System and method for optimized single button control of lighting modules including preset memory and hold control

Abstract

A method for selecting a mode / color of a lighting module having only a single button includes receiving a first actuation of the single button at the lighting module. The method also includes turning on the device and displaying a first mode / color in response to the first actuation. The method also includes detecting whether the single button remains pressed. The method further includes displaying the plurality of modes / colors in a timed order such that each of the plurality of modes / colors is displayed in a preset period of time. The method also includes detecting whether the single button is released. The method further includes displaying a selected mode / color of the plurality of modes / colors displayed when the single button is released.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application serial number 17 / 217,378 filed on March 30, 2021, which is now U.S. Patent No. 11,924,936 issued on March 5, 2024, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application serial number 29 / 876,942, filed on May 31, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003]

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to compact light sources configured to emit various types and patterns of light. Background Art

[0004] In various scenarios, consumer lighting devices are created with a focus on simplicity and durability. In some cases, such lighting devices may include a single control button. Even if such a device only includes a single button, it may be desirable to have multiple functional modes, including modes that produce multiple colors and / or flashing sequences.

[0005] The compact size and high-intensity lighting capabilities of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) enable the manufacture of small lighting devices. In many cases, these devices typically include a single switch, allowing for reduced size and increased ease of manufacture. Furthermore, lighting modules controlled by a single button can be implemented in a variety of devices, including but not limited to globes, light sticks, glow sticks, Frisbees, headbands, bicycle lights, goal markers, fan cheering gear, safety lights, and the like. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention is to provide a method for selecting a mode / color of a lighting module; the lighting module has only a single button, the method comprising receiving a first actuation of the single button on the lighting module. The method further comprises, in response to the first actuation, turning on the device and displaying a first mode / first color. The method further comprises detecting whether the single button is held down. The method further comprises displaying a plurality of modes / colors in a timed sequence, such that each of the plurality of modes / colors is displayed for a preset time period. The method further comprises detecting whether the single button is released. The method further comprises displaying a selected mode / color from the plurality of modes / colors displayed when the single button is released. In one alternative, the method further comprises receiving a second actuation of the single button on the lighting module, and, in response to the second actuation, changing the selected mode / color to blinking. In another alternative, changing the selected mode / color occurs only if the preset blinking time period has not elapsed. Alternatively, if the preset blinking time period has elapsed, the second actuation causes the lighting module to turn off. In another alternative, one of the plurality of modes / colors is a disco mode. Alternatively, the disco mode is a mode characterized by displaying a series of light colors, each of which lasts for a short period of time, and repeating this display. In another alternative, if the selected mode / color is the disco mode, changing the selected mode / color to flashing does not occur. Alternatively, when the lighting module is turned off, the selected mode / color is memorized so that when the device is turned on again, the mode / color that was present when it was turned off is enabled. In another alternative, the method further includes receiving a third actuation of the single button; and in response to the third actuation, deactivating the lighting module. Alternatively, the method further includes receiving a second actuation of the single button; detecting whether the disco mode among the plurality of modes / colors is enabled; and in response to the second actuation, deactivating the lighting module.

[0007] Another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention provides a lighting module comprising a light source, a microprocessor, and a button. The microprocessor is configured to execute stored instructions to receive a first actuation of a single button on the lighting module. The microprocessor is further configured to execute stored instructions to, in response to the first actuation, turn on the light source and display a first pattern / first color. The microprocessor is further configured to execute stored instructions to detect whether the single button is held down. The microprocessor is further configured to execute stored instructions to display multiple patterns / colors in a timed sequence, such that each pattern / color in the multiple patterns / colors is displayed for a preset time period. The microprocessor is further configured to execute stored instructions to detect whether the single button is released. The microprocessor is further configured to execute stored instructions to display a selected pattern / color from the multiple patterns / colors displayed when the single button is released. In an alternative embodiment, the microprocessor is further configured to execute stored instructions to receive a second actuation of the single button on the lighting module and, in response to the second actuation, change the selected pattern / color to blinking. Alternatively, changing the selected mode / color only occurs if the preset flashing time period has not elapsed. In another alternative, if the preset flashing time period has elapsed, the second actuation causes the lighting module to turn off. Alternatively, one of the multiple modes / colors is a disco mode. In another alternative, the disco mode is a mode characterized by displaying a series of light colors, each of which lasts for a short period of time and repeats. Alternatively, if the selected mode / color is disco mode, changing the selected mode / color to flashing does not occur. In another alternative, when the lighting module is turned off, the selected mode / color is memorized so that when the device is turned on again, the selected mode / color that was present when it was turned off is activated. Alternatively, the microprocessor is further configured to execute stored instructions to receive a third actuation of the single button and, in response to the third actuation, deactivate the lighting module. In another alternative, the microprocessor is further configured to execute the stored instructions to receive a second actuation of the single button, detect whether the disco mode among the multiple modes / colors is enabled, and deactivate the lighting module in response to the second actuation.

