This application relates to an illumination system for a Christmas tree.

A Christmas tree is used to decorate a house during Christmas season. The Christmas tree is decorated with lights, tinsel, and other ornaments .

US 9143010 B2 discloses a wireless power transmission system of a Christmas tree unit. The wireless power transmission sys tern performs non-contact power transmission from a wireless power feeder selectively to a plurality of wireless power receivers. In detail, the wireless power feeder comprises a pow er feed coil and a control circuit supplying AC power to the power feed coil. Each of the plurality of wireless power receivers comprises a power receive resonance circuit that includes a power receive coil and a power receive capacitor. Th control circuit in the wireless power feeder performs power supply selectively to the plurality of wireless power receivers by changing frequency of the AC power on the basis of a magnetic field resonance effect between the power feed coil and the power receive coil .

US 005118196A discloses wireless Christmas tree lights illuminated by means of electro-magnetic energy emanating from a self-contained antenna. Multiple wireless lamps may be placed anywhere on the tree without being constrained by wire length. The electro-magnetic energy is produced from an RF power unit decorated like a gift box that may be placed under the tree or in a remote location several feet away. The various illumination effects are selected via a magnetic wand that activates switches and selector circuits, and a non-linear modulator internal to the RF generator. It is an object of this application to provide an improved Christmas tree.

The application provides an illumination system for a Christmas tree.

The illumination system allows selection of different lights for lighting or illuminating different or same parts of the Christmas tree, which can be an artificial tree. This can then provide the Christmas tree with an attractive display of lights .

The Christmas tree often refers to a evergreen tree with many branches for decorating a house.

Referring to the illumination system, it includes a master light controller, a plurality of branch light controllers, a plurality of electrically conductive wires, a plurality of electromagnetic field generators, a plurality of power receivers, and a plurality of light sources.

The master light controller is intended for receiving a user input. The master light controller then sends a corresponding plurality of master controller commands and a plurality of associated branch light controller data to the branch light controllers. The master controller commands and the branch light controller data are later used to control lightings for illuminating the Christmas tree.

Each branch light controller includes an identifier register, a computer processor, and a digital to analogue converter (DAC) . In detail, the identifier register includes a switch or a semiconductor memory register for storing a unique branch light controller identifier. The branch light controller identifier refers to information for identifying the branch light controller .

The processor refers to a microcontroller for treating or processing data. In particular, the processor is provided for receiving the plurality of master controller commands and the plurality of associated branch light controller data from the master light controller.

The processor then matches the branch light controller identifier to the branch light controller data. In other words, the processor performs a search of the branch light controller data for a match to the branch light controller identifier.

Upon identifying a match between the branch light controller identifier and one of the branch light controller data, the processor then sends out a sequence of digital voltage values with a predetermined frequency. These digital voltage values correspond to the master controller command.

In other words, the processor compares the unique branch light controller identifier stored in the identifier register of its branch light controller against the branch light controller data that the processor receives from the master light controller. The processor identifies a match only if the received branch light controller data includes the unique branch light controller identifier. Upon identifying a match, the processor then sends out a sequence of digital voltage values that is selected or generated according to the master controller command, which is associated with the matched branch light controller data. The DAC is provided for receiving the sequence of digital voltage values from the processor, and later converts the sequence of digital voltage values to a corresponding sequence of analogue voltages.

The plurality of electrically conductive wires is electrically connected to the corresponding DAC and to the corresponding electromagnetic field generator. The electrically conductive wires then receive the sequence of analogue voltages from the corresponding DAC, and later send out said sequence of analogue voltages to the corresponding electromagnetic field generator .

The electromagnetic field generator can include a coil of electrically conductive wire, which is electrically connected to the corresponding electrically conductive wires. The electromagnetic field generator receives the sequence of analogue voltages from the corresponding electrically conductive wires, wherein the voltages generate electrical currents that produce a corresponding electromagnetic field.

Each power receiver includes an electromagnetic field receiver and a bandpass filter.

