The present invention relates to a lighting technology, and more particularly to an optically controlled lighting device for detecting the ambient light intensity and a control method thereof.
Nowadays, lighting devices are widely used in workshops, working platforms, walkways, offices, houses, roads, courtyards, public places or a variety of indoor/outdoor environments, and bring a lot of convenience to the human lives. For example, the wisely-used lighting devices at least comprise light bulbs, light tubes, various lamps (e.g. a ceiling lamp or a garden lamp) or various work lamps (e.g. a work lamp with a humidifying function or a work lamp with a spraying function). The light sources used in these lighting devices are for example incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent lamps or environmentally-friendly and power-saving LED lamps.
Conventionally, for achieving the power-saving efficacy of the lighting device, a passive infrared (PIR) sensor for sensing a movement of a human body in a sensing region in order to judge whether a user appears. If the user appears in the sensing region, the lighting device is controlled to implement a lighting action. Consequently, the power-saving purpose can be achieved to some extents.
In case that the PIR sensor is only used to execute the sensing function, the lighting device is controlled to implement the lighting action whenever the user appears in the sensing region. However, even if the ambient light of the sensing region has sufficient brightness, the lighting action is still implemented whenever the user appears in the sensing region. The way of additionally implementing the lighting action of the lighting device wastes electric power. Similarly, after a general light source is turned on for a certain time period, if the ambient light is gradually changed and the user feels that the ambient light has sufficient brightness, the user has to stand up and then turn of the light source. If the switch of the light source is far away from the user or the user is handicapped, the process of frequently turning on or turning off the switch of the light source is troublesome to the user.
On the other hand, another environmentally-friendly and power-saving lamp uses a photosensitive sensing circuit to detect the brightness of the ambient light. If the brightness is higher than a predetermined value, it means that the environment is relatively brighter. Under this circumstance, the power-saving lamp is maintained in the off state. Whereas, if the brightness is lower than a predetermined value, it means that the environment is relatively darker. Consequently, the power-saving lamp is automatically turned on. After the power-saving lamp is turned on, the photosensitive sensing circuit may immediately or intermittently detect the brightness of the ambient light. If the brightness is higher than the predetermined value, the power-saving lamp is automatically turned off. Consequently, the power-saving purpose is achieved. However, the operating method of this power-saving lamp still has some drawbacks. For example, while the photosensitive sensing circuit detects the brightness of the ambient light, the detecting result is possibly influenced by the light beam from the power-saving lamp. For avoiding the influence on the detecting result of the photosensitive sensing circuit, the photosensitive sensing circuit is usually located at a position outside the illuminated region of the power-saving lamp. Consequently, the brightness of the ambient light detected by the photosensitive sensing circuit may be considered as the real brightness of the ambient light. In other words, for installing the power-saving lamp, the lighting module of the power-saving lamp is placed at one position and the photosensitive sensing circuit is placed at another position. Then, the lighting module of the power-saving lamp and the photosensitive sensing circuit are electrically connected with each other. As mentioned above, it is inconvenient to install the power-saving lamp, and the installation cost of the power-saving lamp is high. For example, a long conductive wire is required to connect the lighting module of the power-saving lamp with the photosensitive sensing circuit. Moreover, the demands on the installation site of the power-saving lamp are stringent. For example, it is necessary that the photosensitive sensing circuit is installed at the position outside the illuminated region of the power-saving lamp.
For solving the above drawbacks and achieving the power-saving purpose, there is a need of providing a lighting device for detecting the intensity of the ambient light in order to judge whether the lighting device needs to implement the lighting action or not. Moreover, for installing the lighting device, the photosensitive sensing circuit does not need to be far away from the lighting module.
An object of the present invention provides an optically controlled lighting device with an optical detector and a control method thereof so as to eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art technologies. Consequently, the power-saving purpose is achieved by simply installing the optically controlled lighting device.
Another object of the present invention provides an optically controlled lighting group with an optical detector.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optically controlled lighting device. The optically controlled lighting device includes a lighting main body, a dimming time controller and an optical detector. The lighting main body includes a controlling circuit and a light source. The light source is electrically connected with the controlling circuit. The dimming time controller is coupled to the controlling circuit, and generates an on dimming signal and an off diming signal. When the on dimming signal is transmitted to the controlling circuit, the light source is turned on during an on period corresponding to the on dimming signal. When the off dimming signal is transmitted to the controlling circuit, the light source is turned off during an off period corresponding to the off dimming signal. The optical detector is coupled to the controlling circuit, and detects an ambient light intensity. The off period is shorter than a time period for producing persistence of vision. If the ambient light intensity detected by the optical detector is different from a predetermined value, the light source is controlled by the dimming time controller.
