11111111111111111111111111111111101g111911111111111111111111111111
`5,924,784
`5,924,784
`Jul. 20, 1999
`Jul. 20, 1999
`
`US005924784A
`[11] Patent Number: (cid:9)
`Patent Number:
`[11]
`[45] Date of Patent: (cid:9)
`Date of Patent:
`[45]
`
`United States Patent [19]
`United States Patent
`[19]
`Chliwnyj et al. (cid:9)
`Chliwnyj et al.
`
`[54]
`[54] MICROPROCESSOR BASED SIMULATED
`MICROPROCESSOR BASED SIMULATED
`ELECTRONIC FLAME
`ELECTRONIC FLAME
`
`Inventors: Alex Chliwnyj; Tanya D. Chliwnyj,
`[76]
`[76] Inventors: Alex Chliwnyj; Tanya D. Chliwnyj,
`both of 6380 N. Yuma Mine Rd.,
`both of 6380 N. Yuma Mine Rd.,
`Tucson, Ariz. 85743
`Tucson, AriZ. 85743
`
`(cid:9) (cid:9)
`
`Appl. No.: 08/698,042
`[21] Appl. No.: 08/698,042
`Filed:
`Aug. 15, 1996
`[22] Filed: (cid:9)
`Aug. 15, 1996
`
`Related US. Application Data
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`[60] Provisional application No. 60/002,547, Aug. 21, 1995.
`Provisional application No. 60/002,547, Aug. 21, 1995.
`
`[51] Int. C1.6
` F21V 33/00; H05B 37/04
`Int. Cl.6 .......................... .. F21V 33/00; H05B 37/04
`[52] U.S. Cl.
` 362/234; 362/253; 362/184;
`US. Cl. ........................ .. 362/234; 362/253; 362/184;
`362/154; 52/128; 52/133; 315/86; 315/324;
`362/154; 52/128; 52/133; 315/86; 315/324;
`307/64
`307/64
`[58]
`[58] Field of Search (cid:9)
` 52/103, 104, 128,
`Field of Search ............................ .. 52/103, 104, 128,
`52/129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134; 362/251,
`52/129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134; 362/251,
`183, 191, 802, 121, 807, 132, 184, 806,
`183, 191, 802, 121, 807, 132, 184, 806,
`800, 307, 310, 311, 145, 153, 153.1, 190,
`800, 307, 310, 311, 145, 153, 153.1, 190,
`234, 154, 253; 40/428; 307/48, 64; 315/86,
`234, 154, 253; 40/428; 307/48, 64; 315/86,
`324, 323, 294, 224, 56, 58, 71
`324, 323, 294, 224, 56, 58, 71
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1,794,109 2/1931 Eckert (cid:9)
` 362/132
`1,794,109
`2/1931 Eckert ................................... .. 362/132
`2,240,334 4/1941 Kayatt (cid:9)
` 362/806
`2,240,334
`4/1941 Kayatt ..... ..
`362/806
`2,427,655 9/1947 Blankenship (cid:9)
` 362/35
`2,427,655
`9/1947 Blankenship ..
`.... .. 362/35
`3,710,182 1/1973 Van Reenen (cid:9)
` 315/199
`3,710,182
`1/1973 Van Reenen .......................... .. 315/199
`4,324,026 4/1982 Craft (cid:9)
` 27/1
`4,324,026
`4/1982 Craft ........................................... .. 27/1
`4,383,244 5/1983 Knauff (cid:9)
` 340/321
`4,383,244
`5/1983 Knauff ..
`340/321
`4,453,201 6/1984 Prouty (cid:9)
` 362/311
`4,453,201
`6/1984 Prouty
`362/311
`4,492,896 (cid:9)
`1/1985 Jullien (cid:9)
` 315/153
`4,492,896
`1/1985 Jullien
`.. 315/153
`4,510,556 4/1985 Johnson (cid:9)
` 362/184
`4,510,556
`4/1985 Johnson
`362/184
`4,605,882 8/1986 DeLuca (cid:9)
` 315/158
`4,605,882
`8/1986 DeLuca ................................. .. 315/158
`4,777,408 10/1988 DeLuca (cid:9)
` 315/158
`4,777,408 10/1988 DeLuca ....... ..
`315/158
`4,839,780 6/1989 Chuan et al. (cid:9)
` 362/265
`4,839,780
`6/1989 Chuan et al. .
