GB2423378A

GB2423378A - A lamp

Info

Publication number: GB2423378A
Application number: GB0601756A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Terry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-01-28
Filing date: 2006-01-30
Publication date: 2006-08-23
Anticipated expiration: 2026-01-30
Also published as: GB0501778D0; GB2423378B; GB0601756D0

Abstract

The invention provides a lamp 2 comprising a base 6, a supporting arm 8, and at least one light source 19, mounted in a housing 10, the lamp 2, further comprising a sensor 32, adapted to sense an object 34 in a sensing area; receiving means adapted to receive an input signal from the sensor 32; and adjustment means 14,16,27 adapted to move the housing 10, in response to the input signal, wherein the sensor 32, is mounted on the housing of the lamp 2, and is adapted to send the input signal when the object is within the sensing area.

Description

A Lamp The invention relates to a lamp. Particularly, but not exclusively,

the invention relates to a self adjusting lamp.

It is a known problem that when a conventional lamp is in use, the user often needs to reposition the lamp a number of times throughout a period, in order to maintain full illumination of their working area. Adjustable lamps are known which comprise a lamp having a head containing a light source which can be manually adjusted about a pivot point to redirect the light source. However, such a conventional adjustable lamp has the disadvantage that in order to adjust the lamp, the user must make physical contact with the lamp. This has a number of associated risks.

Firstly, there is a risk of the user being burnt. This is because a conventional desk lamp that has been switched on for a period of time has parts which become rapidly very hot. When a user attempts to adjust the lamp into the desired position he risks being burnt by the housing of the lamp, or, burnt by accidentally touching the light source or bulb. Further, when this type of lamp is placed very near to, or in contact with, furniture, soft furnishings, paper, cardboard, or other flammable materials, and the lamp is accidentally switched on, a fire may result or an item may be scorched.

Secondly, there is a risk of contamination through the user touching the lamp in order to adjust it. This is a particular problem for the healthcare profession, for example, doctors, surgeons, veterinary surgeons, nurses and health care workers and dentists.

To enable a dentist to see into a patient's mouth, the dentist must position and reposition the light source above the patient's head. In so doing, there is a risk of germs being spread from the light source to the dentist and ultimately to the patient. Although most dentists wear disposable gloves to prevent dentist to patient cross-contamination, patient to patient cross- contamination may occur when the part of the lamp that the dentist touches to position the lamp has not been cleaned correctly after the previous patient, or the dentist adjusts the position of the lamp after touching the inside of a patients mouth or any other non-sterile item, or the disposable cover for lamp adjustment has not been applied or has not been applied in a sterile manner.

The problem of patient to patient cross-contamination that this invention will help to eliminate includes the spread of AIDS, Hepatitis, flu, common cold and other contagious diseases.

It is an object of the invention to provide a lamp which is readily adjustable with reduced risk of user contamination or injury.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lamp comprising a base, a supporting arm, and at least one light source mounted in a housing, the lamp further comprising a sensor adapted to sense an object in a sensing area; receiving means adapted to receive an input signal from the sensor; and adjustment means adapted to move the housing in response to the input signal, wherein the sensor is mounted on the housing of the lamp and is adapted to send the input signal when the object is within the sensing area.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lamp comprising a base, a supporting arm, and at least one light source mounted in a housing, the lamp further comprising a sensor adapted to sense an object in a sensing area; receiving means adapted to receive an input signal from the sensor; and adjustment means, wherein the housing is connected to the supporting arm about a pivot point, and the adjustment means is adapted to move the housing about the pivot point in response to the input signal.

Advantageously, the lamp is self-adjusting so as to alter the position of the housing and so the direction of light emitting therefrom without the need for user contact with the lamp. The lamp adjusts into position without any physical contact from the user of the lamp. Provision of the pivot point on the housing of the light source, allows for a degree of omni-directional movement of the housing.

In so doing, the light source is not fixed to illuminate a particular light path.

Preferably, the adjustment means is located at the pivot point.

Preferably, the supporting arm comprises two arm portions which are preferably connected to each other about at least one pivot point, preferably having adjustment means located at said pivot point. Preferably, the Supporting arm is pivotably connected to the base of the lamp, and preferably adjustment means are located at the base, preferably at the pivot connection.

In this configuration, the supporting arm is able to pivot about a number of different pivot points which enhances the movement of the Supporting arm.

Preferably, the sensing area is substantially equal to or preferably greater than the area of the object.

The sensing area is the area in which the at least one sensor can detect the presence of an object.

