Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 2930099 2017-04-04
IMITATION CANDLE DEVICE WITH ENHANCED CONTROL FEATURES
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent document claims priority to Chinese patent application
no.
CN201610261921.2 filed on April 25, 2016 and United States Patent Application
No.
15/145,739 filed May 3, 2016.
FIELD
[0002] The subject matter of this patent document relates to candle devices
that use an
imitation flame, and particularly, to features that control the operation of
imitation candle
devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Traditional true flame candles, when lit, provide a pleasant
ambience in many
homes, hotels, churches, businesses, etc. Traditional candles, however,
provide a variety of
hazards including risk of fire, damage to surfaces caused by hot wax, and the
possible emission
of soot. Flameless candles have become increasingly popular alternatives to
traditional
candles. With no open flame or hot melted wax, flameless candles provide a
longer-lasting,
safe, and clean alternative. Such imitation candle devices often include light
sources, such as
LEDs, and include electronic circuits that control the operation the imitation
candle device.
SUMMARY OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
[0004] In one embodiment there is provided an imitation candle system that
includes an
imitation candle device and a portable electronic device wirelessly coupled to
the imitation
candle device. The imitation candle device in such a system includes a body, a
flame element
protruding from top of the body, one or more light sources positioned to
illuminate the flame
element to produce an appearance of a true fire flame, and electronic
circuitry positioned
within the body to control at least an output of the one or more light
sources, the electronic
circuitry including a wireless receiver to receive wireless signals. The
portable electronic
device of this system includes a display, a wireless transceiver, a processor,
and a memory
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including processor executable code. The processor executable code, when
executed by the
processor, configures the portable electronic device to present a graphical
user interface on the
display. The graphical user interface includes buttons or fields that allow
activation of a blow
off feature of the imitation candle device on the electronic device, and one
or more of the
following operations of the imitation candle device: a power-on or power-off
operation, a
selection of a particular imitation candle device, a selection of a timer
feature, a setting of a
timer value, a selection of a light intensity level, an adjustment of a light
intensity level, a
selection of a movement of the flame element, a setting of a level of movement
of the flame
element, or a selection of a group of imitation candle devices.
[0005] The portable electronic device may further include a microphone, and
the
processor executable code, when executed by the processor, may configure the
portable
electronic device to, upon activation of the blow off feature on the
electronic device, detect an
intensity or pattern of electrical signals produced by the microphone that
correspond to a blow
of air and activate the wireless transceiver of the electronic device to
transmit a signal to the
imitation candle device to allow the imitation candle device to be turned off.
[0006] The processor executable code, when executed by the processor, may
configure
the wireless transceiver to, upon selection of the particular imitation candle
device, transmit a
signal to the particular imitation candle device to establish a wireless
connection with the
particular imitation candle device.
[0006a] The wireless transceiver may be configured to operate according to
a Bluetooth
or a cellular wireless protocol.
[000613] The imitation candle system may further include one or more
additional
imitation candle devices. The processor executable code, when executed by the
processor, may
configure the portable electronic device to, upon the selection of a group
including more than
one imitation candle device, transmit command signals to conduct identical
operations on all
imitation candle devices in the group.
[0006c1 The command signals may include one or more of: an indication to
change light
intensity levels; an indication to change movement level of flame elements; an
indication to
change set timer values; an indication to turn off all imitation candle
devices; or an indication
to disconnect all imitation candle devices.
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[0006d] The portable electronic device may be one of a smart phone, a table
device, or a
laptop computer.
[0006e] The imitation candle device may further include a magnetic drive,
and a
magnetic element coupled to a bottom section of the flame element that
interacts with the
magnetic drive to cause movement of the flame element.
1000611 The processor executable code, when executed by the processor, may
configure
the portable electronic device to, upon the selection of a movement of the
flame element and
the setting of the movement to a particular level, transmit a signal to the
imitation candle
device to cause a change in amount of movement of the flame element.
10006g] The imitation candle device may further include a touch sensitive
component
positioned on, or close to, an outer surface of the body to sense a touch and
to produce an
electrical signal in response to the detected touch that turns the imitation
candle device, or the
one or more of the light sources, on or off.
10006h1 The touch sensitive component may be shaped as an annulus that
encircles the
flame element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary imitation candle device with an
associated
remote control device.
[0008] FIG. 2(A) illustrates certain components including a support
mechanism for an
artificial flame element of an exemplary imitation candle device.
