GB2406634A

GB2406634A - An object sensing lighting apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2406634A
Application number: GB0323076A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel Walker
Original assignee: Mathmos Ltd
Current assignee: Mathmos Ltd
Priority date: 2003-10-02
Filing date: 2003-10-02
Publication date: 2005-04-06
Also published as: GB0323076D0

Abstract

A lighting apparatus comprises a housing 2, and a light emitting means 5 partially disposed within the housing 2, and an infrared detector 7 for detecting an object entering a predetermined space 4. The lighting apparatus is also provided with controller means 6 arranged to control the light emitting means 5 in response to the detection of the object to produce a lighting effect visible from a front side 1 of the apparatus. The light emitting means 5 is arranged to illuminate when detecting the user's hands.

Description

LIGHTING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a lighting apparatus, and in particular to a lighting apparatus the behaviour of which is changed by sensing the presence of a user.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Various kinds of lighting apparatus which provide decorative lighting effects are known in the prior art. Furthermore, various products such as lamps or the like are known which are switchable to produce different lighting effects such as, for example, changes in the colour and/or amplitude of the light produced.

Certain products are electronically controlled to operate in various modes such as, for example, strings of fairy lights which may be set either to provide continuous light or to flash in various ways. In this case, selection is usually made by means of a rotary or linear selector switch.

Other lighting devices are arranged to provide a light which cycles continuously through different colours to produce a pleasing visual effect. Typically, a simple on/off switch is provided, which may be a push button switch. Such a push button switch may also be arranged such that it can be used to change the mode of operation of the device, when it is held down for a predetermined period of time.

Such conventional arrangements for controlling the product are purely functional, and do not contribute to the user's enjoyment of the lighting effect produced. On the contrary, if it is desired to change the mode of operation of such a device, it is necessary to locate and operate the selector switch, which may typically be attached to a portion of a trailing power cable, before enjoying the lighting effect provided by the new mode of operation, and this can detract from the enjoyment provided by the product.

It is therefore desirable to enhance the interaction between the user and the device so that the action of switching and selection of modes enhances, and becomes part of, the experience of using the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide a lighting apparatus which enhances the experience of the interaction between the user and the apparatus, whereby the user is able to control the apparatus by seemingly interacting with the lighting effect itself. More particularly, the present invention aims to provide a lighting apparatus which is controllable by the user in response to the detected proximity of the user. This may be achieved by detecting the presence of an object, for example the user's hand, in an illuminated recess in the apparatus, in which the lighting effect is provided.

The present invention provides a lighting apparatus comprising a housing, at least one light-emitting means at least partially disposed within the housing, means for receiving electrical power, presence detecting means for detecting the presence of an object in a predetermined space, and controller means arranged to control the light-emitting means in response to the detection of an object in the space to produce a lighting effect visible from a front side of the apparatus.

Preferably, the predetermined space is a recess defined within the housing, and it may be the recess which is illuminated by the lighting effect, preferably by a light source concealed from the viewer observing the lighting effect from the front of the apparatus, so that only diffused light is visible. The light may be diffused by a concave reflector within the housing, which defines a boundary of the recess.

The preferred arrangement gives rise to an illuminated recess into which the user is drawn to insert his or her hand, and this action is detected by the detecting means to control the lighting effect.

The apparatus is preferably provided with at least one rechargeable battery and socket means for receiving an electrical cable from an external power supply for supplying charge to the battery. This allows the apparatus to be portable, but allows for convenient recharging.

The detecting means preferably utilises a light emitter and detector, such as an infrared emitter and detector, to detect the presence of an object, such as the user's hand, in the recess or other predetermined space. This allows switching to be carried out by means of the detection of an invisible beam being broken when the user's hand is inserted into the space. The detecting means may advantageously include debounce circuitry for more reliable switching.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, presented by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I shows an external side elevation of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of the apparatus; Figure 3 shows a cross section along the line A-A in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows the underside of the apparatus; Figure 5 is a rear view of the apparatus; Figure 6 is a side view of the electronic components of the apparatus in isolation, in the relative positions which they occupy in the apparatus, viewed from the opposite side to Figures I and 3; and Figure 7 is a front view of the electronic components of the apparatus in isolation.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

Figure I shows the exterior of the apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which comprises a front panel I attached to a housing 2. The housing is in this case substantially conical and, together with the lower portion of the front panel, provides a base for the apparatus to rest, for example, on a table top or other surface. However, it will be appreciated that the exterior of the apparatus may be arranged in various configurations, such that the apparatus could, for example, be wall-mounted or incorporated as part of a larger device or housing. In this embodiment, the front panel 1 is made of pressed glass, and may be coloured or coated so as to be opaque, but may be formed from thermoplastic, and the housing 2 is preferably made of injection-moulded polycarbonate.