The electromagnetic field receiver is often provided by a coil of electrically conductive wire. In use, the electromagnetic field receiver is provided in the vicinity of the corresponding electromagnetic field generator for receiving essentially all flux of the electromagnetic field of said electromagnetic field generator. The received electromagnetic field then generates an electrical signal with said predetermined frequency in the electromagnetic field receiver. The bandpass filter can be provided by an inductor and a capacitor, which are electrically connected together. The bandpass filter has a predetermined bandpass frequency range, which allows the electrical signal to pass through if the frequency of the electrical signal is within said predetermined bandpass frequency range.

Each light source generates light rays according to the electrical signal that passes through the bandpass filter.

In short, the master light controller is adapted to select or generate the master controller commands and the plurality of associated branch light controller data according to user input. The master controller then sends them to the branch light controllers. The processor of each branch light controller then matches the branch light controller identifier with the branch light controller data. Upon identifying a match between the branch light controller identifier and the branch light controller data, the processor later sends out a sequence of digital voltages values with a predetermined frequency to the corresponding DAC, the digital voltages values being selected or generated according to the master controller command.

The DAC then converts the sequence of digital voltages values with the predetermined frequency into a sequence of corresponding analogue voltages with said predetermined frequency. It later sends the sequence of corresponding analogue voltages with said predetermined frequency to the corresponding electromagnetic field generator. The sequence of corresponding analogue voltages with said predetermined frequency then causes the corresponding electromagnetic field generator to generate a corresponding electromagnetic field. The corresponding power receiver then receives the electromagnetic field, wherein the corresponding power receiver generates corresponding electri- cal signals. The corresponding light sources then convert these electrical signals into light rays .

In the way described above, the master light controller sends the master controller command and associated branch light controller data to selectively cause one or more desired light sources to emit light rays .

The electromagnetic field receivers are advantageously provided in the vicinity of the corresponding electromagnetic wave transmitters such that essentially all flux of the electromagnetic field of the electromagnetic field generator is transmitted to the power receiver. This allows for efficient transfer of electrical power from the electromagnetic wave transmitter to the electromagnetic field receiver. This manner of transfer of the electromagnetic waves also prevents the electromagnetic wave transmitters from sending stray electromagnetic waves, which causes interference to neighbour power receivers .

The digital to analogue converter can be adapted to send the plurality of analogue voltages to the corresponding electromagnetic field generator in a manner that causes the light sources to produce light rays of different intensities. This allows less electrical energy to be used to illuminate the Christmas tree, and can also provide a more attractive Christmas tree.

The illumination system can include other aspects .

In one aspect of the illumination system, the light source in- eludes two or more light source units. Each light source unit produces 1ight rays with a different colour. This allows the Christmas tree to b illuminated with different attractive and interesting colours

In a further aspect of the illumination system, the master light controller includes a switch for receiving a user input. This user input is later used to select one of a plurality of predetermined master controller commands and one of a plurality of associated branch light controller data.

The application also provides a Christmas tree arrangement. The Christmas tree arrangement include an artificial Christmas tree and the above illumination system.

In one aspect of the Christmas tree arrangement, the artifi- cial Christmas tree includes a base portion, a trunk, and a plurality of branches .

In detail, the base portion is provided for placing on a platform, such as the ground or table . It can have a conical shape with a flattened base surface, which enables the base portion to rest on the platform in a stable manner.

The trunk includes an elongated body. One bottom end of the elongated body is attached to the base portion. The base portion provides support for the trunk and keeps the trunk essentially vertical.

The plurality of branches, which are adapted to look like the branches of an evergreen tree, are attached to the trunk. Each branch can also be associated with a corresponding branch light controller.

Further to the aspect mentioned above, the base portion can include an internal hollow base portion space. The master light controller and the branch light controllers is then pro video! in said hollow base portion space.

The trunk can include a central hollow space. The plurality o electrically conductive wires can then be provided or placed in said central hollow space.

The electromagnetic field generator can be provided or placed next to the corresponding branch.

