U.S. patent application number 15/948401 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-10 for active sound control in a lighting system.
The applicant listed for this patent is ABL IP HOLDING LLC. Invention is credited to ROBERT M. KRASS, GREGORY MALONE, DAVID P. RAMER, RASHMI KUMAR ROGERS.
Application Number | 20190311707 15/948401 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68097322 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-10 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190311707 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KRASS; ROBERT M. ; et
al. |
October 10, 2019 |
ACTIVE SOUND CONTROL IN A LIGHTING SYSTEM
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a lighting system including a luminaire
having a lighting device and a sound reduction device. The lighting
device includes an illumination output surface, which is at least
partially reflective with respect to an audio wave from outside the
luminaire. The lighting device also includes an illumination light
source configured to generate illumination light for emission
through the illumination output surface for illumination of an
area. The sound reduction device includes a pick up microphone and
an audio output source. The pick up microphone is configured to
detect incoming audio waves in a vicinity of the luminaire. The
lighting system further includes a circuitry including a sound
reduction controller coupled to the pick up microphone and the
audio output source of the sound reduction device. The sound
reduction controller is configured to operate the audio output
source to control sound at least in vicinity of the illuminated
area associated with the incoming audio waves.
Inventors: |
KRASS; ROBERT M.; (ASHBURN,
VA) ; RAMER; DAVID P.; (RESTON, VA) ; MALONE;
GREGORY; (HERNDON, VA) ; ROGERS; RASHMI KUMAR;
(HERNDON, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ABL IP HOLDING LLC |
CONYERS |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68097322 |
Appl. No.: |
15/948401 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21S 8/04 20130101; G02B
6/0011 20130101; G10K 11/17823 20180101; G10K 2210/3011 20130101;
G10K 2210/3044 20130101; G02B 6/0051 20130101; G02B 6/0081
20130101; F21V 33/0056 20130101; F21V 3/06 20180201 |
International
Class: |
G10K 11/178 20060101
G10K011/178; F21V 33/00 20060101 F21V033/00 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: (I) a luminaire, including: (A) a lighting
device including: (i) an illumination light output surface, the
illumination light output surface being at least partially
reflective with respect to an audio wave from outside the
luminaire; and (ii) a source of an illumination light configured to
generate illumination light for emission through the illumination
output surface for illumination of an area; (B) a sound reduction
device including: (i) a pick up microphone configured to detect
incoming audio waves in vicinity of the luminaire; (ii) an audio
output source comprising a diaphragm; (iii) a number of actuators
coupled to the diaphragm; and (II) circuitry coupled to the sound
reduction device, the circuitry including a sound reduction
controller coupled to the pick up microphone and the audio output
source, wherein the sound reduction controller is configured to
operate the number of actuators of the audio output source to
actuate the diaphragm to output controlled sound in response to
incoming audio waves detected by the microphone, to control sound
at least in vicinity of the illuminated area associated with the
incoming audio waves; and wherein the number of actuators is
determined based on a target audio frequency range, and each
actuator among the number of actuators is positioned with respect
to another actuator among the number of actuators based on the
target audio frequency range.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the circuitry is configured to
generate an output signal so as to operate the audio output source
to output controlled sound waves directly proportional to amplitude
of a waveform of a noise associated with the incoming audio waves
to create a destructive interference between the incoming audio
waves and the output controlled sound, and the destructive
interference effectively reduces volume of the incoming audio waves
reflected from the illumination output surface of the lighting
device.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the sound reduction controller
comprises: an audio coder responsive to signals from the pick up
microphone to produce digital input signals; a digital signal
processor coupled to audio coder to: receive the digital input
signals; analyze waveform of a noise associated with the incoming
audio waves represented by the digital input signals to generate a
digital output signal representing at least one of a phase shifted
waveform or an inverted polarity waveform relative to the waveform
of the noise; and a decoder coupled to the digital signal processor
to receive the digital output signal and configured to feed the
phase shifted waveform or the inverted polarity waveform to drive
the audio output source.
4. The system of claim 3, further comprising an amplifier coupled
between the decoder and the audio output source configured to
increase amplitude of the phase shifted waveform or the inverted
polarity waveform.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein: each actuator among the number
of actuators is one of a pin actuator, an air actuator, an
electrostatic actuator or a piezoelectric transducer.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm includes or is
optically coupled to the illumination output surface of the
lighting device.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm is at least
substantially transparent with respect to the illumination light
from the source.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein a specific amount of force is
applied to the diaphragm to induce an out of phase relationship
between frequency of outgoing audio waves of the controlled output
sound from the diaphragm of the audio output source and the
frequency of the incoming audio waves.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the force is based on at least
one of thickness of the diaphragm, size of each actuator among the
number of actuators, amount of hardness applied by each actuator
among the number of actuators on the diaphragm, or strength of air
pressure against the diaphragm.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein one actuator among the number of
actuators is placed between the lighting device and the diaphragm
such that the sound reduction device is configured to operate the
one actuator among the number of actuators to actuate the
diaphragm.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuators are pin actuators
and force is applied to the pin actuators by the circuitry causing
pressure to actuate the diaphragm.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuators are air actuators
and the system further comprising: a micro air compressor
configured to release air and an air regulating manifold coupled to
the micro air compressor to receive the air and transmit the air to
drive the air actuators, wherein the air actuators release the air
with a force causing pressure to actuate the diaphragm.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the number of actuators includes
at least two actuators coupled to the diaphragm, wherein a first
actuator among the at least two actuators is operated by the
circuitry to actuate the diaphragm to output the controlled sound
wherein the first actuator is on a first frequency and the second
actuator is on a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is
lower than the first frequency.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein each actuator among the number
of actuators is spaced apart a distance from another actuator among
the number of actuators, wherein the distance is determined based
on the target frequency range.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry comprises a
programmable logic controller configured to select one or more
actuators among the number of actuators to actuate the diaphragm to
output a controlled sound waveform phase shifted or inverted
relative to a waveform of a noise associated with the incoming
audio waves.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the circuitry comprises a
programmable logic controller configured to select two actuators
among the number of actuators to actuate the diaphragm such that a
first actuator among the two actuators actuates the diaphragm prior
to the second actuator among the two actuators actuating the
diaphragm.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the luminaire includes a housing
for the lighting device, the sound reduction device is mounted in
the housing with the lighting device, and the circuitry is on an
exterior of the housing.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the luminaire includes a frame
supported by the housing and a transmissive element having the
light output surface held in the housing at least in part by the
frame such that the frame receives light from the lighting device
and outputs the received light via the light output surface to
illuminate the area.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the light transmissive element
is the diaphragm such that the illumination output surface is an
audio output surface of the audio output source.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to
operate the audio output source to output the controlled sound
waves based on a parameter, wherein the parameter is one of a
frequency range, phase shift or amplitude.