In an embodiment, the optically controlled lighting device further includes a sensing element that senses a movement of an object, wherein the sensing element is disposed within the lighting main body and electrically connected with the controlling circuit.
In an embodiment, the optically controlled lighting device is at least selected from one of a sensing type LED light bulb, a sensing type LED light tube, a sensing type lamp and a sensing type work lamp. The sensing type lamp is at least selected from a sensing type ceiling lamp or a sensing type garden lamp, and the sensing type work lamp is at least selected from a sensing type work lamp with a spraying function or a sensing type work lamp with a humidifying function.
In an embodiment, if the optically controlled lighting device is the sensing type LED light bulb, the sensing type LED light bulb includes a bulb main body, and the bulb main body is used as the lighting main body. The bulb main body further at least includes a male connector, a bulb casing, a LED light source set and a bulb cover. The male connector is located at a first end of the bulb casing. The LED light source set and the bulb cover are both disposed within the bulb casing and located at a second end of the bulb casing opposed to the first end of the bulb casing. The LED light source set is covered by the bulb cover. The bulb casing is a heat-dissipating structure with an accommodation part. In addition, the accommodation part is in communication with the first end and the second end. At least one electronic component of the controlling circuit is accommodated within the accommodation part. Plural fins are disposed on an outer surface of the heat-dissipating structure. The male connector is located at the first end of the heat-dissipating structure. The LED light source set and the bulb cover are both located at the second end of the heat-dissipating structure. Otherwise, if the optically controlled lighting device is the sensing type LED light tube, the sensing type LED light tube include a tube main body, and the tube main body is used as the lighting main body. The sensing type LED light tube further at least includes two tube caps, a non-closed-circular tube casing, a LED light source set and a tube cover. The two tube caps are respectively located at two ends of the non-closed-circular tube casing. The LED light source set and the tube cover are both connected to an entrance of the non-closed-circular tube casing. The LED light source set is covered by the tube cover. The non-closed-circular tube casing is a non-closed-circular heat-dissipating structure. Plural fins are disposed on an outer surface of the non-closed-circular heat-dissipating structure. The two tube caps are respectively located at the two ends of the circular heat-dissipating structure. The LED light source set and the tube cover are both connected to the entrance of the non-closed-circular heat-dissipating structure. Otherwise, if the sensing type lamp is the sensing type ceiling lamp or the sensing type garden lamp or the sensing type work lamp is the sensing type work lamp with the spraying function or the sensing type work lamp with the humidifying function, the light source is a LED light source set comprising plural LED chips, or the light source is an incandescent light source set or a fluorescent light source set.
In an embodiment, the optically controlled lighting device further includes an electromagnetic wireless communication module. The electromagnetic wireless communication module is disposed within the lighting main body and electrically connected with the controlling circuit. The electromagnetic wireless communication module is operated in a frequency band of an invisible light spectrum. The electromagnetic wireless communication module is at least selected from one of a 313.325 MHz wireless communication module, a 433 MHz wireless communication module, a 418 MHz wireless communication module, a 2.4 GHz wireless communication module, a 5.8 GHz wireless communication module, a 10 GHz wireless communication module, a Bluetooth wireless communication module, a Wi-Fi wireless communication module, a NFC wireless communication module, a Z-Wave wireless communication module and a ZigBee wireless communication module. Otherwise, the optically controlled lighting device further includes an electromagnetic wireless communication module. The electromagnetic wireless communication module is disposed within the lighting main body and electrically connected with the controlling circuit. The electromagnetic wireless communication module is operated in a frequency band of a visible light spectrum.
In an embodiment, the optically controlled lighting device further at least includes a music player and/or a safety monitoring device. Moreover, the music player and/or the safety monitoring device are disposed within lighting main body and electrically connected with the controlling circuit.
In an embodiment, the optically controlled lighting device is an outdoor optically controlled lighting device, and the outdoor optically controlled lighting device further includes a solar battery. Moreover, the solar battery is electrically connected with the controlling circuit.
In an embodiment, the optically controlled lighting device further includes at least one charger. The charger is electrically connected to the lighting main body. If a utility power source is available, the lighting main body selectively controls any of the utility power source and the at least one charger to provide electric power to the light source. If the utility power source is interrupted, the at least one charger provides electric power to the light source.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optically controlled lighting group. The optically controlled lighting group includes a first optically controlled lighting device and a second optically controlled lighting device. The first optically controlled lighting device includes a first light source, a first communication module, a dimming time controller, an optical detector and a first controlling circuit. The first controlling circuit is electrically connected with the first light source, the first communication module, the dimming time controller and the optical detector. The second optically controlled lighting device includes a second light source, a second communication module and a second controlling circuit. The second controlling circuit is electrically connected with the second light source and the second communication module. The dimming time controller is coupled with the first controlling circuit, and generates an on dimming signal and an off diming signal. When the on dimming signal is transmitted to the first controlling circuit, the first light source is turned on during an on period corresponding to the on dimming signal. When the off dimming signal is transmitted to the first controlling circuit, the first light source is turned off during an off period corresponding to the off dimming signal. The off period is shorter than a time period for producing persistence of vision. If the ambient light intensity detected by the optical detector is different from a predetermined value, the first light source is controlled by the dimming time controller.
