Methods and apparatus for adaptable lighting unit

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and apparatus for a lighting unit (600) that may adaptably achieve a plurality of lighting effects. A plurality of LEDs (641) producing a light output having at least one adaptable light output characteristic may be provided and controlled by a controller (650) electrically coupled to the plurality of LEDs (641). The controller may control the at least one adaptable light output characteristic in accordance with received lighting configuration data (651) that is specific to a particular lighting implementation (606).

Claims

1. An adaptable LED-based lighting system, comprising: a lighting configuration transmitter at least selectively transmitting predefined lighting configuration data comprising light distribution or color temperature data; an LED-based lighting unit having a plurality of individually-controllable LEDs; wherein the LED-based lighting unit has a plurality of predefined lighting configurations corresponding to light distribution or color temperature of the LEDs; and a controller electrically coupled to the plurality of individually-controllable LEDs; wherein said controller is configured to: receive lighting implementation data indicative of a particular lighting implementation; wherein said lighting implementation data includes an identifier representing at least one of specific lighting fixture product, lighting fixture type, and lighting fixture shape; request, from said lighting configuration transmitter, a predefined lighting configuration data associated with one of the plurality of predefined lighting configurations based on the received lighting implementation data; receive, from said lighting configuration transmitter, said predefined lighting configuration data; and adjust light distribution or color temperature of the plurality of individually-controllable LEDs to achieve said predefined lighting configuration, said predefined lighting configuration being correlated with received lighting configuration data; and wherein said lighting implementation data is received in response to integration of said LEDs within said particular lighting implementation.

2. The adaptable LED-based lighting system of claim 1, wherein said lighting implementation data and said lighting configuration data are correlated to one another in a look-up table.

3. The adaptable LED-based lighting system of claim 1, wherein said lighting configuration transmitter is a storage medium.

4. The adaptable LED-based lighting system of claim 1, wherein said lighting configuration transmitter is an RFID tag.

5. The adaptable LED-based lighting system of claim 1, wherein said predefined lighting configuration data includes primary desired lighting configuration data and secondary default lighting configuration data.

6. The adaptable LED-based lighting system of claim 1, wherein said controller further adjusts light distribution or color temperature of the plurality of individually-controllable LEDs based on sensor input.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

(2) FIG. 1A illustrates various adaptable lighting unit modules.

(3) FIG. 1B illustrates the adaptable lighting unit modules of FIG. 1A integrated to form a modular adaptable lighting unit.

(4) FIG. 1C illustrates certain of the adaptable lighting unit modules of FIG. 1A and an additional diffuse adaptable lighting unit module that are integrated to form another modular adaptable lighting unit.

(5) FIG. 2A illustrates a puck-shaped adaptable lighting unit generating a first light output generally directed in all directions.

(6) FIG. 2B illustrates the puck-shaped adaptable lighting unit of FIG. 2A generating a second light output generally directed in an upward direction.

(7) FIG. 3A illustrates an oval-shaped adaptable lighting unit generating a first light output generally directed in a radial direction three-hundred-sixty degrees around.

(8) FIG. 3B illustrates the oval-shaped adaptable lighting unit of FIG. 3A generating a second light output generally directed in a radial direction approximately two-hundred-forty degrees around.

(9) FIG. 4A illustrates a lighting fixture having an adaptable lighting unit generating a first light output with uplighting and downlighting.

(10) FIG. 4B illustrates the lighting fixture of FIG. 4A with the adaptable lighting unit generating a second light output with shade lighting.

(11) FIG. 5A illustrates a side section view of another modular adaptable lighting unit having a multiple layer adaptable lighting unit module having multiple light emitting layers.

(12) FIG. 5B illustrates a top section view of one of the light emitting layers of the multiple layer adaptable lighting unit module of FIG. 5A.

(13) FIG. 5C illustrates a side section view of one of the light emitting layers of the multiple layer adaptable lighting unit module of FIG. 5A.

(14) FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an adaptable LED-based lighting system.

(15) FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of adapting an LED-based lighting unit to a particular lighting implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(16) Manufacturers currently offer a large number of different lighting units for implementation in lighting fixtures. Each lighting unit often has a different form factor and/or creates a different type of lighting effect. Each of the lighting units may optionally be optimized for a specific lighting fixture and/or specific intended application. Some customers may have difficulty in choosing an appropriate lighting unit from the variety of different lighting units that are offered. Thus, Applicants have recognized and appreciated that it would be beneficial to provide a lighting unit that may adaptably achieve a plurality of lighting effects and that may optionally overcome one or more drawbacks of previous lighting units.

