0001
`
`Santa's Best and Polygroup
`Exhibit 1001
`IPR2016-01066
`U.S. Pat. No. 6,285,140
`
`

`
`SU
`
`6
`
`mm1|;5
`
`3,2.o_n_
`
`m_!.9m\mmW2P9
`D..rwMW4_I_2
` S.....I[..l.....l1I|-|.....ll..II..|i|.l.II-U-22722pema:sE.__
`u2.]lllull
`m7,m.,N,...\.u.\/,,,.¢..u..,,..,.m.F--_-8,-.2-
`_QL7,
`.m_mm82:»/N.m22227r2...
`-+121:-2M.2_IL_M0.2._..m
`
`
`
`0002
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Scp. 4, 2001
`
`Sheet 2 of 8
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`US 6,285,140 B1
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`0003
`
`0003
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Scp. 4, 2001
`
`Sheet 3 of 8
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`US 6,285,140 B1
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`0004
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`0004
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
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`Scp. 4, 2001
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`Sheet 4 of 8
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`US 6,285,140 B1
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`cm.2...h
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`334
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`0005
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`0005
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
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`Scp. 4, 2001
`
`Sheet 5 of 8
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`US 6,285,140 B1
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`0006
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`0006
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Scp. 4, 2001
`
`Sheet 6 of 8
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`US 6,285,140 B1
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`0007
`
`0007
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Scp. 4, 2001
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`Sheet 7 of 8
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`US 6,285,140 B1
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`342
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`114
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`3
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`0008
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`0008
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
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`Scp. 4, 2001
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`Sheet 3 of 8
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`US 6,285,140 B1
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`FIG.5b
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`FI6.50
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`442
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`0009
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`0009
`
`

`
`US 6,285,140 B1
`
`1
`VARIABLE-EP‘P‘EC1‘ LIGHTING SYSTEM
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to variable-elfect lighting
`systems.
`In particular,
`the present
`invention relates to a
`lighting system having coloured lamps for pro-ducing a
`myriad of colour displays.
`BACKGROUND 015 THE INVENTION
`
`Variable-effect lighting systems are commonly used for
`advertising, decoration, and ornamental or festive displays.
`Such lighting systems frequently include a set of coloured
`lamps packaged in a common fixture, and a control system
`which controls the output intensity of each lamp in order to
`control the colour of light emanating from the fixture.
`For instance, Kunins (U.S. Pat. No. 2,515,236} teaches a
`coloured light source comprising a fixture having a red lamp,
`a green lamp, and blue lamp, with each lamp being con-
`nected to separate output terminal of an autotransformer.
`The autotransformer is connected to an AC voltage source,
`and the core of the autotransfonrter is rotated by a motor so
`as to vary the voltage applied to each lamp and thereby
`control
`the colour of light emanating from the fixture.
`Although the light source taught by Kunins may be suitable
`for producing light ofvarying colour, the use of a motor and
`autotransformer is bulky and is not suitable for producing
`intricate colour displays.
`More recently, multi-coloured light-emitting diodes
`(LEDs) have been used with electronic switches to improve
`the versatility of the lighting system. For instance, Kazar
`(US. Pat. No. 5,008,595) teaches a light display comprising
`strings of bicolourcd LED packages connected in parallel
`across a common DC voltage source. Each bicolourcd LED
`package comprises a pair of red and green Ll:'Ds, connected
`back—to—back, with the bicolourcd LED packages in each
`string being connected in parallel
`to the voltage source
`through an H~bridge circuit. Acontrol circuit, connected to
`the II-bridge circuits, allows the red and green LEIJS to
`conduct each alternate half cycle, with the conduction angle
`each half cycle being determined according to a modulating
`input source coupled to the control circuit. As a result, the
`bicolour l..EDS can be forced to illuminate continuously, or
`to flash. Further,
`the colour of light produced by each
`bicolour LED can be continuously varied between two
`extremes.
`
`Although the light display taught by Kazar otfers an
`improvement over prior variable-effect lighting systems, the
`control system and the H-bridge circuitry increases the
`complexity of the lighting system. Further,
`the rate of
`change of coloured light produced is restricted by the
`modulating input source. Therefore,
`the range of colour
`displays which can be produced by the light display is
`limited.
`
`Phares (U.S. Pat. No. 5,420,482) teaches a controlled
`lighting system which allows a greater range of colour
`displays to be realized. The lighting system comprises a
`control system which transmits illumination data to a num-
`ber of lighting modules. Each lighting module includes at
`least two lamps and a control unit connected to the lamps
`and responsive to the illumination data to individually vary
`the amount of light emitted from each lamp. However, the
`illumination data only controls the brightness of each lamp
`at any given instant. Therefore, the lighting system is not
`particularly well suited to easily producing intricate colour
`displays.