The subject of the present specification is now explained in more detail with respect to the following Figures in which

Fig. 1 illustrates a Christmas tree arrangement,

Fig. 2 illustrates parts of an artificial Christmas tree o the Christmas tree arrangement of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-section of a trunk section of the artificial Christmas tree of Fig. 2,

Fig. 4 illustrates parts of a branch of the artificial

Christmas tree of Fig. 2,

Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless illumination system of the Christmas tree arrangement o Fig. 1,

Fig. 6 illustrates a wiring diagram of the wireless illumi nation system of the Christmas tree arrangement of Fig. 1,

Fig. 7 illustrates another schematic diagram of the wireless illumination system of the Christmas tree arrangement of Fig. 1,

Fig. 8 illustrates a connection layout of the wireless illumination system of the Christmas tree arrangement of Fig. 1, and Fig. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of a receiver of the wireless illumination system of the Christmas tree arrangement of Fig. 1. ion, details ar

sent specificat

the art, howeve

such details .

The embodiment below has similar parts. The similar parts may have the same names or similar part numbers. The description of one part applies by reference to another similar part, where appropriate, thereby reducing repetition of text without limiting the disclosure.

Fig. 1 shows a Christmas tree a: rangement 10. The Christmas tree arrangement 10 includes an artificial Christmas tree 12 which is better seen in Fig. 2, and a wireless illumination system 14 that is shown in Fig. 5. Parts of the wireless ill mination system 14 are enclosed by the artificial Christmas tree 12.

As shown in Fig. 2, the artificial Christmas tree 12 includes a base 20, a trunk 23, a plurality of branches 27, and a plurality of ornaments 29. The base 20 is attached to a lower end of the trunk 23. The branches 27 are attached to parts of the trunk 23. The ornaments 29 are hung on the branches 27.

In detail, the base 20 is provided in a shape of a conical frustum. The conical frustum has an upper flat surface and a lower flat surface that is larger than the upper flat surface . The lower flat surface is resting on the ground. The trunk 23 includes a first trunk section 23a, a second trunk section 23b, a trunk third section 23c, a fourth trunk section 23d, a fifth trunk section 23e, a sixth trunk section 23f, and a tip power connection holder 25 that are joined to each other to form an elongated body.

As seen in Fig. 3, the first trunk section 23a includes a hollow tube 31 with a lower end 31a and an upper end 31b, and a power connection holder 34 having a plurality of power connection apertures 34a. The power connection holder 34 encloses a part of the tube 31 such that the power connection holder 34 is integral to the tube 31. ion 23a,

23c, the

23e, and

similar parts.

The lower end 31a of the first trunk section 23a is joined to the upper flat surface of the base 20.

The first trunk section 23a is also joined to the second trunk section 23b by inserting the upper end 31b of the first trunk section 23a into the lower end 31a of the second trunk section

23b. The second trunk section 23b and the third trunk section

23c, the third trunk section 23c and the fourth trunk section

23d, the fourth trunk section 23d and the fifth trunk section

23e, the fifth trunk section 23e and the sixth trunk section

23f are similarly joined.

The sixth trunk section 23f is joined to the tip power connection holder 25 by inserting the upper end 31b of the sixth trunk section 23f into a corresponding part of the tip power connection holder 25. As better seen in Fig. 2, each branch 27 includes a plurality of artificial leaves 27a and a branch support 27b. The artificial leaves 27a are attached to the branch support 27b. One end of each branch support 27b is inserted into the corresponding power connection aperture 34a, as best shown in Fig. 3, such that the branch support 27b is affixed to the trunk 23.

With reference to Fig. 4, the branch support 27b have hooks 28 upon which the ornaments 29 are hung.

Turning to Figs. 5, 6 and 7, the wireless illumination system 14 of the Christmas tree arrangement 10 includes a power transmitter unit 15, a plurality of power receivers 59, and a power supply module 19. The power supply module 19 is electrically connected to the power transmitter unit 15 while the power transmitter unit 15 is electromagnetically coupled to the power receivers 59.

With reference to the power supply module 19, it includes an Alternating Current (AC) to Direct Current (DC) converter 51 with a first electrical protection circuit 51a, a first voltage regulator 541 with a second electrical protection circuit 541a, and a plurality of second voltage regulators 561.