[0009] FIG. 2(B) illustrates certain components including a touch-
sensitive structure
of an exemplary imitation candle device.
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[0010] FIG. 2(C) illustrates is a side view of FIG. 2(B) including certain
internal candle
components.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates components of an exemplary imitation candle
device in more
detail.
[0012] FIG. 4(A) is a picture of an exemplary remote control device for an
imitation
candle device.
[0013] FIG. 4(B) illustrates components of the remote control device of
FIG. 4(A).
[0014] FIG. 4(C) illustrates an exemplary location of a microphone hole on
the remote
control device.
[0015] FIG. 4(D) illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram associated with a
remote
control device.
[0016] FIG. 5(A) is a series of exemplary user interface screens associated
with an
application for controlling the operations of an imitation candle device.
[0017] FIG. 5(B) is a series exemplary user interface screens for setting a
timer and
controlling illumination properties of an imitation candle device.
[0018] FIG. 5(C) is a series of exemplary user interface screens for
controlling the
operations of a group of imitation candle devices.
[0019] FIG. 5(D) is an exemplary user interface screen related to a blow
out feature of
an imitation candle device.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of electronic components of a device that
can be used
to accommodate some of the disclosed embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
[0021] In this patent document, the word "exemplary" is used to mean
serving as an
example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein
as "exemplary"
is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other
embodiments or
designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in
a concrete
manner.
[0022] Imitation candle devices can simulate a real candle with a flame
that resembles
a real-life flame with flickering effects using optical, mechanical and
electrical components.
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The disclosed embodiments provide further features and functionalities that
enhance the
operation of these devices, and in some cases, enable additional features that
cannot be
obtained with real candles.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary imitation candle device 102 with an
associated
remote control device 106 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The
flame element
104 protrudes upward from the body of the imitation candle device 102, and the
top portion
108 of the body is formed to resemble a melted candle wax to enhance the
resemblance of the
candle device 102 to a real candle. The remote control device 106 is
configured to operate
with the imitation candle device 102 via a wireless channel. For example, the
remote control
device 106 can include an infrared transmitter to provide various commands and
signals to an
infrared receiver of the imitation candle device 102. In some embodiments,
other wireless
communication protocols and techniques, such as Bluetooth, cellular, WiFi,
etc., can be used.
In certain applications, the communication channel that allows remote control
of the imitation
candle device can include a wired communication channel.
[0024] FIGS. 2(A), 2(B) and 2(C) illustrate some of the components of an
exemplary
imitations candle device including an enclosure 214 that houses the internal
candle
components, and a flame element 202 that protrudes from top of the enclosure
214. The flame
element 202 includes a hole 208 that allows a support structure 206 to pass
through the hole to
suspend the flame element 202. The ends of the support structure 206 are
secured within slots
216 that arc formed on top of the enclosure 214. As shown in the exemplary
diagram of FIG.
2(A), the support structure 206 is bent at two ends to fit within the slots
216, and the is slightly
bent downwards at the location of the hole 208. The top portion of the
enclosure include an
indentation to accommodate a plate 210 in the form of an annulus. It should be
noted that in
other implementations, the plate 210 can include other shapes, such as
rectangular or triangular
shapes, can be configured to not fully encircle the flame element 202 and/or
made smaller or
larger in size. As will be described in detail below, the annulus not only
operates as a
decorative element to hide the internal candle components from plain view and
secures the
ends of the support structure 206 in place, it also enables touch-sensitive
operation of the
candle.
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[0025] A light source 212, such as an LED, can be placed inside the
enclosure 214, as
shown in FIG. 2(C). The light source 212 can, for example, project light of
suitable color
and/or intensity to the flame element 202. In some implementations, more than
one light
source 212 is used to illuminate the flame element 202 from one side, and/or
from both sides.
In some embodiments, the light source 212 can be an incandescent light source,
a plasma light
source, a laser light source, or can include other suitable light producing
mechanisms.
