CN107314340B

CN107314340B - Candle-imitating device with enhanced control characteristics

Info

Publication number: CN107314340B
Application number: CN201610261921.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李晓锋
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-04-25
Filing date: 2016-04-25
Publication date: 2021-06-15
Anticipated expiration: 2036-04-25
Also published as: CN107314340A

Abstract

A simulated candle device and system having enhanced features to facilitate electronic candle operation and use. The disclosed features include an airflow sensor, located inside the simulated candle device, or inside an associated remote control device, that enables an electronic candle to be turned on or off remotely when a user blows into the candle or remote control device. Further, the simulated candle device may be turned on or off by a simple user operation, such as by touching the simulated candle device.

Description

Candle-imitating device with enhanced control characteristics

Technical Field

The present invention relates to candle devices using simulated real fire, and in particular to controlling the operating characteristics of simulated candle devices.

Background

Traditional real flame candles, when lit, provide a pleasant atmosphere in many homes, hotels, churches, businesses, etc. However, conventional candles have various hazards including the risk of fire, surface damage from hot wax and possible smoke release. Flameless candles are becoming increasingly popular as replacements for traditional candles. Flameless candles provide a more durable, safe, clean alternative because of the absence of open flame or high temperature melting wax. Such simulated candle devices typically include a light source, such as an LED, and include electronic circuitry that controls the operation of the simulated candle device.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to devices and methods for facilitating the operation and use of electronic candle devices. The disclosed features enable an electronic candle device to be turned on or off remotely, by simple actions of a user, including touching the simulated candle device, or blowing air into the simulated candle or an associated remote control device.

An exemplary aspect of the disclosed embodiments relates to a simulated candle device comprising a body; a flame element protruding from a top of the body; one or more light sources for illuminating the flame element to create a realistic flame appearance; a sensor located within the body for detecting air flow toward the simulated candle device; and electronic circuitry located within the body for receiving the electrical signals generated by the sensor and altering the output light of the one or more light sources in response to the detected air flow.

Another exemplary aspect of the disclosed embodiments relates to a simulated candle system that includes a simulated candle device and a portable electronic device wirelessly connected to the simulated candle device. The simulated candle device in such a system includes a body; a flame element protruding from a top of the body; one or more light sources for illuminating the flame element to create a realistic flame appearance; and electronic circuitry located within the body for controlling the output light of at least one of the one or more light sources; the electronic circuit includes a wireless receiver to receive a wireless signal. The portable electronic device of the system includes a display, a wireless transceiver, a processor, and a memory including processor executable code. The processor executable code, when executed by the processor, causes the portable electronic device to present a graphical user interface on the display. The graphical user interface includes a button or area that allows activation of a blow-out feature of the simulated candle device on the electronic device, and one or more of the following operations of the simulated candle device: a power-up or power-down operation, selecting a particular candle-mimicking device, selecting a timer feature, setting a timer value, selecting a light intensity level, adjusting a light intensity level, selecting a movement of a flame element, setting a movement level of a flame element, or selecting a set of candle-mimicking devices.

Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary simulated candle device with an associated remote control device.

FIG. 2(A) shows certain components, including a support mechanism for an artificial flame element of an exemplary simulated candle device.

FIG. 2(B) shows certain components, including an exemplary simulated candle touch sensitive structure.

FIG. 2(C) shows a side view of FIG. 2(B), including certain interior candle components.

FIG. 3 illustrates components of an exemplary simulated candle device in more detail.

Fig. 4(a) is a picture of an exemplary remote control device for a simulated candle device.

Fig. 4(B) shows components of the remote control device of fig. 4 (a).

Fig. 4(C) shows an exemplary location of a microphone aperture on the remote control device.

Fig. 4(D) shows an exemplary circuit diagram associated with a remote control device.

FIG. 5(A) is a series of exemplary user interface screens associated with an application program that controls the operation of the simulated candle device.

FIG. 5(B) is a series of exemplary user interface screens for setting a timer and controlling the illumination properties of the simulated candle device.

FIG. 5(C) is a series of exemplary user interface screens for controlling the operation of a set of simulated candle devices.

FIG. 5(D) is an exemplary user interface screen associated with the blow-out feature of the simulated candle device.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of the electronic components of an apparatus that may be used to accommodate some disclosed embodiments.

Detailed Description

In the present disclosure, "exemplary" is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to illustrate one concept in a detailed manner.