21. The system of claim 14 wherein the distance is in inverse
relationship with the target audio frequency range.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a lighting system,
and/or operations thereof, where the lighting system includes a
luminaire having a lighting device to illuminate an area and a
sound reduction device configured to detect incoming sound in the
vicinity of the luminaire, and more specifically, control
strategies for use in such a luminaire to operate the sound
reduction device to control sound in the illuminated area
associated with incoming sound.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Electrically powered artificial lighting has become
ubiquitous in modern society. Electrical Lighting devices are
commonly deployed, for example, in homes, buildings of commercial
and other enterprise establishments, as well as in various outdoor
settings. Typical luminaires generally have been a single purpose
lighting device that includes a light source to provide artificial
general illumination of a particular area or space.
[0003] Multiple lighting devices are often utilized to provide
general illumination to an entire region, such as an entire floor
of an office or commercial establishment. Traditionally, such
lighting devices are distributed in a pattern across the ceiling of
the region under illumination. These lighting devices may include
broad, generally planar structures, such as optical diffusers,
which reflect a large portion of any sound generated in the region
under illumination. In installations with substantial space between
the lighting devices, the intervening spaces often tend to deaden
sound a reduce impact of sound reflection off of the planar
structures of the lighting devices.
[0004] It is desirable to provide sound reducing capabilities in
the illuminated area or space. Currently, there exists acoustic
panels that are configured to reduce noise or control sound in many
different spaces. However, lighting equipment for illumination and
noise equipment for sound control have fundamentally different
requirements, for example, for consumer applications. There have
been proposals to embed acoustic panels with LEDs to light up the
space. However, such proposals require making the light panels with
acoustic material and placing the panels in specific directions
with respect to one another in order to allow for acoustic
absorption.
[0005] Thus there is a need for technical improvements in
acoustic-illumination integrated device to control the sound.
SUMMARY
[0006] Hence, there is room for improvement to provide sound
control capabilities in a lighting system. Examples of the lighting
system include a luminaire including both the illumination device
and acoustic device integrated in the luminaire, thus offering both
illumination capabilities and sound control capabilities and
systems that incorporate such luminaires.
[0007] In one example, the lighting system includes a luminaire,
including a lighting device and a sound reduction device. The
lighting device includes an illumination light output surface. The
illumination light output surface is at least partially reflective
with respect to an audio wave from outside the luminaire. The
lighting device also includes a source of an illumination light
configured to generate illumination light for emission through the
illumination output surface for illumination of an area. The sound
reduction device includes a pick up microphone configured to detect
incoming audio waves in the vicinity of the luminaire. The sound
reduction device also includes an audio output source. The lighting
system further includes a circuitry coupled to the sound reduction
device. The circuitry includes a sound reduction controller coupled
to the pick up microphone and the audio output source. The sound
reduction controller is configured to operate the audio output
source to control sound at least in the illuminated area associated
with the incoming audio waves.
[0008] Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the
examples will be set forth in part in the description which
follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the
art upon examination of the following and the accompanying drawings
or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The
objects and advantages of the present subject matter may be
realized and attained by means of the methodologies,
instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The drawing figures depict one or mote implementations, by
way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures,
like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a high level functional block diagram of a
lighting system that includes a luminaire that may support a
lighting device and a sound reduction device, where the control
element(s) of the lighting system are configured to implement one
or more of the sound control strategies.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a high level functional block diagram of an
implementation of a sound control system in the lighting system of
FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of an incoming sound
wave being canceled out and out of phase sound wave from the sound
reduction controller of the sound control system of FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 4 is an example illustrating audio waves at an
illumination light output surface in a vicinity of the luminaire of
the lighting system of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an example illustrating an example of the sound
reduction device (including the input and output audio waves) in
the vicinity of the luminaire of the lighting system of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 6A illustrates one example of the audio output source
in the luminaire of the lighting system FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 6B illustrates another example of the audio output
source in the luminaire of the lighting system of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 7A illustrates another example of the audio output
source in the luminaire of the lighting system of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 7B illustrates a further example of the audio output
source in the luminaire of the lighting system of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 8A illustrates one implementation of the luminaire of
the lighting system of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 8B illustrates one implementation of cross-sectional
view of the luminaire of FIG. 8A.
[0021] FIG. 9A illustrates one implementation of the system for
controlling sound in the lighting system of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 9B illustrates one implementation of placement of
components of the system of FIG. 9A with respect to an example of
the luminaire of the lighting system FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 10A illustrates another implementation of the system
for controlling sound in the lighting system of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 10B illustrates one implementation of placement of
components of the system of FIG. 10A with respect to an example of
the luminaire of the lighting system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it
should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present
teachings may be practiced without such details. In other
instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and/or
circuitry have been described at a relatively high-level, without
detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the
present teachings.
[0026] In one implementation, a luminaire having functionality of a
light source to illuminate an area, a pick up microphone to receive
an incoming sound and an audio source to output controlled sound in
the illuminated area. As such, the luminaire offers both the
illumination and the sound control functionality. Also, various
examples disclosed herein relate to sound control strategies that
coordinate sound output so as to control the sound in the
illuminated area that is associated with the incoming sound.
[0027] The term "luminaire," as used herein, is intended to
encompass essentially any type of device that processes energy to
generate or supply artificial light, for example, for illumination
of a space intended for use of or occupancy or observation,
typically by a living organism that can take advantage of or be
affected in some desired manner by the light emitted from the
device. However, a luminaire may provide light for use by automated
equipment, such as sensors/monitors, robots, etc. that may occupy
or observe the illuminated space, instead of or in addition to
light provided for an organism. However, it is also possible that
one or more luminaries in or on a particular premises have other
lighting purposes, such as signage for an entrance or to indicate
an exit. In most examples, the luminaire(s) illuminate a space or
area of a premises to a level useful for a human in or passing
through the space, e.g. general illumination of a room or corridor
in a building or of an outdoor space such as a street, sidewalk,
parking lot or performance venue. The actual source of illumination
light in or supplying the light for a luminaire may be any type of
artificial light emitting device, several examples of which are
included in the discussions below.
[0028] The illumination light output of a luminaire, for example,
may have an intensity and/or other characteristic(s) that satisfy
an industry acceptable performance standard for a general lighting
application. The performance standard may vary for different uses
or applications of the illuminated space, for example, as between
residential, office, manufacturing, warehouse, or retail
spaces.
