DE102016008225A1 - Imitation candle device with improved control features - Google Patents

Abstract

Imitation candle devices and systems with improved features that simplify the operation and use of electronic candles are described. The disclosed features include puff sensors positioned within the faux candlestick device or within an associated remote control device for allowing the electronic candle to be remotely turned on or off when a user inserts into the candle or into the remote control Control devices blow. In addition, the imitation candle can be turned on or off by a simple user action, such as touching the imitation candle device.

Description

Related applications

This patent document claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 25, filed on Apr. 25, 2016. CN201610261921.2 , The entire content of the aforementioned patent application is hereby incorporated by reference into the present patent document.

Field of the invention

The subject matter of the present patent document relates to candle devices which use a faux flame, and in particular features which control the operation of imitation candle devices.

background

Conventional genuine flame candles, when lit, provide a pleasant atmosphere in many homes, hotels, churches, business premises, and the like. Conventional candles, however, present a number of risks, including fire risk, surface damage due to hot wax, and possible emission of soot. Flameless candles have become increasingly popular alternatives to traditional candles. Without an open flame or hot melting wax, flameless candles provide a long-lasting, safe and clean alternative. Such imitation candle devices often include light sources, such as LEDs, as well as electronic circuits that control the operation of the imitation candle device.

Summary of Certain Embodiments

The disclosed embodiments relate to apparatus and methods for facilitating operations and the use of electronic candle devices. The disclosed features enable a remote electronic candle device to be turned on or off by a simple user action, such as touching the fake candlestick device or blowing on the faux candlestick or associated remote control device.

An exemplary aspect of the disclosed embodiments relates to a faux plating device including: a body, a flame element protruding from the top of the body, one or more light sources positioned to illuminate the flame element to produce the appearance of a true flame of fire, a sensor positioned within the body for detecting a breath of air directed at the imitation candle device and an electronic circuit positioned within the body for receiving electrical signals generated by the sensor and to modify an output light of the one or more light sources in response to detection of the breath.

Another exemplary aspect of the disclosed embodiments relates to a faux plating system including a faux plating device and a portable electronic device wirelessly coupled to the imitation candle device. The imitation candle device in such a system includes a body, a flame element protruding from the top of the body, one or more light sources positioned to illuminate the flame element to produce the appearance of a true flame of fire, and an electronic circuit within the body is positioned to control at least one output of the one or more light sources, the electronic circuit including a wireless receiver for receiving wireless signals. The portable electronic device of this system includes a display, a wireless transceiver, a processor, and a memory containing processor executable code. The processor executable code, when executed by the processor, configures the portable electronic device to present a graphical user interface to the display. The graphical user interface includes buttons or fields that enable activation of a blowout feature of the imitation candle device on the electronic device and one or more of the following operations of the imitation candle device: a power on or power off operation, a selection of a particular imitation candle device, a selection a timing feature, setting a timing value, selecting a luminous intensity level, adjusting a luminous intensity level, selecting a movement of the flame element, adjusting a movement amount of the flame element, or selecting a group of fancy candlestick devices.

Brief description of the drawing

1 shows an exemplary fancy candlestick apparatus with an associated remote control device.

2 (A) shows certain components including an artificial flame element support mechanism of an exemplary imitation candle device.

2 B) shows certain components incorporating a touch-sensitive structure of an exemplary imitation candle device.

2 (C) shows a side view of 2 B) containing certain inner candle components.

3 shows components of an exemplary imitation candle device in more detail.

4 (A) FIG. 12 is an illustration of an exemplary remote control device for a faux-tin device. FIG.

4 (B) shows components of the remote control device of 4 (A) ,

4 (C) shows an exemplary arrangement of a microphone hole on the remote control device.

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

5 (A) FIG. 10 is a sequence of exemplary user interface screens associated with an application for controlling the operations of a faux candlestick device.

5 (B) FIG. 13 is a sequence of exemplary user interface screens for setting a timing and controlling lighting characteristics of a faux candlestick device.

5 (C) FIG. 10 is a sequence of exemplary user interface screens for controlling the operations of a group of faux candlelight devices.

5 (D) FIG. 13 is an exemplary user interface screen associated with a blow-out feature of the imitation candle device. FIG.

6 Figure 10 is a block diagram of electronic components of a device that may be used to accommodate some of the disclosed embodiments.

Detailed description of certain embodiments

In the present patent specification, the word "exemplary" is used to refer to something that serves as an example, case or illustration. Any embodiment or configuration described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be considered preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or embodiments. Instead, the use of the word "exemplary" should present concepts in a concrete way.