Figure 2 illustrates the front of the apparatus of Figure 1, and shows that the front panel I is substantially circular, and has a circular opening 3 giving access to a recess 4 (see Figure 3) formed within the interior of the housing 2. Figure shows more clearly a base portion 11 formed at the bottom of the front panel, in order to stably support the apparatus when placed on a flat surface.

The front panel also includes a microphone grille pattern 12 depicting several slotted openings. In the present embodiment, this pattern is merely an embossed graphic signifying the sound activated features of the preferred embodiment of the device. These features are provided by a microphone inside the apparatus which may be used to provide modes of operation responsive to sound. In other embodiments, an actual grille might be included, giving access to the microphone.

It will be appreciated that the grille shown is largely decorative, and that any configuration may be used depending on the desired visual impact of the apparatus (e.g. the microphone may be positioned near a small opening which might be barely visible, or alternatively it may be positioned elsewhere in the apparatus and detect sound through the opening 3). In the preferred embodiment, two microphones are provided. One is placed on a circuit board 6 together with other electronic components of the device (see Figure 3), and the other is positioned towards the rear of the apparatus, with a small hole being provided in the housing to allow the passage of sound to the microphone.

The construction of the apparatus is shown in more detail in Figure 3, which is a cross-section along the line A-A of Figure 2, and shows how the front panel 1 and the housing 2 fit together. The shape of the front panel 1 can be seen, including the opening 3 in the centre of the front panel 1, as well as an inwardly curved lip 13 around the opening 3, the underside of the lip 13 being used at a lower portion of the front panel I to form a diffuser 12 (described in more detail below). The opening 3 leads to the recess 4 formed by the shape of the housing 2. More specifically, the housing 2 includes a concave reflector 21, which is used to diffuse the light provided by a light source 5, contained within the apparatus. As can be seen in Figure 3, the light source 5 is preferably located such that it is concealed from the user by the opaque front panel 1, and hence is not visible through the opening 3, such that direct light from the light source is not visible to the user, and the lighting effect is provided exclusively by the light being reflected by the reflector 21.

The reflector 21 is preferably provided with an ultra malt surface, which is advantageously a neutral white colour, in order to provide the best diffused lighting effect. As can be seen in the cross section of Figure 3, the reflector is shaped non-symmetrically in side elevation, in such a way as to give an even light distribution in terms of light level and colour mixing, in particular when illuminated from a light source on one side of the opening 3.

This arrangement of the reflector and a concealed light source can be used to provide a particularly pleasing lighting effect, in which the apparatus presents to the user an impression of an endless 'void' of pure light, where the depth and form of the recess 4 cannot be determined by the eye of the user. This creates an impression whereby the user is tempted to touch the light to understand its depth, which in turn invites a particular kind of interactivity with the apparatus which, in the present invention, is utilised to control the operation of the light (as described in more detail below).

It will be appreciated that alternative effects may be achieved by providing a front panel through which the light is at least partially visible, and by varying the number and position of light sources.

The light source preferably comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), or similar components. Due to the arrangement and shape of the reflector, the LEDs 5 can be positioned together on a single circuit board 6 without affecting the uniform distribution of the light across the opening 3, when viewed by the user from in front of the apparatus. In the preferred embodiment, 6 to 9 LEDs are provided, in a variety of different colours (e.g. red, green and blue), and the relative brightness of the LEDs is controlled by circuitry (not shown) in order to achieve a desired overall brightness and colour mix. Figure 7 shows nine LEDs of different colours arranged on the circuit board. In the particular arrangement shown, an even distribution of colours is achieved by positioning different colours of LEDs adjacent to one another (red LEDs 51, green LEDs 52 and blue LEDs 53).