[0029] Terms such as "artificial lighting," as used herein, are
intended to encompass essentially any type of lighting in which a
luminaire produces light by processing, of electrical power to
generate the light. A luminaire for artificial lighting, for
example, may take the form of a lamp, light fixture, or other
luminaire that incorporates a light source, where the light source
by itself contains no intelligence or communication capability,
such as one or more LEDs or the like, or a lamp (e.g. "regular
light bulbs") of any suitable type.
[0030] In the examples below, the luminaire includes at least one
or more components forming a lighting source for generating
illumination light as well as a co-located sound reduction device,
e.g. integrated/combined with the lighting component(s) of the
lighting source into the one structure of the luminaire. The
co-located sound reduction device is a device configured to detect
incoming audio waves in the vicinity of the luminaire. The lighting
source may be configured/oriented in the luminaire such the light
outputted from the lighting source is at least partially reflective
with respect to the incoming audio wave.
[0031] In several illustrated examples, such a combinatorial
luminaire may take the form of a light fixture, such as a pendant
or drop light or a downlight, or wall wash light or the like. Other
fixture mounting arrangements are possible. For example, at least
some implementations of the luminaire may be surface mounted on or
recess mounted in a wall, ceiling or floor. Orientation of the
luminaires and components thereof are shown in the drawings and
described below by way of non-limiting examples only. The luminaire
with the lighting component(s) and the sound reduction device may
take other forms, such as lamps (e.g. table or floor lamps or
street lamps) or the like. Additional devices, such as fixed or
controllable optical elements, may be included in the luminaire,
e.g. to distribute light output from illumination light source.
Luminaires in the examples shown in the drawings and described
below have illumination component oriented to output light in a
light output surface and sound reduction component to output sound
in a sound output surface.
[0032] Terms such as "lighting system" or "lighting apparatus," as
used herein, are intended to encompass essentially any combination
of an example of a luminaire discussed herein with other elements
such as electronics and/or support structure, to operate and/or
install the particular luminaire implementation. Such electronics
hardware, for example, may include some or all of the appropriate
driver(s) for the illumination light source and the sound reduction
device, any associated control processor or alternative higher
level control circuitry, and/or data communication interface(s). As
noted, the lighting component(s) and sound reduction component are
co-located into an integral unit, such as a light fixture or lamp
implementation of the luminaire. The electronics for driving and/or
controlling the lighting component(s) and the sound reduction
component may be incorporated within the luminaire or located
separately and coupled by appropriate means to the light source
component(s) and the sound reduction device.
[0033] In several of the examples, the lighting system is software
configurable, by programming instructions and/or setting data, e.g.
which may be communicated to a processor of the lighting system via
a data communication network of a lighting system. Configurable
aspects of lighting system operation may include one or more of a
selected image (still or video) for presentation as an image output
or one or more parameters (such as intensity and various color
related characteristics) of an illumination light output via light
output surface of the luminaire. The lighting system is software
configurable, by programming instructions and/or setting data, e.g.
which may be communicated to a processor of the sound reduction
device via a data communication network of a lighting system.
Configurable aspects of the sound device operation may include one
or more parameters (such as various sound related characteristics)
of an audio output via audio light output surface of the
luminaire.
[0034] The term "coupled" as used herein refers to any logical,
physical or electrical connection, link or the like by which
signals produced by one element are imparted to another "coupled"
element. Unless described otherwise, coupled component, elements or
devices are not necessarily directly connected to one another and
may be separated by intermediate components, elements, devices or
communication media that may modify manipulate or carry the
signals.
[0035] Reference now is made in detail to the examples illustrated
in the accompanying drawings and discussed below. FIG. 1
illustrates an example of a lighting system 109 including a
luminaire 131 as part of the lighting system 109. In the simplified
block diagram example, the luminaire 131 includes a lighting device
119 and a sound reduction device 110. The sound reduction device
110 includes a pick up microphone 111 configured to detect an
incoming audio waves in a vicinity of the luminaire 131. The sound
reduction device 110 also includes an audio output source 112 to
output audio waves via the illumination output surface 130. The
lighting device 119 includes an illumination light source 120
configured to generate illumination light for emission through the
illumination output surface 130 for illumination of an area. In one
example, the light source 120 functions as a general illumination
light. In another example, the light source 120 functions as a
display image, although the lighting device may support a
combination of illumination and display functionalities. As shown,
the sound reduction device 110 detects incoming audio waves. In one
implementation, the illumination output surface 130 of the lighting
device 119 is partially reflective with respect to the incoming
audio waves from outside the luminaire 131.
[0036] In one implementation example, the lighting system 109
includes a controller 107 including a driver system 113 that is
coupled to the luminaire 131 to control light outputs generated by
the lighting device 119 and to control audio outputs via the audio
output source 110 responsive to sounds detected by the microphone
111 of the sound reduction device 110. Although the driver system
113 is implemented as the element of the controller 107, the driver
system 113 may be separately located from other elements of the
controlled 107. The driver system 113 includes two separate driver
circuits, an audio source driver 114 and an illumination light
source driver 117. The audio source driver 114 is specifically
adapted to provide suitable drive signals to the audio output
source 112 of the sound reduction device 110. The illumination
light source driver 117 is specifically adapted to provide suitable
drive signals to the particular type/configuration of the light
source 120 of the lighting device 119. In one implementation, the
controllable luminaire 131 provides audio output from audio output
source of the sound reduction device 110 in response to the audio
control signals received from the audio source driver 114. In
another implementation, the controllable luminaire 131 provides
light output from the illumination light source 120 to the
illumination output surface 130 of the lighting device 119 in
response to lighting control signals received from the illumination
light source driver 117. In one implementation, the controller 107
functions to control sound of the incoming audio wave at least in
the illumination area of the illumination output surface 130 as
described in greater detail below.
[0037] FIG. 1 provides a high level functional block diagram of
example of an implementation of a lighting system 109 that includes
a luminaire 131 that may support concurrent outputs from two
emitters (audio output source 112 and the illumination light source
120), where the control element(s) of the lighting system 109 are
configured to implement one or more of the sound control strategies
to control sound at least in an illuminated area as discussed
herein. As shown in FIG. 1, in one example, the controller 107
includes a sound reduction controller 140 coupled to a host
processor system 115, which is coupled to control operation of the
driver system 113, and through the audio source driver 114 of the
driver system 113 to control the sound output from the luminaire
131 in at least the illuminated area. In one implementation, the
sound reduction controller 140 is configured to receive the input
audio waves from the pick up microphone 111 and further process the
input audio waves to generate audio control signals to operate the
audio output source 112 (See FIG. 2). In one implementation, the
audio control signals to operate the audio output source are sent
via the audio source driver 113. With advances in circuit design,
some or all of the driver system circuitry 113 to 117 and/or the
sound reduction controller 140 could be incorporated together with
circuitry of the host processor system. Other circuitry may be used
in place of the processor based host system 115 (e.g. a purpose
built analog or digital logic circuit or an ASIC). In the
illustrated example, the driver system 113 together with higher
layer control elements of the lighting system 109, such as sound
reduction controller 140 and the host processor system 115, serve
to control the audio waves outputted by the audio output source 112
in at least in area illuminated by the illumination light source
120.