`Murad (U.S. Pat. No. 4,3l'z'.07l) teaches a computerized
`illumination system for producing a continuous variation in
`
`ill
`
`15
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`output colour. The illumination system comprises a number
`of dilIerent coloured lamps, a low frequency clock, and a
`control circuit connected to the low frequency clock and to
`each coloured lamp for varying the intensity of light pro-
`duced hy each lamp. However, the rate of change of lamp
`intensity is dictated by the frequency of the low [requency
`clock, and the range of colour displays is limited.
`Accordingly, there remains a need for a relatively simple
`variable-effect
`lighting system which allows for greater
`variation in the range of colour displays which can be
`realized.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is an object oithc invention to provide a variable-el]'cct
`lighting system which addresses the deficiencies of the prior
`art lighting systems.
`lighting system, according to the
`The variable-ellect
`invention, comprises a lamp assembly, and a programmable
`lamp controller. The lamp assembly includes a first illumi-
`nating element for producing a first colour of light, and a
`second illuminating element for producing a second colour
`of light. The programmable lamp controller is coupled to the
`lamp assembly for setting the conduction angle of the
`illuminating elements according to at
`least one predeter-
`mined pattern stored in a memory of the lamp controller.
`Preferably, the controller includes a user-operable input to
`allow the user to select the predetermined pattern and hence
`the colour display as desired. Alternately,
`the controller
`includes a temperature sensor for selecting the predeter-
`mined pattern according to ambient temperature, or a clock
`circuit for selecting the predetennined pattern according to
`the time.
`
`In one embodiment of the invention, the programable
`lamp controller comprises a microcontroller for setting the
`conduction angle according to a plurality of user-selectable
`predetermined patterns. The lamp assembly comprises a
`string of series—connected bicolourcd lightcmitting diodes
`connected in series between an AC power source and an
`electronic switch. The electronic switch is coupled to an
`output olithe rnicrocontroller and sets the conduction angle
`of the illuminating elements of each bicolourcd light-
`emitting diode according to the predetermined pattern
`selected.
`
`In another embodiment ofthe invention, the lamp assem-
`bly comprises at least one bicolourcd light—emitting diode
`coupled to a DC power source. The l.l]'Sl illuminating ele-
`ment of the bicolourcd light-emitting diode is coupled to the
`DC power source through a lirst electronic switch, and the
`second illuminating element of the bicolourcd light-emitting
`diode is coupled to the DC power source through a second
`electronic switch. The electronic switches are each coupled
`to a respective output of the programmable controller for
`setting the conduction angles of the illuminating elements.
`In yet another embodiment of the invention,
`the lamp
`assembly comprises at least one bicolourcd light-emitting
`diode, with each illuminating element of the bicolourcd
`light-emitting diode being driven directly by a respective
`output of the programmable controller.
`Applications of the invention include Christmas tree light
`strings, temperature-sensitive lights, night
`lights, jewelry,
`key chains and decorative lighting displays.
`BRIEF DESCRll"l'lON OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The preferred embodiments of the invention will now be
`described, by way of example only, with reference to the
`drawings. in which:
`
`0010
`
`0010
`
`

`
`US 6,285,140 B1
`
`3
`FIG. In is a schematic circuit diagram ol’ a variable-ell'ect
`lighting system according to a
`first embodiment of the
`invention, showing a programmable controller, and a lamp
`assembly comprising a string of seriesazoupled bicoloured
`lamps;
`FIG. lb is a schematic circuit diagram of one variation of
`the lamp assembly shown in FIG. In;
`FIG. 1c is a schematic circuit diagram ofanother variation
`of the lamp assembly shown in FIG. In;
`FIG. Zn is a schematic circuit diagram of a variable-effect
`lighting system according to a second embodiment of the
`invention, wherein the lamp assembly comprises a string of
`parallel-coupled bicoloured lamps;
`FIG. 2b is a schematic circuit diagram of one variation of
`the lamp assembly shown in FIG. 2a;
`FIG. 2c is a schematic circuit diagram of one variation of
`the variable-efiect lighting system shown in FIG. 2a;
`FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagam of a variable-etlect
`lighting system according to a third embodiment of the '
`invention, wherein the programmable controller directly
`drives each bicoloured lamp;
`FIG. 4 is a night light according to one implementation of
`the embodiment shown in FIG. 2;
`FIG. 5a is a jewelry piece according to one implementa- *
`tion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3; and
`FIG. 5b is a key chain according to another implementa-
`tion ot' the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.
`
`ll!
