ES2320644T3 - LED LIGHT ATTENTION CONTROLLER. - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for providing power to devices via an A.C. power source, and for facilitating the use of LED-based light sources on A.C. power circuits that provide signals other than standard line voltages. In one example, LED-based light s sources may be coupled to A.C. power circuits that are controlled by conventional dimmers (i.e, "A.C. dimmer circuits"). Hence, LED-based light sources may be conveniently substituted for other light sources (e.g., incandescent lights) in lighting environments employing conventional A.C. dimming devices and/or other control signals present on the A.C. power circuit. In yet other aspects, one or more parameters relating to the light generated by LED-based light sources (e.g., intensity, color, color temperature, temporal characteristics, etc.) may be conveniently controlled via operation of a conventional A.C. dimmer and/or other signals present on the A.C. power circuit.

Description

LED dimming controller.

Field of the Invention

The present invention is normally directed to procedures and apparatus to provide power to devices with AC power circuits. More in In particular, the invention relates to methods and apparatus to provide power to devices based on emitting diodes of light (LED), mainly for lighting purposes.

Background

In various applications of light (for example, home, commerce, industry, etc.), there are examples in which it is desirable to adjust the amount of light generated by one or more sources conventional light (for example, incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent luminaires, etc.). In many cases, this is achieved by through a user-driven device, to which It is commonly referred to as a "light dimmer," which adjust the power supplied to the source (s) of light. Many types of conventional light dimmers are known that allow a user to adjust the light output of one or more light sources through some kind of user interface (for example, turning a dial, moving a slide button, etc., with frequency mounted on a wall near an area where it is desirable to adjust the light level). The user interface of Some light dimmers may also be equipped with a switching / setting mechanism that allows one or more sources of light turn off and on instantly, and also have your Light output gradually varied when turned on.

Many interior lighting systems or General exteriors are often fed by a source AC, which is commonly referred to as "voltage line "(for example, 120 volts RMS at 60 Hz, 220 volts RMS at 50 Hz) A conventional AC light dimmer normally receives the AC line voltage as input, and provides an output of AC signal that has one or more variable parameters that have the effect of adjusting the average voltage of the output signal (and by Both the ability of the AC output signal to supply power) in response to the user's operating mode of the light dimmer This light dimmer output signal it is usually applied, for example, to one or more light sources that they are mounted on female sockets or fasteners conventional coupled to the output of the dimmer (in Occasionally reference is made to such female sockets or devices clamping as a "light dimmer circuit").

Conventional AC light dimmers can be configured to control power supplied to one or more light sources in one of a few different ways. By example, in one implementation, the user interface setting causes the light dimmer to increase or decrease an amplitude of AC signal attenuator output signal voltage. Plus commonly, however, in other implementations, the adjustment of the user interface causes the light dimmer to adjust the cycle of Work of the output signal of the AC dimmer (by for example, by "trimmed" parts of voltage cycles of AC). Sometimes this technique is referred to as "angle modulation" (based on the adjustable phase angle of the output signal). Maybe light dimmers of this type most commonly used employ a triac that is operated in a manner selective to adjust the duty cycle (that is, modulate the phase angle) of the output signal of the dimmer trimming parts of AC voltage half cycle rise (i.e. after zero crossings and before peaks). Other types of light dimmers that adjust duty cycles can employ door thyristors (GTO) that are operated in a manner selective to suppress parts of voltage half cycle drop of CA (that is, after peaks and before zero crossings).

Figure 1 generally illustrates some AC light dimmer implementations. In particular, the figure  1 shows an example of an AC voltage waveform 302 (for example, representing a standard line voltage) that can provide power to one or more conventional light sources. The Figure 1 also shows a generalized AC light dimmer corresponding to a user interface 305. In the first implementation discussed above, the dimmer 304 is configured to emit waveform 308, in which the amplitude 307 of the output signal of the dimmer can be set to through user interface 305. In the second implementation discussed above, the dimmer 304 is configured to emit the waveform 309, in which the cycle 306 work 309 waveform can be adjusted through interface 305 of user.

As previously mentioned, both prior techniques have the effect of adjusting the average tension applied to the light source (s), which in turn adjusts the intensity of light generated by the source (s). Incandescent sources are particularly appropriate for this type of operation, since they produce light when there is current flowing through a filament in any direction; custom that the average voltage of an AC signal applied to the (s) source (s) is adjusted (for example, or a setting of voltage amplitude or duty cycle), the current (and by both power) supplied to the light source is also changes and the corresponding light output changes. With respect to Work cycle technique, the source filament incandescent has thermal inertia and does not stop emitting light completely during short periods of voltage interruption. Therefore, the light generated as perceived by the human eye it does not appear blinking when the voltage is "cut", but It changes gradually.

Document US-6,127,783 gives know a luminaire that emits white light that includes a plurality of LEDs in each of the colors red, green, and blue It has a separate current regulator that receives outputs from current from an AC converter.

Document US-6,369,525 gives know a white LED assembly control circuit with a multi-output reverse converter with mode control output current The circuit comprises a supply source power supply, a transformer, and a controller arranged to control the current flow in the primary winding of the transformer.

The document US-A-2002/0048169 unveils the general concept of converting AC power signals from a dimmer circuit to DC power for an LED. Without However, it is not known which higher frequency components present in a clipped signal from a light dimmer circuit they can cause irreparable damage to LED light sources in certain circumstances It is an objective of the present invention solve this problem.

Summary

An apparatus according to the present invention is provided lighting, comprising: at least one LED; and at least one controller coupled to at least one LED and configured to provide DC power at least one LED, in which the controller is configured to receive from a source of AC power a signal related to the power it has frequency components greater than an AC line voltage standard and to provide such DC power based on a signal related to AC power, characterized in that the least one controller is configured to filter the components of higher frequency.

According to a second aspect of the present invention is envisaged a lighting procedure, comprising An action of: A) provide DC power to at least one LED based on a signal related to the power provided by an AC power source that has components of frequency higher than a standard AC line voltage, characterized in that the higher frequency components are filter the signal related to the power before provide DC power at least one LED.

In one embodiment, procedures and apparatus of the invention particularly facilitate the use of light sources LED based on AC power circuits that are controlled by conventional light dimmers (ie "circuits AC dimmers "). In one aspect, procedures and apparatus of the present invention facilitate replacement Convenient LED-based light sources in environments lighting using AC dimmer devices and conventional light sources. In still other aspects, procedures and apparatus according to the present invention facilitate the control of one or more parameters in relation to the light generated by LED-based light sources (e.g. intensity, color, color temperature, temporal characteristics, etc.) through operation of a conventional AC light dimmer and / or other signals present in the AC power circuit.

More generally, an embodiment of the invention is directed to a lighting apparatus, comprising the at least one LED and at least one controller coupled to at least one LED. The controller is configured to receive a related signal with the power from an AC power source that provides different signals from an AC line voltage standard. The controller is also configured to provide power at least one LED based on the signal related to the power.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a lighting procedure, which comprises an action of provide power to at least one LED based on a signal related to power from a power supply of AC that provides signals different from those of a line voltage AC standard.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a lighting apparatus, comprising at least one LED, and at least a controller coupled to at least one LED and configured to receive a power related signal from a circuit AC dimmer and provide power at least one LED based on the signal related to the power.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a lighting procedure, which comprises an action of provide power to at least one LED based on a signal related to power from a light dimmer circuit of alternating current (AC).

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a lighting apparatus, comprising at least one LED adapted for generate an essentially white light, and at least one controller coupled to at least one LED and configured to receive a signal related to power from a light dimmer circuit of alternating current (AC) and provide power at least one LED based on the power related signal. The circuit AC light dimmer is controlled by a user interface to vary the signal related to the power. The controller is configured to control at least one variable essentially white light parameter in response to operation of the user interface to approximate light generation characteristics of a light source incandescent.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a lighting system, comprising at least one LED, a connector power, and a power converter associated with the power connector and adapted to convert power from AC light dimmer circuit received by the connector power to form a converted power. The system it also includes an adjustment circuit associated with the converter power adapted to adjust the power supplied to the less an LED.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a procedure that provides illumination, which comprises the stages of providing an AC light dimmer circuit, which connects a LED lighting system with the AC light dimmer circuit, generating light from the LED lighting system through the AC light dimmer circuit excitation, and adjusting the light generated by the LED lighting system by adjusting the AC light dimmer circuit.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a procedure to control at least one device powered by through an AC line voltage. The procedure comprises a action of generating a power signal based on the voltage of AC line, in which the power signal provides a essentially constant power at least one device e includes at least one communication channel that carries the information control for the at least one device, occupying the at least one communication channel a part of a work cycle on a Cycle period of the AC line voltage.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a apparatus for controlling at least one device powered through of an AC line voltage. The apparatus comprises a controller supply voltage configured to generate a signal from power based on AC line voltage, in which the signal power supply provides essentially constant power to at least one device and includes at least one communication channel which carries the control information for the at least one device, occupying the at least one communication channel a part of a cycle working over a period of cycles of the AC line voltage. In one aspect of this embodiment, the voltage controller of power includes at least one user interface for provide variable control information on the at least one channel Communication.

As used herein document for the purposes of this description, the term "LED" must be understood to include any diode electroluminescent or other type of injection based system carriers / junction that can generate radiation in response to a Electrical signal. Therefore, the term LED includes, but is not limited to, several semiconductor based structures that emit light in response to current, light emitting polymers, strips electrolumines, and the like.