[0038] In the example of FIG. 1, the host processor system 115
provides the high level logic or "brain" of the controller 107 and
thus of the lighting system 109. In the example, the host processor
system 115 includes memories/storage 125, such as a random access
memory (RAM) and/or a read-only memory (ROM). The system 115 also
includes program instructions and/or data at 126 for the lighting
control capability and program instructions and/or data at 127 for
the sound control capability, stored in one or more of the
memories/storage 125. The programs 126, 127 configure the host
processor system 115 to control light output of the lighting device
119 and to control audio output of the sound reduction device 110
respectively. The lighting control program 126, in one example,
configures the lighting system 109 to implement light output from
the lighting device 119 of the controlled luminaire 131 in an area
to be illuminated utilizing a lighting control strategy. The sound
control 127, in one example, configures the lighting system 109 to
implement controlled audio output from the sound reduction device
110 via the controlled luminaire 131 in at least in the illuminated
area associated with incoming sound utilizing a sound control
strategy.
[0039] At a high level, the host processor system 115 is configured
to operate the sound reduction device 110 and the lighting device
119 via the driver system 113 to implement functions, including
light output functions, which involve light control strategy and
sound output functions, which involve a sound control strategy. For
example, the lighting device 119 outputs the light via the
illumination output surface 130 of the luminaire 131 and the sound
reduction device 110 outputs audio also via the illumination light
output surface 130 of the luminaire 131. In one implementation, the
lighting device includes a transmissive or substantially
transparent element 121 such as a diffuser and the illumination
light output surface 130 is output surface of the transmissive
element 121. In one example, the transmissive element (i.e.
diffuser) 121 is also a diaphragm (FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10A and
10B) for such that the illumination light output surface 130 is
also the sound/audio output surface of the audio output source
112.
[0040] In the example, the host processor system 115 controls
operation of the luminaire 131 based on light settings
corresponding to the lighting device 119 and on audio settings
corresponding to the sound reduction device 110 and responsive to
aspects of incoming audio waves detected by the pickup microphone
111. Both types of settings may be part of the respective programs
126 and 127 or may be stored as one or more configuration files 128
in memory 125 in the controller 107 or received as streaming data
for temporary storage (buffering in local memory). The illumination
operation may also be controlled in response to sensed inputs (from
a sensor not separately shown for convenience) on the sound
reduction programming of the host processor system 115 and/or
appropriate sound source control data enable the host processor
system 115 to implement various sound control strategies based on
phase shift, inversion, destructive interference etc. as discussed
herein.
[0041] As outlined above, the memories/storage 125 may store
various data, including luminaire configuration information in the
form of one or more configuration files. Examples of luminaire
configuration information include illumination setting data, sound
reduction setting data, communication configuration or other
provisioning data, or the like. The relevant data may be generated
remotely at a server or the like and implemented in information
data streamed or downloaded to the controller 107. Updates or
modifications to such data may be implemented during system
operation, for example, based on a machine learning analysis
appropriate sensed inputs.
[0042] The host processor system 115 includes a central processing
unit (CPU), shown by way of example as a microprocessor (.mu.Proc.)
123, although other processor hardware may serve as the CPU. The
CPU and memories, for example, may be implemented by a suitable
system-on-a-chip often referred to as a micro-control unit (MCU).
In a microprocessor implementation, the microprocessor may be based
on any known or available microprocessor architecture, such as a
Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) using ARM architecture, as
commonly used today in mobile devices and other portable electronic
devices. Of course, other microprocessor circuitry may be used to
form the processor 123 of the controller 107. The processor 123 may
include one or more cores. Although the illustrated example
includes only one microprocessor 123, for convenience, a controller
107 may use a multi-processor architecture.
[0043] In an example of the operation of the lighting system, 109,
the processor 123 receives a configuration file via one or more of
communication interfaces (not shown). The processor 123 may store,
or cache, the received configuration file in storage/memories 125.
In one example, the file may include light data. The light data
file may be stored, as part of or along with the received
configuration file in storage memories 125. A configurable lighting
system such as the system 109 may be reconfigured, e.g. to change
data of the light output and/or to change one or more parameters of
the light output, by changing the corresponding aspect(s) of the
configuration light data file, by replacing the configuration light
data file, or by selecting a different file from among a number of
such light data files already stored in the data storage/memories
125. In the operational examples, based on its programming and/or
data for lighting control 126, the processor 123 processes data
retrieved from the memory 125 and/or other data storage, and
responds to light setting parameters in the configuration data 128
retrieved from memory 125 to control the light generation by the
lighting device 119. Some examples of controlling the light
generation includes but is not limited to turning light on or off,
adjusting output light intensity, adjusting output light color
characteristic (if the source 120 is tunable), changing an image or
otherwise adjusting a display output (if the source 120 offers a
display function) etc.
[0044] In another example, the file may include audio data. The
audio data file may be stored, as part of or along with the
received configuration file in storage/memories 125. The
configuration file(s) 128 in memory 125 may also provide sound
setting parameters in the configuration data, which the host
processor system 115 uses to control the driver and thus the sound
emission from the sound reduction device 110. Some examples of the
sound setting parameters include but not limited to output
amplitude setting, a degree of a phase shift in the output,
sensitivity to detected sound wave amplitude (in the input), a
frequency range (like a band pass filtering range) of detection of
audio signals from the microphone etc. A configurable lighting
system such as the system 109 may be reconfigured, e.g. to change
data of the audio output and/or to change one or more parameters of
the audio output, by changing the corresponding aspect(s) of the
configuration sound data file, by replacing the configuration sound
data file, or by selecting a different file from among a number of
such sound data files already stored in the data storage/memories
125. In the operational examples, based on its programming and/or
data for sound control 127, the processor 123 processes data
retrieved from the memory 125 and/or other data storage, and
responds to sound setting parameters in the configuration data 128
retrieved from memory 125 to control the sound by the sound
reduction device 110. Accordingly, the processor 123 controls the
active incoming sound by utilizing the programming, to process the
audio data file (i.e. audio either pre-recorded in the memory 125
or generated by the programming). In one example, controlling the
sound includes reducing noise of the incoming sound.
[0045] In other examples, the lighting system 109 may be programmed
to transmit information on the light output from the luminaire 131.