`362/265
`4,866,580 9/1989 Blackerby (cid:9)
` 362/802
`4,866,580
`9/1989 Blackerby
`362/802
`4,870,325 9/1989 Kazar (cid:9)
` 315/178
`4,870,325
`9/1989 KaZar
`315/178
`5,013,972 5/1991 Malkieli et al. (cid:9)
` 315/209 R
`5,013,972
`5/1991 Malkieli et al.
`315/209 R
`5,030,890 7/1991 Johnson (cid:9)
` 315/208
`5,097,180 3/1992 Ignon et al. (cid:9)
` 315/200 A
`5,097,180
`3/1992 Ignon et al. ...................... .. 315/200 A
`
`5,030,890
`
`7/1991 Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . .
`
`. . . . . . .. 315/208
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Biodan & LP, Inc. Advertisement, New York and Toronto.
`Biodan & LP, Inc. Advertisement, NeW York and Toronto.
`HeWlett Packard, “High PoWer AlINGaP Amber and Red
`Hewlett Packard, "High Power A1INGaP Amber and Red-
`dish—Orange Lamps”, Technical Data, pp. 3—24 —3—29.
`dish-Orange Lamps", Technical Data, pp. 3-24 -3-29.
`Andreycak, B., “Elegantly Simple Off—Line Bias Supply for
`Andreycak, B., "Elegantly Simple Off-Line Bias Supply for
`Very LoW PoWer Applictions”, Application Note U—149, pp.
`Very Low Power Applictions", Application Note U-149, pp.
`1—11, Integrated Circuits, Unitrode Corporation, 1994.
`1-11, Integrated Circuits, Unitrode Corporation, 1994.
`“Off—line PoWer Supply Controller”, pp. 1—6, Integrated
`"Off-line Power Supply Controller", pp. 1-6, Integrated
`Circits, Unitrode, Feb. 1995.
`Circits, Unitrode, Feb. 1995.
`
`Primary Examiner—Laura Tso
`Primary Examiner-Laura Tso
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Robert Platt Bell & Associates,
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Robert Platt Bell & Associates,
`P.C.
`PC.
`
`[57]
`[57] (cid:9)
`
`ABSTRACT
`ABSTRACT
`
`Electronic lighting devices that simulate a realistic flame are
`Electronic lighting devices that simulate a realistic ?ame are
`disclosed. The preferred embodiment has a plurality of
`disclosed. The preferred embodiment has a plurality of
`lighting elements in a plurality of colors which are modu-
`lighting elements in a plurality of colors Which are modu
`lated in intensity by a control circuit with a stored program.
`lated in intensity by a control circuit With a stored program.
`The control program includes stored amplitude Waveforms
`The control program includes stored amplitude waveforms
`for the generation of a realistic flame simulation. The
`for the generation of a realistic ?ame simulation. The
`program further contains random elements to keep the flame
`program further contains random elements to keep the ?ame
`constantly changing. The control circuit has built in poWer
`constantly changing. The control circuit has built in power
`management functions that can control the mean intensity of
`management functions that can control the mean intensity of
`the simulated flame based on some power management
`the simulated ?ame based on some poWer management
`budget With the ability to measure the charge/discharge
`budget with the ability to measure the charge/discharge
`duration of the power source, when used with a rechargeable
`duration of the poWer source, When used With a rechargeable
`power source. The currents to the individual lighting ele-
`poWer source. The currents to the individual lighting ele
`ments are selectable from a set of discrete quantization
`ments are selectable from a set of discrete quantization
`values. Tables of amplitude modulated time waveforms are
`values. Tables of amplitude modulated time Waveforms are
`stored in the microprocessor memory, from which the real
`stored in the microprocessor memory, from Which the real
`time control data streams for the individual lighting ele-
`time control data streams for the individual lighting ele
`ments are synthesized. By using these stored Waveforms
`ments are synthesized. By using these stored waveforms
`many different flame modes can be simulated. Effects such
`many different ?ame modes can be simulated. Effects such
`as a random gust of wind and other disturbances are inserted
`as a random gust of Wind and other disturbances are inserted
`into the flame simulation from time to time. After a simu-
`into the ?ame simulation from time to time. After a simu
`lated disturbance the simulated flame settles back into more
`lated disturbance the simulated ?ame settles back into more
`of a steady state condition just like a real flame does. The net
`of a steady state condition just like a real ?ame does. The net
`result is that the simulated flame is a slowly changing series
`result is that the simulated ?ame is a sloWly changing series
`of patterns resulting in soothing and calming effects upon the
`of patterns resulting in soothing and calming effects upon the
`viewer.
