LED Lighting Incorporating DMX Communication

Abstract

The LED (light emitting diode) lighting fixture includes a lamp having a tube, at least one LED lamp disposed within the tube and operatively connected to external electrical contacts, the lamp having at least one communication protocol address associated therewith, and a communication protocol converter associated with the lamp and configured to receive instructions from the communication protocol controller, determine whether the instructions are directed to the associated at least one communication protocol address, and, if so, control the at least one LED lamp based on the instructions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related U.S. Patent Applications) This application is a continuation - in - part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 728,637, filed on December 27, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 415,014, filed on May 17, 2019, which is a continuation - in - part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 301,617, filed on October 3, 2016, which is a U.S. national stage application of International Application PCT / US15 / 24323, filed on April 3, 2015, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 974,507, filed on April 3, 2014, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 013,258, filed on June 17, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 093,470, filed on December 18, 2014. The disclosures of all six applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] (Description of the Technical Field) This disclosure relates to LED (light emitting diode) lamps. More specifically, this disclosure relates to LED lamps, lighting tubes, and fixtures incorporating digital communication.

Background Art

[0003] Conventional lighting technologies for large buildings such as office buildings, schools, recreation centers, retail stores, theme parks, and other similar structures are typically fluorescent fixtures having fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent lamps are more durable, economical, and efficient than incandescent lamps and have thus become the standard for many lighting applications.

[0004] Typical fluorescent lighting fixtures have one or more ballasts for converting input or power into power usable by the fluorescent lamp. Typical fluorescent lamps can have standard socket sizes, tube diameters, and lengths (e.g., T8 lamps having a 1 - inch tube diameter and a 4 - foot length, among many others available).

[0005] With recent energy conservation efforts and improved designs, it is common to replace existing fluorescent lamps with equivalent LED lamps. By using existing technologies, LED lamps can be closely adapted to the functionality and appearance of fluorescent lamps.

[0006] In addition, many existing lighting facilities utilize optical communication and protocols to provide a mutual lighting experience. For example, entertainment facilities, such as bowling centers, theme parks, stages, television programs, and theaters, utilize optical communication to provide mutual sound and visual effects.

[0007] It would be advantageous to provide an LED lamp that functionally and visually replaces existing fluorescent lighting while also providing a mutual DMX-controlled lighting experience.

[0008] Also, for certain lighting applications, specific types of lamps and luminaires may be required to utilize different lighting colors, effects, or patterns. Therefore, more complex lighting applications may involve using a number of lamps and fixtures. For example, in a bowling alley, during daytime league bowling, fluorescent lamps are used to emit white light, and during nighttime bowling, ultraviolet lamps and / or colored fluorescent lamps are used to emit ultraviolet and colored light, respectively. In these lighting applications, LED lamps can be used to reduce the number of lamps and luminaires. For example, one LED lamp may include true white LEDs configured to emit light approximating the appearance and color temperature of a white fluorescent lamp. The LED lamp may include ultraviolet LEDs configured to emit light having a wavelength measured in nanometers similar to the light emitted from a fluorescent ultraviolet lamp. Additionally, the LED lamp may include red, green, and blue (RGB) LEDs configured to generate 16.7 million colors. That is, the LED lamp can perform the functions of multiple fluorescent lamps. However, components such as data control boards or power control boards that operate various LEDs are typically randomly arranged within conventional LED lamps and are difficult to maintain. Therefore, dropping the LED lamp can make its components prone to damage, and in case of damage, replacement or repair may become difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In one or more scenarios, the disclosed technology relates to LED (light emitting diode) lighting fixtures. In one or more cases, this LED lighting fixture has a lamp. In one or more cases, this lamp has a tube, inside which at least one LED lamp is arranged and operably connected to an external electrical contact. In one or more cases, this lamp can have at least one communication protocol address associated therewith. In one or more cases, this LED lighting fixture has a communication protocol converter associated with the lamp. In one or more cases, the communication protocol converter receives an instruction from a communication protocol controller, determines whether the instruction is directed to at least one communication protocol address associated therewith, and if so, can be configured to control at least one LED lamp based on that instruction.

[0010] In one or more scenarios, the disclosed technology relates to an LED (light emitting diode) lamp. In one or more cases, this LED lamp has an elongated chassis having a platform, at least one LED arranged on the platform, and a first end cap and a second end cap arranged at both ends of the LED lamp. In one or more cases, the first end cap includes a first support platform coupled to the inner surface of the first end cap. In one or more cases, the second end cap includes a second support platform coupled to the inner surface of the second end cap. In one or more cases, the first support platform is configured to fixedly hold a power board within the LED lamp. In one or more cases, the second support platform is configured to fixedly hold a data control board within the LED lamp.

[0011] In one or more scenarios, the disclosed technology relates to an LED lighting fixture. In one or more cases, this LED lighting fixture has an LED lamp. In one or more cases, this LED lamp has an elongated chassis with a platform, at least one LED disposed on the platform, and a first end cap and a second end cap disposed at both ends of the LED lamp. In one or more cases, the first end cap includes a first support platform coupled to the inner surface of the first end cap. In one or more cases, the second end cap includes a second support platform coupled to the inner surface of the second end cap. In one or more cases, the first support platform is configured to fixedly hold a power board within the LED lamp. In one or more cases, the second support platform is configured to fixedly hold a data control board within the LED lamp. In one or more cases, the LED lighting fixture has a lamp holder. In one or more cases, this lamp holder includes a high-voltage socket and a low-voltage socket, and the high-voltage socket is configured to receive the first end cap, and the low-voltage socket is configured to receive the second end cap, whereby the LED lamp and the lamp holder are electrically coupled.

[0012] In the following description, various additional aspects will be described. These aspects can relate to individual features and combinations of features. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and do not limit the broad inventive concepts on which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

[0013] Embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, in which like numbers represent like items throughout the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] (Detailed Description) This disclosure is not limited to the specific systems, devices, and methods described, and these can be changed. The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing only a particular version or embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope.

[0016] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used herein, the term "comprising" means "having, but not limited to".

[0017] The present disclosure relates to the improvement of existing lighting fixtures or the implementation of new lighting fixtures, and utilizes LED lamps and digital communication to provide lighting effects for mutual lighting experiences, such as those commonly used in recreational facilities like themed environments and bowling centers. The lighting system may be developed as a drawing with the layout of the fixtures and the layout of the electrical and control cables. LED lamp DMX addresses and DMX universe tables may also be created. The LED lamps may be pre-addressed according to a table. Labels may be applied to the lamps, lighting fixtures, and lighting fixture boxes. The shipping pallets can be arranged in the order in which the lighting system is to be installed on-site, enabling the equipment to be configured off-site and shortening the on-site system installation time. As used in this document, DMX (digital multiplex) refers to the DMX512 standard protocol for digital communication networks. A DMX universe refers to a DMX network that includes, for example, up to 512 links or individual controllable devices. Depending on the design, the DMX controller may be configured to provide operation control to one or more universes. Although this document describes with reference to DMX, those skilled in the art will recognize that other communication protocols, including but not limited to ARCnet (attached resource computer network), Ethernet (IEEE802 protocol), infrared (IR), serial communication, etc., can be used without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0018] A typical DMX network may include, for example, one or more DMX controllers configured to generate one or more instructions (each having at least one associated address), and various effect devices, such as lighting fixtures, fog machines, intelligent lights, audio output devices, and other similar effect devices. Each device within the network has an associated address and can be operably connected to the DMX controller to receive instructions from the DMX controller. An individual device may include a DMX converter that determines whether the instruction is for that particular device and what specific effects to exert.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a lighting fixture system 100 according to an embodiment. The lighting fixture system 100 may include, for example, a power supply 102, a lamp 104, a DMX converter 106, and a DMX controller 108. Depending on the arrangement of the components, the power supply 102, the lamp 104, and the DMX converter 106 may be integrated into a single lighting fixture, and the DMX controller 108 may be a processing device, such as a server, located at a remote location and configured to provide DMX control signals to one or more fixtures.

[0020] Similarly, DMX controller 108 may be configured to output additional control for other DMX universes according to the standard DMX protocol and operation. Additionally, depending on the installation of the lighting fixture, lamp 104 may be, for example, a red, blue, and green (RGB) LED lamp, or a red, blue, green, and white (RGBW) LED lamp. Note that RGB lamps and RGBW lamps are shown merely as examples, and it should be noted that lamps as described herein may include additional types of LED lamps configured to emit light at various wavelengths. For example, the lamp may include red (R), green (G), blue (B), white (W), ultraviolet (UV), amber (A), and infrared (IR). Possible combinations include lamps containing individual colors or wavelengths such as R, G, B, W, UV, IR, A, and combinations thereof, and these combinations are RGB, RGB-W, RGB-UV, RGB-IR, RGB-A, RGB-W-UV, RGB-W-IR, RGB-W-A, RGB-UV-IR, UV-IR, W-UV, W-IR, W-A, W-UV-IR, RGB-UV-IR-W, RGB-A-IR-W, or other combinations, but are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the LED diode lamp may include the above combinations such as red, green, blue, white, and lime / mint green (RGBWG). This combination creates a very subtle color mixing considering that the wavelengths at which humans see best are 490 - 515 nm. Also, this helps to increase the CRI (color rendering index) of the LED diode lamp output.

[0021] The infrared LED 211 in FIG. 53 is used to illuminate an area with infrared light. Infrared light is used in most camera systems. Infrared light ranging from 700 nanometers (nm) to about 1000 nm is beyond what can be seen by the human eye, but most camera sensors can detect and utilize it. This is particularly useful in bowling scoring systems, tracking camera systems, and security systems where minimal lighting is used. For example, in a security system, infrared light can be used along with white light, a lighting control unit 214, and a motion / occupancy sensor 215. This lighting system can provide high-level lighting to the camera system 212 throughout the day, while the motion / occupancy sensor 215 is actuated by an electronic schedule within the lighting control unit 214. The scheduler can select one or both of the white LED diode 213 and the infrared LED diode 211 depending on time, along with lighting triggered by the motion / occupancy sensor 215. In another example, infrared light can be used with an effect lighting and camera tracking system to provide visible effect lighting for the human eye and invisible light for a security camera 212 to track an object.