(17) More generally, Applicants have recognized and appreciated that it would be beneficial to provide various inventive methods and apparatus that relate to an LED-based lighting unit that may adaptably achieve a plurality of lighting effects.

(18) In view of the foregoing, various embodiments and implementations of the present invention are directed to an adaptable LED-based lighting unit.

(19) FIG. 1A illustrates various adaptable lighting unit modules that may interface with one another and/or other adaptable lighting unit modules to create a desired adaptable modular lighting unit. The adaptable lighting unit modules include a first end diffuse lighting unit module 112 having a recess 114 therein and a second end diffuse lighting unit module 116 having a recess 118 therein. The adaptable lighting unit modules also include a linearly extending intermediary diffuse lighting unit module 120 and a spotlighting unit module 122. Each of the diffuse lighting unit modules 112, 116, 120 include one or more light sources and produce a diffuse light output. For example, one or more of the diffuse lighting unit modules 112, 116, 120 may include a plurality of LEDs that are paired with diffusing optics (e.g., refracting and/or reflecting optics that are each provided over one or more LEDs) and/or that are covered by a diffuse lens or other diffuse material provided over the LEDs. The spotlighting unit module 122 includes one or more light sources that produce a spot type light type output. For example, the spotlighting unit module 122 may include one or more LEDs that are paired with one or more collimating optics to direct a spot type light output in a general desired direction. One or more of the lighting unit modules 112, 116, 120, and 122 have one or more adjustable light output characteristics. For example, in some embodiments each of the lighting unit modules 112, 116, 120, and 122 has a plurality of adjustable light output characteristics such as one or more of those described herein.

(20) The recesses 114, 118 are generally in the shape of a frustum of a pyramid and may interface with another adaptable lighting unit module, such as spotlight adaptable lighting unit module 122, and/or may optionally interface with another lighting fixture component such as communications, power, and control module 130. Communications, power, and control module 130 may include one or more drivers for powering the light sources of the adaptable lighting unit modules 112, 116, 120 and/or 122. For example the communications, power, and control module 130 may include an LED driver for powering LEDs of the adaptable lighting unit modules 112, 116, 120 and/or 122. The communications, power, and control module 130 may also include a power source and/or a connection for an external power source to enable powering of the adaptable lighting unit modules 112, 116, 120 and/or 122. For example, power line 131 may be coupled to an external power source and may be electrically coupled to power lines 113, 117, and/or 121 of the adaptable lighting unit modules 112, 116, and/or 120 to provide power to the adaptable lighting unit modules 112, 116, 120 and/or 122.

(21) The communications, power, and control module 130 may also include a controller for adjusting one or more light output characteristics of the adaptable lighting unit modules 112, 116, and/or 120. For example, the communications, power, and control module 130 may include a controller in combination with an LED driver thereof that may manipulate the LED driver output parameters to thereby alter light output characteristics of the adaptable lighting unit modules 112, 116, and/or 120.

(22) The communications, power, and control module 130 may also include a transmitter and/or a receiver for communications with one or more of the adaptable lighting unit modules 112, 116, 120 and/or 122 and/or for communication with other components (e.g., another device providing lighting implementation data and/or lighting configuration data). For example, the communications, power, and control module 130 may include a receiver for receiving lighting implementation data and/or lighting configuration data and may adjust one or more parameters of a driver in accordance with such data. Also, for example, the communications, power, and control module 130 may include a receiver for receiving data from one or more lighting unit modules 112, 116, 120 and/or 122 to enable determination of one or more parameters of such modules and may optionally adjust one or more parameters of a driver in accordance with such data.

