阅读说明：本技术 电子蜡烛 (Electronic candle ) 是由 D·M·罗宾逊 M·J·滕尼森 E·E·胡珀 G·P·科拉尔 M·泰勒 S·塔卡托里 J 于 2021-04-21 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种电子蜡烛,其使用发光二极管(LED)或其它电子光源而不是火焰来产生光,并且旨在以模拟燃烧的蜡烛的方式来操作LED。该电子蜡烛包括基部和LED,LED在灯泡内且由圆顶围绕,以为电子蜡烛内产生的光提供漫射效果。处理器可访问的存储器包含存储的编程指令,其引起LED在处理器的控制下根据特定的操作模式点亮,在短暂的时间段之后并且以随机的方式从一个模式变化到另一个模式。每个模式限定具有模拟火焰的径向位置、角向位置和强度的表观火焰位置。(The present invention relates to an electronic candle that uses Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or other electronic light sources to generate light rather than flames, and is intended to operate the LEDs in a manner that simulates a burning candle. The electronic candle includes a base and an LED within a bulb and surrounded by a dome to provide a diffusing effect to light generated within the electronic candle. The processor-accessible memory contains stored programming instructions that cause the LEDs to light up according to a particular operating mode under the control of the processor, changing from one mode to another after a brief period of time and in a random manner. Each mode defines an apparent flame position having a radial position, an angular position, and an intensity of the simulated flame.)

1. An electronic candle, comprising:

a base;

a printed circuit board supported by the base, the printed circuit board having a plurality of peripheral light emitting diodes arranged around a central light emitting diode;

a bulb covering the plurality of peripheral light emitting diodes and the central light emitting diode; and

an enclosure surrounding the bulb, wherein light from the plurality of peripheral light emitting diodes and the central light emitting diode is directed through the bulb and blocked by the enclosure.

2. The electronic candle of claim 1, further comprising a translucent dome supported by the base and surrounding the bulb.

3. The electronic candle of claim 2, wherein the translucent dome is frosted and translucent.

4. The electronic candle of claim 2, wherein the base comprises a bottom and upwardly extending sidewalls, the sidewalls terminating in a rim, thereby defining an interior space.

5. The electronic candle of claim 4, wherein the base is cup-shaped.

6. The electronic candle of claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board is mounted within the base.

7. The electronic candle of claim 1, further comprising a processor coupled to the plurality of peripheral light emitting diodes and the center light emitting diode, the processor having stored programming instructions to control illumination of the plurality of peripheral light emitting diodes and the center light emitting diode.

8. An electronic candle, comprising:

a base;

a plurality of light emitting diodes;

a bulb covering the plurality of light emitting diodes; and

a processor coupled to the plurality of light emitting diodes, the processor having stored programming instructions to control illumination of the plurality of light emitting diodes,

wherein the electronic candle includes an apparent flame location defined as a center of light intensity produced by a combination of the plurality of light emitting diodes, and further wherein the stored programming instructions are operable by the processor to change the location of the apparent flame location by controlling the intensity of illumination of the plurality of light emitting diodes.

9. The electronic candle of claim 8, wherein the stored programming instructions are further operable by the processor to control an angular position and a radial position of the apparent flame position.

10. The electronic candle of claim 8, wherein the stored programming instructions are further operable by the processor to vary the total light intensity, the angular position, and the radial position.

11. The electronic candle of claim 10, wherein:

the angular position defined by angular position parameters defined by stored angular position data accessible by the processor;

the angular position data has an angular position offset and an angular position span, wherein the angular position is variable between the angular position offset plus the angular position span to the angular position offset minus the angular position span; and is

Further wherein the angular position varies at an angular position frequency.

12. The electronic candle of claim 11, wherein:

the radial position is defined by a radial position parameter defined by stored radial position data accessible by the processor;

the radial position data has a radial position offset and a radial position span, wherein the radial position is variable between the radial position offset plus the radial position span to the radial position offset minus the radial position span; and is

Further wherein the radial position varies with a radial position frequency.

13. The electronic candle of claim 10, wherein:

the radial position is defined by a radial position parameter defined by stored radial position data accessible by the processor;

the radial position data has a radial position offset and a radial position span, wherein the radial position is variable between the radial position offset plus the radial position span to the radial position offset minus the radial position span; and is

Further wherein the radial position varies with a radial position frequency.

