MULTI-FUNCTION ACTIVE ACCESSORIES FOR LED LAMPS
20230313977 · 2023-10-05
Inventors
- Laszlo Takacs (Fremont, CA, US)
- WILFRED A. MARTIS (SAN FRANCISCO, CA, US)
- Frank Shum (Sunnyvale, CA, US)
- ARTEM MISHIN (PACIFICA, CA, US)
- VINOD KHOSLA (FREMONT, CA, US)
- RADHA NAYAK (FREMONT, CA, US)
- MICHAEL RAGAN KRAMES (MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, US)
Cpc classification
F21V5/04
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V17/105
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
H05B47/11
ELECTRICITY
H05B47/115
ELECTRICITY
H05B47/22
ELECTRICITY
F21V17/002
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
International classification
F21V17/10
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V17/00
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V5/04
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
Abstract
Apparatus and methods of attaching accessories to LED lamps and for providing active accessories in LED lamps are disclosed. The active accessories include single-function active accessories as well as multi-function active accessories.
Claims
1. A light emitting diode (LED) lamp comprising: a lens having a periphery; a first border magnet attached to the periphery; a second border magnet attached to the periphery; and a first accessory wherein the first accessory is in electrical contact with the periphery using first border magnet and second border magnet; and wherein the first accessory comprises at least one active function.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings, described herein, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. This patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawings will be provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The term “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.
[0034] The term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or is clear from the context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A, X employs B, or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or is clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.
[0035] “Accessory” or “accessories” includes any mechanical or electro-mechanical component or electrical component or fixture to be mated to a lamp. In certain embodiments, an accessory comprises a thin, optically transparent film, sheet, or plate.
[0036] Reference is now made in detail to certain embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are not intended to be limiting of the claims.
[0037]
[0038] In some embodiments, the housing has an inner volume (center cross-hatched area) suited for situating electronic components such as power conditioning circuitry and/or microprocessors and sensors.
[0039]
[0040] A plurality of contacts can be positioned atop the lens, and the contacts can be configured to provide an electrical connection to electronic components such as power conditioning circuitry and/or microprocessors and sensors. In some embodiments, an adapter uses magnetic forces to hold an accessory in place.
[0041]
[0042] A home or business may have several lamp types installed. Creating a set of smart accessories that fit any/all of these lamp types, and communicate with each other and with a central computer, in a consistent manner enables the consumer or business owner to monitor and control their environment efficiently and effectively. The accessories can have unique identifications and communicate with each other and a central computer using standard protocols such as uPnP, DLNA, or other interoperable or interoperability protocols. By using an expandable approach (e.g., using smart buttons versus a pre-integrated one that has the smarts built into each lamp) allows the lamps to be integrated into any operational environment of building management systems or smart lighting systems using a choice of smart buttons, and without having to replace the lamps.
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[0044]
[0045] A standard interface like USB can be implemented using a simple connector with 4 or 5 terminals that carry power and data. USB provides the opportunity to leverage the vast ecosystem of systems and devices that have been built for the past few decades for PCs, CE devices, smartphones, etc., as well as the continuous evolution of the interface to accommodate new usages for consumers and businesses.
[0046]
[0047] A lamp can be built with a standard microcontroller or microprocessor with associated software, and with or without persistent connectivity to other devices or a central computer. The microcontroller or microprocessor can be used for internal lamp functions like controlling the LED driver, storing operational data like hours of usage, current and temperature data, etc. By attaching a smart USB Slave button, the functionality of the lamp can be extended to include wireless communication to other lamps and a central computer for lamp monitoring and control, connection to peripheral devices like a camera and sensors.
[0048]
[0049] A lamp can be built with even without a microcontroller or microprocessor, yet supporting a simple USB-based readable storage that stores operational data of the lamp like hours of usage, current and temperature data, etc. Once a smart USB Master button that has a microcontroller or microprocessor is connected to the lamp, that USB device can be read by the microcontroller or microprocessor on the smart button. The smart button can also integrate wireless networking to implement lamp monitoring and control, and can communicate with other lamps and/or can communicate with a central computer. It may also contain a camera and/or other sensors.
[0050]
[0051] A lamp can be built with a device that provides power to the smart button connector. When a smart USB Master button that has a microcontroller or microprocessor is connected to the lamp, the lamp can be turned into a smart lamp. The smart button can integrate wireless networking to implement lamp monitoring and control, and communication with other lamps and a central computer. It may also contain a camera and sensors. It may also contain readable storage that stores operational data of the lamp such as hours of usage, current and temperature data, etc.