(23) Any transmitter and/or receiver may optionally utilize one or more communications mediums, communications technologies, protocols, and/or inter-process communication techniques. For example, the communication mediums may include any physical medium, including, for example, twisted pair coaxial cables, fiber optics, and/or a wireless link using, for example, infrared, microwave, or encoded visible light transmissions and any suitable transmitters, receivers or transceivers to effectuate communication in the lighting fixture network. Also, for example, the communications technologies may include any suitable protocol for data transmission, including, for example, TCP/IP, variations of Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus, Bluetooth, FireWire, Zigbee, DMX, Dali, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, token ring, a token bus, serial bus, power line networking over mains or low voltage power lines, and/or any other suitable wireless or wired protocol

(24) FIG. 1B illustrates the adaptable lighting unit modules of FIG. 1A integrated to form a first modular adaptable lighting unit 100A. The first modular adaptable lighting unit 100A is substantially circular in cross-section (a cross-section perpendicular to the page). The communications, power, and control module 130 has been received within the recess 114 of the first end diffuse lighting unit module 112 and the spotlighting unit module 122 has been received with the second end diffuse lighting unit module 116. The diffuse lighting unit modules 112, 116, and 120 have also been coupled to one another. Sockets and/or other connectors may optionally be utilized. The power lines 131, 113, 121, and 117 have also been electrically coupled to one another and are electrically coupled to the spotlighting unit module 122.

(25) In some embodiments, one or more of the lighting unit modules 112, 116, 120, and 122 may have one or more adjustable light output characteristics such as one or more of those described herein. Such light output characteristics may be adjusted based on the particular lighting implementation. For example, the light output characteristics may be adjusted by the communications, power, and control module 130 based on determination of which other lighting unit modules are being utilized in the first modular adaptable lighting unit 100A. For instance, the light output intensity of each of the lighting unit modules 112, 116, 120, and 122 may be set and/or dynamically adjustable based on analysis of the light output capabilities of each of the lighting unit modules 112, 116, 120, and 122. Also, for instance, the power provided to each of the lighting unit modules 112, 116, 120, and 122 may be set and/or dynamically adjustable based on analysis of the power consumption of all of the lighting unit modules 112, 116, 120, and 122 to maintain power consumption below a desired level (e.g., due to heat and/or energy constraints). Also, for instance, lighting implementation data may be received indicating that the adaptable lighting unit 100A is installed in a particular implementation and one or more of light output intensity, beam width, color temperature, and/or distribution characteristics of each of the lighting unit modules 112, 116, 120, and 122 may be set and/or dynamically adjustable to achieve light output in accordance with such particular implementation.

(26) FIG. 1C illustrates certain of the adaptable lighting units of FIG. 1A and an additional diffuse adaptable lighting unit module 124 that are integrated to form a second modular adaptable lighting unit 100B. The second modular adaptable lighting unit 100B is substantially circular in cross-section. In FIG. 1C a diffuse lighting unit module 124 is received with the recess 114 of the first end diffuse lighting unit module 112 and powering, communications, and/or control is received from a side connection 101. In some embodiments one or more of the lighting unit modules 112, 116, 120, 122, and 124 may have one or more adjustable light output characteristics such as one or more of those described herein.

(27) FIG. 2A illustrates a puck-shaped adaptable lighting unit 200 generating a first light output (generally represented by arrows emanating from the lighting unit 200) that is generally directed in all directions. FIG. 2B illustrates the puck-shaped adaptable lighting unit 200 generating a second light output (generally represented by arrows emanating from the lighting unit 200) that is generally directed in an upward direction. The puck-shaped adaptable lighting unit 200 includes an outer shell having an upper surface 212, a lower surface 214, and a perimeter surface 216. The outer shell is translucent and encloses a plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments the LEDs may include LEDs generating a collimated beam with a fine grained control. An external power connection 201 may provide power to the LEDs of the puck-shaped adaptable lighting unit 200 and may optionally provide lighting configuration data to a controller of the puck-shaped adaptable lighting unit 200. In some embodiments, of the puck-shaped adaptable lighting unit 200 it may not be desirable or possible to drive all of the LEDs at full power. Power may instead be distributed over a sub range of the LEDs (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2B) and/or all of the LEDs may be driven at a lower intensity. The particular light output distribution may be generated in accordance with predefined lighting configuration data received in response to integration of the puck-shaped adaptable lighting unit with a particular lighting implementation.

(28) FIG. 3A illustrates an oval-shaped adaptable lighting unit 300 generating a first light output (generally represented by arrows emanating from the lighting unit 300) that is generally directed in a radial direction three-hundred-sixty degrees around. FIG. 3B illustrates the oval-shaped adaptable lighting unit 300 generating a second light output (generally represented by arrows emanating from the lighting unit 300) that is generally directed in a radial direction approximately two-hundred-forty degrees around (with two approximately sixty degree gaps).