In particular, the term LED refers to light emitting diodes of all types (including diodes organic and semiconductor light emitters) that can be configured to generate radiation in one or more of the spectra of infrared, ultraviolet spectrum, and various parts of the spectrum visible (generally including radiation wavelengths of approximately 400 nanometers to approximately 700 nanometers) Some examples of LEDs include, but are not limited to a, various types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, red LEDs, Blue LEDs, green LEDs, yellow LEDs, amber LEDs, orange LEDs, and White LEDs (commented below). It should also be appreciated that LEDs can be configured to generate radiation that has several bandwidths for a given spectrum (e.g. bandwidth narrow, wide bandwidth).

For example, an implementation of an LED configured to generate essentially white light (for example, a White LED) can include a number of chips that emit respectively different electroluminescence spectra that, in combination, they mix to form essentially white light. In another implementation, a white light LED can be associated with a phosphorescent material that converts electroluminescence that has a first spectrum in a second different spectrum. In an example of this implementation, electroluminescence that has a length relatively short wave and narrow bandwidth spectrum "pumps" the phosphorescent material, which in turn radiates longer wavelength radiation that has a somewhat spectrum wider.

It should also be understood that the term LED does not limits the type of physical and / or electrical encapsulation of an LED. By example, as discussed above, an LED can refer to to a single light emitting device that has multiple chips that are configured to emit respectively spectra of radiation (for example, that can be controlled or not individual). Also, an LED can be associated with a substance phosphorescent that is considered as a built-in part of the LED (for example, some types of white LEDs). In general, the term LED can refer to encapsulated LEDs, non-encapsulated LEDs, LED surface mounted, chip on board LED, LED mounted on T capsules, radial encapsulated LED, power encapsulated LED, LEDs that include some type of coating and / or optical element (for example, a diffuser lens), etc.

The term "light source" should be understood to refer to any one or more of a variety of sources of radiation, which include, but are not limited to, sources based on LED (using one or more LEDs as defined above), incandescent sources (for example, filament lamps, halogen lamps), fluorescent sources, phosphorescent sources, high intensity discharge sources (e.g. lamps sodium vapor, mercury vapor, and metal halide), lasers, other types of electroluminescent sources, sources pyro-luminescent (eg, flames), candoluminescent sources (for example, incandescent gas sleeves, sources of arc radiation with carbon electrodes), sources photoluminescent (for example, gas discharge sources), luminescent cathode sources that use electronic saturation, galvanoluminescent fountains, crystal luminescent fountains, kinematic luminescent sources, thermoluminescent sources, triboluminescent fountains, sonoluminescent fountains, fountains radioluminescent, and luminescent polymers.

A given light source can be configured to generate electromagnetic radiation within the visible spectrum, outside the visible spectrum, or a combination of both. So, the term "light" and "radiation" are used so interchangeable in this document. Additionally, a source of light can include as a built-in component one or more filters (for example, color filters), lenses, or other components Optical Also, it should be understood that fonts can be configured of light for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, indication and / or lighting. A source of lighting "is a light source that is particularly configured to generate radiation that has an intensity enough to effectively illuminate an interior space or Exterior.

The term "spectrum" must be understood to refer to any one or more frequencies (or wavelengths) of radiation produced by one or more light sources. By consequently, the term "spectrum" refers to frequencies (or wavelengths) not only in visible range, but also frequencies (or wavelengths) in infrared zones, ultraviolet, and other areas of the global electromagnetic spectrum. Also, a given spectrum can have a bandwidth relatively narrow (essentially few components of length wave or frequency) or a relatively wide bandwidth (several wavelength or frequency components that have various relative intensities). It should also be appreciated that a given spectrum may be the result of a mixture of two or more other spectra (for example, mix emitted radiation respectively from multiple light sources).

For the purposes of this description, the term "color" is used interchangeably with the term "spectrum". However, the term "color" generally it is used to refer primarily to a property of radiation that an observer can perceive (although this use does not intends to limit the scope of this term). Therefore, the term "different colors" implicitly refers to multiple spectra that have different length components of wave and / or bandwidths. It should also be appreciated that the term "color" can be used in connection for both white light as not white.

The term "color temperature" generally used herein in connection with light white, although this use is not intended to limit the scope of this finished. The color temperature essentially refers to a particular content or color tone (for example, reddish, bluish) of white light. The color temperature of a radiation sample given conventionally it is characterized according to the temperature in degrees Kelvin (K) of a black body radiator that radiates essentially the same spectrum as the radiation sample in question. The white light color temperature is usually found in a range of from about 700 degrees K (generally considered the first visible to the human eye) up to approximately 10,000 degrees K.

Lower color temperatures indicate generally white light that has one more red component significant or a "warmer feeling" while higher color temperatures generally indicate white light that has a more significant blue component or a "more sensation cold. "As an example, fire has a temperature of color of about 1,800 degrees K, an incandescent bulb Conventional has a color temperature of approximately 2848 degrees K, the first hours of the morning have a temperature of color of approximately 3,000 degrees K, and cloudy skies at noon have a color temperature of about 10,000 degrees K. A color image seen under white light that has a color temperature of about 3,000 degrees K has a relatively reddish hue, while the same color image view under white light that has a color temperature of approximately 10,000 degrees K has a relatively tone bluish.

The terms "lighting unit" and "luminaire" are used interchangeably herein document to refer to an apparatus that includes one or more sources of light of the same or different types. A given lighting unit can have any one of a variety of provisions of assembly for the light source (s), arrangements and forms of closure / housing, and / or connection configurations Electrical and mechanical Additionally, a lighting unit given can optionally be associated with (for example, include, coupled to and / or encapsulated together with) other various components (for example, control circuit system) related to the operation of the light source (s). A "LED-based lighting unit" refers to a unit of lighting that includes one or more LED-based light sources as discussed above, alone or in combination with other light sources not based on LED.

The terms "processor" or "controller" are used in this document so interchangeable to describe various devices related to the operation of one or more light sources. A processor or controller can be implemented in numerous ways, such as dedicated hardware, using one or more microprocessors programmed to use software (for example, microcode) to carry out the various functions discussed herein document, or as a combination of dedicated hardware to carry perform some functions and programmed microprocessors and system Associated circuits to perform other functions.

In several implementations, a processor or controller can be associated with one or more storage media (generically referred to herein as "memory", for example, volatile computer memory and not volatile such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, floppy disks, compact discs, optical discs, magnetic tape, etc.). In some implementations, storage media can encode with one or more programs that, when executed in one or more processors and / or controllers, carry out at least some  of the functions discussed in this document. Various media storage can be set inside a processor or controller or can be transported, so that the program or programs stored in it in a processor or controller to implement various aspects of this invention discussed herein. The terms "program" or "computer program" are used in the present document in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code (for example, software or microcode) that can be used to program one or more processors or controllers

The term "addressable" is used in the present document to refer to a device (for example, a light source in general, a lighting unit or luminaire, a controller or processor associated with one or more light sources or lighting units, other related devices of no lighting, etc.) which is configured to receive information (for example, data) intended for multiple devices, including himself, and to selectively respond to particular information provided for it. The term "addressable" is often used in connection with a network environment (or a "network", discussed below), in the that multiple devices are coupled to each other through some media or media.

In a network implementation, one or more devices attached to a network can serve as a controller for one or more other devices coupled to a network (for example, in a master / slave relationship). In another implementation, a network environment can include one or more dedicated controllers that are configured to control one or more of the devices coupled to the network. Generally, each of the devices multiple network coupled can access data that are present in the media or communications media; however a given device can be "addressable" as far as it is configured to selectively exchange data with (is say, receive data from and / or transmit data to) the network, based, for example, on one or more particular identifiers (for example, "addresses") assigned to it.

The term "network" as used in this document refers to any interconnection of two or more devices (including controllers or processors) that facilitate the transport of information (for example to control device, data storage, data exchange, etc.) between any two or more devices and / or between devices Multiple networked docks. As can be easily seen, several network implementations suitable for interconnecting Multiple devices can include any of a variety of network topologies and employ any of a variety of protocols Communication. Additionally, in several networks according to the present invention, any connection between two devices can represent a dedicated connection between the two systems, or of alternatively a connection not dedicated. In addition to carrying the information provided for the two devices, such connection is not dedicated can carry information not necessarily intended for neither device (for example, a network connection open). In addition, it will be readily appreciated that several networks of devices as discussed in this document they can use one or more wireless, wired / cable links and / or optical fiber to facilitate the transport of information by The whole network.

The term "user interface" as used herein refers to an interface between a human operator or user and one or more devices that allow communication between the user and the device (s).
you). Examples of user interfaces that can be used in various implementations of the present invention include, but are not limited to, switches, potentiometers, buttons, graduated wheels, slide buttons, a mouse, keyboard, numeric keypad, various types of game controllers ( for example, game lever), trackballs, display screens, various types of graphical user interfaces (GUI), touch screens, microphones and other types of sensors that can receive some form of stimulation generated by a human and generate a signal in response to it.

It should be noted that all combinations of the above concepts and additional concepts to be discussed in more detail below they are contemplated as part of the Inventive material disclosed in this document. In in particular, all combinations of claimed materials that appear at the end of this description are contemplated as part of the inventive affair.