`
`15
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PRl£l-LRR1-LD EMBODIMENTS
`
`lighting system
`Turning to FIG. la, a variable-effect
`according to a [irst embodiment of the invention, denoted
`generally as 10, is shown comprising a lamp assembly 11,
`and a programmable lamp controller 12 coupled to the lamp
`assembly 11 for setting the colour of light produced by the
`lamp assembly 11. Preferably, the lamp assembly 11 com-
`prises string of mu lti-coloured lamps 14 interconnected with
`flexible wire conductor to allow the ornamental
`lighting
`system II] to be used as decorative Christmas tree lights.
`However, the multi-coloured lamps 14 may also be inter-
`connected with substantially rigid wire conductor or affixed
`to a substantially rigid backing for applications requiring the
`lamp assembly 11 to have a measure of rigidity.
`The multi-coloured lamps 14 are connected in series with
`each other and with an AC voltage source 16, and a
`current-limiting resistor 18. Typically the AC‘ voltage source
`16 comprises the 60 Ilz 120 VAC source commonly avail-
`able. However, other sources of AC voltage may be used
`without departing from the scope of the invention. Aswill be
`appreciated, the series arrangement of the lamps I4 elimi-
`nates the need for a step-down transformer between the AC
`voltage source 16 and the lamp assembly 11. The current-
`limiting resistor 18 limits the magnitude of current flowing
`through the lamps 14. However, the current-limiting resistor
`18 may be eliminated if a suflicient number of lamps 14 are
`used. or if the magnitude of the voltage produced by the AC‘
`voltage source 16 is selected so that the lamps 14 will not be
`exposed to excessive current flow.
`For longevity, each lamp 14 comprises a bicoloured LED
`having a first
`illuminating element for producing a firs!
`colour of light, and a second illuminating element
`for
`producing a second colour of light which is dilferent from
`the first colour, and with the leads of each lamp 14 disposed
`such that when current flows through the lamp 14 in one
`direction the first colour of light
`is produced, and when
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`0011
`
`4
`current llows through the lamp 14 in the opposite direction
`the second colour of light is produced. As shown in FIG. In,
`preferably each bicoloured LED comprises a pair of
`differentlyazolourcd LEDs 144:, 14!) connected back—to—
`back, with the first
`illuminating clement comprising the
`LED 14c and the second illuminating element comprising
`the LED 14b.
`
`In a preferred implementation of the invention, the lirrst
`illuminating element produces red light, and the second
`illuminating element produces green light. However, other
`LED colours may he used if desired. In addition, both LEDs
`I4a,14bol'some of the lamps 14 maybe ofthe same colour
`if it is desired that some of the lamps 14 vary the intensity
`of their respective colour outputs only. Further, each lamp 14
`may be fitted with a translucent ornamental bulb shaped as
`a star. or a tlower or may have any other aesthetically
`pleasing shape for added versatility.
`The programmable controller 12 comprises a microcon-
`troller 20. a bidirectional semiconductor switch 22 con-
`trolled by an output Z of the microcontroller 20, and a
`uscr—operable switch 24 coupled to an input 8 of the micro-
`controller 20 for selecting the colour display desired. In
`addition, an input X of the microcontroller 20 is coupled to
`the AC voltage source 16 through a cu rrent-limiting resistor
`26 for synchronization purposes, as will be described below.
`The bidirectional switch 22 is positioned in series with the
`lamps 14, between the current
`limiting resistor 18 and
`ground.
`In FIG. 1, the bidirectional switch 22 is shown
`comprising a triac switch. However, other bidirectional
`switches. such as IGBTs or hack—to-back SCRs, may be used
`without departing from the scope of the invention.
`The programmable controller 12 is powered by a 5—volt
`DC regulated power supply 28 connected to the AC voltage
`source 16 which ensures that the microcontroller 20 receives
`
`a steady voltage supply for proper operation. However, for
`added safety, the programmable controller 12 also includes
`a brownout detector 30 connected to an input Y of the
`microcontroller 2|] for placing the microcontroller 20 in a
`stable operational mode should the supply voltage to the
`microcontroller 2|] drop below acceptable limits.
`The microcontroller 20 includes a non-volatile memory
`which is programmed or "burned-in" with preferably several
`conduction angle patterns for setting the conduction angle of
`the bidirectional switch 22 in accordance with the pattern
`selected. In this manner, the conduction angles of the LEDs
`14a, 14b (and hence the colour display generated by the
`bicoloured lamps 14) can be selected.
`Preferred colour displays include, but are not limited to:
`1. continuous slow colour change between red, amber and
`gI'CCI]
`. continuous rapid colour change between red, amber and
`green
`. continuous alternate flashing of red and green
`. continuous random flashing of red and green
`. continuous illumination of red only
`6. continuous change in intensity of red
`. continuous llashing ol‘ red only
`8. continuous illumination of green only
`9. continuous change in intensity of green
`10. continuous flashing of green only
`1]. continuous illumination of red and green to produce
`amber
`
`--JL)’:-I1‘-'93
`
`Ix.)
