ES2327612T3 - METHODS AND APPLIANCES FOR LIGHTING LIQUIDS. - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for illumination of liquids in a variety of environments. In one example, multi-color LED-based light sources are employed to achieve a wide range of enhanced lighting effects in liquids. In another example, a pools or spa is illuminated by one or more multi-color light sources that may be employed as individually and independently controllable devices, or coupled together to form a networked lighting system to provide a variety of programmable and/or coordinated color illumination effects in the pool or spa environment.

Description

Methods and apparatus for lighting liquids

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, in general, to lighting and lighting control. More particularly, the The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for liquid lighting, including liquid lighting in environments such as swimming pools or spas.

Background

Conventional lighting for various space lighting applications (e.g. environments residential, office / workplace, outlets, commercial, industrial, leisure, sports, entertainment and outdoors) usually involves light sources coupled to a power source through operated mechanical switches manually. Some examples of conventional lighting include fluorescent, incandescent, sodium and halogen light sources. Incandescent light sources (for example, light bulbs tungsten filament) are found in most of the cases in residential environments, while light sources fluorescent (for example, gas discharge tubes controlled by ballast) are commonly used for large installations of lighting in office and workplace environments, due to the high performance (high intensity per unit of power consumed) from such sources. Sodium light sources are commonly used in outdoor environments (e.g. street lighting), and They are also recognized for their energy efficiency, while Halogen light sources can be found in environments residential and point of sale as more effective alternatives to Incandescent light sources.

Unlike the previous examples of lighting, light emitting diodes (LEDs) are generally semiconductor-based light sources frequently used in low power instrument and tool applications with indication purposes LEDs are conventionally available in a variety of colors (for example, red, green, yellow, blue, white), based on the types of materials used in your manufacturing. This variety of LED colors has been taken advantage of recently to create LED-based light sources that have sufficient light emission for new applications of space lighting.

For example, as discussed in the patent U.S. 6,016,038, U.S. Patent No. 6,150,774, U.S. Patent No. 6,166,496, the patent U.S. 6,211,626, and U.S. Patent No. 6,292,901, multiple LEDs of different colors can be combined in a luminaire, in which the intensity of the LEDs of each color different is controlled independently (for example, it varies) to produce a number of different tones. In an example of such an apparatus, red, green and blue LEDs are used in combination to produce literally hundreds of different tones from a single luminaire. Additionally, the intensities Relative red, green and blue LEDs can be controlled by computer, thus providing a programmable light source of multiple colors.

In addition, as discussed in the patents previously mentioned, multi-colored light sources based on individual computer controllable LEDs can adapt to engage each other to form a system of network lighting, in which each light source is addressable from independent way. In such a network, one or more programs lighting can be run to route so strategic lighting data to any one or more of the addressable LED-based multi-colored light sources independently, to generate a wide variety of effects of dynamic lighting.

WO99 / 3156 discloses methods of digitally controlled lighting for lighting systems LED.

Document DE29904988 U1 discloses that a power interruption causes a device to pass so cyclic through multiple lighting programs stored.

Document DE29706523 U1 discloses a lighting control device that detects a drive multiple of a main switch within a period of time predefined and executes a predefined control function for a lighting unit

Document DE29920603 U1 discloses a lighting effect for color illumination of objects or areas with changing colors, causing the color change of purely electronic way without mechanical components.

GB2155708 A discloses a device placed between a lamp and its lamp holder that controls the operation of the lamp, situation detection danger and safety.

EP1067826 A2 discloses a light dimmer unit to control the power supply to a lamp that is adapted for connection to a lampholder and provides a light emission on ramp during a cycle of brightness selection.

Document DE19948937 A1 discloses a device to control one or more installation units, in particular motion detectors or twilight switches, in which the operating mode and parameters of operation of the installation unit are configured using the transmission of a telegram by means of an interruption of the electrical power supply.

EP0053896 A1 discloses a dimming device in the form of an adapter for your Insertion between a luminaire and a bulb. The device of light dimming is controlled remotely by means of a conventional light switch

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention An apparatus according to claim 1 is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention is provided a method according to claim 21.

An embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus, comprising a pool or spa to contain a liquid, and at least one light source, supported by the pool or the spa, to illuminate the liquid, including the at least one Light source at least one LED.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus, comprising a pool or spa to contain a liquid, at least one housing supported by the pool or the spa, and at least two light sources controllable so independent, arranged in a single housing of the at least one housing, to illuminate the liquid.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus, comprising a pool or spa to contain a liquid, and at least one light source, supported by the pool or the spa, to illuminate the liquid, in which the at least one light source is adapted to generate radiation from different colors without requiring the use of a color filter.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus, comprising a pool or spa to contain a liquid, at least one light source supported by the pool or the spa to illuminate the liquid, and at least one controller microprocessor based, coupled to the at least one light source, to control the emission of radiation by the at least one source of light.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus, comprising a pool or spa to contain a liquid, at least one light source supported by the pool or the spa to illuminate the liquid, at least one controller coupled to the at least one light source to control the emission of radiation by the at least one light source, and at least one storage device, coupled to at least one controller, to store at least one lighting program, in which the al least one controller is adapted to run the at least one lighting program to control the emission of radiation by The at least one source of light.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus, comprising a pool or spa to contain a liquid, and a network lighting system coupled to the pool or the spa to illuminate the liquid, comprising the system network lighting a first controllable light source of independent way supported by the pool or spa, a first independently addressable controller coupled to the first independently controllable light source, at minus another independently controllable light source supported by the pool or spa, and at least one other controller independently addressable coupled to the at least one other light source controllable independently and at first independently addressable controller.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for illuminating a liquid, which comprises a stage of illuminate the liquid with radiation emission simultaneously by at least two LEDs of different colors.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method to illuminate a liquid in a pool or spa, comprising a stage of illuminating the liquid in the pool or the spa with radiation emission by at least one LED.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method to illuminate a liquid in a pool or spa, comprising a stage of illuminating the liquid with emission of radiation by at least two controllable light sources of independently arranged together in a housing coupled to the Pool or spa.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for illuminating a liquid, which comprises a stage of illuminate the liquid with radiation emission by at least one light source, in which the at least one light source is adapted to generate radiation of different colors without requiring The use of a color filter.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for illuminating a liquid, which comprises a stage of illuminate the liquid with radiation emission by at least one Microprocessor controlled light source.

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Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for illuminating a liquid, which comprises a stage of run at least one lighting program to control the radiation emission by at least one controlled light source by microprocessor that illuminates the liquid.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for illuminating a liquid, which comprises a stage of illuminate the liquid with radiation emission by at least two independently addressable coupled light sources each other to form a network lighting system.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the lighting a liquid in a pool or spa environment, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a example of a light source used for lighting in an environment pool or spa as shown in figure 1, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating another example of a light source used for lighting in an environment pool or spa as shown in figure 1, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a diagram of a system of network lighting for lighting in a pool environment or spa such as that shown in figure 1, according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4A is a diagram of a system of network lighting for lighting in a pool environment or spa as shown in figure 1, according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4B is a diagram of a table of true that shows an example of an addressing scheme for the light source controllers of figure 4A, according to a embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a example of a remote user interface used in an environment of pool or spa as shown in figure 1, according to a embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of a remote user interface used in an environment of pool or spa as shown in figure 1, according to a embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a example of a used remote user interface viewer in a pool or spa environment such as the one shown in the Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the use of a sensor to control a light source in a pool environment or spa as shown in figure 1, according to a embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the use of one or more sensors to control one or more light sources in a network lighting system for a pool or spa environment as shown in figure 1, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 is a diagram of a controller which facilitates the control of a light source based on one or more power interruptions, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a luminaire, which has a particular depth dimension, which can be mounted on a wall or in a niche of a pool or spa, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a luminaire for liquid lighting that is adapted for effectively dissipate heat to a liquid in contact with the luminaire, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating a luminaire that has an interface to engage mechanically and electrically with a pool or spa type lampholder conventional threading, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating a luminaire that has an interface to engage mechanically and electrically with a pool or spa lampholder multiple conventional pins, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating a luminaire that has an interface to engage mechanically and electrically with a conventional wedge type lampholder, mounted in a niche of a pool or spa, according to a embodiment of the invention;

Figure 16A is a diagram illustrating a example of an interface plug of the luminaire of Figure 15, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 16B is a diagram illustrating a example of an interface plug of the luminaire of Figure 15, according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 17 is a diagram of an apparatus for lighting a flowing liquid, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 18 is a diagram of an apparatus for lighting a flowing liquid, according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 19 is a diagram of an apparatus for lighting a flowing liquid, according to another embodiment of the invention; Y

Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating a stack or cuvette, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description

Applicants have recognized and appreciated that Multi-color LED-based light sources can be adapted to illuminate liquids in a variety of environments (for example, from entertainment, leisure, sports, therapeutic, utilitarian, etc.) to achieve a wide range of lighting effects improved For example, as discussed in several of the US patents and patent applications to which referenced above, light sources can be used based on multi-color LEDs to produce a variety of enhanced lighting effects in swimming pools or spas, as well as in other liquid environments. It should be appreciated that the various concepts, methods, devices and systems disclosed in any of the patents and patent applications to which referenced herein may apply to various embodiments of the present invention discussed more forward that are aimed at liquid lighting.

Before the introduction of light sources based on multi-color LEDs in pool environments or spa (as disclosed in patents U.S. number 6,016,038 and 6,166,496, for example), the pools and spas lit up in a conventional way using standard incandescent white light lamps, fluorescent or halogen. In some cases, the luminaries of pool or spa that include white light sources Conventionals are assembled with one or more color filters, in a attempt to add color to the light generated by the light sources Conventional white In particular, some pool lights or conventional spa include several mobile color filters To provide variable color light. In still other systems of Conventional pool or spa lighting, can be used optical fibers to distribute light around the edge of a pool or spa, in which one end of the optical fibers can be coupled to a conventional white light source that generates light through one or more color filters.

Unlike previous conventional systems to illuminate a pool or spa using conventional white light sources and color filters, applicants have recognized and appreciated that light sources other than conventional white light sources can be adapted and used particularly to provide radiation Multi-color for a variety of liquid lighting applications. Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention is generally directed to novel methods and apparatus for lighting
liquids

For example, in an embodiment of the invention, one or more LED-based light sources of multiple are used colors to provide enhanced color lighting effects in liquid environments. In one aspect, light sources based on Multi-color LED for liquid lighting they generally do not require the use of a color filter to produce color lighting effects. However, it has to it is appreciated that one or more filters can optionally be used color with LED-based light sources, as well as other types of light source, for lighting liquids according to various embodiments of the invention. Additionally, light sources Multi-color LED based can optionally be used together with a fiber optic light distribution system for various liquid lighting applications, according to a embodiment of the invention.

Examples of liquid environments that may illuminate according to various embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, swimming pools, spas, vats, buckets, batteries, bathtub, water tanks, fish tanks, aquariums, waterfalls and fountains. In one aspect of the invention, they can use one or more light sources to provide effects of Enhanced color lighting for essentially still liquids (for example, stationary) as well as fluids that flow, and can used similarly to illuminate ice, water vapor, rain, fog, fog, and the like, that occur naturally or caused by man (for example, produced by a machine). More generally, in various aspects of this invention, one or more light sources can be used to illuminate any of a variety of liquids that allow radiation generated by the light sources be transmitted or reflected at least partially.

An embodiment of the present invention is particularly aimed at illuminating a liquid in a pool or Spa. According to various aspects of this embodiment, they can use one or more multi-colored light sources in a Pool or spa environment. In one aspect, such light sources multiple colors can be controllable devices so individual and independent (that is, "autonomous") that generate each illumination of multiple colors in the contained liquid In the pool or spa. Alternatively, two or more sources multi-color light addressable independently and independently controllable can be coupled to each other to form a network lighting system, to provide a variety of programmable color lighting effects and / or coordinated in the pool or spa environment. Specifically, in one embodiment, two or more multi-colored light sources coupled to each other in a network lighting system can provide dynamic lighting effects of variable color in all sections or only in particular parts or sections of A pool or spa.