[0026] FIG. 3 shows additional details of the components of an exemplary
imitation
candled device that includes a flame element 302 that is suspended by a steel
wire support
structure 306. The bottom section of the flame element 302 below the steel
wire support
structure 306 can include a magnetic element 320 that interacts with a
magnetic field produced
by a coil 316. The coil 316 can be energized by control signals generated by
electronic circuits
that are located on, for example, a PCB board 318. In some implementations,
the electronic
circuits can generate pulses that cause the electromagnet to turn on and off,
to vary the
produced magnetic field strength, or to reverse polarity, at particular time
instances. In one
example, the signals that energize the coil 306 is a pulse-width modulated
signal. In other
examples, such signals provide an amplitude modulated, a phase modulated or a
frequency
modulated signal to the coil 306. Due to interactions of the magnetic element
320 with the
magnetic field of the coil 306, the flame element 302 can oscillate and
produce a flickering
effect when illuminated by the light produced by the one or more light source
314. The
imitation candle device can further include a wireless receiver component
receives and decodes
wireless signals transmitted thereto. For example, some components of such a
wireless
receiver can be located on the PCB board 318, and can operate based on one or
more wireless
technologies and protocols, such as infrared technology, Bluetooth or cellular
protocols.
[0027] FIG. 3 also illustrates a ring 304 that is positioned on top of the
imitation candle
housing, around and in the vicinity of the flame element 302. In some
embodiments, the ring
304 serves as a decorative piece to hide the internal components of the
imitation candle device
and/or to resemble melted wax. In this regard, the ring 304 can have a
particular color and/or
reflectivity to produce the desired visual effect when viewed under ambient
illumination, or
under the scattered and/or reflected illumination of the candle light source
314. In some
embodiments, the ring 304 operates as a touch sensitive on-off switch. In
particular, the ring
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304 can be made of conductive material that forms a capacitive element in
electrical
connection with one or more components on the PCB board 318. When a user's
finger
contacts, or is within close proximity of, the ring 304, a capacitive contact
is formed to
complete a circuit. The touch-sensitive mechanism can be used for turning the
candle on or
off, or for controlling other functions of the imitation candle in a step-wise
manner. For
example, each touch can increase or decrease intensity of the light source
314, to switch the
color of light, or to change a mode of operation (e.g., from flickering to
constant intensity). In
some embodiments, the touch sensitive element (shaped as a ring, or other
shapes) includes
two segments that are preferably poisoned at two different sides of the flame
element on the
top surface of the imitation candle device. In such embodiments, the two-piece
touch sensitive
element is configured to operate as a switch (e.g., conduct a current) only if
both segments of
the touch sensitive element are touched. For example, a user can touch one
segment of the
touch sensitive element that is positioned close to, and on one side of, the
flame element with
his/her thumb, and the other segment of the touch sensitive element that is
positioned close to,
and on an opposite side of, the flame element with his/her index finger to
activate the switch
and turn off the imitation candle device. As such, the multi-segment touch
element can be
used to simulate the appearance that the user is extinguishing the candle
flame using his/her
fingers.
[0028] The
imitation candle device of FIG. 3 also includes a microphone 310 that is
held in place within the interior of the imitation candle device by a
microphone support
element 308. The microphone 310 converts acoustic signals into electrical
signals that are
provided to an electronic component on the PCB board 318. The microphone 310
is positioned
closer to the top surface of the imitation candle device to intercept sound
waves that travel into
the interior of the imitation candle device. For example, the top section of
the imitation candle
device can include an opening (e.g., the same opening that allows light from
the light source
314 to reach the flame element 302) that allows the microphone to capture
acoustic waves that
travel down into the interior of the imitation candle device. In this way,
when a user blows in
the direction of the imitation flame element 302, the blow is captured by the
microphone 310,
and the appropriate signals are generated to turn off the imitation candle
device.
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[0029] The electrical signals produced by the microphone 310 can be
processed by the
components of the PCB board 318. The PCB board 318 can, for example, include
filters,
analog-to-digital circuits and/or a processor or controller (e.g., a
microprocessor, a digital
signal processor (DSP), an FPGA, an ASIC, etc.) that receive signals
representing the captured
sound waves. The processor can execute program code stored on a non-transitory
storage
medium, such as ROM, a RAM or other memory device, to analyze the signals
corresponding
to the sound waves and to determine that a blow has occurred. Upon detection
of a blow, a
corresponding signal can be produced to turn off the light source 314 and/or
the entire
imitation candle device. The program code that is executed by the processor
can include an
algorithm that differentiates between captured sounds of blowing air and other
sounds such as
clapping or human conversation.