[0022] The DMX controller 108 may also be configured to control a DMX mode, which sets, for each light, the number of LED pixels / segments that are controlled independently at a time. The number of pixels / segments, or LEDs, is associated with the number of DMX channels used. The more DMX channels used per tube, the smaller the segments of LEDs that are controlled at a time. Conversely, the fewer DMX channels used, the more LEDs are controlled or the larger the segment size that is operated at a time. The selectable DMX mode is set when the light tube is addressed. The DMX mode of a fixed light tube is set during the manufacture of the tube. For example, a T8 48” long light tube may have 72 three-color RGB LEDs therein. Since each three-color LED uses three DMX channels, the entire light tube uses 216 DMX channels. If the fixture is used in 24-channel mode, the size of the LED segment is three DMX channels, i.e., three three-color LEDs can be controlled by each DMX address. In 3-channel mode, all 72 three-color LEDs operate together. That is, the tube can operate in three colors (red, green, blue). The color mixing of these three colors results in 16.7 million colors. The number of available colors by color mixing depends on the number and combination of LEDs used. Since many versions of the tube are possible, several different DMX modes are available.

[0023] Figure 52 shows how DMX channels can be repeated in lighting control 10 to operate the LED lamp 182 or lighting fixture together. The software of lighting controller 10 can control channel repetition, where the lighting control can be Bluetooth, Bluetooth-DMX183, DMX, Wifi, or others. Stand-alone red, green, blue, and white (RGBW) LED lamps with one or more pixels have at least four control channels (RGBW). By repeating these control channels across the 512-channel DMX universe, many LED lamps 182 can be controlled and operate simultaneously. An example of a channel table is shown below.

[0024]

Table 1

[0025] Once networked, the LED lamps can be uniformly controlled in many ways. In one embodiment, the LED lamps include integrated dimming and intensity adjustment for all colors and LED nodes. The LED lamps can be dimmed by DMX, Bluetooth, or power supply voltage dimming. The number of dimming channels per lamp type depends on the number of pixels, led nodes, and led colors used in each lamp. Dimming may be performed by an external control unit. In DMX, there are 255 dimming channels per pixel for each color of the LED lamp. For example, an RGBW (red, green, blue, white) lamp with one pixel includes four dimming channels for red (255), green (255), blue (255), and white (255).

[0026] In another embodiment, a default lighting control program can be utilized. The default lighting control program is a program that is executed when there is no external control signal. These programs can be single-color, multi-color, or programmed. As an example, when the lamp's power is turned on, the default color may be white light. As a default program, this allows the end user to confirm that the lamp has power and is operating when the lamp receives high voltage. The default program may be set during manufacturing, but can also be set by the end user or by RDM (remote device management).

[0027] Figure 41 shows another embodiment where lighting control can be performed by an integrated sensor. These sensors can include occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, and additional sensors, etc. In the occupancy sensor, a small occupancy sensor 50 may be added to the center of the lamp 25 and one or more lamps 25 operate. The occupancy sensor 50 can track movement within a room or area. When there is movement, the occupancy sensor 50 is activated, triggering the power-on of one or more lamps 25. After a specific time has elapsed without movement within the room or area, the occupancy sensor 50 triggers the power-off of one or more lamps 25. This feature can be used to increase the energy efficiency of one or more lamps 25. The occupancy sensor 50 may be part of a Bluetooth mesh ecosystem, enabling configuration and additional control options from a smart device, tablet, PC10, or wall switch 11. The output control signal may be a combination of formats such as Bluetooth - other mesh control devices, and / or DMX wired or wireless or Wi-Fi 51 - other lamps or additional control devices, etc.

[0028] Figure 41 is a diagram showing a daylight sensor. A small daylight sensor 52 may be added to the center of the lamp 25, and one or more lamps operate. The daylight sensor 52 can monitor the available ambient light. If the amount of available light is below a certain level, the sensor can switch one or more lamps 25 on or off. This feature can be used to enhance the energy efficiency of one or more lamps 25. By incorporating the daylight sensor 52 into the lamp 25, the installation process is simplified. The daylight sensor 52 may be part of a Bluetooth mesh ecosystem, enabling configuration and additional control options from a smart device, tablet, PC 10, or wall switch 11. The output control signal may be a combination of formats. These include Bluetooth - other mesh control devices, and / or DMX wired or wireless or Wi - Fi 51 - other lamps or additional control devices.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply 102 may be operably connected to a power input and configured to generate an output voltage suitable for the operation of both the DMX converter 106 and the lamp 104. Additionally, depending on the component arrangement, both the power supply 102 and the DMX converter 106 may be integrated into a single ballast / unit. Such an arrangement of components can provide easier retrofitting when converting an existing lighting fixture into an LED fixture with DMX - controlled effects as described herein. Alternatively, the DMX controller may be integrated into another component such as the lamp itself. Such an arrangement is shown in FIGS. 2 - 4 as described below.

[0030] During operation, the DMX controller 108 can send one or more instructions as DMX control signals to a network of connected devices including the DMX converter 106 as shown in FIG. 1. The DMX converter 106 can have an associated address, and based on that address, it can determine which instructions of the DMX control signal are directed to the luminaires associated with that particular DMX converter. The address of the DMX converter 106 can be assigned or provided, for example, according to standard DMX protocol operation or any additional network address technique or protocol. Address assignment may be performed during network setup or may be performed later to reflect changes or updates to the network. It is also possible to address the tubes by means of DMX auto-addressing. When each tube is connected to DMX control, the tube automatically sets its DMX address to the first available address or the next available address. The next connected tube addresses itself to the next available DMX address. Each time a tube is added, the next available address is used until all 512 DMX channels are full.

[0031] In one embodiment, the DMX controller can communicate wirelessly. To provide wireless control of one or more LED lamps within a fixture, a wireless DMX receiver may be added to the LED lamp or luminaire, along with a wireless DMX transmitter added at the control location. Wirelessly controllable settings include, but are not limited to, the color, dimming, pattern, and overall control of one or more lamps. As shown in FIG. 13, one LED lamp may be used, along with a DMX wireless receiver having additional wired outputs, to connect and control additional LED lamps. The additional LED lamps do not include a wireless receiver and instead include wired DMX input and output connections. This hybrid method of connecting the lamps will speed up the installation time and reduce the overall cost of the LED system. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 14, if all lamps have a wireless receiver inside the lamp itself, no input / output cables for connecting control signals are required, and the setup and installation times are significantly reduced. When a wireless receiver is added to a luminaire along with one or more wired LED lamps, one wireless receiver will control the DMX universe of the LED lamps, and thus, many luminaires at once, as shown in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 16, when multiple wireless DMX control universes are used at once, the control cable from the wireless transmitter to the first luminaire is not needed. Similar to the Bluetooth system (FIG. 17) described below, the wireless DMX unit may be a transceiver that transmits and receives control signals to and from each LED lamp or fixture.

[0032] In another embodiment, a Bluetooth mesh receiver can be added to each of the LED lamps or luminaires to add an "Internet of Things" function. The Bluetooth receiver can receive a control signal from a Bluetooth-enabled transmission device that functions as a lighting controller. The transmitter can be one of various computing devices including, but not limited to, a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, wall switch, or other Bluetooth-enabled device. The application can be executed on the transmission device and can be operated by an end user. As shown in FIG. 18, the Bluetooth unit functions as a transceiver that receives a control signal and transmits the control signal to another activated control device and an LED lamp having five channels of dimming from 12 to 24 VDC for a constant voltage LED load, forming a mesh network to provide the control signal to all the LED lamps. In a configuration where all the LED lamps have Bluetooth receivers, a wired control cable attached to the LED lamp, or a cable from the controller to the LED lamp and between the LED lamps is required. As shown in FIG. 19, an Ethernet transceiver that outputs a Bluetooth control signal and extends it to a wireless Bluetooth signal range can also be used.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, by adding a control board to the LED lamp or lighting fixture of FIG. 21, a Bluetooth control signal may be converted into a DMX control signal (or other signal type). This conversion enables the DMX-controlled LED lamp to be operated by a Bluetooth-compatible controller. The Bluetooth-DMX converter control board can be inserted into the LED lamp extrusion of the DMX-controlled LED lamp. As shown in FIG. 22, this control board will receive a control signal from the Bluetooth-compatible controller and convert this signal into DMX to be processed by the built-in controller of the DMX-controlled LED lamp. Since the DMX-controlled LED lamp has a wired DMX output cable, as shown in FIG. 20, additional DMX LED lamps can be controlled by one Bluetooth control board.

[0034] In another embodiment, the LED lamp uses a wired DMX connection. The DMX wired connection may be made from input and output cables connected through the side of a low-voltage end cap within the lighting fixture, as shown in FIG. 38. The wired DMX cable of each lamp 25 can send a control signal 24 to and from the lamp 25. The lamp 25 may be connected to the lighting control 10 and other LED lamps 25 using the DMX input / output cable. The length of the wired cable can be sufficient to reach the next lamp (25) within the lighting fixture 26 and reach the next lamp 25 or lighting fixture 26 when installed continuously in the length direction, as shown in FIG. 38. The cable connector may have male 27 and female 28 ends with 3, 5, or more pins.

[0035] FIG. 39 shows another example of a wired cable configuration, which may include a wired cable to an end cap. Here, a female connector 30 is provided on one of the end caps such that wiring tails 31 of various lengths are connected to male mating connectors 32. The cable 31 may include signal input and output cables having male 32 and female 30 connectors at both ends of the cable. These connectors may be used to daisy chain additional lamps 25. In another example, FIG. 40, male and female cable connectors 40 may include screw terminals for connecting a signal cable 41 to the LED lamp 25.

[0036] In some embodiments, Remote Device Management (RDM) may be utilized to coordinate the management of remote devices. RDM is a protocol extension to USITT DMX512 that enables two-way communication between a lighting system controller and an accompanying RDM-compliant device over a standard DMX line. This protocol enables the configuration, status monitoring, and management of network devices. The USITT standard (ANSI / ESTA 1.20, Entertainment Technology - Remote Device Management over USITT DMX512) was developed by the ESTA Technical Standards Program and is designed for interoperability among many manufacturers. The RDM protocol rides on top of the DMX512 protocol and is used in architectural, entertainment, horticultural, and germicidal lighting. This protocol changes the way LED lamps are set up and maintained.