(29) The oval-shaped adaptable lighting unit 300 includes an outer shell having a radial light emitting surface 316. At least the perimeter of the outer shell is translucent and encloses a plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments the LEDs may include LEDs generating a collimated beam with a fine grained control. An external power connection 301 may provide power to the LEDs of the oval-shaped adaptable lighting unit 300 and may optionally provide lighting configuration data to a controller of the puck-shaped adaptable lighting unit 300. In some embodiments of the oval-shaped adaptable lighting unit 300 it may be desirable to directionally control the light output from the LEDs. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3B only certain of the LEDs may be illuminated to only provide partial radially arranged light output.

(30) In some embodiments, the directionality of the lighting may be controlled by a directionality data communication optionally provided with received lighting configuration data (e.g., provided over power connection 301 or in combination with received lighting configuration data). For example, in some embodiments directionality of the lighting can be controlled by two bytes. For instance, in some embodiments the first light output of FIG. 3A may be generated in response to a directionality data communication of “11111111 11111111” and the second light output of FIG. 3B may be generated in response to a directionality data communication of “00011111 11110000.” Other light outputs may be generated in response to other directionality data communication. The particular implemented light output may correspond to predefined lighting data receive in response to integration of oval-shaped lighting unit 300 in a particular implementation.

(31) FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a lighting fixture having an adaptable lighting unit 400 mounted atop a pole 401 and surrounded by a lamp shade 403 (and without uplighting 402 and downlighting 404). The adaptable lighting unit 400 is able to create segmented lighting effects. For example, in FIG. 4A the lighting unit 400 is generating a first light output with uplighting 402 and downlighting 404. Also, for example, in FIG. 4B the adaptable lighting unit 400 is generating a second light output with shade lighting 406 directed toward the shade 403. Additional and/or alternative segmented lighting effects may optionally be achievable from adaptable lighting unit 400.

(32) In some embodiments the segmented output, the intensity, and/or other characteristic of the light output of the lighting unit 400 may be adjusted based on received lighting configuration data. For example, in some embodiments an RFID tag may be installed on the shade 403 that may provide lighting implementation data to an RFID reader of the lighting unit 400 that is indicative of the intended lighting implementation of the lighting fixture (e.g., for reading, for ambient lighting only, and/or for uplighting). The adaptable lighting unit 400 may then obtain lighting configuration data (e.g., from local memory) corresponding to the intended lighting implementation and adjust light output characteristics of the adaptable lighting unit 400 accordingly. For instance, if the intended lighting implementation is for ambient lighting and uplighting only, the lighting configuration data may be utilized to adjust adaptable lighting unit 400 to be configured to cycle through providing shade lighting 406 only, uplighting 402 only, and a combination of shade lighting 406 and uplighting 402.

(33) FIG. 5A illustrates a side section view of another modular adaptable lighting unit 500 having a multiple layer adaptable lighting unit module 540 with multiple light emitting layers 540A-G. In FIG. 5A a diffuse lighting unit module 524 is received within a recess 514 of the multiple layer adaptable lighting unit module 540 and powering, communications, and optionally control is received from a side connection 501. A spotlighting unit module 522 has been received within a recess 518 of end diffuse lighting unit module 516. The diffuse lighting unit modules 516, 522, 524, and 540 have also been coupled to one another. The power lines 501, 517, and 542 have also been electrically coupled to one another and are electrically coupled to the spotlighting unit module 522 and the diffuse lighting unit module 524.

(34) The light emitting layers 540A-G are stacked atop one another in a stair-stepped arrangement. The light emitting layers 540A-G surround a concentric recess 549 in the multiple layer adaptable lighting unit module 540. A plurality of LEDs 541A-G are arranged in the recess 514 interior of the light emitting layers 540A-G and produce light output directed toward respective light emitting layers 540A-G. In some embodiments the LEDs 541A-G associated with each of the light emitting layers 540A-G may be individually controlled to enable individual control of light output from each of the light emitting layers 540A-G. In some embodiments a groups of one or more LEDs 541A-G directed toward a single layer 540A-G may be individually controlled. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A only one LED 541F may be illuminated to only illuminate a segment of light emitting layer 540F and produce a collimated beam 503F.