Examples of information that the lighting device 119 may transmit
in this way include a code, e.g. to identify the luminaire 131
and/or the lighting device 119 and/or the sound reduction device
110 or to identify the luminaire location. Alternatively or in
addition, the light output from the luminaire 131 may carry
downstream transmission of communication signaling and/or user
data.
[0046] In addition, the luminaire 131 is not size restricted. For
example, each luminaire 131 may be of a standard size, e.g. 2-feet
by 2-feet (2.times.2), 2-feet by 4-feet (2.times.4), or the like,
and arranged like tiles for larger area coverage. In one example,
the tiles are controlled independently or together from a central
or master controller. Alternatively, one luminaire 131 may be a
larger area device that covers a wall, a part of a wall, part of a
ceiling, an entire ceiling, or some combination of portions or all
of a ceiling and wall.
[0047] FIG. 2 is a high level functional block diagram of an
implementation of a system 200 for controlling sound in the
lighting system of FIG. 1. As shown, the system 200 includes the
sound reduction device 110 coupled to the sound reduction
controller 140. As discussed above, the sound reduction device 110
functions to control one or more of the parameters of the outgoing
(e.g. effectively reflected) audio waves responsive to the incoming
audio waves at least in the vicinity of the illuminated area served
by the illumination output surface 130 of the lighting device 119.
The parameters of the output audio wave include but are not limited
to frequency range, phase shift, amplitude or the like. In one
implementation, the system controls the parameters of the output
audio wave based on the sound reduction strategy.
[0048] The sound reduction device 110 includes the pickup
microphone 111 and the audio output source 112. In one
implementation, the audio output source 112 includes a diaphragm
with either an actuator (pin or air or electrostatic) or a
piezoelectric transducer coupled to the diaphragm to activate the
diaphragm (See FIGS. 6A, 68, 7A, 78, 9A, 98, 10A, and 10B). The
system 200 also includes an amplifier 230 coupled to the sound
reduction device 110 and the sound reduction controller 140. In one
example, the amplifier 230 is located in the sound reduction device
110. In another example, the amplifier 230 is located in the sound
reduction controller 140. In one implementation, the sound
reduction controller 140 is a circuitry, which includes an audio
coder 222, a digital signal processor (DSP) 224 and a decoder 226,
functions of which are described in greater detail below.
[0049] In one implementation, the sound reduction controller 140
receives analog microphone signals from the pickup microphone 111.
The microphone analog signals represent the incoming audio waves
detected in the vicinity of the luminaire 131 as discussed above
with respect to FIG. 1. The audio coder 222 converts the analog
microphone signals to digital input signals. The DSP 224 is coupled
to the audio coder 222 to receive the digital input signals from
the audio coder 222. The DSP 224 utilizes an adaptive algorithm,
for example, to analyze a waveform of a noise associated with the
incoming audio waves represented by the digital input signals and
generates an output (analog or digital) signal tailored to a noise
reduction strategy. The operations of the DSP 224 are configurable
in response to instructions from the host processing system 115,
for example, to set parameters of the digital input signal
processing (e.g. related to sensitivity level and/or a frequency
range of sensitivity) and/or parameters of the digital output
signal processing. For example, the instructions may cause the DSP
224 to generate a digital output signal representing at least a
phase shift waveform or an inverted polarity waveform relative to a
waveform of noise in the incoming audio waves. For a selected
output waveform type, the host processing system 115 may instruct
the DSP 224 to set parameters such as amplitude, frequency range,
or the like. The decoder 226 is coupled to the DSP 224 and thus
receives the digital output signal from the DSP 224. The decoder
226 converts the digital output signal into an analog output
signal, for example, representing the selected phase shifted or
inverted polarity of the waveform of the particular amplitude
and/or frequency range. The decoder 226 feeds the analog output
signals to the amplifier 230 which amplifies the analog output
signals to drive the audio output source 112. Specifically, the
amplifier 230 increased amplitude of the phase shifted or inverted
polarity of the waveform of the noise. The amplified analog output
signals are transmitted to the audio output source 112. The
amplified analog output signals function to operate the audio
output source 112 so that the audio waves outputted from the audio
output source 112 at the illumination output surface 130 are
controlled audio waves, which in the phase shifted or inverted
polarity examples are directly proportional to amplitude of the
waveform of the noise associated with the incoming audio waves to
create a destructive interference between the incoming audio waves
and the amplified output audio waves. In one implementation, the
destructive interference effectively reduces volume of the overall
audio waves at least in the illumination area served by the
lighting device 119.
[0050] FIG. 3 is a graphical representation 300 of waveform
illustrating an incoming sound wave being canceled out by an out of
phase sound wave from the sound reduction controller of the sound
control system of FIG. 2. Specifically, an incoming sound,
illustrated as input audio wave 302 is received via the microphone
111. As discussed above, the illumination output surface 130 of the
lighting device 119 is at least partially reflective with respect
to the input audio wave 302.
[0051] The DSP 224 of the sound reduction controller 140 functions
to analyze the noise of the incoming sound, illustrated as an input
audio wave 302 and then generates a signal that is either phase
shift or invert polarity of the original signal (incoming audio
wave 302). The phase shifted or inverted polarity signal is an out
of phase sound, illustrated as out of phase/inverted audio wave
304. This out of phase/inverted audio wave 304 is then amplified
using the amplifier 228, which is fed into the audio output source
112. As such, the audio output source 112 would be at the same
frequency as the incoming sound but just 180 degrees out of phase.
The input audio wave 302 and the out of phase audio wave 304
combine to form a new wave, process of which is known as
interference. In one example, the interference is a constructive
interference. In another example, the interference is a destructive
interference. In a further example, the interference is a
combination of constructive and destructive interference depending
on exact phase difference at a given point. The input audio wave
302 and out of phase audio wave 304 electively cancel each other
out resulting in an output audio wave 306, which is a resulting
suppressed sound (e.g. no sound), an effect of which is known as
destructive interference. Specifically, the audio output source 112
functions to create an output sound, i.e., the output audio wave
306 which is the controlled audio wave and, in the phase shifted or
inverted polarity examples is directly proportional to amplitude of
a waveform of the noise associated with the incoming audio wave 302
to create the destructive interference between the incoming audio
wave 304 and the output audio wave 306. The destructive
interference effectively reduces volume of the incoming audio wave
302 reflected front the illumination output surface 130 of the
lighting device 119.