Imitation candle devices can simulate a real candle with a flame that resembles a lifelike flame with flickering effects using optical, mechanical and electrical components. The disclosed embodiments provide further features and functionalities that enhance the operation of these devices, and in some cases additional features that can not be obtained with real candles.

1 shows an exemplary imitation candle device 102 with an associated remote control device 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. The flame element 104 stands up from the body of the faux candlestick device 102 before, the top section 108 of the body is made to resemble molten candle wax to the similarity of the candle device 102 to highlight with a real candle. The remote control device 106 is configured to work with the faux candlestick device 102 to exchange over a wireless channel. The remote control device 106 For example, it may include an infrared transmitter to provide various commands and signals to an infrared receiver of the imitation candle device 102 provide. In some embodiments, other wireless communication protocols and techniques, such as Bluetooth, cell-based, WiFi, etc., may be used. In certain applications, the communication channel that enables remote control of the fake candlestick device may include a wireless communication channel.

2 (A) . 2 B) and 2 (C) show some of the components of an exemplary imitation candle device including: a socket 214 , which receives the inner candle components, and a flame element 202 , from the top of the text 214 protrudes. The flame element 202 includes a hole 208 that allows for a support structure 206 goes through the hole to the flame element 202 hang. The ends of the support structure 206 are inside slots 216 secured at the top of the socket 214 are formed. As in the exemplary diagram of 2 (A) is shown is the support structure 206 bent at both ends to allow them to enter the inside of the slots 216 fits, with a slightly downward bend at the location of the hole 208 is available. The upper portion of the socket includes a notch to a plate 210 in shape of a wreath (annulus). Note that in other implementations the disk 210 may also include other shapes, such as rectangular or triangular shapes, wherein an embodiment may also be such that the flame element 202 not completely surrounded and / or designed smaller or larger. As will be described in more detail below, the garland not only acts as a decorative element to hide the inner candle components from a direct view, and secures the ends of the support structure 216 , but also allows a touch-sensitive operation of the candle.

A light source 212 , such as an LED, may be within the socket 214 be placed as in 2 (C) is shown. The light source 212 For example, light of a suitable color and / or thickness may be added to the flame element 202 project. In some implementations, more than one light source 212 used to the flame element 202 from one side and / or from both sides to illuminate. In some embodiments, the light source 212 an incandescent light source, a plasma light source, or a laser light source, or may include other suitable light-generating mechanisms.

3 shows additional details of the components of an exemplary imitation candle device that is a flame element 302 that involves a steel wire support structure 306 is suspended. The lower section of the flame element 302 under the steel wire support structure 306 can be a magnetic element 320 which interacts with a magnetic field from a coil 316 is produced. The sink 316 can be energized by control signals generated by electronic circuits, for example, on a PCB board 318 are located. In some implementations, the electronic circuits may generate pulses that cause the solenoid to be turned on and off to vary the strength of the generated magnetic field or to reverse the polarity at particular times. In one example, the signal is the coil 306 energized, a pulse width modulated signal. In other examples, the signal is an amplitude modulated, phase modulated, or frequency modulated signal for the coil 306 , As a result of interactions of the magnetic element 320 with the magnetic field of the coil 306 can the flame element 302 oscillate and produce a flickering effect when illuminated with light from one or more of the light sources 314 is produced. The imitation candle device may further include a wireless receiver component that receives and decodes wireless signals transmitted thereto. For example, some components of such a wireless receiver may be on the PCB board 318 and may be based on one or more wireless technologies and protocols, such as infrared technology, Bluetooth, or cell-based protocols.

3 also shows a ring 304 , the top of the faux candles housing around the flame element 302 is positioned around and around it. In some embodiments, the ring is used 304 as a decorative piece to hide the inner components of the imitation candle device and / or similar to molten wax. In this regard, the ring can 304 have a certain color and / or reflectivity to produce the desired optical effect when viewed under ambient lighting or under the scattered and / or reflected illumination of the candlelight source 314 to create. In some embodiments, the ring works 304 as a touch-sensitive on-off switch. In particular, the ring 304 made of a conductive material having a capacitive element in electrical connection with one or more components on the PCB board 318 forms. Is there contact with a user's finger or is the finger in close proximity to the ring 304 , a capacitive contact is formed and closes the circuit. The touch-sensitive mechanism may be used for stepwise switching on or off the candle or controlling other functions of the imitation candle. Each touch, for example, the strength of the light source 314 increase or decrease, change the color of the light, or change the operating mode (for example, from flickering to constant intensity). In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive element (formed as a ring or other shapes) includes two segments that are preferably positioned on two different sides of the flame element on the top surface of the imitation candle device. In such embodiments, the two-piece touch-sensitive element is configured to operate as a switch (eg, by passing a current) only when both segments of the touch-sensitive element are touched. For example, a user may touch with his thumb a segment of the touch-sensitive element positioned proximate to the flame element or on one side thereof, and the other segment of the touch-sensitive element proximate the flame element and on an opposite side thereof is positioned with its forefinger to activate the switch and turn off the faux candlestick device. As such, the multisegmental touch element can be used to simulate it so It looks like the user would erase the candle flame using his fingers.

