Air Conditioner Unit Having a Built-In Light Assembly

The present subject matter relates generally to single-package air conditioner units, including illumination features for the same.

Air conditioner units are conventionally used to adjust the temperature within structures such as dwellings and office buildings. In particular, one-unit type or single-package room air conditioner units (i.e., non-split units), such as window units, single-package vertical units (SPVU), vertical packaged air conditioners (VPAC), or package terminal air conditioners (PTAC) may be used to adjust the temperature in, for example, a single room or group of rooms of a structure. Such units are especially common in hotels, rental apartments, and assisted-living facilities in which a large number of occupants live within the same building.

A typical one-unit type air conditioner or air conditioning appliance includes an indoor portion and an outdoor portion. The indoor portion generally communicates (e.g., exchanges air) with the area within a building or indoor environment, and the outdoor portion generally communicates (e.g., exchanges air) with the area outside a building. Accordingly, the air conditioner unit generally extends through, for example, a wall of the structure. Generally, a fan may be operable to rotate to motivate air through the indoor portion. Another fan may be operable to rotate to motivate air through the outdoor portion. A sealed cooling system including a compressor is generally housed within the air conditioner unit to treat (e.g., cool or heat) air as it is circulated through, for example, the indoor portion of the air conditioner unit. One or more control boards are typically provided to direct the operation of various elements of the particular air conditioner unit.

One of the challenges that exist for single-package air conditioner units is notifying a user of one or more conditions, and even the unit's presence, without being visually disruptive or distracting. In many cases, a user may be relatively unfamiliar with the room or indoor environment, and thus have difficulties navigating the area or use of the air conditioner unit. This may be especially important in low-light settings, where a user may wish to pass by or near to the unit without disrupting another person within the room.

As a result, it would be useful to provide an air conditioner unit that includes features for addressing one or more of the above issues.

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a single-package air conditioner unit is provided. The single-package air conditioner unit may include a cabinet, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a compressor, and a light assembly. The cabinet may extend along a vertical direction between a top end and a bottom end. The cabinet may define an outdoor portion and an indoor portion. The outdoor heat exchanger may be disposed in the outdoor portion. The indoor heat exchanger may be disposed in the indoor portion. The compressor may be in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger to circulate a refrigerant between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The light assembly may include an electrical light source. The light assembly may be attached to the cabinet and directed therebelow.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a single-package air conditioner unit is provided. The single-package air conditioner unit may include a cabinet, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a compressor, a light assembly, and a controller. The cabinet may define an outdoor portion and an indoor portion. The outdoor heat exchanger may be disposed in the outdoor portion. The indoor heat exchanger may be disposed in the indoor portion. The compressor may be in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger to circulate a refrigerant between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The light assembly may include an electrical light source. The light assembly may attached to the cabinet proximal to the bottom end and directed therebelow. The controller may be attached to the cabinet in operative communication with the lighting assembly direct a lighting operation to activate the lighting assembly.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows. In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin (i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value). In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction (e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, such as, clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V).

Except as explicitly indicated otherwise, recitation of a singular processing element (e.g., “a controller,” “a processor,” “a microprocessor,” etc.) is understood to include more than one processing element. In other words, “a processing element” is generally understood as “one or more processing element.” Furthermore, barring a specific statement to the contrary, any steps or functions recited as being performed by “the processing element” or “said processing element” are generally understood to be capable of being performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements.” Thus, a first step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements,” and a second step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements and not necessarily by the same one of the one or more processing elements by which the first step or function is performed.” Moreover, it is understood that recitation of “the processing element” or “said processing element” performing a plurality of steps or functions does not require that at least one discrete processing element be capable of performing each one of the plurality of steps or functions.

Generally, aspects of the present disclosure may provide an assembly or appliance for providing light adjacent to an air conditioner unit. Such disclosures may advantageously project light away from a user's line of sight. Additionally or alternatively, aspects of the present disclosure may provide for notifying a user of one or more conditions or the presence of an air conditioner unit.

Turning now to the figures,illustrate an exemplary air conditioning appliance (e.g., air conditioner). Specifically,provides a perspective view of air conditioner,provides a front view of air conditioner, andprovides a schematic view of air conditioner. As shown, air conditionermay be provided as a one-unit type air conditioner, such as a single-package vertical unit (SPVU). However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure may be used with other suitable air conditioning units or air filtering devices, such as a packaged terminal air conditioner unit (PTAC), a split heat pump system, etc.