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Brief description of the figures

The following figures show certain illustrative embodiments of the invention in which numbers of Similar references refer to similar elements. These Embodiments shown should be understood as illustrations of the invention and not limiting in any way.

Figure 1 illustrates exemplary operation AC dimming devices;

Figure 2 illustrates an implementation conventional to provide power to a light source based on LED from an AC line voltage;

Figure 3 illustrates a lighting unit which includes an LED-based light source according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a circuit diagram that illustrates several components of the lighting unit of the figure 3, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a lighting unit which includes an LED-based light source according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 is a circuit diagram that illustrates several components of the lighting unit of the figure 5, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a block diagram of a processor-based lighting unit that includes a source LED-based light according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 is a circuit diagram that illustrates various components of the power circuit system for the lighting unit of figure 7;

Figure 9 is a circuit diagram that illustrates a conventional current drain used in the system of control circuits for an LED-based light source, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 is a circuit diagram that illustrates an improved current sink, according to an embodiment of the invention; Y

Figure 11 is a circuit diagram that illustrates an improved current sink, according to another embodiment of the invention.

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Detailed description 1. Overview

Diode-based lighting sources Light emitters (LED) are becoming more popular in applications in which general lighting is desired, with a purpose concrete, accented, or other. Performance, intensities High, low cost, and high level of LED controllability is causing LED-based light sources to replace the conventional non-LED based light sources.

Although the light dimming devices of CA as discussed earlier frequently will used to control conventional light sources such as incandescent lights using an AC power source, Applicants have noted and appreciated that generally such Light dimmers are not acceptable for use with light sources Solid state such as LED-based light sources. Established differently, applicants have identified than LED-based light sources, which work substantially based on DC power supplies, they are in general incompatible with light dimmer circuits that They provide AC output signals. This situation prevents Convenient replacement of LED-based light sources towards pre-existing lighting systems in which light sources Conventionals operate through light dimmer circuits of AC.

Currently, there are some solutions for provide power to LED-based lighting systems to through an AC line voltage, but these solutions they experience significant inconveniences if they apply to circuits AC light dimmers. Figure 2 illustrates a scenario generalized of this type, in which an AC line voltage 302 (for example, 120 Vrms, 220 Vrms, etc.) standard is used for power an LED-based lighting system, such as a traffic light 808 (the traffic light includes three modules of LED sets, one red, one yellow and one green, with circuit system associated). In the arrangement of Figure 2, an 802 rectifier of full wave, along with 800 and 806 capacitors and 804 resistors,  filter the applied AC line voltage to supply a Power supply substantially from DC to traffic light. In in particular, capacitor 800 can be selected so specific, depending on the impedance of other components of the circuit, so that power passes to the traffic light based mainly at the expected frequency of the line voltage of AC (for example, 60 Hz).

Another problem with the arrangement shown in the Figure 2 if the applied AC signal is equipped with a circuit light dimmer instead of using a line voltage is that the signal applied can include frequency components that are significantly different from the frequency of the voltage of line for which the circuit was designed. For example, consider a light dimmer circuit that provides an AC signal 309 of controlled duty cycle (i.e. modulated angle) as shown in figure 1; under the abrupt excursions of signal due to "cuts" of parts of stress cycles, signals of this type include frequency components significantly higher than a typical line voltage. Whether apply such modulated angle AC signal in the arrangement of the Figure 2, capacitor 800 would allow excess power associated with these higher frequency components go to through the traffic light, causing damage in most cases irreparable in light sources.

In view of the above, an embodiment of the The present invention is generally directed to circuits of AC power that provide either a line voltage standard or are controlled by light dimmers conventional (ie "light dimmer circuits of CA "). In one aspect, procedures and apparatus herein invention facilitate the convenient replacement of light sources LED-based lighting environments using devices Conventional light dimming and conventional light sources. In still other aspects, procedures and apparatus according to the The present invention facilitates the control of one or more parameters related to the light generated by light sources based on LED (for example, intensity, color, color temperature, temporal characteristics, etc.) through the operation of a conventional light dimmer and / or other control signals that may be present in connection with a line voltage of AC.

The lighting units and systems that employ several concepts according to the principles of the present invention can be used in a residential configuration, commercial configuration, industrial configuration or any other type of configuration in which the Conventional AC light dimmers. In addition, the various concepts disclosed in this document may apply in lighting units according to the present invention for ensure the compatibility of the lighting units with a variety of lighting control protocols it provides several control signals through a power circuit from CA.

An example of a control protocol of this type is given by the X10 communications language, which allows that X10 compatible products communicate with each other through existing electrical wiring in a house (i.e. wiring that supplies a standard AC line voltage). In a typical X10 implementation, a device that goes to be controlled (e.g. lights, thermostats, jacuzzi / whirlpool, etc.) on an X10 receiver, which in turn connects to a plug Conventional wall socket coupled to AC line voltage. He mechanism to be controlled can be designed with a home address An X10 controller / transmitter connects to another female wall socket coupled to the line voltage, and communicates control orders (for example, on, off, dimming, brightness, etc.), through the same wiring that provides the line voltage, to one or more X10 receivers based on at least party at the assigned address (s) (may find more information related to X10 implementations in the website "www.smarthome.com"). According to one embodiment, the procedures and apparatus of the present invention facilitate the compatibility of various lighting units and light sources based on LED with X10 and other communication protocols that communicate control information in connection with a voltage of AC line

In general, procedures and apparatus according to the The present invention allows a substantial reinstallation complete of a lighting environment with light sources based on Solid state LED; in particular, according to the present invention, the use of LED-based light sources as substitutes for sources of incandescent light is not limited only to those circuits AC power supplies that are supplied directly from a line voltage (for example, through a switch); rather, the methods and apparatus of the present invention allow LED-based light sources are used in most plugs conventional female (for example, incandescent), including those coupled to an AC light dimmer circuit and / or signals receivers other than a standard line voltage.

In several embodiments, a device or unit LED-based lighting according to the invention may include a controller to properly condition an AC signal provided by a light dimmer circuit to provide power to (ie, "power") one or more LEDs of the unit illumination. The controller can operate the LEDs using any of a variety of techniques, including techniques of analog control, pulse width modulation techniques (PWM) or other power regulation techniques. Although it is not a essential feature of the present invention, in some realizations the lighting unit circuit system LED-based can include one or more microprocessors that are program to carry out conditioning of several signals and / or light control functions. In various implementations of realizations both based and not on processor, a unit of LED-based lighting according to the invention can be configured to operate with an AC light dimmer circuit with or without features to allow one or more parameters to be adjusted light generated through the user's operating mode of the light dimmer

More specifically, in one embodiment, a LED-based lighting unit can include a controller in which at least part of the power delivered to the controller, when obtained from an AC light dimmer circuit, it is regulated at a substantially constant value in a significant range Light dimmer operation to provide a source essentially stable power for the controller and other circuit system associated with the lighting unit. In a aspect of this embodiment, the controller can also be configured to monitor the adjustable power provided by the light dimmer circuit to allow adjustment of one or more parameters of the light generated by the lighting unit in response to the operation of the dimmer.

In particular, there are various parameters of light generated by an LED-based light source (other than, or in addition to, intensity or brightness, for example) that can be controlled in response to the operation of the dimmer according to the present invention For example, in various embodiments, a LED-based lighting unit can be configured so that one or more properties of the light generated as color (for example, hue, saturation or brightness), or the correlative color temperature of white light, as well as temporary parameters (for example, range of color variation or one or more strobe colors) can be adjusted through the operation of the attenuator light.

As previously mentioned, in a embodiment, an LED-based lighting unit may include one or more processor-based controllers, including one or more memory storage devices, to facilitate above and other examples of adjustable light generation through of the operation of the dimmer. In particular, in a embodiment, such a lighting unit can be configured to run selectively, through the light dimmer operation, one or more programs lighting stored in a controller memory. Such lighting programs can represent various effects of static or variable lighting over time multiple colors, color temperatures, and light intensities generated, for example. In one aspect of this embodiment, the processor-based controller of the lighting unit can be configured to monitor the AC signal provided by the dimmer circuit to select different programs and / or Program parameters based on one or more changes in the signal monitored of the dimmer that has a characteristic particular (for example, a particular instantaneous value in relationship with the light dimmer signal, an average value of particular time in relation to the light dimmer signal, a power interruption provided by the light dimmer for a predetermined duration, a particular time rate of the light dimmer signal, etc.). After selecting a new program or parameter, additional operation of the dimmer You can set the selected program or parameter.

In another exemplary embodiment, a unit of LED-based lighting according to the present invention can be configured to couple to an AC light dimmer circuit and essentially recreate the lighting characteristics of a light conventional incandescent when operating a dimmer light to increase or decrease the intensity of the light generated. In one aspect of this embodiment, this simulation can be achieved varying the intensity and color of the light simultaneously generated by the LED-based source in response to operation of the light dimmer, to approximate the characteristics of variable lighting of an incandescent source whose intensity It varies. In another aspect of this embodiment, such simulation is facilitated by a processor based controller particularly programmed to monitor an AC signal provided by the light dimmer circuit and respectively control LED of different colors of the lighting unit in response to light dimmer operation to vary from Simultaneously the overall color and intensity of the generated light by the lighting unit.

