
In various implementations, other alternative thermal materials may be employed, such as viscous paste or liquid metal sandwiched between the plate and a thin and slightly convex sheet. When the light-generating module is lockingly engaged with the socket, this convex sheet deforms under compression to flatness against the fixture housing (e.g., a heat sink—described below with reference to
As discussed above, various components and/or subassemblies of the light-generating module 300 may be configured to conduct heat away from the light-generating module 300. In some embodiments, the chassis 336 may be die-cast in metal, or formed with another suitable thermally conducting material, such that heat may be transmitted from the LED assembly 338 to the face plate 330 and/or the grip ring 332. The electrically insulating and thermally conducting layer 348 discussed above may be interposed between the LED assembly 338 and the chassis 336 as part of facilitating thermal dissipation. In this manner, thermal dissipation may be facilitated from the front face and/or the sides of the light-generating module 300.
Thermal dissipation also may be facilitated from the rear side of the light-generating module 300 in some embodiments. For example, a thermally conductive base plate 340 may be provided as a backing to the LED assembly 338 such that thermal dissipation is facilitated through the housing and/or socket to which the light-generating module 300 is attached.
As illustrated in
One embodiment of a light-generating module 300-4 employing thermal dissipation fins 510 is illustrated in
The module housing 512 includes leaf springs 520 for forming operating power and control connections with the socket 302-2 when the light-generating module 300-4 is engaged with the socket 302-2.
One embodiment of a light-generating module 300-5 including a fan 530 is illustrated in
Another embodiment of a light-generating module 300-6 including a fan 530-1 is illustrated in
In one embodiment of a light-generating module 300-7 illustrated in
The cover 550 may be configured to allow the light-generating module 300-7 to be attached with screws to a housing 304-2 of a lighting fixture 100-2, or, in some embodiments, the cover may be configured to allow the light-generating module 300-7 to be clipped or snapped into place within the fixture housing 304-2. The cover 550 may include contacts 352-3 for operating power and/or control connectivity, or the cover 550 may include a hole for allowing access to power and/or control contacts on an LED subassembly.
As may be seen in
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the light-generating module 300 may include no control facilities within the module, or may include a very limited amount of memory, processing or control facilities within the light-generating module 300. For example, the light-generating module 300 may receive drive signals for LEDs from an external controller module (that is, a controller not disposed on the light-generating module 300) and provide no further control of the LEDs and provide no feedback or information to the external controller module.
In some embodiments, the light-generating module 300 may include various memory, processing or control facilities on the light-generating module 300 itself. For example, the light-generating module 300 may include a unique identification code such a serial number. The serial number may be available for reading by an external controller module, and information associated with the serial number may be present within memory associated with the controller module, and/or information associated with the serial number may provided to the controller module from an external source. In one embodiment, the controller module reads the unique identification code of the light-generating module 300 and accesses a database that contains information specific to the light-generating module 300. In some embodiments, an identification code may identify a group of light-generating modules 300 having similar or identical characteristics, and not identify a specific light-generating module 300.
The light-generating module 300 may include only an identification code, from which further information can be accessed, as discussed above. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the light-generating module 300 may include additional information within memory on the light-generating module 300. Examples of information which may be included on the light-generating module 300 include, but are not limited to: operating power requirements; operating power output rating; descriptions of LED sources; light generating characteristics or parameters relating to color or color temperature; description of optical beam angles; calibration parameters; operating temperature; instructions for controller action related to operating temperature; and historical data relating to temperature, time or other light generating characteristics.
The operating power requirements may be provided by the light-generating module 300 in terms of voltage or current, and may include any other suitable information regarding the supply of power to the light-generating module 300. The operating power output rating may provide an output rating in terms of watts or lumens, and may include information regarding any predicted degradation over time. A description of LED-based sources may include the type and/or number of RGB LEDs and/or white LEDs, and color temperature specifications. Information regarding the optical beam angles and/or feasible optical beam angles may be included in some embodiments. Information regarding a predicted usable life span may be included in some embodiments. The light-generating module 300 may communicate operating temperature measurements to the controller, and, in some embodiments, may provide data or instructions to the controller regarding desired power levels based on operating temperature measurements. For example, the light-generating module 300 may instruct the controller to reduce the power being supplied to the light-generating module 300 when a certain threshold operating temperature is reached. In some embodiments, historical data such as the number of hours of run-time, the historical operating temperatures, or other data, may be supplied by the light-generating module 300 to the controller or other suitable device. In some embodiments, the information and/or instructions provided by the light-generating module 300 may be initiated by the light-generating module 300 itself and communicated to the controller. In some embodiments, the controller, or other reading device, may prompt the light-generating module 300 for information, or read information directly from a memory module or other suitable component of the light-generating module 300.
As illustrated in
By using posts 582 on an internal surface of the grip ring 332 and spiral pathways 584 or screw-type threads on an exterior surface of the socket 302, in some embodiments, tool-less installation and removal of the light-generating module 300 from the lighting fixture may be achieved. In this regard, the light-generating module may be easily attached to a lighting fixture, and thermal, mechanical and electrical connections may automatically occur as a result of the attachment. Of course, in some embodiments, one or more additional steps may be required of the user to form all connections of the light-generating module to the housing. For example, in some embodiments, the physical and thermal coupling of the light-generating module to the housing may occur by twisting the light-generating module into the socket as described with reference to
In one aspect, an electrical contact or other means may be incorporated with the socket 302 to detect when the grip ring 332 has reached a locked position, so that drive signals and/or operating power to the LED hex subassemblies are not applied unless the light-generating module 300 is completely locked into the socket 302.