[0037] RDM may provide identification and classification of connected LED lamps, address the LED lamps controllable by DMX512, and report the status of LED lamps or other connected devices by reports on additional features (temperature, communication, and operation information) that can be added to the RDM / DMX control board. It may also provide information on the configuration of LED lamps and other DMX devices, which includes sending a specific default program to the LED lamps when no DMX control signal is present. By using an RDM - compliant controller with RDM - compliant LED lamps, the need for a separate DMX addressing unit is eliminated. Inside the protrusion of the LED lamp, an RDM - DMX - compliant printed circuit board (PCB) may be used. Addressing and all system control settings may be made by an RDM - compliant DMX controller.

[0038] After receiving a DMX control signal, the DMX converter 106 may convert the control signal into a local lamp control signal and send that local signal to the lamp 104. For example, the local control signal may include instructions for flashing a particular color (e.g., flashing red or blue), dimming, displaying a combination of colors, or other similar instructions commonly received and implemented by intelligent lighting fixtures.

[0039] Note that FIG. 1 includes, by way of example only, a single lamp 104. The fixture may be designed to include a plurality of lamps, e.g., a total of two or four lamps, or more or fewer lamps. In such a fixture, the output of the power supply 102 would be supplied to each lamp, similar to the local lamp control signal output by the DMX converter 106. FIG. 3 shows an example of a multi - lamp fixture, and the related disclosure included below contains further details.

[0040] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a lighting fixture system 200 according to an embodiment. The system 200 is similar to the system 100 of FIG. 1 in that an LED lamp can be retrofitted to an existing fixture and modified to include DMX communication. However, in the system 200, a DMX converter is integrated as a component of the lamp, thereby further enhancing the ease of retrofitting existing lighting fixtures.

[0041] The lighting fixture system 200 may have, for example, a power supply 202, a lamp 204, and a DMX controller 206. Similar to the above, depending on the installation of the lighting fixture, the lamp 204 may be, for example, an RGB lamp or an RGBW lamp.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply 202 may be operably connected to a power input and configured to generate an output voltage suitable for operating the lamp 204. In addition, through the power connection to the lamp 204, the power supply may further provide power for the integrated DMX converter. During operation, the DMX controller 206 can transmit one or more instructions as DMX control signals to a network of connected devices. As shown in FIG. 2, the DMX control signal may be directly transmitted to the lamp 204 for further processing by the integrated DMX converter. For example, the lamp may be designed and manufactured to provide an input plug or other physical connection component to operably connect the lamp 204 and the DMX controller 206. Alternatively, the lighting fixture itself may be modified or otherwise designed to include an input component for establishing an operable connection between the lamp 204 (and the integrated DMX converter) and the DMX controller 206. Similar to the above, the integrated DMX converter can have an associated address, and based on that address, it can be determined which instructions of the DMX control signal are directed to the lamp (e.g., the lamp 204 in FIG. 2) in which the DMX converter is integrated. The DMX converter may then convert the control signal into a local lamp control signal for controlling the operation of the lamp 204.

[0043] More specifically, the LED tube uses an external DMX address unit. This address unit is connected to the DMX input of the LED tube. Next, a DMX address is selected by the address unit. Then, this address unit sends the selected address to the LED tube. Subsequently, the LED tube stores the selected DMX address and responds to it. The DMX address unit can be used for all LED tubes having an internal DMX converter.

[0044] In some embodiments, the use of a ballast is described, but it is recognized that the system can be operated without a ballast by directly wiring the tombstone of the fixture to the line voltage. Also, herein, the tombstone of the fixture may also be referred to as a socket, lamp socket, holder, and / or lamp holder. The lamp may be automatically switched to the correct supplied line voltage. The DMX converter is built into the tube. The tube may not require a separate external power source or ballast. In retrofit applications, the ballast is bypassed and not used. In new installations, the lighting fixture may be provided with a frame along with a tombstone directly wired to the line voltage. All electrical components and DMX components may be incorporated into the LED tube.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a lighting fixture system 300 according to an embodiment, which is based on a system 200 as shown in FIG. 2, for example, and incorporates a plurality of lamps. The lighting fixture system 300 may include, for example, a power supply 302, a plurality of lamps 304a, 304b to 304n, and a DMX controller 306. Similar to the above, depending on the installation of the lighting fixture, the lamps 304a, 304b to 304n may be, for example, RGB lamps, RGBW lamps, or a combination thereof.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply 302 may be operably connected to a power input and configured to generate an output voltage suitable for the operation of each of the lamps 304a, 304b to 304n. The power supply can be a large low-voltage power supply to power a plurality of low-voltage LED tubes. A multi-core cable may be used to transmit the low voltage and supply power to the luminaire and the tombstones of the LED tubes.

[0047] Furthermore, through the power connection to the lamp 304, the power supply may further provide power to the integrated DMX converters integrated into each of the lamps 304a, 304b to 304n. During operation, the DMX controller 306 may transmit one or more instructions as DMX control signals to a network of connected devices. As shown in FIG. 3, the DMX control signal may be transmitted directly to the lamp 304a and further processed by the integrated DMX converter of that lamp. Furthermore, the DMX converter within the lamp 304a can be configured to output the DMX control signal to the DMX converter integrated within the lamp 304b. Similarly, each integrated DMX converter can be configured to output the DMX control signal to another lamp. For connection, each lamp may be designed and manufactured to provide an input plug or other physical connection component for operably connecting the lamp 304a and the DMX controller 306. Similarly, each lamp may include an output plug or physical connection for operably connecting one lamp to another lamp for transferring the DMX control signal. For example, the output of the lamp 304a may be operably connected to the input of the lamp 304b.

[0048] In some embodiments, for cost reduction and ease of installation of the devices within the LED lamp, the power supply and control module may be incorporated into one unit or printed circuit board. As variants of the incorporated power supply and control module, a power supply 18 (FIG. 33) connected to a wired DMX19, with or without RDM, a power supply 18 (FIG. 34) connected to wired and wireless DMX20, with or without RDM, a power supply 18 (FIG. 35) connected to a wireless DMX20 with RDM or DMX21 without RDM wired to the input or output of the control cable, a power supply 18 (FIG. 36) having five dimming channels of 12 - 24 VDC for a constant voltage LED load and connected to a wireless Bluetooth mesh control 22 without a control cable, and a power supply 18 (FIG. 37) connected to a Bluetooth mesh - DMX22 wired to the output connection may be included.

[0049] FIG. 55 shows a power supply which can be an end cap with one power end 240, female, having a power cord for plugging the LED lamp 245 into a power outlet 246. The power end cap 240 fits securely onto the male power end of the lamp 245. The power end cap 240 may include two female receiving openings for the two power pins of the high - voltage end cap of the LED lamp 245. Thereby, the power to energize one lamp 245 is provided. In this power adapter end cap 24, the power cable may exit from the side of the end cap. The opposite end of the power adapter end cap 24 may be a male end and may be made to fit into a female receiving base of a flat - surface floor or table - top stand as shown in FIG. 56.

[0050] FIG. 59 shows a mounting base 241 including a large flat base such that the lamp 245 and the power end cap 240 can be stood vertically at its end. The mounting base 241 has an opening for slidably inserting a power cable into the stand as shown in FIGS. 56 and 57. The end cap of the non-powered LED lamp may have a similar female receiving cap as shown in FIG. 58, which mates with the end cap of the lamp 245 together with two pins and an optional data cable, fixing and hiding the pins. Thereby, when used with the mounting base, the end cap of the LED lamp 245 is fixed and becomes decorative. The mounting base 241 may have flat sides at various angles such that the lamp 245 can be used horizontally. These various angles allow the degree of angle of the lamp 245 to be selected, creating the utility of lighting for walls or speakers and facilitating a reliable way to angle the lamp 245. Also, the mounting base 241 can be manufactured to have a female opening for a screw for connecting to a rechargeable battery 248 as shown in FIG. 60. Thereafter, the LED lamp power connector can be plugged into the battery-powered stand socket 247. The battery-driven unit 248 can be used for temporary lighting effects. Lighting control may be made from a wired connection or a wireless connection included in the LED lamp.

[0051] FIG. 47 shows how the protrusion 131 of the LED lamp can be made with protection against various levels of intrusion, including a gasket 132, silicon 133, an LED lens 136, and a shrink material 134 for fixing the end cap 137. A water-resistant data connector 135 is included in all wired data connections.

[0052] FIG. 61 shows an LED lamp 251 that can be powered at 24 volts from an external power source 252. The power source 252 may convert a high voltage 253 to a low voltage 254 and then distribute power to the lighting fixture 252 and the lamp 251. The power connection may be the same as that of the high-voltage appliances and the lamp 251. The larger the power source 252, the greater the number of appliances 258 and lamps 251 that can be energized by the power source 252. One advantage of this low-voltage configuration is that it minimizes the need to use a high-voltage electrician for installation. The lighting control 256 may be made from a wired or wireless connection 257 included in the LED lamp 251.

[0053] FIG. 62 shows a configuration in which power and data can be transmitted on the same multi-pin connector. Similar to the three-pin data connection, this configuration can include power and data on the same end cap. There may be two pins for the high-voltage power source 261 and three pins for the low-voltage data connection 262. These five pins may be linear across the end cap as shown in FIG. 63. FIG. 64 shows that a lamp holder having five female receptacle connections 265 can connect the power and data of the lamp. The high-voltage pins may be larger in diameter than the low-voltage data pins 262. The opening of the lamp holder 264 may be adapted to the diameter of the pins 261, 262. Thus, only pins of the correct size are inserted into the lamp holder (264). The connection portions 266 of the high-voltage and low-voltage cables may be at the base of the lamp holder (264). Once fitted, the lamp may then be screwed into the lamp holder and power and data connections may be made.

[0054] FIG. 65 shows an integrated battery backup 271 that may be included for life safety. The battery backup 271 may be attached to the aluminum extrusion 272 of the LED lamp. While the lamp 272 is connected to the high voltage power 273, the battery 271 can be charged. In the event of a power outage, the battery control board 274 switches the power to the battery backup 271, and the LED lamp 272 is energized. While the LED lamp 272 is energized by the battery power, the default lighting program of the DMX board 276 can be used for the color of its output. In the LED lamp 272, the power supply by the battery backup 271 may be maintained until the battery is depleted or the high voltage power 273 returns. When the high voltage returns, the battery backup can return to the charging mode to recharge and prepare for the next power outage. The wireless transceiver 277 or the wired DMX data cable connection 278 can be utilized for lighting control.