[0030] In some embodiments, the blow detection circuitry can be
implemented as a
separate component from other components of the PCB board 318. For example,
the blow
detection can be implemented using analog or digital circuits. In some
embodiments, to
facilitate the detection of a blow, the microphone 310 that is mounted is
coupled to an
amplifier to generate an AC signal above a predetermined threshold voltage
value (e.g., 200
mV), or a within a predetermined range of values (e.g., 200 mV to 3.5 V).
Whereas the sound
pressure/level due to a blow provides voltage values above such a threshold
(or within such
predetermined range of values), other sounds, such as a clapping sound,
detected by the
microphone can only generate an AC signal below the threshold value (e.g., at
20-100 mV), or
outside of the predetermined range of values that correspond to the detection
of the blow. The
resulting signal of the amplifier can be further coupled to a second stage
amplifier with a high
amplification factor (e.g., 100 to 300 times). In some implementations, the
second stage
amplifier is a capacitive coupling transistor amplifier that forms a square
wave that is provided
to the processor to shut down the candle device. If the captured sound wave
produces a signal
below the threshold, such a signal does not activate the second stage
amplifier (e.g., the
transistor amplifier), and thus the appropriate signal for shutting down the
candle device is not
generated. It should be noted that, in the above description, voltage values
are provided as
examples to facilitate the understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It is,
however,
understood that other measurements, such as measured current values, may be
used for
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identifying the blow, and/or different ranges of values may be used to
effectuate the
identification.
[0031] It should be noted the above description has been provided with
reference to an
imitation candle device with a moving flame element. It is, however,
understood that the use
of a microphone for blow detection can be implemented in other imitation
candle
configurations, such as those that utilize non-magnetic means for moving the
flame element, in
candle devices with a stationary flame element, or any other imitation candle
device that can
accommodate a microphone and the associated circuitry. Moreover, in some
applications, the
disclosed technology may be implanted as part of an imitation fireplace, an
imitation
candelabra, or other lighting fixtures. Further, in some implementations, a
device other than a
microphone, such as flow sensor, can be used to detect the blow.
[0032] As noted in connection with FIG. 1, the disclosed imitation candle
devices may
be equipped with a remote control device that enables control of various
candle functionalities
from a remote location. An exemplary remote control device 400 is shown in
FIG. 4(A).
Various buttons on the remote control device 400 enable a user to remotely
control various
features of one or more associated imitation candle devices. In particular, an
on-off button 402
allows the imitation candle device to be turned on or off remotely. The
brightness/dimness of
the candle device is controlled by two switches, 404(a) and 404(b), that are
positioned below
the on-off button 402, and the speed of the flickering and/or movement of the
candle's flame
element is controlled via switches 406(a) and 406(b). The remote control
device 400 further
includes one or more timer buttons 408 (e.g., 4-stage timer buttons) that
allow the imitation
candle device to operate for any one of several timed durations (e.g., a 4-
hour, a 6-hour, a 8-
hour or a 10-hour duration) before the candle device is automatically turned
off To activate
the timer operation, a user can, for example, press the central timer button
followed by the
desired duration button. The remote control device 400 can also include
additional buttons
(e.g., a candle selection button, a blow on-off activation button, a wireless
coupling button,
etc.) to enable additional operations and communications with one or more
imitation candle
devices.
[0033] FIG. 4(B) illustrates an exploded view of the components of the
exemplary
remote control device of FIG. 4(A). An upper cover 401 includes openings that
accommodate
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different buttons, such as a power button 403, a circular button 405 with quad
activation
sections and one or more timer buttons 407. A flexible layer 409 (such as a
silicone sheet)
with appropriate stiffness is positioned below the buttons on top of a PCB
board 411 that
includes electronic circuitry. The remote control device also includes a
negative side spring
413 and positive side spring 415 and screws 417. A microphone 419 is placed on
a
microphone board 429 to capture sounds and to generate electric signals
therefrom. The
remote control device may also includes a side cover 421 that allows (e.g.,
through a hole in
the side cover 421) an infrared receiver and/or transmitter to communicate
with another device.
A weight 423 may also be added, as needed, to assist with obtaining the
desired weight and/or
balance for the remote control device. The bottom cover 425 includes a battery
compartment
that accommodates one or more batteries and the corresponding battery cover
427.
[0034] As evident from FIG. 4(13), the remote control device includes a
microphone
419 and the corresponding circuit broad 429 that are used for capturing and
identifying a blow.
