Encoded light-activated illumination

摘要

A method for controlling detached lighting units uses source light of a capable flashlight to communicate information. The capable flashlight encodes an ID Tag in modulated light, and the detached lighting units recognize the specific ID Tag and responds, for example by activating and creating illumination. A user can illuminate selected areas by shining the beam of the flashlight on detached lighting units to selectively activate them, and since the detached lighting units only respond to the encoded light, unintended activation is avoided. In addition to the encoded ID Tag, mode information can be included such that the detached lighting units can respond in a number of ways, such as selected periods of activation. Stored ID Tags can be transferred and thus shared using the same modulated light. ID Tags can be randomly re-assigned, and the new value shared among other flashlights and detached lighting units, creating a coordinated set.

主权项

1. A detached lighting system responsive to control by modulated visible light, comprising:
a) a detached lighting unit removed from AC powering that responds selectively to modulated visible light, whereby,
i) said detached lighting unit includes batteries for powering said detached lighting unit;ii) said modulated light includes an encoded specific pattern;iii) said detached lighting unit only responds selectively when said encoded specific pattern matches a pattern held in storage by said detached lighting unit;iv) said detached lighting unit responds selectively to said matching encoded specific pattern by changing modes of operation;v) one of said modes of operation includes activation of illumination LEDs; b) a handheld flashlight that includes means to create said modulated visible light that includes said encoded specific pattern, whereby,
i) said handheld flashlight uses LEDs for generating light;ii) said flashlight LEDs can be activated controllably according to the said encoded specific pattern;iii) said flashlight holds said encoded specific pattern in storage;iv) said flashlight LEDs can optionally also be activated controllably according to additional information associated with said detached lighting unit modes of operation; whereby a user can control nighttime illumination by shining said handheld flashlight on said detached lighting unit.