GB2460228A

GB2460228A - Vivarium Illumination System

Info

Publication number: GB2460228A
Application number: GB0809090A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sam Woodward
Original assignee: MODE LIGHTING
Current assignee: MODE LIGHTING
Priority date: 2008-05-20
Filing date: 2008-05-20
Publication date: 2009-11-25
Also published as: WO2009141652A1; GB0809090D0

Abstract

A vivarium illumination system comprising at least one Light Emitting Diode (40, 41,42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 47, 48) with a minimum brightness and a maximum brightness and a control system (10) for controlling the brightness of at least one LED (40, 41,42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 47, 48). The control system (10) of the illumination system being capable of storing timed events for fade on and fade off and recall of colour sequences for providing lighting effects. Software is also provided for the control system. The vivarium may be an aquarium, terrarium, aviary.

Description

Vivarium Illumination System The present invention relates to apparatus for illumination of a vivarium. It is particularly applicable but in no way limited to automated variable brightness illumination systems for use in vivaria including aquaria, terraria, aviaries and the like.

Illumination for vivaria including aquaria, terraria, aviaries and the like currently relies on fluorescent lighting technology, which is also familiar in the office lighting applications for which it was originally developed. Using fluorescent lighting for pet illumination and specifically for aquatic pets, presents three problems: pets such as fish are "shocked" by the sudden step-change in light level, harsh on I off control, which is not similar to the natural environment; using illumination techniques currently available, illumination is either non-automated, or is automated only in terms of a single on-time and an off-time; the colour of light used for over-tank-lighting is traditionally based around white and different tinted lamps, and therefore traditional methods of lighting vivaria fail to display the creatures to their full potential.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a vivarium illumination system comprising at least one light emitting diode (LED) with a minimum brightness and a maximum brightness and a control system for controlling the brightness of at least one LED. This provides an illumination system for a vivarium with variable brightness control to enable brightness of the lighting to be controlled to create the desired lighting for the habitat of the creatures living in the vivaria. A further advantage is that LEDs do not generate the same heat as other types of lighting devices used in vivaria, this allows for easier temperature control of the habitat, as there is less additional heat. The control system is understood to include a control unit, or a controller.

Preferably there are a plurality of LEDs.

Preferably when the LEDs are turned on, the brightness level gradually increases from the minimum to the maximum brightness. This gradual increase in the level of the brightness of the light acts to recreate the creatures' natural habitat and the rising of the sun in the wild, such that the creatures are not shocked when the illumination system is turned on.

Preferably the control system is operable for discrete brightness control of the individual LEDs. This allows for illumination in part of the vivarium habitat to be of a greater brightness than in other areas. This again assists in recreating the natural habitat of the creatures where there may be shaded areas or nooks and crevices which do not receive as much light as other areas. It also allows for differing brightness in areas of a segregated tank.

Preferably the control system is also operable for discrete colour control of the individual LEDs. This allows for lighting of different colours than white light. This is very beneficial in part in recreating the lighting in natural habitats where the light may be coloured due to the way it passes through objects. An example of this might be a green light for creatures whose natural habitat is in forests where the light would have a green tinge after passing through and being reflected off the surrounding foliage. Red light on the other hand would be beneficial when introducing new creatures to the vivarium environment, such as fish, which are easily shocked by harsh changes in light levels, which acts to pacify and calm the creatures. The discrete colour control allows different parts of the vivarium to be illuminated by different coloured LEDs Preferably the LED5 include bicolour LEDs. This allows for a reduced number of LEDs required to be installed into the device with each LED having dual colour functions.

Alternatively, the LEDs could include tricolour LEDs. This allows for a further reduction in the number of LEDs required to be installed into the device with each LED having tn colour functions.