FIG. 4(C) illustrates an exemplary location of microphone hole on the top
cover of the remote
control device. Similar to the above description regarding the imitation
candle device, in some
embodiments, a user can blow at the remote control device in the vicinity of
the microphone
hole to control a functionality of the imitation candle device, such as to
turn the candle off.
[0035] FIG. 4(D) illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram associated with
the electrical
components of the remote control device. The circuit is powered (at VDD) using
a battery,
such as a CR2032 lithium button battery that supplies a voltage in the range
2.2 to 3.2 V to the
chip Ul. In some implementations, the chip Ul includes a microprocessor. It
is, however,
understood that the chip U1 may include, or be designed as, an FPGA, an ASIC,
a DSP, or
discrete circuit components. The chip Ul controls various operations of the
remote control
device, such as detecting that a switch (e.g., one of switches S1 to S10) has
been pressed. The
chip Ul includes an IRout pin that controls an infrared LED for transmitting
an infrared signal
to another device. The electric current from the battery is filtered by
capacitors Cl and C2 and
provided to the IR LED. A microphone (MIC1) is coupled to a two-stage
electronic circuitry,
notably transistors Q1 and Q2 and associated biasing and amplification
components (e.g.,
resistors R2-R5). In some embodiments, the chip Ul reaming in an idle
operating status when
a "high" voltage is present at an input pin that corresponds to a certain
functionality, such as an
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on/off functionality, a timing functionality, a brightness increase
functionality, a brightness
decrease functionality, a pause/slow/stop flame movement functionality, a
fluctuating/fast/start
flame movement functionality, a blow detection functionality, and so on. In
such
embodiments, the chip Ul waits until a low signal occurs. For example, when a
blow is
directed to the microphone hole of the remote control device, a sound a wave
having a certain
intensity or sound pressure is produced at the head of the microphone. In an
exemplary
embodiment, such a blow generates an AC signal of about 200 mV or more that is
subsequently amplified by 100-300 times, forming square waves that pull the
appropriate input
of the chip Ul to a low voltage value for a predetermined duration. As a
result, the infrared
transmitter is activated and a signal is transmitted to the candle device to
turn the candle off.
Implementing the blow detection circuits as a separate subsystem of the remote
control system
(as done in the exemplary diagram of FIG. 4(D)) allows the blow detection
capability to be
added to an existing remote control device without having to redesign the
internal circuits or
programming of the chip Ul. In addition, implementation of the blow detection
subsystem in
discrete components can allow faster detection speed since additional delays
due to processing
by the chip Ul are avoided. As noted earlier, the disclosed embodiments also
prevent
inadvertent activation of this feature based on background noises and unwanted
sounds. In
some embodiments, the blow detection circuitry and/or associated recognition
software
instructions can be adapted to cause a fluttering movement of the simulated
flame. For
example, if the strength of the detected blow is below a particular threshold
(e.g., a particular
voltage value), the blow can be identified as not being strong enough to
extinguish the
simulated flame. As such, the detection of such a blow can cause the intensity
and pattern of
illumination of the flame element to change to simulate a real candle that is
fluttering in the
wind.
[0036] It is
thus evident that, in one aspect of the disclosed technology, an imitation
candle device is provided that includes a body, a flame element protruding
from top of the
body, one or more light sources positioned to illuminate the flame element to
produce an
appearance of a true fire flame, a sensor positioned within the body to detect
a blow of air
directed at the imitation candle device, and electronic circuitry positioned
within the body to
receive electrical signals produced by the sensor and to modify an output
light of the one or
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more light sources in response to detection of the blow. In one exemplary
embodiment, the
sensor is a microphone that produces the electrical signals in response to
detection of an
acoustic wave. In another exemplary embodiment, the sensor is an air flow
sensor that
produces the electrical signals in response to detection of flowing air in the
vicinity of the air
flow sensor. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the imitation candle device
includes an
opening at a top section of the body in the vicinity of the flame element to
receive the blow of
air and to direct at least a portion of the blow to within the body.
[0037] According to another exemplary embodiment, the electronic circuitry
is
configured to differentiate the received electrical signals that are
associated with the blow of
air from the received electrical signals that are nor associated with the blow
of air. For
example, the received electrical signals that are not associated with the blow
of air can include
electrical signals associated with: an ambient noise, a clap, or a human
speech. In another
exemplary embodiment, the electronic circuitry includes a first stage
detection circuit coupled
to the sensor to receive the electrical signals produced by the sensor, and a
second stage
detection circuit having an input that is coupled to an output of the first
stage detection circuit.