The simulated candle device can simulate a real candle with a flame, similar to a real life flame with a flickering effect, implemented using optical, mechanical and electrical elements. The disclosed embodiments provide other features and functions that enhance the operation of these devices, and in some cases, have additional functions not available with real candles.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary simulated candle device 102 with an associated remote control device 106 according to one exemplary embodiment. The flame element 104 protrudes upward from the body of the simulated candle device 102, and a top portion 108 of the body is formed to resemble a melted candle to enhance the similarity of the candle device 102 to a real candle. The remote control device 106 is configured to operate with the simulated candle device 102 via a wireless channel. For example, the remote control device 106 may include an infrared transmitter to provide various commands and signals to an infrared receiver of the simulated candle device 102. In some embodiments, other wireless communication protocols and technologies, such as bluetooth, cellular, WiFi, etc., may be used. In some applications, the communication channel that allows remote control of the simulated candle device may include a wired communication channel.

Fig. 2(a), 2(B), and 2(C) illustrate some exemplary candle-mimicking device components, including a housing 214 that houses an interior candle member, a flame element 202 protruding from a top of the housing 214. The flame element 202 includes apertures 208 that allow the support structure 206 to pass through the apertures to suspend the flame element 202. The ends of the support structure 206 are secured within slots 216, the slots 216 being formed in the top of the housing 214. As shown in exemplary fig. 2(a), the support structure 206 is curved at both ends to fit within the slot 216 and curves slightly downward at the location of the aperture 208. The top of the housing includes a recess to receive the plate 210 in the form of an annular band. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the plate 210 can include other shapes, such as rectangular or triangular, and can be configured to not completely surround the flame element 202 and/or be smaller or larger in size. As will be described in detail below, the annular band not only serves as a decorative element to hide the candle components inside the plan view, but also secures the ends of the support structure 206, which may also provide touch-sensitive operation of the candle.

A light source 212, such as an LED, may be disposed within the housing 214, as shown in fig. 2 (C). The light source 212 can, for example, project a suitable color and/or intensity to the flame element 202. In some embodiments, more than one light source 212 is used to illuminate the flame element 202 from one side and/or from both sides. In some embodiments, the light source 212 may be an incandescent light source, a plasma light source, a laser light source, or may include other suitable light generation mechanisms.

FIG. 3 shows additional details of the components of an exemplary simulated candle device, which includes a flame element 302 supported by a wire support structure 306. The bottom portion of the flame element 302, which is below the wire support structure 306, may include a magnetic element 320 that interacts with the magnetic field generated by the coil 316. The coil 316 may be excited by a control signal generated by electronic circuitry located on, for example, a PCB board 318. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may generate pulses to cause the electromagnet to turn on and off, change the strength of the magnetic field generated, or reverse polarity at specific times. In one embodiment, the signal energizing coil 306 is a pulse width modulated signal. In other embodiments, these signals provide amplitude modulated, phase modulated, or frequency modulated signals to the coil 306. Due to the interaction between the magnetic element 320 and the magnetic field of the coil 306, the flame element 302 may oscillate and produce a flickering effect when illuminated by light generated by the one or more light sources 314. The simulated candle device may also include a wireless receiver assembly that receives and decodes wireless signals transmitted thereto. For example, some components of such a wireless receiver may be disposed on PCB board 318 and may operate based on one or more wireless technologies and protocols, such as infrared technology, bluetooth, or cellular protocols.

FIG. 3 also shows a ring 304 located at the top of the simulated candle shell, surrounding and adjacent to the flame element 302. In some embodiments, the ring 304 acts as a decorative sheet to conceal the internal components of the simulated candle device and/or to simulate melted wax. In this regard, the ring 304 may have a particular color and/or reflectivity to produce a desired visual effect under ambient lighting or under illumination by scattered and/or reflected light from the candle light source 314. In some embodiments, the ring 304 operates as a touch-sensitive on-off switch. In particular, the ring 304 may be made of a conductive material to form a capacitive element that is electrically connected to one or more components on the PCB board 318. When a user's finger contacts ring 304 or is in close proximity to ring 304, the capacitive contact forms a complete circuit. The touch sensitive mechanism may be used to turn the candle on or off, or to control other functions of the simulated candle in a step-wise manner. For example, each touch may increase or decrease the intensity of the light source 314, switch the color of the light, or change the mode of operation (e.g., from blinking to constant intensity).

The simulated candle device of FIG. 3 also includes a microphone 310 supported within the interior of the simulated candle device by a microphone support member 308. The microphone 310 converts acoustic signals into electrical signals that are provided to the electronic components on the PCB board 318. The microphone 310 is located proximate to the top surface of the simulated candle device to intercept sound waves that enter the interior of the simulated candle device. For example, the top portion of the simulated candle device may include an opening (e.g., the same opening that allows light from the light source 314 to reach the flame element 302) that allows the microphone to capture sound waves into the interior of the simulated candle device. In this manner, when the user blows air in the direction of the flame element 302, the air flow is captured by the microphone 310 and an appropriate signal is generated to turn off the simulated candle device.