[0008] Yet another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention is to provide a housing configured to receive and house a lighting module. The housing of one embodiment of the present invention is configured to cooperate with at least one strap, for example, to allow the lighting device to be selectively interconnected to another object. For example, in one embodiment, the housing has a curved bottom surface that is configured to engage with a corresponding object having a curved exterior surface, such as a portion of a bicycle frame, a ski pole, a trekking pole, or the like. In other embodiments, the housing includes an appendage that is configured to receive a strap, such as a backpack strap, a helmet strap, a ski goggle strap, a belt, or the like, thereby securing the lighting device to the strap.

[0009] The abstract of the present invention is not intended to and should not be construed as representing the full breadth and scope of the present invention. That is, these and other aspects and advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention described herein. In addition, the embodiments, aspects, objectives, and configurations described above are neither complete nor exhaustive. It will be understood that other embodiments of the present invention may use one or more of the features set forth above or below, alone or in combination. In addition, references herein to "the present invention" or aspects thereof should be understood to refer to certain embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting all embodiments to a specific description. The present invention is set forth in various degrees of detail in the abstract of the present invention, as well as in the drawings and detailed description, and the elements, parts, etc. included or not included in the abstract of the present invention are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description, particularly when viewed in conjunction with the drawings.

[0010] The benefits, embodiments, and / or features described above are not necessarily complete or exhaustive, particularly with respect to the patentable subject matter disclosed herein. Other benefits, embodiments, and / or features of the invention may be used alone or in combination, as set forth above and / or described in the accompanying drawings and / or in the following description herein.

[0011] As used herein, the phrases "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that, in operation, have both conjunctive and disjunctive properties. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, or C," and "A, B, and / or C" means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together.

[0012] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and drawings are to be understood as approximations that are subject in all cases to modification as required by the particular application of the novel components and methods described herein.

[0013] As used herein, the terms "a" or "an" entity refer to one or more of that entity. Thus, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more," and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.

[0014] As used herein, "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Thus, the terms "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof can be used interchangeably herein.

[0015] It should be understood that the term "means" as used herein is to be given the broadest possible interpretation under 35 USC § 112(f). Thus, claims containing the term "means" should encompass all structures, materials, or acts described herein, as well as all equivalents thereof. Furthermore, the structures, materials, or acts and their equivalents should include all content described in the abstract, brief description of the drawings, detailed description, and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 One embodiment of a lighting module is shown.

[0017] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 Reverse view of the lighting module.

[0018] Figure 3 A flow chart is shown for single button operation of the lighting module.

[0019] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a lighting device and associated ribbon according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the lighting device and associated ribbon.

[0021] Figure 6 is a front view of the lighting device and associated ribbon.

[0022] Figure 7 It is an exploded perspective view of a lighting device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a lighting device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Rear perspective view of the lighting device shown in .

[0025] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A top plan view of the lighting fixture shown in FIG.

[0026] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 Bottom plan view of the lighting fixture shown in .

[0027] Figure 12 yes Figure 8 Right side view of the lighting fixture shown in .

[0028] Figure 13 yes Figure 8 Left side view of the lighting fixture shown in .

[0029] Figure 14 yes Figure 8 Rear view of the lighting fixture shown in .

[0030] Figure 15 yes Figure 8 Front view of the lighting fixture shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Certain terms used herein are for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the system and method for optimizing single-button control of a lighting module that includes preset memory and push-button control (preset single-button algorithm / system). In many embodiments, the method / microprocessor-based control system can be implemented in a lighting module. In many embodiments, the lighting module is designed to accommodate a variety of receivers within the lighting device. The lighting device embodiments can take various forms, including those shown in this application. In many configurations, the design herein provides a modular system in which the lighting module can be adapted for a variety of devices (lighting equipment). In many embodiments, the preset single-button algorithm / system provides a color cycle selection system and single-press actuation for on / flash / off. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the device memorizes the color selection for the device. In many embodiments, such a system provides efficient single-button control, minimizing selection time and wear on the single button. In many embodiments, the system takes advantage of the likelihood that users will typically desire to select the same color for their lighting device.