14. The electronic candle of claim 10, wherein:

the total light intensity is defined by a total light intensity parameter defined by stored total light intensity data accessible by the processor;

the total light intensity data has a total light intensity offset and a total light intensity span, wherein the total light intensity is variable between the total light intensity plus the total light intensity span to the total light intensity offset minus the total light intensity span; and is

Further wherein the total light intensity varies at a total light intensity frequency.

15. The electronic candle of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of stored operating modes accessible by the processor, each of the operating modes defining a range of variation and a frequency of variation for each of the total light intensity, the angular position, and the radial position, the stored programming instructions operable by the processor to control operation of the plurality of light emitting diodes according to the stored operating modes.

16. The electronic candle of claim 15, wherein the stored programming instructions are further operable by the processor to:

controlling operation of the plurality of light emitting diodes according to a first one of the plurality of stored operating modes for a first time;

selecting a second one of the plurality of stored operating modes; and is

Controlling operation of the plurality of light emitting diodes according to a second one of the plurality of stored operating modes for a second time.

17. The electronic candle of claim 15, wherein the first time is a first constrained random time period, the second time is a constrained random time period, and the selection of the second one of the plurality of stored operating modes is based on a constrained random.

18. The electronic candle of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of stored operating modes accessible by the processor, each of the operating modes defining a range of variation and a frequency of variation for each of total light intensity, angular apparent flame position, and radial apparent flame position, the stored programming instructions operable by the processor to control operation of the plurality of light emitting diodes according to the stored operating modes.

19. The electronic candle of claim 18, wherein the plurality of modes include a first mode that provides a slow movement of the apparent flame position within a constrained range, a second mode that provides a blowing effect characterized by a rapid change in direction and intensity of the apparent flame position, a third mode that provides an oscillating effect characterized by a rapid change in intensity but a small direction movement of the apparent flame position, and a fourth mode that provides a gentle movement of the apparent flame position with moderate change in position and intensity.

20. The electronic candle of claim 18, further comprising stored programming instructions operable by the processor to:

controlling operation of the plurality of light emitting diodes according to a first one of the plurality of stored operating modes for a first time;

selecting a second one of the plurality of stored operating modes; and is

Controlling operation of the plurality of light emitting diodes according to a second one of the plurality of stored operating modes for a second time.

21. The electronic candle of claim 20, wherein the processor is a microprocessor, and wherein the stored programming instructions are internal to the microprocessor.

Technical Field

The subject matter of this patent relates to lighting systems that simulate burning candles (or candles, i.e., candles), including methods of operating such lighting to create an appearance that simulates a candle.

Background

Candles are commonly used for light generated by a burning flame, and also for calming or therapeutic effects provided by the flame. In many environments, such as in hospitals or nursing homes, it may be desirable to burn a real candle for these effects, but it is impractical or unsafe to do so.

Others have attempted to produce electronic candles that are intended to provide light similar to candle light, or provide light in an aesthetic shell that looks like a wax candle, but with inconsistent results. Although it is possible to produce a simulated wax candle, it is not an easy matter to produce light from an electron source that behaves in a manner that the flame of the candle behaves, making it look like a burning flame.

One example is in U.S. patent 9572236 to Patton. In this patent, Patton teaches the use of a "projection screen" that may be in the shape of a flame in an attempt to resemble a flame. The bulb shines light onto the projection screen while a fan, magnet, or other source causes the projection screen to move in a manner that flames may move.

Another example is in us patent 9341342 to Chiang. In this patent, Chiang teaches placing a color lens LED inside a simulated wick that is generally cylindrical in shape. Chiang teaches that LEDs simulate candles, but does not teach a method of controlling LEDs in a manner that can simulate the movement and flickering of an actual flame. In contrast, Chiang is primarily concerned with providing a simulated wick that is black in appearance when the device is closed.

Yet another example is in U.S. patent 8602632 to Poon, which teaches an electronic candle that is said to mimic a candle flame. Poon describes a single "lighting element" atop a simulated wick assembly. An air pressure sensor is provided to detect changes in air pressure, such as caused by a user blowing on a wick. The system then responds to changes in air pressure to alter the emitted light in some way, purporting to mimic a real candle flame.

While the above examples attempt to simulate the light that theoretically mimics the candle flame, none really achieves this. Instead, they produce results that are quite different from those of a real candle and provide mechanical and unnatural light qualities.