The electrical signals generated by the microphone 310 may be processed by components of the PCB board 318. The PCB board 318 may, for example, include filters, analog-to-digital conversion circuitry and/or a processor or controller (e.g., microprocessor, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), FPGA, ASIC, etc.) that receives signals representative of captured acoustic waves. The processor may execute program code stored on a non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, RAM, or other storage device, to analyze the signal corresponding to the acoustic wave and determine that airflow is occurring. When an air flow is detected, a corresponding signal may be generated to turn off the light source 314 and/or the entire simulated candle device. The program code executed by the processor may include an algorithm capable of distinguishing captured airflow sounds from other sounds such as clapping hands or human conversation.

In some embodiments, the airflow detection circuit may be implemented as a separate component from other components of the PCB board 318. For example, airflow detection may be accomplished using analog or digital circuitry. In some embodiments, to facilitate airflow detection, the mounted microphone 310 is connected to an amplifier to generate an AC signal that is above a predetermined threshold voltage value (e.g., 200mV), or within a predetermined range of values (e.g., 200mV to 3.5V). However, the sound pressure/level generated by the air flow provides a voltage value above such a threshold (or within such a predetermined range of values), and other sounds, such as the sound of a clapping detected by a microphone, can only generate an AC signal below the threshold (e.g., 20-100mV), or signals outside of the predetermined range of values corresponding to the detected air flow. The resulting signal of the amplifier may be further coupled to a second stage amplifier having a high amplification factor (e.g., 100 to 300 times). In some embodiments, the second stage amplifier is a capacitively coupled transistor amplifier that forms a square wave that is provided to the processor to turn off the candle device. If the captured sound waves produce a signal below a threshold, such a signal does not activate the second stage amplifier (e.g., a transistor amplifier) and, therefore, does not produce a corresponding signal for turning off the candle device. It should be noted that in the above description, the voltage values are taken as examples to facilitate understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it should be understood that other measurements, such as measured current values, may be used to identify air flow, and/or different ranges of values may be used to effect discrimination.

It should be noted that the above description refers to a simulated candle device having a moving flame element. However, it should be understood that the microphone for air flow detection may be implemented in other simulated candle configurations, such as those utilizing non-magnetic means to move the flame element, in candle devices having a stationary flame element, or any other simulated candle device that may house a microphone and associated circuitry. Further, in some applications, the disclosed techniques may be implemented as part of a simulated fireplace, simulated candleholder, or other lighting fixture. Further, in some embodiments, devices other than microphones, such as flow sensors, may be used to detect air flow.

As noted in connection with FIG. 1, the disclosed candle-imitating devices may be provided with a remote control device capable of controlling various candle functions from a remote location. An exemplary remote control 400 is shown in fig. 4 (a). Various buttons on the remote control device 400 enable a user to remotely control various features of one or more associated simulated candle devices. In particular, the on-off button 402 allows the simulated candle device to be turned on or off remotely. The brightness/dimming of the candle device is controlled by two switches 404(a) and 404(b), which are located below the on-off button 402, and the speed of the flashing and/or movement of the flame element of the candle is controlled via switches 406(a) and 406 (b). The remote control device 400 also includes one or more timer buttons 408 (e.g., a level 4 timer button) that allow the simulated candle device to automatically shut down after any duration of operation (e.g., 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, or 10 hours). To activate the timer run, the user may, for example, press a central timer button for a desired duration. The remote control device 400 may also include additional buttons (e.g., a candle selection button, a blow-on-off activation button, a wireless connection button, etc.) to perform additional operations and communicate with one or more simulated candle devices.

Fig. 4(B) shows an exploded view of the exemplary remote control device of fig. 4 (a). The upper cover 401 includes openings to accommodate various buttons, such as a power button 403, a circular button 405 having four activation portions and one or more timer buttons 407. A flexible layer 409 (e.g. a thin sheet of silicon) with appropriate stiffness is located under the buttons on top of the PCB 411, the PCB 411 comprising electronic circuitry. The remote control further includes a reverse side spring 413 and a forward side spring 415 and screw 417. A microphone 419 is placed on the microphone board 429 to capture sound and produce an electrical signal. The remote control device may also include a side cover 421 that allows an infrared receiver and/or transmitter to communicate with another device (e.g., through holes in side cover 421). Weights 423 may be provided as needed to assist in obtaining the desired weight and/or to balance the remote control. Bottom cover 425 includes a battery compartment that houses one or more batteries and a corresponding battery cover 427.

As best seen in fig. 4(B), the remote control device includes a microphone 419 and corresponding circuit board 429 for capturing and identifying air flow. Fig. 4(C) shows an exemplary location of a microphone aperture on a top cover of the remote control device. Similar to the above description regarding the simulated candle device, in some embodiments, a user may blow air toward a remote control device near the microphone aperture to control a function of the simulated candle device, such as extinguishing a candle.