In an embodiment, the first optically controlled lighting device further includes a first sensing element that senses a movement of an object, and the first sensing element is electrically connected with the first controlling circuit. According to an environmental sensing result of the first sensing element, a communication channel between the first communication module and the second communication module is established, so that a light intensity of the first light source and/or the second light source is correspondingly controlled.
In an embodiment, the first optically controlled lighting device has a master control function, and the second optically controlled lighting device has a controlled function. According to the environmental sensing result, the light intensity of the first light source is actively controlled by the first optically controlled lighting device. Moreover, the light intensity of the second light source of the second optically controlled lighting device is controlled in response to a control command from the first optically controlled lighting device.
In an embodiment, the second optically controlled lighting device further includes a second sensing element. The communication channel between the first communication module and the second communication module is established according to the environmental sensing result, so that the light intensity of the first light source and/or the second light source is correspondingly controlled.
In an embodiment, each of the first optically controlled lighting device and the second optically controlled lighting device has both of the master control function and the controlled function. When a lighting control program is automatically executed by the first optically controlled lighting device and the second optically controlled lighting device, the light intensity of the first light source and/or the second light source is correspondingly controlled.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optically controlled lighting device includes a controlling part and an optical control part. The optically controlled lighting device is turned on or turned off under control of the controlling part. The optical control part detects a brightness of an ambient light. The controlling part and the optical control part are disposed within the optically controlled lighting device, and the controlling part and the optical control part are electrically connected with each other. After the optically controlled lighting device is turned on, the optically controlled lighting device is turned off by the controlling part at fixed time intervals. While the optically controlled lighting device is turned off, the optical control part detects the brightness of the ambient light.
In an embodiment, the optically controlled lighting device is turned on or turned off under control of the controlling part according to a detecting result of detecting the brightness of the ambient light by the optical control part, wherein the optical control part is a photosensitive sensing circuit.
In an embodiment, the optically controlled lighting device further includes a sensing part that senses whether a human body appears. The sensing part is connected to the controlling part. The optically controlled lighting device is turned on or turned off under control of the controlling part according to a detecting result of detecting the brightness of the ambient light by the optical control part and a sensing result of sensing whether the human body appears in an illuminated region by the sensing part.
In an embodiment, the optically controlled lighting device further includes a LED light source set. The LED light source set includes plural LED chips. The plural LED chips have identical color temperature or luminance or chroma, or the color temperature or the luminance or the chroma of at least a portion of the plural LED chips is different from that of another portion of the plural LED chips.
In an embodiment, the optically controlled lighting device is at least selected from one of a sensing type LED light bulb, a sensing type LED light tube, a sensing type lamp and a sensing type work lamp. The sensing type lamp is at least selected from a sensing type ceiling lamp or a sensing type garden lamp. The sensing type work lamp is at least selected from a sensing type work lamp with a spraying function or a sensing type work lamp with a humidifying function.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for an optically controlled lighting device. The control method at least includes the following steps. Firstly, in a step (a), a lighting main body, a dimming time controller and an optical detector are provided. The lighting main body includes a controlling circuit and a light source. The light source, the dimming time controller and the optical detector are electrically connected to the controlling circuit. In a step (b), the dimming time controller is enabled to generate an on dimming signal. When the on dimming signal is transmitted to the controlling circuit, the light source is turned on during an on period corresponding to the on dimming signal. In a step (c), the dimming time controller is enabled to generate an off diming signal. When the off dimming signal is transmitted to the controlling circuit, the light source is turned off during an off period corresponding to the off dimming signal. The off period is shorter than the time period for producing persistence of vision. In a step (d), the optical detector detects an ambient light intensity during the off period. If the ambient light intensity detected by the optical detector is different from a predetermined value, the light source is correspondingly controlled by the dimming time controller.