`vieWer.
`
`(List continued on next page.)
`(List continued on neXt page.)
`
`47 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
`47 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
`
`2
`
`60
`
`LEDs
`
`62a
`
`59
`
`63
`
`64
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1005 Page 1
`
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`

`
`5,924,784
`5,924,784
`Page 2
`Page 2
`
`,
`
`,
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`362/86
`5 174 645 12/1992 Ch
`362/86
`
`5,174,645
`12/1992 Chung (cid:9)
`__ 362/183
`572527893 10/1993 Chacham et aL
`362/183
`
`5,252,893
`10/1993 (cid:9) Chacham et al. (cid:9)
`" 362/183
`572557170 10/1993 Plamp et a1'
`362/183
`
`5,255,170
`10/1993 (cid:9) Plamp et al. (cid:9)
`315/291
`
`5,264,761
`11/1993 (cid:9)
`Johnson (cid:9)
`__ 315/291
`5,264,761 11/1993 Johnson
`5,294,865
`3/1994 Haraden (cid:9)
`
`315/58
`5,294,865
`3/1994 Haraden .................................. .. 315/58
`
`ung ..................................... ..
`
`315/323
`
`Schaedel (cid:9)
`5/1994
`5,317,238
`5/1994 Schaedel ............................... .. 315/323
`5,317,238
`1/1995
`5,379,200
`Echard (cid:9)
`
`362/183
`1/1995 Echard .................................. .. 362/183
`5,379,200
`10/1995
`5,463,280
`Johnson (cid:9)
`
`315/187
`5,463,280 10/1995 Johns6n ................................ .. 315/187
`5,564,816
`10/1996
`Arcadia et al. (cid:9)
`
`362/191
`5,564,816 10/1996 Arcadla CI 8.1. ....................... .. 362/191
`5,575,459
`11/1996
`Anderson (cid:9)
`
`362/800
`5,575,459 11/1996 Anderson .............................. .. 362/800
`5,655,830
`8/1997
`Ruskouski (cid:9)
`
`362/800
`5,655,830
`8/1997 Ruskouski ............................. .. 362/800
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1005 Page 2
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`
`Jul. 20, 1999 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 1 of 12 (cid:9)
`
`5,924,784
`
`C° CA) CA3 AC") CO
`
`"0 rn
`
`CO
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1005 Page 3
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 20, 1999
`Jul. 20, 1999 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 2 0f 12
`Sheet 2 of 12 (cid:9)
`
`5,924,784
`5,924,784
`
`wow.‘
`
`2
`0
`
`N 95mm
`
`cc
`o
`6w
`
`c co 0Lu
`0
`m o
`cc 0
`
`mOwwmOOmm
`“E950
`
`.EDOEO
`
`ww
`
`CC —I
`< I-U
`---I Z
`0 <
`CO 0-
`
`•(cid:9)
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1005 Page 4
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 20, 1999
`Jul. 20, 1999
`
`Sheet 3 0f 12
`Sheet 3 of 12
`
`5,924,784
`5,924,784
`
`32
`
`Figure 3
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1005 Page 5
`
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`

`
`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 20, 1999
`Jul. 20, 1999 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 4 0f 12
`Sheet 4 of 12 (cid:9)
`
`5,924,784
`5,924,784
`
`27
`
`Figure 4
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1005 Page 6
`
`

`
`I
`I
`I
`
`1
`1
`
`I (cid:9)
`
`I (cid:9)
`
`II
`i l r-,
`-1 r - (cid:9)
`I-- (cid:9)
`LI 1.1 (cid:9)
`.J L.
`LI LI
`• Iis
`"1 r -
`',*1 r",
`r -
`I-4 I-- (cid:9)
`I (cid:9)
`I-4 I-2 (cid:9)
`I (cid:9)
`-J L.