Disclosure of Invention

Electronic candles use Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or other electronic light sources to generate light rather than flames, and are intended to operate LEDs in a manner that simulates a burning candle. One version of an electronic candle includes a base, which is preferably cup-shaped, like a pillar that can hold a tea light or other small candle. The preferred electronic candle also includes a dome, preferably formed of glass or plastic, which may be frosted or otherwise configured to provide a diffusive effect to the light generated within the electronic candle. In one version, the dome is frosted on the inner surface and is therefore translucent so that the dome is illuminated and produces a glowing sensation when the LED is illuminated. The inner bulb may be formed of a similar material to diffuse the light from the LED and is intended to create the appearance of a filament or burning wick to provide a region of light concentration in the space within the outer dome.

The processor-accessible memory contains stored programming instructions that cause the LEDs to illuminate under the control of the processor, which in a preferred version is defined by stored data according to an exemplary pattern. Practical flame candles have flame movement that can vary between different modes, including a quiet mode that moves slowly within a constrained range, a blowing mode characterized by rapid changes in direction and intensity, an oscillating mode with rapid changes in intensity but small directional movement, and a mild mode with moderate changes in position and intensity. The candle can be moved for a period of time between one or two seconds and possibly several seconds in a manner consistent with one of these patterns, then changed to a different pattern, and then continued to change to a different illumination pattern for such brief period of time. In one version of the invention, the memory contains data for controlling the illumination of the LEDs according to such patterns by controlling the apparent radial position, angular position and intensity of the simulated flame, and further controlling the selection of a particular mode of operation and the duration of that mode.

An exemplary electronic candle includes: a base; a plurality of peripheral light emitting diodes arranged to surround the central light emitting diode; a bulb covering the plurality of peripheral light emitting diodes and the central light emitting diode; and a processor coupled to the plurality of peripheral light emitting diodes and the center light emitting diode, the processor having stored programming instructions to control illumination of the plurality of peripheral light emitting diodes and the center light emitting diode. Preferably, the electronic candle includes an apparent flame position defined as a center of light intensity produced by a combination of the plurality of peripheral light emitting diodes and the center light emitting diode, and further wherein the stored programming instructions are operable by the processor to vary the location of the apparent flame position by controlling the illumination intensity of the plurality of peripheral light emitting diodes and the center light emitting diode.

In another version, the stored programming instructions are further operable by the processor to control the angular position, radial position, and overall intensity of the apparent flame position.

In some versions of the invention, the angular position is defined by angular position parameters defined by stored angular position data accessible by the processor, wherein the angular position data includes an angular position offset and an angular position span such that the angular position is variable between the angular position offset plus the angular position span to the angular position offset minus the angular position span. Most preferably, the angular position varies with an angular position frequency.

Likewise, in some versions of the invention, the radial position is defined by a radial position parameter defined by stored radial position data accessible by the processor, the radial position data having a radial position offset and a radial position span, such that the radial position is variable between the radial position offset plus the radial position span to the radial position offset minus the radial position span. Most preferably, the radial position varies with the radial position frequency.

Most preferably, the total light intensity is also defined by a total light intensity parameter defined by stored total light intensity data accessible to the processor, the total light intensity data having a total light intensity offset and a total light intensity span, such that the total light intensity is variable between the total light intensity plus the total light intensity span to the total light intensity offset minus the total light intensity span. Most preferably, the total light intensity varies at a total light intensity frequency.

In a preferred method of operation, the stored programming instructions are operable by the processor to control operation of the plurality of peripheral light emitting diodes and the center light emitting diode according to a first one of a plurality of stored operating modes at a first time, select a second one of the plurality of stored operating modes, and control operation of the plurality of peripheral light emitting diodes and the center light emitting diode according to the second one of the plurality of stored operating modes at a second time.

In some versions, the first time is a first constrained random time period, the second time is a constrained random time period, and the selection of the second one of the plurality of stored operating modes is based on the constrained random.

Drawings

Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a preferred electronic candle.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic candle of fig. 1, taken along line 2-2 in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a preferred electronic candle.

Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of the base of the preferred electronic candle, shown with the dome removed.

Fig. 5 is a top elevation view of a printed circuit board and a plurality of light emitting diodes for a preferred electronic candle.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of the components for a preferred electronic candle.

Fig. 7 is a table of exemplary values for radial parameters for the operating mode of a preferred electronic candle.

Fig. 8 is a table of exemplary values for an angular parameter for operating modes of a preferred electronic candle.

Fig. 9 is a table of exemplary values for intensity parameters for operating modes of a preferred electronic candle.

Fig. 10 is a table of exemplary values for control parameters for a preferred electronic candle's mode of operation.

Fig. 11 is a flow chart of a preferred method of operation for an electronic candle.

