RESPONSIVE LIGHTING CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present invention claims priority to pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/577,392 filed December 19, 201 1 which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention is related to responsive lighting for use in apparel, mobile signage or furniture wherein the lighting is responsive, independently or in sectional continuity, to a stimulus such as sound, motion or a detected signal.

[0003] There is an ongoing desire to augment the experience at large gatherings. There is also an ongoing desire to demonstrate support for a team, event or action. These two desires are typically mutually exclusive with minimal correlation between the individual and the audience.

[0004] The present invention provides an advanced system for engaging specific items, individuals or spaces, within a larger grouping of items individuals or spaces, to augment the event thereby enhancing the enjoyment and entertainment for the entire group.

SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a system for selectively activating responsive lighting incorporated into apparel, mobile signage or furniture to create special effects which are correlated to actions and events.

[0006] Yet another object of the invention is to provide apparel, mobile signage or furniture which can be selectively engaged for activation in part, or in total, for the creation of special effects.

[0007] These and other embodiments, as will be realized, are provided in an illumination device. The illumination device has a power source and an illuminator selected from portable signage, apparel and furniture wherein the illuminator is capable of illuminating when energized by the power source. A control module is provided which is capable of receiving a signal selected from optic, electrical, proximity and sound and determining if the signal meets a predetermined criteria. If the predetermined criteria is met the illuminator is illuminated.

[0008] Yet another embodiment is provided in a system for responsive lighting. The system has a multiplicity of illumination devices wherein each illumination device comprises a power supply and an illuminator. A controller is provided which is capable of transmitting a signal to at least a subset of the multiplicity of illumination devices based on an input wherein upon receipt of the signal each illuminator illuminates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a system of the present invention.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a system of the present invention.

[0011] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] Fig. 4A and 4B represent schematic embodiments of the invention.

[0013] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention.

[0014] Figs. 6A-6E are schematic representations of embodiments of the invention.

[0015] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present invention is directed to apparel, portable signage and furniture comprising responsive lighting therein wherein the responsive lighting is activated either individually or in selected combinations for the creation of special effects. The present invention is also directed to a system for activating responsive lighting incorporated into apparel, portable signage and furniture for selectively illuminating distinct combinations to create special effects.

[0019] The invention will be described with reference to the figures which form an integral non-limiting component of the description. Throughout the various figures similar elements will be numbered accordingly.

[0020] An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In Fig. 1 , a system, 1 , for selectively activating illumination devices; selected from apparel, portable signage and furniture; is illustrated. At least one controller 101 - 10n, is capable of receiving an input signal; such as an electronic signal, sound, motion, location or vibration; and based on the input signal matching a

predetermined criteria illuminating select illumination devices, 121-12n, via communication linkages 131 - 3n. By way of non-limiting example, controller 10n is indicated by cross-hatching to have received a signal. Based on predetermined criteria a signal is sent to illumination devices 121 and 123 thereby causing those illumination devices to illuminate as indicated by cross-hatching. By way of further example, controllers 101 -1 On, may detect an event such as a race car having a dramatic change in direction or speed in the vicinity of controller 10n. Those illumination devices associated with that particular race car, 121 and 123 for this example, are illuminated thereby correlating the illumination of those illumination devices with the event described, for this example, as a race car having an event such as a crash.

[0021] An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to Fig. 2. In Fig. 2, each illumination device, 121 -12n, has a controller, 101 -10n, associated therewith. A transponder, 2, transmits a signal, 3, which is received by the controllers and, based on a predetermined criteria, the controllers cause the appropriate illumination devices to illuminate. By way of non-limiting example, illumination devices 122 and 124 are indicated as being illuminated by hashing with different hash patterns indicating different illumination. By way of further example, illumination device 122 may illuminate with a specific color, intensity or illumination pulse frequency and illumination device 124 may be distinguishable from

illumination device 122 by color, intensity or illumination pulse frequency. The signal may transmit a computer application, often referred to in the art as an "APP", which can control or alter the function of the illumination device. In one application the signal may transfer a APP to the illumination device whereby the APP controls the illumination device, such as a cell phone, in such a way as to be responsive to specific subsequent signals.