`
`12. combination of any of the preceding colour displays
`llowever, as will be appreciated, the microcontroller 20
`need only be programmed with a single conduction angle
`
`0011
`
`

`
`US 6,285,140 B1
`
`ill
`
`15
`
`30
`
`5
`pattern to function. Further, the microcontroller 20 needs
`only to be programmed in situ with a user interface (not
`shown] for increased flexibility. As will be apparent, if the
`microcontroller 20 is programmed with only a single eon-
`duction angle pattern, the user~operable switch 24 may be
`eliminated from the programmable controller 12. Further,
`the user-operable switch 24 may be eliminated even when
`the microcontrollcr 20 is programmed with a number of
`conduction angle patterns, with the microcontroller 20 auto-
`matically switching between the various conduction angle
`patterns. Alternately, the user-operable switch 24 may be
`replaced with a clock circuit which signals the microeon-
`troller 20 to switch conduction angle patterns according to
`the time.
`The operation of the variable-etfect fighting system 10
`will now he described. Prior to power—up of the lighting
`system II], the microoontrollcr 20 is programmed with at
`least one conduction angle pattern. Alternately, the micro-
`controller 20 is programmed after power-up using the
`above-described user
`interface. Once power
`is applied
`through the AC voltage source 16, the 5-volt DC regulated
`power supply 28 provides power to the microcontrollcr 20
`and the brown-out detector 30.
`After the brown-out detector 30 signals the microcontrol-
`ler 2|] at input Y that the voltage supplied by the power _
`supply 28 has reached the threshold sulficient for proper
`operation of the microcontroller 20, the microcontroller 20
`begins executing instructions for implementing a default
`conduction angle pattern. I-lowever, if a change of state is
`detected at the input S by reason of the user activating the
`user—operable switch 24, the microcontrollcr 20 will begin
`executing instructions for implementing the next conduction
`angle pattern. For instance, if the microcontroller 20 is
`executing instructions for implementing the third conduc-
`tion angle pattern identified above, actuation of the user-
`operable switch 24 will force the microcontroller 20 to being
`executing instructions for implementing the fourth conduc-
`tion angle pattern.
`For ease ofexplanation, it is convenient to assume that the
`[..ED 14a is a red LED, and the LED 14!) is a green LED. It
`is also convenient to assume that the first conduction angle
`pattern, identified above, is selected. The operation of the
`lighting system 10 for the remaining conduction angle
`patterns will be readily understood from the following
`description by those skilled in the art.
`After the conduction angle pattern is selected, either by
`default or by reason of activation of the user-operable switch
`24, the microcontroller 20 will begin monitoring the AC
`signal received at
`the input X to the microcontroller 20.
`Once a positive-going zero-crossing of the AC voltage
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`6
`the microcontroller 20 delays a
`source 16 is detected,
`predetermined period. After the predetermined period has
`elapsed, the microcontroller 20 issues a pulse to the bidi-
`rectional switch 22, causing the bidirectional switch 22 to
`conduct current in the direction denoted by the arrow 32. As
`a result, the red LED 140 illuminates until the next zero-
`crossing of the AC voltage source 16. In addition. while the
`LED 14:: is conducting current, the predetermined period for
`the LED 14::
`is increased in preparation for
`the next
`positive-going zero-crossing of the AC voltage source 16.
`After the negative-going zero-crossing of the AC signal
`source 16 is detected at the input X, the microcontroller 20
`again delays a predetermined period. After the predeter-
`mined period has elapsed, the microcontroller 20 issues a
`pulse to the bidirectional switch 22, causing the bidirectional
`switch 22 to conduct current in the direction denoted by the
`arrow 34. As a result, the green LED 14b illuminates until
`the next zero-crossing of the AC voltage source 16.
`In
`addition, while the I..EI) 14b is oonducting current,
`the
`predetermined period for the I.ED 14b is decreased in
`preparation for the next negative-going zero-crossing of the
`AC voltage source 16.
`it will be
`With the above conduction angle sequence,
`apparent that the period of time each cycle during which the
`red LED 140 illuminates will continually decrease, while the
`period of time each cycle during which the green LED 14b
`illuminates will continually increase. Therefore, the colour
`of light emanating from the bicoloured lamps 14 will
`gradually change from red,
`to amber, to green, with the
`colour of light emanating from the lamps 14 when both the
`LEDs 14a, 14!) are conducting being determined by the
`instantaneous ratio of the magnitude of the conduction angle
`of the LED 14a to the magnitude of the conduction angle of
`the LIED 14b.