[0032] To add context to how the single-button algorithm operates within a single-button lighting device, an exemplary lighting module is provided that can be deployed in a variety of lighting devices such as globes, light sticks, glow sticks, Frisbees, headbands, bike lights, goal markers, fan cheering gear, and the like. Figure 1 One embodiment of a lighting module 100 is shown. The lighting module 100 typically includes two printed circuit boards (PCBs) for circuitry and for supporting the lighting module 100 and for encapsulating the lighting module 100. The lighting module 100 includes a PCB 110 and a PCB 120. A plastic ring 130 is placed between the PCB 110 and the PCB 120 to complete the enclosure of the lighting module 100. The plastic ring 130 includes a protrusion 140 that provides a friction or snap fit to hold the lighting module 100 in the lighting fixture. This will be described in more detail below. Compared to many lighting modules, the PCB forms part of the module, saving manufacturing costs. In addition, Figure 1 Visible in FIG is LED 150. Such LEDs, in many configurations, provide a vertical projection of light, i.e., perpendicular to the largest outwardly facing surface. In many embodiments, PCB 110 may also include exposed microprocessors, capacitors, and / or other circuitry. This is particularly useful in Figure 1 The embodiment of the lighting device is not shown.

[0033] Figure 2 Another view of the lighting module 100 is shown. In this view, the push button switch 210 (momentary) is shown. In addition, the charging port 220 is shown. In many embodiments, the charging port 220 can be a micro USB port. In the alternative, other charging ports are possible, depending on the overall size of the lighting device, including the size of the USB port. Figure 1 Vision Figure 1 Likewise, PCB 220 may include exposed circuitry or interconnections.

[0034] Thus, an exemplary lighting module is provided that may be used with a single preset single button algorithm / system. Figure 3One embodiment of a preset single button algorithm / system is described. In this embodiment, typically, a user continuously presses a button to cycle through the available colors emitted by the lighting device, wherein a further actuation of the button switches the lighting device to a flashing mode. A further actuation of the button turns the lighting device off. Additionally, in certain embodiments, a "disco mode" may be selected that causes the LED to provide a constant color change—from cyan to red, red to yellow, yellow to green, and green to blue. In one embodiment, disco mode includes maintaining one color for a predetermined period of time, for example, one second, and then switching to another color within a predetermined period of time. The envisioned one-second time interval is purely exemplary, and other time periods may be provided and fall within the scope of the present invention. For disco mode, a time period in the range of 0.5 seconds to 5 seconds has been found to be satisfactory, however, other time periods are also possible.

[0035] In step 300, the user presses a single button to activate the device. The device has memory, and in step 310, the device automatically begins displaying a saved mode. The saved mode is a single color, continuous light, or so-called disco mode. If the button is released, the device proceeds to step 330, and the device's current mode remains unchanged. Conversely, if the button is pressed continuously, in step 320, the device begins cycling through modes. The device displays the next color / next mode in sequence for a predetermined period of time. In many alternatives, this period can be at least approximately 0.5 seconds to 1.0 seconds. If the button is not released in step 325, the device displays the next color / next mode again in step 320. This process continues and repeats until the button is released. Again, the predetermined time interval associated with cycling through colors / modes is purely exemplary; other time periods may be set and fall within the scope of the present invention. A time period between 0.5 seconds and 5 seconds is considered satisfactory for selecting a color / mode, but other time periods are also possible. The designation of the color / mode is selectively modified because the loop provided by the microprocessor (i.e., controller) of some embodiments of the present invention may only change the color / mode. Other embodiments of the present invention employ a microprocessor that allows for color intensity, flash rate, and other modes. The color and mode selections can be combined. If the button is released in step 325, the device proceeds to step 330 and maintains any color / mode that existed when the button was released. In many embodiments, one of the colors is designated as disco mode, and if the button is released during disco mode, that color will be selected. Alternatively, the mode can be set to flash rapidly, which indicates disco mode or another visual indicator.