Additionally, according to one embodiment, one or more multi-colored light sources in a pool environment or spa can be controlled remotely to facilitate several liquid lighting applications. In one aspect of this realization, one or more multi-colored light sources in the Pool or spa environment can be controlled remotely through one or more remote user interfaces. In other appearance, one or more multi-colored light sources can remotely controlled based on one or more interruptions in the energy supplied to the light source (s). In yet another aspect, one or more light sources in the environment of Pool or spa can be controlled remotely based on information obtained from one or more sensors adapted to emit signals in response to one or more detectable conditions in the Pool or spa environment. In yet another aspect, one or more light sources in the pool or spa environment can be controlled remotely based on information obtained from a data network, such as the Internet, for example.

In another embodiment of the invention, one or more multi-colored light sources in the pool environment or spa can be particularly adapted to run one or more dynamic lighting programs of variable color. In one aspect of this embodiment, the selection of a lighting program particular dynamics from several programs of this type can indicated to the user through the radiation generated by the one or More light sources. In particular, in one aspect, the selection of a particular dynamic lighting program can be indicated temporarily modifying one or more variable parameters of the dynamic color variation program that affect the radiation generated by the light sources when the Program.

For example, a lighting program particular can be designed so that, when executed, the radiation emission from one or more light sources is varied to a certain speed determined for the transition between several Different colors succession. Lighting programs of this type they can generally be referred to as lighting programs variable color dynamics, and an example of a program of Lighting of this type is a "color wash" program. According to an embodiment of the invention, after the selection of a dynamic lighting program of particular variable color, a program color variation speed increases significantly with respect to the predetermined speed during a short period of time (for example, from 1 to 10 seconds) so that a user can recognize that the Program. Then the speed of color variation of the program automatically decreases to the default speed to which the program is intended to work.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to generate variable color radiation in a liquid medium to compensate for various effects of radiation dispersion and / or absorption Due to the liquid medium. In this regard, applicants have recognized and appreciated that many usual liquids, such as water, absorb and / or significantly disperses the red color, so that it is more difficult for an observer to detect a presence red in the liquid than in the air, for example. Additionally, applicants have recognized and appreciated that in some common pool or spa environments, in which the walls and / or bottoms of a pool or spa can be built with a bluish vinyl coating, the Red color can also be absorbed and / or dispersed so significant by vinyl coating.

In view of the above, an embodiment of the invention is directed to a method to generate "tones of liquid "to illuminate a liquid, so when a observer sees the liquid, the liquid tones approximate tones similar observed in non-liquid media (for example, air). Plus specifically, in one aspect of this embodiment, the tones of liquid that include radiation that has a red color in combination with one or more different colors are generated to approach a similar tone in a non-liquid medium increasing the amount of the red color included in the liquid fool, for compensate for the absorption and / or dispersion of the red color in the medium liquid.

As previously mentioned, one or more Dynamic color lighting programs can be run in a Pool or spa environment to perform a variety of effects of lighting. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to methods for dynamic color illumination of a liquid medium which take into account the various effects of absorption and dispersion also commented above. In particular, in one embodiment of the invention, the red color that appears by itself is omitted from a dynamic variable color lighting program, due to the absorption and / or significant dispersion of the red color by the liquid  illuminated, to avoid the appearance of a lapse or interruption (it is say, absence of lighting) in the lighting program. By example, according to one embodiment, in the lighting program of "color wash" commented above, the red color that appears by itself is omitted from the color wash program because,  with respect to other colors radiated in the liquid, an observer would see essentially a slight tone or none at all in the liquid if the red color radiates on its own inside the liquid. However, it should be appreciated that, in one aspect of this embodiment, the red radiation can be generated however in combination with radiation of one or more different colors to produce a variety of shades of liquid, as commented previously.

Still another embodiment of the invention is aimed at a multi-color LED-based light source that includes an interface adapted to engage mechanically and electrically with a pool or spa lampholder conventional. Some examples of a pool lamp holder or Conventional spas include, but are not limited to, a threaded lampholder commonly used for light bulbs incandescent type Edison, a fluorescent lampholder, various types of halogen lampholders, and the like.

For example, in one embodiment, a luminaire Multi-color LED-based includes an adapted interface to engage mechanically and electrically with a lamp holder wedge type that is usually found in many applications Pool and spa commercials. In one aspect of this embodiment, as in other embodiments, the luminaire can include a capsule in contact with one or more LEDs (and the set of electrical circuits associated with LEDs) to protect these components of the luminaire against moisture. In another aspect of this embodiment, the interface includes a plurality of pins shaped in a particular way, and that have dimensions particular, to facilitate the mechanical coupling of the luminaire with the wedge type lampholder. In yet another aspect, the interface can optionally include a rubber insulating washer for further facilitate the mechanical attachment of the luminaire with the Wedge type lampholder.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a surface mounted luminaire that has a dimension of significantly thin depth normal to a surface in the that the luminaire is mounted. For example, in one aspect of this embodiment, the luminaire has a depth dimension of less than 2.5 inches. In another aspect, the luminaire has a depth dimension of only 0.5 inches, and therefore is significantly thinner than conventional light sources normally used in pool or spa environments. In yet another aspect, such a "thin" luminaire can include a multi-color LED-based light source for generate variable color radiation. In yet another aspect, the luminaire can be adapted to be mounted on a part of a Inner surface of a pool or spa.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to methods and devices to facilitate heat dissipation generated from a light source in a liquid environment. In particular, a embodiment of the invention is directed to a luminaire for its Use in a liquid environment. In one aspect of this embodiment, the luminaire includes a housing adapted to be in contact with the less partially with a liquid. The housing is built to prevent one or more sources of light supported and enclosed in the It comes into contact with a liquid. The one or more sources of light and the luminaire housing are particularly adapted from so that the heat generated by the light sources is absorbed from Effective way by the liquid through the housing. For example, In one aspect of this embodiment, the luminaire includes a sheet insulator arranged between the light source and the housing to provide a thermoconductive path between the light source and the housing. In another aspect of this embodiment, the housing includes a back plate in contact with the insulating sheet, in the that the back plate provides an effective thermal coupling between the light source and the liquid in contact with the housing.

More descriptions are given below. details of various concepts related to, and realizations of, methods and apparatus according to the present invention for lighting of liquids It should be appreciated that various aspects of the invention, as discussed above and exposed more forward, they can be implemented in any of numerous ways since the invention is not limited in any particular way of implementation. Examples of implementations are provided specific for illustrative purposes only.

Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a pool or spa 20 containing a liquid 22 (for example, Water). According to an embodiment of the invention, the pool or spa 20 can be equipped with one or more light sources; for example the Figure 1 shows a number of sources 24A-24I of light, supported by the pool or spa 20, to illuminate the liquid 22. Although Figure 1 shows nine light sources distributed by the pool or spa 20, it should be appreciated that the illustration in figure 1 is for illustration purposes only, and that The invention is not limited as to the number or placement of light sources in the pool and spa environment.

In various aspects of the embodiment shown in figure 1, the pool or spa 20, as well as the own ones 24A-24I light sources, can have a variety of Different shapes and sizes. For example, although several are indicated of light sources (i.e. 24A, 24B, and 24E-24I) as having an essentially form circle in figure 1, two of the light sources (i.e. 24C and 24D) are indicated as having a rectangular shape. Figure 1 it also shows that, according to one aspect, the pool or spa 20 it can have one or more walls 26 and a bottom 28, and that each of 24A-24I light sources can be supported by the wall 26 or bottom 28. However, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited in this regard, because the pool or spa 20 need not have one or more discrete walls 26 and a 28 discreet background. Rather, in other embodiments, the structure of the pool or spa 20 that supports one or more of the fountains 24A-24I of light as well as liquid 22 may include an inner surface curved continuously, so that no there is an explicit delineation between one or more walls and a bottom of the pool or spa 20.

As indicated in figure 1, the pool or spa 20 may have an interval 30 of liquid levels typical of liquid 22 during use. Figure 1 further illustrates that, according to one embodiment, one or more of the sources 24A-24I light are arranged below the 30 range of typical liquid levels. In particular, the Figure 1 explicitly illustrates that at least the light source 24A is arranged below the range of liquid levels 30 typical. In various embodiments discussed below, one or more than 24A-24I light sources can be located in a "niche" or hole in the wall 26 or bottom 28 of the pool or spa (not explicitly shown in figure 1). In some embodiments, a niche in which a light source is arranged can be adapted to be waterproof, so that it is avoided that the light source comes into contact with the liquid 22 in the Pool or spa. In other embodiments, the niche may be merely a sunken deformation in wall 26 or bottom 28 of the pool or spa, and can be filled with liquid 22. In still other embodiments discussed below, at least somewhere of the walls 26 of the pool or spa can be "free of niches "and one or more of the 24A-24I light sources may be mounted on an interior surface of the wall 26 or bottom 28 of the pool or spa 20, directed towards the liquid 22.

In this regard, according to an embodiment of the invention, one or more of the light sources 24A-24I shown in the Figure 1 can be adapted to be submersible in the liquid 22. By example, in one embodiment, one or more of the sources 24A-24I light can include one or more surfaces waterproof or may be enclosed in a housing waterproof. In particular, for the purpose of illustration, the figure 1 indicates that the 24G light source is arranged in a housing 44G, which can be essentially waterproof and / or include one or more water impervious surfaces. Although not shown explicitly in figure 1, one or more of the other sources of light indicated in figure 1 may also be associated with a Case. Later, various cases are discussed according to invention for light sources in a pool or spa environment in connection with figures 3, 11 and 12. In yet another embodiment, discussed in more detail below in connection with the figure 15, one or more of the light sources 24A-24I can include a capsule to protect various source components of light against moisture in the normally humid environment associated With a pool or spa.

Figure 1 also illustrates that the pool or spa 20 may optionally include one or more heaters 50, fans 52 and / or circulation and filtration systems 54. Accessories of this type can generally be used to condition the pool and spa environment and, more particularly, to condition the liquid 22 contained in the pool or spa 20. For example, accessories of this type can improve the enjoyment of the pool environment or spa by heating the liquid 22 and / or creating various relaxing or stimulating flows of the liquid 22. In one embodiment of the invention, one or more of the light sources 24A-24I are controlled in a coordinated manner with one or more different accessories ( for example, heaters, fans, filtration and circulation systems, etc.) in the pool or spa environment. In particular, according to one embodiment, one or more accessories provide control signals to one or more light sources; alternatively, in another embodiment, one or more light sources may provide
Switch control signals to one or more accessories, as discussed below in connection with Figure 4.

Figure 1 also illustrates that, according to a embodiment of the invention, one or more interfaces can be used 56 remote user to control one or more of the sources 24A-24I of light associated with the pool or spa 20. In one aspect of this embodiment, one or more interfaces of user can optionally be used to control one or more of the other accessories (e.g. heaters, fans, systems circulation and filtration) associated with the pool or spa twenty.

As shown in Figure 1, an interface 56 remote user according to an embodiment of the invention emits one or more control signals 64 to one or more of the sources 24A-24I of light. For illustration purposes in the Figure 1, the remote user interface 56 is shown coupled to the 24D light source. However, it should be noted that according to a embodiment of the invention as discussed below in connection with figure 4, two or more of 24A-24I light sources, and that interface 56 of remote user can be attached to any one or more of the 24A-24I light sources for easy control of the one or more light sources. Figure 1 also shows that the Remote user interface 55 may include one or more selectors 60A and 60B to allow a user to control various aspects of at least the lighting of liquid 22 in the pool or spa 20. Additionally, Figure 1 indicates that, in one embodiment, the Remote user interface 56 can receive one or more signals 68 external used to control various aspects of at least the lighting of liquid 22 in the pool or spa 20. Details of various embodiments of the invention directed to a remote user interface for liquid lighting will comment below in connection with the figures 4-7.

Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a exemplary light source 24, according to an embodiment of the invention, which can be representative of any one of the 24A-24I light sources in the pool environment or spa shown in figure 1. In particular, figure 2 illustrates the source 24 of light and other components that can be associated with the light source 24 according to various embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, the light source 24 and one or more different associated components (discussed below) may be included together in a housing 44 supported by the pool or spa 20 shown in figure 1. In other embodiments discussed below in connection with the figures 13-15, light source 24 and one or more components different partners can be included together in various ways as a luminaire that is adapted to engage mechanically and electrically with a pool or spa lampholder conventional supported by the pool or spa 20 shown in the Figure 1.