`1.2
`I
`I (cid:9) n (. 1
`I (cid:9)
`"1 I"'
`r -,
`-1 r-
`II ‘‘ I I ,f1
`11
`II 1 4 V
`---ske 1 1 I (cid:9)
`II
`I
`II (cid:9) III (cid:9)
`II
`11 I I I (cid:9)
`II (cid:9)
`I I I (cid:9)
`11
`11 1-1 I (cid:9)
`II
`I1 (cid:9)
`i I (cid:9)
`II
`II (cid:9)
`I
`
`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 20, 1999
`Jul. 20, 1999
`
`Sheet 5 0f 12
`Sheet 5 of 12 (cid:9)
`
`5,924,784
`5,924,784
`
`60
`
`I •
`n
`
`I (cid:9)
`I (cid:9)
`I (cid:9)
`
`I (cid:9)
`
`59
`
`II
`II (cid:9) _I I (cid:9)
`II I I I (cid:9)
`11
`II I I I (cid:9)
`II
`II I I I (cid:9)
`II
`II
`11 1 I I (cid:9)
`II I 11 II
`11 (cid:9)
`II
`j 1 (cid:9)
`
`Figure 5
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1005 Page 7
`
`(cid:9)
`

`
`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 20, 1999
`Jul. 20, 1999
`
`Sheet 6 of 12 (cid:9)
`Sheet 6 0f 12
`
`5,924,784
`5,924,784
`
`38
`
`LEDS
`
`39
`
`,1-” ............ "w
`
`48
`
`Figure 6
`Figure 6
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1005 Page 8
`
`(cid:9)
`

`
`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 20, 1999 (cid:9)
`Jul. 20, 1999
`
`Sheet 7 of 12 (cid:9)
`Sheet 7 0f 12
`
`5,924,784
`5,924,784
`
`58b,c,d
`
`55C
`co a)
`
`L.r)
`
`54a
`
`5699
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1005 Page 9
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 20, 1999
`Jul. 20, 1999
`
`Sheet 8 0f 12
`Sheet 8 of 12
`
`5,924,784
`5,924,784
`
`.-----.. (cid:9) 49
`
`INIIIIINIMINI.
`
`/ 50
`
`(—}
`50
`
`Figure 8
`Figure 8
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1005 Page 10
`
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`

`
`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 20, 1999 (cid:9)
`Jul. 20, 1999
`
`Sheet 9 of 12 (cid:9)
`Sheet 9 0f 12
`
`5,924,784
`5,924,784
`
`51
`
`53
`
`52
`
`LED's
`/ALED'S
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`J
`
`mliln 11=.11, IIIMOM
`
`I (cid:9)
`I (cid:9)
`I (cid:9)
`I (cid:9)
`I (cid:9)
`I (cid:9)
`1_ I (cid:9)
`.....„...._ (cid:9)
`
`(cid:9)1
`I
`I
`
`I
`I (cid:9)
`I (cid:9)
`I
`------J1
`I
`
`• •
`1 (cid:9)
`1
`1
`1
`11
`1 1
`
`• •
`1 (cid:9)
`1
`1
`1
`11
`1 1
`
`%1
`i ,1
`
`1 (cid:9) i
`
`• •
`1 (cid:9)
`1
`
`# n (cid:9)
`
`1
`
`1 (cid:9)
`
`1
`
`1111
`
`111 1 1 (cid:9) i
`
`Figure 9
`Figure 9
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1005 Page 11
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 20, 1999
`Jul. 20, 1999 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 10 0f 12
`Sheet 10 of 12 (cid:9)
`
`5,924,784
`5,924,784
`
`MAIN
`LOOP
`
`IF FLAG SET FROM
`IF FLAG SET FROM
`PWM, THEN STEP
`PWM, THEN STEP
`EACH INDIVIDUAL
`EACH INDIVIDUAL
`LIGHT.
`LIGHT.
`
`IF COUNTER FOR
`IF COUNTER FOR
`DELAY.G'T.DELAYmax,
`DELAY.GT. DELAYmax,
`THEN CHECK IF ALL
`THEN CHECK IF ALL
`LEDs CHANGE
`LEDS CHANGE
`REQUESTED = 0.
`REQUESTED = O.
`
`I
`
`IF ALL CHANGE
`IF ALL CHANGE
`REQUESTED = 0,
`REQUESTED = 0,
`THEN UPDATE
`THEN UPDATE
`REQUESTED
`REQUESTED
`PARAMETERS.
`PARAMETERS.
`
`I
`
`IF RANDOMIZE
`IF RANDOMIZE
`ALLOWED COUNT.GT.
`ALLOWED COUNT.GT.
`LIMIT, THEN
`LIMIT, THEN
`SET RANDOMIZE
`SET RANDOMIZE
`MODE.
`MODE.