[0055] Similar to the above, for each lamp, the integrated DMX converter can have an associated address, and based on that address, it can be determined which instructions of the DMX control signal are directed to the lamp (e.g., one of the lamps 304a, 304b to 304n shown in FIG. 3) in which the DMX converter is integrated. Then, the DMX converter can convert the control signal into a local lamp control signal for controlling the operation of the integrated lamp.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 1 - 3, the power supplies 102, 202, 302 can receive a power input and be configured to generate appropriate outputs for various lamps and other components. Such a configuration may be included in low voltage operations such as a 12 - volt power system. However, the apparatuses, systems, and techniques described herein can also be applied to higher voltage systems. For example, for high voltage driving such as a 90 - 277VAC 50 / 60Hz power system, an inductive ballast or a resistive ballast can be used instead of a standard power supply.

[0057] FIG. 4 shows a system 400 including an inductive ballast 402 that receives a line voltage (e.g., 120 VAC at 60 Hz) and outputs an appropriate power level for operation of lamps 404a and 404b.

[0058] Similar to FIG. 3, a DMX controller 406 can send one or more instructions as DMX control signals to a network of connected devices. As shown in FIG. 4, the DMX control signal may be sent directly to lamp 404a and further processed by an integrated DMX converter in that lamp. Additionally, the DMX converter within lamp 404a may be configured to output the DMX control signal to a DMX converter integrated within lamp 404b.

[0059] As described above, at each lamp, the integrated DMX converter can have an associated address, and based on that address, it can be determined which instructions of the DMX control signal are directed to the lamp (e.g., one of the lamps 404a, 404b shown in FIG. 4) in which the DMX converter is integrated. The DMX converter can then convert the control signal into a local lamp control signal for controlling the operation of the integrated lamp.

[0060] When there is no instruction or control signal from a DMX controller (e.g., DMX controller 108 as shown in FIG. 1), the lighting fixtures and systems described herein may be configured to operate in a standard operating mode. In such a mode, the LED lamp may be configured to simply output white light or some possible color of light determined based on what type of LED light tube is used in the lamp's configuration. For example, if the LED lamp uses RGB light tubes, without a DMX instruction, the lighting fixture can output approximate white light generated by using a combination of red, blue, and green LEDs. Conversely, if the LED lamp uses RGBW light tubes, without a DMX instruction, the lighting fixture can output true white light using only white LEDs, or any combination of colors and wavelengths using other types of LEDs.

[0061] Additionally or alternatively, the lighting fixtures and systems described herein may include local memory that stores one or more built-in programs for outputting a specific lighting pattern or effect in the absence of a specific DMX control signal or instruction. For example, a localized controller may load the built-in program when there is no DMX control signal and, in response, execute this local built-in program until, for example, the program is completed or the fixture receives a new or updated DMX control signal. Similarly, multiple fixtures may be operably connected such that a common built-in program is executed simultaneously by each fixture, thereby providing an integrated lighting effect without a specific DMX control signal. In another example, the built-in program may be configured for a default output lighting show used when DMX control signals from an external light controller are unavailable. That is, the LED lamp may emit light based on a control signal from a localized controller. The control signal from the localized controller may be set at factory shipment and may be specific to the type of LED used in the LED lamp. For example, the localized controller may send a default control signal to the LED lamp to turn on the white LEDs within the LED lamp and emit white light. Thus, when the LED lamp is provided in a lamp fixture and the control cable and / or external controller have not yet been installed, the LED lamp can emit white light. In one or more cases, the fire alarm trigger relay may be connected in-line with an external lighting control power source. When the fire alarm is triggered, the power to the external controller is turned off and the LED lamp is default set to one or more built-in programs. For example, the LED lamp may receive a default signal from the internal controller and emit white light.

[0062] Figure 5 shows a sample lamp 500 for use in an apparatus as described herein. For example, lamp 500 can be incorporated into one or more of the systems 100, 200, 300, and 400 shown in FIGS. 1-4 and described above. Lamp 500 includes a base 502 configured to establish a connection between the apparatus in which the lamp is provided and the lamp itself. This supplies power to the lamp to illuminate the lamp's light tube 504. As described above, light tube 504 may include one or more LED light strips, which can be, for example, RGB LEDs, RGBW LEDs, W LEDs, UV LEDs, or any combination of LEDs and combinations of illumination wavelengths described herein.

[0063] According to one or more embodiments described herein, base 502 may include a local DMX converter similar to the local DMX converter shown in lamp 204 of FIG. 2. The local DMX converter can receive a DMX control signal via a DMX input line 506 and process the control signal to determine whether the control signal is for lamp 500. If the local DMX converter determines that the control signal is for lamp 500 (e.g., via comparison of the addressing information included in the DMX control signal), the local DMX converter can further process the control signal to determine what effect lamp 500 is instructed to output. The local DMX converter can output the local DMX control signal to one or more additional lamps via a DMX output line 508. As described above, in the absence of a DMX instruction, lamp 500 may output true white light by using only white LEDs (if available), or may output any color from the built-in programming of the DMX converter.

[0064] Additionally or alternatively, a lamp such as lamp 500 may include ultraviolet (UV) LEDs. For example, white LEDs (e.g., within an RGBW lamp) can be replaced with UV LEDs. In another example, rather than replacing one or more of the existing colored LEDs of a lamp, UV LEDs may be added to an existing lamp. The UV LEDs can be incorporated into the lamp and thus the luminaire to provide additional lighting technologies such as blacklight and / or ultraviolet lighting, thereby providing decorative and artistic lighting effects and applications. Further, the UV LEDs may be used in conjunction with phosphorescent and photoluminescent materials, fluorescent dyes, fabrics, and other materials to provide additional lighting effects for various lighting applications. UV-A LEDs having wavelengths of about 315 - 400 - 420 nm can be used to increase the ultraviolet light effect. At higher wavelengths of about 400 - 420 nm, most is visible light and there is less ultraviolet light. The human eye can see from about 380 nm of this wavelength range. The optimal wavelength for ultraviolet lighting effect is about 365 nm. At this wavelength, the output is mostly ultraviolet light and there is little visible light, so the ultraviolet light is not visible to the human eye. Thus, when invisible light illuminates a surface provided with a phosphorescent pigment, it is activated and glows. 395 nm is also suitable for making phosphorescent pigments glow, but there is more visible light than at a wavelength of 365 nm.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, another exemplary lamp 600 for use in an apparatus as described herein is shown. For example, lamp 600 is shown in FIGS. 1-4 and can be incorporated into one or more of the systems 100, 200, 300, and 400 described above. Lamp 600 includes opposing bases 602 that are configured to establish a connection between the apparatus in which the lamp is provided and the lamp itself, for example, via input pins 606, whereby power is supplied to the lamp to illuminate the light tube 604 of the lamp. As described above, light tube 604 may include one or more LED light strips, which may include, for example, RGB, RGB-W, RGB-UV, RGB-IR, RGB-A, RGB-W-UV, RGB-W-IR, RGB-UV-IR, UV-IR, W-UV, W-IR, W-UV-IR, RGB-UV-IR-W, W-A, RGB-A-IR-W or any combination and wavelengths. Similar to base 502, base 602 may also include a local DMX converter similar to the local DMX converter shown in lamp 204 of FIG. 2.

[0066] Each base 602 is configured to be rotatable for beam focusing and adjustable with respect to light tube 604. In the illustrated embodiment, each base 602 includes a detent 610 that extends inwardly and is configured to engage a corresponding groove 612 on light tube 604 such that components are interconnected but rotatable with respect to each other. Other mechanisms for rotatable interconnectivity may alternatively be utilized. When the tube is installed, the input pins are aligned in a row with the tombstones and then the base 602 is rotated and fixed within the tombstones instead of the entire lamp. Each base 602 can include tabs 608, etc. to assist with its torsion. By having an adjustable base 602, the tubes and lenses 605 (if included) can be easily focused and the beam angle adjusted for each of the tubes 604. Further, it is contemplated that lens 605 may be replaceable for beams of various sizes.

[0067] For each of the embodiments described herein, the lamps 104, 204, 304, 404, 500, 600 can have standard size or custom size light tubes. For example, the lamp can be of standard lengths such as 15 inches, 18 inches, 24 inches, 36 inches or 48 inches and can be manufactured with standard diameters from T2 to T17. The lamp can also be manufactured with larger diameters and different lengths, for example, lengths intermediate to the standard lengths, or lengths longer than the standard lengths, such as 96 inches or more. Larger diameter tubes can be utilized to provide multiple rows of various types of LED nodes. Also, the larger size of the tube makes it easier to use lamps with higher wattages. The lamp can also have configurations other than the linear configuration shown. For example, the lamp can have a U-shaped or circular configuration. Also, in this lamp, the pins for power input can be manufactured in one, two, or further configurations.

[0068] Note that each of FIGS. 1 - 4 shows only one device for illustrative purposes. Further, multiple devices may be arranged in a network of connected devices. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the DMX controller 108 can supply DMX control signals to another lighting fixture. Such communication may be a wired connection according to the standard DMX protocol. Alternatively, the connection may be a wireless connection using a standard wireless communication protocol such as a mesh networking protocol. In such a configuration, one or more devices can communicate with multiple other devices simultaneously, thereby providing redundant wireless communication links between the devices in case one or more links fail (for example, if a device loses power for some reason).

[0069] FIG. 8A shows an isometric view of an LED lamp 800 (hereinafter, "lamp 800"). FIG. 8B shows an exploded view of the lamp 800 of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C shows a cross-sectional side view along section A - A of the lamp 800 of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8D shows a wiring diagram of the lamp 800 of FIG. 8A.

[0070] The lamp 800 may include a chassis 808 coupled to a lens 806. The lamp 800 may include end caps 802 and 804 disposed at both ends of the chassis 808 and the lens 806. In one or more cases, the end caps 802 and 804 fix the chassis 808 and the lens 806 and surround the ends of the lamp 800. The end cap 802 and / or 804 may receive output power from a power input. In one or more cases, the end cap 802 may be a high-voltage end cap configured to receive a high-voltage signal. For example, the end cap 802 may receive a voltage signal of about 90 - 277 VAC at 50 / 60 Hz. In one or more cases, the end cap 804 may be a low-voltage end cap configured to receive a low-voltage signal.