The second stage detection circuit has an output that indicates the detection
of the blow in
response to receiving a voltage or a current value within a predetermined
range from the first
stage detection circuit. For example, the first stage detection circuit
produces an output in the
predetermined range upon detection of the electrical signals that correspond
to the blow, and
produces an output that is outside of the predetermined range upon detection
of the electrical
signals that do not correspond to the blow.
[0038] In still another exemplary embodiment, the electronic circuitry, in
response to
detection of the blow, turns off one or more of the light sources. In yet
another exemplary
embodiment, the electronic circuitry, in response to detection of the blow,
turns off the
imitation candle device. In some embodiments, the electronic circuitry is
configured to turn
off the imitation candle device in response to detection of the blow for a
predetermined
duration of time. In yet another embodiment, the imitation candle device
further includes a
touch sensitive component positioned on, or close to, an outer surface of the
body to sense a
touch and to produce an electrical signal in response to the detected touch
that turns the
imitation candle device, or the one or more of the light sources, on or off.
According to
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another exemplary embodiment, the touch sensitive component is shaped as an
annulus that
encircles the flame element.
[0039] In some exemplary embodiments, the imitation candle device further
includes a
remote control device that is configured to transmit a signal to the
electronic circuits to control
one or more operations of the imitation candle device. In one exemplary
embodiment, the
remote control device includes an electronic circuit board and a microphone
coupled to the
electronic circuit board. The microphone is positioned to intercept sounds
through an opening
on the remote control device, to produce an electrical signal in response to
the detected sounds,
and to provide the electrical signals to a component on the electronic circuit
board. For
example, the component on the electronic circuit board can includes a two-
stage detection
circuitry having an output that indicates the detection of a blow of air in
response to detecting a
voltage or a current value within a predetermined range.
[0040] In some exemplary embodiments, the remote control device further
comprises a
wireless transmission device that is activated to produce a signal for
transmission to a receiver
device within the body of the imitation candle device upon detection of the
output that
indicates the detection of a blow of air. For example, the wireless
transmission device can
include one or more of: an infrared transmission device, a Bluetooth
transmission device, or a
cellular transmission device.
[0041] In some embodiments, the remote control functionalities and features
are
implemented as a application on an electronic device, such as a smart phone, a
tablet, a laptop
or similar devices. Such an application enables different features to be
implemented in a user-
friendly manner on a graphical user interface (GUI), and further facilitates
the addition of new
features and/or improvements via software updates. FIGS. 5(A) to 5(C) provide
exemplary
user interface screens of one exemplary application. For example, as shown in
FIG. 5(A), the
application can determine as to whether or not a particular imitation candle
device is within the
range of communication, and provides an indication if the application is
unable to establish a
link with one or more candles. For example, such a link can be established via
Bluetooth. The
application further enables a user to select a particular candle device among
a plurality of
candle devices, as shown in FIG. 5(A)'s selection of Matrix Candle 1. As
further shown in
FIG. 5(A), once a particular candle device is selected, the user interface
allows the selected
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candle to be turned on or off by selecting the on-off button, and activating
the button as
needed.
[0042] FIG. 5(B) illustrates activation of additional functionalities
through the user
interface. In particular, in the exemplary user interface screen in FIG. 5(B),
the timer selection
option allows setting of a start time, an end time and repetition period. The
timer setting can
further be customized to activate the desired feature on particular days of
the week (e.g., by
clicking on or highlighting the particular day(s) of interest on the menu of
the user interface).
The remote application further allows the selection of an appropriate candle
light intensity by,
for example, clicking on one of the segments of the depicted light wheel. Such
a selection
allows adjustment of light intensity in order to, for example, accommodate
different moods
and/or different ambient lighting conditions. The movement of the flame
element can also be
controlled via the remote application, by, for example, selecting an amount of
flicker on a
sliding bar that ranges from full flicker to an appearance of a static flame.
Additional control
features (e.g., via a second sliding bar) may also be provided to control the
speed of flickering.
Upon selection of the appropriate level of light intensity and/or flame
movement, the
appropriate control signals are generated at the remote control device and
transmitted to the
imitation candle device. Upon reception of such control signals, the imitation
candle device
adjusts or activates/deactivates the selected features.