In detail, input terminals of the AC to DC converter 51 are electrically connected to an external electrical power supply. Output terminals of the AC to DC converter 51 are electrically connected to the first voltage regulator 541 and to the second voltage regulators 561. The first voltage regulator 541 and the second voltage regulators 561 are electrically connected to different parts of the power transmitter unit 15. With reference to the power transmitter unit 15, it includes a sequencer 54, a plurality of branch dimmer modules 56a, a tip dimmer module 56b, and a plurality of electromagnetic wave transmitters 58.

As better seen in Fig. 6, the sequencer 54 is electrically connected to parts of the branch dimmer modules 56a, and to parts of the tip dimmer module 56b. The sequencer 54 is als electrically connected to the first voltage regulator 541 o the power supply module 19 as seen in Fig. 7.

The bra

the cor

the cor

supply module 19.

Similarly, the tip dimmer module 56b is connected to the cor- responding electromagnetic wave transmitter 58, and to the corresponding second voltage regulator 561 of the power supply module 19.

Each branch dimmer module 56a includes a plurality of dimmers 56 that are electrically connected to a single first edge connector, which is not shown in the figures.

Similarly, the electromagnetic wave transmitters 58, which correspond to each branch dimmer module 56a, are electrically connected to a second edge connector, which is not shown in the figures.

One end of a bunch of wires is connected to an edge connector socket, which is electrically attached to the first edge con- nector, and another edge connector socket connected to anothe end of the bunch of wires is electrically attached to the sec ond edge connector. In effect, these wires connect the dimmers 56 of each branch dimmer module 56a to the corresponding elec- tromagnetic wave transmitters 58.

With regard to the tip dimmer module 56b, it includes one dimmer 56 that is electrically connected to its corresponding electromagnetic wave transmitter 58 and the above description concerning the electrical connection between the branch dimmer modules 56a and the corresponding electromagnetic wave transmitters 58 similarly applies.

In detail, the sequencer 54 includes a sequencer microcontrol ler 543, a pattern selection button unit 545, and a sequencer

RS- 485 interface module 547 with a line driver 549, as shown in Fig. 7.

The sequencer microcontroller 543 is electrically connected to the pattern selection button unit 545 and to the sequencer RS- 485 interface module 547. The sequencer RS-485 interface module 547 is also electrically connected to the line driver 549.

The line driver 549 of the sequencer 54 is electrically connected to parts of the dimmers 56 of the branch dimmer modules 56a, and to parts of the dimmer 56 of the tip dimmer module 56b.

Referring to the dimmers 56, each dimmer 56 includes a dimmer microcontroller 563, a dimmer RS-485 interface module 565, an identifier (ID) register 567, and a digital to analogue con- vertor (DAC) 569.

The dimmer RS-485 interface module 565 is electrically connected to the line driver 549 of the sequencer 54. The dimmer microcontroller 563 is electrically connected to the dimmer RS-485 interface module 565, to the identifier (ID) register 567, to the DAC 569, and to the corresponding second voltage regulator 561 of the power supply module 19.

The DAC 569 is electrically connected, via the corresponding first edge connector, via the wires, via the corresponding second edge connector, to the corresponding electromagnetic wave transmitter 58.

Referring to the electromagnetic wave transmitters 58, each electromagnetic wave transmitters 58 is provided in the form of a coil of copper wire with predetermined dimensions or measurements, which include diameter and number of turns of the coil.

With reference to the power receivers 59, each power receiver 59, as shown in Fig. 9, includes a receiving antenna 72, a plurality of capacitors 75, a protection diode 77, and a plurality of light emitting diodes 79.

The receiving antenna 72 is electromagnetically coupled to the corresponding electromagnetic wave transmitter 58.

A first end of the receiving antenna 72 is electrically connected to an anode of the protection diode 77 while a cathode of the protection diode 77 is electrically connected to anodes of the light emitting diodes 79. The first end and a second end of the receiving antenna 72 are electrically connected to terminals of the capacitors 75. The second end of the receiving antenna 72 is also electrically connected to cathodes of the light emitting diodes 79. In detail, the receiving antenna 72 is provided in the form of a coil of copper wire with predetermined dimensions.