Detailed Description

A preferred electronic candle is shown in a front elevational view in fig. 1. The candles are electronic and use Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or other electronic light sources to generate light rather than flames, and are intended to operate LEDs in a manner that simulates a burning candle. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic candle 100 includes a base 102 that is preferably cup-shaped like a pillar that can hold a tea light or other small candle. As shown (see fig. 2), the base 102 includes a bottom 102a and upwardly extending sidewalls 102b that terminate in an edge 102c, thereby defining an interior space. The preferred electronic candle also includes a dome 120, which is preferably formed of glass or plastic that may be frosted or otherwise configured to provide a diffusive effect to the light generated within the electronic candle. In one version, the dome is frosted on the inner surface, and is therefore translucent, so that the dome is illuminated and creates a glowing sensation when the LED is lit. The inner bulb 116 may be formed of a similar material to diffuse the light from the LED and is intended to create the appearance of a filament or burning wick to provide a region of light concentration in the space within the outer dome.

The preferred electronic candle of fig. 1 is further illustrated in fig. 2 in a cross-sectional view taken along plane 2-2 in fig. 1. In this cross-sectional view, some additional internal components are visible, including the upper printed circuit board 114 and the lower printed circuit board 106. The battery 112 is shown positioned below the lower printed circuit board. The battery and each of the upper and lower printed circuit boards are intended to be mounted and housed within the base. An outer cover 118 is positioned toward the upper end of the base and covers most of the other components, but has a central opening that allows the light bulb to extend through the outer cover, thereby further allowing light from the LEDs on the upper printed circuit board to shine into the light bulb. The housing also blocks the LEDs so that they are not directly visible to the user, so any light from the LEDs is only visible when passing through the bulb. In this view, representative light rays 200, 202, 204 are shown emanating from the LEDs 130 mounted on the upper printed circuit board and shining first toward and through the bulb and then toward and through the dome.

An exploded view of a preferred electronic candle is shown in fig. 3. At the bottom, the base 102 is generally formed in a cup shape having an interior volume configured to accommodate the other components described above. The button 104 may be fitted into the base such that a portion of the button extends through a hole 103 formed at the bottom center of the base. The upper portion of the button is positioned to contact a switch 107 on the lower printed circuit board 106 to turn the electronic candle LED on or off. It should be understood that the lights may be turned on or off in other ways, including by using a remote control, by motion detection, by a timer, or other means. A plurality of screws 108 are shown for mounting the printed circuit board and the cover to the base. Other forms of fastening or mounting may be used, such as adhesives, rivets, sonic welding, or others.

The conductive ring 101 may be disposed at the bottom of the base to provide a contact point for connecting to a charging station, which may be an optional part of the electronic candle system. In one version, the optional conductive loop is further communicatively coupled to the internal battery for providing a path for the flow of charging current from the charging source to the internal rechargeable battery.

The battery 112 is mounted within the base. In the version of fig. 2, the battery is shown mounted to the bottom of the lower printed circuit board, or otherwise at the lower portion of the base. In this version, the on/off switch can be implemented in a different manner than described above, with the switch or button extending centrally through the bottom of the base. In the example of fig. 3, the battery 112 may be attached to an upper portion of the lower printed circuit board using the adhesive pad 110. The upper printed circuit board sandwiches the battery between and is electrically attached to the battery and the lower printed circuit board via one or more cable harnesses 109 a-c.

A bulb or filament is attached to the top portion of the upper printed circuit board and positioned such that light generated by the LEDs is projected into the interior of the bulb. An outer cover 118 covers the upper printed circuit board and includes a central opening 119 to receive the bulb, allowing the bulb to protrude through the central opening while retaining the base of the bulb between the outer cover and the upper printed circuit board. Finally, a dome 120 is attached to the upper edge of the base, preferably in a manner in which the dome is removably attached, for example by using a threaded or bayonet arrangement.

An exemplary arrangement of the LEDs 130 is shown in the top perspective view of fig. 4, where the above components, except for the dome, bulb and housing, are shown mounted to the base. As shown, there is a single central LED and a plurality of peripheral LEDs arranged in a circle around the central LED. The set of LEDs 130 is also positioned at the center of the circular upper printed circuit board, and thus at the center of the upper edge of the base. In the particular example of fig. 4, a total of twelve LEDs are shown. In other versions of the invention, more or fewer LEDs may be used. In yet another version, an additional outer ring of LEDs is provided such that there is a center LED and two or more concentric rings of LEDs extending outwardly from the center LED.