Although many of the lighting effects discussed in this document are associated with a control dimmer compatible, various effects can be generated according to the present invention also using other systems of control. For example, the color temperature of a light source LED-based can be programmed to be reduced as the intensity is reduced and these lighting changes can controlled by a system other than an attenuator system of light (for example, wireless communication, wired communication and the like) according to various embodiments of the invention.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directs a procedure to sell, market and advertise LED-based light sources and lighting systems. He procedure may include advertising a lighting system LED compatible with light dimmers or dimmer systems conventional AC light. The procedure may also include advertise a LED light that is compatible with both systems lighting control with light dimmer as without dimmer light.

Below are more descriptions details of various concepts related to, and accomplishments of, procedures and apparatus for providing power to LED-based lighting according to the present invention. Should it is appreciated that several aspects of the invention, as discussed above and summarized below, they can be implemented from numerous ways, so that the invention is not limited to any particular way of implementation. Examples of implementations Specific are provided for illustrative purposes only.

2. Exemplary embodiments not based on processor

As previously mentioned, according to various embodiments, LED-based light sources that can operate through AC light dimmer circuits can be implemented with or without circuit system based on microprocessor. In this section, some examples of lighting units that include a circuit system configured to properly condition AC signals provided by a light dimmer circuit without the help of a microprocessor or microcontroller. In the following sections, you Comment on a number of processor-based examples.

Figure 3 illustrates a unit 200 of LED-based lighting according to an embodiment of the present invention. For illustrative purposes, the lighting unit 200 is generally represents to resemble a light bulb conventional incandescent which has a type 202 base connector threaded to engage mechanically and electrically to a conventional lampholder. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to this particularity, so it is possible a number of other configurations that include other forms  of housing and / or types of connector according to other embodiments. Various examples of connector power configurations include, but are not limited to, threaded type connectors, minted type connectors, multipin type connectors, and similar, to facilitate the hitch with female sockets of the type Halogen, fluorescent or high intensity discharge (HID) conventional. Such female sockets, in turn, can be connected directly to an AC power source (for example, line voltage), or through a switch and / or dimmer to the AC power source.

The lighting unit 200 of Figure 3, with This purpose includes a LED-based light source 104 that has one or more LED. The lighting unit also includes a controller 204 which is configured to receive an AC signal 500 through of connector 202 and provide operating power to the 104 light source based on LED. According to one aspect of this embodiment, controller 204 includes several components for ensure proper operation of the lighting unit for 500 AC signals provided by an attenuator circuit of light and, more specifically, by a light dimmer circuit that emits AC signals controlled by duty cycle (i.e. modulated at an angle) as previously commented.

To this end, according to the embodiment of the figure 3, controller 204 includes a rectifier 404, a filter 408 low pass (i.e. high frequency) and a 402 dc converter. In One aspect of this embodiment, the output of the DC converter 402 provides an essentially stable DC voltage as a supply of power for the LED-based light source 104, despite the user settings of the light dimmer that provides the signal AC 500 More specifically, in this embodiment, the various controller components 204 facilitate the operation of the lighting unit 200 in a light dimmer circuit without provide adjustment of the light generated based on the operation of the light dimmer; In addition, the main function of the controller 204 in the embodiment of Figure 3 is to ensure that the LED-based light source based on power from a circuit AC light dimmer.

In particular, according to one aspect of this embodiment, an essentially constant DC power is provides the LED-based light source for so long as the light dimmer circuit emits an AC signal 500 that provide enough power to run the controller 204. In one implementation, the light dimmer circuit may give output to an AC signal 500 that has such a low duty cycle like 50% "on" (that is, driving) that provides enough power to cause light to be generated by means of the LED-based light source 104. Still in another implementation, the light dimmer circuit can provide a 500 AC signal that has a duty cycle as low as 25% or less "on" that provides enough power to the 104 light source. In this way, the user setting of the light dimmer over a significantly wide range not substantially affects the light output of unit 200 of illumination. Again, the above examples are provided. mainly for illustrative purposes, so that the invention does not It is necessarily limited to these particularities.

Figure 4 is an exemplary circuit diagram which illustrates some of the details of the various components shown in figure 3, according to an embodiment of the invention. From new, one of the main functions of the circuit system represented in figure 4 is to ensure safe operation of the LED-based light source 104 based on a signal 500 of AC provided to the lighting unit 200 through a Conventional AC light dimmer circuit. As shown in Figure 4, the rectifier 404 can be realized by a bridge (D47, D48, D49 and D50) diode, while the low pass filter It is done from the various passive components (capacitors C2 and C3, inductor L2 and resistors R4 and R6) shown in the figure. In this embodiment, the DC converter 402 it is done in part using the integrated circuit with number of Model TNY264 / 266 manufactured by Power Integrations, Inc., 5245 Hellyer Avenue, San Jose, California 95138 (www.powerint.com), and is configured to provide a supply voltage of 16 VDC to power the LED-based light source 104.

It should be noted that the filter parameters (for example, the low pass filter shown in figure 4) are very important to ensure the proper functioning of the controller 204. In particular, the filter cutoff frequencies must be substantially lower than a switching frequency of the DC converter, but substantially higher than typical Multi-cycle cutoff frequency used in supplies Normal switching mode power. According to one implementation, The total input capacity of the controller circuit is such that little power is left in the capacitors at the termination of each half cycle of the AC waveform. Inductance must be chosen similarly to provide adequate insulation  of the high frequency components created by the converter CC to comply with regulatory requirements (under certain conditions this value can be zero). Still in others implementations, it may be advantageous to place all or part of the filter components in front of bridge rectifier 404.

The light source 104 of Figure 4 may include one or more LEDs (as shown for example by D52 LEDs and D53 in Figure 4) that have any of a variety of colors, and multiple LEDs can be configured in a variety of serial or parallel arrangements. Additionally, based on the particular configuration of the LED source 104, one or more resistors or other components can be used in provisions in series and / or in parallel with the LED source 104 for coupling properly the source to the DC supply voltage.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a LED-based light source can not only be powered so safe by an AC light dimmer circuit, but it can additionally adjust the intensity of the light generated by the light source through the user's operating mode of a light dimmer that controls the AC signal provided by The light dimmer circuit. Figure 5 shows another example of a lighting unit 200A, similar to the lighting unit shown in figure 3, which is suitable for operation at through a light dimmer circuit. However, unlike  the lighting unit shown in figure 3, the 200A unit of lighting of figure 5 is configured to have an output Adjustable light that can be controlled through a dimmer light. To this end, the controller 204A shown in Figure 5 includes an additional adjustment circuit 208 that also conditions a signal output from the DC converter 402. Circuit 208 of setting in turn provides a variable activation signal to the LED-based light source 104, based on variations in the AC signal 500 (for example, variations in the average voltage of the signal) in response to the user's operating mode of the light dimmer

Figure 6 is an exemplary circuit diagram which illustrates some of the details of the various components shown in figure 5, according to an embodiment of the invention. Many of the circuit elements shown in Figure 6 are similar or identical to those shown in figure 4. The circuit Additional adjustment 208 is implemented in Figure 6 partly by the resistors R2 and R6 that form a voltage divider in the integrated loop feedback loop U1. A tension 410 control is obtained at the junction of resistors R2 and R6, control voltage that varies in response to variations in the signal AC 500 due to light dimmer operation. The tension Control 410 is applied through diode D5 to a converter current voltage implemented by resistor R1 and transistor Q1, which provide a variable activation current to the LED-based light source 104 that tracks the user interface settings of the dimmer. This way, the intensity of the light generated by the light source 104 can be varied through the light dimmer by an interval Significant operation of the dimmer. Of course, It should be noted that if the dimmer is adjusted so that the AC signal 500 can no longer provide adequate power to the associated circuit system, the light source 104 simply It will stop producing light.

It should be noted that in the circuit of the figure 6, the control voltage 410 is essentially a filtered version, scaled, limited to the maximum average DC voltage Powered to DC converter. This circuit depends on the converter DC to substantially discharge the input capacitors Each half cycle In practice this is easily achieved because the input current to the controller remains equitably constant or increases when the signal duty cycle is reduced 500, while the output of the device does not decrease faster That control voltage.

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3. Exemplary embodiments based on processor

According to other embodiments of the invention, it can implement an LED-based lighting unit suitable for its operation through an AC light dimmer circuit using a processor based controller. Then it presents an embodiment of a LED-based lighting unit which includes a processor, including a comment on how to lighting unit can be configured particularly for your operation through an AC light dimmer circuit. By example, in addition to a microprocessor, such a lighting unit processor based can also include, and / or receive signal (s) from, one or more other associated components With the microprocessor to facilitate the control of the generated light based at least in part on the user setting of an attenuator of conventional AC light. Once implemented a scheme of processor-based control in a lighting unit according to the present invention, a virtually unlimited number are possible of settings to control the generated light.

Figure 7 shows a part of an LED-based lighting unit 200B that includes a processor-based controller 204B according to an embodiment of the invention. Several examples of processor-based LED-based lighting units similar to those described below can be found in connection with Figure 7, for example, in US Patent No. 6,016,038, published January 18, 2000, to Mueller et al ., entitled "Multicolor LED lighting procedure and apparatus", and US Patent No. 6,211,626, published on April 3, 2001 by Lys et al , entitled "Lighting Components" patents hereby They are incorporated herein by reference.