`
`Figure 10
`Figure 10
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1005 Page 12
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 20, 1999
`Jul. 20, 1999 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 11 0f 12
`Sheet 11 of 12 (cid:9)
`
`5,924,784
`5,924,784
`
`INCREMENT
`INCREMENT
`PWM COUNTER
`PWM COUNTER
`
`SOFTWARE PWM
`SOFTWARE PWM
`FOR EACH LED
`FOR EACH LED
`
`Y
`IF PWM COUNTER.GT.
`IF PWM COUNTER.GT.
`NUMBER OF PWMmax,
`NUMBER OF PWMmax,
`THEN PWM COUNT = 0
`THEN PWM COUNT = 0
`SET FLAG.
`SET FLAG.
`
`Figure 11
`Figure 11
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1005 Page 13
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent (cid:9)
`
`Jul. 20, 1999 (cid:9)
`
`Sheet 12 of 12 (cid:9)
`
`5,924,784
`
`. (cid:9)
`
`• (cid:9)
`
`• (cid:9)
`
`C
`.E"
`. 0 co
`w .—
`_1 25
`
`'T • - (cid:9)
`0 (cid:9)
`..+C" (cid:9)
`Z. (cid:9)
`CD a) En a) (cid:9)
`w .c w T.-. (cid:9)
`__I xa _i .0 (cid:9)
`
`SINE TABLE
`
`X
`Lis
`0 z
`
`O
`V)
`5
`a
`
`z
`Zi 0
`2 —1 0
`
`0
`cc cc
`°3 ww
`z z }--
`< D w <
`cc z0
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1005 Page 14
`
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`

`
`1
`1
`MICROPROCESSOR BASED SIMULATED
`MICROPROCESSOR BASED SIMULATED
`ELECTRONIC FLAME
`ELECTRONIC FLAME
`
`5,924,784
`5,924,784
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`APPLICATIONS
`This application claims priority from Provisional U.S.
`This application claims priority from Provisional U.S.
`Application Ser. No. 60/002,547, ?led Aug. 21, 1995 and
`Application Ser. No. 60/002,547, filed Aug. 21, 1995 and
`incorporated herein by reference.
`incorporated herein by reference.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The invention described herein is related generally to
`The invention described herein is related generally to
`electrical lighting apparatuses, and is related more speci?
`electrical lighting apparatuses, and is related more specifi-
`cally to decorative electrical lighting devices Which simulate
`cally to decorative electrical lighting devices which simulate
`candles or other natural flames.
`candles or other natural ?ames.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`There are a number of previously known lighting devices
`There are a number of previously knoWn lighting devices
`which are designed to simulate flames or candles. An
`Which are designed to simulate ?ames or candles. An
`eXample of a simple gas discharge lamp With parallel plates
`example of a simple gas discharge lamp with parallel plates
`involves no electronics. In this system the neon gas glows
`involves no electronics. In this system the neon gas gloWs
`with an orange color and the light bulb flickers. This suffers
`With an orange color and the light bulb ?ickers. This suffers
`from a low light output as well as a rapid unrealistic flicker
`from a loW light output as Well as a rapid unrealistic ?icker
`effect, as it is difficult to control the flicker rate.
`effect, as it is dif?cult to control the ?icker rate.
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,839,780, issued to Chuan et al., teaches a
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,839,780, issued to Chuan et al., teaches a
`simulative candle involving an electric neon bulb powered
`simulative candle involving an electric neon bulb poWered
`by an astable DC-to-DC power supply which causes the bulb
`by an astable DC-to-DC poWer supply Which causes the bulb
`to flicker.
`to ?icker.
`Another eXample of electrically-simulated candle ?ames
`Another example of electrically-simulated candle flames
`uses incandescent lamps. The lamps can have one or more
`uses incandescent lamps. The lamps can have one or more
`filaments that are caused to glow with some manner of
`?laments that are caused to gloW With some manner of
`modulation or flickering.
`modulation or ?ickering.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,180, issued to Ignon et al., teaches a
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,180, issued to Ignon et al., teaches a
`?ickering candle lamp Which uses multiple independent
`flickering candle lamp which uses multiple independent
`analog oscillators With the Weighted outputs summed
`analog oscillators with the weighted outputs summed
`together to cause the filament of a single electric bulb to
`together to cause the ?lament of a single electric bulb to
`flicker.
`?icker.