[0071] The chassis 808 may be an elongated rigid structure configured to house one or more components within the lamp 800. The chassis 808 may be formed from metal or opaque plastic. The outer surface 808a of the chassis 808 may be formed in a semi-cylindrical shape, a semi-rectangular parallelepiped shape, etc., where the proximal end 808b of the chassis 808 has a mounting platform 824. The lens 806 may be an elongated rigid structure configured to cover the proximal end 808b of the chassis 808. The lens 806 may be formed from a transparent or translucent material configured to allow light emitted from the LED strip 810 to pass through the lens 806 and reach the external environment. In one or more cases, the lens 806 may be used to focus the light emitted from the LED strip 810. The lens 806 may be formed in a semi-cylindrical shape, a semi-cubic shape, etc. The lamp 800 may be able to have a cylindrical shape, a cubic shape, etc. when the chassis 808 is coupled to the lens 806.

[0072] Figure 50 shows the beam shaping lens 161. The beam shaping lens 161 may shape the beam in various ways and change the light output or output pattern of the light from the LED lamp 162. The lens (161) enables beam shaping to many different degrees, such as about 40° - 140° 161, 50° - 150° 164, 15° - 95° 163, or 5° - 50° 165. The lens 161 also includes frosting lenses or diffusing lenses to various degrees, which can soften the light output of the LED lamp or increase the dispersion pattern. The frosting lens can also increase the visual effect in each LED lamp. Using a narrow lens can reduce the output pattern.

[0073] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 54, the lens may be replaced with a Wood’s Glass Filter. The Wood’s Glass Filter 221 can pass ultraviolet and infrared rays while blocking most visible light and may be used in specific ultraviolet light scenarios. The Wood’s Glass Filter 221 can be used as an additional optical filter dedicated to the ultraviolet or infrared LED diodes of the multicolor LED lamp 223 and can be placed under the traditional 222 or the beam shaping lens. The Wood’s Glass Filter 221 can increase the ultraviolet or infrared illumination effect by reducing the amount of visible light.

[0074] The lamp 800 is configured to accommodate one or more components such as, but not limited to, a data control board (DCB: data control board) 816, a DCB support housing 818, a data control board support 812, a power control board (PCB: power control board) 822, a PCB support housing 820, a power control board support 814, and an LED strip 810. The DCB 816 can send a control signal to the LED strip 810 to turn on one or more LEDs of the LED strip 810. In one or more cases, the DCB 816 can operate in the same or a similar manner as the above-described DMX converter 106.

[0075] The DCB support housing 818 couples the DCB 816 to the data control board support 812. The DCB support housing 818 may be a rigid casing sized to accommodate the DCB 816. The DCB support housing 818 may be an insulating housing for the DCB 816. The DCB 816 may be inserted within the DCB support housing 818, and the DCB support housing 818 may be attached to the data control board support 812.

[0076] The PCB 822 may be used to regulate voltage signals transmitted from a power input to the LED strip 810. The PCB 822 may convert an AC voltage signal to a DC voltage signal. For example, the PCB 822 may convert 90 - 277 VAC at 50 / 60 Hz to 12 VDC and supply power to the DCB 816 and the LED strip 810. In one or more cases, the PCB 822 may operate in the same or a similar manner as the power supply 102 described above. The PCB support housing 820 couples the PCB 822 to the power control board support 814. The PCB support housing 820 may be a rigid casing sized to accommodate the PCB 822. The PCB support housing 820 may be an insulating housing for the PCB 822. The PCB 822 may be inserted within the PCB support housing 820, and the PCB support housing 820 may be attached to the power control board support 814.

[0077] The mounting platform 824 of the chassis 808 may be disposed on the proximal end 808b of the chassis 808 and may extend in the longitudinal direction of the chassis 808. The LED strip 810 may be disposed on the first surface 824a of the mounting platform 824 facing the lens 806. The second surface 824b of the mounting platform 824 may include one or more protrusions 830 extending towards the distal end 808c of the chassis 808. The one or more protrusions 830 may be formed of metal. The one or more protrusions 830 can function as a heat sink for dissipating the heat generated by the LED strip 810. The one or more protrusions 830 can be formed in various shapes, such as a "T" shape and the like.

[0078] The chassis 808 may include one or more interlock tabs, such as interlock tabs 826a and 826b. The one or more interlock tabs may be rigid tabs configured to engage with the ends of the lens 806. The interlock tab 826a and the interlock tab 826b may be disposed at both ends of the mounting platform 824. The protruding portions 824c and 824d of the respective interlock tabs 826a and 826b may protrude inwardly, for example, facing each other. The protruding portion 824c may be inserted into a recess at the end of the lens 806, and the protruding portion 824d may be inserted into another recess at the opposite end of the lens 806, thereby engaging the chassis 808 and the lens 806. The lens 806 may have a flexible structure configured to flex, whereby the recesses are disposed with the respective protruding portions 824c and 824d. In one or more cases, the rear portion 804b of the end cap 804 and the rear portion of the end cap 802 may each include at least two tabs for fixing the lens 806 to the chassis 808. For example, the at least two tabs may be disposed on opposite sides of the end cap 804 and may each protrude from the rear portion 804b of the end cap 804. The at least two tabs may be spaced apart sufficiently so that the lens 806 coupled to the chassis 808 can fit snugly between the at least two tabs.

[0079] The LED strip 810 may include one or more LEDs, such as LEDs 810a, 810b, and 810c. The LEDs 810a, 801b, and 810c can each emit light including individual colors or wavelengths such as R, G, B, W, UV, IR, A, etc., or combinations of colors and / or wavelengths including, but not limited to, combinations such as RGB, RGB-W, RGB-UV, RGB-IR, RGB-A, RGB-W-UV, RGB-W-IR, RGB-W-A, RGB-UV-IR, UV-IR, W-UV, W-IR, W-A, W-UV-IR, RGB-UV-IR-W, RGB-A-IR-W, or other combinations.

[0080] The lamp 800 can be used as a horticultural growth lamp by emitting R, B, and W light using a specific wavelength and color temperature (e.g., 1,000 to 10,000 K as measured in Kelvin (K)). For example, the lamp 800 may include one or more LEDs that emit red light, one or more LEDs that emit blue light, and one or more LEDs that emit white light. The LED for emitting red light may emit red light with a wavelength of 620 nm to 700 nm. The LED for emitting blue light may emit blue light with a wavelength of 400 nm to 495 nm. The LED for emitting white light may emit white light with a wavelength of 400 nm to 700 nm.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 23, the horticultural growth lamp can provide artificial sunlight of various colors and illumination wavelengths to grow horticultural crops. Each lamp 4 may include two rows of white (1) 4000K LEDs, one row of 435 - 440 nm blue LEDs (2), and one row of 660 - 710 nm red LEDs (3). As shown in FIG. 24, other wavelengths may be used for different types of crops. For example, green LEDs (5) that emit light with a wavelength between 500 - 550 nm, or near-infrared LEDs that emit light with a wavelength of 711 - 750 nm. Each LED lamp may include a DMX control receiver to operate the system. Using this control system, the lighting output and duration required for each stage of the growth process may be scheduled. The DMX control signal may be wired, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, wirelessly wired as shown in FIG. 25, or wired in a combination of the two as shown in FIG. 26. These LED lamps can also be used with five 12 - 24VDC dimmable channels wireless Bluetooth for constant voltage LED loads as shown in FIG. 27, and wireless Bluetooth - DMX as shown in FIG. 28. Other control systems are also conceivable.

[0082] In other embodiments, the lamp may have other utilities, such as for use for sterilization purposes. The LED lamp for sterilization shown in FIG. 29 may include white LED diodes 7 and ultraviolet LED diodes 9, along with DMX, Bluetooth, or similar controls. The white diodes can be used for general white lighting at various color temperatures in the range of about 2700 - 6500°K. The ultraviolet (UV-C) diodes can have a wavelength in the range of about 100 - 280 nm. The most effective sterilization wavelength is typically about 254 - 280 nm. The white diodes and the ultraviolet diodes may be used separately. The white may be used for general white lighting when the occupants are in the room or space, while the ultraviolet may be used to kill bacteria when the occupants are not present. As shown by FIG. 30, the lighting control may be used for the operation and scheduling of which lighting is used when. The occupancy sensor 12 may be included in the lighting control. When the occupancy sensor is activated, the occupancy sensor 12 can be used to turn off the ultraviolet diodes and turn on the white diodes. The control can be wired or wireless DMX of FIG. 30, Bluetooth of FIG. 31, Wi-Fi, or other types of control. These lamps can be used in hospitals, clinics, schools, transportation centers, businesses, governments, retail, and many more applications.

[0083] FIG. 32 shows that in yet another embodiment, the LED lamp can be used for human-centered purposes, for example, purposes configured to adapt to the human circadian rhythm. Human-centered lighting uses artificial light with an appropriate hue, which mimics the 24-hour natural sunlight cycle to be in sync with the human sleep-wake cycle. The benefits include improved sleep, increased productivity, improved mood, and faster cognitive processing. The LED lamp 14 can adjust the lighting spectrum (color tuning) to make it easier to create a warmer or cooler atmosphere. This promotes natural melatonin production and a better natural sleep and wake cycle for the human body. The LED lamp 14 can emit light of specific wavelengths that provide similar circadian rhythm benefits. The LED lamp 14 may include a full-color spectrum of LED diodes (red, green, blue, white, ultraviolet) 15 that can dim and color-tune the lighting when used with a lighting control system (DMX 15, DMX / Bluetooth 16, Wi-Fi, and others).

[0084] To implement a circadian lighting system, there are generally three electronic lighting approaches. These include intensity adjustment, color adjustment, and stimulation adjustment. For color adjustment, within the light tube, multiple combinations of LEDs, diodes, and a large number of pixels may be utilized. Intensity adjustment is the most well-known and cost-effective solution for circadian lighting. LED lamps include intensity adjustment, and while the intensity or brightness of the lamp is increased or decreased by the control system, the LED lamp maintains a constant correlated color temperature (CCT). The control is associated with time. The LED lamp may be set to a lower intensity in the early morning and change to a higher intensity as time progresses. Then, it decreases to a lower intensity in the evening. Also, the LED lamp may include color adjustment. Color adjustment may change the light intensity and correlated color temperature to mimic the day-night cycle. Humans experience a cooler color temperature in the range from 4000K to about 10,000K when the sun is highest in the sky. This is when humans are typically most alert during the day. Therefore, a cooler correlated color temperature may be used when it is appropriate to promote attention arousal. A warmer color temperature of 2700K to 3500K is used to represent the daytime hours when the sun rises and sets, when people wake up and go to bed. The circadian lighting system is set to adjust based on the correlated color temperature normally observed at any time of the day. LED lamps include stimulation adjustment. This lighting technology replaces "bad blue" with the light wavelength of "good blue". Stimulation adjustment using LED lamps can be programmed to reduce the blue light wavelength during evening hours to limit melatonin suppression without changing the correlated color temperature.