[0043] FIG. 5(C) illustrates additional exemplary operations and selection
capabilities
of the remote control application. For example, selection of an item on the
Main Menu (e.g.,
Home, Blow Out, news, Profile, About and Privacy) allows the user to navigate
through the
corresponding menu item. One feature of the disclosed remote application
enables the
selection of a group of candle devices. Such a group can, for example, be
formed by selecting
individual candle devices to be part of the group, and assigning a group name
(e.g., by typing a
desired group name). Once a group is formed, various functionalities of the
candle devices
within the group can be activated and/or adjusted. For example, as shown in
FIG. 5(C), group
timer selection, group time settings, group light intensity selection and
group flame movement
selection can be made in a similar manner as described in connection with an
individual candle
device. Additionally, if desired, a single disconnect button on the user
interface can sever
communications with all devices within the group or groups.
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100441 The blow on-off functionality can also be activated via the user
interface by
selection the Blow Out item on the main menu (see FIG. 5(C)). Once the blow
out
functionality on the remoted device is activated, the application can provide
a notification to
the user (see FIG. 5(D)) that the candle device can be turned off by blowing
into the
microphone of the electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone). The candle
application receives
the signals that are produced by the device's microphone, and upon detection
of the blow,
generates an appropriate signal for transmission to the candle device. The
candle device, upon
receiving the signal from the remote control device, turns the candle off. In
some
implementations, the blow is detected by processing the intensity and/or
pattern of data that is
received from the microphone to distinguish and prevent ambient or unwanted
sounds from
inadvertently generating a blow off signal. Such a processing can, for
example, include
correlation and pattern recognition operations that produce a match only when
a pattern and/or
intensity of a blow is detected. In some implementations, the detection of the
blow is carried
out cooperatively between the remote control device and the imitation candle
device.
[0045] In some embodiments, a variety of imitation candle devices (e.g.,
produced by
the same manufacturer) can be operated by a single multi-customized remote
control device
(e.g., a dedicated remote control device, such as the one illustrated in FIGS.
4(A) to 4(C), or
remote control implemented on an electronic device). The function buttons or
selections on the
remote control device allows a user to control different features of the
imitation candle device
(e.g., the brightness to dimness, fast to slow movement/flame, different hours
of timer) for each
of the imitation candle devices individually, or as a group. Such selectivity,
greatly enhances
the user's interactions with multiple devices, and enables detailed
customization of the desired
candle functions for candles that are located in different locations and
ambient conditions. In
one example, the remote control device is IR-based and can operate on multiple
frequencies.
In some embodiments, the remote control device is configured to ascertain
remote control
operating frequencies from other imitation candle products and devices_ and,
once obtained,
effectuate remote control of the functionalities of those devices. For
example, the remote
control device can attempt communicating with an unknown imitation candle
device at
different operating frequencies in a trial and error fashion until the unknown
imitation candle
device responds (e.g., turns off). In one example implementation, an infrared
remote control
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candle operates at 32 KHz frequency. In another example, the candle can accept
and receive a
plurality of codes (e.g., 1 through N) to identify particular candles (e.g.,
entered by a user).
Moreover, in some embodiments, a user may have a specific identification code
that identifies
a specific user.
10046] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a device 600 within which
some of the
disclosed embodiments may be implemented. The device 600 comprises at least
one processor
602 and/or controller, at least one memory 604 unit that is in communication
with the
processor 602, and at least one communication unit 606 that enables the
exchange of data and
information, directly or indirectly, through the communication link 608 with
other entities,
devices and networks. The communication unit 606 may provide wired and/or
wireless
communication capabilities in accordance with one or more communication
protocols, and
therefore it may comprise the proper transmitter/receiver (transceiver)
antennas, circuitry and
ports, as well as the encoding/decoding capabilities that may be necessary for
proper
transmission and/or reception of data and other information.
[0047] For example, the device 600 can facilitate implementation of an
imitation
candle system. Such a system includes an imitation candle device and a
portable electronic
device wirelessly coupled to the imitation candle device. The imitation candle
device includes
a body, a flame element protruding from top of the body, one or more light
sources positioned
to illuminate the flame element to produce an appearance of a true fire flame,
and electronic
circuitry to control at least an output of the one or more light sources. The
electronic circuitry
also includes a wireless receiver to receive wireless signals. The portable
electronic device
includes a display, a wireless transceiver, a processor, and a memory
including processor
executable code. The processor executable code, when executed by the
processor, configures
the portable electronic device to present a graphical user interface on the
display. The
graphical user display includes buttons or fields that allow activation of a
blow off feature of
the imitation candle device by blowing on the portable electronic device, and
activation one or
more of the following operations of the imitation candle device: a power-on or
power-off
operation, a selection of a particular imitation candle device, a selection of
a timer feature, a
setting of a timer value, a selection of a light intensity level, an
adjustment of a light intensity
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level, a selection of a movement of the flame element, a setting of a level of
movement of the
flame clement, or a selection of a group of imitation candle devices.