(35) Referring to FIGS. 5B and 5C, a top section view of the light emitting layer 540A and a side section view of the light emitting layer 540A are illustrated. In some embodiments one or more of the other light emitting layers 540B-F may have configurations that are similar to the light emitting layer 540A. A plurality of LEDs 541A are circularly arranged around the recess 514 interior of the light emitting layer 540A. Each of the LEDs 541A is positioned so that light output therefrom is directed toward the light emitting layer 540A and is coupled with a collimator 542A to ensure light output therefrom is directed toward the light emitting layer 540A. Light from the LEDs 541A enters into the light emitting layer 540A and exits as light output from the periphery of the light emitting layer 540A. In some embodiments groups of one or more of the LEDs 541A may be individually controllable (e.g., may be individually turned on/off, may have brightness individually controlled, and/or may have color individually controlled). An outcoupling optic 544A may optionally be provided along all or a portion of the periphery of the light emitting layer 540A to ensure exiting light is coupled out in a collimated beam with a desired angle and/or direction. In some embodiments the light emitting layer 540A may include Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA).

(36) In some embodiments one or more of the lighting unit modules 516, 522, 524, and 540 may have one or more adjustable light output characteristics such as one or more of those described herein. Such light output characteristics may be adjusted based on the particular lighting implementation as conveyed via received lighting configuration data. For example, the light output characteristics of each light emitting layer 540A-G may be individually adjusted to accommodate a particular installation location. For instance, to achieve desired cut-off only certain of the light emitting layers 540A-G may be illuminated and/or to achieve a certain distribution only certain of the LEDs 541A-G within an illuminated light emitting layers 540A-G may be illuminated.

(37) FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an adaptable LED-based lighting system. The adaptable LED-based lighting system includes an adaptable LED-based lighting unit 600 having a controller 650, a driver 655, and a plurality of adjustable LEDs 641. In some embodiments the controller 650 and/or driver 655 may be provided separate from the LED-based lighting unit 600. In some embodiments the controller 650 and the driver 655 may be integrated as a single component. In some embodiments the adaptable LED-based lighting unit 600 and adaptable lighting units 100A, 1006, 200, 300, 400, and/or 500 may share one or more common aspects. In some embodiments the adaptable LED-based lighting unit 600 may be replaced and/or supplemented with one or more of adaptable lighting units 100A, 1006, 200, 300, 400, and/or 500.

(38) Lighting configuration data 651 is supplied to the controller 650 to enable the controller 650 to adjust one or more adaptable light output characteristics of the LEDs 641 in accordance with the lighting configuration data 651. The supplied lighting configuration data 651 is specific to one or more aspects of the particular lighting implementation within which the adaptable lighting unit 600 is implemented. For example, the adaptable lighting unit 600 may be installable with a plurality of lighting fixture types and may be operable with different light output characteristics for each of the different lighting fixture types. The supplied lighting configuration data 651 may enable the controller 650 to appropriately adjust light output produced by the LEDs 641 in accordance with the lighting configuration data 651. For example, the controller may adjust characteristics of the driver 655, sensor inputs, optics paired with the LEDs 641, and/or one or more adjustable surfaces supporting the LEDS 641 to adjust the characteristics of light output produced by the LEDs 641.

(39) In some embodiments, the lighting configuration data 651 may be implemented in memory associated with the controller 650. In some embodiments the lighting configuration data 651 may be stored elsewhere (e.g., lighting fixture, external database) and sent to the controller 650 using one or more communication protocols and/or communication mediums.

(40) In some embodiments, the controller 650 may receive lighting implementation data 606 representing a particular lighting implementation within which the LED-based lighting unit 600 is implemented; may associate the lighting implementation data 606 with corresponding lighting configuration data 651; may receive the corresponding lighting control data 651; and may control the LEDs 641 in accordance with the lighting configuration data 651.