Fig. 4(D) shows an exemplary circuit diagram associated with the electrical components of the remote control device. The circuit uses a battery (e.g., VDD) such as a CR2032 lithium button cell battery that supplies a voltage in the range of 2.2 to 3.2V to the chip U1. In some embodiments, chip U1 includes a microprocessor. However, it should be understood that the chip U1 may include, or be designed as, an FPGA, an ASIC, a DSP, or discrete circuit elements. The chip U1 controls various operations of the remote control device, such as detecting that a switch (e.g., one of the switches S1 through S10) has been pressed. The chip U1 includes an IR pin (IRout pin) for controlling the infrared LED to send a signal to another device. The current from the battery is filtered by capacitors C1 and C2 and provided to the IR LED. The microphone (MIC1) is connected to a secondary electronic circuit, in particular transistors Q1 and Q2 and associated biasing and amplifying components (e.g., resistors R2-R5). In some embodiments, the chip U1 remains in an idle operating state when a "high" voltage is present on the input pin line corresponding to a particular function, such as an on/off function, a timing function, a brightness increase function, a brightness decrease function, a pause/slow/stop flame movement function, a surge/fast/start flame movement function, an air flow detection function, and the like. In such an embodiment, chip U1 waits until a low signal occurs. For example, when an air flow is directed to a microphone aperture of the remote control device, a sound wave or sound pressure having a certain intensity is generated at a head of the microphone. In one exemplary embodiment, such air flow generates an AC signal of about 200mV or more, which is then amplified by 100-300 times to form a square wave that pulls the appropriate input of the chip U1 to a low voltage value for a predetermined duration. As a result, the infrared emitter is activated and a signal is transmitted to the candle device to extinguish the candle. The airflow detection circuit acts as a separate subsystem of the remote control system (as is done in the example of fig. 4 (D)) allowing airflow detection capability to be imparted to existing remote controls without redesigning the internal circuitry or programming of the chip U1. Furthermore, implementing the airflow detection subsystem in a discrete component may allow for faster detection speeds, avoiding the additional delay caused by the processing of chip U1. As previously mentioned, the disclosed embodiments also prevent accidental activation by background noise and unwanted sounds.

It will be apparent that in one aspect of the disclosed technology, there is provided a simulated candle device comprising a body; a flame element protruding from a top of the body; one or more light sources for illuminating the flame element to create a realistic flame appearance; a sensor located within the body for detecting air flow toward the simulated candle device; and electronic circuitry located within the body for receiving the electrical signals generated by the sensor and altering the output light of the one or more light sources in response to the detected air flow. In one exemplary embodiment, the sensor is a microphone that generates an electrical signal in response to detected sound waves. In another exemplary embodiment, the sensor is a mass airflow sensor that generates an electrical signal in response to flowing air detected in the vicinity of the mass airflow sensor. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the simulated candle device includes an opening near the top flame element of the body to receive the air flow and direct at least a portion of the air flow into the body.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the electronic circuit is configured to distinguish a received electrical signal associated with the air flow from a received electrical signal not associated with the air flow. For example, the received electrical signals that are not related to air flow include electrical signals associated with ambient noise, applause, or human speech. In another exemplary embodiment, the electronic circuit includes a primary detection circuit coupled to the sensor to receive the electrical signal generated by the sensor, and a secondary detection circuit having an input coupled to an output of the primary detection circuit. The secondary detection circuit has an output that indicates detection of air flow in response to a voltage or current value received from the primary detection circuit within a predetermined range. For example, the primary detection circuit generates an output within a predetermined range upon its detection of an electrical signal corresponding to the air flow, and generates an output outside the predetermined range upon its detection of an electrical signal not corresponding to the air flow.

In yet another embodiment, the electronic circuitry, in response to the detected air flow, will turn off the one or more light sources. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the electronic circuit, in response to detecting air flow, turns off the simulated candle device. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit is configured to turn off the simulated candle device for a predetermined period of time in response to a detected flow of air. In yet another embodiment, the simulated candle device further includes a touch sensitive element located at or near an outer surface of the body to sense touch and, in response to the detected touch, generate an electrical signal to turn the simulated candle device or one or more light sources on or off. According to another exemplary embodiment, the touch-sensitive element is shaped as a ring surrounding the flame element.

In some exemplary embodiments, the simulated candle device further comprises a remote control device configured to send a signal to the electronic circuit to control one or more operations of the simulated candle device. In one exemplary embodiment, the remote control device includes an electronic circuit board and a microphone connected to the electronic circuit board. The microphone is configured to intercept sound passing through an opening in the remote control device, generate an electrical signal in response to the detected sound, and provide the electrical signal to a component of the electronic circuit board. For example, a component on the electronic circuit board may include a secondary detection circuit having an output that indicates the detection of air flow in response to a voltage or current value detected within a predetermined range.