With reference again to figure 2, the source 24 of light according to an embodiment of the invention may include one or more LED 32. More specifically, in one aspect of this embodiment, light source 24 may include two or more colored LEDs different (indicated as 32A, 32B and 32C in Figure 2), in which The intensity of the LEDs of each different color can be varied from independent way to produce several different tones. In the light source 24 shown in figure 2, it should be appreciated that Any number of LED 32 can be included in the light source, and that multiple LEDs of the same color can be distributed throughout the 24 light source in several ways.

U.S. Patent Nos. 6,016,038, 6,150,774, 6,166,496, 6,211,626, and 6,292,901 give examples of multi-color LED-based light sources representative of the light source 24 shown in Figure 2, in those that use red, green and blue LEDs in combination to produce literally hundreds of different tones, without requiring the Use of a color filter. In this regard, in one aspect of the embodiment shown in figure 2, the luminaire 24 may include at least one red 32A LED, at least one green 32B LED and at least one LED 32C blue. Therefore, it should be noted that, in a embodiment of the invention, within the housing 44 shown in the Figure 2, the light source 24 may include several light sources independently controllable in the form of LED 32A, 32B and 32C of different colors controllable independently.

Figure 2 also shows that one or more controllers 34 can be associated with light source 24 to Control the emission of radiation by the light source. By example, according to one embodiment, the controller 34 shown in the Figure 2 can be adapted to control a color of the emission of global radiation by the light source 24 controlling so individual and independent the intensity of each of the 32A LEDs, 32B and 32C of different colors.

In particular, according to one aspect of this embodiment, the controller 34 of Figure 2 emits one or more control signals 36 to the light source 24, in which the (s) control signal (s) may include one or more signals modulated by pulse width. Signal control Pulse width modulation of the LEDs is discussed in detail in the US patents referred to previously. As discussed in the previous references, a pulse width modulated signal, which includes sequences rapid pulsed current supplied to one or more LEDs of the light source 24, creates the effect of a constant light emission from the light source, without blinking perceptible by the human being. In this technique, the duty cycle of a signal modulated by pulse width serving as control signal 36 (intended for one or more LEDs of a particular color) is adjusted based on the desired intensity of the radiation emission by the LED (s) of particular color. In an alternative method of LED control according to another embodiment, one or more signals 36 of control emitted by controller 34 to light source 24 can include one or more variable analog signals to adjust the relative intensities of LEDs of different colors from source 24 of light.

Figure 2 also shows that, according to a embodiment, one or more storage devices 38 may coupled to controller 34 to store one or more programs of illumination. Examples of various storage devices Suitable for the purposes of the present invention include, but not are limited to, RAM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD, DVD, discs optics, floppy disks, magnetic tape media, and the like. Figure 2 shows that, in one embodiment, the device 38 of storage stores at least a first 40A program of lighting and a second 40B lighting program. In one aspect of this embodiment, controller 34 is adapted to execute one or more lighting programs to control the emission of radiation through the light source 24. For example, in one aspect, a given lighting program may include information that allows to the controller adjust the intensity of one or more LEDs of each color different for particular periods of time, to create a wide variety of dynamic color lighting effects variable. In another aspect, one or more lighting programs may use the DMX data protocol, as discussed in the various US patents and patent applications to which referenced above, and the controller can adapt particularly to run programs that use the DMX data protocol.

According to one embodiment, the device 38 of storage can be a removable storage device (for example, the housing 44 can be adapted to facilitate removal of storage device 38). In yet another embodiment, the storage device 38 can be located outside the housing 44. In any case, according to an aspect of these embodiments, a removable storage device 38 or "interchangeable" given can be pre-programmed with one or more particular lighting programs or a particular set of lighting programs. In this aspect, a user could change storage devices to acquire different lighting programs for the liquid lighting environment. In another aspect of this embodiment, an example of a method of business that uses removable storage devices or interchangeable of this type would be to have a retail store that sells storage devices for lighting environments of liquid with previously loaded lighting programs, and / or which provides a service to download lighting programs (for example, give yourself a central storage location in the store) to a virgin storage device sold in the store. In yet another embodiment, one or more devices 38 of Fixed or removable storage can be programmed with programs of lighting downloaded from a data network, or from a Internet web page. In one aspect of this embodiment, the information from the data network or Internet website can be provided to the storage device as one or more External signals 46 through controller 34.

According to one embodiment, controller 34 shown in figure 2 receives a power signal 47 for provide power to the light source 24. In various aspects of this embodiment, the power signal 47 can be provided directly by an AC or DC power source. According to a aspect of this embodiment, an AC to DC converter (not shown in figure 2) can be used to convert a source of AC power at a DC voltage. The AC to DC converter can be included in controller 34 itself, or it can be located outside of controller 34, so that a low DC power signal voltage (derived from an AC power signal) is provided to the controller 34 as the power signal 47. According to another aspect of this embodiment, such an arrangement facilitates a safe operation of one or more light sources 24 when used in liquid lighting applications.

Figure 2 also shows that, according to a embodiment, controller 34 may include one or more inputs 45 to receive one or more external signals 46. In one aspect of this embodiment, controller 34 is adapted so that one or more parameters (for example, a color) of radiation emission by the Light source 24 is controlled based on one or more signals 46 external In this regard, according to one aspect of this embodiment, the radiation generated by the light source 24 can be controlled by remote way.

For example, according to one more commented embodiment forward, one or more external signals 46 may be derived from a or more remote user interfaces (for example, interface 56 of remote user shown in figure 1). In one aspect of this embodiment, the remote user interface 56 is not in contact with or supported by light source 24 or controller 34 (for example, the user interface is not supported by the housing 44); rather, the user interface is located remotely with respect to the light source 24 and is only coupled to the source of light (for example, through controller 34) by means of some communication link form, which can be a wired link (cable), fiber optic, or wireless).

In other embodiments, one or more signals 46 provided to the controller 34 shown in Figure 2 they can be derived from one or more sensors adapted to emit signals in response to one or more detectable conditions (for example, from setting in or around the pool or spa 20 shown in the Figure 1). Similarly, one or more external signals 46 may derive from one or more audio signals, so that the radiation generated by the light source 24 can be controlled based on the audio signal (s). Also, one or more signals 46 external can be derived from a data network, as comment below in connection with figure 4.

In another embodiment, the power signal 47 indicated in figure 2 can serve as an external signal 46, and controller 34 can be adapted so that one or more parameters (for example, one color) of radiation emission by source 24 of light is controlled based on one or more signal interruptions 47 power In yet another embodiment, one or more signals 46 External can be derived from one or more devices or accessories different associated with the pool or spa 20 shown in the Figure 1. For example, as previously mentioned in connection with figure 1, one or more of heater 50, fan 52 or circulation and filtration system 54 can provide one or more signals from which one or more signals can be derived 46 external, so that one or more of these other devices They control the emission of radiation by the light source 24.

Although not explicitly shown in the figure 2, according to one embodiment, controller 34 can be adapted to receive a first external signal 46_ {1}, designated as a signal "options", and a second external signal 46_ {2}, designated as a "mode" signal, through respective inputs 45_ {1} and 45_ {2} of controller 34. In one aspect of this realization, the respective "mode" and "options" signals facilitate the operation of controller 34 (and, therefore, of the light source 24) with a remote user interface 56, such as It is shown in Figure 1 and discussed below in connection with Figures 4-7. In particular, according to a embodiment, the light source 24, through the controller 34, can operate as a controllable "autonomous" device independently through a remote user interface which generates the "mode" and "options" signals, respectively, to control the device.

For example, according to one aspect of this embodiment, the controller 34 adapted to receive the signals of mode and options can be controlled using an interface 56 of remote user that has two or more selectors 60A and 60B, such as it is shown for example in figure 1. In one aspect, a first selector 60A of remote user interface 56, when activated by a user, it would generate a "mode" signal, while a Second selector 60B would generate an "options" signal. In the Figure 1, a broadcast of the remote user interface 56 is usually shows as signal 64; however, it has to be appreciated that, according to one embodiment, the signal 64 emitted from the interface 56 remote user may include a first signal 64_ {1} emitted (corresponding to signal 461 "options" introduced in controller 34) and a second signal 64_ {2} emitted (which corresponds to signal 462 "mode" introduced in the controller 3. 4).

According to one aspect of this embodiment, a signal "mode" generated by the remote user interface 56 can be used to select one of several lighting programs stored in the storage device 38 shown in the Figure 2, as discussed above. Also, according to another aspect, the "options" signal generated by interface 56 of Remote user can be used to adjust one or more parameters variables of a selected lighting program. For example, in one embodiment, a user can operate the first 60A selector to generate a "mode" signal that scales from sequential way through various lighting programs stored in the storage device 38, to select the particular lighting program, for example, "washing of color ". In one aspect of this embodiment, the program" washing of color "can have a speed of color variation Adjustable (discussed below). Therefore, after selection of the "color wash" program through the selector 60A, the user can activate the 60B selector, which generates a signal "options" from the remote user interface 56 and allows the user change the speed of color variation of the program "color wash". However, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the previous example, since several different lighting programs that have a variety of Adjustable parameters can be selected and adapted by a user for a particular purpose, in a manner similar to the commented above.

According to another embodiment, they can be used respective "mode" and "options" signals applied to a controller 34 to properly configure several controllers for operation in a lighting system in network. The use of "mode" and "options" signals of this way is discussed later in connection with figures 4A and 4B.

According to one embodiment, an interface 43 of local user can be associated with controller 34 shown in the Figure 2 to facilitate user selection in one or more modes of operation of controller 34 and light source 24. By example, in one aspect of this embodiment, interface 43 of local user can be a button, switch, dial, or any another interface or combination of interfaces that facilitate selection  of one or more of the stored lighting programs 40A and 40B in the storage device 38. Additionally, according to another aspect of this embodiment, each lighting program can have one or more adjustable parameters, and user interface 43 local can be used to vary one or more of the parameters Adjustable lighting programs.

In connection with the comments above about figure 2, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the components and arrangement of particular components shown in figure 2, and that the particular implementation shown in figure 2 is represented for illustrative purposes only. For example, according to other embodiments, the device 38 of storage may not be included in a housing 44 for light source 24, and controller 34 can receive information from lighting program from a remote source through one or plus 46 external signals. Also, according to other embodiments, the controller 34 itself may not be included in housing 44 together with the light source 24. Also, user interface 43 local does not necessarily need to be included in an appliance according to An embodiment of the invention. In general, it should be appreciated that, According to the present invention, several implementations are suitable of a light source 24, as well as one or more different components associated with the light source 24, for the illumination of liquids

Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a example of a housing 44 for a light source 24, according to a embodiment of the invention. In one aspect of the embodiment shown in figure 3, the housing 44 may include at least one waterproof or water resistant surface 49, as commented earlier in connection with figure 1. Additionally, in another aspect, the housing 44 may include a lens 51 waterproof that is substantially light transmitting, but however it prevents the light source 24 from coming into contact with a liquid. In various embodiments, the housing 44 may contain a or more light sources 24, and may also contain one or more different components associated with the light source 24, such as it was previously commented in connection with figure 2. For example, according to one embodiment, the housing 44 may include at least the light source 24 and controller 34 shown in Figure 2, and optionally it may also include one or more devices 38 of storage. Figure 3 also shows that the housing 44 can adapt to support one or more local user interfaces 43, and Equip with connections to receive one or more external signals 46 and a power signal 47.

With reference again to the comments in connection with figure 1 and, more particularly, the 24G source of light and housing 44G shown on the wall 26 of the pool or spa 20 of Figure 1, a housing similar to the one shown in figure 3 on a part of a surface interior of wall 26 using a variety of mechanisms of assembly, so that the housing 44 does not protrude through the wall  26 of the pool or spa 20. At this type of arrangement mounting for a luminaire in a pool or spa is done reference usually as a "no niches" lighting. From alternatively, in yet another embodiment, a hole can be practiced on the wall 26 of the pool or spa 20, and the housing 44 shown in figure 3 can be mounted to the wall of so that at least a part of the body of the housing 44 protrudes to through the wall 26 of the pool or spa 20. In an aspect of In this embodiment, the housing 44 is adapted to perform a water tight seal with the inner surface of the wall 26 of so that the liquid 22 in the pool or spa 20 cannot seep through the hole in housing 44. In still another embodiment of the invention, a "niche" can be constructed on the wall 26 of the pool or spa, and the niche itself can serve as a part of the housing 44 containing the source 24 of light and possibly one or more different components associated with The source of light. Various embodiments of the invention that are aimed at luminaires and arrangements to support one or more luminaires in a pool or spa environment are discussed more forward in connection with figures 11-15.

Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a example of a network lighting system 42 used in the pool or spa environment shown in figure 1, according to a embodiment of the invention. As previously mentioned in connection with figure 1, one or more sources 24A-24I of light supported by the pool or spa 20 can serve each one as a source of "autonomous" lighting, and can adapt to be individually controllable and independent to produce a variety of lighting effects of variable color. Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment of figure 4, two or more light sources can dock with each other, along with one or more different devices associated with the pool or spa environment, to form a network lighting system 42. Various lighting systems networked suitable for use in the pool environment and spa shown in figure 1, are discussed in the patents Americans referred to above.

As an example, Figure 4 illustrates four of 24A-24D light sources shown supported by the pool or spa 20 in figure 1. Although figure 4 shows four 24A-24D light sources coupled each other to form the network lighting system 42, it must it is appreciated that the invention is not limited in this regard, since that any two or more light sources shown in figure 1 can be coupled together to form the lighting system 42 in network.

Figure 4 illustrates that each of the sources 24A-24D light receives one or more external 46 signals from a network 48 or data connection. Each of the sources of light in figure 4 can also be adapted to transmit one or more signals 51 emitted to the network 48. Figure 4 also illustrates that network 48 can be coupled to one or more different devices associated with the pool or spa environment (for example, the heater 50, the circulation and filtration system 54, the fan 52, and one or more remote user interfaces 56) and It can also be connected to the Internet (World Wide Web). Has to it is appreciated that, according to various embodiments, network 48 can understand any one or more of a variety of means of communication, including, but not limited to, wired links, fiber optic and wireless that support one or more techniques of radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR) communication, by microwave, for example.

In the network lighting system 42 shown in figure 4, according to one embodiment, a light source coupled to network 48 can act as a "master" to control one or more "slave" light sources and / or other coupled devices to network 48. Additionally, although it is not explicitly shown in Figure 4, network 48 can be coupled to one or more processors that they can serve to coordinate the various functions of different devices associated with the pool or spa, including 24A-24D sources of light and other accessories. In a embodiment discussed below in connection with the figures 5-7, a remote user interface 56 can serve as a central processor to coordinate the various functions of the network lighting system 42.

According to one embodiment, each of the 34A-34D controllers shown in figure 4 (associated respectively with sources 24A-24D light) can include one or more controllable output ports of independent way to provide one or more signals 36A-36D control respectively to the sources 24A-24D light, based on one or more signals 46 external received by the controllers from the data network 48. In one aspect of this embodiment, the output ports of a given controller are "independently controllable," because the controller receives data on network 48 and routes from appropriate way particular parts of the received data that is They provide for the respective output ports of the controller. In another aspect of this embodiment, a given controller is "independently addressable," because the controller can receive data provided for multiple controllers coupled to network 48, but selectively "extracts" data particular of the network planned for the one or more output ports Supported by the controller.

More specifically, in system 42 of network lighting of Figure 4, according to one embodiment, LED individual or groups of LEDs of the same color from each source 24A-24D light are coupled to output ports controllable independently of the controller associated with The source of light. Through the addressable controllers of independent way, individual LEDs or groups of LEDs of the same Color of each light source can be controlled so independent of each other based on various control information (for example, data) transported throughout the network. In this way, Each 24A-24D light source can be controlled from independent way, and multiple light sources coupled to the network 48 can be independently controlled in a coordinated manner to get a variety of color lighting effects improved around all or part of the pool or spa 20 shown in figure 1.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention that is directed to a network lighting system 42 as it is shown in figure 4, one or more associated different devices with pool or spa 20, such as heater 50, the fan 52 and the circulation or filtration system 54, can control one or more of the 24A-24D light sources coupled to data network 48. For example, in one aspect of this realization, the lighting conditions created by one or more of 24A-24D light sources can indicate particularly the activation of one or more of the devices or different accessories associated with the pool or spa. Some Illustrative examples of this embodiment include changing the lighting conditions in the pool or spa in one color particular when heater 50 is activated, or change the lighting conditions to one or more particular colors different when one or more fans 52 turn on to shake liquid 22 in the pool or spa 20. Similarly, a or more of the 24A-24D light sources can generate a particular lighting condition in the pool or spa 20 indicating any number of events associated with one or more different devices or accessories associated with the pool or spa 20.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, one or more than 24A or 24D light sources can also control one or more different devices or accessories associated with the pool or spa that are coupled to the network 48. For example, in a aspect of this embodiment, one or more of the devices or different accessories can be activated to create a condition particular in the liquid 22 contained in the pool or spa 20 when one or more of the 24A-24D light sources generate a particular lighting condition in the pool or spa (for example, when the green color is generated, the system Circulation creates a swirl in the liquid 22).

Figure 4 also illustrates that, according to a embodiment of the invention, one or more user interfaces 56 remote can be coupled to network 48 to control one or more of the 24A-24D light sources and optionally others devices and accessories associated with the pool or spa 20 shown in figure 1. According to various embodiments of the invention, a remote user interface 56 may be a relatively simple device that includes one or more selectors and minimum circuitry to allow a user to control so remote at least one color of the color radiation emission variable of one or more of the light sources 24A-24D coupled to network 48. Alternatively, as will be discussed later in connection with figures 5 to 7, interface 56 of Remote user can optionally include one or more processors, storage devices, several different types of selectors operable by a user, as well as a display, for provide a sophisticated interface for system control 4 network lighting associated with the pool or spa 20 shown in figure 1. In one aspect of these embodiments some type of remote user interface 56 can be included in a panel control along with other pool or spa controls in Some central location around the pool and spa. In yet another aspect, the remote user interface 56 may be a essentially mobile device that one or more users can transport to different locations in and around the Pool or spa.

According to another embodiment of the invention, such as illustrated in Figure 4, the network 48 associated with the system 42 of Network lighting can be coupled to the Internet (World Wide Web). According to one aspect of this embodiment, one or more sources 24A-24D network lighting system light 42 can be controlled based on information obtained from Internet. For example, in one aspect of this embodiment, the information obtained from the Internet may be related to a or more weather conditions in the vicinity of the pool or spa 20 shown in figure 1. In this aspect, one or more of 24A-24D light sources, as well as one or more different devices or accessories associated with the pool or spa 20, can be controlled to change the environment of the pool or spa based on weather information (or well obtained through the Internet or otherwise). For example in an aspect of this embodiment, if the weather information obtained from any of a variety of sources, including the Internet, indicates that storms are approaching the area of the pool or spa 20, one or more of the fountains 24A-24D light can be controlled to indicate a emergency situation (for example, liquid 22 in the pool or spa 20 could light up to quickly flash on a particular color).

Figure 4A is a diagram illustrating another example of a network lighting system 42B that can be used in the environment of the pool or spa shown in figure 1, according to an embodiment of the invention. In the realization of the Figure 4A, a central controller 134 coupled to network 48 is adapted to control four 24A-24D sources of light respectively associated with four controllers 34A-34D. In one aspect of this embodiment, each one of the 34A-34D controllers is adapted for Receive at least two input signals. In particular, as I know commented earlier in connection with figure 2, in one aspect, Each of the 34A-34D controllers is adapted to receive a "mode" signal and a "options" signal. By example, Figure 4A shows that controller 34A receives a first signal 46A_ {1} (one "options" signal) and a second signal signal 46A 2 (a "mode" signal). The other controllers 34B-34D shown in Figure 4A are designated as Similarly.

As illustrated in Figure 4A, according to a embodiment, the central controller 134 can be equipped with a connection block 140 to provide connections to the 34A-34D controllers. In particular, in one aspect of this embodiment, the connection block 140 includes a plurality of sub-blocks 140A-140D assigned respectively for controllers 34A-34D. For example, in Figure 4A, the controller 34A is connected to sub-block 140A, the 34B controller is connected to the sub-block 140B, and so on. According to another aspect, each of the sub-blocks 140A-140D includes two terminals, a first terminal designated as "M" (that is, for the "mode" signal) and a second terminal designated as "O" (that is, for the "options" signal).

In one aspect of the embodiment shown in the Figure 4A, the central controller 134 emits a data signal 136 and a high / low logic selection signal 138 (H / L) at 34A-34D controllers of lighting system 42B  in network. In another aspect of this embodiment, the particular data that each of the 34A-34D controllers receives depend on the connection mode of the "mode" signal inputs and "options" of each of the controllers in signal 136 of data and the H / L selection signal 138 of the central controller 134. Indicated differently, according to one aspect of this embodiment, an "address" of each of the controllers is determined 34A-34D in the 42B network lighting system at less in part because of the particular way in which the 34A-34D controllers to controller 134 central.

Figure 4B is a diagram showing a truth table, illustrating an example of how the drivers 34A-34D in the 42B network lighting system Figure 4A can be "addressed" by controller 134 central, according to an embodiment of the invention. The truth table shown in figure 4B is based on the interconnections particular between the 34A-34D controllers and the central controller 134 indicated in connection block 140 shown in figure 4A. For example, according to the truth table of Figure 4B, the signal input 46A_ {mode} of the 34A controller (coupled to the "M" terminal of the connection sub-block 140A) is equipped with data to from the data signal 136 of the central controller 134. Too as indicated in the truth table, the 34A controller processes this data as planned data for it while the input 46A_ {1} signal "option" on controller 34A (coupled to terminal "O" of connection sub-block 140A) it is in a high logical state, as set by signal 138 of H / L selection of central controller 134. In a similar way, the truth table in figure 4B indicates that entry 46B_ {2} of "mode" signal from controller 34B (coupled to terminal "M" of connection sub-block 140B) is also provided with data from data signal 136 of the central controller 134. The 34B controller processes this data as expected data for this while input 46B_ {1} of "option" signal on controller 34B (coupled to terminal "O" of connection sub-block 140B) is in a low logical state, as set by selection signal 138 H / L of central controller 134. The truth table in Figure 4B can be interpreted similarly for 34C controllers and 34D, based on the connections indicated in Figure 4A.

According to another aspect of this embodiment, each of the 34A-34D controllers shown in the figure 4A can be particularly adapted to distinguish between signals from logical stationary level and data signals that change with more speed applied to the "mode" signal inputs and "options" of each controller, to decode so appropriate these signals in order to perform the scheme of Addressing summarized in the truth table in Figure 4B. For example, according to one embodiment, each controller monitors a signal rate (for example, switching rate between states logic high and low) on each of its signal inputs "mode" and "options", based, for example, on a fee data transmission assumed from controller 134 central, to determine whether a "mode" signal input or "options" given is connected to data signal 136 or to the 138 signal H / L selection. Based on periodic monitoring of the signal rate of its "mode" and "options" signals, and the conditions indicated in the truth table in Figure 4B, each controller can select and process efficiently data provided particularly for this, as they are issued by the central controller 134.

In yet another aspect of this embodiment, if a controller does not detect the presence of a data signal or in the signal inputs "mode" or "options" (for example, for some default time), the controller can take for automatically defaults an "autonomous" mode. In the mode "autonomous", as previously mentioned in connection with the Figure 2 and later in connection with other figures, a controller can be controlled by a remote interface (by example, coupled to the "mode" signal inputs and "options"), and / or can respond to a variety of others external signals Alternatively, the controller can automatically start the execution of one or more programs previously programmed lighting.

In another embodiment of the invention, two or more light sources controllable independently of the environment the pool or spa shown in figure 1 can be synchronized without necessarily being coupled to a network (for example, such as it is illustrated in figures 4 and 4A) monitoring a frequency of power line supplied to the light sources. In this technique, two or more light sources can be connected to it power source (for example, with reference to figure 2, the controller 34 of each light source 24 can be coupled to a signal 47 power from a common power source, a circuit of common energy). In one aspect of this embodiment, each of the controllers coupled to the common power circuit monitors the line frequency of the power signal 47 and executes one any of several lighting programs in sync with the line frequency of the power signal 47. In this way, multiple light sources can run the same program of synchronization lighting, without necessarily being coupled to a data network

In another aspect of this embodiment, two controllers 34 can be coupled respectively to power signals 47 from different power circuits. As a result, the line frequencies of the respective power signals 47 may have some relative phase difference. In this regard, since the phase difference of the power signals can be measured a priori , the controllers can be particularly adapted to compensate for such a phase difference and thus still achieve synchronization based on the line frequencies in a manner similar to the one commented above.