The capacitors 75 are electrically connected in a parallel arrangement. Each capacitor 75 has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of each capacitor 75 is electrically connected to the first end of the receiving antenna 72. Similarly, the second terminal of each capacitor 75 is electrically connected to the second end of the receiving antenna 72.

The light emitting diodes 79 are electrically connected in a parallel arrangement. The anodes of the light emitting diodes 79 are electrically connected to each other and to the first terminals of the capacitors 75. Similarly, the cathodes of the light emitting diodes 79 are electrically connected to each other .

The anode of the protection diode 77 is electrically connected to the cathodes of the light emitting diodes 79 while the cathode of the protection diode 77 is electrically connected to the second terminal of the capacitors 75.

Regarding placement, as shown in Fig. 8, the AC to DC converter 51 is placed outside the artificial Christmas tree 12, although it can also be placed in a hollow part of the base 20.

The sequencer 54, the branch dimmer modules 56a, and the tip dimmer module 56b are placed inside the hollow part of the base 20.

The first edge connectors of the branch dimmer modules 56a are placed inside the hollow part of the base 20, whereas the cor- responding second edge connectors are placed inside the corre- sponding power connection holder 34 of the associated trunk section 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e, and 23f. The electrical wires connecting the first edge connectors to the second edge connectors are placed in a hollow part of the trunk 23.

Each trunk section 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e, and 23f has several branch supports 27b for holding several corresponding electromagnetic wave transmitters 58. Each branch support 27b holds one electromagnetic wave transmitter 58. These electromagnetic wave transmitters 58 correspond to the same branch dimmer modules 56a.

Each power receiver 59 is placed in the vicinity of its corre- sponding electromagnetic wave transmitter 58 such that the power receiver 59 is electromagnetically coupled to the corre- sponding electromagnetic wave transmitter 58 in an efficient manner. In other words, the electromagnetic wave transmitter 58 is tightly coupled to the corresponding power receiver 59 such that essentially all or most magnetic flux from the elec- tromagnetic wave transmitter 58 travels to and reaches the power receiver 59.

The receiving antenna 72 of the power receiver 59 provides a predetermined inductance while the capacitors 75 together provide a predetermined equivalent capacitance. The power receivers 59 are covered or enclosed by the ornaments 29.

In use, the artificial Christmas tree 12 is adapted to look like an evergreen tree for decorating a house. The artificial Christmas tree 12 can be decorated with lights, tinsel, and other ornaments and it is usually displayed during Christmas season . In detail, the base 20 serves to keep the artificial Christmas tree 12 in a generally vertical position. The trunk 23 is adapted to look like a trunk of the evergreen tree. The branches 27 are adapted to look like branches and leaves, which extend from the trunk of the evergreen tree . The ornaments 29 are used to decorate the artificial Christmas tree 12.

The wireless illumination system 14 is used for selectively illuminating parts of the artificial Christmas tree 12.

With reference to the power supply module 19, it receives an oscillating or periodically varying electrical energy from an external power source and it then converts the varying electrical energy into a constant electrical energy, which is intended for sending to the power transmitter unit 15.

In detail, the AC to DC converter 51 receives an incoming alternating electric current of the oscillating electrical energy. The alternating electric current refers to an electric current in which the flow of its electric charge reverses direction periodically.

The AC to DC

nating elect

direct elect

its electric

The first electrical protection circuit 51a serves to prevent any overvoltage surge spike of the incoming alternating electric current from reaching the power transmitter unit 15. The overvoltage surge spike can damage parts of the power transmitter unit 15, if these parts are subjected to this overvoltage surge spike. This prevention is done by clamping or limit- ing the voltage of the alternating electric current to a predetermined upper voltage limit. In other words, an overvoltage protection device, such as thyristor devices, avalanche diodes, and Zener diodes is provided, wherein its input is subjected to the incoming alternating electric current and its output provides a voltage without any spike.

Similarly, the first electrical protection circuit 51a also removes any overcurrent of the incoming alternating electric current in which the overcurrent can damage parts of the power transmitter unit 15, if they are subjected to this overcurrent. This is accomplished by stopping the overcurrent from flowing to the parts of the power transmitter unit 15 using means, such as fuses or circuit breakers.