In one aspect, although not explicitly shown in Figure 7, the lighting unit 200B may include a hosting structure that is configured similarly to the other lighting units shown in figures 3 and 5 (i.e. as a replacement for an incandescent bulb that it has a conventional thread type connector). Again without However, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particularity; more generally, the lighting unit 200B can be implemented using any of a variety of Mounting arrangements for the light source (s), provisions and forms of closure / housing to contain partial or completely light sources and / or connection settings Electrical and mechanical

As shown in Figure 7, the unit 200B lighting includes one or more sources 104A, 104B and 104C of light (shown together as 104), in which one or more of the light sources can be an LED based light source that includes one or more light emitting diodes (LED). In an aspect of this embodiment, any of two or more of the sources 104A, 104B and 104C of light can be adapted to generate color radiation different (for example red, green and blue, respectively). Although Figure 7 shows three sources 104A, 104B and 104C of light, it should be appreciated that the lighting unit is not limited to this particularity, since different numbers can be used and various types of light sources (all light sources based on LED, LED-based and non-LED-based light sources in combination, etc.) adapted to generate radiation of a variety of different colors, including essentially white light, in the lighting unit 200B, as will be discussed further to continuation.

As shown in Figure 7, the unit Lighting 200B may also include a processor 102 that is configured to control the circuit system 109 of activation to activate the light sources 104A, 104B and 104C for generate various intensities of light from the light sources. By example, in one implementation, processor 102 may be configured to issue through circuit system 109 of activation of at least one control signal for each light source to independently control the intensity of light generated by Each light source. Some examples of control signals that can be generated by the processor and the circuit system of activation to control light sources include, but not limited to, pulse modulated signals, signals modulated by pulse width (PWM), signals modulated by amplitude of impulses (PAM), coded pulse modulated signals (PCM), analog control signals (for example, control signals of current, voltage control signals), combinations and / or modulations of the previous signals, or other signals of control.

In an implementation of the 200B unit of lighting, one or more of the light sources 104A, 104B and 104C shown in figure 7 may include a group of multiple LEDs or other types of light sources (for example, several connections in parallel and / or serial LED or other types of light sources) that are jointly controlled by processor 102. Additionally, it must it is appreciated that one or more of the light sources 104A, 104B and 104C they can include one or more LEDs that are adapted to generate radiation that has any of a variety of spectra (it is say, wavelengths or wavelength bands), including, but not limited to, several visible colors (including light essentially white), several white light color temperatures, ultraviolet or infrared. LEDs that have a variety of spectral bandwidths (e.g. band narrow, wider band) in various unit implementations 200B lighting.

In another aspect of the lighting unit 200B shown in figure 7, the lighting unit may be built and arranged to produce a wide range of variable color radiation. For example, unit 200B of lighting can be arranged particularly so that the light of variable intensity controlled by processor generated by two or more of the light sources combine to produce a light of mixed colors (including essentially white light that has a variety of color temperatures). In particular, it can be varied the color (or color temperature) of the mixed color light varying one or more of the respective source intensities of light (for example, in response to one or more control signals issued by the processor and circuit system of activation). In addition, processor 102 may be configured. particularly (for example, programmed) to provide signals control for one or more of the light sources to generate a variety of multicolored lighting effects (or temperature multicolor) static or variable over time (dynamic).

Therefore, the lighting unit 200B can include a wide variety of LED colors in various combinations, including two or more of red, green and blue LEDs to produce a mixture of colors, as well as one or more of others LED to create variable colors and light color temperatures white For example, they can be mixed red, green and blue with amber, White, UV, orange, infrared or other LED colors. Such LED combinations of different colors in the 200B unit of lighting can facilitate accurate reproduction of a large number of desirable spectra of lighting conditions, examples of which include, but are not limited to, a variety of equivalent daylight outside at different times of the day, various indoor lighting conditions, conditions of lighting to simulate a complex multicolored background, and the like. Other desirable lighting conditions can be created by eliminating particular parts of spectrum that can specifically be absorbed, attenuated or reflected in certain environments.

As shown in Figure 7, the lighting unit 200B may also include a memory 114 for storing different information. For example, memory 114 can be used to store one or more lighting programs for execution by processor 102 (for example, to generate one or more control signals for light sources), as well as various types of data useful for generate variable color radiation (for example, calibration information). Memory 114 can also store one or more particular identifiers (for example, a serial number, an address, etc.) that can be used locally or at a system level to identify the lighting unit 200B. In various embodiments, such identifiers can be preprogrammed by a manufacturer, for example, and then they can be altered or unchangeable (for example, through some kind of user interface located in the lighting unit, through one or more signals of control or data received by the lighting unit, etc.). Alternatively, such identifiers can be determined at the time of initial use of the on-site lighting unit, and again they can then be altered or non-altered.

In another aspect, as also shown in the Figure 7, the lighting unit 200B can be configured optionally to receive a user interface signal 118 that It is provided to facilitate any of a number of settings or user selectable functions (for example, generally control the light output of the lighting unit 200B, change and / or select several preprogrammed lighting effects  for its generation through the lighting unit, change and / or select various lighting effect parameters selected, adjust particular identifiers such as addresses or serial numbers for the lighting unit, etc.). In an embodiment of the invention discussed below, the user interface signal 118 can be obtained from a signal of AC provided by a light dimmer circuit and / or other control signal (s) in a circuit AC power, so that the light generated by the source 104 of light can be controlled in response to the operation of the light dimmer and / or the other signal (s) of control.

More generally, in one aspect of the embodiment shown in figure 7, the processor 102 of the unit 200B lighting is configured to monitor signal 118 of user interface and control one or more of the sources 104A, 104B and 104C of light based at least in part on the signal of user interface. For example, processor 102 may be configured to respond to the user interface signal originating one or more control signals (for example, through the activation circuit system 109) to control one or more of The light sources. Alternatively, processor 102 may be configured to respond by selecting one or more signals from preprogrammed controls stored in memory, modifying the control signals generated by executing a program lighting, selecting and executing a new program of lighting from memory, or conversely influencing the radiation generated by one or more of the light sources.

To this end, processor 102 may be configured to use any or more of several criteria to "evaluate" the user interface signal 118 and perform one or More functions in response to the user interface signal. By example, processor 102 may be configured to perform some action based on a particular instantaneous value of the UI signal, a change of some feature of the user interface signal signal, an exchange rate of some feature of the user interface signal, a value of average time of some feature of the interface signal of user, interruptions or periodic patterns of the signal user interface with particular durations, zero steps of an AC user interface signal, etc.

In one embodiment, the processor is configured to digitally sample the interface signal 118 of user and process the samples according to predetermined criteria for determine if one or more functions need to be performed. Still in another embodiment, memory 114 associated with processor 102 it can include one or more tables or, more generally, a base of data, which provides mapping of values related to the user interface signal with values for various signals of control used to control the light source 104 based on LED (for example, a particular value or condition associated with the UI signal may correspond to work cycles particular of PWM signals applied respectively to LEDs of different colors of the light source). In this way, they can perform a wide variety of control functions of lighting based on the user interface signal.

Figure 7 also illustrates that unit 200B lighting can be configured to receive one or more signals 122 from one or more other signal sources 124. In a implementation, the lighting unit processor 102 may use signal (s) 122, alone or in combination with other control signals (for example, signals generated by executing a lighting program, user interface signals, etc.), to control one or more of sources 104A, 104B and 104C of light in a manner similar to the discussed above in connection with the user interface. Some examples of a signal source 124 that can be used in, or be used in connection with, the lighting unit 200B of the Figure 7 include any of a variety of sensors or transducers that generate one or more signals 122 in response to some  stimulus. Examples of such sensors include, but are not limited to. a, various types of environmental condition sensors, such as thermally sensitive sensors (e.g. temperature, infrared), humidity sensors, motion sensors, photosensors / light sensors (for example, sensors that are sensitive to one or more particular radiation spectra electromagnetic), various types of camera sensors, sound or vibration or other pressure / force transducers (for example, microphones, piezoelectric devices), and the like.

As also shown in Figure 7, the lighting unit 200B may include one or more ports 120 of communication to facilitate the coupling of the unit lighting to any of a variety of other devices. By For example, one or more communication ports 120 may facilitate the coupling multiple lighting units to each other as a network lighting system, in which at least some of the lighting units are addressable (for example, they have identifiers or particular addresses) and are sensitive to data individuals transported through the network.