Figure 5 illustrates an example of an interface 56 remote user according to an embodiment of the invention. Such as discussed above in connection with figures 1 and 4, the Remote user interface 56 can be used to facilitate the control of a single light source or several light sources coupled together to form a network lighting system. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the user interface 56 Remote may include one or more selectors, shown in Figure 5 such as 60A-60D selectors, to allow a user remotely control at least one associated parameter with variable color radiation generated by one or more sources of light. According to various embodiments of the invention, the selectors  60A-60D may include one or more buttons, dials adjustable, adjustable slider, wheel control adjustable, one or more joysticks, one or more keyboards Numeric, touch panel, switches, and the like.

Figure 5 also shows that interface 56 remote user emits one or more control signals 64 to control one or more light sources. For example, in a aspect of this embodiment, one or more control signals 64 issued by the remote user interface 56 can be applied as one or more signals 46 external to a controller 34 associated with a light source 24, as illustrated in figure 2. So alternative, as shown in Figure 4, interface 56 of remote user can issue one or more control signals 64 to the network 48 to control one or more light sources coupled to the network 48, as well as one or more different devices or accessories associated with the pool or spa that can be attached to the network 48 data.

In the particular example of an interface 56 of remote user shown in the embodiment of figure 5, the remote user interface 56 can be used to select one of three pre-programmed lighting programs, as well as one or more external signals 68 provided as inputs to the interface 56 remote user. In one aspect of this embodiment, the exemplary lighting programs entitled "Washing of color "," Constant color "and" Random color " indicated on a panel of the remote user interface 56 shown in figure 5, each one can be programmed in one or more storage devices 38 associated with a source 24 of particular light, as shown, for example, in Figure 2. Upon activation by one of the selectors by a user 60A-60C associated with the respective programs of previously programmed lighting indicated on interface 56 of remote user shown in figure 5, user interface 56 remote emits one or more control signals 64 and are received as a or more external signals 46 at input 45 of controller 34 shown in figure 2. Upon receipt of the one or more signals 46 external, controller 34 selects the program of appropriate pre-programmed lighting from storage device 38 and run the program, generating thus one or more control signals 36 to control the 24 light source in a predetermined way.

According to yet another embodiment, interface 56 of remote user shown in figure 5 can be adapted to receive one or more external signals 68 that can be selected by a user through the 60D selector of the remote user interface. In one aspect of this embodiment, one or more external signals 68 can be routed through the remote user interface 56, after user selection of the 60D selector, to be provided as one or more control signals 64 issued by the remote user interface 56, without being processed by remote user interface 56. In another aspect, the interface 56 remote user can provide some processing of the one or more external signals 68 before the emission of one or more control signals 64. According to yet another aspect of this embodiment, a variety of signals 68 external to the remote user interface 56; for example, as commented previously in connection with figure 2, with reference to various external signals 46 that can be applied directly to the controller 34, one or more external signals 68 provided to the Remote user interface 56 shown in Figure 5 can include, but are not limited to, an output of one or more sensors adapted to detect one or more environmental conditions in the environment in or around the pool or spa, as will comment later in connection with figure 8.

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of a remote user interface 56 according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in Figure 6, interface 56 Remote user of this embodiment includes one or more selectors 60A and 60B and one or more processors 58 responsive to operation of one or more selectors. Figure 6 also shows that the remote user interface 56 may include one or more devices 38 of storage, in which one or more programs 40A is stored and 40B of lighting, in a manner similar to that described previously in connection with figure 2. According to one aspect of this embodiment, the one or more selectors 60A and 60B allow the user remotely select a particular lighting program stored in the storage device 38. According to another aspect of this embodiment, one or more selectors 60A and 60B of the Remote user interface 56 can be operated to allow the user control one or more variable parameters associated with a particular lighting program.

Figure 6 also shows that interface 56 Remote user, according to one embodiment, may include one or more displays 60 coupled to processor 58, to indicate the user a status of one or more parameters associated with the radiation generated by one or more light sources that are controlled by the remote user interface 56. An example of a display 60 associated with the remote user interface 56 it will be discussed later in connection with figure 7.

Figure 6 also shows that interface 56 Remote user, according to one embodiment, may include one or more communication ports 62 to emit one or more signals 64 from control. According to one aspect of this embodiment, port 62 of communication can also be adapted to receive one or more signals 68 external. According to another aspect of this embodiment, port 62 communication can be particularly adapted to support the transport of the one or more control signals 64 and / or the one or more external signals 68 through a wired link (cable) or a fiber optic link Alternatively, according to yet another aspect of this embodiment, the communication port 62 can adapt particularly to support the transport of one or more control signals 64 and one or more external signals 68 through a wireless link

Figure 7 is a diagram showing a example of a display 60 associated with user interface 56  remote shown in figure 6, according to an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of Figure 7, the display 60 Can include a 300 LCD plasma screen. In one aspect of this embodiment, the display screen 300 can be adapted to include tactile features to simulate one or more selectors, thus allowing the user to control one or more radiation parameters generated by one or more light sources at through the display screen 300. For example, in a aspect of this embodiment, the display screen 300 can include a touch color wheel control 302 to display a lighting spectrum and allow a user to select one or more desired colors for lighting the liquid 22 in the pool or spa 20 by visual verification of the control of color wheel. More specifically, in this aspect, the user you can place a finger on the desired color displayed on the control color wheel, and remote user interface 56 would control one or more light sources to produce the selected color.

In yet another aspect of the realization of display 60 shown in figure 7, screen 300 of Viewer can also display status information and / or touch selectors indicative of one or more variable parameters that are linked to a particular lighting program selected. For example, according to one aspect of this embodiment, after selecting a lighting program 304 previously Programmed titled "Color Wash", screen 300 of display can indicate selectors 305, 306, and 307 touchs for allow a user to vary particular parameters linked to Color Wash lighting program (for example, Color 305 initial, Color 306 final, and Duration 307). One or more of the 305, 306, and 307 touch selectors can also work from simultaneously with the color wheel control 302; for example,  to vary the indicated parameters of the wash program color, the user would first activate one of the selectors 305, 306, and 307 to indicate the desired action, placing then a finger on the desired color in the wheel control color corresponding to the desired action (for example, press  Initial color and then place your finger on red in the control of color wheel, press final color and then place your finger blue envelope in the color wheel control, etc.).

As also shown in Figure 7, according to one embodiment, the display screen 300 may indicate  one or more touch selectors to allow a user select a different lighting program ("Effect different "308), or program a lighting effect custom ("Creating light sample with set of colors "309).

Figure 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention, in which one or more supported light sources 24  by a pool or spa 20 such as those shown in the figure 1 are coupled to one or more sensors 92 that emit one or more detection signals 94 in response to one or more conditions detectable In the embodiment of Figure 8, the sensor 92 is sample coupled directly to input 45 of controller 34, of so that one or more detection signals 94 provide one or more signals 46 external to controller 34. However, it has to it is appreciated that the invention is not limited in this regard, since one or more sensors 92 can be coupled to one or more controllers associated with one or more light sources in the pool environment or spa, and alternatively can be coupled to a network 48 serving a network lighting system 42 in the environment of pool or spa, as previously mentioned in connection with figure 4, and later in connection with figure 9.

According to one embodiment, sensor 92 shown in Figure 8 responds to one or more environmental conditions. In a aspect of this embodiment, sensor 92 varies one or more signals 94 of detection based on changes in the environmental condition detected Some examples of environmental conditions that may detected by sensor 92 include a lighting condition (for which the sensor 92 may be a light sensor), a temperature (for which sensor 92 can be a sensor of temperature), a force (for which sensor 92 can be a force transducer), and sound waves (for which the sensor 92 it can be a pressure transducer, such as a device for microphone or piezo). Other examples of conditions detectable environmental may be related to one or more weather conditions such as atmospheric pressure (for the that sensor 92 can be a barometer), and ambient humidity (for which sensor 92 may be a humidity sensor). By way of similar, yet another example of a detectable environmental condition includes the presence of electromagnetic radiation within a band of particular wavelengths. In this case, sensor 92 can be adapted to emit one or more detection signals 94 in response to the presence of electromagnetic radiation within the band of particular wavelengths. Still other examples of detectable environmental conditions include a movement (for the that sensor 92 may be a motion sensor), or the presence of one or more thermal bodies (for which the sensor 92 can be a thermal or infrared detector).

According to another aspect of the embodiment shown in Figure 8, one or more detectable conditions monitored by the sensor 92 may include one or more liquid conditions of the liquid 22 in the pool or spa 20 shown in figure 1. In one aspect, sensor 92 varies one or more detection signals 94 based on changes in one or more liquid conditions monitored by sensor 92. For example, sensor 92 can adapt to monitor various liquid conditions that include, but are not limited to, a liquid temperature, and / or a concentration of one or more substances in the liquid, such as a salt concentration in the liquid, a concentration of chlorine in the liquid, or a level of bacteria in the liquid.

In this aspect, controller 34 can adapt to control the light source 24 based on the liquid condition monitored. For example, controller 24 can control the light source 24 to emit a first color when the temperature of the liquid is below an interval default, and change the first color to a second color when The temperature of the liquid is in the predetermined range. In this regard, an embodiment of the invention is directed to indicate a "availability" of liquid 22 in the pool or spa 20, through the radiation generated by one or more light sources 24, based on one or more desirable conditions of the liquid 22. More specifically, in one aspect of this embodiment, the controller 34 can control the light source 24 to generate a default lighting condition that will indicate a user when one or more liquid conditions (for example, temperature, salt concentration, chlorine concentration, levels of bacteria, etc.) are in a desired range predetermined.

According to yet another aspect of the embodiment shown in figure 8, one or more detectable conditions monitored by sensor 92 may include one or more conditions of operation of the light source 24, in which the sensor 92 is adapted to vary one or more detection signals 94 based on changes in one or more operating conditions of 24 source of light. For example, in one aspect of this embodiment, sensor 92 can monitor a temperature of source 24 of light. In yet another aspect, sensor 92 can monitor a electric current in the light source 24 (for example, provided by one or more control signals 36 emitted by the controller 34). In response to one or more detection signals that represent one or more operating conditions of source 24 of light (received as one or more external signals 46), the controller 34, according to one embodiment, can control the emission of radiation through the light source 24 to maintain operation  sure of the light source 24. For example, in one aspect of this embodiment, controller 34 controls the emission of radiation by the light source 24 to maintain one or more conditions of operation of the light source 24 within a range "safe" default (for example, a range of predetermined temperature, a predetermined interval of electric currents, etc.). In yet another aspect, the controller 34 can control the emission of radiation by the light source 24 to provide one or more indications to a user, through radiation emission, if the one or more conditions of operation monitored by sensor 92 are not placed in a default interval (for example, the controller can control the light source 24 to cast a single color repeatedly to indicate a condition of unsafe operation of the light source 24).

Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the invention, in which one or more light sources 24 are coupled to one or more sensors 92A and 92B to form a 42B network lighting system. Although many of the concepts underlying the network lighting system 42B are similar to those discussed above in connection with figure 4, figure 9 shows that one or more sensors 92A and 92B can be attached to the system  42b network lighting in several ways to provide one or more detection signals used to control one or more sources 24 of light. For example, Figure 9 shows that a first sensor 92A is coupled to the remote user interface 56. In an aspect of this embodiment, the remote user interface 56 may be similar to that shown in figure 5, and include at least one selector 60D to allow a user to select an external signal provided to remote user interface 56. In this sense, one or more detection signals 94A may be provided as signals 68 external to the remote user interface 56.

Alternatively, according to another aspect of the embodiment illustrated in figure 9, a second sensor 92B can coupled to a computer 96, which, in turn, provides one or more signals 68 external to the remote user interface 56. At the same time, remote user interface 56 provides one or more signals 64 from control to one or more light sources 24, based on signals from detection received from one or more sensors, either directly or through computer 96. Additionally, according to another aspect of this embodiment (as also shown in Figure 4), the remote user interface 56, through computer 96 shown in  Figure 9, can be coupled to the Internet so that one or more control signals 64 provided to one or more light sources 24 they are derived from the information obtained on the Internet. Has to appreciate that a wide variety of configurations is possible in a network lighting system for liquid lighting, according to various embodiments of the invention, and such configurations are not limited to specific examples commented above.

Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a controller 34 according to an embodiment of the invention that facilitates the control of one or more light sources 24 supported by a pool or spa 20 such as that shown in figure 1, through a or more interruptions in the power signal 47 supplied to the controller 34. In one aspect of this embodiment, the feature of controlling one or more light sources through power outages can provide a solution alternative to remotely control the conditions of lighting in a liquid lighting environment simply alternating a power switch to one or more controllers associated with the light source (s). Therefore, according to one aspect of this embodiment, other types may be necessary of local or remote user interfaces, thus facilitating some cases the subsequent incorporation of novel sources of light in which multiple colors can be controlled in systems lighting of existing pools or spas. It has to be appreciated also that the power interruption control techniques for light sources they are not necessarily limited to the environment of pool or spa, and may also have applicability in other lighting control applications.

According to one aspect of this embodiment, with reference to figure 10, the controller 34 can be adapted to control the light source 24 based on one or more interruptions in the power signal 47 supplied to the controller 34. In this direction, the controller 34 processes the power signal 47 so that the power signal 47 serves as a control signal external, in a manner similar to that of one or more signals 46 external inputs provided at input 45 to the controller, as commented earlier in connection with figure 2.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the controller 34 can be adapted to control the light source 24 based on one or more interruptions in the power signal 47 that has an interruption duration that is less than or equal to one default duration In yet another aspect of this embodiment, if the interruption duration of an interruption in signal 47 of power is greater than the default duration, controller 34 does not make any change in radiation emission by source 24 of light.

In particular, according to an embodiment as it is illustrated in figure 10, the controller 34 may include a 150 timer circuit to receive signal 47 as input of power In one aspect, controller 34 may also include one or more microprocessors 35, coupled to circuit 150 timer, to provide one or more control signals 36 to light source 24 based on power signal 47 monitored In another aspect, the timer circuit 150 may include an RC circuit (not shown in figure 10) that has one or more capacitors that maintain a charge based on the application of the power signal 47 to the timer circuit 150. In this aspect, a RC circuit time constant can particularly selected based on a duration desired default of an interruption in signal 47 of power that causes controller 34 (for example, through the microprocessor 35) make a change in radiation emission by source 24 of light.

For example, according to one aspect of this embodiment, the controller can be adapted to modify one or more  Variable parameters of one or more lighting programs based on an interruption in the power signal 47 which is less than or equal to the default duration. By way of alternative, in another aspect of this embodiment, if a number of lighting programs are stored in a device 38 of storage coupled to controller 34, controller 34 can adapt to select and execute a lighting program particular based on one or more interruptions in signal 47 of power that is less than or equal to the predetermined duration.

More specifically, in one aspect of this embodiment, controller 34 can be adapted to select and run different lighting programs stored in the storage device 38 based on interruptions successive in the power signal 47. In this aspect, each program of lighting stored in the storage device can associate with an identifier in a sequence of identifiers (for example, program 1, program 2, program 3, etc.). He controller 34 can be adapted to select and execute from sequential way a different lighting program, based on the sequence of identifiers assigned to the programs, alternating through the different lighting programs with each successive interruption of the power signal 47 having a duration of less than or equal to the predetermined duration. Further, according to another aspect of this embodiment, if an interruption in the power signal is longer than the default duration, the controller 34 can be adapted not to select or execute a different lighting program but rather run the last lighting program selected before interruption in the power signal that was longer than the default duration (it is that is, the selection of the lighting program will not change in a ignition that follows the interruption in the power signal of a significant duration).

More specifically, in the embodiment shown in figure 10, after switching on, the microprocessor 35 periodically monitors the timer circuit 150. In a aspect of this embodiment, if microprocessor 35 detects a high logical value emitted by the 150 timer circuit (it is that is, the most recent interruption in power signal 47 was less than the default duration, so that an RC circuit of the 150 timer circuit remains "charged"), the microprocessor 35 selects a new lighting program to from storage device 38. However, if the microprocessor 35 detects a low logical value emitted by the 150 timer circuit (i.e. the most recent interruption in the power signal 47 was greater than the predetermined duration, so that an RC circuit of timer circuit 150 could download significantly), microprocessor 35 does not select a new lighting program, but rather start to execute the lighting program that was selected prior to the most recent interruption in signal 47 of power.

Another embodiment of the present invention is addressed to a method to indicate a user, through the color radiation generated by one or more light sources, which has been selected a particular lighting program of several lighting programs For example, with reference back to the Figure 2, one or more storage devices 38 associated with a controller 34 that controls the radiation generated by the source 24 light can store various lighting programs (illustrated, for example, in Figure 2 as programs 40A and 40B lighting). As previously mentioned in connection with figure 10, according to an embodiment of the invention, successive interruptions of the power signal 47 provided to controller 34 can be used to toggle through the lighting programs stored in device 38 of storage, to select and run a program particular lighting Additionally, as commented previously in connection with figures 5-7, a remote user interface 56 can be used to select a particular lighting program from several such programs stored in the storage device 38.

In some cases, when a user alternates to through multiple lighting programs in order to select a particular lighting program, it may not be evident immediately to the user what program of Lighting is selected at any given time. For example, a particular lighting program can be designed so that, when executed, the emission of radiation from one or more sources of light is varied gradually at some predetermined rate to the transition between several different colors in succession throughout The visible spectrum An example of a lighting program of this type is a "color wash" program, as commented earlier, to which more reference can be made generally as a "dynamic color variation program" It has a speed of color variation. The speed of color variation of a dynamic color variation program of this type can be either a predetermined or variable parameter of the program For example, in one case, the rate of variation of "wash color" lighting program color can predetermined so that the radiation generated by one or more light sources vary slowly in color after the execution of the program to create a soothing color lighting effect that it varies.

In the current example, it should be appreciated that if a user alternates through various lighting programs, including the "color wash" program, the user immediately realizes that a dynamic color variation program, such as a program of color wash with a slow color variation speed, if It alternates quickly through the programs. Therefore, in one embodiment of the invention, one or more variable parameters of a particular lighting program are temporarily modified to indicate to the user that the program has been selected particular lighting

For example, in one aspect of this embodiment, a color variation rate of a variation program of dynamic color, such as the "color wash" program, can be temporarily increased after selection and execution initial of the program to indicate to the user that it has been selected the program. In this way, when a user alternates through various lighting programs including variation programs of  dynamic color, the user can more easily realize the selection of a dynamic color variation program of this kind. In the case described above in connection with the program color wash, in one aspect of this embodiment, after color wash program selection, a radiation color generated by one or more light sources changes rapidly during a short period of time after program selection (for example, from 1 to 10 seconds), after which the speed of Color variation can be automatically decreased at speed planned schedule (for example, some rate of variation of Nominal color to produce a dynamic soothing color effect gradual).

In the previous embodiment, it should be appreciated that a method to indicate to a user the selection of a program of particular lighting, through the emission of color radiation variable by one or more light sources, can be used in connection with any of a variety of color variation programs dynamic including, but not limited to, the wash program of color described above. Additionally, it has to be appreciated that according to other embodiments, the speed of color variation of a dynamic color variation program does not need to be changed, but rather any radiation pattern can be used (for example, fast blinking of one or more particular colors) to indicate the selection of a particular program.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to generate variable color radiation in a liquid medium to compensate for various absorption and / or dispersion effects of radiation due to the liquid medium. In this regard, the applicants have recognized and appreciated that many liquids usual, such as water, absorb and / or spread so significant red color, so it is more difficult than a observer detects a presence of red in the liquid that, For example, in the air. Additionally, applicants have recognized and appreciated that in some pool environments or usual spa, in which the walls and / or bottom of a Pool or spa can be built with a coating of vinyl (in some cases with a bluish color), the color red it can also be absorbed and / or dispersed significantly by Vinyl coating As an illustrative guideline, a color red in the water may decrease in intensity for an observer in approximately up to 25% or more over a propagation distance of one meter, while a green color in the water may decrease in intensity at approximately 4% in the same distance. From similarly, a blue color in the water may decrease in intensity at approximately only 2% in the same distance.

In view of the above, an embodiment of the invention is directed to a method to generate "tones of liquid "to illuminate a liquid, so when a observer sees them in the liquid, the liquid tones approach at similar tones observed in non-liquid media (for example, air). More specifically, in one aspect of this embodiment, generate the liquid tones that include radiation that has a red color in combination with one or more different colors to approach a similar tone in a non-liquid medium increasing the amount of red color included in the liquid tone, for compensate for the absorption and / or dispersion of the red color in the medium liquid.

As previously mentioned, one or more Dynamic color lighting programs can be run in a Pool or spa environment to perform a variety of effects of lighting. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to methods for dynamic color illumination of a liquid medium that take into account the various absorption effects and dispersion also commented above. In particular, in a embodiment of the invention, the red color that appears is only omitted of a dynamic variable color lighting program, due to the significant absorption and / or dispersion of the red color by the illuminated liquid, to avoid the appearance of a fault or interruption (i.e. lack of lighting) in the program illumination. For example, according to one embodiment, in the program of "color wash" lighting discussed above, the red color that appears is only omitted from the color wash program since, in relation to other colors radiated in the liquid, a observer would see essentially some or no tone at all in the liquid if the red color was only radiated inside the liquid. However, it should be appreciated that in one aspect of this embodiment, the red radiation may, however, be generated in combination with the radiation of one or more colors different to produce a variety of shades of liquid, such as It was commented previously.

Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the invention directed to a mounting luminaire in surface that can be used, for example, in an environment of pool or spa as shown in figure 1 to illuminate the liquid 22. In Figure 11, a luminaire 100 that includes a light source 24 is adapted to be mounted on a surface 106 (for example, wall 26 of a pool or spa), and has a first dimension 104 which is essentially normal to surface 106 when luminaire 100 is mounted Over the surface. In one aspect of this embodiment, the first dimension 104 is preferably less than about 2.5 inches In still other aspects, the first dimension 104 is preferably less than 2.25 inches, more preferably less 2.0 inches, more preferably less than 1.75 inches, more preferably less than 1.5 inches, more preferably less than 1.25 inches, more preferably less than 1.0 inches, and even more preferably as small as about 0.5 inches. In another aspect, dimension 104 of thin "depth" of the luminaire 100 shown in figure 11 makes the luminaire particularly suitable for use in lighting applications "no niches" for pool or spa environments, in which one or more luminaires are mounted directly on a interior surface of a pool or spa wall, instead of being embedded in a "niche" in a pool wall or Spa. However, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited in this respect, since the luminaire 100 can be supported alternatively in a niche of the pool or spa.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the luminaire 100 of Figure 11 includes one or more mounting mechanisms 108 for mounting the luminaire 100 on the surface 106. Examples of Mounting mechanisms 108 suitable for the purposes of the invention include, but are limited to, one or more suction mechanisms or one or more magnetic mechanisms to mount the luminaire 100 in surface 106. In another aspect, as commented formerly in connection with various figures, the light source 24 shown in the luminaire of figure 11 may include one or more LED, and may also include two or more LED 32A-32C of different colors (for example, red, green and blue LEDs).

In yet another aspect, the luminaire 100 shown in figure 11 it can also include a lens 110 essentially waterproof to prevent light source 24 from entering contact with the liquid 22. In this regard, the luminaire 100 can also adapt particularly to be submersible in the liquid including a housing 44 essentially waterproof, so that the luminaire 100 can be arranged below the interval 30 of Typical levels of liquid in the pool or spa.

As also shown in the realization of Figure 11, in one aspect the luminaire 100 is mounted on the interior surface 106 of a wall 26 of a pool or spa so that the luminaire does not protrude through the wall 26. In another aspect, a cable 102 can be coupled to the luminaire 100 and be mounted on the inner surface 106 of the wall 26 so that no holes are required through wall 26 by below the 30 range of typical liquid levels. By way of alternative, in yet another aspect, a small hole can be made through wall 26 in a part of the wall in the that the luminaire 100 is mounted, to house the passing cable 102 through the wall 26. In this aspect, the luminaire 100 (and, more particularly, the one or more mounting mechanisms 108) may adapt to perform a waterproof seal with the internal surface 106, so that liquid 22 cannot leak Through the hole.

Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of a luminaire 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of Figure 12, the luminaire 100 is coupled to the wall 26 of the pool or spa by one or more "separation" mounting mechanisms 108, which allow the liquid 22 essentially surrounds luminaire 100. Although the luminaire 100 of Figure 12 is shown mounted on a surface 106 of the wall 26 of the pool or spa, it should be noted that, like the luminaire shown in figure 11, the luminaire of the Figure 12 can be mounted in a niche in the wall 26 of the pool or spa adapted to support the luminaire.

Similar to the luminaire 100 shown in Figure 11, according to one embodiment, the luminaire 100 shown in Figure 12 includes a housing 44 and a lens 110. Additionally, in one aspect, the housing contains a light source 24 that can include one or more LED 32. In another aspect of the realization of the Figure 12, the light source 24 can be mounted on a sheet 112 electrically resistant thermoconductive insulator, which is attached in turn to a back plate 118 of the housing 44. As is shown in figure 12, the sides of the housing 44 are coupled to the back plate 118 through a rubber seal 114.

The insulating sheet 112 shown in Figure 12 allows heat generated from light source 24 (and any electronic component associated with light source 24) flow into the back plate 118 of the housing 44, while avoiding the electrical contact between the light source 24 and the back plate. In One aspect of this embodiment, the back plate 118 may be a metal plate to facilitate heat conduction from the light source 24 through the insulating sheet 112 and inside of the liquid 22 in contact with the back plate 118. In others embodiments, the back plate 118 can be formed so alternative from a plastic or rubber material.

In the embodiment of Figure 12, although provides insulating sheet 112 for easy driving thermal, it should be appreciated that according to other embodiments it may not the insulating sheet 112 is required. In particular, the applicants have recognized and appreciated that because the luminaire 100 shown in figure 12 is in substantial contact with the liquid 22, the liquid 22 can serve as a significant absorbent of heat so that the heat generated by the light source or the Associated electronic components are absorbed effectively by the liquid 22 through the housing 44. In this regard, a embodiment of the invention is directed more generally to a luminaire in a liquid lighting environment, in which the light source 24 of the luminaire is particularly placed in the housing 44 so that the heat generated by the light source is effectively absorbed by liquid 22 in contact with the housing 44.

In yet another embodiment, the insulating sheet 112 shown in figure 12 can be replaced by another element of separation (not shown in figure 12), so that the source 24 of light is separated from, but nevertheless attached to, plate 118 rear (or otherwise attached to housing 44). In an aspect of this embodiment, the space inside the housing between the source 24 light and housing 44 (or back plate 118) can provide sufficient electrical insulation at the time, not However, it allows adequate heat transfer from the light source 24 through the housing and into the liquid 22. This concept is further illustrated in the luminaire shown in Figure 11, in which thermal path 122 is illustrated from source 24 of light coming out through one side of the housing 44 inside the liquid 22.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a light source comprising one or more LEDs and a interface coupled to the one or more LEDs that is adapted to engage mechanically and electrically with a lamp holder Conventional pool or spa.

Figure 13 illustrates an example of this embodiment, which shows a light source 24 that includes one or more LED 32 coupled to an interface 70. The interface 70 illustrated in the Figure 13 is adapted to engage mechanically and electrically with a threaded lampholder, usually associated with incandescent bulbs of the Edison type, which is supported by the pool or spa 20 shown in figure 1.

Figure 14 illustrates yet another embodiment of a light source according to the invention, in which interface 70 is adapted to engage mechanically and electrically with a multi-pin lampholder (such as a lampholder MR-16 commonly used for light sources halogen) supported by the pool or spa 20 shown in the Figure 1. According to other aspects of this embodiment, interface 70 can be adapted to engage mechanically and electrically with Bayonet lampholder, a variety of lampholders multiple plugs, fluorescent lampholders, lampholders halogens, two-pointed halogen lampholders, and lampholders wedge type, as well as various types of lampholders used usually in swimming pools and spas.

More specifically, according to one embodiment, a light source 24 that includes one or more LED 32 can be adapted particularly to be supported by a pool or spa engaging mechanically or electrically with a lampholder conventional mounted in a "niche" or indented compartment in a wall 26 of a pool or spa. For example, figure 15 illustrates an example of a luminaire 90 adapted to engage mechanically or electrically with a conventional lampholder 74 mounted in a niche 130 on a wall 26 of the pool or spa 20, shown in Figure 1. In one aspect of this embodiment, the niche 130 can essentially serve as a housing 44 watertight water for luminaire 90, in which niche 130 is covered with a lens or cover 89 waterproof once the luminaire 90 it is installed in lampholder 74. In other embodiments discussed above, you can alternatively allow that the niche 130 is filled with the liquid 22 contained in the pool or spa, and a luminaire similar to those illustrated in the figures 3, 11 and 12 can be supported by the pool or spa in the niche 130 containing the liquid 22.

Returning to Figure 15, according to one embodiment, luminaire 90 includes a light source 24 that has one or more LED 32A-32C, in which the light source 24 is coupled to an interface 70 adapted to engage mechanically and electrically with a wedge-type lampholder 74 supported by the Pool or spa. In one aspect, the luminaire 90 may include also a controller 34 and one or more devices 38 of storage, as discussed above in connection with the figure 2.

In another aspect of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 15, the light source 24 and the controller 34 (or any other circuitry associated with the light source 24) may be coated with a capsule 72 to protect these components from moisture. In another aspect, the capsule may be in contact with the light source 24 and the controller 34 in the form of a shaped liner. In another aspect, the capsule can be deposited on the light source and associated circuitry using conventional vacuum deposition techniques. In yet another aspect, the capsule may include an encapsulation material in contact with the light source 24 and associated circuitry. In yet another aspect, the capsule can be essentially light transmitter. Some examples of capsules suitable for the purposes of the invention include, but are not limited to, silicones, epoxies, glass resins, polysiloxanes, polyimides and acrylics. In one embodiment,
The capsule may be HumiSeal 1B73 acrylic spray, available from HumiSeal, Inc., Woodside, New York.

As shown in Figure 15, according to one embodiment, the interface 70 of the luminaire 90 includes two pins 76A and 76B to engage at least electrically with the 74 socket type wedge. In one aspect of this embodiment, to house such a hitch, pins 76A and 76B have respective diameters 78A and 78B of approximately 0.09 inches. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, each of the pins 76A and 76B has an 80 length of approximately 0.46 inches. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the two pins 76A and 76B they are separated from each other by a distance 82 of approximately 0.25 inch

In yet another aspect of the illustrated embodiment in Figure 15, one or both of pins 76A and 76B can include one or more disturbances, shown in figure 15 as indentations 84A and 84B in pins 76A and 76B, respectively, to facilitate the mechanical coupling of the interface 70 and the wedge socket 74. Although the disturbances 84A and 84B are illustrated in Figure 15 as indented grooves, must  it is appreciated that the invention is not limited in this regard, since one or more disturbances in the interface plugs they can include a protruding ring, as shown in the figure 16A.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that they can form one or more disturbances to facilitate engagement mechanic at least partially around a circumference of a plug or they can form completely around the plug circumference in a continuous manner. In yet another aspect, as illustrated in figure 15 by the disturbance 84A, a disturbance can be located at a distance 86 approximately 0.17 inches from one end of the plug.

In yet another aspect of the embodiment shown in Fig. 15, interface 70 may include a washer 88 of rubber to further facilitate the mechanical coupling of interface 70 and the wedge socket 74. It should be noted that according to other embodiments, the interface 70 shown in Figure 15 may include rubber washer 88 alone or in combination with one or more pin disturbances to facilitate hitching mechanic. Similarly, in yet another embodiment, one or more pin disturbances provide a mechanical hitch suitable with the lamp holder without the use of washer 88 rubber.

Figure 16B is a diagram showing a more detailed view of a pin 76 of the luminaire 90 shown in Figure 16, according to an embodiment of the invention. In the figure 16B, all dimensions are indicated in inches. Figure 16B illustrates in greater detail that pin 76 may include a disturbance 84 of indented groove formed continuously around the plug. Figure 16B also illustrates that, according to One aspect of this embodiment, pin 76 may include a widened part 87 that passes through the rubber washer 88 and connects to a narrower part 89 of the plug to which they can Make electrical connections.

Figure 17 is a diagram showing yet another embodiment of the invention directed to an apparatus 150 of liquid lighting In one aspect of this embodiment, the apparatus 150 may include a housing 44 that has a variety of ring-shaped conformations, but not limited to, circular, triangular, square, octagonal, or conformations Any other geometric. In the realization specifically illustrated in Figure 17, the housing 44 of the apparatus 150 is essentially shaped like a donut, and is designed to allow the flow of liquid 22 through the center and / or around an outer perimeter of the apparatus 150. Similar to the light sources discussed in the previous figures, the apparatus 150 Liquid illumination may include one or more sources 24 of light, which may also include one or more LED 32. In the apparatus 150, the radiation generated by the light source 24 is coupled to the flow of the liquid 22 as the liquid passes through and / or around of the apparatus 150. In particular, in one aspect of this embodiment, one or more LEDs 32 are arranged to direct radiation towards the flow of liquid 22 to illuminate the liquid. As commented previously in connection with other embodiments, the apparatus 150 can include a local user interface 43, and can be adapted to receive one or more external signals 46 and a signal 47 from power. Additionally, according to other aspects, the apparatus 150 may include one or more controllers and one or more devices of storage, as discussed above in connection with the figure 2.

Figure 18 is a diagram that illustrates yet another realization of a liquid lighting apparatus 152 according to the present invention In one aspect of this embodiment, the apparatus 152 can be adapted for use as a sprinkler that couples radiation generated by one or more light switches 24 towards a stream of liquid 22 emanating from the apparatus 152. In this aspect, the apparatus 152 couples the radiation generated by the sources  24 of light with the stream of liquid 22 to provide effects colored, for example, when watering a lawn, or in an environment decorative such as, but not limited to, a pool, spa, or water fountain. Although it does not show so exclusive in figure 18, the apparatus 152 can be adapted so similar to the apparatus 150 shown in Figure 17 to include a local user interface 43, and to receive one or more signals 46 external and a power signal 47 for the operation of the apparatus 152.

Figure 19 is a diagram that illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention directed to a water tap 154 adapted to illuminate a stream or liquid 22 (for example, water) with radiation generated by one or more light sources 24 supported by tap 154. In one aspect of this embodiment, the 24 light source includes two or more LEDs of different colors, for provide illumination of the liquid stream 22 with a variety of lighting effects of varying colors. In a aspect of this embodiment, the light source 24 includes a plurality of red, blue and green LEDs, as commented previously in connection with figure 2. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, as discussed above in connection with Figure 8, the light source 24 supported by the tap 154 can be sensitive to one or more detection signals emitted by one or more sensors that are used to monitor one or more conditions related to the liquid stream 22 coming out of the tap 154. For example, in one embodiment, a temperature of liquid 22 that flows from tap 154 can be monitored by a sensor, and an emission 94 of the sensor can be used to control the source 24 of light, so that the radiation generated by the light source 24 it varies with changes in the monitored temperature of the liquid 22.

Figure 20 illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention directed to the illumination of liquids. In the realization of Figure 20, a cell or bucket 156 contains a liquid 22 and a or more light sources 24 coupled to the cuvette. In an aspect of In this embodiment, the cell 156 is made of material transparent, translucent, semi-transparent or semi-translucent, or other materials that allow transmission or partial transmission of radiation generated by one or more light sources 24 to illuminate a liquid 22 contained in cuvette 156. As mentioned previously in connection with figure 19, the cell 156 it can also be equipped with a sensor 92 that emits one or more signals 94 to control one or more light sources 24 as commented earlier in connection with figure 9.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a liquid flow 22, for example, as illustrated in the Figures 17, 18 and 19, can be used to activate one or more sources 24 of light described in various embodiments herein document. Additionally, according to another embodiment, one or more sources 24 of light as discussed in this document can be activated by other lighting sources, for example, sources of solar energy.

In the embodiments of the invention discussed previously, various processors can be implemented and drivers in many ways, such as with dedicated hardware, or using one or more processors (for example, microprocessors) that are programmed using software (for example, microcode) to carry performed the various functions discussed above. By way of similarly, storage devices can be implemented in many ways, such as, but not limited to, RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD, DVD, optical discs, floppy disks, tapes magnetic, and the like.