[0052] FIG. 4 is an example illustrating audio waves at the
illumination output surface 130 in the vicinity of the luminaire
131 of the lighting system 109 of FIG. 1. In this example, the
audio output source 112 is illustrated as two actuators, first and
second actuators 402 and 404, which function to actuate the
diaphragm (not shown). In one example, the first and the second
actuators are pin actuators. In another example, the first and the
second actuators are air actuators. In another example, the first
and the second actuators are electrostatic actuators. In a further
example, the first and the second actuators are piezoelectric
transducers. Although two actuators are illustrated, it is known to
one of ordinary skill in the art, that a single actuator may be
utilized to actuate the diaphragm. An interference can occur as a
result of sound picked by the first and the second actuators 402
and 404 respectively at respectively at the same location, i.e.
within the luminaire 131. In one implementation, both constructive
and destructive interference can be generated by the two actuators,
i.e. the first and the second actuators 402 and 404 respectively
based on the phase difference of the signals.
[0053] In one implementation, during operation, both the first and
the second actuators 402 and 404 are driven at the same time
causing the constructive and destructive interference.
[0054] As shown are the two generated audio waves illustrated as
waveforms 405 and 406, which when combined together interference
illustrated as waveform 407. In one implementation, the
constructive interference is illustrated at a first node 401. The
first node 401 is a location in the vicinity of the illumination
area of the illumination output surface 130 where constructive
interference continuously occurs resulting in a high volume (loud)
sound. In one implementation, the destructive interference is
illustrated at a second node 403. The second node 403 represents a
location in the vicinity of the illumination area of the
illumination output surface 130 where destructive interference
continuously occurs resulting in reduced volume of the overall
sound. As a result, the destructive interference effectively
reduces the volume of the input audio waves 302 reflected from
illumination output surface 130 of the lighting device 119.
[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates air example of a sound reduction device
110 (including input and output audio waves illustrated at the
illumination output surface 130) in the vicinity of the luminaire
131 of the lighting system 109 of FIG. 1. In this example, the
audio output source 112 includes two actuators, a first actuator
502 and a second actuator 504 coupled to a diaphragm 505. Also,
shown are two pick up microphones a first and second microphone 506
and 508 respectively, positioned adjacent to the first and the
second actuators 502 and 504 respectively. The first and the second
microphones 506 and 508 respectively function similar to the pick
up microphone 111 configured to detect incoming audio waves at
their respective first and the second actuators 502 and 504
respectively in a vicinity of the luminaire 131. An interference
can occur as a result of sound from the first and the second
actuators 502 and 504 respectively at the same location, i.e.
within the luminaire 131.
[0056] In one example, the incoming sound is received in a
direction such the incoming sound detected by the first microphone
506, causing the first actuator 502 to activate to actuate the
diaphragm 505 and cancel out the incoming sound before reaching the
second microphone 508. The second actuator 504 is also activated
when the sound is detected by the second microphone 508, which also
cancels out the incoming sound. Although, the example in FIG. 5
illustrates the incoming sound is detected by the first microphone
506 before being detected by the second microphone 508 causing the
first actuator 502 to be actuated before causing the second
actuator 504 to be actuated, it is known to one of ordinary skill
in the art that if the incoming sound was being receiving in a
different direction, the incoming sound would be detected by the
second microphone 508 before being detected by the first microphone
506, thus causing the second actuator 504 to the actuated before
causing the first actuator 502 to be actuated. As shown, is an
incoming sound represented as input audio waves 302 and an out of
phase sound represented as out of phase audio wave 304. Also, shown
is a reflection sound, represented by reflection wave 302', which
is the input audio waves reflected due to the illumination output
surface 130 being at least partially reflective with respect to the
input audio wave 302. As discussed above, the input audio waves 302
and out of phase/inverted audio waves 304 electively cancel each
other out resulting in an out of phase sound represented as output
audio wave 306, effect of which is known as the destructive
interference illustrated as node 503. The node 503 represents a
location in the vicinity of the illumination area of the
illumination output surface 130. As a result, the destructive
interference reduces the volume of the input audio waves 302
reflected from the illumination output surface 130 of the lighting
device 119, thus controlling the noise of the incoming sound.
[0057] In one implementation, a target frequency is set for one or
more actuators to act out of phase to counter act the incoming
sound. In one example, the target frequency range for the system is
between 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. For a particular system, the target
frequency range can be a narrow range. The number of actuators is
determined based on the target frequency range such that the number
of actuators is proportional to the target frequency range. In one
example, the target frequency range is between 300 Hz to 640 Hz and
thus two actuators, i.e., the first and the second actuators 502
and 504 respectively are selected to act out of phase, thus
cancelling this the frequencies in this target frequency range. In
another implementation, the distance between each of the actuators
is determined based on the target frequency range such that the
distance between the actuators is in inverse relationship with the
target frequency range. In one implementation, the distance between
the actuators is based on wavelength of the sound.
[0058] FIG. 6A illustrates one example of the audio output source
112 in the luminaire 131 of the lighting system 109 of FIG. 1. In
this example, the audio output source 112 includes a diaphragm 600
with multiple actuators 602 coupled to a diaphragm 600. In one
example, the diaphragm 600 is a clear/transparent solid element. In
another example, the diaphragm 600 is a t translucent element.
[0059] Each of the multiple actuators 602 are activated
independently (i.e. not necessarily have to be connected to one
another) and acting cooperatively (i.e. activating as needed to
cancel out the incoming wavefront) to act to suppress the sound
wave, their timing comes from the sound wave itself, and thus
configured to act out of phase to counter act the incoming sound.
In one example, the target frequency range is at a higher range,
approximately 28,000 Hz or even outside the human range. As such
many actuators 602 are implemented to act out of phase, thus
cancelling the frequencies in this target frequency range, yet
distance between each of the actuators 602 is small. In one
example, the diaphragm 600 with multiple array of actuators 602 is
installed in a single light fixture to cancel or suppress the
incoming sound.
[0060] FIG. 68 illustrates another example of the audio output
source 112 in the luminaire 131 of the lighting system 109 of FIG.
1. In this example, the audio output source 112 includes the
diaphragm 600 with five actuators 602a, 602b, 602c, 602d and 602e
coupled to the diaphragm 600. In this example, only one actuator,
for example, 602e is activated and thus configured to act out of
phase to counter act the incoming low frequency sound. In one
example, the target frequency range is at a lower range,
approximately between 30 Hz to 300 Hz. As such one actuator, e.g.
602e may be sufficient to be activated to cancel the frequencies in
this target frequency range. In one implementation, all five
actuators 602a, 602b, 602c, 602d and 602e may be activated to
cancel the frequencies in a much higher target frequency range. In
one example, distance between each of the actuators 602a-602e is
wide. In one example, the diaphragm 600 with a single actuator
being activated, is placed in each of the multiple array of light
fixtures placed in close proximity of each other cancel or suppress
the incoming high frequency sound.