In some exemplary embodiments, the remote control device further comprises a wireless transmission device that is activated to generate a signal for transmission to a receiving device within the body of the simulated candle device when an output indicative of the detected air flow is detected. For example, the wireless transmission means may comprise one or more of: infrared transmission means, bluetooth transmission means or cellular transmission means.

In some embodiments, the remote control functionality and features are implemented in the form of an application on an electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or similar device. Such applications enable different functionality to be implemented on a Graphical User Interface (GUI) in a user-friendly manner and further facilitate adding new features and/or improvements via software updates. Fig. 5(a) to 5(C) provide exemplary user interface screens of an exemplary application. For example, as shown in fig. 5(a), an application may determine whether a particular simulated candle device is within communication range and provide an indication if the application is unable to establish a connection with one or more candles. Such a connection may be established, for example, by bluetooth. The application also enables a user to select a particular candle device from a plurality of candle devices, such as the selection matrix candle 1 shown in FIG. 5 (A). As further shown in FIG. 5(A), once a particular candle device is selected, the user interface allows the selected candle to be turned on or off by selecting the switch button, and activating the button as desired.

Fig. 5(B) shows activation of an additional function through the user interface. In particular, in the exemplary user interface screen in fig. 5(B), the timer selection option allows setting of a start time, an end time, and a repetition period. The timer settings may be further customized to activate the desired function on a particular day of the week (e.g., by clicking on or highlighting the particular day (s)) on a user interface menu. The remote application also allows selection of an appropriate candle light intensity, for example, by clicking on one of the segments of the depicted light wheel. This choice allows to adjust the light intensity, for example, in order to adapt to different moods and/or different ambient lighting conditions. The movement of the flame element can also be controlled by remote application, for example, by selecting the amount of flicker on the slide bar, which ranges from full flicker to a static flame appearance. Additional control functionality (e.g., via a second slide bar) may also be provided to control the speed of the flashing. When an appropriate level of light intensity and/or flame movement is selected, an appropriate control signal is generated in the remote control device and transmitted to the simulated candle device. Upon receiving such a control signal, the simulated candle device adjusts or activates/deactivates the selected function.

Fig. 5(C) shows additional exemplary operation and selection capabilities of the remote control device. For example, items selected in the main menu (e.g., home, blow out, message, profile, about, and privacy) allow the user to navigate the corresponding menu items. One function of the disclosed remote application enables selection of a set of candle devices. Such groups may be formed, for example, by selecting individual candle devices as part of the group, and assigning a group name (e.g., by entering the desired group name). Once the group is formed, various functions of the candle devices within the group may be activated and/or adjusted. For example, as shown in fig. 5(C), group timer selection, group time setting, group light intensity selection, and group flame motion selection may be performed in a manner similar to the individual candle devices described. Further, a single disconnect button on the user interface may disable communication with all devices in the group or groups, if desired.

The blow on-off function may also be activated by selecting a blow-off item on the main menu via the user interface (refer to fig. 5 (C)). Once the blow-off function on the remote device is activated, the application may provide a notification to the user (see fig. 5(D)), and the candle device may be turned off by blowing air into the microphone of the electronic device (e.g., a cell phone). The candle application receives a signal generated by the microphone of the device and, upon detection of an air flow, generates an appropriate signal for transmission to the candle device. And a candle device for extinguishing the candle when receiving the signal from the remote control device. In some implementations, air flow is detected by processing the intensity and/or type of data received from the microphones to distinguish and prevent ambient or unwanted sounds from producing unintended blowing signals. Such processing may, for example, include correlation and pattern recognition operations that produce a match only when the airflow type and/or intensity is detected. In some embodiments, the airflow detection is performed by a remote control device in cooperation with the simulated candle device.

Fig. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus 600 that may be implemented in some of the disclosed embodiments. The apparatus 600 includes at least one processor 602 and/or controller, at least one memory 604 unit in communication with the processor 602, and at least one communication unit 606 for enabling data and information to be exchanged with other entities, devices, and networks, either directly or indirectly through communication links 608. Communication unit 606 may provide wired and/or wireless communication capabilities according to one or more communication protocols, and thus may include appropriate transmitter/receiver (transceiver) antennas, circuitry, and ports, as well as encoding/decoding functions, as may be necessary for appropriate transmission and/or reception of data and other information.