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,556, issued to Johnson, teaches an
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,556, issued to Johnson, teaches an
`electronic candle apparatus using a digital shift register to
`electronic candle apparatus using a digital shift register to
`create pseudo-random pulse trains to drive a set of 3
`create pseudo-random pulse trains to drive a set of 3
`vertically spaced lamps producing varying average bright
`vertically spaced lamps producing varying average bright-
`ness: The bulb at the bottom is the brightest and the bulb at
`ness: The bulb at the bottom is the brightest and the bulb at
`the top has the least average brightness.
`the top has the least average brightness.
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,492,896, issued to Jullien, teaches a coin
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,492,896, issued to Jullien, teaches a coin
`operated electronic candle system comprising an array of
`operated electronic candle system comprising an array of
`simulated candles, each of which uses a light bulb with a
`simulated candles, each of Which uses a light bulb With a
`single filament that is caused to flicker.
`single ?lament that is caused to ?icker.
`These last inventions use incandescent light bulbs which
`These last inventions use incandescent light bulbs Which
`require high poWer and give off heat. The life of the bulb is
`require high power and give off heat. The life of the bulb is
`shortened by the heating and cooling of the ?lament caused
`shortened by the heating and cooling of the filament caused
`by the on and off ?ickering. The single ?lament devices also
`by the on and off flickering. The single filament devices also
`suffer from a lack of motion in the simulated flame.
`suffer from a lack of motion in the simulated ?ame.
`Other known electronically simulated candles use light
`Other knoWn electronically simulated candles use light
`emitting diodes (LEDs) in place of lamps. For example, U.S.
`emitting diodes (LEDs) in place of lamps. For example, U.S.
`Pat. No. 5,013,972, issued to Malkieli et al., teaches a
`Pat. No. 5,013,972, issued to Malkieli et al., teaches a
`dual-powered flickering light which use a flip flop or mul-
`dual-poWered ?ickering light Which use a ?ip ?op or mul
`tivibrator to alternately pulse a pair of light emitting diodes
`tivibrator to alternately pulse a pair of light emitting diodes
`on and off to simulate a candle flame.
`on and off to simulate a candle ?ame.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,170, issued to Plamp et al., teaches an
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,170, issued to Plamp et al., teaches an
`illuminated memorial comprising a lucite cross for continu-
`illuminated memorial comprising a lucite cross for continu
`ous illumination at night using a single red LED, which is
`ous illumination at night using a single red LED, Which is
`poWered by rechargeable batteries. The batteries are
`powered by rechargeable batteries. The batteries are
`rechargeable with a solar cell.
`rechargeable With a solar cell.
`Other devices use LEDs that are flashing to simulate
`Other devices use LEDs that are ?ashing to simulate
`electronic candles. The LEDs are typically of a single color,
`electronic candles. The LEDs are typically of a single color,
`and use repetitive and very limited simulated pattern.
`and use repetitive and very limited simulated pattern.
`
`5
`
`10 (cid:9)
`10
`
`25
`25
`
`3
`30
`
`2
`2
`The discussed prior-art electronic flame or candle simu-
`The discussed prior-art electronic ?ame or candle simu
`lations cover a range of known approaches to electronic
`lations cover a range of knoWn approaches to electronic
`simulation of flames or candles. The utilized circuits, some
`simulation of ?ames or candles. The utiliZed circuits, some
`having a simulated flicker, typically result in a flame simu-
`having a simulated ?icker, typically result in a ?ame simu
`lation that appears static or repetitive after a very short time
`lation that appears static or repetitive after a very short time
`of observation due to the limited pattern length and the lack
`of observation due to the limited pattern length and the lack
`of variety. The prior-art flame or candle simulations may not
`of variety. The prior-art ?ame or candle simulations may not
`be relaxing or soothing to a viewer because of their fatiguing
`be relaxing or soothing to a vieWer because of their fatiguing
`vieWing patterns.
`viewing patterns.
`Even With multiple lighting elements, prior art ?ame or
`Even with multiple lighting elements, prior art flame or
`candle simulations fail to realistically simulate the random
`candle simulations fail to realistically simulate the random-
`ness of a flame, especially when viewed over a length of
`ness of a ?ame, especially When vieWed over a length of
`time. Some of these previously known devices rely on a
`time. Some of these previously knoWn devices rely on a
`“?icker” effect by pseudo-randomly turning on and off the
`"flicker" effect by pseudo-randomly turning on and off the
`lighting elements. This knoWn simulation approach typically
`lighting elements. This known simulation approach typically
`15
`yields ?ickers With a noticeable repetitive pattern. The
`is yields flickers with a noticeable repetitive pattern. The
`devices also typically suffer from a limited number of
`devices also typically suffer from a limited number of
`discrete intensity levels, with some having as few as two, on
`discrete intensity levels, With some having as feW as tWo, on
`and off. Yet, other devices which use an analog circuitry
`and off. Yet, other devices Which use an analog circuitry
`often suffer from an absence of flicker randomness.