In an embodiment, the step (d) further includes a step (d1), a step (d2) or a step (d3). In the step (d1), if the ambient light intensity detected by the optical detector is lower than the predetermined value, the dimming time controller issues a first brightness signal to the controlling circuit so as to increase or maintain a brightness of the light source. In the step (d2), if the ambient light intensity detected by the optical detector is not lower than the predetermined value, the dimming time controller issues a second brightness signal to the controlling circuit so as to decrease the brightness of the light source. In the step (d3), if the ambient light intensity detected by the optical detector is not lower than the predetermined value, the dimming time controller issues an off signal to the controlling circuit so as to turn off the light source.
In an embodiment, the controlling circuit is further electrically connected with a sensing element. A movement of an object is sensed by the sensing element. The sensing element is disposed within the lighting main body.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for an optically controlled lighting device. The control method at least includes the following steps. In a step (a′), the optically controlled lighting device is in an off state at fixed time intervals after the optically controlled lighting device is in an on state. In a step (b′), a brightness of an ambient light is detected while the optically controlled lighting device is in the off state. In a step (c′), if the brightness of the ambient light is higher than a predetermined value, the optically controlled lighting device is maintained in the off state, and the step (b′) is repeatedly done. If the brightness of the ambient light is lower than or equal to the predetermined value, the optically controlled lighting device is in the on state, and the step (a′) is repeatedly done.
In an embodiment, if the brightness of the ambient light is higher than the predetermined value in the step (c′), the optically controlled lighting device is maintained in the off state, and the step (b′) is repeatedly done. If the brightness of the ambient light is lower than or equal to the predetermined value in the step (c′), the control method further includes a step of judging whether a human body appears. If no human body appears, the optically controlled lighting device is maintained in the off state, and the step (b′) is repeatedly done. If the human body appears, the optically controlled lighting device is turned on, and the step (a′) is repeatedly done.
From the above descriptions, the optically controlled lighting device of the present invention is equipped with a dimming time controller to control the on state and the off state of the lighting main body. Moreover, during an off period that the lighting main body is in the off state, an ambient light intensity is detected by the optical detector in order to judge whether the brightness of the ambient light is sufficient. If the brightness of the ambient light is sufficient, the brightness of the lighting main body is decreased or the light source of the lighting main body is turned off. If the brightness of the ambient light is insufficient, the brightness of the lighting main body is increased or maintained. By means of this design, the optical detector is not away from the lighting main body. Moreover, since the off period is shorter than the time period for producing persistence of vision, the flickering light of the optically controlled lighting device is not sensed by the human eyes. Moreover, since the optically controlled lighting device selectively implements the lighting action according to the result of judging the ambient light intensity, the purposes of saving electric power and balancing the brightness of the lighting zone can be achieved. Moreover, since the user does not need to frequently turn on and turn off the light source, the switch of the light source can be continuously in the on state.
The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:
Please refer to
In an embodiment, the optically controlled lighting device 1 is a microwave sensing type LED light bulb. The microwave sensing type LED light bulb 1 comprises a bulb main body 11, a dimming time controller 15 and an optical detector 16. The bulb main body 11 is used as a lighting main body. Moreover, the bulb main body 11 at least comprises a controlling circuit 111 and a light source 112. The light source 112 is electrically connected with the controlling circuit 111. For example, the light source 112 is a LED light source set. Moreover, the dimming time controller 15 and the optical detector 16 are also coupled to the controlling circuit 111. Please also refer to
Moreover, the dimming time controller 15 is used for generating an on dimming signal and an off diming signal. When the on dimming signal is transmitted to the controlling circuit 111, the on dimming signal is correlated with an on period. During the on period, the LED light source set 112 is turned on. When the off dimming signal is transmitted to the controlling circuit 111, the off dimming signal is correlated with an off period. During the off period, the LED light source set 112 is turned off. Moreover, the optical detector 16 may quickly detect an ambient light intensity during the off period. If the ambient light intensity is different from a predetermined value, the dimming time controller 15 may control the light source set 112 to increase, decrease or maintain the brightness or turn off the light source set 112.
After the optically controlled lighting device 1 is turned on (i.e. in the on state), the optically controlled lighting device 1 is automatically turned off by the controlling part A at fixed time intervals. While the optically controlled lighting device 1 is turned off, the optical control part B detects the brightness of the ambient light and transmits the detecting result to the controlling part A. If the detected brightness is higher than the predetermined value, the controlling part A controls the optically controlled lighting device 1 to be maintained in the off state. If the detected brightness is lower than or equal to the predetermined value, the optically controlled lighting device 1 is turned on under control of the controlling part A. In an embodiment, the processing time length from the time point of turning off the optically controlled lighting device 1 and detecting the brightness of the ambient light to the time point of re-turning on the optically controlled lighting device 1 is about 1/24 second to 1 millisecond. The reasons will be illustrated later.