[0036] In step 330, when the button has been released and a mode has been selected, the device monitors for additional button presses in step 340. If the button is not pressed, the device remains on, and if it is pressed, the device proceeds to step 350. Step 350 determines whether less than one second has elapsed since the initial button release. In many embodiments, one second can be three seconds, but of course, there are many possibilities. If greater than or equal to one second has elapsed since the initial button release, the device interprets the button press as a request to turn off, and the algorithm proceeds to step 370, where the lighting device is turned off. If the button is pressed within one second (or other predetermined time interval), the lighting device will transition to blinking mode. In this case, the process proceeds to step 355, where it determines whether the current mode is disco mode. In some embodiments, disco mode does not have a blinking version. Therefore, if the lighting device is in disco mode when the button is pressed at this stage, the process proceeds to step 370, where the lighting device is turned off. If the lighting device is not in disco mode, it switches to flashing mode at step 360. In step 365, pressing the button again causes the process to proceed to step 370, in which the lighting device is turned off. Of course, the one-second time period is purely exemplary, and other time periods can be set and fall within the scope of the present invention. A time period within the range of 0.5 seconds to 5 seconds is considered to be satisfactory for selecting the time limit for flashing mode, but other time periods are also possible. In addition, flashing mode can be present in some versions of disco mode, so step 355 can be omitted. In this case, the colors can flash, but the change rate is slow, so that one color remains for 5 seconds while flashing before switching to the next color.

[0037] Ultimately, the gist of the algorithm is to have a system for selecting a first mode / first color and then providing a modification to the display of the first mode / first color, all using a single button. In other words, the button is held down for the first portion of the selection and then released when the desired color / mode is displayed. The desired color / mode can then be modified by pressing the button again within a short period of time (causing a flicker in the example).

[0038] In some embodiments, if after selecting a mode, the button is held down, the process will proceed from step 330 to step 310, essentially restarting the color / mode selection process. It is also noted that in this configuration, if the button is held for any period of time, the system will proceed to mode selection mode until the button is released. This may occur even if the device is in flashing mode 360. Alternative solutions for modes and algorithms are possible, especially in the case of timing. In many embodiments, the system provides a button hold mode, which can be enabled at any time by holding the button and releasing the button when the desired mode is displayed. In addition, the system provides time-limited mode modification by actuating (and releasing) the button during the period of time the button is held in the selection mode.

[0039] In some embodiments, when the lighting device is re-enabled after being turned off, the first mode displayed will be the mode that was most recently enabled (modified or unmodified by the flashing selection). By way of example, if the button is held down to select green in the first action, and then the button is quickly actuated to enable flashing mode before the lighting device is turned off, the default color of the lighting device when re-enabled will be flashing green. In some alternatives, the device can be programmed to enable in steady mode upon re-enabling, regardless of whether the mode upon shutting down was steady or flashing green. In some embodiments, the initial lighting mode upon re-enabling will depend on how long the lighting device was turned off, where a quick re-enabling will revert to a steady light mode, and re-enabling after a predetermined time will instruct the microprocessor to mimic the color and mode characteristics of the lighting device when it was turned off (e.g., flashing, pulsating, etc.).

[0040] Implementations of the methods deployed in the lighting module can primarily occur within a microprocessor. In various embodiments, the microprocessor can include software. Various embodiments of the systems and methods for controlling the lighting module can be implemented entirely or partially in software and / or firmware. The software and / or firmware can take the form of instructions contained in or on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. These instructions can then be read and executed by one or more processors to perform the operations described herein. The instructions can be in any suitable form, such as, but not limited to, source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, and the like. Such computer-readable media can include any tangible, non-transitory medium for storing information in a form readable by one or more computers, such as, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory, and the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the microprocessor can be configured to communicate with a user's mobile device or similar device, wherein the functionality of the lighting module, and thus, the functionality of the lighting device, can be selectively programmed and changed. In some embodiments, the degree of control is enhanced, where the activation of the lighting device is timed, for example, the lighting device will turn on and off as instructed. In other embodiments, the lighting module includes a location sensing device (or the lighting module cooperates with a location sensing device, for example, the location sensing device is a GPS device, an NFC device, a Bluetooth communication device that cooperates with a mobile device, etc.), where light activation is triggered when the lighting module leaves and / or enters a predetermined boundary. This aspect of some embodiments of the present invention is useful for identifying individuals (for example, children or Alzheimer's patients) or pets that have left a predefined boundary. In addition, another enhanced safety feature can be implemented, where the lighting device transmits a Morse code message if the lighting device exceeds a predefined boundary, is away from a vehicle or boat, becomes wet, is damaged, or does not return to a predefined location within a given time.