The faux candlestick device of 3 also includes a microphone 310 inside the faux candlestick device from a microphone support element 308 is held. The microphone 310 converts acoustic signals into electrical signals that are used for an electronic component on the PCB board 318 to be provided. The microphone 310 is positioned closer to the top surface of the imitation candle device to detect sound waves entering the interior of the imitation candle device. For example, the top section of the imitation candle device may have an opening (the same opening that allows light from the light source 314 the flame element 302 achieved) that allows the microphone to detect acoustic waves entering the interior of the faux candlestick device. In this way, when a user turns in the direction of the faux flame element 302 blowing, blowing or blowing (blow) from the microphone 310 detected, and the appropriate signals are generated to turn off the imitation candle device.

The electrical signals coming from the microphone 310 can be generated from the components of the PCB board 318 are processed. The PCB plate 318 For example, it may include filters, analog-to-digital circuits, and / or a processor or controller (eg, a microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), FPGA, ASIC, etc.) which receive signals representing the detected sound waves. The processor may execute program code stored on a nonvolatile storage medium, such as a ROM, RAM, or other memory device, to analyze the signals corresponding to the sound waves and to determine that a breath has been present , Upon detection of a breath, a corresponding signal can be generated to the light source 314 and / or turn off the entire faux candlestick device. The program code executed by the processor may include an algorithm that distinguishes between detected puffing sounds and other sounds, such as a clapping or a human conversation.

In some embodiments, the puff detection circuit may be other than components of the PCB board 318 be implemented separate component. For example, the touch detection may be implemented using analog or digital circuitry. In some embodiments, in order to facilitate the touch detection, the microphone is 310 coupled to an amplifier for generating an AC signal above a predetermined threshold voltage value (of, for example, 200 mV) or within a certain range of values (of, for example, 200 mV to 3.5 V). While the noise pressure / noise level due to a breath provides voltage levels above such threshold (or within a predetermined range of values), other sounds, such as a gossip detected by the microphone, may only produce an AC signal below the threshold (e.g. to 100 mV) or outside the predetermined value range corresponding to the detection of the breath. The resulting signal of the amplifier may also be coupled to a second, higher gain (e.g., 100 to 300) phase amplifier. In some implementations, the second phase amplifier is a capacitive coupling transistor amplifier that forms a square wave provided to the processor to shut down the candlestick device. If the detected sound wave generates a signal below the threshold, such a signal does not deactivate the second phase amplifier (for example, the transistor amplifier), and therefore the appropriate signal for shutting down the candlestick is not generated. Note that in the foregoing description, voltage values are given as examples to facilitate understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood, however, that other measurements, such as measured current values, for identifying the breath and / or other ranges of values to effect identification may also be used.

It should be noted that the above description has been made with reference to an imitation candle device with a moving flame element. It should be understood, however, that the use of a microphone for puff detection may be implemented in other faux plume designs, such as those using a non-magnetic means for moving the flame element, in candle devices having a stationary flame element, or any other fake candlestick device can record a microphone and associated circuitry. In addition, in some applications, the disclosed technology may also be used as part of a faux-fireplace or faux-pumice, faux-lampshade, or faux-whisperer, or other filament. In addition, in some implementations, a device other than a microphone, such as a flow sensor, may be used to detect the breath.

As in connection with 1 may have been disclosed Imitation candle devices may be equipped with a remote control device that allows remote control of various candle functions. An exemplary remote control device 400 is in 4 (A) shown. Various buttons on the remote control device 400 allow a user to remotely control various features of one or more associated imitation candle devices. In particular, allows an on-off button 402 in that the imitation candle device is remotely turned on or off. The brightness / degree of dimming of the candle device is controlled by two switches 404 (a) and 404 (b) controlled or regulated under the on-off button 402 are positioned, with the speed of flickering and / or the movement of the flame element of the candle via switch 406 (a) and 406 (b) be controlled or regulated. The remote control device 400 also includes one or more timing buttons 408 (For example, four-phase timing keys) that allow the imitation candle device to operate for one of several timing periods (for example, a period of 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, or 10 hours) prior to an automatic shutdown of the candlestick device. For example, to activate the timing mode, a user may press the central timing button followed by the button for the desired amount of time. The remote control device 400 may also include additional buttons (eg, a candle select button, a touch on-off enable button, a wireless link, etc.) to facilitate additional operations and communications with one or more fancy candle devices.