In brief, while the optically controlled lighting device 1 is in the off state, the detecting result is not influenced by the light beam from the optically controlled lighting device 1. Under this circumstance, the optical control part B only needs to perform the normal optical detecting step. Consequently, the controlling part A can make accurate judgment and take accurate control measure according to the detecting result. On the other hand, while the optically controlled lighting device 1 is in the on state, the detecting result of the optical control part B may be influenced by the light beam from the optically controlled lighting device 1. Under this circumstance, the optically controlled lighting device 1 has to be shortly turned off. Consequently, the optical control part B can accurately judge the brightness of the ambient light, and the controlling part A can make accurate judgment according to the detecting result.
Preferably, at least a portion of the sensing part C is disposed within the optically controlled lighting device 1 and electrically connected with the controlling part A. The connecting relationship between the sensing part C and the controlling part A is shown in
After the optically controlled lighting device 1 is turned on, the optically controlled lighting device 1 is automatically turned off by the controlling part A at fixed time intervals. While the optically controlled lighting device 1 is turned off, the optical control part B detects the brightness of the ambient light and transmits the detecting result to the controlling part A. If the brightness detected by the optical control part B is higher than the predetermined value, the controlling part A is maintained in the off state under control of the optically controlled lighting device 1. Similarly, if the brightness detected by the optical control part B is lower than or equal to the predetermined value, the controlling part A will further judge whether a human body appears in the illuminated region according to the sensing result of the sensing part C. If no human body appears in the illuminated region of the optically controlled lighting device 1, the controlling part A controls the optically controlled lighting device 1 to be maintained in the off state. Whereas, if a human body appears in the illuminated region, the optically controlled lighting device 1 is turned on under control of the controlling part A.
In the above embodiment, the brightness of the ambient light and the practical requirement (i.e. the presence or absence of a human body in the illuminated region) are taken into consideration. In case that the optical control part B and the controlling part A are used as the basic components, the optically controlled lighting device 1 may be equipped with the sensing part C to detect whether a human body appears. Consequently, the optically controlled lighting device 1 is turned on or turned off more user-friendly, and the environmentally-friendly and power-saving purposes are achieved.
Generally, the persistence of vision is the theory where an image is thought to persist for approximately one twenty-fourth of a second on the retina of the human eyes. For preventing from the human perception of the flickering light, the off period is set to be shorter than 1/24 second. Consequently, the off state of LED light source set 112 is too short to be sensed by the eyes of the user. Preferably, the off period is in the range between 1/24 second and 1 millisecond. The length of the off period may be varied according to the practical requirements of the user. Moreover, since the LED light source set 112 is temporarily turned off in the off period by this design, the heat generation is temporarily stopped. Under this circumstance, the possibility of causing the overheated condition of the LED light source set 112 will be minimized. Moreover, the plural light sources of the LED light source set 112 may be sequentially and alternately enabled to illuminate at specified time intervals, wherein the specified time interval is shorter than the time period for producing persistence of vision. Consequently, the time points of enabling the plural light sources are allocated and the generated heat amount is reduced while achieving the similar lighting efficacy. It is noted that numerous modifications and alterations may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention.
The implementation examples of the optically controlled lighting device will be illustrated with reference to a group control mechanism as described in
Firstly, in a step S1, a lighting main body, a dimming time controller 15 and an optical detector 16 are provided. The lighting main body comprises a controlling circuit 111 and a light source. As mentioned above, the light source 112 is a LED light source set. The LED light source set 112, the dimming time controller 15 and the optical detector 16 are electrically connected to the controlling circuit 111. In a step S2, the dimming time controller 15 is enabled to generate an on dimming signal. When the on dimming signal is transmitted to the controlling circuit 111, the on dimming signal is correlated with an on period T11. In addition, the LED light source set 112 is turned on during the on period T11. In a step S3, the dimming time controller 15 is enabled to generate an off diming signal. When the off dimming signal is transmitted to the controlling circuit 111, the off dimming signal is correlated with an off period T12. In addition, the LED light source set 112 is turned off during the off period T12. The off period T12 is shorter than the time period for producing persistence of vision. In a step S4, the optical detector 16 detects an ambient light intensity during the off period T12, wherein if the ambient light intensity is different from a predetermined value, the light source set 112 is correspondingly controlled by the dimming time controller 15. In particular, the step S4 is selected from the step S41, the step S42 or the step S43. In the step S41, if the ambient light intensity detected by the optical detector 16 is lower than the predetermined value, the dimming time controller 15 issues a first brightness signal to the controlling circuit 111 so as to increase or maintain the brightness of the LED light source set 112. As shown in
Moreover, the optically controlled lighting device 1 of the present invention further comprises a microwave sensor 12 and an electromagnetic wireless communication module 13. The microwave sensor 12 is used for sensing the movement of the object. The microwave sensor 12 is disposed within the bulb main body 11. In addition, the microwave sensor 12 is electrically connected with the controlling circuit 111. The electromagnetic wireless communication module 13 is disposed within the bulb main body 11. In addition, the electromagnetic wireless communication module 13 is electrically connected with the controlling circuit 111. Through the electromagnetic wireless communication module 13, a group control mechanism between the microwave sensing type LED light bulb 1 and other lighting devices (e.g. sensing type lighting devices or non-sensing type lighting device) may be established or a wireless communication control mechanism of controlling other additional functions may be established.