`often suffer from an absence of ?icker randomness.
`20 (cid:9) What is then needed is an electronic flame or candle
`20
`What is then needed is an electronic ?ame or candle
`simulation With time-changing simulated ?ame patterns,
`simulation with time-changing simulated flame patterns,
`possibly including color patterns, to better engender sooth
`possibly including color patterns, to better engender sooth-
`ing and visually pleasing lighting effects.
`ing and visually pleasing lighting effects.
`SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE
`SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE
`INVENTION
`INVENTION
`A microprocessor-based simulated electronic flame uses
`A microprocessor-based simulated electronic ?ame uses
`multiple LEDs that are controlled to give the appearance of
`multiple LEDs that are controlled to give the appearance of
`?ame motion, typically When vieWed through a diffuser. It is
`flame motion, typically when viewed through a diffuser. It is
`the plurality of lights that alloWs simulated ?ame motion.
`the plurality of lights that allows simulated flame motion.
`Additionally the use of a plurality of colors also enhances
`Additionally the use of a plurality of colors also enhances
`the effect of motion.
`the effect of motion.
`With the microprocessor-based ?ame simulation, bright
`With the microprocessor-based flame simulation, bright-
`ness of the simulated flame may be enhanced. Pulse width
`ness of the simulated ?ame may be enhanced. Pulse Width
`35 modulation of LED currents tends to broaden the spectrum
`modulation of LED currents tends to broaden the spectrum
`35
`of the LEDs. This leads to an increased apparent brightness
`of the LEDs. This leads to an increased apparent brightness
`of the ?ame. Super BriteTM light emitting diodes (Super
`of the flame. Super BriteTM light emitting diodes (Super
`BriteTM LEDs), Which may be supplied by high-poWer
`BriteTM LEDs), which may be supplied by high-power
`AlInGaP amber and reddish-range LED lamps, have a wider
`AlInGaP amber and reddish-range LED lamps, have a Wider
`40 spectrum than other LEDs. Super BriteTM LEDs may also
`spectrum than other LEDs. Super BriteTM LEDs may also
`40
`enhance the flame motion due to color changes.
`enhance the ?ame motion due to color changes.
`The microprocessor operation alloWs precise control of
`The microprocessor operation allows precise control of
`the simulation without the typical tolerances found in an
`the simulation Without the typical tolerances found in an
`analog implementation. Among other effects, the simulated
`analog implementation. Among other effects, the simulated
`?ame avoids the typical jarring or unpleasant visual effects
`45 flame avoids the typical jarring or unpleasant visual effects
`45
`that can arise from beat frequencies such as those found in
`that can arise from beat frequencies such as those found in
`a system using independent oscillators summed together. By
`a system using independent oscillators summed together. By
`using a microprocessor the flame simulation may appear to
`using a microprocessor the ?ame simulation may appear to
`be a natural random process, not achievable by a simple
`be a natural random process, not achievable by a simple
`analog circuitry. A controlled complete simulation achieves
`50 analog circuitry. A controlled complete simulation achieves
`50
`some very pleasing, soothing, and almost mesmeriZing
`some very pleasing, soothing, and almost mesmerizing
`visual effects.
`visual effects.
`The objects of the invention are described below. The
`The objects of the invention are described beloW. The
`specific embodiments of the invention may incorporate one
`speci?c embodiments of the invention may incorporate one
`55 or more of electrical power sources, including a recharge-
`or more of electrical poWer sources, including a recharge
`55
`able power source.
`able poWer source.
`The general object and purpose of the present invention is
`The general object and purpose of the present invention is
`to provide neW and improved decorative lighting devices,
`to provide new and improved decorative lighting devices,
`each capable of simulating changing ?ame patterns, Which
`each capable of simulating changing flame patterns, which
`?ame patterns differ from simply repetitive ?ickering, to
`60 flame patterns differ from simply repetitive flickering, to
`60
`engender comfortable and soothing visual effects to a
`engender comfortable and soothing visual effects to a
`viewer.