`
`When the conduction angle ofthe grecn[.ED14b reaches
`180°, the conduction angle pattern is reversed so that the
`colour of light emanating from the bicoloured lamps 14
`changes from green, to amber and back to red. As will be
`appreciated, the maximum conduction angles for each con-
`ducting clement ofthe lamps 14 can be set less than 180° if
`desired.
`in a preferred implementation of the invention, the micro-
`controller 20 comprises a Microchip PICt2CS08 microcom-
`troller. The zero-crossings of the AC voltage source 16 are
`detected at pin 3, the state of the user—operable switch 24 is
`detected at pin 7, and the bidirectional switch 22 is con-
`trolled by pin 6. The brown-out detector 30 is coupled to pin
`4. The assembly code listing for generating conduction angle
`patterns 1,2 and 3 with the Microchip PICIZCSUS micro-
`controller is shown in Table A.
`
`TABLE A
`
`I Constants
`AC_IN EQU 4'.
`GP4 (pin 3) is AC‘ input pin X
`TRIGGER OUT‘ EQU 1: GP] (pin 6) is Ttiac Trigger pin Z
`Bl.TTTON EQU 0: GPO (pin ?j is Button 24 input pin 5 and is active low
`dela_v_:Jirrte EQU £JxEJO'l'
`dim_val EQU t}xt)tJS
`trigger delay E01.’ 0x009
`DELAY] EQIJ UXUEJA
`D[il...t‘\Y2 EQU UXUUB
`DELAY3 EQU £JxC|0(_'
`RED _lNTENSIT‘t' EQU tlxf3tlD
`SIJBTRACT REG EQU flx(lt'J|F.
`DE[.AY5 EQU flxtlfll-7
`l'-‘LASiI_I'."0Ul\T EQU 0x010
`F'l.AS!-l_C'0Ul\T_S[IAD EOU t)xI'}l1
`
`0012
`
`0012
`
`

`
`US 6,285,140 B1
`
`7
`
`TABLE A-continued
`
`FAlJl:‘._|Jl£LA"r’ EQU 0x012
`org ll:
`RESET vector location
`mevwf OSCCA_l..; move data Err:-m W register to OSCCAL
`gale SHIRT
`DELA‘t’;
`subroutine to delay 83 uses " register W
`movwf dim ,\-al;
`LOOP]
`n1ovlw .2?
`n1ovw[delay_di.m
`LOOPZ:
`delay 83 usec
`decfsz deIay_din1,1
`gate LOOPE
`rlccfsz dirn_val,1
`goto LOOP}
`return
`subroutine to send trigger pulse to triac
`TRIGGER:
`bsf GP[O,TRlGGER..__OLT
`rnuvlw h'0lZ1fJ1fJflU1'
`TRIS GI-‘IO:
`
`send trigger to triac
`
`n1ovtw .30
`movwf trigg,er_delay
`LOOP3
`clccfsz lriggcr_dcI:1y_.]
`delay 30 uscc
`gala LOOP3:
`rnuvlw b'[J001fJU1l'
`TRIS GPIO:
`remove trigger from Lriac
`
`set DELAYS-
`
`set DELAYS
`
`set DELAYI
`
`wait DELAY2 ' DELAY1
`
`wait DELAY3 ‘ DELAY2 ‘ DELAY]
`
`return
`DELAY_SE(‘
`movlw .4
`rnovwf DEIAYS:
`SELL?
`mevlw .250
`n1evwf DELAY2;
`OUAR'I‘_,SE.C?.
`rnovlw .350
`movwf DEL-KY1:
`MSEC3
`clear Watchdog timer
`clrwdli
`decfsz DEL.-*\Y1,l:
`wait DELAY]
`gcto MSEG
`decfsz DELAY2,1;
`goto QUART__SEC’2
`decfsz DEL.AY3_.1:
`goto SECS
`return
`FAlJE_SUB:
`Ul'_L00l’:
`
`wait for positive swung on AC input
`
`increase delay before turning lriac on each negative
`half cycle
`
`subroutine to vary conduction angle for triac each half cycle
`increase delay before It-lac starts to conduct each negative hall’
`cycle while decreasing delay each positive half cycle
`btfss GPlO,AC_lN
`golo L‘F_l..0OP;
`WAIT_NEG1
`eall WA]T_NEG_EDGE1:
`l\'0_CHANGE
`register W - mzlximum delay value before lriac turns on
`mot-lw .90:
`subwf RED_[NTENSITY,D
`btfsc SI'ATUS,'Z.