4 (B) FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the components of the exemplary remote control device of FIG 4 (A) , A top cover 401 includes openings that receive various keys, such as a power button 403 , a circular button 405 with square (quad) activation sections and one or more timing buttons 407 , A flexible layer 409 (such as a silicon layer) with proper rigidity is under the buttons on a PCB board 411 positioned, which includes an electronic circuit. The remote control device also includes a negative side spring 413 and a positive side spring 415 as well as screws 417 , A microphone 419 is on a microphone plate 429 placed to detect noises and generate electrical signals therefrom. The remote control device may also have a side cover 421 include (for example, through a hole in the side cover 421 ) allows an infrared receiver and / or transmitter to communicate with another device. A weight 423 may also be added as needed to help obtain a desired weight and / or balance for the remote control device. The lower cover 425 includes a battery compartment, one or more batteries and the corresponding battery cover 427 receives.

How out 4 (B) As can be seen, the remote control device includes a microphone 419 and the corresponding circuit board 429 that are used to capture and identify a breath. 4 (C) shows an exemplary location of a microphone hole on the top cover of the remote control device. Similar to the above description in the context of the imitation candle device, in some embodiments, a user may blow on the remote control device in the vicinity of the microphone hole to control functionality of the imitation candle device, such as turning off the candle.

4 (D) shows an exemplary circuit diagram associated with the electrical components of the remote control device. The circuit is operated (at VDD) using a battery, such as a CR2032 lithium button battery, which supplies a voltage in a range of 2.2 to 3.2 V to the chip U1. In some implementations, chip U1 includes a microprocessor. It should be understood, however, that the chip U1 may also include or may be configured as an FPGA, an ASIC, a DSP, or discrete circuit components. The chip U1 controls various operations of the remote control device, such as detecting that a switch (eg, one of the switches S1 to S10) has been pressed. The chip U1 includes an IRout pin that controls an infrared LED to transmit an infrared signal to another device. The electric current from the battery is filtered by capacitors C1 and C2 and provided to the IR LED. A microphone (MIC1) is connected to a two-phase electronic circuit, namely transistors Q1 and Q2 and associated bias and amplification components (eg, resistors R2 to R5). In some embodiments, the chip U1 remains in an idle mode when there is a "high" voltage on an input pin that corresponds to some functionality, such as on-off functionality, timing functionality, brightness enhancement functionality, brightness reduction functionality, flame movement interrupting / slowing / lingering functionality, a flame movement fluctuating / accelerating / starting functionality; a touch detection functionality and the like. In such embodiments, chip U1 waits until a low signal occurs. For example, if a whiff is directed to the microphone hole of the remote control device, a sound wave having a certain strength or sound pressure is generated at the head of the microphone. In one exemplary embodiment, such a whiff generates an AC signal of about 200 mV or more, which is subsequently amplified by 100 to 300 times to form square waves that reduce the corresponding input of the chip U1 to a low level for a certain period of time Set voltage value. As a result, the infrared transmitter is activated and a signal is transmitted to the candle device to turn off the candle. Implementing the puff detection circuit as a separate subsystem of the remote control system (as in the exemplary diagram of FIG 4 (D) implemented) allows the puff detection capability to be added to an existing remote control device without having to redesign the internal circuitry or the programming of the chip U1. In addition, the implementation of the breath detection subsystem in discrete components may allow a higher speed of detection since additional delays due to processing by the chip U1 are avoided. In addition, as already noted, the disclosed embodiments prevent inadvertent activation of this feature due to background noise and unwanted noise. In some embodiments, the instructions of the breath detection circuit and / or the associated detection software may be used to cause flickering of the simulated flame. For example, if the strength of the detected breath is below a certain threshold (eg, a certain voltage value), the breath may not be identified as strong enough to quench the simulated flame. As such, the detection of such a breath may cause the intensity and pattern of the lighting of the flame element to change to simulate a real candle flickering in the wind.