The first voltage regulator 541 receives the direct electric current from the AC to DC converter 51 and it then produces a voltage with an essentially constant voltage level, wherein the constant voltage provides electrical power to parts of the sequencer 54.

The second electrical protection circuit 541a of the first voltage regulator 541 and the first electrical protection circuit 51a of the AC to DC converter 51 have similar functions for protecting parts of the sequencer 54.

Similarly, the second voltage regulators 561 also receive the direct electric current from the AC to DC converter 51 and they later generate a voltage with an essentially constant voltage level, wherein the constant voltage provides electrical power to parts of the dimmers 56.

With reference to the power transmitter unit 15, it receives the electrical energy from the power supply module 19 and it then generates an oscillating magnetic field with a predetermined frequency. The oscillating magnetic field is then transmitted to the corresponding power receiver 59.

In relation to the sequencer 54 of the power transmitter unit 15, a user can press a button of the pattern selection button unit 545 for providing a user instruction or command to the sequencer 54. Each button of the pattern selection button unit 545 relates to a desired user input.

The sequencer microcontroller 543 detects the selected button and it later generates at least one button-selected dimmer command with one or more corresponding button-selected dimmer identifiers, which corresponds to the selected button. The sequencer microcontroller 543 then sends the button-selected dimmer command with the button-selected dimmer identifier to the sequencer RS-485 interface module 547. The button-selected dimmer identifier relates to a sequence of characters or data used to identify a specific dimmer 56.

The sequencer microcontroller 543 afterward sends the butto selected dimmer command with corresponding button-selected dimmer identifiers to the sequencer RS-485 interface module 547.

The sequencer RS-485 interface module 547 sends the receive button-selected dimmer command with the corresponding butto selected dimmer identifiers to the line driver 549.

The line driver 549 transmits the received button-selected dimmer command with corresponding button-selected dimmer identifiers to the dimmers 56 of the branch dimmer modules 56a, and to the dimmer 56 of the tip dimmer module 56b. The line driver 549 also sources or sinks a large amount of electrical current to drive or amplify the transmission of the button- selected dimmer command with the button-selected dimmer identifiers .

In relation to the dimmers 56, each dimmer RS-485 interface module 565 receives the button-selected dimmer command with the corresponding button-selected dimmer identifiers, and it afterward sends the button-selected dimmer command with the button-selected dimmer identifiers to the dimmer microcontroller 563.

The ID register 567 stores a register dimmer identifier, which corresponds to the dimmer 56. The ID register 567 can be provided in the form of a switch or a register address memory.

The dimmer microcontroller 563 receives the button-selected dimmer command with the corresponding button-selected dimmer identifiers from the dimmer RS-485 interface module 565 and obtains the register dimmer identifier from the ID register 567. The dimmer microcontroller 563 then compares the button selected dimmer identifiers to the register dimmer identifie

If the received button-selected dimmer identifier matches with the register dimmer identifier, the dimmer microcontroller 563 then executes the corresponding button-selected dimmer command and then generates an associated data set for sending to the DAC 569.

The DAC 569 receives the data set and later generates corresponding analogue voltages that vary periodically with a predetermined frequency according to the received data set for sending, via the corresponding first edge connector, via the wires, via the corresponding second edge connector, to the corresponding electromagnetic wave transmitter 58. The electromagnetic wave transmitter 58 receives the periodically varying analogue voltage with the predetermined frequency and later produces an oscillating magnetic field with the predetermined frequency for sending to the corresponding power receiver 59.

The data set can be adapted to provide a light dimming function. When the DAC 569 receives the adapted data set, it generates corresponding analogue voltages with varying amplitudes for providing the dimming function.

With reference to the power receiver 59, the receiving antenna 72 receives the oscillating magnetic field from the corresponding electromagnetic wave transmitter 58. The oscillating magnetic field later induces a periodical electrical signal with the predetermined frequency and with a corresponding differential voltage across a first end and a second end of the receiving antenna 72.

The corresponding differential voltage of the electrical signal varies with time such that a polarity of the differential voltage changes periodically. In a first half of each period, the first end of the receiving antenna 72 has a higher voltage potential than the second end of the receiving antenna 72 whereas in a second half of the period, the second end has a higher voltage potential than the first end.