Moreover, the wireless communication module used in the present invention is an electromagnetic wireless communication module that is operated in a frequency band of an invisible light spectrum. The electromagnetic wireless communication module is at least selected from one of a 313.325 MHz wireless communication module, a 433 MHz wireless communication module, a 418 MHz wireless communication module, a 2.4 GHz wireless communication module, a 5.8 GHz wireless communication module, a 10 GHz wireless communication module, a Bluetooth wireless communication module, a Wi-Fi wireless communication module, a near field communication (NFC) wireless communication module, a Z-Wave wireless communication module and a ZigBee wireless communication module. Alternatively, the wireless communication module used in the present invention is an electromagnetic wireless communication module that is operated in a frequency band of a visible light spectrum. Consequently, the wireless communication module of the present invention may be operated in the frequency band of the visible light spectrum or the invisible light spectrum.
In case that the optically controlled lighting device of the present invention is a light bulb or a light tube, the light source set is a LED light source set comprising one or more LED chips. These LED chips may have identical color temperature or luminance or chroma; or the color temperature or luminance or chroma of at least a portion of the LED chips may be different from the color temperature or luminance or chroma of another portion of the LED chips. Moreover, the sensing element for the light bulb or the light tube is directly combined with the lighting main body of the light bulb or the light tube, which will be described in more details later. That is, the sensing element is not separated or detached from the lighting main body of the light bulb or the light tube.
In case that the optically controlled lighting device of the present invention is one of a sensing type lamp and a sensing type work lamp, the sensing type lamp is at least selected from a sensing type ceiling lamp or a sensing type garden lamp, and the sensing type work lamp is at least selected from a sensing type work lamp with a spraying function or a sensing type work lamp with a humidifying function, but is not limited thereto.
The light source set used in the sensing type lamp or the sensing type work lamp is a LED light source set comprising plural LED chips. Alternatively, the light source set used in the sensing type lamp or the sensing type work lamp is an incandescent light source set or a fluorescent light source set. Of course, the plural LED chips of the LED light source set may have identical color temperature or luminance or chroma; or the color temperature or luminance or chroma of at least a portion of the LED chips may be different from the color temperature or luminance or chroma of another portion of the LED chips.
Moreover, the sensing element for the sensing type lamp or the sensing type work lamp is for example a passive infrared human body sensor (PIR) or a microwave sensor. The sensing element may be directly combined with the lighting main body of the light bulb or the light tube of the sensing type lamp or the sensing type work lamp. Alternatively, the sensing element is detached or separated from the light source (e.g. the light bulb or the light tube) of the sensing type lamp or the sensing type work lamp, but the sensing element is still combined with the lighting main body of the light bulb or the light tube of the sensing type lamp or the sensing type work lamp.
Moreover, the optically controlled lighting device of the present invention further at least comprises a music player and/or a safety monitoring device. The music player and/or a safety monitoring device is disposed within the lighting main body of the sensing type lighting device and electrically connected with the controlling circuit 111.
For example, the music player integrated into the optically controlled lighting device of the present invention is a music player with a built-in function of automatically playing music. Alternatively, the music player may be further integrated with the above-mentioned electromagnetic wireless communication module for receiving an audio signal from a user-operated portable electronic device (e.g. iPhone or iPad) or any other sound playing device and synchronously playing music. Moreover, if the chroma of a portion of the LED chips of the LED light source set and the chroma of another portion of the LED chips are different, the changes of lighting effects are controlled according to the rhythm of the music.
As for the safety monitoring device, a surveillance monitoring device and the above-mentioned electromagnetic wireless communication module may be integrated into the optically controlled lighting device of the present invention. Consequently, according to the result of judging the monitored image, a control command is issued to control the strong illumination of a large area of a specified sensing region.