[0041] Figures 4 to 7Another embodiment of a lighting device 400 of the present invention is shown, which can be associated with a strap 404. The strap 404 of one embodiment of the present invention is selectively deformable via a plurality of apertures 408 configured to engage with hooks 412 extending from a housing 416 of the lighting device. In operation, a lower surface 420 of the housing 416 engages an object, such as a portion of a bicycle frame (not shown), with the strap 404 wrapped around the object and interconnected with the hooks 412, thereby securing the lighting device 400 to the object. In one embodiment, the strap is made of a rubber material, with a portion of the strap, namely, a strap head 424, engaging the lower surface 420 of the lighting device, which helps maintain the lighting device's position while the lighting device is interconnected with the object via frictional engagement. In some embodiments, the lower surface 420 and / or the strap head 424 are curved, thereby enhancing engagement of the lighting device with cylindrical or semi-cylindrical objects.

[0042] The housing 416 has an interior volume for receiving and securing the lighting module 430 . Figure 7 The lighting module 430 shown in FIG. 4 may be similar to the lighting module 430 shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The lighting module described above. However, in this embodiment, the lighting module 430 typically includes a printed circuit board 434 having an integrated circuit. The printed circuit board supports a light 438 (e.g., at least one LED) and a controller 440 having at least one microprocessor. A rechargeable battery 442 is used to power the integrated circuit and the light. The light is selectively enabled and disabled by a switch 450, which can be interconnected to a button 454. A charging port 460 is also shown, which can be configured as described above. A cover 464 is selectively interconnected or bonded to the housing 416. In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a boss portion 470 that accommodates portions of the charging port 460 and the button 454. The button 454 is located within the boss portion 470 of the housing and provides an effective method of actuating the switch 450 from outside the housing 416. The push button switch 454 also helps prevent fluid from entering the housing. Similarly, a door 474 is provided to prevent fluid and debris from entering the charging port 460.

[0043] Figures 8 to 15 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5 , wherein the lighting device 500 includes a housing 516. The housing 516 is connected to the housing 516. Figures 4 to 7 The housing shown is slightly different. Here, for example, the housing accommodates Figure 7564 and selectively receives a cover portion 564. The housing and cover also define a boss portion 570 associated with a door 574 and a button 554. The primary difference in this embodiment is the presence of an appendage 580 terminating in an inwardly extending finger 584 that defines a gap 590. The gap 590 allows the lighting device 500 to be received on a strip 594.

[0044] The exemplary features of the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the present invention, the foregoing description may have omitted several known devices, methods, systems, structures, and / or equipment that will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and these devices, methods, systems, structures, and / or equipment are generally included in the embodiments of the present invention. Such omissions should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claimed invention. Specific details have been set forth to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention can be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific details set forth herein.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications and variations of the various embodiments of the invention described herein are within the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that the invention described herein is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings. That is, the embodiments of the invention described herein can be practiced or implemented in various ways. The scope of the various embodiments described herein is indicated by the appended claims, not by the foregoing description. Furthermore, all variations that come within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within their scope. It is intended that rights be obtained to include alternative embodiments within the permitted scope, including structures, functions, scopes, or steps that are alternative, interchangeable, and / or equivalent to the claimed structure, function, scope, or steps, regardless of whether such alternative, interchangeable, and / or equivalent structures, functions, scopes, or steps are disclosed herein, and no contribution is made to the disclosure of any patentable subject matter.