Fig. 5 shows a top plan view of a preferred upper printed circuit board with a plurality of LEDs arranged in a preferred manner. It should be understood that the LEDs are shown and described as being mounted to the upper printed circuit board, but they may be mounted in a different manner than on the printed circuit board generally, or explicitly on the upper board. Likewise, in other versions of the invention, there need not be two distinct printed circuit boards. Furthermore, in other versions of the invention, the printed circuit board need not be circular.

In the arrangement of fig. 5, the plurality of LEDs are positioned at the center of the upper printed circuit board 114 with the center LED 141 positioned in the middle. The ring of ten outer LEDs 131 and 140 surrounds the center LED in a circle. In this example, a total of 11 LEDs are provided, but as noted above, a greater or lesser number may be used. In this illustration, the center LED 141 is shaded to indicate that it is lit. One of the external LEDs 137 is also shaded and illuminated. The four other LEDs 138, 139, 135, 136 are also shaded and therefore lit, but at a lower level (i.e. lower light intensity) than the central LED and the first radial LED 137. The other LEDs are not shaded and are therefore indicated as off. This arrangement causes the total light produced by the plurality of LEDs 130 to be directed more strongly towards the lower left portion of the panel (according to the habits of the viewer viewing fig. 5). The orientation of this light is intended to correspond to the orientation of a candle in which the flame has been blown slightly in the same direction, or has otherwise "flashed" to that location for whatever reason. Other combinations of LEDs may alternatively be lit and at different intensities to create the impression that the light has flashed or moved to different positions relative to the center, or that the light has returned to a position of maximum intensity at the center.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of preferred electronic components of an electronic candle that includes optional components of a larger system. In one version, as shown, the electronic candle may include an Infrared (IR) remote control 210 having a printed circuit board supporting applicable components such as a processor and memory. In some versions, the IR remote control may be a simple on/off remote control configured to send an IR signal when an on/off button or switch is pressed, without the need for a processor or memory. A battery 210, such as a button cell battery, is provided to power the remote control.

In some versions, the electronic candle system may include a charging platform 220. Preferably, the charging platform includes an AC/DC wall adapter 222 configured to plug into an AC power outlet 224. The charging platform (not shown) may include multiple locations for providing an electrical connection between a contact region on the charging platform and a complementary charging contact region on the base of the electric candle, such as the metal ring 101 described above. In some versions, several such charging contact regions are provided on the charging platform, such as four different charging contact regions. In other versions, the charging platform may not require electrical contacts, but may employ inductive or other wireless forms of charging.

In the system shown, the electronic candle includes two separate printed circuit boards (including an upper board and a lower board as described above), although in other versions a single board may be used. In the exemplary version further illustrated with reference to fig. 6, satellite board 230 corresponds to lower printed circuit board 106 of fig. 2 and 3. The satellite board 230 includes a user button 232 corresponding to the contact switch 107 as shown in fig. 3. Satellite board 230 also includes reverse polarity and over-voltage protection circuitry 234 configured to block negative supply voltages and protect components on main board 240 from undesirably high (or negative) supply voltages.

Motherboard 240 includes a microcontroller 242, microcontroller 242 having internal memory with stored programming instructions operable by the microcontroller to implement controlled operation of the LEDs as described above. In some versions, additional external memory may be used (although not shown in the preferred version of the invention). Although a microcontroller is shown and incorporated in a preferred version of the invention, it should be understood that any computer processor may be used. Within this specification, the term "processor" should be understood to generally include any of a variety of integrated circuit-based computers having one or more processor cores, such as microcontrollers, computers, digital signal processors, controllers, and the like. It should also be understood that many of the components are shown and described as being included on a main board, but in other versions, any of the components shown may be mounted in locations other than on the main board, such as elsewhere within the base 102. Likewise, the system is described as having programming instructions stored in memory and operable by the processor, and in some versions the memory is internal to the processor, while in other versions the memory is external to the processor, or a combination of internal and external memory.

In versions in which a remote controller is provided, such as IR remote control 210, the motherboard may include an IR remote receiver 244. The IR remote receiver is communicatively coupled to the processor 242 to provide signals indicative of the on or off status to the processor. Optionally, the motherboard may include an accelerometer 246. In such a version, the accelerometer is configured to detect acceleration forces (such as a user shaking or tapping on the electronic candle, possibly in a form requiring multiple taps) and provide a signal to the controller accordingly. Upon receiving such a signal from the accelerometer, the processor will cause the LED to turn on or off (and activate or deactivate an illumination mode as described below) in a manner like an on/off button or switch.