[0061] FIG. 7A illustrates another example of the audio output
source 112 in the luminaire 131 of the lighting system 109 of FIG.
1. In this example, the audio output source 112 includes a
diaphragm 700 with multiple piezoelectric transducers (transducers)
702 coupled to the diaphragm 700. In one example, the diaphragm 700
is a clear solid element. In another example, the diaphragm 700 is
a translucent element, such as a diffuser. Each of the multiple
transducers 702 function similar to the actuators such that they
are configured to act out of phase to counter act the incoming
sound. In this example, the transducers 702 are thin layer of
piezoelectric material. A change in electric field is caused by the
transducers 702, which convert sound signals to electrical
currents/signals, which may be amplified. The vibration of the
diaphragm may be measured or induced electronically using the
transducers 702.
[0062] FIG. 78 illustrates a further example of the audio output
source 112 in the luminaire 131 of the lighting system 109 of FIG.
1. In this example, the audio output source 112 includes the
diaphragm 700 with the multiple piezoelectric transducers
(transducers) 702 coupled to the diaphragm 700. Also, shown are
electrical control lines/conductors 740 that interface between the
transducers 702. A change in electric field between the diaphragm
700 and the control lines 740 is caused by the transducers 720.
[0063] FIG. 8A and 8B illustrates one implementation of the
luminaire 131 (including the lighting device 119 and the sound
reduction device 110) in the lighting system 109 of FIG. 1, in one
example, the luminaire 131 is mounted on a ceiling (not shown). As
shown, the luminaire 131 includes a housing 802 and the
illumination light source 120 (e.g. LED) mounted within the housing
802 and actuators 804 as part of the audio output source 112 also
mounted within the housing 802. In this example, the actuators 804
are placed between the illumination light source 120 and a
diaphragm 808. The illumination light source 120 is configured to
emit light sufficient for illumination of an area. The actuators
804 operated by the sound reduction controller 140 are configured
to actuate the diaphragm 808) to emit the output controlled sound
at least in the illuminated area with the incoming sound.
[0064] The luminaire 131 also includes a panel or a frame 810
supported by the housing 802. The panel 810 is located such that it
receives light at one or more light input surfaces of the panel 810
and outputs the received light via the illumination output surface
130 of the panel 810 facing the area. In this example, panel 810
may be formed from any suitable waveguide material, such as glass,
plastic, or acrylic.
[0065] Panel 810 is supported by the housing 802, and is configured
to receive light from the illumination light source 120 at one or
more light input surfaces of panel 810, and output the received
light from light source 120 via one or more light output surfaces
of panel 810 to the area to be illuminated by the luminaire 131.
Panel 810 may be formed from any desired material which allows the
light from light source 120 to illuminate the area. For example,
panel 810 may be formed from material which allows light from light
source 120 to propagate within the material of panel 810 from the
light input surface(s) to the light output surface(s). Panel 810
may be transparent, translucent, diffusive, or may filter light
from light source 120. Panel 810 defines the illumination output
surface 130 facing the area under illumination.
[0066] In one example, light guide is used as the diaphragm 808 for
the sound audio output. The light guide, which receives and guides
light from illumination light source 120 with minimal loss or
absorption, as shown in FIG. 8A and 8B. The light guide has a major
surface facing the area under illumination. The major surface is
bounded by lateral edges, e.g., four edges for a rectilinear light
guide. In this example, the major surface of the light guide
defines a light output surface of the light guide, and the lateral
edges of the light guide define light input surfaces of the light
guide. The illumination light source 120 is coupled to supply light
to one or more of the lateral edges of the light guide, and the
light guide is configured to allow light to propagate within the
light guide and exit via the major surface of the light guide. The
major surface of the light guide may thereby form the illumination
output surface 130 of panel 810. In this example, diaphragm may be
formed from any suitable waveguide material, such as glass,
plastic, or acrylic.
[0067] In another example, an optical diffuser is used as the
diaphragm 808 for the sound audio output. The optical diffuser
diffuses and softens light from illumination light source 120. The
optical diffuser may be formed from any suitable material for
diffusing such as, for example, acrylic material.
[0068] In a further example, the optical diffuser may be coupled to
or integrally formed with the major surface of the light guide. The
optical diffuser may be positioned below the light guide, and
thereby receive light exiting the light guide. The diffuser may
receive the light from the light guide at one or more light input
surfaces, and may further define the illumination output surface
130 on a surface of the diffuser facing the area under
illumination. Alternatively, the optical diffuser may be provided
between the illumination light source 120 and the light guide, to
diffuse light prior to the light being received by the one or more
input surfaces of the light guide.
[0069] FIG. 9A illustrates one implementation of the system 900 for
controlling sound in the lighting system 109 of FIG. 1. As shown,
the system 900 includes a diaphragm 902 as the audio output source
112 with multiple pin actuators 904 coupled to the diaphragm 902.
Each of the pin actuators 904 include a pin 904a which functions to
apply pressure in a linear motion. In one implementation, a force
is applied via the pin 904a by the pin actuators 904 to the
diaphragm to induce an out of phase relationship between frequency
of waves of the output controlled sound and the frequency of the
incoming sound waves. The force applied is dependent on several
factors including but not limited to thickness of the diaphragm
902, size of the pin actuator 904, amount of force applied by the
pin actuator 904 on the diaphragm 902, or strength of pressure
against the diaphragm 902. A solenoid valve (not shown) is
connected at the bottom of the pin actuator 904, which functions to
control the pressure applied to the diaphragm 902.
[0070] Also shown is a power source 906 which functions to power
the sound reduction controller 140 and a programmable logic
controller (PLC) 920, which includes the host processing system 115
and the audio source driver 114 of FIG. 1. As discussed above with
respect to FIG. 2, the analog output signals from the sound
reduction controller 140 represent the phase shifted or inverted
polarity of the waveform, which are fed into the amplifier 230,
which functions to amplify the output signals. The amplified output
signals are fed into the PLC 920. Upon receipt of the amplified
output signals, the PLC 920 as part of the host processing system
115 functions to drive the audio source driver 114 to drive/operate
one or more of the pin actuators 904 to apply the force via the pin
904a to the diaphragm 902, which causes the diaphragm 908 to
vibrate. Such vibration induces an out of phase relationship
between frequency of waves of the output controlled sound and the
frequency of the incoming sound waves creating the destructive
interference. As discussed above, the destructive interference
effectively reduces volume of the incoming audio waves reflected
from the illumination output surface 130 of the lighting device
119, thus controlling the noise of the incoming sound. In one
implementation, the PLC 920 controls which actuator 904 is
operating at a time based on the direction of the incoming sound.