The receiving antenna 72 and the capacitors 75 collectively function as a bandpass filter having a predetermined bandpass frequency range .

The bandpass filter essentially allows the electrical signal to pass through if a frequency of the electrical signal is within the predetermined bandpass frequency range. Conversely, it essentially blocks or substantially attenuates the electrical signal if the frequency of the electrical signal is outside the predetermined bandpass frequency range.

The electrical signal, which passed through the bandpass filter, is described in detail below.

In the first half of each period of the electrical signal, the electrical signal generates a differential voltage across the protection diode 77, such that a voltage potential of a cathode of the protection diode 77 is lower than a voltage potential of an anode of the protection diode 77. The protection diode 77 then allows an electrical current to flow from the anode to the cathode of the protection diode 77. This electrical current later flows to the light emitting diodes 79 for energizing the light emitting diodes 79, wherein the energized light emitting diodes 79 emit light rays.

In the second half of the period, the electrical signal generates another differential voltage across the protection diode 77, such that a voltage potential of a cathode of the protection diode 77 is higher than a voltage potential of an anode of the protection diode 77. The protection diode 77 then prevents or blocks any electrical current from flowing through the protection diode 77. The light emitting diodes 79 is then not energized and does not emit any light rays.

In short, the protection diode 77 serves to protect the light emitting diodes 79 against an electrical current from flowing from a cathode to an anode of each light emitting diode 79, wherein this electrical current can damage the light emitting diode 79. The light emitting diodes 79 emit light rays, when it is ener gised or when an electrical current flows through the light emitting diodes 79.

The light rays emitted by the light emitting diodes 79 of eac power receiver 59 can have different intensities and colours. They can also be emitted at different times.

In other words, the light emitting diodes 79 of the wireless illumination system 14 can provide light rays with same or different colours, same or different intensities, at the same or different time for illuminating the artificial Christmas tree 12.

In a general sense, the trunk 23 can include different number of trunk sections, instead of six trunk sections 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e, and 23f. Each dimmer 56 can be electromagneti- cally coupled to more than one power receiver 59, instead of just one power receiver 59. The light emitting diodes 79 can be replaced by other types of light sources, such as filament light bulbs .

The Christmas tree arrangement 10 provides several benefits.

The Christmas tree arrangement 10 provides efficient transfer of electrical energy for illuminating the Christmas tree.

This arrangement enables the electromagnetic wave transmitter 58 to be placed close to the corresponding power receiver 59. This then enables the electromagnetic wave transmitter 58 to generate and send electromagnetic waves such that all these electromagnetic waves are essentially transmitted to the corresponding power receiver 59. In effect, the electrical power is efficiently transferred from the electromagnetic wave transmitter 58 to the corresponding power receiver 59.

The manner of transfer of the electromagnetic waves also pre- vents the electromagnetic wave transmitter 58 from sending stray electromagnetic waves, which causes interference to neighbour receivers .

This is different from other systems where the transmitter is placed at a base of the tree while the receiver is placed near the branch which is far from the base, wherein there is an inefficient transfer of electromagnetic waves from the transmitter to the receiver, which wastes electrical energy and can cause interference with other power receivers or electronic devices, such as cordless phones.

The light rays emitted by the light emitting diodes 79 of ea power receiver 59 can have different intensities and colours and can be provided at the same or different time for illumi nating the Christmas tree arrangement 10. These light rays then provide an attractive Christmas tree arrangement 10.

This is unlike other Christmas tree arrangements, wherein the light rays are provided at different times for illuminating the Christmas tree arrangement .

The Christmas tree arrangement 10 enables the Christmas tree to house and to enclose the parts of the illumination system while allow these parts to be electrically connected to each other .

The embodiments of the present specification can also be described with the following list organized into items. The respective combinations of features which are disclosed in the item list are regarded as independent subject matter, respectively, that can also be combined with other features of the present specification.