Preferably the control system is controlled by software. This allows for multiple facilities to be control automatically. The speed of increase from minimum to maximum brightness can be controlled, along with the maximum brightness desired to be achieved if the maximum brightness desired is lower than the actual maximum brightness capable by the LEDs. The colour of the light of each LED can be easily controlled; whether this is a fixed colour or a cycle through a plurality of colours.

The control system can further incorporate a program which can be set by the user for automated illumination at desired times of the day and days of the week. The control system can selectively light or not light individual LEDs to give selective illumination in various sections of the vivarium.

Preferably the LEDs are housed within a waterproof tube comprising a plastic tube, a first end sealed with a fixedly attached end cap and a second end sealed with a rubber washer and a potting compound. This enables the illumination system to be placed in an vivarium, specifically an aquarium and the like without risk of the electrical components coming into contact with the water in the tank.

Preferably the LEDs are mounted to an insulated metal substrate Printed Circuit Board (PCB), the PCB being mounted to an extruded aluminium substrate, the aluminium substrate including a plurality of fins. This enables any heat generated by the LEDs to be efficiently dissipated from the area around the LEDs to avoid localised overheating of the LEDs which would result in the LEDs failing prematurely.

Preferably the PCB and aluminium substrate are shaped to fit the waterproof tube.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided software for a control system for controlling the brightness of a plurality of LED5 in a vivarium illumination system, wherein when the plurality of LEDs are turned on, the brightness of the LEDs increases gradually from a minimum to a maximum brightness, and for discrete brightness and colour control of individual LEDs.

The invention overcomes the problems in the prior art by using solid state LED5 instead of fluorescent tubes; these LEDs (Red, Green, Blue and White) can be digitally and individually controlled and are dimmable. This allows for a smooth increase/decrease in brightness levels from fully off to fully on at the time and speed required along with different lighting effects at different times.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of the illumination system of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of the control system of the present invention Figure 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the control system of the present invention; Figure 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the LED illumination tube of the present invention; Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the control system of the present invention; Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the control system of the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the control system of the present invention; Figure 8 illustrates a top plan view of the control system of the present invention; Figure 9 illustrates a bottom plan view of the control system of the present invention; Figure 10 illustrates a rear view of the control system of the present invention; Figure 11 illustrates a front view of the control system of the present invention; Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the LED illumination tube of the present invention; Figure 13 illustrates a front view of the LED illumination tube of the present invention; Figure 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the LED illumination tube of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only. They are currently the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice but they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved.

The invention consists of three major components which allow the LEDs and features thereof to be controlled.

The illumination system and its operation are described in Figures 1 and 2 which show basic block diagrams of the illumination system.

Referring to Figure 1 the illumination system main components comprise an LED "light pipe" or LED illumination tube 11, a control system 10 and an infra red (IR) remote control 12 for remotely inputting data to effect changes in the control system 10.

Referring to Figure 2 the control system 10 comprises a power supply 20, LED output drivers 21, charging circuit 22, RIO battery 23, microprocessor 24, lR input 25, push buttons 26 and a plurality of 7-segment LEDs 27. In an alternative embodiment the control system 10 comprises a plurality of 7-segment Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs).

The power supply 20 is a dual-voltage switch-mode power supply which converts the incoming mains voltage from 80-250v AC, 50Hz to 5v DC and 48v DC. The 5v supply is used to power the microprocessor 24 and control circuit, whilst the 48v is used as the input to the LED driver circuit.

The microprocessor 24 is used to create smooth dimming of illumination, colours, and sequences of different coloured illumination, as well as a clock system for automatic timed-recall of illumination. The microprocessor 24 also enables decoding of an IR control signal.

The LED output drivers 21 are connected to a circuit which features four separate independent power outputs.

The microprocessor 24 and associated circuit controls all operations of the system by means of software stored in flash memory. The microprocessor 24 takes inputs from an lR sensor 25 and two push buttons 26, and directly drives a plurality of 7-segment LED 27 which together forms the user-interface. It has a number of outputs to the LED driver 21 and associated circuit, which use a modulated signal to control the brightness of the LEDs and associated circuits.