From all of this, it will be appreciated that in one aspect of the disclosed technology, a faux plating device is provided that includes: a body, a flame element protruding from the top of the body, one or more light sources positioned to illuminate the flame element To produce the appearance of a true flame of fire, a sensor positioned within the body to detect a breath of air directed at the faux candlestick device and an electronic circuit positioned within the body for transmitting electrical signals from the sensor and to modify an output light of the one or more light sources in response to detection of the breath. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor is a microphone that generates the electrical signals in response to detection of an acoustic wave. In another exemplary embodiment, the sensor is an airflow sensor that generates the electrical signals in response to detection of airflow in the vicinity of the airflow sensor. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the imitation candle device includes an opening at an upper section of the body in the vicinity of the flame element to receive the breeze and to direct at least a portion of the breath into the interior of the body.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the electronic circuit is configured to distinguish the received electrical signals associated with the breeze from the received electrical signals that are not associated with the breeze. The received electrical signals that are not associated with the breeze may include, for example, electrical signals associated with ambient noise, clapping, or human speech. In another exemplary embodiment, the electronic circuit includes a first phase detection circuit coupled to the sensor for receiving the electrical signals generated by the sensor and a second phase detection circuit having an input associated with an output of the sensor first phase detection circuit is coupled. The second phase detection circuit has an output indicative of the detection of the breath in response to the receipt of a voltage or current value within a predetermined range from the first phase detection circuit. For example, the first phase detection circuit generates an output in the predetermined range upon detection of the electrical signals corresponding to the whiff and an output that is outside the predetermined range upon detection of the electrical signals that do not correspond to the whiff.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the electronic circuit turns off one or more of the light sources in response to detection of the breath. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the electronic circuit turns off the imitation candle device in response to a detection of the breath. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit is configured to turn off the imitation candle device in response to a detection of the breath for a predetermined period of time. Again, another embodiment The imitation candle device further includes a touch-sensitive component positioned at or near an outer surface of the body to detect a touch and generate an electrical signal in response to the detected touch, including the imitation candle device or the one or more light sources - or off. According to another exemplary embodiment, the touch-sensitive component is formed as a rim surrounding the flame element.

In some exemplary embodiments, the imitation candle device further includes a remote control device configured to transmit a signal to the electronic circuits to control one or more operations of the imitation candle device. In an exemplary embodiment, the remote control device includes an electronic circuit board and a microphone coupled to the electronic circuit board. The microphone is positioned to detect noise through an opening on the remote control device to generate an electrical signal in response to the detected sounds and to provide the electrical signals to a component on the electronic circuit board. The component on the electronic circuit board may include, for example, a two-phase detection circuit having an output indicative of the detection of a puff of air in response to detection of a voltage or current value 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 receiver device within the body of the imitation candle device upon detection of the output indicative of the detection of a breeze. The wireless transmission device may include, for example, one or more of an infrared transmission device, a Bluetooth transmission device, or a cell-based transmission device.

In some embodiments, the remote control functionality and features are implemented as an application or app on an electronic device, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, or similar devices. Such an application allows various features to be implemented in a user friendly manner on a graphical user interface (GUI), and further facilitates the addition of new features and / or improvements via software updates. 5 (A) to 5 (D) represent exemplary user interface screens of an exemplary application. As in FIG 5 (A) For example, if the application is unable to connect to one or more candles, the application may determine if a particular imitation candle device is within the communication area and provide an indication. Such a connection can be made for example via Bluetooth. The application also allows a user to select a particular candle device from a plurality of candle devices that are included in the selection of 5 (A) is shown as a matrix candle. As further in 5 (A) As shown, once a particular candle device is selected, the user interface allows the selected candle to be turned on or off by selecting the on-off button and activating the button as needed.

5 (B) shows the activation of additional functionality by the user interface. In particular, the exemplary user interface screen of FIG 5 (B) the timing selection option setting a start time, an end time, and a repetition period. The timing adjustment may also be adapted to user needs in order to activate the desired feature on certain days of the week (for example, by clicking on the particular day (s) in question at the user interface or by marking it). The remote application also allows the selection of a suitable candlelight intensity, for example by clicking on one of the segments on the illustrated light wheel. Such selection allows the intensity of light to be adjusted to accommodate, for example, different moods and / or different ambient lighting conditions. The movement of the flame element can also be controlled via the remote application, for example, by selecting the amount of flicker on a slider, which ranges in appearance from complete flickering to a static flame. Additional control features (eg, via a second slider) may also be provided to control the flicker speed. Upon selection of an appropriate level of light intensity and / or flame movement, appropriate control signals are generated at the remote control device and transmitted to the fake candlestick device. Upon receiving such control signals, the fake candlestick device adjusts or enables / disables the selected features.