[0085] Figure 9 shows an isometric view of the data control board support 812 and the end cap 804. Figure 10A shows an isometric view of the end cap 804 of Figure 9. Figure 10B shows a top view of the end cap 804 of Figure 9. Figure 10C shows a side view of the end cap 804 of Figure 9. Figure 10D shows a bottom view of the end cap 804 of Figure 9.

[0086] The data control board support 812 includes an elongated rigid member 812a having one or more support brackets (such as support brackets 902a, 902b, and 902c). The data control board support 812 may be formed from materials or combinations of materials such as, but not limited to, metal, metal alloy, plastic, etc. In one or more cases, the data control board support 812 may have sufficient rigidity to hold the DCB support housing 818 or the PCB support housing 820. In one or more cases, the data control board support 812 can have heat resistance capable of withstanding the temperature generated by one or more components such as the LED strip 810, the DCB 816, and / or the PCB 822 of the lamp 800.

[0087] The elongated rigid member 812a may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the DCB support housing 818 and / or the PCB support housing 820. For example, the elongated rigid member 812a can have a rectangular shape corresponding to the rectangular shape of the surface of the DCB support housing 818. In one or more cases, the proximal end 812b of the elongated rigid member 812a may be connected to the rear portion 804b of the end cap 804. In one example, the elongated rigid member 812a is coupled to the rear portion 804b of the end cap 804 and the data control board support 812 is permanently fixed to the end cap 804. To permanently fix the data control board support 812 to the end cap 804, a portion of the data control board support 812 may be disposed within the end cap 804, and this portion of the data control board support 812 and the end cap 804 may be bonded to each other via an adhesive or other bonding agent. In another example, the proximal end 812b of the elongated rigid member 812a is removably coupled to the rear portion 804b of the end cap 804. To removably couple the data control board support 812 and the end cap 804, a portion of the data control board support 812 may be disposed within the end cap 804, and this portion of the data control board support 812 and the end cap 804 may be coupled to each other via a fastener such as a screw. When the elongated rigid member 812 is removably coupled to the end cap 804, the end cap 804 may be replaced with another end cap.

[0088] The support brackets 902a, 902b, and 902c may be formed in a shape to hold the DCB support housing 818 and / or the PCB support housing 820. For example, each of the support brackets 902a, 902b, and 902c may be formed in a "C" shape. The support brackets 902a, 902b, and 902c may be coupled to the elongated rigid member 812a in various ways, such as attachment via screws, rivets, welding, etc. The support brackets 902a, 902b, and 902c may be coupled to the DCB support housing 818 or the PCB support housing 820, and the DCB support housing 818 or the PCB support housing 820 may be firmly attached to the data control board support 812. In one or more cases, by connecting the DCB support housing 818 to one or more support brackets of the data control board support 812, the DCB support housing 818 is firmly attached to the end cap 804. When the DCB support housing 818 houses the DCB 816 and is attached to the data control board support 812, the DCB 816 may be fixedly disposed within the lamp 800 and movement of the DCB 816 within the lamp 800 may be prevented. In one or more cases, by coupling the PCB support housing 820 to one or more support brackets of the power control board support 814, the PCB support housing 820 is firmly attached to the end cap 802. When the PCB support housing 820 houses the PCB 822 and is attached to the power control board support 814, the PCB 822 may be fixedly disposed within the lamp 800 and movement of the PCB 822 within the lamp 800 may be prevented.

[0089] In one or more cases, a portion of the end cap 804 may be configured to be inserted into the socket of the lamp holder. For example, one or more signal pins such as the positive control signal pin 904, the common contact signal pin 906, and the negative control signal pin 908 may be inserted into the low-voltage socket 1002 of the lamp holder 1000. The one or more signal pins may be elongated rigid members. The positive control signal pin 904, the common contact signal pin 906, and the negative control signal pin 908 may protrude from the outer surface 804a of the end cap 804. In one or more cases, the one or more signal pins may extend from the rear portion 804b of the end cap 804 through the outer surface 804a of the end cap 804. The one or more signal pins 904, 906, and 908 may be electrically coupled to the DCB 816 and / or the LED strip 810 as shown in FIG. 8D.

[0090] FIG. 48 shows, in some embodiments, how the lamp holders of the power end cap 142 and the power lamp holder 141 can be color-coded to easily identify which end of the LED lamp 143 should be inserted into the appropriate lamp holder. This can also be done with the low-voltage control end cap 144 and the lamp holder 145. For example, the red end cap 142 may be connected to the red lamp holder 141 for high-voltage power input, while the blue end cap 144 may be connected to the blue lamp holder 145 for low-voltage control signals. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 49, the LED lamp may be partially or fully color-coded so that different models can be identified at a glance. For example, a yellow strip on the end cap can indicate an RGBW, 1-pixel LED lamp configuration. Many color configurations are possible.

[0091] In other configurations, an LED lamp can have one or more pixels per LED lamp. A one-pixel lamp functions as one complete unit for the entire lamp. Using multiple pixels allows for more detailed representation within each lamp. As the number of pixels per lamp increases, the number of DMX addresses per LED lamp also increases. The more pixels there are, the higher the resolution of the lighting output. Pixels are arranged in the control software to increase the detail and resolution in lighting playback.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 51, an LED lamp can have one or more pixels 171 per LED lamp. A single-pixel lamp 17 functions as one complete unit for the entire lamp. By using multi-pixels, a more refined representation becomes possible by reducing the number of groups of LED diodes within each lamp 171. Increasing the number of pixels per lamp increases the number of DMX addresses per LED lamp. The more pixels there are, the higher the resolution of the lighting output. Pixels are arranged in the control software to increase the detail and resolution in lighting playback.

[0093] Signal pins 904, 906, and 908 are inserted into the low-voltage socket 1002, thereby electrically coupling the end cap 804 to the lamp holder 1000. Signal pins 904, 906, and 908 can be configured to receive one or more instructions via a low-voltage control signal from a DMX controller such as the DMX controller 106. Signal pins 904, 906, and 908 may be formed in a shape such as a cylindrical shape or a polyhedral shape, which may fit within the low-voltage socket 1002. In one or more cases, signal pins 904, 906, and 908 may be disposed on the end cap 804 so as to correspond to the arrangement of contacts 1008, 1010, and 1012, and the standoff 1016 of the low-voltage socket 1002. For example, signal pins 904, 906, and 908 may be disposed linearly across the end cap 804. When the pin is inserted between the contact 1008 and the standoff 1016, the standoff 1016 may guide the pin and push this pin into the recess 1009 of the contact 1008. The standoff 1016 may be formed of an insulating material configured to shield the pin from contacts 1010 and 1012.

[0094] In one or more cases, signal pin 906 is disposed between the two external signal pins 904 and 908. Signal pin 906 may be disposed on the central portion of the end cap 804. In one or more cases, signal pins 904 and 906 may be disposed adjacent to each other, and pin 908 may be offset from signal pins 904 and 906. The distance separating signal pins 908 and 906 may be greater than the distance separating signal pins 904 and 906. In one or more other cases, signal pins 906 and 908 may be disposed adjacent to each other, and signal pin 904 may be offset from signal pins 906 and 908.

[0095] In one or more cases, signal pin 906 is disposed between two external signal pins 904 and 908. Signal pin 906 may be disposed on the central portion of end cap 804. In one or more cases, signal pins 904 and 906 may be disposed adjacent to each other, and pin 908 may be offset from signal pins 904 and 906. The distance separating signal pins 908 and 906 may be greater than the distance separating signal pins 904 and 906. In one or more other cases, signal pins 906 and 908 may be disposed adjacent to each other, and signal pin 904 may be offset from signal pins 906 and 908.

[0096] In one or more cases, signal pins 904, 906, and 908 of low voltage end cap 804 are arranged such that signal pins 904, 906, and 908 are not inserted into the receptacles formed by contacts 1022 and standoffs 1028 of high voltage socket 1004 and the receptacles formed by contacts 1024 and standoffs 1026. Standoff 1026 does not include a recess similar to recess 1013 in contact 1012. Thus, standoff 1026 is not configured to receive signal pin 906. Standoff 1026 prevents signal pin 906 from being disposed within high voltage socket 1004, so that the two receptacles of high voltage socket 1004 prevent signal pins 904, 906, and 908 from rotating within high voltage socket 1004. By preventing low voltage end cap 804 from being inserted into high voltage socket 1004, it is possible to prevent lamp 800 from being inappropriately provided within lamp holder 1000.

[0097] In one or more cases, the diameters of the signal pins 904, 906, and 908 on the end cap 804 may be larger than the diameters of the positive high-voltage pin 903 and the negative high-voltage pin 905 of the end cap 802. For example, the diameter of each of the signal pins 904, 906, 908 may be about 5 mm, and the diameter of each of the pins 903, 905 may be about 2 mm. By having a larger diameter, the signal pins 904, 906, and 908 can be prevented from being inserted into the receptacle of the high-voltage socket 1004. This diameter is sized to receive the pins 903, 905 with a smaller diameter.

[0098] In one or more cases, the end cap 804 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of the chassis 808 coupled with the lens 806. For example, the end cap 804 can have a cylindrical shape. In one or more cases, the end cap 804 can have a hierarchical configuration including an inner portion 910 and an outer portion 912. The inner portion 910 and the outer portion 912 may each have a cylindrical shape, where the inner portion 910 has a larger diameter than the outer portion 912. The inner portion 910 may include one or more through holes such as the through holes 914a and 914b. In one or more cases, the through holes 914a and 914b can be arranged perpendicular to the signal pins 904, 906, and 908, at least as shown in FIGS. 8C, 10A, 10B, and 10D. In one or more other cases, the through holes 914a and 914b may be arranged linearly with the signal pins 904, 906, and 908, as shown in FIG. 10C. In the case shown in FIG. 10C, the chassis 808 may be disposed within the lamp 800, and the through holes 914a and 914b may be aligned with the depressions 808e and 808f of the chassis 808.