The battery status LED provides an illuminated indication of the state of charge of the battery 250. A battery charger 252 is provided in the illustrated example, and the battery charger 252 is coupled to the battery through the wall adapter 222 and to a power input for charging the battery, the power input being the AC power outlet 224. Although rechargeable batteries are preferred and described and shown, in other versions standard non-rechargeable batteries may be used.

The LED driver 260 is coupled to the processor and the plurality of LEDs 130, causing the LEDs to turn on and off at a controlled illumination level under the control of the processor. In one version of the invention, up to five LEDs are lit at different intensities within the five LEDs at any time in a controlled sequence to simulate the flickering of a candle. Most preferably, the illuminated LEDs will be adjacent to each other and controlled to simulate radial, angular and intensity variations in the position of the light with respect to a central axis a-a (see fig. 4) that extends through the middle of the center LED and preferably also through the center of the base 102.

Memory within or otherwise accessible to the processor contains stored programming instructions that cause the LEDs to illuminate under the control of the processor, which in the preferred version is defined by the data in fig. 7-11 according to an exemplary pattern. Practical flame candles have flame movement that can vary between different modes, including a quiet mode that moves slowly within a constrained range, a blowing mode characterized by rapid changes in direction and intensity, an oscillating mode with rapid changes in intensity but small directional movement, and a mild mode with moderate changes in position and intensity. The candle can be moved for a period of time between one or two seconds and possibly several seconds in a manner consistent with one of these patterns, then changed to a different pattern, and then continued to change to a different illumination pattern for such brief period of time.

In one version of the invention, the memory contains data for controlling the illumination of the LEDs according to such patterns by controlling the apparent radial position, angular position and intensity of the simulated flame, and further controlling the selection of a particular mode of operation and the duration of that mode. In one form, as shown, the data may be presented in tabular form and stored in memory, like a look-up table, such as shown in fig. 7-10.

Considering the intensity of each of the LEDs in the electronic candle, the apparent flame position is defined as the center of the light intensity. The apparent flame location may be at the center of the plurality of LEDs, or may be outward from the center due to illumination by one or more of the peripheral LEDs. When the apparent flame position is outward, it may be in a particular direction, such as downward and left, as shown with reference to fig. 5. Thus, the apparent flame position is defined to be at a particular angle (between 0 and 360 degrees around the center) and at a particular distance from the center along a given radius. Furthermore, the apparent flame intensity at a given angular and radial position may vary depending on the illumination intensity of the LEDs.

Fig. 7 shows an exemplary data table for the radial position parameter. The radial position parameter controls the apparent position of the flame from the center to the outer edge of the LED. For example, if the center LED 141 (see FIG. 5) is on, but the surrounding LEDs 131 and 140 are all off, the light (or perceived flame) is at the center axis. Illuminating one of the LEDs in the outer ring, such as LED 137, will cause the apparent location of the flame to move outward and along a first radius R1 extending from the central axis (or central LED) toward the illuminated LED 137. Intensity variations between the center LED and the outer LEDs will cause the apparent radial position of the flame to move either outward or inward along the selected radius R1. Thus, for example, when the center LED 141 is turned off, full illumination of the outer LEDs 137 will cause the apparent flame to move completely outward along the radius R1. Changing the relative illumination of the center LED 141 and the outer LEDs 137 causes the intensity center of the light to move to any desired location along the radius R1. Likewise, simply illuminating the center LED 141 and the different outer LEDs 136 causes the apparent flame position to move anywhere along the second radius R2. Further, the combination of illuminating the center LED and the two outer LEDs 136 and 137 causes the apparent location of the flame to move along a third radius R3 located between the LEDs 136 and 137. Other combinations of LED lighting may produce light at different radial positions corresponding to apparent flame positions.

In the table of fig. 7, there are four rows of values, labeled as rows 0, 1, 2, and 3 in the leftmost column. Each row corresponds to a different mode of operation and thus there are four modes in the illustrated example. In other versions, there may be more modes or fewer modes. The table also shows three main categories, including div, span, and offset. The maximum and minimum div values (or frequency constraint values) are used by the processor to constrain the frequency of randomization of the parameters. The lower the div value, the faster the parameter can change. The processor uses random values to determine the frequency at which the radial parameter can vary, but the randomization is constrained by maximum and minimum div values for a particular mode.