(41) In some embodiments, the lighting implementation data 606 may include identification of one or more of an identifier representing a specific lighting fixture (e.g. Philips Lirio Posada white LI 37362/31/LI), lighting fixture type (e.g. wall-mounted white shade or arm creating ambient light) or a specific lighting effect (e.g. “effect nr 131”). In some embodiments the lighting implementation data 606 may be received via an RFID tag reader integrated in the LED-based lighting unit 600. The RFID tag reader may detect an RFID tag integrated in the lighting fixture or in a specific lighting fixture part (such as an interchangeable lamp shade or diffusing plate). The LED-based lighting unit 600 or other lighting part may also optionally be offered with “RFID tag stickers” enabling end-users to “retrofit” their “old” luminaires. For example, a plurality of RFID tag stickers may be provided in combination with the LED-based lighting unit 600 with each being configured for a different lighting fixture type within which the LED-based lighting unit 600 may be utilized. A user may select an appropriate RFID tag sticker and install the RFID tag sticker on the lighting fixture within which the LED-based lighting unit 600 is to be implemented.

(42) In some embodiments, the lighting implementation data 606 may be received via a network. For example, if the LED-based lighting unit 600 is IP connected (e.g., directly or using a ZigBee-Wifi bridge), a user may utilize a mobile device (e.g., smartphone or tablet computer) to send the lighting implementation data 606 to the LED-based lighting unit 600. For example, this may done by selecting the lighting fixture from a catalog in an application executing on the mobile device, typing in the serial number of the lighting fixture (e.g., shown on the package), or capturing a QR code with the mobile device (e.g., on the package of the lighting fixture or back of the lighting fixture).

(43) In some embodiments, the lighting implementation data 606 may be received via an active communication element such as ZigBee or other RF communication that is activated when the LED-based lighting unit 600 is implemented in the lighting fixture. For example, the active communication element may be part of the lighting fixture within which the LED-based lighting unit 600 is installed and may broadcast the lighting implementation data 606.

(44) In some embodiments, once lighting implementation data 606 has been detected, the lighting implementation data 606 may be associated with appropriate lighting configuration data 651 utilizing a look-up table which maps the lighting implementation data 606 to a set of associated lighting configuration data 651. In some embodiments the look up table may be located within local memory coupled to the controller 650. In some embodiments the controller 650 may be connected to a network and the network may be utilized to identify lighting configuration data 651 that is associated with lighting implementation data 606.

(45) In some embodiments, a device may directly provide the lighting configuration data 651 to the LED-based lighting unit 600 and optionally not provide the lighting implementation data 606. For example, the lighting fixture within which the LED-based lighting unit 600 is installed may provide the lighting configuration data 651 directly to the multi-effect LED module. The lighting configuration data 651 may be stored locally at the lighting fixture (e.g., a controller of the lighting fixture), or in an electronic device embedded in the lighting fixture. The lighting configuration data 651 may optionally include priority data that indicates whether the lighting configuration data 651 represents “allowed” settings for the lighting fixture, or represents “preferred” settings for the lighting fixture. Allowed settings are settings that must be implemented to enable operation of the LED-based lighting unit 600 within the lighting fixture. In other words, if the LED-based lighting unit 600 is incapable of operating the allowed settings it may be prevented from operating in the lighting fixture. Preferred settings for the lighting fixture represent settings that are preferable to be implemented, but operation of the LED-based lighting unit 600 within the lighting fixture is still enabled if the LED-based lighting unit 600 is incapable of implementing the settings.

(46) In some embodiments, a physical connection is used to set up a communications connection between the LED-based lighting unit 600 and the lighting fixture to enable the lighting fixture to directly provide the lighting configuration data 651. For example, wiring, connectors, USB connection, and/or electronic communication bus (e.g., a serial bus, power line communication, and/or USB connection) may be utilized to communicate lighting configuration data 651 to the LED-based lighting unit 600.

(47) In some embodiments, the lighting fixture can communicate a set of primary light output characteristics (light distribution, color temperature, etc.) in the lighting configuration data 651 that are compatible with the lighting fixture. Additionally, the lighting fixture can communicate an alternative set of light output characteristics in the lighting configuration data 651 if the LED-based lighting unit 600 is not capable of fully reproducing the desired primary light output characteristics. The lighting fixture may also provide in the lighting configuration data 651 a mode of operation that defines which light output characteristics are controllable by one or more user interface and/or parameters and ranges of the controllable light output characteristics (e.g., it can define how dimming should operate). In some embodiments a lighting fixture may contain a plurality of LED-based lighting units and one or more of such LED-based lighting units may provide lighting configuration data 651 to other of the LED-based lighting units.