An attachment element other than a socket may be used in some embodiments to attach the light-generating module to the housing. For example, in some embodiments, the light-generating module may be attached to the housing using an adhesive. In some embodiments, fasteners such as screws or bolts may be used to attach the light-generating module, and in this manner, no socket may be present.
A keyed center post 620 may be used to correctly orient contact pads 616 of the light-generating module 300-8 with leaf spring contacts 618 present on the stamped sheet 602. Of course the contact pads 616 instead may be present on the stamped sheet 602 and the leaf spring contacts 618 may be present on the light-generating module 300-8. Other suitable connection assemblies may be used to achieve electrical and/or mechanical connections.
While each of the socket embodiments described thus far have used circular sockets as examples, it is important to note that a socket is not required to be circular. For example, in the embodiment of a socket 302-5 and a light-generating module 300-10 illustrated in
Another embodiment of a substantially rectangular socket is illustrated in
Another embodiment of a substantially rectangular socket 302-7 is illustrated in
Another embodiment of a socket 302-8 and light-generating module 300-12 is illustrated in
One embodiment of a tool-free light-generating module 300-13 is illustrated in
An embodiment that uses mounting hardware to attach a light-generating module 300-14 to a socket or lighting fixture is illustrated in
Referring now to
FIGS. 55 and 56A-56E show various embodiments of lighting fixtures 100-4 which provide light in an upward direction using removable light-generating modules 300-15 that are attached to sockets 302-10 in the lighting fixtures. Electrical connectors are provided in the socket bases and on the bottom of the light-generating modules 300-15. It should be evident from the figures that the controller module 105 may be in any one of a number of configurations.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a modular lighting fixture is configured such that the housing may be installed through an aperture in an architectural feature, such as a hole in a ceiling or a wall for example. In this regard, the lighting fixture may be installed as a recessed fixture in existing construction; that is, the unit may be installed in an aperture in an existing architectural surface or feature without having to cut the ceiling, wall or other architectural surface all the way to joists or other support elements.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
A sequence of installing the lighting fixture 100-1 in a ceiling 560 is illustrated in
In some embodiments, as in the embodiment illustrated in
Mounting hardware 826 for adjusting the mounting feet 804 is illustrated in
Instead of including an extruded fixture housing, in some embodiments a lighting fixture 100-1 includes a die-cast fixture housing 304-2. As illustrated in
One embodiment of a controller module 105 for modular lighting fixtures disclosed herein and other suitable lighting fixtures is illustrated in
One embodiment of a controller module 105 is illustrated with its structural packaging (controller housing 818) in
In a first step, as shown in
In some embodiments, the controller modular may itself be configured to be modular in terms of the input and output interfaces. One embodiment of a modular controller module 105-1 is schematically illustrated in
More specifically, an interchangeable “front-end” interface, or input interface 892, provides flexibility to the user in configuring the controller module 105 for receiving control signals. For example, the user may use various input interface boards and/or connectors 894 to allow for input information to be provided via Ethernet, DMX, Dali, wireless connection, analog control, or any other suitable connection. An interchangeable “back-end,” or output interface 896 provides flexibility to the user in terms of the number of LED channels to be driven and/or the type of channels to be driven. For example, depending on the type of light-generating module being used, an output interface board could provide for a single channel/single color driving capability, or a different output interface board may be used to drive multiple channels for multiple colors or multiple color temperatures. In particular, in some embodiments, an output interface board may be used to drive multiple color temperature white LEDs. The output power may be sent to the LED-based light sources via output wiring 852.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, a battery or other auxiliary power source is provided in an LED lighting fixture such that the LED lighting fixture may be used for emergency lighting in addition to its primary lighting purpose. For example, as shown in
Having thus described several illustrative embodiments, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. While some examples presented herein involve specific combinations of functions or structural elements, it should be understood that those functions and elements may be combined in other ways according to the present disclosure to accomplish the same or different objectives. In particular, acts, elements, and features discussed in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from similar or other roles in other embodiments. Accordingly, the foregoing description and attached drawings are by way of example only, and are not intended to be limiting.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to the following U.S. Provisional Applications: Ser. No. 60/683,587, entitled “LED Modules for Low Profile Lighting Applications,” filed on May 23, 2005; Ser. No. 60/729,870, entitled “Spider Interconnect and Hospital Gown Socket Concept,” filed on Oct. 24, 2005; Ser. No. 60/756,821, entitled “Spider Interconnect and Hospital Gown Socket Concept,” filed on Jan. 6, 2006; and Ser. No. 60/745,353, entitled “Modular Lighting Assembly Methods and Apparatus,” filed on Apr. 21, 2006. Each of the foregoing applications hereby is incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to the following U.S. Provisional Applications: Ser. No. 60/710,557 filed Aug. 23, 2005, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Dissipating Heat From Lighting Devices;” and Ser. No. 60/714,795 filed Sept. 8, 2005, entitled “Lighting Pendant.”
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