`goto WAI'I‘_1\‘EG2:
`
`if RED_lN'I‘ENS["I‘Y is equal to maximum delay value,
`start increasing delay value
`mm-E RED_lNTEI\'-SITY,0
`btfss GPIO,BU'[TON
`return:
`call DELAY:
`call TRIGGER:
`M1\{N_IL)OP2
`btfsc GPl0,AC_lN
`goto MAlN_LOOP2: wait for negative swing on AC input
`WAIT_POS_EDGE1
`btfss GP[O,AC_lN
`gcto WA[‘I‘_POS_EDGE1:
`movlw .96
`movwf SUl3I‘RAC']’___REG:
`
`return ifButlo11 depressed
`delay RED_[NTENSl'l'Y “ 83 user:
`send trigger pulse to lriac
`
`wait for positive swing on AC input
`
`SUBTRACI‘__REG = maximum delay value
`1- ruiuimurn delay value before triac turns on
`
`rnovf RED ..,lNT'ENSl'I‘r',D
`subwf SUB-TRAC'I'_REG,D
`Call DELAY:
`delay [SUBTRJ\CT_RED-RED_lNTENSITY} ‘ 33 usec
`call TRIGGER;
`send trigger pulse to triar:
`goto UP_L00l’
`DOWl\'_LOOP
`
`0013
`
`0013
`
`

`
`US 6,285,140 B1
`
`10
`
`9
`
`TABLE A-continued
`
`btfss GPIO,r‘\C_lN
`gala DOWN_LO0P: wait for positive swing on AC‘ input
`WAiT‘_NEG2
`eall W.AlT...NEG... EDGE2;
`NO, CHANGE?
`rnovtw .6
`subwf RED_[NTENSfI'Y,0:
`
`decrease delay before triac turns on each negative
`half cycle
`
`register W -= RED_II\'I'ENS[TY — minimum delay
`value
`
`btfse SI‘A'['US_.Z
`goto WAIT_NECr1;
`
`if RED_INTENSlTY is equal to minimum delay
`wluc, start increasing delay
`
`movf RE1)_lNT‘ENSITY,0
`btfss CiP[O,BUTTON
`return:
`call DELAY:
`cell TRIGGER;
`MJ‘\lN_LOOP3
`Iatfsc GP[0,AC_lN
`goto MAIN_l..()OP3: wait for negative swing on AC input
`WA1T_POS_EDGE2
`btfss GP[O,AC_[N
`golo WA[T_POS__EDCrE2:
`movie: .96
`rnovwf SUB‘l‘RACT_REG;
`
`return if Button depressed
`delay RE'D_[NTENSl'I'Y “ 83 use:
`send trigger pulse tn lriac
`
`wait for }'_‘lClfilli\-‘C swing on AC input
`
`SUBTRAC"I'_REG -v maximum delay value before
`trim: lums on
`
`movf RED_lN'l"ENSI'1"Y,U
`suhwf SUBTR.AC']'_REG,l)
`call DELAY;
`delay (SUBTR.t\CT_REG-RED_INTENSITY) ' 83 user;
`call TRIGGER‘.
`send trigger pulse to lriat:
`goto DOWN_L0-01’
`return
`WA1'l‘_NEG_EDGE1;
`
`othcnvise, increment delay and rcturn
`
`routine to increase delay before triac turns on each negative
`half cycle
`wait for negative Swing on AC input
`btfsc CrP[(),.t\C‘_IN:
`guto WAl'I'_N'EG_EDGE1
`decfsy. DELAY'5,1;
`DELAYS -= fade delay, ic number of cycles at present delay
`vnlue: decrement and return if not zero
`return
`inc-f RED_lN‘I‘ENSlT“Y,];
`movf FADE_DELAY,D
`mot-wt‘ DELAY5
`return
`WAi'['_NEG_EDGE2;
`
`routine to decrease delay before lriac tums on each negative
`half cycle
`wait for negative swing on AC input
`btfsc GP[0,AC_[N:
`goto WAI‘I‘_NE(i_EDGE2
`decfsz DELAY5_.1:
`DELAYS -x number of cycles at present delay value:
`decrement and return if not zero
`rclurn
`decf Rl£D_INTENSlTY,1:
`movf FADE_DELAY,O
`movwf DELAYS:
`return
`F'L.AS[-I_SUB;
`
`Dti'Icrwisc decrement delay and return
`
`IJEIAY5 = FADE_DELAY
`
`submutine to flash lights at speed dictated by value assigned to
`FLASI-I_COUNT_SHAD
`mot-E Fl...-XS!-I_CCJUNT_S}L-'\D,0
`movwf F]_ASl-l_COUN'I‘.
`l'-‘LASl{_OOUN'I‘ = duration of flash
`MAIN_LOOP4
`btfsc CP[O,AC‘_[N'.