The microprocessor 24 contains a timer/counter which is used as a real time clock.

This is kept running when the mains supply is disconnected by means of a small battery 23. The battery 23 is charged by means of the charging circuit 22 when the mains supply is connected.

The memory within the microprocessor 24 itself is used to store configuration data, which includes the times, days-of-the-week and actions for each event along with user-programmed brightness levels for the colours.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the invention with a basic description of the internal components; Figure 3 shows the control system 10 and Figure 4 the LED illumination tube 11.

The present invention comprises a high-brightness LED illumination tube 11, consisting of an array of LEDs 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 to produce mixed white light as well as individual red, green, or blue light by using a combination of LED types. Any additional colour may be created using a combination of the coloured LEDs, mixed in different perceived brightness levels by modulating the waveforms powering the LEDs. White illumination is provided separately (on the same PCB) using white LEDs. The LEDs 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, and 48 are thermally protected by means of an IMS (Insulated Metal Substrate) PCB 49, mounted in an aluminium extrusion 50.

Referring to Figure 3 which shows an exploded view of the molded case 31, 32 and internal components of the control system 10. The top casing 32 is molded from a plastics material and is provided with an aperture 30 into which the 7-segment LED 27 are fitted. Further housed within the casing is the power supply unit (PSU) 20 which is connected to a mains input socket 33, a microprocessor 24, and LED driver 21. The user interface is controlled with a combination of the separate lR controller and two push buttons 26, 28 located on the control system 10. The control system is also provided with a mounting means 60, 61 which enable the control system to be mounted to a wall or other surface.

Referring to figure 4 the LED illumination tube 11 includes a plurality of high-brightness LEDs 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 47, 48 spaced along the length of the PCB strip 49 to provide optimal illumination of the aquarium.

High-brightness LEDs 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 47, 48 require thermal management; in this embodiment this is achieved by means of an Insulated Metal Substrate PCB 49, and an extruded aluminium section 50, having a plurality of fins 51, 52 and being specially shaped to fit the tube.

The LED illumination tube 11 has to be waterproof. This is achieved by housing it in an acrylic tube 53, with sealed ends 54, 55, one sealed with a with a fixedly attached end cap 54 and one sealed with a rubber washer 56 and a potting compound to prevent the potting compound from running down the tube. The end-cap molding 54 is designed with a shape 57 to slot into the extrusion 50 and PCB 49.

Connection between the LED illumination tube 11 and the control system 10 is by means of a multi core lead fitted with an RJ-45 connector.

An additional potential feature is a facility to store in memory a programmable colour to illuminate the vivarium with a particular hue and brightness level as required.

This programmable colour can be selected from any part of the spectrum at any brightness level. This colour may be programmed to be recalled by means of a button on the IR remote control.

An additional feature is the facility to automatically cycle through pre-programmed sequences of colours, without flicker or step-changes to brightness by means of software in the microcontroller.

The control system 10 can be programmed with the times and days-of-the week for the lighting illumination and coloured effects to operate, by means of a menu-type system on the control system 10.

The IR remote control can be used to control the illumination settings of the vivarium. This is used to select a colour, to select a sequence of colours or to raise or lower the brightness of the tank illumination.

A red colour LED is useful in the calming and pacification of new animals, and in particular fish when introduced into a new or existing vivarium.

The control system 10 contains a power-supply 20 and a microprocessor 24, with non-volatile memory for storing settings and a battery-backed clock, for timing and control, this overcomes the problems associated with manual or simple automation and allows fufl microprocessor control of all features.

The control system 10 has a display for displaying information such as the day, date, time, colour settings, brightness settings, recalled programmes of events. The display may be by means of a plurality of 7-segment LEDs 27 or in the alternative may be by means of a plurality of 7-segment LCDs or any other suitable display means capable of conveying the information in a visual or aural manner.