An illumination system for selectively lighting parts of a Christmas tree,

the illumination system comprising

a master light controller for sending a plurality of master controller commands and a plurality of associated branch light controller data,

a plurality of branch light controllers, the branch light controller comprising

an identifier-register for storing a branch light controller identifier,

a processor for receiving the plurality of master controller commands and the plurality of associated branch light controller data, for matching the branch light controller identifier to the branch light controller data, and upon identifying a match between the associated branch light controller data and the branch light controller identifier, sending out a sequence of digital voltage values with a predetermined frequency, which correspond to the master controller commands, and a digital to analogue converter for receiving the sequence of digital voltage values, and for converting the sequence of digital voltage values to a sequence of corresponding analogue voltages ,

a plurality of electrically conductive wires for receiving the sequence of corresponding analogue voltages , a plurality of electromagnetic field generators, each electromagnetic field generator being provided for receiving the sequence of corresponding analogue voltages from the electrically conductive wires and for producing a corresponding electromagnetic field, a plurality of power receivers, each power receiver comprising

an electromagnetic field receiver being provided in the vicinity of the corresponding electromagnetic field generator for receiving essentially all flux of the electromagnetic field of said electromagnetic field generator and for converting the electromagnetic field to an electrical signal with said predetermined frequency, and

a bandpass filter with a predetermined bandpass frequency range for allowing the electrical signal to pass through if the predetermined frequency is within the predetermined bandpass frequency range, and

a plurality of light sources, each light source for generating light rays from the electrical signal that passes through the bandpass filter.

The illumination system according to item 1, wherein the light source comprises at least two light source units with different colours.

The illumination system according to item 1 or 2, wherein the master light controller comprises a switch for receiving a user input to select one of a plurality of predetermined master controller commands and one of a plurality of associated branch light controller data. The illumination system according to one of items 1 to 3, wherein

the electromagnetic field generator comprises a coil of electrically conductive wire.

The illumination system according to one of items 1 to 4, wherein

the electromagnetic field receiver comprises a coil of electrically conductive wire, which is provided in the vicinity of the electromagnetic field generator.

The ill- wherein

the ban'

tor

A Christmas tree arrangement comprising

an artificial Christmas tree and

an illumination system according to one of items 1 to 6. e Christmas tree arrangement according to item 7, erein

e artificial Christmas tree comprises,

a base portion being provided for placing on a platform,

a trunk comprising an elongated body, wherein one end of the body is attached to the base portion, and a plurality of branches, which are attached to the trunk .

The Christmas tree arrangement according to item 8, wherein the base portion comprises a hollow base portion space, and wherein the master light controller and the branch light controllers are provided in said hollow base por- tion space.

10. The Christmas tree arrangement according to item 8 or 9, wherein

the trunk comprises a central hollow space, and

wherein the wires are provided in said central hollow space of the trunk.

11. The Christmas tree arrangement according to one of items 8 to 10, wherein

each electromagnetic field generator is provided next to the corresponding branch.

Although the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but merely providing illustration of the foreseeable embodiments. Especially the above stated advantages of the embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but merely to explain possible achievements if the described embodiments are put into practice. Thus, the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the claims and their equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

REFERENCE NUMBER

10 Christmas tree arrangement

12 artificial Christmas tree

14 wireless illumination system

15 power transmitter unit

19 power supply module

20 base

23 trunk

23a first trunk section

23b second trunk section

23c third trunk section

23d fourth trunk section

23e fifth trunk section

23f sixth trunk section

25 tip power connection holder

27 branches

27a artificial leaves

27b branch support

28 hooks

29 ornaments

31 hollow tube

31a lower end

31b upper end

34 power connection holder

34a power connection apertures

51 AC to DC converter

51a first electrical protection circuit

54 sequencer

56 dimmers

56a branch dimmer modules

56b tip dimmer module

58 electromagnetic wave transmitters

59 power receivers

72 receiving antenna 75 capacitors

77 protection diode

79 light emitting diodes

541 first voltage regulator

541a second electrical protection circuit

543 sequencer microcontroller

545 pattern selection button unit

547 sequencer RS-485 interface module

549 line driver

561 second voltage regulators

563 dimmer microcontroller

565 dimmer RS-485 interface module

567 ID register

569 DAC