In order to increase the mixing of the colours from the differently coloured LEDs, the LEDs are preferably mounted beneath a diffuser 12 attached to the circuit board. This diffuser 12 partially mixes the colours of the various LEDs before the light is further diffused by the reflector 21.

In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes circuitry for controlling the lighting effect in response to sound detected by the microphone.

This circuitry may be included on a single printed circuit board together with the LEDs 5, and the microphone may also be positioned on the same circuit board, for convenience.

The apparatus further comprises proximity, or presence, sensing means which are used to switch the lighting effect on and off, as well as to change the mode of operation. In the preferred embodiment, these sensing means comprise an infra red emitter (e.g. an inf'ra red LED) and a corresponding infra red detector, which are respectively positioned at the front of the housing 2, on diametrically opposite sides of the opening 3, in order to be able to detect the breaking of an infra red beam passing from the emitter to the detector. This allows switching to be carried out in response to the detection of the presence of an object in the opening 3, and in particular, the insertion of the user's hand through the opening 3 into the recess 4.

Preferably, the infra red transmissions from the infra red emitter are encoded to reduce the risk of interference from other lights or infra red emitters. Furthermore, circuitry for utilising the sensing means to implement the presence detection (which may also be included on the circuit board 6) includes a 'debounce' function in software or hardware to prevent incorrect detection results. This circuitry may also include an amplifier to increase sensitivity.

Figure 3 shows, in a cross section of the apparatus, a suitable position for the infra red emitter 7 on one side of the front of the housing. An infra red detector (not shown in Figure 3) is positioned in the corresponding position diametrically opposite the emitter in the housing on the other side of the opening 3 (not visible in the cross sectional drawing). The infra red emitter 7 and corresponding detector 8 can be seen in Figure 7. These are preferably connected to the circuit board 6 by leads 61 which may employ removable connectors to facilitate maintenance and replacement of components. The circuit board itself is preferably a printed circuit board, and may be fitted to the rest of the apparatus by means of 2 way clips.

A typical arrangement of the apparatus of the invention operates as follows. In order to turn the device on or off, the user places their hand into the opening 3.

The breaking of the infra red beam from the emitter 7 is detected by the infra red detector and the device is activated. In order to turn the device off, the user places their hand in the opening 3 for a time of more than two seconds.

The apparatus may typically be operable in several modes, for example one mode in which the lighting effect consists of a continuous cycle through a range of colours, and another mode in which the lighting effect is responsive to sound detected by the microphone. It will be appreciated that there are many possible variations to either of these modes, and it may be possible for the user to select between different variations as well as different modes. Colour cycling modes of operation may varying with respect to speed of cycling, colours used, brightness, or in other ways. Sound responsive modes of operation may change the lighting effect in response to different noises or musical rhythms, and the way in which the light responds to the sound may take the form of colour cycling, colour changes, changes in intensity, speed, etc. Typically, in order to change the mode of operation when the device is switched on, the user places their hand into the opening 3, and the presence of the hand is detected and confirmed by the light pulsing with a set colour. Of course, any other form of confirmation may be used, and this may also indicate the mode which has been selected, by means of the colour, number of pulses, speed of pulsing, etc. Where no sound responsive mode is provided, a microphone may not be provided.

To summarise the operation of one embodiment, the user places their hand into the opening to turn the light on, and the detection of the hand is confirmed by the light flashing blue. The apparatus then proceeds to cycle continuously through the spectrum in a predefined order of colours, at a set speed. Placing the user's hand into the opening again selects a different mode, in which the light is responsive to sound, and this mode selection is confirmed by the light flashing red. In this mode, when sound is detected, the light quickly changes to a randomly selected colour from a programmed palette. A sensitivity control on the device may allow it to be tuned for different ambient sound levels. Placing the user's hand again selects the colour cycling mode once again, and this selection is confirmed by the light flashing blue. At any time, placing the user's hand into the opening and holding it there for more than 2 seconds switches the light off, and this is confirmed by a green flash, before the light fades off.