The sensor is preferably adapted to sense an object of sufficient area that is near to, but not touching the lamp. The input signal generated by the sensor sensing the object is detected by the receiving means.

Preferably, the receiving means is adapted to cause the adjustment means to move the body to follow the movement of the object, maintaining the lamp at a substantially fixed distance from the object.

Preferably, the sensor is adapted to detect an object at a detected distance from the sensor. Preferably, the distance is between substantially 5cm and 100cm from the sensor. More preferably, the distance is between substantially 5cm and 50cm, preferably between substantially 10cm and 40cm. Most preferably, the distance is substantially 35cm from the sensor.

Preferably, the sensor is adapted to maintain the lamp in a substantially fixed position at a particular distance from the object. Preferably, the said distance is between substantially 5cm and 100cm, preferably substantially between 5cm and 50cm, 10cm and 40cm, most preferably substantially 35cm. Alternatively, for a desk lamp, said distance is preferably between substantially 5cm and 15cm, most preferably substantially 10cm.

Preferably, an alarm is provided on the lamp which is adapted to signal a warning, preferably when the object moves from the preferred distance. Preferably, the alarm is triggered when the object moves to a distance which is less than the preferred distance. Preferably, the alarm is at least one light emitting diode (LED) which preferably is adapted to flash, or alternatively, the alarm may be an audible alarm. Preferably, the adjustment means do not operate when the alarm is triggered.

Alternatively, the adjustment means are adapted to operate at an increased speed when the alarm is triggered.

Preferably, the object is a human hand and preferably the sensor is operable to detect the presence of the human hand, at the detected distance.

Preferably, the at least one sensor is adapted to provide an input signal only when an object has been placed within the sensing area for at least a residency time period.

Preferably, the residency time period is a period of time of between substantially 0.1 seconds and 5 seconds.

The residency time is the response time of the adjustment means, or motors, to the input signal. The response time is limited to a few milliseconds electrically. The response time is limited to allow the hand to achieve a speed that will not trigger the lamp to move.

Preferably, the said sensor is mounted on a detecting plate. Preferably, the detecting plate is mounted adjacent the housing, preferably when the lamp is a ceiling lamp. Preferably, the detecting plate is mounted adjacent the light source, preferably coaxial with the light source. Preferably, the receiving means are mounted on the detecting plate. Preferably, the adjustment means are mounted on the detecting plate.

Preferably, a plurality of sensors is provided on the lamp, preferably on the detecting plate. Preferably, between 1 and 9 sensors are provided on the lamp.

Preferably, between 1 and 5 sensors, most preferably, three sensors are provided, preferably each being equidistantly spaced from each other.

Preferably, the number of sensors is equal to the number of receiving means. More preferably, each sensor has a neighbouring receiving means. Preferably, the at least one sensor is located on the light source, preferably, the receiving means is provided on the light source.

Preferably, the at least one sensor is adapted to provide an input signal to the receiving means, preferably, the input signal is an average input signal taken from a plurality of input signals, preferably taken over a period. Preferably, the period is between substantially 0.2 seconds and 2 seconds.

Preferably, the sensor is a transducer. The transducer may preferably be a photoresistor, preferably a light- dependent resistor, may be an ultrasonic transmitter, preferably an infra- red receiver, may be an infra red transmitter and receiver, may be an electro-magnetic transmitter and receiver (RADAR), or may be a combination of the aforementioned.

Preferably, the sensor is adapted to sense an object in the sensing area when the object is moving at a speed in the range of between substantially 0 m/s and 8 rn/s. More preferably, when the object is moving at a speed within the range of between substantially 0 m/s and 4 m/s.

Preferably, the lamp further comprises a programmable integrated circuit micro-controller.

Preferably, wherein the at least one adjustment means is a motor. More preferably, wherein the at least one adjustment means is an electronic motor capable of moving the light source.

The invention further relates to a lamp comprising a base, a supporting arm, and at least one light source mounted in a housing, the lamp further comprising a sensor adapted for sensing an object in a sensing area; receiving means adapted for receiving an input signal from the sensor; and adjustment means adapted for moving the housing in response to the input signal, wherein the sensor is adapted to send the input signal when the object is within the sensing area.

The fact that the direction of light from the lamp can be adjusted and positioned without touching or any contact with the lamp stops crosscontamination of contagious diseases caused by contact with a lamp, but still allows the lamp to achieve the objective of illuminating the subject.