[0052]
[0053] One embodiment disposes accessories on the face of the lamp, in a proximity that is thermally isolated from the heat source and high temperatures of the LED. In certain embodiments, the face of the lamp is open to the environment so as to facilitate heat dissipation of any electronics. Such a face-mounting further facilitates antenna placement (e.g., for wireless operation), and for camera and sensor operation. It also makes it easy to connect and disconnect accessories.
[0054] In certain embodiments, an LED lamp comprises a lens having a center and a diameter; a first magnet attached to the center of the lens; a first accessory disposed on the lens; and a second magnet attached to the center of the first accessory; wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are configured to retain the first accessory against the lens.
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[0056]
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[0059] In certain embodiments as shown in
[0060] There are many configurations of LED lamps beyond the depicted MR-16 lamp. For example, Table 1 gives standards (see “Designation”) and corresponding characteristics.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 LED lamp standards. Desig- Base Diameter IEC 60061-1 nation (crest of thread) Name Standard Sheet 5 mm Lilliput Edison Screw (LES) 7004-25 E10 10 mm Miniature Edison Screw (MES) 7004-22 E11 11 mm Mini-Candelabra Edison Screw (7004-6-1) (mini-can) E12 12 mm Candelabra Edison Screw (CES) 7004-28 E14 14 mm Small Edison Screw (SES) 7004-23 E17 17 mm Intermediate Edison Screw (IES) 7004-26 E26 26 mm [Medium] (one-inch) Edison 7004-21A-2 Screw (ES or MES) E27 27 mm [Medium] Edison Screw (ES) 7004-21 E29 29 mm [Admedium] Edison Screw (ES) E39 39 mm Single-contact (Mogul) Giant 7004-24-A1 Edison Screw (GES) E40 40 mm (Mogul) Giant Edison Screw 7004-24 (GES)
[0061] Additionally, a base member (e.g., shell, casing, etc.) can be of any form factor configured to support electrical connections, which electrical connections can conform to any of a set of types or standards. For example, Table 2 gives standards (see “Type”) and corresponding characteristics, including mechanical spacings.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 lamp electrical connection standards. Pin (center Pin Type Standard to center) Diameter Usage G4 IEC 60061-1 4.0 mm 0.65-0.75 MR11 and other small (7004-72) mm halogens of 5/10/20 watt and 6/12 volt GU4 IEC 60061-1 4.0 mm 0.95-1.05 (7004-108) mm GY4 IEC 60061-1 4.0 mm 0.65-0.75 (7004-72A) mm GZ4 IEC 60061-1 4.0 mm 0.95-1.05 (7004-64) mm G5 IEC 60061-1 5 mm T4 and T5 fluorescent (7004-52-5) tubes G5.3 IEC 60061-1 5.33 mm 1.47-1.65 (7004-73) mm G5.3- IEC 60061-1 4.8 (7004-126-1) GU5.3 IEC 60061-1 5.33 mm 1.45-1.6 (7004-109) mm GX5.3 IEC 60061-1 5.33 mm 1.45-1.6 MR16 and other small (7004-73A) mm halogens of 20/35/50 watt and 12/24 volt GY5.3 IEC 60061-1 5.33 mm (7004-73B) G6.35 IEC 60061-1 6.35 mm 0.95-1.05 (7004-59) mm GX6.35 IEC 60061-1 6.35 mm 0.95-1.05 (7004-59) mm GY6.35 IEC 60061-1 6.35 mm 1.2-1.3 Halogen 100 W 120 V (7004-59) mm GZ6.35 IEC 60061-1 6.35 mm 0.95-1.05 (7004-59A) mm G8 8.0 mm Halogen 100 W 120 V GY8.6 8.6 mm Halogen 100 W 120 V G9 IEC 60061-1 9.0 mm Halogen 120 V (US)/ (7004-129) 230 V (EU) G9.5 9.5 mm 3.10-3.25 Common for theatre use, mm several variants GU10 10 mm Twist-lock 120/230-volt MR16 halogen lighting of 35/50 watt, since mid- 2000s G12 12.0 mm 2.35 mm Used in theatre and single- end metal halide lamps G13 12.7 mm T8 and T12 fluorescent tubes G23 23 mm 2 mm GU24 24 mm Twist-lock for self- ballasted compact fluorescents, since 2000s G38 38 mm Mostly used for high- wattage theatre lamps GX53 53 mm Twist-lock for puck-shaped under-cabinet compact fluorescents, since 2000s
[0062] Additionally, a lens may comprise a bulb or remote member used in forming the LED lamp. The aspect of a center can mean a center from the perspective of any center, or even a centroid (from any view) as in the case of an irregularly shaped lens.