For example, the device 600 may facilitate implementation of a simulated candle system. Such a system comprises: a candle-mimicking device and a portable electronic device wirelessly connected to the candle-mimicking device. The candle imitating device comprises a body; a flame element protruding from a top of the body; one or more light sources for illuminating the flame element to create a realistic flame appearance; and electronic circuitry for controlling the output of at least one of the one or more light sources. The electronic circuit further comprises a wireless receiver to receive a wireless signal. The portable electronic device includes a display, a wireless transceiver, a processor, and a memory including processor executable code. Processor executable code, when executed by the processor, causes the portable electronic device to present a graphical user interface on the display. The graphical user interface includes a button or region that allows air to be blown at the portable electronic device to activate a blow-off feature of the simulated candle device, and to activate one or more of the following operations of the simulated candle device: a power-up or power-down operation, selecting a particular candle-mimicking device, selecting a timer feature, setting a timer value, selecting a light intensity level, adjusting a light intensity level, selecting a movement of a flame element, setting a movement level of a flame element, or selecting a set of candle-mimicking devices.

In an exemplary embodiment, the portable electronic device further comprises a microphone. In this embodiment, the processor may execute code that, when executed by the processor, configures the portable electronic device to, when a blow-off function on the electronic device is activated, detect an intensity or type of electrical signal generated by the microphone, which corresponds to the air flow, and activate a wireless transceiver of the electronic device, send a signal to the simulated candle device to allow the simulated candle device to be turned off. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor may execute code that, when executed by the processor, configures the wireless transceiver to, when a particular simulated candle device is selected, send a signal to the particular simulated candle device to establish a wireless connection with the particular simulated candle device. In some embodiments, the wireless transceiver may be configured to operate according to a bluetooth or cellular wireless communication protocol.

In some embodiments, the above-mentioned system includes one or more additional simulated candle devices. In such embodiments, the processor executable code, when executed by the processor, configures the portable electronic device to transmit command signals to all of the simulated candle devices in the group to command performance of the same operation when the group includes more than one simulated candle device. For example, the command signal may include one or more of: an indication to change the light intensity level, an indication to change the level of movement of the flame element, an indication to change the setting timer value, an indication to turn off all of the candle-mimicking devices, or an indication to turn off all of the candle-mimicking devices.

In an exemplary embodiment, the portable electronic device is one of a smart phone, a watch device (table device), or a laptop. In another exemplary embodiment, the simulated candle device further includes a magnetic actuator, a magnetic element coupled to a bottom portion of the flame element, which interacts with the magnetic actuator to facilitate movement of the flame element. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the processor executable code, when executed by the processor, configures the portable electronic device to send a signal to the simulated candle device to cause a change in an amount of movement of the flame element when the movement of the flame element is selected and the setting movement is to a particular level.

Some of the embodiments described herein, as well as embodiments described in the general context of methods or processes, may be implemented in one embodiment by a computer program product, embodied in a computer-readable medium, comprising computer-executable instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in networked environments. A computer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storage devices, including, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), Compact Disks (CDs), Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs), and the like. Thus, a computer-readable medium may include a non-transitory storage medium. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-or processor-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

Some disclosed embodiments may be implemented using hardware circuitry, software, or a combination of these means or modules. For example, a hardware circuit implementation may include discrete analog and/or digital components, e.g., integrated as part of a printed circuit board. Alternatively, or in addition, the disclosed components or modules may be implemented as Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and/or as Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) devices. Some implementations may additionally or alternatively include a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), which is a specialized microprocessor with an optimized architecture for the business needs of digital signal processing associated with the functions disclosed herein. Similarly, various components or sub-components within each module may be implemented in software, hardware, or firmware. Connectivity between modules and/or components within a module may be achieved using any connection methods and media known in the art, including, but not limited to, communication over the internet, wired or wireless networks using appropriate protocols.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit embodiments of the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from various embodiments. The embodiments discussed herein were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of various embodiments and their nature, and their practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the various embodiments of the invention and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The features of the embodiments described herein may be combined in all possible combinations of methods, apparatus, modules, systems, and computer program products.

Claims

1. A candle-imitating device, comprising:

a body;

a flame element protruding from a top of the body;

one or more light sources for illuminating the flame element to create a real flame appearance;

a sensor located within the body for detecting air flow toward the simulated candle device; and

electronic circuitry located within the body for receiving electrical signals generated by the sensor and altering the output light of one or more of the light sources in response to the detected air flow;