Due to ability to alter the direction of light from the lamp without touching or any contact with the lamp stops burns to the user by contact with the lamp or bulb, but still allows the lamp to achieve the objective of illuminating the subject.

Furthermore, the provision of an alarm, signals to user when the user's hand, for example, moves away from the preferred distance. Therefore, the preferred distance is likely to be maintained and so prevents the user from scorching or burning themselves on the lamp.

The lamp senses the object of sufficient area that is near to, but not touching the lamp. The provision of the sensors, receiving means and adjustment means allow the body of the lamp to follow the movement of the object, at a fixed distance. When the object is moved out of the sensing area, no input signals are generated and therefore the adjustment means are not triggered to move the body.

Tn this configuration, the lamp does not move with the object.

The present invention allows for the positioning and adjustment of the direction of light from a lamp without the need for contact, by hand or any other part of the body, with the lamp. This is achieved by the lamp following the movement of a hand when the hand is placed near to the lamp, but not touching the lamp.

It is envisaged that one of the advantages of the lamp is to stop the spread of disease in dental surgeries and simultaneously reduce the number of times a dentist lamp has to be cleaned. As the lamp requires no contact, this makes hygienic practice easier for dentists. Also, the lamp provides a novel way to illuminate a desk, and an easier way to adjust a lamp.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a lamp according to the present invention; and Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a lamp.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 show examples of ceiling mounted and desktop lamps respectively.

Figure 1 shows a lamp 2 which is mounted or suspended from a ceiling 4. The lamp 2 comprises a base 6, an arm 8 and a head 10. The base 6 is cylindrical in shape and houses a microcontroller 12 and an electric motor 14. Additional electrical motors 16 are located at pivot points 18a, 18b and 18c on the arm 8. An electrical power supply 17 leads from the base 6 to connect with a mains power supply.

A light source 19 is located in the head 10 being positioned centrally thereof. The light source 19 is circular in shape and may be a bulb or filament. On an inner surface of the head 10 is provided a lamp reflector 20. On an outer surface 22 is located an operating switch 24 and a light emitting diode 26. A motor 27 is provided on the light source 19.

A detecting plate 28 is located adjacent the head 10 via a bridge 30. The detecting plate 28 is circular in shape and comprises a plurality of sensors 32. Five sensors 32 are shown in Figure 1 being equidistantly spaced from each other. Four sensors 32 are spaced around the perimeter of the detecting plate 28 and one sensor 32 is positioned generally centrally of the detecting plate 28. The sensors can be switched off by the user switching the operating switch 24.

The microcontroller 12 controls the movement of the head of the lamp 2, based on input signals received from the sensors 32. In particular, the electrical motors 14,16, 27 act upon input signals from the microcontroller 12, to move the position of the arm 8 and head 10 in order to allow the head 10 to follow particularly a hand 34. Both the light source 19, the sensors 32, the microcontroller 12, and the electric motors 14, 16, 27, are powered by the domestic mains electricity supply 17. However, it will be understood that any suitable power supply would be used, for example, battery power.

The light emitting diode (LED) 26 indicates the status of the sensors 32. The LED 26 emits a constant light, preferably a green light, if a hand or object 34 is within a preferred distance from the sensors 32. If the hand or object 34 is not placed in the sensing area correctly, for example the object is moving away from or close to the sensor, the LED 26 emits a flashing light, preferably green or yellow. When the object is too close to the lamp, the LED emits a red light. In this configuration, the input signal triggers the adjustment means to auto correct to a calibrated distance of 35cm. The LED is switched off when no object is within the preferred distance. The LED 26 can therefore act to help the user to correctly position a hand 34 to operate the lamp 2.

When the lamp 2 is maintaining a preferred distance (marked as x in Figure 1) from an object 34 in parallel and at a normal to the lamp sensors 32, the LED 26 is illuminated to notify the user that he or she has control of the positioning of the lamp 2. When the lamp 2 is not maintaining a distance x from an object in parallel and at a normal to the lamp sensors 32, the LED 26, is not illuminated to notify the user that he or she is not controlling the positioning of the lamp 2. When a hand 34 with an area greater than area w as shown in Figure 1, and parallel to the lamp sensors 32, is at a distance less than x-d from the lamp sensors 32, the LED 26 flashes on and off or a tn-state LED 26 changes from emitting green light to emitting red light, to notify the user that contact with the lamp 2 may occur before a distance x is maintained from the hand 34. The area w is substantially equal to or greater than cross sectional area of the detecting plate 28.