(48) The light output characteristics that may be contained in the lighting configuration data 651 may include one or more of a plurality of adjustable light output related characteristics of a light source. For example, some light output characteristics may relate to a single light output characteristics such as static light output characteristics and/or dynamic light output characteristics. For instance, a simple fade-in/fade-out may be defined which makes one or more of the LEDs 641 of the LED-based lighting unit 600 switch on and off in a gentle fading manner.

(49) Also, for example, some light output characteristics may relate to a set of lighting output characteristics such as a set of static light output characteristics and/or dynamic light output characteristics. For instance, the lighting fixture and/or a connected device (e.g., a mobile device) may offer a user interaction means enabling a user to select a desired lighting effect from a set of lighting effects set in accordance with the lighting configuration data 651.

(50) Also, for example, some light output characteristics may relate to one or more adaptive or interactive lighting effects. For instance, a dynamic lighting effect may be implemented in the LED-based lighting unit 600 that changes based on sensor input and/or user input based on settings obtained via the lighting configuration data 651.

(51) Also, for example, some light output characteristics may relate to a range of lighting effects. For instance, instead of defining a set of separate effects, a range of effects may be defined by particular parameter ranges allowing specific variations in light output characteristics such as intensity, beam width, color temperature or light distribution over defined segments of LED-based lighting unit 600. During operation, the LED-based lighting unit 600 may control those parameters within the defined ranges based on, intra alia: (1) user interface input (e.g., using the luminaire UI, or using UI means on a connected device such as remote control or smartphone) or (2) sensor input (e.g., ambient light intensity, proximity of people, sensed mood in a room, the amount of people present, etc.). Any utilized sensors may be available in the LED-based lighting unit 600, in the lighting fixture, and/or in other connected devices in the proximity of the LED-based lighting unit 600.

(52) In some embodiments, the controller 650 may interface with the driver 655 to enable each individual LED to be driven with the proper parameters in order to create the desired light output characteristic. In some embodiments a specific lighting fixture can have a set of predefined lighting configuration data associated with it and a selected of the predefined lighting configuration data 651 will be supplied to the LED-based lighting unit 600. In some embodiments the supplied lighting configuration data 651 may be dependent on the type of LED-based lighting unit 600. In some embodiments the supplied lighting configuration data 651 may additionally and/or alternatively be dependent on one or more additional factors. For example, in some embodiments lighting configuration data 651 is selected based on other inputs such as time/date input from specific sensors. For instance, an outdoor lamp may provide different lighting configuration data 651 based on a variety of parameters, such as time of day, ambient light level, presence and/or proximity of a person, etc. An atmosphere lamp in the living room, however, may offer a set of pre-defined light scenes to a user through a user interface. This set of light scenes may also optionally be dependent on detected activities in the room (e.g., detection of kids or detection of party crowd) or time of year (e.g. specific Spring or Christmas scenes). Lighting settings do not have to be static, but may also include dynamic scenes which gradually change over time (e.g. a wake up experience) or adaptive scenes which change upon sensor input (e.g. gradually increase of light intensity upon detecting dawn or arrival of people).

(53) In addition to or as an alternative to adaptable light output characteristics, it is also possible to activate particular user interaction features for specific lighting fixtures. For instance, for a lighting fixture which is quite open and usually within reach of its users, the LED-based lighting unit may support touch control by touching the module. Also, for instance, if a pendant ceiling lighting fixture is open at the bottom side, specific gestures underneath the LED-based lighting unit may enable control of the LED-based lighting unit.

(54) FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of adapting an LED-based lighting unit to a particular lighting implementation. Other embodiments may perform the steps in a different order, omit certain steps, and/or perform different and/or additional steps than those illustrated in FIG. 7. In some embodiments a controller, such as controller 650 and/or controllers described in combination with other embodiments of adaptable lighting units described herein, may perform the steps of FIG. 7. At step 700 lighting configuration data specific to a lighting implementation is received. For example, the controller 650 may receive lighting configuration data from local memory that correlates to received lighting implementation data. At step 705 one or more lighting output characteristics is adjusted in accordance with the received lighting configuration data. For example, the controller 650 may adjust the light output characteristics of LEDs 641 to correspond according to the received lighting configuration data.

(55) While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

(56) All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

(57) The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

(58) As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

(59) It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

(60) Also, reference numerals appearing between parentheses in the claims are provided merely for convenience and should not be construed as limiting the claims in any way.

(61) In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.