5 (C) shows additional exemplary operations and choices of remote control application. For example, selecting an item in the main menu (for example, Back, Blow Out, Messages, Profile, About, and Privacy) allows the user to navigate through the corresponding menu item. One feature of the disclosed remote application enables the selection of a group of candle devices. Such a group may be formed, for example, by selecting individual candle devices as part of the group or assigning a group name (for example, by typing in a desired group name). Once a group is formed, different functionality of the candle devices within the group can be activated and / or adjusted. As in 5 (C) For example, a group timing selection, group timing, a group illuminance selection and a group flame selection can be made in a similar manner as described in the context of a single candlestick device. Additionally, if desired, a single disconnect button on the user interface may terminate communications with all devices within the group or groups.

The blow-on-off functionality can also be activated via the user interface by selecting the blow-out object in the main menu (see 5 (C) ). Once the blower functionality on the remote device is activated, the application may provide a message to the user (see 5 (D) ) that the candle device can be turned off by blowing into the microphone of the electronic device (for example, a mobile device). The candle application receives the signals generated by the microphone of the device and, upon detection of the blow, generates a suitable signal for transmission to the candle device. The candle device turns off the candle upon receipt of the signal from the remote control device. In some implementations, the puffing is detected by processing the strength and / or pattern of data received from the microphone to distinguish and prevent ambient noise or unwanted noise from the inadvertent generation of a blowout signal , Such processing may include, for example, correlation and pattern recognition operations that only generate a hit when a pattern and / or a magnitude of bubble puffing are detected. In some implementations, the detection of the bubble is also made by interaction between the remote control device and the faux candlestick device.

In some embodiments, a plurality of imitation candle devices (made, for example, by the same manufacturer) may be actuated by a single remote control device (e.g., a dedicated remote control device, such as that shown in FIG 4 (A) to 4 (C) or a remote control implemented on an electronic device). The function keys or choices on the remote control device allow a user to control, individually or as a group, various features of the faux candlestick device (such as brightness to dimming level, fast to slow flame movement, various clocking hours) for each of the fancy candlestick devices. Such selectivity greatly enhances a user's interactions with the multiple devices and allows any user-specific adjustment of the desired candlestick functions for candles that are in different locations and environmental conditions to become possible. In one example, the remote control device is IR-based and can operate at multiple frequencies. In such embodiments, the remote control device is configured to distinguish the remote control operating frequencies from other fancy candle products and devices and, once received, to remotely control the functionalities of those devices. The remote control device may attempt a communication with an unknown fancy candlestick device at various operating frequencies in a trial-and-error manner until the unknown fancy candlestick device responds (eg, is turned off). In an exemplary implementation, an infrared remote controlled candle operates at a frequency of 32 kHz. In another example, the candle may remotely accept and receive a plurality of codes (eg, from 1 to N) to identify particular candles (for example, input by a user). In addition, in some embodiments, a user may have a specific identifier that identifies a specific user.

6 shows a block diagram of a device 600 in which some of the disclosed embodiments are implemented. The device 600 includes at least one processor 602 and / or a controller, at least one memory unit 604 that is in communication with the processor 602 is, and at least one communication unit 606 , the an exchange of data and information, be it directly or indirectly, through the communication link 608 with other entities, devices and networks. The communication unit 606 may provide wire binding and / or wireless communication capabilities in accordance with one or more communication protocols, and therefore may include suitable transceivers, circuits and ports, as well as encoding / decoding capabilities appropriate for appropriate transmission and / or reception Data and other information may be necessary.

The device 600 For example, it can simplify the implementation of a faux candle system. Such a system includes an imitation candle device and a portable electronic device that is wirelessly coupled to the imitation candle device. The imitation candle device includes a body, a flame element protruding from the top of the body, one or more light sources positioned to illuminate the flame element to create the appearance of a true flame of fire, and at least one electronic circuit for controlling an output of the one or more light sources. The electronic circuit also includes a wireless receiver for receiving wireless signals. The portable electronic device includes a display, a wireless transceiver, a processor, and a memory containing processor executable code. The processor executable code, when executed by the processor, configures the portable electronic device to present a graphical user interface to the display. The graphical user interface includes buttons or fields that enable activation of a blowout feature of the imitation candle device by blowing on the handheld electronic device and activation of one or more of the following fancy device device operations: a power on or power off operation , a selection of a particular imitation candle device, a selection of a timing feature, a timing value adjustment, a light intensity level selection, a light level adjustment, a selection of a movement of the flame element, a setting of a movement amount of the flame element or a selection of a group of fancy candlestick devices.

In an exemplary embodiment, the portable electronic device further includes a microphone. In this embodiment, the processor executable code, when executed by the processor, configures the handheld electronic device to detect, upon activation of the blow feature on the electronic device, a strength or pattern of electrical signals generated by the microphone corresponding to a breath of air and the wireless transceiver the electronic device to transmit a signal to the fancy candlestick device to allow the fake candlestick device to be turned off. In some example embodiments, the processor executable code, when executed by the processor, configures the wireless transceiver to transmit a signal to the particular fake candlestick device upon selection of the particular fake candlestick device to establish a wireless connection with the wireless imitation candlestick device. In some embodiments, the wireless transceiver may be configured to operate in accordance with a Bluetooth or cell-based wireless communication protocol.

