Communications: electrical – Systems – Selsyn type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-25
2001-12-18
Swarthout, Brent A. (Department: 2632)
Communications: electrical
Systems
Selsyn type
C315S312000, C362S233000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06331813
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus for control of devices such as appliances and lights through power lines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are various methods and apparatus known in the art for control of devices such as household appliances and lights. One known method and apparatus includes sending digitally modulated carrier communication signals along a power line to control household appliances and lights. These types of systems are generally called power line carrier systems. Generally speaking, sending communication signals over power lines for the purpose of turning appliance motors on and off is known. Sending communications signals over power lines for the purpose of turning lights on and off or for dimming lights, generally, is known.
Appliance power line carrier or communication systems are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,200,862 to Cambell, incorporated by reference herein, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,418,333 to Schwarzbach, incorporated by reference herein. These systems have been well developed to provide economical control of home lighting. Control systems of this type are readily and economically available from companies such as “X10 USA” (trademarked).
With the advent of satellite TV and Home Theater there is a desire by the consumer to create more complete entertainment centers in the home. These centers might consist of big screen television, large sound systems that may include karaoke, and lighting systems that help to set a mood. Home lighting control may consist of several appliances or lamps controlled over a power line carrier. This type of control system is an easy retrofit by the consumer as expensive new wiring through out the house is not required. These power line communication systems are generally inexpensive and available through many wholesalers and distributors.
Multi-parameter lighting devices are known in the realm of stage shows such as rock concerts. These lighting devices have been created to control a wide variety of functions such as color, shutter, iris, pan, tilt, and pattern projection. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,302,187 to Bomhorst, incorporated by reference herein, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,845,351 to Ballmos et. al., incorporated by reference herein. However, these multi-parameter lighting devices generally require a dedicated communications line, in addition to and separate and apart from their power lines. These multi-parameter lighting devices are typically controlled in a wired serial data type of remote control. A dedicated communications wire is plugged into each light. The wire starts at the control device and loops to each multiparameter light.
Multiparameter lighting devices made for stage shows are often very expensive and require expensive computer control systems. Lights of this type require expensive dedicated high reliability communication systems. Undesired noise on the communication lines could be seen during operation of the lighting instruments and could cause unsightly distractions during performances. Often times lights of this type are utilized under control of an operator and the time from the input of the operator to the resulted change of a parameter in the light must be visually instantaneous.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is seen by the inventor that lights with multiparameters like that used in commercial stage shows will be of interest to the consumer for use in home entertainment systems. The present invention in one embodiment incorporates multi-parameter lighting devices within a power line carrier system or apparatus.
In one embodiment of the present invention an apparatus is provided comprising a power line, a control device, and a first lighting device. The power line may supply a primary signal having a frequency. The control device may include at least one actuation device which may be a plurality of actuation devices. The control device may be connected to a first power outlet of the power line. The first lighting device may have a plurality of parameters. The first lighting device can include a processor and first motor. The processor as used in the present application may be a computer processor, an integrated circuit, an electronic circuit, or one or more such devices. The first motor of the lighting device can be used to vary a first parameter of the plurality of parameters of the first lighting device. The first lighting device may be connected to a second power outlet of the power line.
The control device can send out a first secondary signal on the power line in response to actuation of at least one actuation device and the first secondary signal can have a frequency which is different from the frequency of the primary signal. The processor of the first lighting device can respond to the first secondary signal by causing the position of the first motor to change and thereby changing the first parameter of the plurality of parameters of the first lighting device.
The actuation of at least one actuation device can occur automatically such as with a timer or the actuation can occur by an operator. The first secondary signal can be a digitally modulated carrier signal and the frequency of the first secondary signal can be the carrier frequency of the first secondary signal. The frequency of the primary signal can be sixty hertz. The frequency of the first secondary signal can be one-hundred twenty kilohertz.
In one embodiment the first motor of the first lighting device is in a prior position before the processor of the first lighting device receives the first secondary signal from the power line and the processor changes the position of the first motor incrementally from the prior position in response to the first secondary signal. In another embodiment the first motor of the first lighting device changes the position of the first motor to a first absolute position in response to the first secondary signal regardless of the prior position of the first motor.
In one embodiment actuation of at least one actuation device (which can be a timer having no operator buttons) creates a first pre-set command which is sent within the first secondary signal along the power line to the processor of the first lighting device and the processor of the first lighting device changes the position of the first motor of the first lighting device to a first absolute position in response to the first pre-set command regardless of the prior position of the first motor.
In another embodiment a second lighting device having a plurality of parameters is provided. The second lighting device includes a processor and a first motor which is used to vary a first parameter of the plurality of parameters of the second lighting device. The second lighting device can be connected to a third power outlet of the power line, wherein the primary signal powers the second lighting device. The control device can send out a second secondary signal on the power line in response to actuation of at least one actuation device of the control device and the second secondary signal can have a frequency which is different from the frequency of the primary signal. The processor of the second lighting device can respond to the second secondary signal by causing the position of the first motor of the second lighting device to change and thereby change the first parameter of the plurality of parameters of the second lighting device.
In another embodiment the first lighting device and the second lighting devices may be responsive to the same first secondary signal to cause one of their parameters to be modified.
In another embodiment the first lighting device may include an address selector. When the address selector is set to a first address, the processor may be responsive to the first secondary signal, if an address signal within the first secondary signal corresponds to the first address. The processor of the first lighting device may also be responsive to the first secondary signal if the address signal of the first secondary signal corresponds to a second address which the processor determines based on the first addres
Swarthout Brent A.
Tencza Jr. Walter J.
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