[0022] An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3 wherein illustrated is an arena, 4, with an activity area, 5, therein. The activity area is not limited herein and can be a sports field, a track, an open area, etc. and may contain indicia, platforms, seating and the like. The arena may be arranged for a sporting event such as baseball, football, soccer, automobile sports, and the like or it may be for concerts, circus events, etc. The purpose of the arena is not limited herein but examples are provided for clarity.

[0023] Portions of the arena are segmented into zones, 6, which may be the same size or the size of the zones may vary depending on the desired effect. In one embodiment each zone represents a single illumination device. In another embodiment each zone represents multiple illumination devices. In a particularly preferred embodiment each zone may be the area associated with a single seat and may represent the illumination device associated with a single person. Each illumination device in each zone is activated by at least one signal. By way of example, illumination devices can be activated collectively such that they can all be illuminated in unison to form patterns such as the word "HI" at 7 formed by a selected group of illumination devices being activated if they are in select zones. In another embodiment the illumination devices can be activated by a stimuli, such as sound, thereby illuminating when the noise level of the zone reaches a certain threshold as indicated by 8. In another embodiment select illumination devices may be coordinated with a particular activity, or participant, on the activity area and those illumination devices are activated upon the coordinated activity occurring as indicated at 10.

[0024] Illumination devices can be distributed by seat or ticket identifier, such as a bar code, thereby providing predetermined zones with specific illumination devices. Alternatively, all participants can be provided with an illumination device and illumination of the devices done by zone such that all illumination devices in a zone are triggered according to a predetermined pattern or sequence.

[0025JA specific illumination device may illuminate in response to only one signal or by any number of signals. The illumination may be different, for example in color, intensity or illumination frequency, depending on the signal received.

[0026] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figs. 4A and 4B wherein the illumination device is portable signage represented as polygonal signs, 41 , with illuminators, 42, on at least one side thereof. While illustrated as trigonal or rectangular the polygonal sign can have any number of faces and may be round, obround or semicircular. The faces may be the same size or different sizes and the sign may be a combination of flat and rounded faces. At least one illuminator is on the signage and the illuminators on each sign may illuminate in concert or independently. In one embodiment the illuminators illuminate in concert thereby providing illumination in substantially all directions. In another embodiment the illuminators illuminate independently thereby allowing different visual images as the signage is rotated or each side may relay a different image. An optional support, 43, is provided such that the signage can be mounted or used as a hand held illumination device.

[0027] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 5 wherein the illumination device is mountable signage, 50. The mountable sign comprises a standard, 51 , such as a flag, a banner, a streamer, a pennant or a bunting, which is mounted to a post, 52. The post may be in segments or a continuous uninterrupted post. The post is attached to a bracket, 53, which in one embodiment is adapted for attachment to an automobile window. In another embodiment the bracket may be a magnet or a suction cup. A control module, 54, which may be integral to the post, provides power and controls illumination of illuminators, 55, which may be in the post or in the standard. The power may be DC power, stored power or it may be corded power drawing power from a separate AC or DC source.

[0028] While illustrated herein as single illuminators each illustrated illuminator may represent a multiplicity of illuminators. The illuminators may illuminate in concert or independently. The control module may be self-contained wherein all

communication is internally controlled. Alternatively, the control module may receive a signal and, based on the signal, cause certain illuminators to illuminate in a predetermined pattern. By way of example, the mountable sign may have a default illumination, or no illumination, when no signal is received and then a predetermined illumination as a target area is approached. For example, when traveling to a sporting event the mountable sign may have a generic image such as "Going To See My Tigers Play" and when approaching the venue a signal can be received which changes the image such as "Beat The Chickens". This allows the signage to be specific to the sporting event being attended.