It will be appreciated that alternative presence detection means could be used as the sensing means. These could include, for example, the detection of an object breaking a visible beam rather than an infra red beam, or one or more proximity detectors which do not employ the 'break beam' method, mounted in the housing, either at the front of the housing (as shown for the infra red sensor in Figure 3) or at any other suitable location in the housing. Suitable sensors may also be mounted in the front panel, such as passive infra red or sonic.

The combination of the presence-detection switching in the opening 3 and the arrangement of the illuminated recess 4 (with the reflector 21 creating the impression of a 'void' of evenly distributed light) therefore leads to a pleasing interaction between the user and the apparatus, in which the user's intuitive desire to touch or investigate the illuminated space is combined with the control of the light by the user.

Figure 3 also shows a recess 22 in the underside of the apparatus, in which is positioned a socket 23 (see Figure 4) for receiving a plug of a battery charger or an input power supply, for supplying power to operate the lighting apparatus or to charge an internal rechargeable battery (not shown). Alternatively, the apparatus may be provided with a battery compartment to house replaceable batteries to power the apparatus. The connection of the socket 23 to the circuit board 6 can also be seen in Figures 6 and 7.

Figure 4 illustrates the underside of the apparatus, and shows more clearly the recess 22 and the recessed socket 23 in the housing 2. The flat underside of the; base portion 11 in the front panel 1 can also be seen. j The rear of the apparatus is shown in Figure 5, which shows a rotary dial 25 which is used to adjust the sound sensitivity of the apparatus when used in a sound responsive mode of operation. In a preferred embodiment, the second microphone referred to above is positioned in the vicinity of the rotary dial 25.

It will be appreciated that the above description of the preferred embodiment is not limiting on the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A lighting apparatus comprising a housing, at least one

light-emitting means at least partially disposed within the housing, means for receiving electrical power, presence detecting means for detecting the presence of an object in a predetermined space, and controller means arranged to control the light-emitting means in response to the detection of an object in the space to produce a lighting effect visible from a front side of the apparatus.

2. A lighting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting means is arranged to illuminate the predetermined space.

3. A lighting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the space is a recess defined by the shape of the housing.

4. A lighting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the recess is defined at least in part by a concave reflector located in the housing, the reflector being arranged to diffuse the light emitted by the lightemitting means.

5. A lighting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the reflector is shaped so as to diffuse the light to produce a substantially even distribution of light across the reflector when viewed from the front side of the apparatus.

6. A lighting apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the reflector is provided with a matt surface.

7. A lighting apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the light- emitting means is located within the housing to one side of the recess.

8. A lighting apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 7, wherein the recess is accessible through an opening in the apparatus, and the detecting means is arranged to detect the presence of an object passing through the opening.

9. A lighting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the light- emitting means is concealed from view by the housing, when the apparatus is viewed from the front side.

10. A lighting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the light- emitting means comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes of different colours.

11. A lighting apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a diffuser located adjacent to the light-emitting means for at least partially mixing the colours of the light-emitting diodes, before the emitted light is further diffused by the reflector.

12. A lighting apparatus according to claim 1 1, wherein the diffuser is mounted on a circuit board on which the light-emitting diodes are mounted.

13. A lighting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein in response to the detection of the presence of an object in the space, the controller means initiates different modes of operation of the apparatus.

14. A lighting apparatus according to claim 13, wherein in one mode of operation, the light-emitting means cycles through a plurality of colours.

15. A lighting apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the apparatus further comprises sound detecting means, and in one mode of operation, the light- emitting means is controlled to produce a lighting effect responsive to detected sound.

16. A lighting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the means for receiving electrical power comprise socket means for receiving an electrical cable from an external power supply.

17. A lighting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the means for receiving electrical power comprise at least one rechargeable battery and socket means for receiving an electrical cable from an external power supply for supplying charge to the battery.

18. A lighting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the detecting means comprise a light emitter and a light detector, arranged to detect the presence of an object between the emitter and the detector.

19. A lighting apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the light emitter and the light detector are disposed substantially on opposite sides of the predetermined space.

20. A lighting apparatus according to claims 8 and 19, wherein the light emitter and the light detector are disposed substantially on opposite sides of the opening.

21. A lighting apparatus according to claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein the light emitter and light detector are an infrared emitter and detector.

22. A lighting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the detecting means includes a debounce circuit.

24. A lighting apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.