Optimized single button control of lighting modules, including preset memory and hold control

Abstract

A method for selecting a mode / color on a lighting module, the lighting module having only a single button, the method including receiving a first actuation of the single button on the lighting module. The method further includes turning on the device and displaying a first mode / color in response to the first actuation. The method further includes detecting that the single button is pressed and held. The method further includes displaying a plurality of modes / colors in a timed sequence, with each mode / color of the plurality of modes / colors being displayed for a preset period of time. The method further includes detecting that the single button is released. The method further includes displaying a selected mode / color of the plurality of modes / colors that was displayed when the single button was released.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [Background technology]

[0002]

[0001] In various scenarios, consumer lighting devices are built for simplicity and durability. In some scenarios, such lighting devices may only include a single control button. Although a device includes only a single button, it may be desirable to have multiple functional modes, including multiple colors and blinking sequences.

[0003]

[0002] The compact size and high-brightness lighting capabilities of LEDs allow for the creation of small lighting devices. In many scenarios, these devices only contain a single switch, which helps with size and manufacturing savings. Furthermore, lighting modules with single button control can be implemented into a variety of devices, including, but not limited to, balls, light sticks, glow sticks, flying discs, headbands, bike lights, goal markers, fan appreciation items, and the like. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In one embodiment, a method for selecting a mode / color on a lighting module, the lighting module having only a single button, includes receiving a first actuation of a single button on the lighting module. The method further includes turning on the device and displaying a first mode / color in response to the first actuation. The method further includes detecting that the single button is held down. The method further includes displaying the multiple modes / colors in a timed sequence, with each mode / color of the multiple modes / colors being displayed for a preset period of time. The method further includes detecting that the single button is released. The method further includes displaying a selected mode / color of the multiple modes / colors that was displayed when the single button was released. In one alternative, the method further includes 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 flashing. In another alternative, the change in selected mode / color occurs only if the preset flashing period has not elapsed. Alternatively, the second actuation turns off the lighting module if the preset blinking period has elapsed. In another alternative, one of the multiple modes / colors is a disco mode. Alternatively, the disco mode is a mode characterized by displaying a sequence of light colors, each for a short period of time, and cycling through such displays. In another alternative, if the selected mode / color is a disco mode, no change to blinking of the selected mode / color is made. Alternatively, the selected mode / color is stored when the lighting module is shut down, and the selected mode / color is activated when the device is turned on. In another alternative, the method further includes receiving a third actuation of the single button, and in response to the third actuation, shutting down the lighting module. Alternatively, the method further includes receiving a second actuation of the single button, detecting that a disco mode of the multiple modes / colors is active, and in response to the second actuation, shutting down the lighting module.

[0005] In one embodiment, the lighting module includes a light source, a microprocessor, and a button. The microprocessor is configured to execute the stored instructions to receive a first actuation of the single button at the lighting module. The microprocessor is further configured to execute the stored instructions to turn on the light source and display a first mode / color in response to the first actuation. The microprocessor is further configured to execute the stored instructions to detect that the single button is pressed and held. The microprocessor is further configured to execute the stored instructions to display the multiple modes / colors in a timed sequence, with each mode / color of the multiple modes / colors being displayed for a preset period of time. The microprocessor is further configured to execute the stored instructions to detect that the single button is released. The microprocessor is further configured to execute the stored instructions to display a selected mode / color of the multiple modes / colors that was displayed when the single button was released. In one alternative, the microprocessor is further configured to execute the stored instructions to receive a second actuation of the single button at the lighting module, and in response to the second actuation, change the selected mode / color to flashing. Alternatively, the change to the selected mode / color occurs only if the preset blinking period has not elapsed. In another alternative, if the preset blinking period has elapsed, a second actuation turns off the lighting module. Alternatively, one of the plurality of modes / colors is a disco mode. In another alternative, the disco mode is a mode characterized by displaying a sequence of light colors, each for a short period of time, and repeating such display. Alternatively, if the selected mode / color is a disco mode, no change to blinking of the selected mode / color occurs. As another alternative, the selected mode / color is stored when the lighting module is shut down, and the selected mode / color is activated when the device is turned on. Alternatively, the microprocessor is further configured to execute the stored instructions to receive a third actuation of the single button, and in response to the third actuation, to shut down 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 that the multiple mode / color disco mode is active, and in response to the second actuation, deactivate the lighting module. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1]

[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a lighting module. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the lighting module of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3]

[0007] FIG. 13 shows a flow chart for single button operation of a lighting module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007]

[0008] Certain terms are used herein for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting to embodiments of systems and methods for optimized single button control of lighting modules including preset memory and hold control (preset single button algorithms / systems). In many embodiments, the methods / microprocessor-based control systems may be implemented in lighting modules. The lighting modules in many embodiments are designed to fit a variety of receiving mechanisms located within lighting devices. Lighting device embodiments can take a variety of forms, including those shown in this application. In many configurations, the designs herein provide a modular system where lighting modules can fit into a variety of devices (lighting devices). In many embodiments, the preset single button algorithms / systems provide a cyclical selection system of colors and a single push actuation of on / blink / off. Additionally, in many embodiments, the device stores the color selection of the device. In many embodiments, such systems provide efficient single button control that minimizes selection time and wear on the single button. In many embodiments, they take advantage of the possibility that users will usually want to select the same color for a lighting device.