a remote control device for sending a signal to the electronic circuit to control one or more operations of the candle-imitating device; the remote control device includes an electronic circuit board and a microphone connected to the electronic circuit board for intercepting sound passing through an opening in the remote control device to generate an electrical signal in response to the detected sound and provide the electrical signal to a component on the electronic circuit board; the components on the electronic circuit board include a secondary detection circuit having an output indicating detection of air flow in response to a detected voltage or current value within a predetermined range; the electronic circuit board of the remote control device comprises a chip U1; the 1 st pin of the chip U1 is grounded; the 2 nd pin of the chip U1 is grounded through a switch S7, a switch S1 is connected between the 2 nd tube and the 3 rd pin of the chip U1, a switch S2 is connected between the 2 nd tube and the 4 th pin of the chip U1, and a switch S4 is connected between the 2 nd tube and the 5 th pin of the chip U1; the 3 rd pin of the chip U1 is grounded through a switch S8, a switch S3 is connected between the 3 rd tube and the 4 th tube of the chip U1, and a switch S5 is connected between the 3 rd tube and the 5 th tube of the chip U1; the 4 th pin of the chip U1 is grounded through a switch S9, and a switch S6 is connected between the 4 th pin and the 5 th pin of the chip U1; the 5 th pin of the chip U1 is grounded through a switch S10; the 6 th pin of the chip U1 is connected with the first pole of a triode Q1; the 7 th pin of the chip U1 is connected with the cathode of a photosensitive diode through a resistor R1, the anode of the photosensitive diode is connected with a power supply VDD, the anode of the photosensitive diode is also connected with a grounding capacitor C1, the anode of the photosensitive diode is also connected with a grounding capacitor C2, the anode of the photosensitive diode is also connected with the first pole of a triode Q1 through a resistor R5, the second pole of a triode Q1 is grounded, the control pole of the triode Q1 is connected with the first pole of the triode Q2, the second pole of a triode Q2 is grounded, and a resistor R3 is also connected between the anode of the photosensitive diode and the control pole of the triode Q1; a resistor R4 is connected between the anode of the photodiode and the control electrode of the triode Q2, the control electrode of the triode Q2 is also connected with one end of a capacitor C3, the other end of the capacitor C3 is connected with the anode of the photodiode through a resistor R3, and the other end of the capacitor C3 is also connected with a grounded microphone; the 8 th pin of the chip U1 is connected with a power supply VDD;

a ring at or near the outer surface of the body and surrounding the flame element, the ring having a particular color and/or reflectivity to produce a desired visual effect under ambient illumination or illumination by scattered and/or reflected light from the light source; the ring is a touch sensitive element located at or near an outer surface of the body to sense touch and generate an electrical signal in response to the detected touch to turn on or off the simulated candle device or one or more of the light sources.

2. The candle-imitating device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a microphone that generates an electrical signal in response to detected sound waves.

3. The simulated candle device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is an air flow sensor that generates an electrical signal in response to flowing air detected in proximity to the air flow sensor.

4. The simulated candle device of claim 1, comprising an opening at a top of the body near the flame element to receive the air flow and direct at least a portion of the air flow into the body.

5. The candle-imitating device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to distinguish a received electrical signal associated with an air flow from a received electrical signal not associated with an air flow.

6. The candle-imitating device according to claim 5, wherein the received electrical signals not related to air flow comprise electrical signals associated with ambient noise, applause, or human speech.

7. The simulated candle device of claim 1, wherein the electronic circuit comprises:

a primary detection circuit connected to the sensor to receive the electrical signal generated by the sensor; and

a secondary detection circuit having an input connected to the output of the primary detection circuit, the secondary detection circuit having an output indicating detection of the air flow in response to a voltage or current value received within a predetermined range from the primary detection circuit.

8. The candle-imitating device according to claim 7, wherein the primary detection circuit is configured to generate an output within a predetermined range upon detection of an electrical signal corresponding to an air flow, and to generate an output outside the predetermined range upon detection of an electrical signal not corresponding to an air flow.

9. The simulated candle device of claim 1, wherein the electronic circuitry is configured to turn off one or more of the light sources in response to a detected flow of air.

10. The simulated candle device of claim 1, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to turn off the simulated candle device in response to a detected flow of air.

11. The simulated candle device of claim 1, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to turn off the simulated candle device for a predetermined period of time in response to a detected flow of air.

12. The candle-imitating device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device includes a wireless transmission device that is activated upon detection of an output indicative of a detected air flow to generate a signal for transmission to a receiving device within the body of the candle-imitating device.

13. The simulated candle device of claim 12, wherein the wireless transmission device comprises one or more of: infrared transmission means, bluetooth transmission means or cellular transmission means.