The lamp 2 allows the direction of light from the lamp 2 to be adjusted into position without touching or any physical contact with the lamp 2 by first sensing, then detecting the presence of a hand 34 or any other object with an area greater than w in parallel and at a normal (right angle) to the lamp sensors 32, is at a distance between x+d and x- d from the lamp sensors 32. The motors 14, 16, 27 of the lamp 2 are then activated to move the position of the lamp 2 to maintain the lamp 2 at a distance x from the hand 34 or any other object with an area greater than w parallel to the lamp sensors 32. When a hand 34 or any other object with an area greater than w parallel to the lamp sensors 32, is moved rapidly away from the lamp 2 to a distance greater than x+d, the motors 14, 16, 27 of the lamp 2 are deactivated and the lamp 2 stops moving. The lamp 2 has complete three-dimensional freedom of movement, based on movement of pivots 18a, l8b and 18c.

The motors 14, 16, 27 are electric motors with sufficient power capable of moving the lamp 2. The electric motors allow three-dimensional movement of the lamp 2 by acting on pivot points 18a, 18b and 18c that connect the head 10 of the lamp 2 and the arm 8 of the lamp 2 to the base 6 of the lamp 2. The number of electric motors used in the lamp 2 is sufficient to facilitate the required movement. The sensing of a hand 34 or any other object with an area greater than w in parallel and in a direction to the lamp sensors 32 and the operation of the all the electric motors is controlled by a programmable integrated circuit (PlC) microcontroller 12 and other required electronic components. The PlC microcontroller 12 executes an original and unique program that is written for the lamp 2. The program is then copied and or modified for reproduction for different models and styles of the lamp 2.

The sensors 32 used by the lamp 2 may be, for example, ultrasonic transmitters and receivers and or infra red transmitters and receivers and or electro-magnetic transmitters and receivers (RADAR) . The distance x and the distance d are set at manufacture, and may or may not be adjusted by the user of the lamp 2. x is defined as the range of operation of the lamp 2. d is defined as the range of influence of the lamp 2. The sensors 32 may be placed around the perimeter of the lamp reflector 20 if sufficient light passes to the object to be illuminated when the lamp 2 is being adjusted into position.

Alternatively, the sensors 32 may be placed adjacent to the lamp reflector 20 or above the lamp reflector 20 to allow all the light from the lamp 2 to illuminate the subject when the lamp 2 is being adjusted into position.

The power for the lamp 2 is obtained from the domestic mains electricity supply 14. The lamp 2 is on and operational and the light is output when the lamp 2 is switched or connected to the domestic mains electricity power supply 14. Wires (not shown) connect the electronic components of the lamp 2 together.

The lamp 6 is fixed or weighted at the base 6 to stop any movement at this point. The base 6 of the lamp 2 may be fixed to the floor, wall, ceiling, bench, table or any other suitable securing point.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a lamp 100.

The lamp 100 is a free standing desktop lamp 100.

The lamp 100 comprises essentially all the same components as shown for the first embodiment of a lamp 2 shown in Figure 1.

The light source 119 for the lamp 100 shown in Figure 2 has more limited three-dimensional freedom of movement than the lamp 1 shown in Figure 1. It can be seen that the lamp 100 of Figure 2 comprises the same components as described with reference to Figure 1. The detecting plate 128 is positioned on top of the light source 119 of the lamp 100 of Figure 2. The sensors 132 are located around circumference of said plate 128. It can be appreciated that while the assemblies of Figures 1 and 2 show the sensors 32 & 132 in two specific arrangements in relation to the light source 19 & 119, the sensors 32, 132 could be placed at various appropriate places around the light source 19, 119. The sensors 32, 132 could also be remote from the light source 19, 119 and not fixedly attached to the light source 19, 119. Placement of the sensors 32, 132 can be determined depending on the specific use of the lamp 2, 100.

It can be seen from the description and drawings that the present invention provides for a number of advantages over the conventional adjustable lamp. Some examples of advantages are: Due to the direction of light from the lamp being adjustable to be positioned without touching or having any contact with the lamp, cross-contamination of contagious diseases caused by contact with a lamp is minimised.

However, the invention still achieves the objective of illuminating the subject.

Furthermore, due to the self adjusting nature of the lamp, the risk of the used burning themselves by contact with the lamp or bulb is reduced.

Advantageously, because the lamp maintains a distance x from an object, scorching or burning damage to the user when the lamp is accidentally switched on when it is placed very near to, or in contact with an object, is minimised.