For example, the incoming sound is coming from left, accordingly,
the PLC 920 functions to activate each of the actuators 904 by
first activating the actuator 904 all the way on the left side of
the diaphragm 902 and then continue with activating each of the
actuators 904 towards the right side of the diaphragm 902 up until
including actuating the actuator 904 all the way on right side of
the diaphragm 902. Each actuator 904 functions to cancel out of
phase with each other. As such each actuator 904 function
independently during activation yet cooperatively function to
cancel out phase with each other.
[0071] FIG. 9B illustrates the placement of the components of the
system 900 of FIG. 9A with respect to an example of the luminaire
131 in the lighting system of FIG. 1. Specifically, illustrated is
a cross-section view of the housing 802 of the luminaire 131. As
shown, the housing 802 includes the diaphragm 902 and the pin
actuators 904 coupled to the diaphragm 902. In one implementation,
the power source 906, the sound reduction controller 140, the PLC
920 and the amplifier 230 are placed at an exterior of the housing
802 of the luminaire 131. In one implementation, the diaphragm 902
is both the illumination output surface 130 reflected with respect
to the audio wave and the diffuser of the light providing the
illumination output surface 130. In one implementation, the
diaphragm 902 is transparent (as illustrated in FIG. 9A) and is
separate from the diffuser.
[0072] FIG. 10A illustrates another implementation of the system
1000 for controlling sound in the lighting system 109 of FIG. 1. As
shown, the system 1000 includes a diaphragm 1002 as the audio
output source 112 with multiple air actuators 1004 coupled to the
diaphragm 1002. Each of the air actuators 1004 include an air
nozzle 1004a which functions to output air at a force. In one
implementation, a force is applied by the air actuators 1004 via
the air nozzle 1004a to the diaphragm 1002 to induce an out of
phase relationship between frequency of waves of the output
controlled sound and the frequency of the incoming sound waves. The
force applied is dependent on several factors including but not
limited to thickness of the diaphragm 1002, size of the air
actuator 1004, amount of force applied by the air actuator 1004 on
the diaphragm 1002, or strength of air pressure against the
diaphragm 1002.
[0073] Also shown is a power source 1006 which functions to power
the sound reduction controller 140 and a programmable logic
controller (PLC) 1020, which includes the host processing system
115 and the audio source driver 114 of FIG. 1. The system 1000 also
includes a micro air compressor 1008 also powered by the power
source 1006. The system 1000 further includes an air tank 1010
coupled to the micro air compressor 1008, a manifold 1012 coupled
to the air compressor 1008 and air regulating manifolds 1014 and
1016 coupled to the manifold 1012. In one implementation, the micro
air compressor 1008 releases air and some of the air is held by the
air tank 1010 to control flow of the air. The manifold 1012
includes a single opening to receive the air from the air tank
1010. The manifold 1012 also includes multiple openings to output
the received air to the air regulating manifolds 1014 and 1016. The
air regulating manifolds 1014 and 1016 function as a pathway to
distribute air from the manifold 1012 to the air actuators 1004.
Each of the air regulation manifolds 1014 and 1016 includes three
sets of solenoid valves, which functions to control the air and
distribute the controlled air to their respective air actuators
1004. Although, only two air regulating manifolds 1014 and 1016 are
shown, it is known to one of ordinary skill in the art that only
one air regulating manifold may be used or more than one air
regulating manifold may be utilized to distribute the air to the
air actuators 1004.
[0074] As discussed above with respect to FIG. 2, the analog output
signals from the sound reduction controller 140 represent the phase
shifted or inverted polarity of the waveform, which are fed into
the amplifier 230, which functions to amplify the output signals.
The amplified output signals output signals are fed into the PLC
1020. Upon receipt of the amplified output signals, the PLC 1020 as
part of the host processing system 115 functions to drive the audio
source driver 114 to drive/operate one or more of the air
regulating manifolds 1014 and 1016 to pass the air to the air
actuators 1004. In one implementation, the PLC 1020 of the host
processing system 115 selects which air regulating manifolds 1014
and 1016 to drive at a time in order to pass the air to the air
actuators 1004. In one implementation, the air regulating manifolds
1014 and 1016 are selected based on the direction of the incoming
sound. The air in the air actuators 1004 would pass through the air
nozzle 1004a at high speed, thus applying the force of air
pressure, which causes the diaphragm 1002 to vibrate. Such
vibration induces an out of phase relationship between frequency of
waves of the output controlled sound and the frequency of the
incoming sound waves creating the destructive interference. As
discussed above, the destructive interference effectively reduces
volume of the incoming audio waves reflected from the illumination
output surface 130 of the lighting device 119, thus controlling the
noise of the incoming sound.
[0075] FIG. 10B illustrates the placement of the components of the
system 1000 of FIG. 10A with respect to an example of the luminaire
131 in the lighting system 109 of FIG. 1. Specifically, illustrated
is a cross-section view of the housing 802 of the luminaire 131. As
shown, the housing 802 includes the diaphragm 1002 and the air
actuators 1004 coupled to the diaphragm 102. In one implementation,
the power source 1006, the sound reduction controller 140, the PLC
1020, the amplifier 230, the micro air compressor 1008, air tank
1010, manifold 1012 and air regulating manifolds 1014 and 1016 are
placed at an exterior of the housing 802 of the luminaire 131. In
one implementation, the diaphragm 1002 is both the illumination
output surface 130 reflected with respect to the audio wave and the
diffuser of the light providing the illumination output surface
130. In one implementation, the diaphragm 1002 is transparent (as
illustrated in FIG. 10A) and is separate from the diffuser.
[0076] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used
herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and
expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of
inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise
been set forth herein. Relational terms such as first and second
and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action
from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual
such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The
terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," or any
other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive
inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that
comprises or includes a list of elements or steps does not include
only those elements or steps but may include other elements or
steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,
article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "a" or "an" does not,
without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional
identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus
that comprises the element.
[0077] Unless otherwise stated, any and all measurements, values,
ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications
that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims
that follow, are approximate, not exact. Such amounts are intended
to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to
which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which
they pertain. For example, unless expressly stated otherwise, a
parameter value or the like may vary by as much as +10% from the
stated amount.
[0078] In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can
be seen that various features are grouped together in various
examples for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This
method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an
intention that the claimed examples require more features than are
expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims
reflect, the subject matter to be protected lies in less than all
features of any single disclosed example. Thus the following claims
are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each
claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject
matter.
[0079] While the foregoing has described what are considered to be
the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various
modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter
disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples,
and that they may be applied in numerous applications, only some of
which have been described herein. It is intended by the following
claims to claim any and all modifications and variations that fall
within the true scope of the present concepts.
* * * * *