`vieWer.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`flame simulation which may have a variety of decorative,
`?ame simulation Which may have a variety of decorative,
`memorial, and ornamental lighting applications, the princi
`65 memorial, and ornamental lighting applications, the princi-
`65
`pal applications being in memorial and religious applica
`pal applications being in memorial and religious applica-
`tions.
`tions.
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1005 Page 15
`
`

`
`5,924,784
`5,924,784
`
`0 2
`
`25
`25 (cid:9)
`
`4
`4
`embedding a solar-powered candle into a granite or bronze
`embedding a solar-poWered candle into a granite or bronZe
`marker for use in a cemetery.
`marker for use in a cemetery.
`It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
`It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
`?ame-pattern simulation device for relaxation, Which ?ame
`flame-pattern simulation device for relaxation, which flame
`5 pattern a user may control by using a simple user interface.
`pattern a user may control by using a simple user interface.
`It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
`It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
`lighting apparatus Which includes, in a single unit, multiple
`lighting apparatus which includes, in a single unit, multiple
`lighting elements Which are arranged and independently
`lighting elements which are arranged and independently
`modulated in intensity to simulate a gas turbulence in a
`modulated in intensity to simulate a gas turbulence in a
`10
`10 flame. Different parts of the flame may be varied at different
`?ame. Different parts of the ?ame may be varied at different
`frequencies, yet the whole flame pattern may have an overall
`frequencies, yet the Whole ?ame pattern may have an overall
`controlled pattern, simulating both a gas turbulence and a
`controlled pattern, simulating both a gas turbulence and a
`random disturbance of a steady ?ame. Multiple light sources
`random disturbance of a steady flame. Multiple light sources
`may provide the effect of flame motion as the centroid of a
`may provide the effect of ?ame motion as the centroid of a
`15
`?ame constantly moves. This is yet another dimension
`is flame constantly moves. This is yet another dimension
`Where the present invention differs from the prior art.
`where the present invention differs from the prior art.
`It is another object of the invention to provide a loW
`It is another object of the invention to provide a low
`power, yet high brightness, candle simulation with a con-
`poWer, yet high brightness, candle simulation With a con
`tinuous candle-simulation operating life of 20 years or more,
`tinuous candle-simulation operating life of 20 years or more,
`not taking into account the battery life for battery-poWered
`not taking into account the battery life for battery-powered
`units.
`units.
`It is another object of the invention to produce a flame
`It is another object of the invention to produce a ?ame
`simulation of high brightness With loW poWer consumption.
`simulation of high brightness with low power consumption.
`It is another object of the invention to provide a flame-
`It is another object of the invention to provide a ?ame
`simulation lighting apparatus With digitally controlled elec
`simulation lighting apparatus with digitally controlled elec-
`tronic circuitry having a stored program to drive multiple
`tronic circuitry having a stored program to drive multiple
`lighting elements.
`lighting elements.
`It is another object of the present invention to provide a
`It is another object of the present invention to provide a
`relaxation lighting apparatus Which produces a gentle rhyth
`30 relaxation lighting apparatus which produces a gentle rhyth-
`mic pattern that changes continuously With time, not relying
`mic pattern that changes continuously with time, not relying
`on any apparently repetitive pattern, thereby engendering
`on any apparently repetitive pattern, thereby engendering
`soothing visual effects to a viewer.
`soothing visual effects to a vieWer.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`35 flame-simulation lighting apparatus with power manage-
`?ame-simulation lighting apparatus With poWer manage
`35
`ment and rechargeable power.
`ment and rechargeable poWer.
`These and other features, objects, and advantages of the
`These and other features, objects, and advantages of the
`present invention are described or implicit in the following
`present invention are described or implicit in the folloWing
`detailed description of various preferred embodiments.
`detailed description of various preferred embodiments.
`
`3
`3
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`flame simulation ranging from a small simulated candle to a
`?ame simulation ranging from a small simulated candle to a
`full ?replace-siZed simulated ?re, With many possible varia
`full fireplace-sized simulated fire, with many possible varia-
`tions in between.
`tions in betWeen.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`flame simulation which may derive its electric power from
`?ame simulation Which may derive its electric poWer from
`certain alternative power sources; e.g., AC, DC, battery,
`certain alternative poWer sources; e.g., AC, DC, battery,
`and/or solar rechargeable power sources.
`and/or solar rechargeable poWer sources.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`Another object of