In particular, in a system environment of network lighting, as data is communicated through the network, the processor 102 of each lighting unit coupled to the network can be configured to be data sensitive individuals (for example, lighting control orders) referred to it (for example, in some cases, such as dictate the respective identifiers of the units of network lighting). Once a given processor identifies particular data provided for it, you can read the data and, for example, change the lighting conditions produced by its light sources according to the data received (for example, generating appropriate control signals for light sources). In one aspect, the memory 114 of each unit of lighting coupled to the network, for example, with a table of lighting control signals that correspond to the data that Receives processor 102. Once processor 102 receives network data, the processor can check the table for select the control signals that correspond to the data received, and therefore control the light sources of the lighting unit

In one aspect of this embodiment, the processor 102 of a given lighting unit, whether it is coupled to a network as if not, it can be configured to interpret data / lighting instructions received in a protocol DMX (as discussed, for example, in patents US 6,016,038 and 6,211,626), which is a protocol of lighting control conventionally used in the industry lighting for some lighting applications programmable However, it should be appreciated that the units of Lighting suitable for the present invention is not limited to this particularity, since the lighting units according to various embodiments can be configured to be sensitive to others types of communication protocols to control their respective light sources

The lighting unit 200B of Figure 7 it also includes a system 108 of power circuits that is configured to obtain power for the lighting unit based on an AC signal 500 (for example, a voltage of line, a signal provided by a light dimmer circuit, etc.). In an implementation of the lighting unit 200B, the power circuit system 108 can be configured from similar to parts of the circuits shown in figures 4 and 6, for example. In particular, Figure 8 illustrates a exemplary circuit arrangement for circuit system 108 of feeding, based on various elements shown in the Figures 4 and 6, which can be used in an implementation of the 200B lighting unit. In the circuit shown in Figure 8, a 5 volt DC 900 output is provided for at least the processor 102, while providing a DC output 902 of 16 volts for the 109 activation circuit system, which by The latter provides power to the LED-based light source 104. Like the circuits shown in Figures 4 and 6, it should be appreciated that as the total power provided by the signal 500 is reduced AC due to the operation of a dimmer, for example, at some point the power circuit system 108 may not provide enough power to the various components of the 200B unit of lighting and will stop generating light. However, in one aspect, the power circuit system 108 is configured to provide enough power to the unit lighting for a significant range of operation of the light dimmer

According to another embodiment of the invention, the power circuit system 108 shown in figure 8 can be modified to also provide a control signal that reflects variations in the AC signal 500 (for example, changes in the average voltage) in response to the operation of the attenuator of light. For example, the circuit of Figure 8 can be modified to include additional components similar to those shown in connection to the adjustment circuit 208 of figure 6 which provide the control voltage 410 (for example, a network resistance divider in the opto-isolator feedback loop). A control signal obtained similarly from the circuit of Figure 8 can serve as the interface signal 118 of user applied to processor 102, as indicated by the line 410B of stripes shown in Figure 7. In other embodiments, the circuit of figure 8 can be modified to obtain a signal of control / user interface from other parts of the system circuits, such as an output of the rectifier or low pass filter, for example.

In yet another embodiment, signal 118 of user interface provided to processor 102 may be the AC signal 500 itself, as indicated in figure 7 by 500B connections. In this embodiment, processor 102 may be particularly programmed to digitally sample the AC signal 500 and detect changes in one or more characteristics of the AC signal (for example, amplitude variations, degree of angle modulation, etc.). In this way, rather than responding to a control signal that is obtained based on variations of a average voltage of the AC signal 500 due to the operation of the light dimmer, the processor can respond to operation of the dimmer monitoring "more directly" some characteristics (for example, the degree of angle modulation) of the output signal of the AC dimmer. A number of easily apparent techniques for those skilled in the art, some of which have been discussed previously in connection with the user interface signal 118, they can be implemented in similar way by the processor to sample and process the signal AC 500

Once an interface signal 118 is obtained of user representing the operation of light dimmer using any of the techniques discussed above (or other techniques), processor 102 can be programmed to implement any of a virtually unlimited variety of light control functions based on the user setting of the light dimmer For example, the user setting of an attenuator of light can cause the processor to change one or more of the intensity, color, correlative color temperature or qualities of the light generated by the lighting unit 200B.

To more specifically illustrate the above, consider the lighting unit 200B configured with two lighting programs stored in memory 114; the first lighting program is set to allow adjustment of the total color of the light generated in response to operation of the light dimmer, and the second lighting program is configured to allow adjustment of the total intensity of the light generated, in a given color, in response to the operation of the light dimmer In addition, the processor is programmed so that a particular type of alternating light dimmer operation between the two programs, and so that in the initial power-up, one of the two programs (for example, the first program) run automatically by default.

In this example, on, the first program (for example, adjustable color) starts to run, and a User can change the total color of the light generated by doing operate the light dimmer user interface in a mode "normal" for some adjustment interval (for example, color can be varied through a rainbow of colors from red up to blue with gradual adjustment of the user interface of the dimmer).

Once the desired color has been reached, the user you can then select the second program (for example, adjustable intensity) for execution by operating the user interface of the dimmer in some way particular default (for example, interrupting Instantly power for a predetermined period to through a built-in on / off switch with the light dimmer, adjusting the user interface of the dimmer light at a fast speed, etc.). As commented previously in connection with the interface signal concepts of user, any number of criteria can be used to evaluate the operation of the light dimmer and determine if you want a new program selection, or if you want an adjustment of A program that is running. Several examples of selection of program or mode through a user interface, as well as a parameter setting within a selected mode or program, it disclosed in U.S. non-provisional application No. of series 09 / 805.368 and U.S. non-provisional application No. series 10 / 045,629, incorporated herein as reference.

In this example, once the second program starts to run, the user can change the intensity of the light generated (in the previously adjusted color) by means of a "normal" subsequent operation (for example, setting gradual) of the user interface of the dimmer. Using The above exemplary procedure, the user can adjust both the intensity as the color of the light emitted from the unit of lighting through a conventional AC light dimmer.

It should be noted that the previous example is provides primarily for illustrative purposes, and that the The invention is not limited to these particularities. In general, according various embodiments of the invention can be changed in sequence multiple parameters related to the generated light, or so simultaneous in combination. Also, through the selection and execution of a lighting program, can also be adjusted temporal characteristics of the generated light (for example, rate strobe of a given color, rate of change of a wake of rainbow colors, etc.).

For example, in one embodiment, a source of LED-based light coupled to an AC light dimmer circuit can be configured to essentially recreate the characteristics of lighting of a conventional incandescent light when done operate a dimmer to increase or decrease the intensity of light generated. In one aspect of this embodiment, This simulation can be achieved by simultaneously varying the intensity and color of the light generated by the LED-based source through the operation of the dimmer.

More specifically, in light sources conventional incandescent, the temperature is generally reduced  color of the light emitted when the dissipated power is reduced by the light source (for example, at more intensity levels low, the correlative color temperature of the light produced can be almost 2000 K, while the correlative temperature of Light color at higher intensities can be almost 3200 K).  This is why an incandescent light tends to appear more red when the power to the light source is reduced. By consequently, in one embodiment, a lighting unit based in LED it can be configured so that a single one can be used dimmer setting to change simultaneously both intensity as the color of the light source to produce a relatively high color correlative temperature at intensities upper (for example, when the dimmer provides essentially "full" power) and produce temperatures lower color correlatives at lower intensities, for imitate an incandescent source.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directs to a flame simulation control system, or other simulation control system. The system may include a LED-based lighting unit or light source arranged for produce effects or simulations of flame. Such simulation system Flame can be used to replace more simulation systems of conventional flame (for example, incandescent or neon). He flame simulation lighting device can be configured (for example, include a lighting program) to alter the aspect of the light generated to simulate a wind blow through of the flame or random flickering effects to make the simulation. Such a simulation system can be associated with a user interface to control the effects, and can also configured to adapt its use and / or controlled through a AC light dimmer circuit (for example, a dimmer control system to change the effects of simulation system). In other implementations, the interface of User can communicate with the simulation device through wired or wireless communication and a user can alter the device effects through the user interface. He simulation device can include an effect that can be modified by exchange rate, intensity, color, rate of flickering, to simulate wind conditions, idle conditions, Moderate conditions or any other desired modification.

Many lighting control systems do not they include light dimmer circuits where the light dimming and other alterable lighting effects. By consequently, yet another embodiment of the present invention is directs to a lighting effect control system that includes A wireless control system. According to this embodiment, a Lighting unit or LED-based light source can adapt to receive wireless communications to make changes to lighting in the lighting system (for example, see the Figure 7 in connection with communication link 120). An user you can use a wireless transmitter to change the effects of lighting generated by the lighting system. In a implementation, the transmitter is associated with a switch power for the control system. For example, him power switch can be a power switch mounted on the wall and a user interface can be associated with The wall mounted switch. The user interface can be used to generate wireless communication signals that are communicate to the lighting system to cause a change in the emitted light. In another embodiment, the signals are communicated to the lighting system through the power cables of a multiplexed mode where light decodes data from the power.

Still another embodiment of the invention is directs procedures and devices to communicate information of control of one or more lighting devices, as well as others devices that normally feed through a voltage of standard AC line, using a part of the duty cycle of the line voltage to communicate the control information. For example, according to one embodiment, a voltage controller of supply is configured to receive an AC line voltage standard as input, and provide as output a signal of power that includes control information. The signal of power provides an AC power supply essentially constant; however, according to one aspect of this embodiment, the signal is "interrupted" periodically (by For example, a part of the AC duty cycle is removed during a cycle period) to provide one or more channels of communication about which information from control (for example, digitally encoded information) to one or more devices coupled to the power signal. They device (s) coupled to the power signal they can be configured particularly to be sensitive of some way to such control information.

For example, it should be noted that the various LED-based lighting units disclosed in the This document, which have the ability to provide power to LED-based light sources from a line voltage Standard AC, an AC light dimmer circuit (for example, providing a modulated angle power supply), or from a power source where they may be present other control signals in connection with a line voltage of CA, can be configured particularly to be compatible with the power signal described above and sensitive to control information transmitted through the channel of communication.

According to one aspect of this embodiment, a supply voltage controller to provide a signal of feed as discussed above may be implemented as a processor-based user interface, which includes any number of features (for example, buttons, graduated wheels, sliding buttons, etc.) for facilitate the operation of the controller by the user. In particular, in one implementation, the voltage controller of Supply can be implemented to resemble a light dimmer conventional (for example, that has a dial or a slide button as a user interface), in which an associated processor It is particularly programmed to monitor operation of the user interface and generate control information in response to such operation. The processor is also programmed to transmit control information through one or more communication channels of the power signal, as He has commented previously.