`golo MA1N_.LOOP4
`WJ\IT_POS.__EDGE4
`misc GPt0,AC_tN
`goto WAlT_POS_F.[)GE.4:
`rnovlw .6
`call DELAY
`call TRIGGER:
`htfss GPlO,BUT]'O.\l
`return;
`dccfsz I-‘l_ASH_COUN'I‘
`decrement F1.ASl-I_C0l_iNT and repeat until zero
`goto MAiN_l..OOP4;
`movt Fl_.ASH_ C01.-’NT_SHAD_.{)
`rnovwf FIASH_CTOUN'IE
`reset Fl..ASH_COI?h."l'
`DOWN _LOOF4
`btfss GP[O,AC,JN'.
`gate DOWN_I.OOP4
`WAH‘_NEG_EDGE4
`btfse GP[0,AC_[N
`goto WAl'I'_NEG_£DGE4: wait for negative swing on AC input
`
`wait for negative swing. on AC input
`
`wait for pusitivc swing on AC input
`
`send trigger pulse to trim:
`
`return if Button pressed
`
`wait for positive swing on AC input
`
`0014
`
`0014
`
`

`
`US 6,285,140 B1
`
`12
`
`11
`
`TABLE A-continued
`
`send trigger pulse to triac
`
`return il‘Bu1ton pressed
`
`decrement F|.ASH_C.‘0lIl\T and repeat until new
`
`INTENSITY:
`
`load RED.
`set initial Fade
`
`1”l\"I'E-.’*lSl'T"r' register
`
`wait IJELAY3 “ DELAY3 “‘ DELAY}
`
`set slow FADE... DELAY
`slowly fade colours until Button is pressed
`
`wait DELAY3 ‘ DELAY2 ' DEIAYI
`
`set fast FADE__DEIAY
`rapidly fade colours until Button is pressed
`
`slowly flash lights until Button is pressed.
`
`movtw .6
`call DELAY
`call TRIGGER
`htiss (‘rPIO_.BUTTON
`return:
`dccisz FLASH. COUNT
`goto DOWN_I.00P4:
`return
`S'1"AR'I'
`movlw b‘t]0[}] 0011'
`TRIS GPIOL set pins GP4 (AC input], GP] (Triac output to high impedance),
`GPD [Button as input]
`movtw b'1Llt]]Dt11': enable pullups on GPO, (iP1, GP.’-
`OPTION
`movlw .4
`movwf RED.
`rrtovlw .5
`movwf DEIAYS:
`FAD}.-Z_SLOW
`call DEL.-\‘r’_SEC:
`rnovlw .5
`rnovwf FADE, DELAY:
`call FADE SUB:
`golo FiI’\Dl':_FAS'l"
`F:*\DE_F!\S'l"
`call DELAY_SEC:
`movlw .]
`movwf FADE_DELA"t';
`call Fr-\DE__,SI.FB'.
`goto FL.-*\SH2_SEC
`PLASI-l3_SEC : flash redigrcen 2 sec interval
`call DELAY_SEC;
`wait DELAY3 ' DELAY2 ‘ DELAY]
`moviw .110
`movwf FLASH .COL'=NT ..SliAD
`Fl.-%\SH2B_SF.C
`btfss cn=to,13t.rrT0N
`goto FI..r\SH‘l_Sl"IC;
`call F'L.i\SH_SUB
`goto I-'LASII3B_SEC‘
`l~'LJ\SH1_SEC ; llash redigrecn 1 sec. interval
`call DELAY_SEC‘:
`wait DELAY3 " DELAY2 ' DELAY]
`movlw .60
`moi-wf FI.ASH_COL‘NT___SliAD
`F1.ASHlB.__SF.C
`btfss GPIO_.BI.JTTON
`goto l'<'LASH_i*'AS'I‘.
`call FL.-\SiI_SUB
`goto FLASH] E_SEC‘
`FLASI-l_.FAS'l‘ '. flash redfgreen 0.35 sec. interval
`call I)IiI_rI‘\Y__SIiC:
`wait DI.iI...t\Y3 ‘ DIELAY2 " DIEIAYI
`movlw .15
`movwf FI_ASH_C‘0L‘N'l"_Sl-L-'\IJ
`Fl_..*\SI-l_FAS'l'B
`btfss GPIO_.BUTTO.\l
`goto FADE_SI.OW;
`call l"'LJ\SH_SUB:
`goto FLASI-I_FASTB
`
`flash lights at moderate speed until Button in pressed
`
`rapidly flash lights until Button is pressed
`slowly fade colours iI' Button is pressed
`
`end
`
`Numerous variations of the lighting system 10 are pos-
`sible. In one variation (not shown), the user-operable switch
`24 is replaced with a temperature sensor coupled to the input
`S of the nticrocontroller 20 for varying the conduction angle
`pattern according to the ambient temperature. Altematcly,
`the programmable lamp controller 12 includes a plurality of
`temperature sensors, each being sensitive to a dilfercnt
`temperature range, and being coupled to a respective input
`ofthe microcontroller 20. With these variations, one colour
`display is produced when the ambient
`temperature falls
`within one range and another colour display is produced
`when the ambient temperature falls within a diiferent range.