[0046] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present invention to one or more forms disclosed herein. For example, in the foregoing detailed description, various features of the present invention are combined in one or more embodiments to simplify the purpose of disclosure. This disclosed method should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claimed invention requires more features than those explicitly stated. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, creative aspects exist in all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the appended claims are hereby incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim independently serving as a separate preferred embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention described herein include components, methods, processes, systems, and / or devices substantially as depicted and described herein, including various subcombinations and subsets thereof. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that some features of embodiments of the present invention may be provided without providing other features. It is further noted that any one or more aspects, features, elements, devices, or embodiments disclosed herein may be combined with any one or more other aspects, features, elements, devices, or embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for selecting a mode / color emitted by a lighting device having a lighting module, the lighting module having only one mode / color button, the method comprising: emitting light of a first color upon actuation of the mode / color button for a first predetermined period of time; emitting light of the first color at predetermined intervals and emitting light of the second color at predetermined intervals in a cyclic manner when the mode / color button is actuated for a second predetermined time period, the second predetermined time period being longer than the first predetermined time period; maintaining the light emitted from the lighting device in the first color and the first pattern after the first predetermined period of time, or maintaining the light emitted from the lighting device in the second color and the first pattern after the second predetermined period of time; actuating the mode / color button for a third predetermined period of time to change the first mode to a second mode; actuating the mode / color button for a fourth predetermined period of time to turn off the lighting device; as well as Wherein the pattern / color of light emitted from the lighting device at the end of the fourth predetermined time period defines a memorized color and / or pattern.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: After a fifth predetermined time, the mode / color button is actuated for the first predetermined period of time, wherein the lighting device emits the memorized color and pattern.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: After a sixth predetermined time, the mode / color button is actuated for the first predetermined time period, wherein the lighting device emits the memorized color, wherein the sixth predetermined time period is longer than the fourth predetermined time period.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first color or the second color includes a series of colors, and each color in the series of colors is displayed for a short period of time in a cyclic, random or preset manner.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein Actuating the mode / color button for a third predetermined period of time to change the first mode to a second mode causes the lighting device to be turned off.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first predetermined time period, the third predetermined time period, and the fourth predetermined time period are substantially equal.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first mode is characterized in that the lighting device emits a steady light.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein The second mode is characterized in that the lighting device emits light that flashes or pulses according to a constant interval.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein The second mode is characterized in that the lighting device emits light that flashes or pulses randomly.

10. The method according to claim 3, wherein: At least one of the following is selectively controlled: the first color, the second color, the first mode, the second mode, the first predetermined time period, the second predetermined time period, the third predetermined time period, the fourth predetermined time period, the fifth predetermined time period, and the sixth predetermined time period.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: Selective control is provided by a computing system independent of the lighting module.

12. A method for selecting a mode / color of a lighting module, the method comprising: receiving a first actuation of the button; In response to the first actuation, turning on a lighting device associated with the lighting module to display a first mode / first color; detecting that the button is maintained in an actuated state; Utilizing the lighting device to display a plurality of modes / colors in a timed sequence such that each of the plurality of modes / colors is displayed for a preset time period; detecting that the button is not actuated; displaying a selected mode / color from a plurality of modes / colors displayed when the button is not actuated; and The selected mode / color is memorized based on detecting that the button is released when the lighting module is turned off, so that the selected mode / color is enabled when the lighting module is turned on.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: receiving a second actuation of the button; and changing the selected mode / color to flashing in response to the second actuation.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The selected mode / color is changed only if the preset period of flashing has not elapsed.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein In the event that a preset time period of the flashing has elapsed, the second actuation causes the lighting module to turn off.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein: One of the modes / colors is characterized by displaying a series of light colors, each light color in the series of light colors lasting for a short period of time in a cyclic, random, or preset manner.

17. A lighting module, comprising: light source; Button A microprocessor configured to execute stored instructions to: emitting light of a first color upon actuation of the button for a first predetermined period of time; emitting light of the first color at predetermined intervals and emitting light of the second color at predetermined intervals in a cyclic manner when the button is actuated for a second predetermined time period, the second predetermined time period being longer than the first predetermined time period; maintaining the light emitted from the light source in the first color and the first pattern after the first predetermined period of time, or maintaining the light emitted from the light source in the second color and the first pattern after the second predetermined period of time; changing the first mode to a second mode upon actuation of the button for a third predetermined period of time; turning off the light source if the button is actuated for a fourth predetermined period of time; as well as Wherein the pattern / color of light emitted from the light source at the end of the fourth predetermined time period defines a memorized color and / or pattern.

18. The lighting module according to claim 17, wherein: The microprocessor is further configured to execute the stored instructions to receive a second actuation of the button and change the pattern / color to flashing or pulsating in response to the second actuation.

19. The lighting module according to claim 18, wherein The pattern / color is changed only if the preset period of flashing has not elapsed.

20. The lighting module according to claim 19, wherein One of the modes / colors corresponds to a mode characterized by displaying a series of light colors, each light color in the series of light colors lasting for a short period of time in a cyclic, random, or preset manner.

Images