For the purposes of this description, the term "LED" refers to any diode or combination of diodes that can receive an electrical signal and produce a color of light in response to the signal. Therefore, the term "LED" such as used herein, it is to be understood in the sense that includes light emitting diodes of all types (including organic and semiconductor light emitting diodes), semiconductor matrices that produce light in response to current, light emitting polymers, electroluminescent bands, and Similar. In addition, the term "LED" may refer to a single light emitting device that has multiple matrices semiconductors that are controlled individually. Has to It is also understood that the term "LED" does not limit the type of one LED container; for example, the term "LED" can do Reference to packaged LEDs, unpackaged LEDs, LED mounting on surface, chip-on-board LED and other LEDs configurations The term "LED" also includes packaged LEDs or associated with other materials (for example, phosphorus, where the phosphorus can convert the radiant energy emitted from the LED into a different wavelength).

Additionally, as used in the this document, the term "light source" has to be understood  in the sense that it includes all lighting sources, including, but not limited to, LED-based sources such as previously defined, incandescent sources (for example, filament lamps, halogen lamps), fountains pyro-luminescent (for example, llamas), luminescent sources of candle type (eg gas lamps), radiation sources of arc with carbon electrodes, photoluminescent sources (for example, gas discharge sources), fluorescent sources, phosphorescent sources, high density discharge sources (for example, sodium vapor, mercury vapor and halide lamps metal), lasers, electroluminescent sources, sources cathode luminescent using electronic saturation, sources galvanoluminescent, crystalluminescent sources, sources kinetic-luminescent, thermoluminescent sources, triboluminescent sources, sonoluminescent sources, sources radioluminescent and luminescent polymers that can produce primary colors.

For the purposes of this description, the term "enlighten" is to be understood as referring to the production of a frequency (or wavelength) of radiation by means of a lighting source (for example, a source of light). In addition, as used herein, the term "color" must be understood to refer to any frequency (or wavelength) of radiation within a spectrum; specifically, "color" refers to frequencies (or wavelengths) not only in the visible spectrum, but also in frequencies (or wavelengths) in the infrared zones, ultraviolet or other electromagnetic spectrum. De manara similar, for the purposes of this description, the term "tone" refers to a radiation color quality which is observed by an observer. In this sense, it has to be appreciated that an observed radiation tone may be the result of a combination of radiation generated that has wavelengths different (i.e. colors), and may be affected by a means through which radiation passes before being observed (due to for the purposes of absorption and / or dispersion of radiation in the means, medium).

For the purposes of this description, the term "pool" is usually used to describe a container that contains a liquid (for example, water), which can be used for many utilitarian, entertainment, recreational, therapeutic or sports. As used in the present document, a pool can be of human use (for example, swimming pool, for bathing) or may be designed particularly for use in fauna and flora (for example, a aquarium for fish, other aquatic creatures, and / or plants aquatic). Additionally, a pool can be manufactured by being human or occur naturally and can have a variety of Shapes and sizes. In addition, a pool can be built on the ground or under the ground, and may have one or more walls or backgrounds discrete, one or more rounded surfaces, or combinations of walls, discrete bottoms and rounded surfaces. By consequently, it should be appreciated that the term "pool" such as used herein is intended to cover various examples of water container containers such as, although not limited to, vats, batteries, buckets, bathtubs, tanks, fish tanks, aquariums and the like.

Similarly, for the purposes of this description, the term "spa" is used herein document to describe a type of pool that is designed particularly for a variety of entertainment purposes, recreational, therapeutic and similar. Some other terms used as usual for a spa include, but are not limited to, "hot tub", "hot tub" and "jacuzzi". Usually, a spa can include several accessory devices, such as one or more heaters, fans, injectors, circulation and filtration devices for the treatment of water in the spa, as well as one or more light sources to illuminate the water in the spa. For the purpose of the present description, it should also be appreciated that a pool as described above can be divided into one or more sections, and that one or more of the pool sections can adapt particularly for use as a spa.

Claims (38)

1. Apparatus (44), comprising: at least one source (24) of light to generate variable color radiation without requiring the use of a filter color, the at least one light source (24) being adapted so that at least one color of the variable color radiation can controlled based on at least one power interruption supplied to the device (44); at least one controller (34), coupled to the at minus a source (24) of light, to control color radiation variable generated by the at least one light source (24) based in the at least one interruption in the energy supplied to the apparatus (44), in which the at least one controller (34) is adapted to control variable color radiation based on at least a first interruption in energy, which has a interruption duration that is less than or equal to a duration default; Y at least one storage device (38), coupled to at least one controller (34), to store at least one lighting program that has at least one variable parameter, in the one who: the at least one controller (34) is adapted to modify the at least one variable parameter of the at least one lighting program based on the at least one first interruption in the power supplied to the device (44).

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2. Apparatus (44) according to claim 1, in the that the at least one light source (24) includes at least one LED (32) 3. Apparatus (44) according to claim 2, in the that the at least one LED (32) includes at least two colored LEDs different. 4. Apparatus (44) according to claim 2, in the that the at least one LED (32) includes at least one red LED, at least a green LED and at least one blue LED. 5. Apparatus (44) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one source (24) of light is also adapted to be supported by a pool or a spa (20) to illuminate with variable color radiation a liquid contained in the pool or spa (20). 6. Apparatus (44) according to claim 5, in combination with the pool or spa (20). 7. Apparatus (44) according to claim 1, in the that the at least one controller (34) is adapted so that the Variable color radiation is not changed if the duration of interruption of the at least a first interruption in energy is longer than the default duration. 8. Apparatus (44) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one controller (34) includes at least one timer circuit (150) for maintaining a load based on an application of the energy supplied to the apparatus
(44). 9. Apparatus (44) according to claim 8, in the that a time constant of at least one circuit (150) timer is selected based on duration default 10. Apparatus (44) according to claim 1, in the one who: the at least one controller (34) is adapted to run the at least one lighting program, based on at least a second interruption in the energy supplied to the apparatus (44), to control the variable color radiation generated by the at least one source (24) of light.

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11. Apparatus (44) according to claim 10, in which the at least one lighting program includes a plurality of lighting programs, in which the at least one device (38) storage stores the plurality of lighting, and in which the at least one controller (34) is adapted to select and execute a lighting program particular of the plurality of lighting programs based on the at least a second interruption in the energy supplied to the apparatus (44). 12. Apparatus (44) according to claim 11, in which the at least one controller (34) is further adapted for indicate to a user that the program has been selected particular lighting 13. Apparatus (44) according to claim 12, in which the at least one controller (34) is further adapted for indicate to the user, through variable color radiation, that the particular lighting program has been selected. 14. Apparatus (44) according to claim 13, in which the at least one controller (34) is further adapted for temporarily modify at least one variable parameter of the program of particular lighting to indicate to the user that Selected the particular lighting program. 15. Apparatus (44) according to claim 14, in which the particular lighting program includes a program of dynamic color variation, in which the at least one parameter variable includes a program color variation rate of dynamic color variation, and in which the at least one controller (34) is further adapted to temporarily modify the speed of color variation of the dynamic color variation program to indicate to the user that the program has been selected dynamic color variation. 16. Apparatus (44) according to claim 15, in which the at least one controller (34) is further adapted for temporarily increase the speed of color variation of the dynamic color variation program to indicate to the user that The dynamic color variation program has been selected. 17. Apparatus (44) according to claim 11, in which the at least one second interruption includes a plurality of interruptions, and in which the at least one controller (34) is adapted to select and execute lighting programs different from the plurality of lighting programs based on successive interruptions of the plurality of interruptions. 18. Apparatus (44) according to claim 17, in which each lighting program of the plurality of programs of lighting is associated with an identifier in a sequence of identifiers, and in which the at least one controller (34) is adapted to select and execute sequentially the different lighting programs based on the sequence of Identifiers and successive interruptions. 19. Apparatus (44) according to claim 17, in which each interruption of the plurality of interruptions has an interruption duration, and in which the at least one controller (34) is adapted to select and execute a program of lighting different from the plurality of lighting programs if the interruption duration of at least one interruption is shorter than or equal to a predetermined duration. 20. Apparatus (44) according to claim 19, in which the at least one controller (34) is adapted to not select or execute a lighting program different from the plurality of lighting programs if the duration of interruption of the at least one interruption is greater than the default duration 21. Method, comprising the steps of: a) provide at least one light source (24) which can generate variable color radiation without using a filter color; b) control at least one radiation color of variable color generated by the at least one light source (24) running at least one lighting program that has at least one variable parameter and modifying the at least one variable parameter of at least one lighting program based on at least one first power outage supplied to the at least one light source (24), wherein stage b) comprises a stage from: b1) control variable color radiation based on at least a first interruption in energy, which has an interruption duration that is less than or equal to one default duration

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22. Method according to claim 21, wherein The at least one light source (24) includes at least two LEDs (32) of different colors, and in which stage b) includes a stage from: independently control each LED (32) of the at least two different colored LEDs based on the minus a first interruption of the power supplied to the minus a source (24) of light.

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23. Method according to claim 22, wherein the at least one light source (24) includes at least one red LED, at least one green LED and at least one blue LED, and in which stage b) It includes a stage of: independently control the at least one Red LED, the at least one green LED and the at least one blue LED based on the at least one interruption of the power supplied to the at least one source (24) of light.

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24. Method according to claim 21, wherein the at least one light source (24) is further adapted for be supported by a pool or a spa (20) that contains a liquid, and in which the method further comprises a stage of: c) illuminate the liquid in the pool or the spa (20) with variable color radiation.

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25. Method according to claim 21, wherein step b) further comprises a stage of: b2) do not change the variable color radiation if the interruption duration of the at least one first interruption in energy is greater than the predetermined duration.

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26. Method according to claim 21, wherein stage b) comprises a stage of: b3) load at least one circuit (150) timer based on an application of the power supplied to the device

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27. Method according to claim 26, wherein step b3) comprises a stage of: select a time constant of at least a timer circuit (150) based on the duration default

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28. Method according to claim 21, wherein stage b) comprises a stage of: b4) select and execute at least one program of lighting, based on at least a second interruption in the energy, to control the variable color radiation generated by the at least one source (24) of light.

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29. Method according to claim 28, wherein the at least one lighting program includes a plurality of lighting programs, and in which step b4) comprises a stage of: b5) select and execute a program of particular lighting of the plurality of lighting programs based on the at least a second power interruption supplied to the device

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30. Method according to claim 29, wherein step b4) further comprises a stage of: b6) indicate to a user that it has been selected The particular lighting program.

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31. Method according to claim 30, wherein step b6) comprises a stage of: b7) indicate to the user, through radiation variable color, the lighting program has been selected particular.

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32. Method according to claim 31, wherein step b7) comprises a stage of: b8) temporarily modify at least one variable parameter of the particular lighting program for indicate to the user that the lighting program has been selected particular.

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33. Method according to claim 32, wherein the particular lighting program includes a program of dynamic color variation, in which the at least one parameter variable includes a program color variation rate of dynamic color variation, and in which step b8) comprises a stage of: b9) temporarily modify the speed of color variation of the dynamic color variation program for indicate to the user that the variation program has been selected Dynamic color

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34. Method according to claim 33, wherein step b9) comprises a stage of: temporarily increase the speed of variation color of the dynamic color variation program to indicate the user that the color variation program has been selected dynamic.

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35. Method according to claim 29, wherein the at least one second interruption includes a plurality of interruptions, and in which step b5) comprises a stage of: b10) select and execute programs lighting different from the plurality of lighting programs based on successive interruptions of the plurality of interruptions

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36. Method according to claim 35, wherein each lighting program of the plurality of programs of lighting is associated with an identifier in a sequence of identifiers, and in which step b10) comprises a stage from: select and execute sequentially the different lighting programs based on the sequence of Identifiers and successive interruptions.

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37. Method according to claim 35, wherein each interruption of the plurality of interruptions has a interruption duration, and in which step b10) comprises a stage of: select and execute a program lighting different from the plurality of lighting programs if the interruption duration of at least one interruption is shorter than or equal to a predetermined duration.

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38. Method according to claim 37, wherein step b10) further comprises a stage of: do not select or execute a program lighting different from the plurality of lighting programs if the interruption duration of the at least one interruption is greater than the default duration.