[0099] The through holes 914a and 914b may each be sized to receive a fastener. A fastener such as a screw may be inserted into the through hole and fastened to a recess (such as recesses 808e or 808f) in the chassis 808. In one or more cases, the through holes 914a and 914b may each have a countersunk hole or counterbored hole 914c at the end of each respective through hole. The through holes 914a and 914b can be configured to receive the head of the fastener, such that the fastener is positioned flush with or below the outer surface of the inner portion 910. When coupled to the recesses 808e and 808f of the chassis 808, the inner portion 910 is positioned on the chassis 808 and the lens 806. One or more signal pins 904, 906, and 908 may protrude from the outer surface of the outer portion 912. In one or more other cases, the end cap 804 may not have a hierarchical configuration and may include a single uniform body. In such a configuration, one or more through holes and one or more signal pins may be provided on the outer surface of the end cap 804.

[0100] Note that the power control board support 814 includes one or more of the same or similar features as the data control board support 812. Thus, the description of such features is not repeated.

[0101] In one or more cases, a portion of the end cap 802 may be configured to be inserted into a socket of the lamp holder, for example, the high voltage socket 1004 of the lamp holder 1000. The end cap 802 includes a positive high voltage pin 903 and a negative high voltage pin 905. The pins 903 and 905 of the end cap 802 may be elongated rigid members protruding from the outer surface of the end cap 802. The pins 903 and 905 of the end cap 802 may be electrically coupled to the PCB 822 as shown in FIG. 8D. The pins 903 and 905 of the end cap 802 may be inserted into the high voltage socket 1004, whereby the end cap 802 is electrically coupled to the lamp holder 1000. The pins 903, 905 can be formed in a shape such as a cylindrical shape or a polyhedral shape. In one or more cases, the pins 903 and 905 may be disposed on the end cap 802 so as to correspond to the arrangement of the contacts 1022 and 1024 of the high voltage socket 1004 and the standoffs 1026 and 1028. For example, the pins 903 and 905 may be linearly disposed on the end cap 802. The pins 903 and 905 may be spaced apart from each other, and one pin may be disposed between the contact 1022 and the standoff 1028, and the other pin may be disposed between the standoff 1026 and the contact 1024. When the pin is inserted between the contact 1022 and the standoff 1028, the standoff 1028 may guide the pin and push the pin into the recess 1021 of the contact 1022. The standoffs 1026 and 1028 may be formed of an insulating material configured to shield the pins from the contacts 1022 and 1026.

[0102] FIG. 11A shows an isometric view of the lamp holder 1000. FIG. 11B shows the low voltage socket 1002 of the lamp holder 1000 of FIG. 11A. FIG. 11C shows the high voltage socket 1004 of the lamp holder 1000 of FIG. 11A.

[0103] In one or more cases, the lamp holder 1000 includes a low-voltage socket 1002 and a high-voltage socket 1004 disposed at both ends of the lamp holder support 1006. The low-voltage socket 1002 and the high-voltage socket 1004 are sufficiently separated from each other so that the lamp 800 can be disposed between and coupled to the low-voltage socket 1002 and the high-voltage socket 1004. A DMX controller, such as the DMX controller 108, may be connected to the low-voltage socket 1002. The power supply 102 may be connected to the high-voltage socket 1004.

[0104] The lamp holder support 1006 may be an elongated rigid member. In one or more cases, the end 1006b of the lamp holder support 1006 may be configured to couple to the bottom 1002b of the low-voltage socket 1002, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The bottom 1002b may have one or more depressions, such as depressions 1002c and 1002d. The end 1006b may include one or more protrusions configured to be inserted into the one or more depressions 1002c and 1002d, respectively. The one or more protrusions can engage the one or more depressions, thereby coupling the lamp holder support 1006 to the low-voltage socket 1002. The bottom 1002b may include receptacles 1018 and 1020 configured to route an input signal line 1036 from the DMX controller 108 to the receiving portion 1012 of the low-voltage socket 1002.

[0105] In one or more instances, the end 1006a of the lamp holder support 1006 may be configured to couple to the bottom 1004b of the high voltage socket 1004, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11C. The bottom 1004b may include one or more depressions such as depressions 1004c and 1004d. The end 1006a may include one or more protrusions configured to be inserted into the one or more depressions 1004c and 1004d, respectively. The one or more protrusions may engage with the one or more receiving depressions, thereby coupling the lamp holder support 1006 to the high voltage socket 1004. The bottom 1004b may include receptacles 1032 and 1034 configured to route high voltage wires from a power input to the receiving portion 1030 of the high voltage socket 1004.

[0106] The upper portion 1002a of the low voltage socket 1002 may include a receiving portion 1014 configured to receive signal pins 904, 906, and 908. The receiving portion 1014 may include contacts 1008, 1010, and 1012 and a standoff 1016. The receiving portion 1014 may be disposed on the upper portion 1002a of the low voltage socket 1002.

[0107] The opposing surfaces of contact 1008 and standoff 1016 form a receptacle for receiving the negative control signal pin 908. The opposing surface of standoff 1016 may be curved. The opposing surface of contact 1008 includes a recess 1009 configured to hold a portion of signal pin 908. The opposing surface of standoff 1016 may curve towards the opposing surface of contact 1008 to guide signal pin 908 into recess 1009 of contact 1008. The opposing surfaces of contacts 1010 and 1012 form a receptacle for receiving the positive control signal pin 904. The opposing surface of contact 1012 may be curved. The opposing surface of contact 1012 may be insulated similar to standoff 1016 so that signal pin 904 is not electrically coupled to contact 1012. The opposing surface of contact 1010 may include a recess 1011 configured to hold a portion of signal pin 904. The opposing surface of contact 1012 may curve towards the opposing surface of contact 1010 to guide signal pin 904 into recess 1011. The surface on the opposite side of the opposing surface of contact 1010 may include a recess 1013 configured to receive the common contact signal pin 906.

[0108] To couple end cap 804 to low voltage socket 1002, signal pins 904 and 906 are placed within recesses 1011 and 1013 respectively, and signal pin 908 is placed outside the receptacle defined by contact 1008 and standoff 1016. After placing signal pins 904 and 906 within their respective recesses, lamp 800 is rotated within receiver 1014 such that signal pin 908 rotates downward and into recess 1009 of the receptacle. When signal pin 908 is placed within recess 1009, pin 906 is placed within recess 1013, and pin 904 is placed within recess 1011, end cap 804 is locked within receiver 1014. When end cap 804 is locked within receiver 1014, signal pins 904, 906, and 908 may be horizontally positioned across low voltage socket 1002.

[0109] The upper portion 1004a of the high-voltage socket 1004 may include a receiving portion 1030 configured to receive the positive high-voltage pin 903 and the negative high-voltage pin 905 of the high-voltage end cap 802. The receiving portion 1030 may include contacts 1022 and 1024 and standoffs 1026 and 1028. The receiving portion 1030 may be disposed on the upper portion 1004a of the high-voltage socket 1004. When the end cap 802 is coupled to the receiving portion 1030 and the end cap 804 is coupled to the receiving portion 1014, the lamp 800 may be disposed away from the upper surface of the lamp holder support 1006. That is, when the lamp 800 is coupled to the lamp holder 1000, the outer surface of the lamp 800 is spaced apart from the upper surface of the lamp holder support 1006 and does not contact the upper surface of the lamp holder support 1006.

[0110] The opposing surfaces of the contact 1022 and the standoff 1028 form a receptacle for receiving the negative pin 905. The opposing surface of the standoff 1028 may be curved. The opposing surface of the contact 1022 may include a recess 1021 configured to hold a portion of the negative pin 905. The opposing surface of the standoff 1028 may curve towards the opposing surface of the contact 1022 to guide the negative pin 905 into the recess 1021 of the contact 1022. The opposing surfaces of the contact 1024 and the standoff 1026 form a receptacle for receiving the positive pin 903. The opposing surface of the 1026 may be curved. The opposing surface of the standoff 1026 may be insulated in the same manner as the standoff 1028 so that the positive pin 903 is not coupled to the standoff 1026. The opposing surface of the contact 1024 may include a recess 1023 configured to hold a portion of the positive pin 903. The opposing surface of the standoff 1026 may curve towards the opposing surface of the contact 1024 to guide the positive pin 903 into the recess 1023.

[0111] To couple the end cap 802 to the high voltage socket 1004, the positive pin 903 is disposed within the recess 1023 and the negative pin 905 is disposed outside of the receptacle defined by the contacts 1022 and the standoff 1028. After the positive pin 903 is disposed within the recess 1023, the lamp 800 is rotated within the receiving portion 1030 and the negative pin 905 is rotated downwardly into the recess 1021 of the receptacle. When the negative pin 905 is disposed within the recess 1021 and the positive pin 903 is disposed within the recess 1023, the end cap 802 is locked within the receiving portion 1030. When the end cap 802 is locked to the receiving portion 1030, the positive pin 903 and the negative pin 905 may be disposed horizontally across the high voltage socket 1004.

[0112] FIG. 12A shows an exemplary wiring diagram of one or more lighting fixtures including one or more lamp holders 1000. FIG. 12B shows an exemplary wiring diagram of low voltage control for one or more connected low voltage sockets 1002. FIG. 12C shows an exemplary high voltage wiring diagram for one or more connected high voltage sockets 1004.

[0113] One or more lamp holders 1000 may be fixed to lighting fixtures such as lighting fixtures 1000A and 1000B, and one or more lamps 800 may be coupled to respective lamp holders 1000. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, two lamps 800 and two lamp holders 1000 may be used for lighting fixture 1000A. In another example, in one lighting fixture 1000A, one lamp 800 may be coupled to one lamp holder 1000. In other examples, a lighting fixture may include three or more lamp holders 1000 per lighting fixture. In one or more cases, the lamp holders 1000 may be connected in parallel with each other.

[0114] The first low-voltage socket 1002 of the first lamp holder 1000 may be coupled to the input signal line 1036 to receive an input signal. The DMX controller 108 can output an input signal via the input signal line 1036. The input signal line 1036 may include a positive control signal line (+), a negative control signal line (-), and a common contact signal line (c) as shown in FIG. 12B. The positive control signal line can provide a positive control signal. For example, the positive control signal may include a positive voltage signal. The negative control signal line can provide a negative control signal. For example, the negative control signal may include a negative voltage signal. The common contact signal line can provide a common contact signal. Each of the positive control signal line, the negative control signal line, and the common contact signal line may be connected to a respective contact of the low-voltage socket 1002. For example, the negative control signal line may be connected to contact 1008, the positive control signal line may be connected to contact 1010, and the common contact signal line may be connected to contact 1012. In another example, the negative control signal line may be connected to contact 1008, the positive control signal line may be connected to contact 1012, and the common contact signal line may be connected to contact 1010.