`In another variation (not shown), each lamp 14 comprises
`a pair of LEDs with one of the I..EDs being capable of
`emitting white light and with the other of the LEDS. being
`capable of producing a colour of light other than white. In
`
`'Jt‘J1
`
`60
`
`still another variation, each lamp 14 comprises a LED
`capable ofproducing three or more dilfcrcnt colours of light,
`while in the variation shown in FIG. 1b, each lamp 14
`comprises three or more dilfercntly-coloured LEDS. In these
`latter two variations, the LEDS are connected such that when
`current
`flows in one direction one colour of light
`is
`produced, and when current flows in the opposite direction
`another colour of light is produced.
`In yet another variation, shown in FIG. 1c, the program-
`mable lamp controller 12 comprises two bidirectional
`switches 22:1, 223: each connected to a respective output 21.
`2'2 of the microcontroller 20. The lamp assembly 11 com-
`prises first and second strings 11a, 11b of series-connected
`back-to-back-coupled LEDs 14:3, 14!). with each string llrr,
`11.!) being connected to the AC‘ voltage source 16 and to a
`respective one of the bidirectional switches 22a. 22b. In this
`
`0015
`
`0015
`
`

`
`US 6,285,140 B1
`
`13
`variation, each multi-coloured lamp 14 comprises one pair
`of the back-to-back-Coupled LIlDs 140, 14!) of the first
`string 11:: and one pair of the back-to-back-coupled I.EDs
`14a, 14b of the second string llb, with the LEDs of each
`lamp 14 being inserted in a respective translucent ornamen-
`tal bulb. As a result, the colour of light emanating from each
`bulb depends on the instantaneous ratio of the conduction
`angles of the Ll3Ds 14a, 14b in both strings llrr, llb.
`Preferably, the outputs Z1, 2.2 are independently operable to
`increase the range of colour displays.
`In a Further variation. the programmable lamp controller
`12 is similar to the programmable lamp controller 12 shown
`in FIG. 1c, in that it comprises two bidirectional switches
`22:1, 22!) each connected to a respective independently-
`operable output Z1. Z2 of the microcontroller 20. However.
`unlike the programmable lamp controller 12 shown in FIG.
`1c, the lamp assembly 11 comprises first and second strings
`Ila, 11b of series—connected singly-coloured lamps 14. As
`above, each singly-coloured lamp 14 of the first string llrr
`is associated with a singly-coloured lamp 14 of the second -
`string llb, with each associated lam p pair being inserted in
`a respective translucent ornamental bulb. Turning to FIG.
`2a, a variable-effect lighting system according to a second
`embodiment of the invention, denoted generally as 110, is
`shown comprising a lamp assembly 111, and a program- _
`mable lamp controller 112 coupled to the lamp assembly 111
`for setting the colour of light produced by the lamp assembly
`111.
`
`ill
`
`15
`
`The lamp assembly 111 comprises a string of multi-
`coloured lamps 114 connected in parallel with each other.
`The multi—coloured lamps 114 are also connected in parallel
`with an ACIDC converter 116 which is coupled to an AC
`voltage source. Each lamp 114 comprises a bicoloured LED
`having a first illuminating element for producing a first
`colour of light, and a second illuminating element
`for
`producing a second colour of Light which is different from
`the first colour, with the leads of each lamp 114 configured
`such that when current flows through one lead the first
`colour of light is produced, and when current flows through
`the another lead the second colour of light is produced. As
`shown in FIG. 20, preferably each bicoloured LED corn-
`priscs first and second diliierently-coloured I.EDs 114a, 114:‘)
`in series with a respective current—1imiting resistor ll8,with
`the common cathode of the LliDs 114 being connected to
`ground, and with the first illuminating element comprising
`the first LED 114a and the second illuminating element
`comprising the second LED 1141).
`The ACIDC converter 116 produces a DC output voltage
`of a magnitude which is suflicient to power the lamps 114,
`but which will not damage the lamps 114. Typically, the
`ACIDC converter 116 receives 120 volts AC at its input and
`produces an output voltage of about 5 volts DC.
`The programmable controller 112 is also powered by the
`output of the ACEDC converter 116 and comprises a micro-
`controller 2|], a first semiconductor switch 122 controlled by
`an output Z1 of the microcontroller 20, a second semicon-
`ductor switch l23 controlled by an o