[0008]

[0009] 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 employed in a variety of devices, such as balls, light sticks, glow sticks, flying discs, headbands, bike lights, goal markers, fan appreciation items, and the like. FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a lighting module 100. The lighting module 100 generally includes two printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are used for circuitry and are used to support and encapsulate 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 housing of the lighting module 100. The plastic ring 130 includes a protrusion 140 that provides a friction or snap fit that holds the lighting module 100 within the lighting device, as will be described in more detail below. Unlike many lighting modules, the PCB forms a portion of the module, which saves manufacturing costs. Additionally, LEDs 150 are visible in FIG. 1. The LED in many configurations allows for normal projection of light, i.e. perpendicular to the largest outward facing surface. In many embodiments, the PCB 110 may also include exposed microprocessors, capacitors, or other circuitry, which are not shown in the device embodiment in FIG.

[0009]

[0010] 2 shows another view of the lighting module 100. In this view, a push button switch 210 (momentary switch) is shown. Additionally, a charging port 220 is shown. In many embodiments, the charging port 220 may be a micro USB port. Alternatively, other charging ports, such as a USB port, are possible depending on the overall size of the device. Similar to the view of FIG. 1, the PCB 220 may include exposed circuitry or interconnects.

[0010]

[0011] Thus, an exemplary lighting module is provided that can operate with a single preset single button algorithm / system. FIG. 3 describes one embodiment of the preset single button algorithm / system. In this embodiment, typically, the user presses and holds the button to cycle through the available colors, then activates the button to switch to a flashing mode, and then activates it again to turn off the device. Additionally, in certain embodiments, a disco mode can be selected that provides constant color changes of the LEDs. In FIG. 3, one embodiment of the algorithm is shown. In step 300, the user presses a single button to activate the device. The device has a memory, and in step 310, it automatically starts displaying the saved modes. The saved modes are either a single color continuous light or a so-called disco mode, in which a color is held for 1 second, then the color switches to the next color for 1 second, and so on. Of course, the 1 second time period is merely exemplary and other periods may be set and are within the scope of the present invention. A period in the range of 0.5 to 5 seconds is believed to be preferred for the disco mode, but other periods are possible. When the button is released, the device proceeds to step 330, where it retains which mode the device is in. If the button is instead held down, the device begins cycling through the modes at step 320. The device displays the next color / mode in the sequence for 1 second. In many alternatives, this may be 0.5 seconds. If the button is not released at step 325, the device again displays the next color / mode at step 320. This continues and repeats until the button is released. Of course, the 1 second time period for cycling through the colors / modes is merely exemplary and other periods may be set and are within the scope of the present invention. A period in the range of 0.5 to 5 seconds for the color / mode selection is believed to be preferred, although other periods are possible. The designation "color / mode" is used here because the cycle may include only different colors, or may include color and intensity, or color and flashing, or disco mode as specified above. Color and mode selections may be combined. If the button is released at step 325, the device proceeds to step 330 and retains the color / mode at the time the button was released.In many embodiments, one of the colors is represented as disco mode, and disco mode is selected when the button is released while that color is displayed. Alternatively, a mode of rapid blinking or other visual indicator indicating disco mode can be set.

[0011]

[0012] Once the button is released and a mode is selected in step 330, the device monitors for further button presses in step 340. If no button press is made, the device remains on, if a button press is made, the device proceeds to step 350. In step 350, it is determined whether less than one second has elapsed since the first button press was released. In many embodiments, one second may be three seconds, and of course there are many possibilities. If it is more than one second, the device interprets the button press as a request to power down, and the algorithm proceeds to step 370 to turn the power off. If the button is pressed within one second, the press is interpreted as a request to transition to blink mode. In such a case, the flow proceeds to step 355, where it is determined whether the device was in disco mode. In some embodiments, disco mode does not have a blink version. If the device is in disco mode, the flow proceeds to step 370 to turn the power off. If not in disco mode, the device switches to blink mode at step 360 and waits for the button to be pressed again at step 365, at which point flow proceeds to step 370, at which point the device is turned off. Of course, the one second time period is merely exemplary and other time periods may be set and are within the scope of the present invention. A time period ranging from 0.5 to 5 seconds is believed to be preferred for the time limit for selecting the blink mode, although other time periods are possible. Additionally, in some versions of disco mode, the blink mode may be possible and step 355 may be omitted. In such a scenario, the color may still blink, but may change more slowly, with the color remaining in the blink state for 5 seconds before transitioning to the next color.

[0012]

[0013] Ultimately, the gist of this algorithm is to have a system for selection of a first mode / color and then allow for changing the display of the first mode / color, all using a single button. In other words, the button is held down for the first part of the selection, and then released when the desired color / mode is displayed. The desired color / mode can then be changed by pressing the button again within a short period of time (flashing in this example).