Moreover, the optically controlled lighting device of the present invention may further comprise at least one charger. The charger is electrically connected to the lighting main body. In case than a utility power source is available, the lighting main body may selectively control any of the utility power source and the at least one charger to provide the electric power to the light source. If the charger is a solar charger, the at least one charger has the highest priority to be connected to the light source. Consequently, the benefits of the optically controlled lighting device are close to the social trend toward power-saving and green products. In case than the utility power source is interrupted, the at least one charger provides electric power to the light source. Consequently, in case of power failure, the at least one charger can be used as an emergency power source.
Moreover, while the optically controlled lighting device utilizes the above-mentioned electromagnetic wireless communication module, the efficacy of adjusting the light intensity of the sub-regions within the lighting space can be adjusted in a more balance and elaborate manner.
Moreover, in case that the optically controlled lighting device is an outdoor optically controlled lighting device, the optically controlled lighting device further at least comprises a solar battery. The solar battery is used as a backup power source. The solar battery may be electrically connected with the above controlling circuit 111.
Hereinafter, various sensing type lighting devices used as the optically controlled lighting device of the present invention will be illustrated by referring to the above descriptions.
Moreover, the bulb main body 11 further at least comprises a male connector 113, a bulb casing 114, and a bulb cover 115. The male connector 113 is located at a first end 1141 of the bulb casing 114. The LED light source set 112 and the bulb cover 115 are both disposed within the bulb casing 114 and located at a second end 1142 of the bulb casing 114, wherein the second end 1142 and the first end 1141 are opposed to each other. Moreover, the LED light source set 112 is covered by the bulb cover 115.
In this embodiment, the bulb casing 114 is a heat-dissipating structure. The heat-dissipating structure 114 has an accommodation part 1140. The accommodation part 1140 is in communication with the first end 1141 and the second end 1142. At least some electronic components of the controlling circuit 111 are accommodated within the accommodation part 1140. Moreover, plural fins 1143 are disposed on an outer surface of the heat-dissipating structure 114. Preferably, the heat-dissipating structure 114 is made of aluminum alloy or other metal alloy. Alternatively, the heat-dissipating structure 114 is made of any other material with heat-dissipating capability, for example a porous ceramic material. Moreover, due to the accommodation part 1140 and/or the fins 1143, the heat generated by the LED light source set 112 can be quickly dissipated away.
Moreover, the bulb cover 115 is at least selected from one of a square cover, a cylindrical cover and a spherical cover, but is not limited thereto.
The implementation example of the microwave sensor 12 is described in
Optionally, the microwave sensing type LED light bulb 1 may further comprise an additional electronic device 14. For example, the additional electronic device 14 is a music player and/or a safety monitoring device.
Moreover, the bulb main body 21 further comprises a LED light source set (not shown). The functions or structures of the LED light source set, the male connector 213, the bulb casing 214, the electromagnetic wireless communication module 23, the dimming time controller 25 and the optical detector 26 are similar to those of the corresponding components of
In comparison with the bulb cover 115 of
Optionally, the PIR sensing type LED light bulb 2 may further comprise an additional electronic device 24. For example, the additional electronic device 24 is a music player and/or a safety monitoring device.
The circuit diagram and the control method as described in
Moreover, the tube main body 31 further comprises a strip-shaped LED light source set (not shown). The functions or structures of the strip-shaped LED light source set, the two tube caps 313, the electromagnetic wireless communication module 33, the dimming time controller 35 and the optical detector 36 are similar to those of the corresponding components of
Moreover, in this embodiment, the tube casing 314 is a non-closed-circular tube casing (or a non-closed-circular heat-dissipating structure). Moreover, plural fins 3143 are disposed on an outer surface of the non-closed-circular heat-dissipating structure 314. The two tube caps 313 are located at two ends of the non-closed-circular heat-dissipating structure 314, respectively. The strip-shaped LED light source set and the tube cover 315 are both connected to an entrance of the non-closed-circular tube heat-dissipating structure 314. Consequently, the strip-shaped LED light source set, the tube cover 315 and the non-closed-circular tube heat-dissipating structure 314 are combined as a closed circular tube main body. Moreover, the tube cover 315 is a PVC tube cover, but is not limited thereto.
Preferably, the tube casing 314 is a non-closed tube casing. For example, the tube casing 314 is a non-closed-circular tube casing, a non-closed-near-circular tube casing, a non-closed-elliptic tube casing or a non-closed arc-shaped tube casing, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the tube casing 314 may be a non-closed tube casing with a shape of one-half circle or a non-closed tube casing with a shape of three-fourth circle, but is not limited thereto.
Optionally, the microwave sensing type LED light tube 3 may further comprise an additional electronic device 34. For example, the additional electronic device 34 is a music player and/or a safety monitoring device.