[0063] Accessories and methods of attached accessories disclosed herein may be used with any suitable LED lamp configuration including without limitation any of those disclosed in Table 1 and/or in combination with any form factors disclosed in Table 2.
[0064]
[0065] The various lights may be grouped together in a way that is commonly known as a zone. In a lighting zone, the lamps within a group act together in their potentially variable light output. One or more of the lights may have active electronic accessories attached (“SNAPs”) which provide one or more various functionalities. In some situations, one or more or all of the lamps may be in communication with one or more of other lamps, and/or in communication with a controlling and/or monitoring device and/or the Internet (e.g., via a cloud-based control/monitor). One or more or all of the lamps may also have sensors to assess ambient light, motion, occupancy, temperature, IR data, proximity, gasses (e.g., CO, CO.sub.2, methane, etc.), products of combustion (e.g., from fire or smoldering), smoke (e.g., cigarette smoke, compound-laden vapors, etc.), humidity, human body temperature, remote object temperature (e.g., by IR sensing) etc.
[0066] Any number of these sensors may be constructed into a SNAP form factor, and any number can be attached in any combination to one or more lamps. There may be one or more sensors (with or without wireless communication functionality) on a SNAP accessory, and there may be one or more SNAPs attached to a single lamp.
[0067] In one embodiment, a particular lamp (perhaps near a door) has a motion sensor SNAP attached. Another lamp (perhaps near a window) has an ambient light sensor. Certain lamps and/or attached SNAP accessories may have a wireless or IR communication function, and individual ones or groups of lamps can be individually or in groups as pertaining to one or more zones. Zone marking SNAPs are further discussed infra. Zone marking SNAPs may or may not be permanently affixed. In some cases a remembered zone designation may be “imparted” from an accessory to a lamp and henceforth remembered by the lamp. The impartation can occur merely through momentarily attaching a zone marking SNAP to the lamp. In such scenarios, similarly-zoned lamp can operate and/or cooperate in a group. For example, a light having a motion sensor can cause all lamps sharing the same zone designation to become activated when motion is detected. Concurrently, perhaps in the same zone or part of the zone, or in a different zone, a communication unit and/or ambient light sensor will cause certain lamps near a window to dim when incoming ambient light is sensed.
[0068] Manual control over each lamp or group of lamps can be managed under wireless control and/or under IR control, with or without intervention by an occupant of the room, or with or without intervention by an automated controller, or with or without intervention or by a remote controller located remotely from the subject lamp or group of lamps. The SNAP accessories may be freely re-deployed (e.g., to a different lamp or to a different location) and the re-deployment enables new functions corresponding to the new arrangement.
[0069] Programmed functionality may be offered by the combination of an automated controller and additional SNAPs or by the SNAPs themselves. A “Fire Egress” SNAP could designate a lamp to be always on even if dimmed 24 hours a day. An event trigger such as a detected open flame, smoke or an external signal of a fire alarm (e.g., perhaps coming through the programmed controller) being tripped can cause the lights to come to a preset maximum intensity, and/or with egress indications (e.g., illuminated arrows and/or blinking to attract attention).
[0070] Some combinations include various forms of an “Enterprise Outlook” SNAP so that an email address can become the address of a lighting system (e.g., group of lamps, similarly-zoned lamps, etc.) can become the address of a specific lamp. Strictly as one example, sending an email to lamp-on.name@domain.com might control the task light at Name's desk.