In other aspects of this embodiment, to unlike domestic control systems / networks currently available such as X10, the device (s) controlled (s) by the power signal are defined essentially by the electrical wiring that provides the signal of power, rather than by programming or assigned addresses to the device (s). Additionally, other devices "not controllable" (that is, not configured to be sensitive to control information carried in the signal power) can be coupled to the power signal without no harmful effects, and allow a mixture of devices controllable and not controllable in the same power circuit (it is say, supply the same power signal to all devices in the circuit). Also through the topology it guarantees that devices in different wiring domains (i.e. in different power circuits) do not interfere with, or are sensitive to, the power signal in a circuit of particular power In yet another aspect, the signal of feeding of this embodiment is essentially "transparent" for (that is, does not interfere with) others protocols such as X10.

In an exemplary implementation based on a supply voltage controller that provides a signal of power as previously mentioned in a circuit of given power, a number of lighting devices (per example, conventional lighting devices, units of LED-based lighting, etc.) can be attached to the circuit power and set up so that they are not essentially sensitive to any control information transmitted in the circuit power. For example, lighting devices "no sensitive "can be incandescent light sources conventional or other devices that receive the power to through the part of the power signal that does not include the communication channel. These lighting devices can serve in a given environment to provide general lighting in the environment.

In addition to the lighting devices no sensitive in this example, one or more can also be coupled controllable lighting devices (e.g. units of LED-based lighting configured particularly) at the same power circuit and set to be sensitive to the control information in the communication channel of the signal power (that is, sensitive to the operating mode of the user of the supply voltage controller). In this way, the controllable lighting device (s) can (n) provide various types of lighting effects accent / special to complement the general lighting provided by the other "non-sensitive" devices in the Same power circuit.

4. Exemplary embodiments of circuit activation

With reference again to Figure 7, the control system 109 of lighting unit 200B  it can be implemented in several ways, one of which employs one or more current controllers that correspond respectively with one or more light sources 104A, 104B and 104C (altogether 104). In particular, according to one embodiment, the system 109 control circuitry is configured so that each source of different color light is associated with a voltage converter current that receives a voltage control signal (for example, a digital PWM signal) from processor 102 and provides a corresponding current to excite the light source. Such activation circuit is not limited to unit implementations of lighting that are configured particularly for the operation through an AC light dimmer circuit; plus generally, lighting units similar to unit 200B of lighting and configured for use with various types of power supplies (for example, AC line voltages, AC light dimmer circuits, DC power supplies) they can use an activation circuit system that includes one or more current voltage converters.

Figure 9 illustrates an example of a part of the activation circuit system 109 employing a converter conventional current voltage, also called "sump of current "910. As shown in Figure 9, the drain 910 current receives an input control signal digital from processor 102 and provides a current I_ {A} to activate the light source 104A. It should be noted that, according to a embodiment, multiple light sources are included in the unit lighting, and that the activation circuit system 109 includes a circuit system similar to that shown in figure 9 for each light source (in which the processor provides a control signal for each current drain).

The current drain 910 illustrated in Figure 9 is widely used for current control in various applications, and is discussed in many popular textbooks (for example, see Intuitive IC OPAMPS , Thomas M. Frederiksen, 1984, pages 186- 189). The operational sump-based amplifier of Fig. 9 functions to maintain the voltage at node "A" (ie, through resistor R6) and the "reference" voltage at node "C" (at the non-inversion input of the operational amplifier U1A) at the same value. In this way, the light source current I_ {A} is related to (ie, tracks) the digital control signal provided by the processor 102.

The reference voltage at point "C" in Figure 9 can be developed in a variety of ways, and the text of Frederiksen referred to above suggests that a resistance divider (for example, R2 and R5) is a Good method to create this tension. Generally, the tension of Reference is chosen by a circuit designer as an agreement; on the one hand, the tension should be as low as possible, to reduce voltage drop (i.e. the lowest voltage at which maintains the current I_ {A}) of the current drain. For another side, lowering the reference voltage increases the error of circuit, due to several sources, including: 1) the voltage of operational amplifier offset; 2) differences in input bias currents of the operational amplifier; 3) low tolerances of low value resistors; and 4) errors in the detection of small voltages due to voltage drops to through the interconnections of the components. When lowering the reference voltage also decreases the speed of the circuit, because the feedback to the operational amplifier is reduced. This situation can also lead to instabilities in the circuit.

The reference voltage at point "C" in Figure 9 does not need to be constant, and can be switched between any desired voltage to generate different currents. In In particular, a modulated digital control voltage can be applied by pulse width (PWM) to the circuit from processor 102, to generate a switched current I_ {A}. By selection careful of resistance values for the voltage divider formed by resistors R2 and R5, several can be achieved circuit objectives, including current adaptation of Operational amplifier polarization.

A question regarding the circuit shown in the Figure 9 is that when the digital control signal from the processor is not present or is null (for example, at zero volts), the operational amplifier U1A cannot turn off transistor M1 completely. As a result, some current can still flow I_ {A} through the light source 104A, even if you think that The light source is off. In view of the above, a embodiment of the present invention relates to a system of activation circuits for LED-based light sources that incorporates an improved current drain design for ensure more precise control of light sources.

Figure 10 illustrates an example of such a sink 910A of improved current according to an embodiment of the invention. The drain 910A of current is configured so that there is a "error voltage" known in node "B" (for example, the inverting input of the operational amplifier U1A), through of the use of resistors R4 and R1. In particular, the values of resistors R4 and R1 are selected to slightly increase the voltage at node "B" compared to the arrangement shown in figure 9. As a result, when the voltage of reference in node "C" is zero (that is, when the signal of digital control is such that the light source 104A is thought to be off), the voltage on node "B" is slightly above of that of node "C". This voltage difference causes the operational amplifier reduce its output, which therefore leads to M1 transistor correctly to its "off" zone and prevents any inadvertent flow of the current I_ {A}.

The small known error voltage introduced in node "B" does not necessarily result in any increase in current error. In one embodiment, they can adjust the values of resistors R2 and R5 to compensate The effects of the error voltage. For example, R4 resistors and R1 can be selected to result in 20 mV in the node "B" when node "C" is at zero volts (so that the operational amplifier is in the "off" state). In the "on" state, the circuit can be configured so that there is approximately 5 mV of detection voltage in the node "A" (through resistance R6). The error voltage is adds to the desired detection resistance voltage, and the values of resistors R2 and R5 are appropriately selected to result in a reference voltage of 25 mV in the node "C" in the presence of a digital control signal that indicates a status "on". In one embodiment, the circuit can be configured so that the output current I_ {A} and the Detection voltage at node "A" can be much greater than the minimums, for several reasons, but mostly because they can use lower operational amplifiers to achieve 1% precision if the detection voltage in the range is increased 300-700 mV.

Figure 11 shows yet another embodiment of a drain 910B of current, in which several components optional are added to the circuit of figure 10, which increases the speed and current capacity of the circuit. In particular, as the size of transistor M1 is increased towards larger currents, capacitor C1 and resistor R3 can be added to offset the largest capacity of M1. This capacity presents a  large load for the operational amplifier, and for many operational amplifier designs, this can cause instability. Resistance R3 lowers the apparent load presented by M1, and C1 provides a high feedback path frequency for the operational amplifier, which avoids M1. In a aspect of this embodiment, the impedance of circuit at nodes "B" and "C" to reduce the effects of the bias current of the operational amplifier. In another embodiment this adaptation can be avoided using Modern FET input operational amplifiers.

Having therefore described several embodiments Illustrative of the invention, those skilled in the art are given Various changes, modifications and improvements will easily occur. Be intends that such alterations, modifications and improvements enter within the spirit and scope of the invention. Although some examples presented in this document imply specific combinations of functions or structural elements, It should be understood that these functions and elements can be combined with other ways according to the present invention to achieve the same or different objectives. In particular, the actions, elements and characteristics discussed in connection with an embodiment not they intend to exclude themselves from a similar or different function in others realizations Therefore, the above description is by way of example only, and is not intended to be limiting.

Claims (52)

1. Lighting apparatus (200), which understands: at least one LED (104); Y at least one controller (204) coupled to at least one LED (104) and configured to provide DC power at least one LED (104), in which the controller is configured to receive a signal from an AC power source related to the AC power having components of frequency greater than a conventional AC line voltage and to provide said DC power based on the signal related to AC power, characterized in that the at least one controller (204) is configured to filter the higher frequency components. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The AC power supply is a light dimmer circuit (of AC). 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The AC light dimmer circuit is controlled by an interface of user to vary the signal related to the power, and in the that the at least one controller is configured to provide an essentially non-variable power at least one LED (104) for a significant operating range of the interface of Username. 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the operation of the user interface varies a cycle of signal work related to power, and in which the al least one controller (204) is configured to provide the essentially non-variable power at least one LED (104) for a significant operating range of the user interface to despite variations in the signal's duty cycle Power related. 5. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the at least one controller (204) comprises: a rectifier (404) to receive the signal related to power and provide a rectified signal power related; a low pass filter (408) to filter the signal power related grinding; Y a DC converter (402) to provide the essentially non-variable power based on the filtered signal power related grinding. 6. Apparatus according to claim 3, which It also includes: a thread type power connector configured to engage mechanically and electrically to a conventional incandescent lamp socket for attaching the apparatus to the AC light dimmer circuit. 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, which It also includes: a housing, coupled to the connector thread type feed, to contain the at least one LED and the at least one controller, the structural being configured accommodation to resemble an incandescent light bulb. 8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the at least one LED (104) includes a plurality of colored LEDs different. 9. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The AC light dimmer circuit is controlled by an interface of user to vary the signal related to the power, and in the that the at least one controller is configured to control from variable way at least one parameter of light generated by the al minus one LED (104) in response to the operation of the interface of Username. 10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the operation of the user interface varies a duty cycle of the power-related signal, and in which the at least one controller (204) is configured to control so variable the at least one parameter of the light based on at least the variable duty cycle of the signal related to the power. 11. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the at least one parameter of the light that is controlled so variable by the at least one controller (204) in response to user interface operation includes at least one of an intensity of light, a color of light, a temperature of color of light and a temporary characteristic of light.