The PIR sensor 42 and the controlling circuit within the tube main body 41 are similar to the PIR sensor 22 and the controlling circuit of
Moreover, the tube main body 41 further comprises a strip-shaped LED light source set (not shown). The functions or structures of the strip-shaped LED light source set, the two tube caps 413, the tube casing 414, the tube cover 415, the electromagnetic wireless communication module 43, the dimming time controller 45, the optical detector 46 and plural fins 4143 on an outer surface of the tube casing 414 are similar to those of the corresponding components of
Optionally, the PIR sensing type LED light tube 4 may further comprise an additional electronic device 44. For example, the additional electronic device 44 is a music player and/or a safety monitoring device.
Optionally, the microwave sensing type ceiling lamp 5 may further comprise an additional electronic device 54. For example, the additional electronic device 54 is a music player and/or a safety monitoring device.
Optionally, the microwave sensing type work lamp 6 may further comprise an additional electronic device 64. For example, the additional electronic device 64 is a music player and/or a safety monitoring device.
Optionally, the microwave sensing type garden lamp 7 may further comprise an additional electronic device 74. For example, the additional electronic device 74 is a music player and/or a safety monitoring device
Some implementation examples of a sensing type lighting group including plural above-mentioned optically controlled lighting devices will be illustrated as follows.
Each of the optically controlled lighting devices 82˜85 is a non-sensing type lighting device (e.g. an ordinary lighting device) with an electromagnetic wireless communication module. In addition, each of the optically controlled lighting devices 82˜85 only has a controlled function. That is, each of the optically controlled lighting devices 82˜85 can only be passively controlled in response to a wireless lighting control, but each of the optically controlled lighting devices 82˜85 cannot actively issue a control command (e.g. a lighting control command) to other optically controlled lighting devices.
According to an environmental sensing result, the optically controlled lighting device 81 actively controls the light intensity of the light source set of the optically controlled lighting device 81 itself, and simultaneously issues a lighting control command C1 in an electromagnetic wireless communication manner. According to the lighting control command C1, the light intensity of each light source set of the optically controlled lighting devices 82˜85 can be correspondingly controlled.
The above group control mechanism has at least one benefit. For example, in the same space, only one optically controlled lighting device has higher cost, but the other optically controlled lighting devices have lower cost. Under this circumstance, the optimal lighting balance control of the whole space is achieved. Due to the above group control mechanism, the initial installation cost of the optically controlled lighting device is largely reduced.
It is noted that the lighting control command C1 is presented herein for purpose of illustration and description only. That is, the optically controlled lighting device 81 may issue other control commands to execute other additional functions that are mentioned above.
According to the results of sensing the light intensity changes of sub-regions of respective optically controlled lighting devices 91˜95, the optically controlled lighting devices 91˜95 issues or transmits back a lighting control command C2 to other optically controlled lighting devices in an electromagnetic wireless communication manner. Moreover, a lighting control program may be executed by these optically controlled lighting devices 91˜95 collaboratively. Consequently, a more elaborate lighting balance mechanism can be coordinated.
It is noted that the lighting control command C2 is presented herein for purpose of illustration and description only. That is, these optically controlled lighting devices 91˜95 may issue other control commands to execute other additional functions that are mentioned above.
The present invention also relates to another group control mechanism of an optically controlled lighting group in different spaces or different regions. This group control mechanism may be implemented by installing additional electromagnetic wireless communication modules in the optically controlled lighting devices.
From the above descriptions, the optically controlled lighting device of the present invention is equipped with a dimming time controller to control the on state and the off state of the lighting main body. Moreover, during an off period that the lighting main body is in the off state, an ambient light intensity is detected by the optical detector in order to judge whether the brightness of the ambient light is sufficient. If the brightness of the ambient light is sufficient, the brightness of the lighting main body is decreased or the light source of the lighting main body is turned off. If the brightness of the ambient light is insufficient, the brightness of the lighting main body is increased or maintained. By means of this design, the optical detector is not away from the lighting main body. Moreover, since the off period is shorter than the time period for producing persistence of vision, the flickering light of the optically controlled lighting device is not sensed by the human eyes. Moreover, since the optically controlled lighting device selectively implements the lighting action according to the result of judging the ambient light intensity, the purposes of saving electric power and balancing the brightness of the lighting zone can be achieved. Moreover, since the user does not need to frequently turn on and turn off the light source, the switch of the light source can be continuously in the on state.
While the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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201210077964.7 | Mar 2012 | CN | national |
201210118564.6 | Apr 2012 | CN | national |
201220171735.7 | Apr 2012 | CN | national |
The present application is a continuation application claiming benefit from a pending U.S. patent application bearing a Ser. No. 14/386,893 and filed Dec. 23, 2014, contents of which are incorporated herein for reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14386893 | Dec 2014 | US |
Child | 15825781 | US |