[0071] Further active elements and sample functions are given in the following tables.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Sample active elements and functions. Active Element Exemplary Function “ID Ring”: Ring fitted to lap has a “zone ID” Motion detector (e.g., motion Sense and report sensor 1206) Fire Egress Always illuminated to show the egress. Flashing or blinking during periods of alert Smoke detector (e.g., smoke Sense and report sensor 1208) Carbon-monoxide detector Sense and report (e.g., gas sensor 1210) Ambient temperature sensors Sense and report (e.g., temperature sensor 1212) Ambient sound microphone Sense and report Hi-Fi speakers Pollution detector (e.g., pollen Sense and report sensor 1214) Infrared sensor (e.g., IR sensor Sense code and report 1216) Weather detector (e.g., using Sense using barometer, temperature, pressure sensor 1218) thunder storms, etc. Ambient light detector Vary the color gamut while keeping the chromaticity fixed. Diagnostic attachment Perform lumen readings and color readings for lifetime maintenance Proximity detector (e.g. Sense and report proximity sensor 1222) Maintenance sensor LLF = 1 (constant illumination characteristics over degradation due to time or environment) Combination: Zone ring, Sense and report by zone plus motion sensor Directional sound detector Use 2 radios (e.g., Bluetooth Low- (e.g., sound sensor 1224) energy) Passive light guides of To shape beams and/or to direct various types illumination SNAP location or ID accessory To aid in indoor positioning Adjust light (auto-ON/Off) On, Off, Dimming LCD accessory Direct beam through it to change color or focus Multiple rings fit together To and pass power and control signals Laser (e.g., laser sight 1236) Sight, other detection from laser LiFi (e.g., LiFi ring 1232) Re-broadcasting Auto-commissioning ring (e.g., based on ID) Work/Rest Period sensor Adjust for circadian Ambient light sensor or timer Night light (e.g., light sensor 1220) Decorative lighting On, Off, Dimming Idiot lights For sense or reading reporting Beacon Proximity of mobile device Buzzer Alarm(s) Semi-Passive accessory Beam shaping by turning ring Motor To aim or change beam profile Add a fan For a “cooler” Rotating polarizer To aim or change beam polarization LCD imager (e.g., LCD Local projection projector 1234) Gobo (see below) Ambient/whitepoint For wall or object or painting- correction sensor maintain chromaticity Active-to-Active combinations (see below) Acoustic Transducer (e.g., Music reproduction: Left and right left speaker 1226, right can be set or sensed by the zone ring speaker 1227) Zone ring, zone controller Zone ring controls color temperature, (e.g., ID ring 1230, etc.) time (e.g., for circadian cycle) Mood lights that are Use in a mood-setting mode (e.g., responsive to microphone using one or more mood lights 1228). and mood detector processor The lamp adjusts colors dependent on music played, etc. SNAP elements that go onto For multi-function flexibility a magnet disposed at ring (not over glare blocker) Seismic activity sensor Detect seismic activity, filter to (e.g. seismic sensor reduce false alarms, and signal 1204) and warning warning (e.g., at one lamp or at a group of lamps)
[0072] Any of the active accessories, singly or in combination can be deployed onto or with a compatible lamp.
[0073]
[0074] As shown in
[0075] As shown, an accessory is in contact with the lens periphery using border magnets. As shown, the first accessory hosts active functions, one of which is a wireless device (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.). The accessory may include an icon (e.g., the wireless icon 1302, as shown).
[0076]
[0077] The views of
[0078]
[0079] The views depict an MR-16 lamp comprising a lens having an inner periphery with a first magnet attached to the inner periphery of the lens. A first accessory is disposed to be in contact with the lens periphery using the magnet. As shown, the first accessory hosts active functions, one of which is a wireless device (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.). The second accessory is disposed in contact with the first accessory. As shown, the second accessory hosts active functions, one of which is a wireless device (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.).
[0080]
[0081] The views depict a PAR lamp comprising a lens having an inner periphery with a first magnet attached to the inner periphery of the lens. A first accessory is disposed to be in contact with the lens periphery using the magnet. As shown, the first accessory hosts active functions, one of which is a zone ID. The second accessory is disposed in contact with the first accessory. As shown, the second accessory hosts active functions, one of which is a pressure sensor.
[0082]
[0083] As shown, a second accessory is keyed to mate into a first accessory in pre-determined juxtaposition, and the first accessory is keyed to mate into an MR-16 lens or housing in pre-determined juxtaposition.
[0084]
[0085] As shown, a second accessory is keyed to mate into a first accessory in pre-determined juxtaposition, and the first accessory is keyed to mate into a PAR lens or housing in pre-determined juxtaposition.
[0086]
[0087] As shown, a second accessory is color-coded and is keyed to mate into a first accessory in pre-determined juxtaposition, and the first accessory is also color-coded and keyed to mate into a PAR lens or housing in pre-determined juxtaposition.
[0088]
[0089]
[0090] The views of
[0091] Combinations of a plurality of magnets and glare blockers can be found in various embodiments. The following embodiments are presented, strictly as examples:
[0092] In certain embodiments, a light emitting diode (LED) lamp comprises: a lens having a periphery; a first magnet attached to the periphery of the lens; and a first accessory wherein the first accessory is in contact with a periphery of the lens using the magnet; and wherein the first accessory comprises at least one active function.