In some embodiments, the system described above includes one or more additional imitation candle devices. In some embodiments, the processor executable code, when executed by the processor, configures the handheld electronic device to transmit command signals upon selection of a group that includes more than one fancy candlestick device to perform identical operations on all of the fancy candlelight devices in the group. The command signals may include one or more of an indication to change the intensity levels, an indication to change the amount of movement of flame elements, an indication to change set timing values, an indication to turn off all fancy candlestick devices, or an indication to disconnect all fancy candlestick devices.

In an exemplary embodiment, the portable electronic device is one of a smartphone, a tablet device, or a laptop computer. In another exemplary embodiment, the imitation candle device further includes a magnetic drive and a magnetic element coupled to a lower section of the flame element for interaction with the magnetic drive to effect 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 transmit a signal to the fake candlestick device upon selection of movement of the flame element and adjustment of movement to a certain extent to change the amount of movement of the imager To cause flame element.

Some of the embodiments described herein have been described in the general context of methods and processes implemented in one embodiment by a computer program product embodied on a computer readable medium, including computer-executable instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in networked environments , A computer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storage media including, but not limited to, a read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact disks (CDs), digital versatile disks (DVD), etc. Therefore, the computer-readable media include non-volatile storage media. In general, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform certain tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer or processor executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules provide examples of program code for performing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures provides examples of corresponding approaches to implementing the functions described in the steps or processes ,

Some of the disclosed embodiments may be implemented as devices or modules that utilize hardware circuitry, software, or combinations thereof. For example, a hardware circuit implementation may include discrete analog and / or digital components integrated as part of a printed circuit board, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the disclosed components or modules may be implemented as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) device) and / or as an FPGA device (Field Programmable Gate Array). Some implementations may additionally or alternatively include a digital signal processor (DSP), which is a specialized microprocessor with an architecture optimized for the operational needs of digital signal processing in the context of the disclosed functionalities of this application. Similarly, the various components or subcomponents within each module may be implemented in software, hardware, or firmware. The connectivity between the modules and / or components within the modules may be provided using any of the connectivity methods and media known in the art, including inter alia communication over the Internet, wired or wireless networks using the appropriate protocols ,

The foregoing description of embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise embodiments disclosed, so modifications and changes may or may not be possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments discussed herein have been chosen and described to illustrate the principles and nature of the various embodiments and their practical application in order to enable one skilled in the art to embody the present invention in various embodiments and various modifications suitable for a particular intended use to use. The features of the embodiments described herein may be combined in all possible combinations of methods, devices, modules, systems, and computer program products.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• CN 201610261921 [0001]

Claims (29)