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12. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the at least one controller (204) is configured to control of variable way at least two different light parameters generated by the at least one LED (104) in response to operation of the user interface. 13. Apparatus according to claim 12, in the that the at least one controller (204) is configured to control  variable at least one intensity and one color of the light of simultaneously in response to the operation of the interface Username. 14. Apparatus according to claim 12, in the that the at least one LED (204) is configured to generate a light essentially white, and in which the at least one controller (204) is configured to control at least one variable intensity and a white light color temperature so simultaneous in response to the operation of the interface Username. 15. Apparatus according to claim 14, in the that the at least one controller (204) is configured to control  variable at least intensity and color temperature of essentially white light in response to the operation of the user interface to approximate the characteristics of light generation from an incandescent light source. 16. Apparatus according to claim 15, in the that the at least one controller (204) is configured to control  in a variable way the color temperature of the light essentially white for an interval of from about 2000 degrees K to a minimum intensity up to 3200 degrees K at an intensity maximum 17. Apparatus according to claim 15, which It also includes: a screw type power connector (202) configured to engage mechanically and electrically to a conventional incandescent lamp socket for attaching the apparatus to the AC light dimmer circuit. 18. Apparatus according to claim 17, which It also includes: a housing, coupled to the connector thread type power supply, to contain the at least one LED (104) and the at least one controller (204), being configured structurally the housing to resemble a light bulb incandescent light. 19. Apparatus according to claim 15, in the that the at least one LED includes a plurality of colored LEDs different. 20. The apparatus according to claim 9, in the that the at least one controller includes: an adjustment circuit (208) to control variable way the at least one light parameter based on the variable signal related to power; Y a power circuit system for provide at least power at least one LED (104) based  in the variable signal related to power. 21. Apparatus according to claim 20, in the The power circuit system includes: a rectifier (404) to receive the signal related to power and provide a rectified signal power related; a low pass filter to filter (408) the signal power related grinding; Y a DC converter (404) to provide the power to at least one LED (104) based on the signal rectified filtered related to power. 22. Apparatus according to claim 21, in the that the adjustment circuit is coupled to the DC converter and is configured to control at least one LED in a variable way (104) based on the filtered rectified signal related to the power. 23. Apparatus according to claim 21, in the that the adjustment circuit includes at least one processor (102) configured to monitor at least one of the related signal with the power, the rectified signal related to the power and the filtered rectified signal related to the power for Variably control the at least one LED (104). 24. Apparatus according to claim 21, in the that the power circuit system is configured to provide at least the power at least one LED (104) and power at least one processor (102) based on the signal variable related to power.

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25. Apparatus according to claim 21, in the that the at least one processor (102) is configured to sample the variable signal related to power and determine at least a variable characteristic of the variable signal related to the power. 26. Apparatus according to claim 21, in the that the operation of the user interface varies a cycle of signal work related to power, and in which the al least one processor (102) is configured to control so variable the at least one parameter of the light based on at least the variable duty cycle of the signal related to the power. 27. Apparatus according to claim 26, in the that the at least one LED (104) includes a plurality of LEDs of different colors. 28. Apparatus according to claim 27, in the that: the plurality of LEDs of different colors It includes: at least one first LED (104A, 104B, 104C) adapted to emit at least a first radiation that has a first spectrum; Y at least one second LED (104A, 104B, 104C) adapted to emit a second radiation that has a second different spectrum of the first spectrum; Y the at least one processor (102) is configured to independently control at least a first intensity of the first radiation and a second intensity of the second radiation in response to the operation of the interface of Username. 29. Apparatus according to claim 28, in the that the at least one processor (102) is programmed to implement  a pulse width modulation technique (PWM) for control at least the first intensity of the first radiation and the second intensity of the second radiation. 30. Apparatus according to claim 29, in the that the at least one processor (102) is also programmed to: generate at least a first PWM signal to control the first intensity of the first radiation and a second PWM signal to control the second intensity of the second radiation; Y determine work cycles of the respective first and second PWM signals based at least in part on variations in the signal related to the power due to operation of the user interface. 31. Apparatus according to claim 20, in the that the adjustment circuit includes a circuit system (109) of activation that includes at least one current voltage converter to provide at least one activation current at least an LED to control the at least one light parameter generated. 32. Apparatus according to claim 31, in the that the at least one current voltage converter includes a operational amplifier (UIA) configured to have a voltage default error applied through your entries non-inverted and inverted current during operation to essentially reduce to zero a current output of at least a current voltage converter when a voltage applied to the less a current voltage converter is essentially zero. 33. Lighting procedure, which comprises an action of: A) provide DC power to at least one LED (104) based on a signal related to the power provided by an AC power source having frequency components greater than a standard AC line voltage, characterized in that the components of Higher frequency are filtered from the power related signal before providing DC power at least one LED (104). 34. Lighting procedure according to claim 33, wherein action A) includes an action of: provide the DC power at least one LED (104) based on a signal related to the power at from an alternating current light dimmer circuit (AC). 35. Method according to claim 34, in that the AC light dimmer circuit is controlled by a user interface to vary the signal related to the power, and in which action A) comprises an action of: B) provide essentially no power variable at least one LED (104) for a range of operation Significant user interface. 36. Method according to claim 35, in the one that the working cycle operation of the interface of user of the power-related signal, and in which the action B) includes an action to provide the power essentially non-variable at least one LED (104) for a range of significant operation of the user interface despite variations in the signal duty cycle related to the power. 37. Method according to claim 35, in which action B) includes the actions of: rectify the power related signal to provide a rectified signal related to the power; filter the rectified signal related to the power; Y provide the power essentially not variable based on the filtered rectified signal related to the power. 38. Method according to claim 35, in which the at least one LED includes a plurality of colored LEDs different. 39. Method according to claim 34, in that the AC light dimmer circuit is controlled by a user interface to vary the signal related to the power, and in which action A) includes an action of: C) control at least one variable light parameter generated by the at least one LED (104) in response to the operation of the user interface. 40. Method according to claim 39, in that the operation of the user interface varies one cycle of work of the signal related to the power, and in which the action C) includes an action of: D) control the at least one variable light parameter based on at least the duty cycle Signal variable related to power. 41. Method according to claim 39, in which action D) includes an action of: control at least one of a variable light intensity, a color of light, a color temperature of light and a temporal characteristic of light in response to operation of the user interface. 42. Method according to claim 39, in which action D) includes an action of: E) control at least two variables different parameters of the light generated by the at least one LED in response to the operation of the user interface. 43. Method according to claim 42, in which action E) includes an action of: control at least one intensity and color of light simultaneously in response to the operation of the user interface. 44. Method according to claim 42, in which the at least one LED (104) is configured to generate a essentially white light, and in which action E) includes a action of: F) control at least one variable intensity and a white light color temperature so simultaneous in response to the operation of the interface Username. 45. Method according to claim 44, in which action F) includes an action of: G) control at least the intensity and color temperature of essentially white light in response to the operation of the user interface for approximate light generation characteristics of a source of incandescent light. 46. Method according to claim 45, in which action G) includes an action of: control the temperature of essentially white light color for a range of from approximately 2000 degrees K at a minimum intensity up to 3200 K degrees at maximum intensity. 47. Method according to claim 46, in which the at least one LED includes a plurality of colored LEDs different. 48. Method according to claim 39, in which action C) includes an action of H) digitally sample the variable signal related to power and determine at least one characteristic  variable of the variable signal related to the power.

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49. Method according to claim 48, in that the operation of the user interface varies one cycle of work of the signal related to the power, and in which the action H) includes an action to control the least one parameter of the light based on at least the cycle of variable work of the sampled signal related to the power. 50. Method according to claim 39, in the one who: the at least one LED (104) includes; at least one first LED (104A, 104B, 104C) adapted to emit at least a first radiation that has a first spectrum; Y at least one second LED (104A, 104B, 104C) adapted to emit a second radiation that has a second different spectrum of the first spectrum; Y action C) includes an action of: I) control independently at least a first intensity of the first radiation and a second intensity of the second radiation in response to the operation of the user interface 51. Method according to claim 50, in which action 1) includes an action of: J) implement a modulation technique by pulse width (PWM) to control at least the first intensity of the first radiation and the second intensity of the second radiation 52. Method according to claim 51, in which action J) includes the actions of: generate at least a first PWM signal to control the first intensity of the first radiation and a second PWM signal to control the second intensity of the second radiation; Y determine the work cycles of respective first and second PWM signals based on at least share in variations in the signal related to the power due to the operation of the user interface.