[0013]

[0014] In some embodiments, if the button is held down after selecting a mode, the flow proceeds from step 330 to step 310, essentially restarting the color / mode selection procedure. In other words, in this configuration, holding down the button will cause the system to proceed into mode selection mode until the button is released. This can occur even when the device is in blink mode 360. Alternatives to the modes and algorithms are possible, especially for timing. In many embodiments, the system provides a button hold mode, which can be activated at any time by holding down the button and releasing it when the desired mode is displayed. Additionally, the system provides timed mode changes by actuating (and releasing) the button within the button hold mode selection period. Additionally, in many embodiments, when the device is turned off and then started up again, the first mode displayed will be the last mode that was active (not changed by the blink selection). For example, if the first action is to hold down the button to select green, then quickly actuate the button to activate the blink mode, and then the power is turned off, the default will be green. Thus, when the device is started up, it will start up in the non-blinking green mode. In some alternatives, the device may be programmed to start up in blinking mode in this scenario.

[0014]

[0015] The embodiment of the method employed in the lighting module may be performed primarily in a microprocessor. The microprocessor may include software in various embodiments. Various embodiments of the system and method for controlling a lighting module may be fully or partially implemented in software and / or firmware. This software and / or firmware may take the form of instructions contained in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. These instructions are then read and executed by one or more processors to enable the performance of the operations described herein. The instructions may be in any suitable format, such as, but not limited to, source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, etc. Such computer-readable media may include any tangible non-transitory medium for storing information in a form readable by one or more computers, such as, but not limited to, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk storage medium, an optical storage medium, a flash memory, etc.

[0015]

[0016] Although certain embodiments have been described in detail in the above detailed description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives to those details may be developed in light of the overall teachings of the present disclosure and the broad inventive concepts of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific examples and implementations disclosed herein, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. 1. A method for selecting a mode / color on a lighting module, the lighting module having only a single button, the method comprising: receiving a first activation of the single button on the lighting module; in response to the first actuation, turning on the device and displaying a first mode / color; detecting that the single button is being pressed and held; displaying a plurality of modes / colors in a timed sequence such that each mode / color of the plurality of modes / colors is displayed for a preset period of time; detecting when the single button is released; displaying a selected mode / color of the plurality of modes / colors that was displayed when the single button was released; Including, receiving a second activation of the single button on the lighting module; and in response to the second actuation, changing the selected mode / color to blinking; said change in said selected mode / color only occurs if a preset blinking period has not elapsed; When the preset blinking time has elapsed, the second actuation turns off the lighting module. method.

2. A method for selecting a mode / color on a lighting module, the lighting module having only a single button, the method comprising: receiving a first activation of the single button on the lighting module; in response to the first actuation, turning on the device and displaying a first mode / color; detecting that the single button is being pressed and held; displaying a plurality of modes / colors in a timed sequence such that each mode / color of the plurality of modes / colors is displayed for a preset period of time; detecting when the single button is released; displaying a selected mode / color of the plurality of modes / colors that was displayed when the single button was released; Including, receiving a second activation of the single button on the lighting module; and in response to the second actuation, changing the selected mode / color to blinking; one of the plurality of modes / colors is a disco mode; said disco mode being characterized by displaying a sequence of bright colors each for a short period of time and repeating such display; if the selected mode / color is disco mode, the change to blinking of the selected mode / color is not made; method.

3. A light source; A microprocessor; Buttons and A lighting module comprising: The microprocessor executes stored instructions to receiving a first activation of a single button on the lighting module; in response to the first actuation, turning on the light source and displaying a first mode / color; Detecting that the single button is being pressed and held; Displaying a plurality of modes / colors in a timed sequence, with each mode / color of the plurality of modes / colors being displayed for a preset period of time; Detecting that the single button has been released; displaying a selected mode / color of the plurality of modes / colors that was displayed when the single button was released; It is configured as follows: The microprocessor executes stored instructions to receiving a second activation of the single button on the lighting module; In response to the second actuation, changing the selected mode / color to blinking. The method further comprises: said change in said selected mode / color only occurs if a preset blinking period has not elapsed; When the preset blinking time has elapsed, the second actuation turns off the lighting module. Lighting module.

4. A light source; A microprocessor; Buttons and A lighting module comprising: The microprocessor executes stored instructions to receiving a first activation of a single button on the lighting module; in response to the first actuation, turning on the light source and displaying a first mode / color; Detecting that the single button is being pressed and held; Displaying a plurality of modes / colors in a timed sequence, with each mode / color of the plurality of modes / colors being displayed for a preset period of time; Detecting that the single button has been released; displaying a selected mode / color of the plurality of modes / colors that was displayed when the single button was released; It is configured as follows: The microprocessor executes stored instructions to receiving a second activation of the single button on the lighting module; In response to the second actuation, changing the selected mode / color to blinking. The method further comprises: one of the plurality of modes / colors is a disco mode; said disco mode being characterized by displaying a sequence of bright colors each for a short period of time and repeating such display; if the selected mode / color is disco mode, the change to blinking of the selected mode / color is not made; Lighting module.

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