Fig. 7 also shows maximum and minimum span values, and the span determines the range in which the parameters may vary. Radial parameters deal with movement along a single radius (which, according to a defined span, may extend across the center such that the radius is actually a diameter) either outward from the center or in a direction toward the center from a peripheral location. Thus, the span defines the distance of movement of the apparent flame position along a radius (which may also be a diameter). As with frequency, the span is determined by the processor in a random manner, but is constrained by a minimum and maximum value for a given pattern.

Fig. 7 finally includes the offset minimum and maximum values. The offset value is a neutral or pre-biased position such that the allowable movement of the apparent flame position along the radius may vary from offset + span to offset-span. Likewise, the actual offset is randomized, but constrained between a minimum and a maximum. Thus, the radial control data defines the manner of operation of the radial position parameter. In particular, it defines the apparent location of the flame along a particular radius, including the distance traveled along the radius and the frequency of such movement along the radius.

Fig. 8 provides a similar approach to controlling the angular position of the apparent flame. While the radial position parameter is related to movement along a single radius (e.g., along one of R1, R2, or R3), the angular position parameter is related to the angular position of the apparent flame. In other words, the angular position parameter is related to the selection of one of R1, R2, or R3 (or also any other radius of the circle around the LED). As with fig. 7, the table of fig. 8 provides four rows of data corresponding to four modes, and includes div, span, and offset values. The div value also controls the frequency at which the parameter may vary, with minimum and maximum values constraining the randomly determined values. Higher values indicate slower changing frequencies and in a preferred version the angular position is constrained by a div value such that the radial position changes at a greater frequency than the angular position.

The span value in the angular position table varies between 0 and 360. In the first row (labeled row 0), the minimum and maximum span values are 75 and 120. Any radius may be designated as a zero degree radius, while other radii may be assigned values from the zero degree radius up to 360 degrees by proceeding clockwise or counterclockwise in a complete circle. In one example, the radius R2 as shown in fig. 5 may be designated as a zero degree radius, using a clockwise convention to reach 360 degrees and complete a circle. Mode 0 from fig. 8 constrains the angular position of the apparent flame to a position between a radius at 75 degrees (corresponding generally to LED 138) and a radius at 120 degrees (corresponding to the vicinity of LED 139). In mode 1 and mode 2, the minimum and maximum are 0 and 360, thereby allowing the position to move along any radius within the circle. The offset min and max define constraints on the randomized min and max offsets, as described above, and in the illustrated version, the min and max are 0 and 360. Thus, in a given mode, the actual angular movement of the apparent flame can vary between the offset + span and the offset-span at frequencies that are constrained as described above. Further, the radial position parameter and the angular position parameter correspond to each of them varying during operation of the mode, as determined by the frequency.

FIG. 9 provides a preferred data table corresponding to an intensity parameter indicative of the total intensity of the apparent flame. In one version, the intensity is equal to the sum of all the LED illumination values. As with the other parameters described above, there are minimum and maximum frequency constraint values, minimum and maximum span values, and minimum and maximum offset values. Thus, the intensity varies in a particular mode between the offset + span value and the offset-span value at random frequencies constrained by minimum and maximum frequency-constrained (or div) values, which are also randomized and constrained by their minimum and maximum values. In one version, the system uses angles and radii to determine point locations within the plurality of LEDs as intensity centers. The system then assigns an intensity value to the LED according to its distance from the point, preferably including values assigned to the center LED, two LEDs on either side of the intensity center (if there is no single LED at the center), and two LEDs outside the LEDs indicated above. The total illumination of all five of the above-mentioned LEDs (or for a single LED if a single LED is determined to be centered in intensity) is summed and matched to the calculated intensity.

Fig. 7-9 present data for four different modes of operation, each of which has defined radius, angle and intensity characteristics. In a preferred version, each mode is distinguishable from the other modes in order to mimic different flicker patterns for a real flame. Thus, in one example, the data defines: a first mode that coincides with a slow moving quiet mode within a constrained range (thus having a low frequency of variation, having a span and offset values that allow for relatively small movements); a blowing pattern characterized by rapid changes in direction and intensity (thus having data corresponding to a high change frequency, and greater allowable movements in radial, angular and intensity parameters); oscillation modes with fast intensity changes but small direction shifts (defined by high allowable frequency and wide allowable range of intensity, but constrained by radial and angular parameters); and a mild pattern of moderate changes in position and intensity (defined by moderate data values that tolerate moderate level frequency changes and moderate level angular, radial, and intensity changes).