[0048] In one exemplary embodiment, the portable electronic device further
includes a
microphone. In this embodiment, the processor executable code, when executed
by the
processor, configures the portable electronic device to, upon activation of
the blow off feature
on the electronic device, detect an intensity or pattern of electrical signals
produced by the
microphone that correspond to a blow of air, and to activate the wireless
transceiver of the
electronic device to transmit a signal to the imitation candle device to allow
the imitation
candle device to be turned off. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor
executable
code, when executed by the processor, configures the wireless transceiver to,
upon selection of
the particular imitation candle device, transmit a signal to the particular
imitation candle device
to establish a wireless connection with the particular imitation candle
device. In some
embodiments, the wireless transceiver can be configured to operate according
to a Bluetooth or
a cellular wireless communication protocol.
[0049] In some embodiments, the above noted system includes one or more
additional
imitation candle devices. In such embodiments, the processor executable code,
when executed
by the processor, configures the portable electronic device to, upon the
selection of a group
comprising more than one imitation candle device, transmit command signals to
conduct
identical operations on all imitation candle devices in the group. For
example, the command
signals can include one or more of: an indication to change light intensity
levels, an indication
to change movement level of flame elements, an indication to change set timer
values, an
indication to turn off all imitation candle devices, or an indication to
disconnect all imitation
candle devices.
[0050] In one exemplary embodiment, the portable electronic device is one
of a smart
phone, a table device, or a laptop computer. In another exemplary embodiment,
the imitation
candle device further includes a magnetic drive, and a magnetic element
coupled to a bottom
section of the flame element that interacts with the magnetic drive to cause
movement of the
flame element. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the processor executable
code, when
executed by the processor, configures the portable electronic device to, upon
the selection of a
movement of the flame element and setting of the movement to a particular
level, transmit a
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signal to the imitation candle device to cause a change in amount of movement
of the flame
element.
[0051] Some of the embodiments described herein are described in the
general context
of methods or processes, which may be implemented in one embodiment by a
computer
program product, embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computer-
executable
instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in networked
environments. A
computer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storage
devices
including, but not limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory
(RAM),
compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVD), etc. Therefore, the
computer-readable
media can include a non-transitory storage media. Generally, program modules
may include
routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform
particular tasks or
implement particular abstract data types. Computer- or processor-executable
instructions,
associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program
code for
executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of
such executable
instructions or associated data structures represents examples of
corresponding acts for
implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.
[0052] Some of the disclosed embodiments can be implemented as devices or
modules
using hardware circuits, software, or combinations thereof. For example, a
hardware circuit
implementation can include discrete analog and/or digital components that are,
for example,
integrated as part of a printed circuit board. Alternatively, or additionally,
the disclosed
components or modules can be implemented as an Application Specific Integrated
Circuit
(ASIC) and/or as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) device. Some
implementations
may additionally or alternatively include a digital signal processor (DSP)
that is a specialized
microprocessor with an architecture optimized for the operational needs of
digital signal
processing associated with the disclosed functionalities of this application.
Similarly, the
various components or sub-components within each module may be implemented in
software,
hardware or firmware. The connectivity between the modules and/or components
within the
modules may be provided using any one of the connectivity methods and media
that is known
in the art, including, but not limited to, communications over the Internet,
wired, or wireless
networks using the appropriate protocols.
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[0053] The
foregoing description of embodiments has been presented for purposes of
illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be
exhaustive or to
limit embodiments to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and
variations are possible
in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various
embodiments. The
embodiments discussed herein were chosen and described in order to explain the
principles and
the nature of various embodiments and its practical application to enable one
skilled in the art
to utilize the various embodiments and with various modifications as are
suited to the
particular use contemplated. The features of the embodiments described herein
may be
combined in all possible combinations of methods, apparatus, modules, systems,
and computer
program products.
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