[0115] The first lamp holder 1000 may be coupled to the output signal line 1038 to output an output signal. The output signal line 1038 can supply the output signal from the first lamp holder 1000 to the next lamp holder (the lamp holder in the next lighting fixture), or to the low-voltage signal terminator 1042 if the lamp holder 1000 is the last lamp holder. The output signal line 1038 may include a positive control signal line (+), a negative control signal line (-), and a common contact signal line (c) as shown in FIG. 12B. The output signal line 1038 may be used as the input signal line 1036 by being connected to the next lamp holder (the lamp holder in the next lighting fixture), or to the low-voltage signal terminator 1042 if the lamp holder 1000 is the last lamp holder.

[0116] As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the positive control signal line can provide a positive control signal from the first lamp holder 1000 to the second lamp holder 1000. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the negative control signal line can provide a negative control signal from the first lamp holder 1000 to the second lamp holder 1000. The common contact signal line can provide a common contact signal from the DMX controller 108 to the second lamp holder 1000. Each of the positive control signal line, the negative control signal line, and the common contact signal line may be connected to a respective contact of the low voltage socket 1002. For example, in a configuration where the negative control signal line of the input signal line 1036 and / or the output signal line 1038 is connected to the contact 1008 and the positive control signal line is connected to the contact 1010, the negative control signal line of the output signal line 1038 may be connected to the contact 1008, the positive control signal line may be connected to the contact 1012, and the common contact signal line may be connected to the contact 1010. In one or more cases, the output signal of the second lamp holder 1000 may be provided as an input signal to another lamp holder (the lamp holder in the next lighting fixture) or to the low voltage signal terminator 1042 if the second lamp holder 1000 is the last lamp holder.

[0117] In one or more cases, the lamp holders and the lighting fixtures may be daisy chained to each other on a DMX universe (e.g., 512 DMX channels), where a signal terminator such as the low voltage signal terminator 1042 is provided at the end of the low voltage connection of the last lamp holder of each control universe. In programming software, multiple DMX universes can be used and mapped to extend the size and level of control required for the lighting system. The low voltage signal terminator 1042 may be a resistor connected between the positive control signal and the negative control signal. The resistor can have a resistance of, for example, about 120 ohms. The low voltage signal terminator 1042 may be used to remove radio frequency signal noise in the DMX universe.

[0118] In one or more cases, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12C, the high-voltage socket 1004 of the lamp holder 1000 may be coupled to the input signal line 1050 to receive power from the power input. In the case of multiple lamp holders, the high-voltage socket 1004 of each lamp holder 1000 may be connected to the power input to supply power to the PCB 822. The power input can supply power at 50 / 60 Hz and about 90 VAC to 277 VAC to each lamp holder via the input signal line 1050.

[0119] Note that each of FIGS. 12 shows two lamp holders included in each of two lighting fixtures for illustrative purposes only. Additional lamp holders and lighting fixtures can be arranged in a network of connected devices. For example, the DMX controller 108 can supply a DMX control signal to a third lighting fixture. Such communication may be a wired connection according to the standard DMX protocol. Alternatively, the connection may be a wireless connection using a standard wireless communication protocol such as a mesh networking protocol. In such a configuration, one or more lighting fixtures can communicate with multiple other lighting fixtures simultaneously, thereby providing redundant wireless communication links between the lighting fixtures in the event that one or more links fail (e.g., if a fixture loses power for some reason).

[0120] The lamp 800 can be formed in a standard size or a custom size. For example, the lamp 800 can be of a standard length, such as 15 inches, 18 inches, 24 inches, 36 inches or 48 inches, and can be manufactured with a standard diameter from T2 to T17. The lamp 800 can also be manufactured with a larger diameter and different lengths, such as a length intermediate to the standard lengths, or a length longer than the standard lengths, such as 96 inches or more. By utilizing the larger diameter of the lamp 800, various types of LEDs, such as LED810a, 810b, 810c, etc., can be provided in multiple rows. The larger diameter allows the wattage of the lamp 800 to be easily increased. Also, the lamp 800 may have a configuration other than the illustrated linear configuration. For example, the lamp 800 may have a U-shaped (Figure 43), circular (Figure 42), square (Figure 44), rectangular (Figure 45), or triangular (Figure 46) configuration. Also, the lamp 800 can be manufactured with a 2-pin (bi-pin) or multi-pin configuration for inputting a higher or lower voltage power supply. These can include Bluetooth - other mesh control devices, and / or DMX wired / wireless / Wi-Fi - other lamps or additional control devices.

[0121] In one or more cases, the lamp 800 may include a localization controller configured to send a low voltage control signal to the DCB 816. The control signal from the localization controller may be set at factory shipment and may be specific to the type of LED used within the lamp 800. For example, the localization controller may send a default control signal to the lamp 800 to turn on the white LEDs within the lamp 800 and emit white light. Thus, when the LED lamp is installed in the lamp holder 1000 but the control cable and / or external controller have not yet been installed, the lamp 800 can emit white light. In one or more cases, the fire alarm trigger relay may be connected in-line with an external lighting control power source. When the fire alarm is triggered, the power of the external controller is turned off and the lamp 800 is set to default settings in one or more built-in programs. For example, the lamp 800 may receive a default signal from the internal controller and emit white light.

[0122] As used herein, the term "about" means numerically ±10% of the numerical value for which it is used.

[0123] The various embodiments disclosed above, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, can be combined in many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unexpected alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art, and each of them is also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A plurality of light emitting diode (LED) lamps (25, 245, 251, 272, 104, 204, 304, 404, 143, 162, 182, 500, 600, 800); A power supply (102, 202, 302) communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of LED lamps (25, 245, 251, 272, 104, 204, 304, 404, 143, 162, 182, 500, 600, 800) and configured to supply power to each of the plurality of LED lamps (25, 245, 251, 272, 104, 204, 304, 404, 143, 162, 182, 500, 600, 800); A lamp holder (1000, 145, 264) including a high voltage socket (1004) and a low voltage socket (1002); A communication protocol controller (108, 206, 306, 406); A communication protocol converter (106) communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of LED lamps (25, 245, 251, 272, 104, 204, 304, 404, 143, 162, 182, 500, 600, 800) and the communication protocol controller (108, 206, 306, 406) and configured to receive a communication protocol from the communication protocol controller (108, 206, 306, 406); Each of the plurality of LED lamps (25, 245, 251, 272, 104, 204, 304, 404, 143, 162, 182, 500, 600, 800) includes An elongated chassis (808) having a platform (824); At least one LED (810) disposed on the platform (824); A first end cap (802, 804, 137) and a second end cap (802, 804, 137) disposed at both ends of each of the LED lamps (25, 245, 251, 272, 104, 204, 304, 404, 143, 162, 182, 500, 600, 800); The first end cap (802, 804, 137) includes a first support platform (812) coupled to an inner surface of the first end cap (802, 804, 137), and the second end cap (802, 804, 137) includes a second support platform (812) coupled to an inner surface of the second end cap (802, 804, 137); The first end caps (802, 804, 137) have at least two pins (904, 906, 908, 261, 262) protruding from the outer surface of the first end caps (802, 804, 137), The at least two pins (904, 906, 908, 261, 262) are configured to receive a high-voltage power signal from a high-voltage socket (1004), The second end caps (802, 804, 137) have three pins (904, 906, 908, 261, 262) protruding from the outer surface of the second end caps (802, 804, 137), The three pins (904, 906, 908, 261, 262) are configured to receive a low-voltage control signal from the low-voltage socket (1002), By configuring the high-voltage socket (1004) to receive the first end cap (802, 804, 137) and the low-voltage socket (1002) to receive the second end cap (802, 804, 137), the LED lamp (25, 245, 251, 272, 104, 204, 304, 404, 143, 162, 182, 500, 600, 800) and the lamp holder (1000, 145, 264) are electrically coupled, The LED lamp has a beam shaping lens (806, 161), and is an LED lighting fixture (100, 200, 300).

2. The LED lighting fixture (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein the beam shaping lens (161) is capable of beam shaping of about 40° to 140°, 50° to 150°, 15° to 95°, or 5° to 50°.

3. The LED lighting fixture (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the beam shaping lens (161) includes various degrees of frosting lenses or diffusing lenses.

4. The beam shaping lens (161) is a clear lens capable of a 40° output from the end of the beam shaping lens and a 140° output from the side of the beam shaping lens, a frosted diffusion lens capable of a 50° output from the end of the beam shaping lens and a 150° output from the side of the beam shaping lens, a reducing lens capable of a 15° output from the end of the beam shaping lens and a 95° output from the side of the beam shaping lens, or The LED lighting fixture (100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is a narrow lens capable of 5° output from the end of the beam shaping lens and 50° output from the side surface of the beam shaping lens.

5. The communication protocol used by the communication protocol converter (106) is selected from DMX (digital multiplex), ARCnet (attached resource computer network), Ethernet (IEEE 802 protocol), infrared (IR), or serial communication. The LED lighting fixture (100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. At least the two pins (904, 906, 908, 261, 262) of the first end cap (802, 804, 137) are configured to fit into two corresponding contact recesses (1009, 1011, 1013, 1021, 1023) of the high voltage socket (1004), and The three pins (904, 906, 908, 261, 262) of the second end cap (802, 804, 137) are configured to fit into three corresponding contact recesses (1009, 1011, 1013, 1021, 1023) of the low voltage socket (1002). The LED lighting fixture (100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The three pins (904, 906, 908, 261, 262) of the second end cap (802, 804, 137) are prevented from fitting into the two corresponding contact recesses (1009, 1011, 1013, 1021, 1023) of the high voltage socket (1004). The LED lighting fixture (100, 200, 300) according to claim 6.

8. The lamp holder (1000, 145, 264) and the power supply (102, 202, 302) form a ballast. The LED lighting fixture (100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. At least one LED (810) disposed on the platform (824) has at least one LED strip including a plurality of LEDs. The LED lighting fixture (100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The LED lighting fixture according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of LEDs includes two or more LEDs configured to emit light of different wavelengths.

Images