FIG. 10 presents an illustrative control table that is used to control the probability that a given mode will be selected and implemented. Once a mode is selected, it further controls the duration of operation of that mode. In one example, the table includes a duration value (labeled "dur") that also includes minimum and maximum values that define the number of seconds during which the mode is operable. The duration of operation of the mode is randomized and constrained by a minimum and a maximum.

The selection of an arbitrary mode of operation is also randomized, but biased by the probability that a particular mode will be selected. Thus, the control data preferably comprises a probability value (labeled "prb") which is a preset probability that the particular mode will be selected. In the example of fig. 10, mode 0 has a selection probability of 40%, mode 1 has a probability of 20%, and mode 2 has a probability of 40%. The last column labeled "mod" is the control value that can turn each mode off or on.

The movement of the flame is further described with reference to the flowchart of fig. 11, which illustrates a process implemented by stored programmed instructions operated by the processor using parameter values as described above. The process begins at a first block 400, such as when the lamp is first turned on via a remote control or switch as described above. At this step, in one version, the illumination is brought from off (or zero) to an initial value stored in the processor memory. In one version, the total intensity at the start-up step is brought to a value that is half between 0 and the maximum total brightness value of the combined LEDs. In another version, the start-up ramps the intensity up to a maximum value and then back down to a typical value to mimic the "sudden burning" of a normal candle when lit.

The process then proceeds to the next block 402 where the processor generates a random seed for use in the random function as described above. For example, the random seed may read one or more analog inputs from any sensor, such as a battery voltage sensor, using the least significant bit to ensure a unique random seed. The initial use of random seeds further ensures the following: if multiple lights are turned on simultaneously, they will not be synchronized in their behavior.

The process next proceeds to block 404 where a random function is used to select one of the modes for operation. Referring to the tables in fig. 7-10, this may be a selection of mode 0, 1, 2, or 3. It should be understood that the illustrated modes are representative, and that more or fewer modes may be stored for selection and use. Likewise, the values displayed in the representative mode are also illustrative, and other modes may have different stored parameter values. In a preferred version, the system comprises three or more, or preferably four, different modes. In one example, the system includes a first mode that provides slow movement within a constrained range, a second mode that provides a blowing effect characterized by rapid changes in direction and intensity, a third mode that provides an oscillating effect characterized by rapid changes in intensity but small directional movement, and a fourth mode that provides gentle movement with moderate changes in position and intensity.

As described above, the operation mode is selected using the probability value assigned to the defined mode (such as the values shown in fig. 10). At this stage, the process also determines a random (but constrained) duration for the selected pattern in the manner described above.

Once the start pattern and duration are determined, the process proceeds to the next block 406 where programming instructions stored in the processor cause selection of radial position, angular position, and intensity parameters. For a given radial position, angular position, and total intensity, the processor will determine an intensity value for each of the LEDs 130. At lower intensity values, a smaller number of LEDs near a determined radial and angular position will be sufficient to produce the total intensity. But at higher total intensity values, the local LEDs must be lit to the maximum extent and a greater number of surrounding LEDs must also be lit. By controlling the number of LEDs lit and the intensity of each individual LED, a desired overall intensity can be achieved while maintaining the selected radial and angular positions.

The process continues at block 408 with the implementation of the selected mode being initiated by illuminating the LEDs as needed to achieve an apparent flame position defined by the radial and angular positions and the total intensity. At frequency rates defined by and randomized within the definition of the mode, the apparent flame position is constantly changing according to the newly calculated radial offset, angular offset, and intensity values. The selected mode continues to be employed in this manner for the duration of the mode determined above.

As described above, within this mode of operation, the process continually determines new apparent flame location parameters at a rate sufficient to achieve adjusted parameters according to the determined frequency. The process continually evaluates whether the duration has elapsed, as indicated by decision block 410, and if not it continues to implement the selected mode. Once the duration is reached, the process returns to block 404 for selecting a different operating mode. Although fig. 11 shows the selection occurring temporarily after the duration for a given mode is complete, it should be understood that the next mode may be selected at any time, including before the current mode of operation is complete. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the selection of the pattern is performed in a random manner. In other versions, the arrangement of patterns may be preset in a pseudo-random manner, such as by a table containing an order of implementation of the patterns, where the order is a lengthy pseudo-random list. The new mode is then implemented in the same manner as described above, with the process moving to block 406 to select the starting parameters for the new mode. The process continues to cycle through the process until shut down or the battery is depleted.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described as described above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiments. Rather, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.