[0029] Figs. 6A-6E illustrate embodiments of the invention in the form of apparel. Fig. 6A illustrates a cap or hat, 60; Fig. 6B illustrates slacks or pants, 61 ; Fig. 6C illustrates shoes, boots or footwear, 62; Fig. 6D illustrates a shirt or coat, 63, and Fig. 6E illustrates a sock, 64. Each article of clothing, or apparel, comprises at least one illumination device, 65, wherein the illumination device is responsive to a controller which may be integral thereto or remote and in communication therewith. By way of example, and with reference back to Fig. 3, the apparel may be worn by attendees and the apparel can illuminate in response to activity on the field, stimuli in the vicinity of the apparel or in response to a signal as part of the population in a specific zone.

[0030] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 7 as a patch or decal, 70, which is, or has integral thereto, an illumination device. The patch comprises an attachment element, 71 , such as a component of a hook and loop fastener or Velcro®, an adhesive or the like. The patch or decal can be attached to apparel, portable signage or furniture to convert an item which is not illuminated to an illumination device.

[0031] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 8. In Fig. 8, furniture, 80, illustrated as a chair, comprises an illuminator, 81 , which may be fixed or removable such as a cushion. The furniture allows for the illumination in areas or zones based on predetermined criteria. While illustrated as a chair other forms of furniture, such as tables, rails, etc. may have an illuminator thereon. [0032] The illuminator preferably comprises a light emitting diode (LED) due to the low energy consumption, low cost, low heat generation and availability. LED's are also typically energized by DC power which is safer for use in outdoor areas and on apparel.

[0033] References to communication linkages between illuminators and controllers refers to any communication by solid wire, twisted pairs, optical communication or terrestrial communication with a signal on a carrier wave.

[0034] Sound activated illumination devices can be activated by the intensity of the sound or the frequency of the sound and are preferably provided with range control to adjust sensitivity either prior to distribution or after distribution such as by digital communication control. Sound activated illumination devices can use microphones or sonar pickups to register the presence of sound and send a signal to operational amplifiers which receive an electrical signal and transmit a correlated signal to other elements of an electrical circuit. The operational amplifier may route signals through a series of transistors which conduct or block electricity. Transistors arranged in device circuits route the electricity from a power supply, on board or remote, which supplies power for the device. The impulse from the microphone may trigger another circuit to access the battery powered device. Deactivation can be done in a similar fashion.

[0035] Range setting provides a defined range, frequency or volume sensitivity for illumination. Devices may be sensitive to volume or frequency. The devices can be spontaneous based on non-directional sound, such as a local noise level.

[0036] Illumination can be orchestrated by human interaction, such as by a cheerleader, wherein large sections of participants sound out a chant the volume of which causes the illuminators to illuminate. Alternatively, illuminators may be used to lead a chant.

[0037] Automatic coordination of illumination device activation can be done by micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), by the use of radio frequency

identification (RFID) systems or by combinations thereof.

[0038] A representative control system is illustrated in schematic view in Fig. 9. In Fig. 9, a control unit, 90, receives input from an antenna, 91 , which may receive terrestrial or optical signals, or from a position sensor, 92. When the signal from at least one of the antenna or the position sensor matches a predefined criteria an input/output module, 93, sends a signal to an illuminator, 94, wherein the illuminator illuminates. A power supply, 95, provides power for the circuit and illuminator. [0039] A position sensor may be a proximity sensor which activates an illuminator when the position sensor is a predetermined distance from the illuminator.

Alternatively, the position sensor may be a location sensor wherein the location is determined by triangulation of signals such as from radio frequency transmitters, satellites and the like.

[0040] In one embodiment the output can be by swarm methods wherein

illumination is a result of surrounding devices. One illumination device, for example, may be a master illuminator controlled by a control circuit with surrounding illumination devices being slave illuminators which mimic the actions of the master illuminator.

[0041] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,774,558; 6,278,366; 6,561 ,672; 6,916, 103; 7, 131 ,743;

7,205,729; 7,450,085; 7,645,041 ; 7,708,647 and U.S. Pat. Publ. Nos.

2005/0213343; 2006/0152915; 2008/0025025; 2008/0089056; 2009/0268448 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0042] The invention has been described with reference to the preferred

embodiments without limit thereto. One of skill in the art would realize that additional embodiments, alterations and improvements could be realized based on the description herein which is not specifically stated but which is within the scope of the claims appended hereto.