A faux candlestick apparatus comprising: a body; a flame element protruding from the top of the body; one or more light sources positioned to illuminate the flame element to produce the appearance of a true flame of fire; a sensor positioned within the body for detecting a breeze directed toward the faux candlestick apparatus; and an electronic circuit positioned within the body for receiving electrical signals generated by the sensor and for modifying an output light of the one or more light sources in response to detection of the breath. The imitation candling device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a microphone that generates the electrical signals in response to detection of an acoustic wave. The fancy candlestick apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is an airflow sensor that generates the electrical signals in response to detection of flowing air in the vicinity of the airflow sensor. A faux pleated candle device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an opening at an upper section of the body in the vicinity of the flame element for receiving the breeze and directing at least a portion of the breath into the interior of the body. A fake candlestick according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to distinguish the received electrical signals associated with the breeze from the received electrical signals that are not associated with the breeze. A fancy candlestick apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the received electrical signals other than the breeze include electrical signals related to ambient noise, clapping or human speech. A faux candlestick apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic circuit includes: a first phase detection circuit coupled to the sensor for receiving the electrical signals generated by the sensor; and a second phase detection circuit having an input coupled to an output of the first phase detection circuit, the second phase detection circuit having an output that detects the breath in response to receiving a voltage or current value within a predetermined range from the first phase detection circuit indicates. The fancy candlelight device according to claim 7, wherein the first phase detection circuit is configured to generate an output in the predetermined range upon detection of the electrical signals corresponding to the breath, and an output that is outside the predetermined range upon detection of the electrical signals do not correspond to the hint to produce. A faux pleated candle device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to turn off one or more of the light sources in response to detection of the breath. A faux candlestick apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to turn off the faux plating device in response to a detection of the whiff. A fancy candlestick apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to turn off the fake candlestick device for a predetermined period of time in response to a detection of the breath. A faux pleated candle device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a touch-sensitive component positioned at or near an outer surface of the body for detecting a touch and generating an electrical signal in response to the detected touch, comprising the imitation candle device or the switch one or more light sources on or off, An imitation candle device according to claim 12, wherein the touch-sensitive component is formed as a rim surrounding the flame element. A faux candlestick apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a remote control device configured to transmit a signal to the electronic circuits to control one or more operations of the fake candlestick apparatus. A faux candlestick apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the remote control device comprises an electronic circuit board and a microphone connected to the electronic circuit board, wherein the microphone is positioned to detect noise through an opening on the remote control device to generate an electrical signal in response to the detected sounds and the electrical signals for a component on the electronic circuit board To provide printed circuit board. The fancy candlestick apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the component on the electronic circuit board includes a two-phase detection circuit having an output indicative of the detection of a breeze in response to detection of a voltage or current value within a predetermined range. A fancy candling device according to claim 16, wherein: the remote control device comprises a wireless transmission device that is activated to generate a signal for transmission to a receiver device within the body of the fancy candlestick device upon detection of the output indicative of the detection of a breeze. The fake candlestick apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the wireless transmission device includes one or more of an infrared communication device, a Bluetooth transmission device, or a cell-based communication device. Imitation candle system comprising: an imitation candle device comprising: a body; a flame element protruding from the top of the body; one or more light sources positioned to illuminate the flame element to produce the appearance of a true flame of fire; and an electronic circuit for controlling at least one output of the one or more light sources, the electronic circuit including a wireless receiver for receiving wireless signals; a portable electronic device that is wirelessly coupled to the imitation candle device and includes: an ad; a wireless transmitter / receiver; a processor; and a memory that includes processor executable code, the processor executable code, when executed by the processor, configuring the portable electronic device to present a graphical user interface to the display, wherein the graphical user display includes buttons or fields that indicate activation of a blowout feature of the imitation candle device of the electronic device and activation of one or more of the subsequent operations of the imitation candle device: a power-on or power-off operation; a selection of a particular faux candlestick device; a selection of a timing feature; a setting of a timing value; a selection of a light intensity level; an adjustment of a light intensity level; a selection of a movement of the flame element; adjusting a movement amount of the flame element; or a selection of a group of faux candlelight devices. The faux plating system of claim 19, wherein the portable electronic device further includes a microphone, and the processor executable code, when executed by the processor, configures the portable electronic device to activate the blowout feature on the electronic device detect a strength or pattern of electrical signals generated by the microphone corresponding to a breeze; to activate the wireless transmitter / receiver of the electronic device to transmit a signal enabling the fake candlestick device to be turned off to the fancy candlestick device. The faux plating system of claim 19 or 20, wherein the processor executable code, when executed by the processor, configures the wireless transceiver to transmit a signal to the particular fake candlestick device upon selection of the particular fake candlestick device to establish a wireless connection with the particular fake candlestick device. The fake candlestick system of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to operate in accordance with a Bluetooth or cell-based wireless protocol. The faux plating system of any one of claims 19 to 22, including one or more additional fake candlelight devices, wherein the processor executable code, when executed by the processor, configures the handheld electronic device to transmit identical command signals upon selection of a group comprising more than one fancy candlestick device To perform operations on all of the faux candles in the group. The faux plume system of claim 23, wherein the command signals include one or more of: an indication to change levels of intensity; an indication for changing a movement amount of flame elements; an indication for changing set timing values; an indication to turn off all the imitation candle devices; or an indication of the disconnection of all the fancy candlestick devices. The faux plating system according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the portable electronic device is one of a smartphone, a tablet device or a laptop computer. The faux plating system of any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the faux plating device further includes a magnetic drive and a magnetic element in communication with a lower section of the flame element that cooperates with the magnetic drive to effect movement of the flame element. The faux plating system of any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein the processor executable code, when executed by the processor, configures the portable electronic device to transmit a signal to the fake candlestick device upon selection of movement of the flame element and setting movement to a certain extent to cause the amount of movement of the flame element. The faux plating system of any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein the imitation candle device further comprises a touch-sensitive component positioned at or near an outer surface of the body for detecting a touch and generating an electrical signal in response to the detected touch. which turns on or off the imitation candle device or the one or more light sources. A faux-imitation candle system according to claim 28, wherein the touch-sensitive component is formed as a rim which gives the flame element.

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