14. A simulated candle system, comprising:

a candle-imitating device, comprising:

a body;

a flame element protruding from a top of the body;

one or more light sources for illuminating the flame element to create a real flame appearance; and

electronic circuitry for controlling the output of at least one of the one or more light sources, the electronic circuitry comprising a wireless receiver to receive a wireless signal;

a ring at or near the outer surface of the body and surrounding the flame element, the ring having a particular color and/or reflectivity to produce a desired visual effect under ambient illumination or illumination by scattered and/or reflected light from the light source; the ring is a touch sensitive element located at or near the outer surface of the body to sense touch and generate an electrical signal in response to the detected touch to turn on or off the simulated candle device or one or more of the light sources

A portable electronic device wirelessly connected to the simulated candle device, comprising:

a display;

a wireless transceiver;

a processor; and

a memory containing processor-executable code that, when executed by the processor, causes the portable electronic device to present a graphical user interface on the display, the graphical user interface including a button or area that allows activation of a blow-out feature of a simulated candle device on the electronic device, and activation of one or more of the following operations of the simulated candle device:

power-on or power-off operation;

selecting a particular simulated candle device;

selecting a timer feature;

setting a timer value;

selecting a light intensity level;

adjusting the light intensity level;

selecting a motion of the flame element;

setting a level of motion of the flame element; or

Selecting a set of the simulated candle devices;

the portable electronic device further comprises a microphone, an

Processor executable code that, when executed by a processor, configures the portable electronic device to, upon activation of a blow-out feature on the electronic device, configure the portable electronic device to perform a blow-out operation

Detecting the intensity or type of electrical signal generated by the microphone corresponding to the air flow;

activating a wireless transceiver of the electronic device, sending a signal to the candle-mimicking device to allow the candle-mimicking device to be turned off;

the portable electronic device further comprises an electronic circuit board comprising a chip U1; the 1 st pin of the chip U1 is grounded; the 2 nd pin of the chip U1 is grounded through a switch S7, a switch S1 is connected between the 2 nd tube and the 3 rd pin of the chip U1, a switch S2 is connected between the 2 nd tube and the 4 th pin of the chip U1, and a switch S4 is connected between the 2 nd tube and the 5 th pin of the chip U1; the 3 rd pin of the chip U1 is grounded through a switch S8, a switch S3 is connected between the 3 rd tube and the 4 th tube of the chip U1, and a switch S5 is connected between the 3 rd tube and the 5 th tube of the chip U1; the 4 th pin of the chip U1 is grounded through a switch S9, and a switch S6 is connected between the 4 th pin and the 5 th pin of the chip U1; the 5 th pin of the chip U1 is grounded through a switch S10; the 6 th pin of the chip U1 is connected with the first pole of a triode Q1; the 7 th pin of the chip U1 is connected with the cathode of a photosensitive diode through a resistor R1, the anode of the photosensitive diode is connected with a power supply VDD, the anode of the photosensitive diode is also connected with a grounding capacitor C1, the anode of the photosensitive diode is also connected with a grounding capacitor C2, the anode of the photosensitive diode is also connected with the first pole of a triode Q1 through a resistor R5, the second pole of a triode Q1 is grounded, the control pole of the triode Q1 is connected with the first pole of the triode Q2, the second pole of a triode Q2 is grounded, and a resistor R3 is also connected between the anode of the photosensitive diode and the control pole of the triode Q1; a resistor R4 is connected between the anode of the photodiode and the control electrode of the triode Q2, the control electrode of the triode Q2 is also connected with one end of a capacitor C3, the other end of the capacitor C3 is connected with the anode of the photodiode through a resistor R3, and the other end of the capacitor C3 is also connected with a grounded microphone; pin 8 of chip U1 is connected to power supply VDD.

15. The simulated candle system of claim 14, wherein the processor is executable code that, when executed by the processor, configures the wireless transceiver to send a signal to a particular simulated candle device to establish a wireless connection with the particular simulated candle device upon selection of the particular simulated candle device.

16. The simulated candle system of claim 15, wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to operate according to a bluetooth or cellular wireless communication protocol.

17. The simulated candle system of claim 14, comprising one or more additional simulated candle devices, wherein the processor is executable code that, when executed by the processor, configures the portable electronic device to, upon selection of a group comprising more than one simulated candle device, transmit a command signal to all simulated candle devices in the group to command performance of the same operation.

18. The simulated candle system of claim 17, wherein the command signal comprises one or more of:

indicating a change in light intensity level;

indicating a level of change in the movement of the flame element;

indicating a change to the set timer value;

instructing to turn off all the simulated candle devices; or

Indicating that all of the simulated candle devices were disconnected.

19. The simulated candle system of claim 14, wherein the portable electronic device is one of a smartphone, a watch device, or a laptop computer.

20. The simulated candle system of claim 14, wherein the simulated candle device further comprises a magnetic driver, and a magnetic element coupled to a bottom of the flame element that interacts with the magnetic driver to cause the flame element to move.

21. The simulated candle system of claim 20, wherein the processor executable code, when executed by the processor, configures the portable electronic device to, upon selection of the motion and setting motion of the flame element to a particular level, send a signal to the simulated candle device to cause a change in an amount of motion of the flame element.