[0093] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the active function comprises a motion sensor.
[0094] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the active function comprises a smoke sensor.
[0095] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the active function comprises a gas presence sensor.
[0096] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the active function comprises a temperature sensor.
[0097] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the active function comprises a pressure sensor.
[0098] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the active function comprises an ambient light sensor.
[0099] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the active function comprises a sound sensor.
[0100] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the active function comprises a left speaker.
[0101] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the active function comprises a right speaker.
[0102] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the active function comprises a mood light.
[0103] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the lamp further comprises a second accessory having a second magnet wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are configured to retain the first accessory against the second accessory.
[0104] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the first magnet and the second magnet are configured to mate with the perimeter of the lens.
[0105] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the first accessory has a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of the lens.
[0106] E In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the first accessory has a diameter that is equal to a diameter of the lens.
[0107] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the first accessory has a diameter that substantially covers an optical region of the lens.
[0108] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the lens is configured to attach to an MR16 lamp.
[0109] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the second accessory is selected from a diffuser, a color filter, a polarizer, a linear dispersion element, a baffle, and a combination of any of the foregoing
[0110] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the first magnet and the first accessory have a combined thickness less than 1 mm.
[0111] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the lens comprises a folded total internal reflection lens.
[0112] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the lamp is characterized by a lamp output mechanical aperture; and the lens is configured to cover more than 90% of the lamp output mechanical aperture.
[0113] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the LED lamp of embodiment 1, further comprising a second accessory having a magnet disposed about a center of the second accessory.
[0114] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, second accessory comprises a third magnet, wherein the third magnet is attached to the center of the second accessory.
[0115] In certain embodiments, an apparatus for providing active accessories in a light emitting diode (LED) lamp, comprises: an LED illumination product having a lens and a housing; at least one electronic component disposed within the housing; at least two electrical conductors electrically-connected to the at least one electrical component, the at least two electrical conductors disposed within a rigid member affixed to the lens; and a first accessory wherein the first accessory is in contact with the lens using a magnet and wherein the first accessory comprises at least one active function.
[0116] In certain embodiments of an apparatus, the rigid member accepts a USB connector.
[0117] In certain embodiments of an apparatus, the rigid member is made of a magnetic material.
[0118] In certain embodiments of an apparatus, the rigid member is affixed to the lens with an adhesive.
[0119] In certain embodiments of an apparatus, the rigid member is affixed to a periphery of the lens using a mechanical connector.
[0120] In certain embodiments of an apparatus, the rigid member is affixed to a center of the lens using a mechanical connector.
[0121] In certain embodiments, a light emitting diode (LED) lamp comprises: a lens having a periphery; a first magnet attached to the periphery of the lens; a first accessory wherein the first accessory is in contact with a periphery of the lens using the magnet; and wherein the first accessory comprises at least one first active function; and a second accessory wherein the second accessory is in contact with the first accessory and wherein the second accessory comprises at least one second active function.
[0122] In certain embodiments of an LED lamp, the first active function comprises a zone ID and the second active function comprises a wireless device.
[0123] In certain embodiments of an apparatus, the first active function comprises a color-coded zone ID and the second active function comprises a wireless device.
[0124] In certain embodiments of an apparatus, the first active function comprises a zone ID and the second active function comprises a Bluetooth wireless device.
[0125] In certain embodiments of an apparatus, the first active function comprises a zone ID and the second active function comprises a WiFi wireless device.
[0126] In certain embodiments of an apparatus, the first active function comprises a zone ID and the second active function comprises a smoke sensor.
[0127] In certain embodiments of an apparatus, the first active function comprises a zone ID and the second active function comprises an ambient light sensor.
[0128] In certain embodiments of an apparatus, the first active function comprises a zone ID and the second active function comprises a seismic sensor.
[0129] In certain embodiments of an apparatus, the first active function comprises a zone ID and the second active function comprises a gas presence sensor.
[0130] In certain embodiments of an apparatus, the first active function comprises a zone ID and the second active function comprises a wireless device.
[0131] In certain embodiments of an apparatus, the first active function comprises a zone ID and the second active function comprises a pressure sensor.
[0132]
[0133] Finally, it should be noted that there are alternative ways of implementing the embodiments disclosed herein. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the claims are not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents thereof.