The lamp operates so that each sensor or transducer amplitude is sampled at different known distances between e.g. 10cm to 30cm. For a desk lamp the preferred distance is 5cm to 15cm.

The transducer amplitude can therefore be calculated at, for example, 20cm to detect when a hand is present. When the amplitude of a transducer is at the calibrated distance the lamp system is alerted to the presence of a hand. The microcontroller adjusts the position of the light source and transducers to continue to receive the calibrated amplitude. In this manner, the lamp attempts to maintain the distance of, for example, 20cm to the hand, for each transducer.

The delay between receiving the amplitude signals at various distances from each of the transducers and the application of power to the motors to move the lamp is controlled. This allows the hand to be removed from the sensing area or influence of the transducers, without the lamp following the hand. This is dependent on how fast the user moves their hand. If the hand is moved too fast, the lamp does not follow the hand but if the hand is moved slowly, the lamp follows. When the hand is not moving, the lamp remains in a fixed position. When the hand is not within the sensing area, the lamp does not move.

The maximum positions of the lamp are monitored by the micro controller (top, bottom, left, right etc.) e.g. using micro-switches or motor feedback. The transducers are physically connected to the lamp bulb or reflector, therefore when the transducers move the direction of light changes.

If the hand is held flat the lamp will move parallel with the hand. If the hand is held curved the lamp will move with the hand, parallel to parts of the hand. A slightly curved hand is as equally acceptable for controlling the lamp. A clinched fist could also be used to control the lamp.

A software and hardware adjustment may be incorporated into the lamp to control the sensitivity of the lamp to the size of hand and the distance between the lamp and the hand. The degrees of freedom of movement of the lamp may vary. 1-Dimensional, 2-Dimensional or 3-Dimensional movement may be achieved depending on the number of sensors, and the sensing area provided by the sensors.

The number and position of transducers may vary depending on the required degrees of freedom and resolution or sensitivity, of movement required. Two or three receivers may be used to control 3D movement of the lamp using signal processing. Five, six or seven receivers may be used to identify the digits on a hand.

The lamp is manufactured from suitable plastic and metal materials.

It is noted that references to use of the lamp by dentists is an example of a user of the lamp. Other users with similar cross-contamination concerns and need of the lamp include doctors, surgeons, veterinary surgeons, nurses, health care workers and other users as appropriate. The use of the term dentist should not be seen as restrictive.

The arrangement allows the user to position and adjust the direction of light from a lamp without the need for contacting the lamp, by hand or any other part of the body. This is achieved by the lamp following the movement of a hand when the hand is placed near to the lamp, but not touching the lamp.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A lamp comprising a base, a supporting arm, and at least one light source mounted in a housing, the lamp further comprising a sensor adapted to sense an object in a sensing area; receiving means adapted to receive an input signal from the sensor; and adjustment means adapted to move the housing in response to the input signal, wherein the sensor is mounted on the housing of the lamp and is adapted to send the input signal when the object is within the sensing area.

2. A lamp comprising a base, a supporting arm, and at least one light source mounted in a housing, the lamp further comprising a sensor adapted to sense an object in a sensing area; receiving means adapted to receive an input signal from the sensor; and adjustment means, wherein the housing is connected to the supporting arm about a pivot point, and the adjustment means is adapted to move the housing about the pivot point in response to the input signal.

3. A lamp as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustment means is located at the pivot point.

4. A lamp as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the supporting arm comprises two arm portions which are preferably connected to each other about at least one pivot point.

5. A lamp as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensing area is substantially equal to the area of the object.

6. A lamp as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is adapted to detect an object at a distance of between substantially 5cm and 100cm from the sensor.

7. A lamp as claimed in claim 6, wherein the distance is substantially 35cm from the sensor.

8. A lamp as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an alarm is provided on the lamp which is adapted to signal a warning when the object moves outside of the sensing area.

9. A lamp as claimed in claim 8, wherein the alarm is the alarm is at least one light emitting diode.

10. A lamp as claimed in claims 8 or 9, wherein the adjustment means do not operate when the alarm is triggered.

11. A lamp as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor is adapted to provide an input signal only when an object has been placed within the sensing area for at least a residency time period.

12. A lamp as claimed in claim 11, wherein the residency time period is a period of time of between substantially 0.1 to 5 seconds.

13. A lamp as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sensor is mounted on a detecting plate.

14. A lamp as claimed in claim 13, wherein the adjustment means is mounted on the detecting plate.

15. A lamp as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein a plurality of sensors is provided on the detecting plate.

16. A lamp substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.