Claims

Claims 1. A vivarium illumination system comprising at least one LED with a minimum brightness and a maximum brightness and a control system for controlling the brightness of the at least one LED.
2. A vivarium illumination system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein there are a plurality of LEDs.
3. A vivarium illumination system as claimed in Claim 2 wherein when the LEDs are turned on, the brightness level gradually increases from the minimum to the maximum brightness.
4. A vivarium illumination system as claimed in any of claims 2 to 3 wherein the control system is operable for discrete brightness control of the individual LEDs.
5. A vivarium illumination system as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4 wherein the control system is operable for discrete colour control of the individual LEDs.
6, A vivarium illumination system as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5 wherein the LEDs include bicolour LEDs.
7. A vivarium illumination system as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6 wherein the LEDs include tricolour LEDs.
8. A vivarium illumination system as claimed in any of claims 2 to 7 wherein the control system is controlled by software.
9. A vivarium illumination system as claimed in any of claims 2 to 8 wherein the LEDs are housed within a waterproof tube comprising a clear plastic material tube, with the clear plastic material tube including a first end sealed with a fixedly attached end cap and a second end sealed with a rubber washer and a potting compound.
10. A vivarium illumination system as claimed in any of claims 2 to 9 wherein the LEDs are mounted to an insulated metal substrate PCB, the PCB being mounted to an extruded aluminium substrate, the aluminium substrate including a plurality of fins.
11 A vivarium illumination system as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the LEDs are mounted to an insulated metal substrate PCB, the PCB being mounted to an extruded aluminium substrate, the aluminium substrate including a plurality of fins and wherein the PCB and the aluminium substrate are shaped to fit the waterproof tube.
12. A vivarium illumination system as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
13. Software for a control system for controlling the brightness of a plurality of LEDs in a vivarium illumination system, wherein when the plurality of LEDs are turned on, the brightness of the LED5 increases gradually from a minimum to a maximum brightness, and for discrete brightness and colour control of the individual LEDs.
14. Software for a control system as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the brightness of the LEDs and colour control of the LEDs are recalled from programmed timed events.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A vivarium illumination system comprising a plurality of bicolour and/or tricolour LEDs, each having a minimum brightness and a maximum brightness, and a control system for controlling the brightness and colour of the LEDs, wherein the control system is operable for discrete brightness control and for discrete colour control of the individual LEDs.2. A vivarium illumination system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein when the LEDs are turned on, the brightness level gradually increases from the minimum to the maximum brightness.3. A vivarium illumination system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the control system is controlled by software.4. A vivarium illumination system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the LEDs are housed within a waterproof tube comprising a clear plastic material tube, with the clear plastic material tube including a first end sealed with a fixedly attached end cap and a second end sealed with a rubber washer and a potting compound.5. A vivarium illumination system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the LEDs are mounted to an insulated metal substrate PCB, the PCB being mounted to an extruded aluminium substrate, the aluminium substrate including a plurality of fins.. : 25 6. A vivarium illumination system as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the LEDs are mounted to an insulated metal substrate PCB, the PCB being mounted to an * extruded aluminium substrate, the aluminium substrate including a plurality of fins I..and wherein the PCB and the aluminium substrate are shaped to fit the waterproof *:*::* 30 tube. ** * * * ** 7. A vivarium illumination system as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the control system is controlled with an lR controller.8. A vivarium illumination system as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.9. Software for a control system for controlling the discrete brightness and colour of a plurality of bicolour and/or tricolour LEDs in a vivarium illumination system, wherein when the plurality of bicolour and/or tricolour LEDs are turned on, the brightness of the LEDs increases gradually from a minimum to a maximum brightness, and wherein the discrete colour and brightness of individual LEDs can be changed.10. Software for a control system as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the brightness of the LEDs and colour control of the LEDs are recalled from programmed timed events. * * * ** * **** * * **I. S... *..* I.. * .S * S * .,S * ..