The air conditionerincludes an indoor portionand an outdoor portion, and defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Each direction V, L, T is perpendicular to each other, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined.

Generally, a cabinetof the air conditionercontains various other components of the air conditioner. Cabinetmay include, for example, a rear grilland a room frontthat may be spaced apart along the transverse direction T by a wall sleeve. The rear grillmay be part of the outdoor portion, while the room frontis part of the indoor portion. Components of the outdoor portion, such as an outdoor heat exchanger, outdoor fan(), and compressormay be housed within the wall sleeve. A casingmay additionally enclose the outdoor fan, as shown.

Indoor portionmay include, for example, an indoor heat exchanger, a blower fan, and a heating unit. These components may, for example, be housed behind the room front. Additionally, a bulkheadmay generally support or house various other components or portions thereof of the indoor portion, such as the blower fanand the heating unit. Bulkheadmay generally separate and define the indoor portionand outdoor portion. As would be understood, when air conditioneris mounted within a room or indoor environment (e.g., to heat or cool the room or indoor environment), indoor portionis generally held or enclosed within the indoor environment. Optionally, outdoor portionmay be generally held outside of the indoor environment.

In some embodiments, cabinetincludes a base pan(e.g., separate from or in addition to bulkhead) that supports one or more components. Specifically, the base panmay be provided as a single or multi-part structure on which other portions of the unitare mounted. For instance, the base panmay support the outdoor heat exchangeror the indoor heat exchanger, as well as (optionally) other components of the outdoor portionor the indoor portion. When assembled, room frontor rear grillmay optionally cover or enclose at least a portion of base pan.

Outdoor and indoor heat exchangers,may be components of a thermodynamic assembly (i.e., sealed system), which may be operated as a refrigeration assembly (and thus perform a refrigeration cycle) and, in the case of the heat pump unit embodiment, a heat pump (and thus perform a heat pump cycle). Thus, as is understood, exemplary heat pump unit embodiments may be selectively operated perform a refrigeration cycle at certain instances (e.g., while in a cooling mode) and a heat pump cycle at other instances (e.g., while in a heating mode).

In optional embodiments, such as exemplary heat pump unit embodiments, the sealed system includes a reversible refrigerant valve(). Reversible refrigerant valveselectively directs compressed refrigerant from compressorto either indoor heat exchangeror outdoor heat exchanger. For example, in a cooling mode, reversible refrigerant valveis arranged or configured to direct compressed refrigerant from compressorto outdoor heat exchanger. Conversely, in a heating mode, reversible refrigerant valveis arranged or configured to direct compressed refrigerant from compressorto indoor heat exchanger. Thus, reversible refrigerant valvepermits the sealed system to adjust between the heating mode and the cooling mode (e.g., as selected at a control panel), as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

The sealed system may, for example, further include compressorand an expansion valve, both of which may be in fluid communication with the heat exchangers,to flow refrigerant therethrough, as is generally understood. Optionally, the compressormay be a variable speed compressor or, alternatively, a single speed compressor. When the assembly is operating in a cooling mode, and thus performs a refrigeration cycle, the indoor heat exchangeracts as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchangeracts as a condenser. In heat pump unit embodiments, when the assembly is operating in a heating mode, and thus performs a heat pump cycle, the indoor heat exchangeracts as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchangeracts as an evaporator. The outdoor and indoor heat exchangers,may each include coils,, as illustrated, through which a refrigerant may flow for heat exchange purposes, as is generally understood.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more portions of heat exchangers,may be adapted for use as dehumidification features or as part of a dehumidification routine. For instance, when a dehumidification routine is initiated or implemented (e.g., in a cooling mode or heating mode), a refrigeration cycle may be performed while air is directed across at least a portion of indoor heat exchangerto generate a dry airflow, as would be understood. Certain known dehumidification routines may subsequently direct the dried airflow across a separate heating unit (e.g., as part of an active heat dehumidification routine) before the air is flowed to the room. Other known dehumidification routines may subsequently direct the dried air across a relatively hot portion of the sealed system (e.g., as part of a reheat loop dehumidification routine) before the air is flowed to the room. Still other known dehumidification routines may direct the dried air directly to the room without additional heating (e.g., as part of a cool-air dehumidification routine).

Bulkheadmay include various peripheral surfaces that define an interiorthereof. For example, and additionally referring to, bulkheadmay include a first sidewalland a second sidewallwhich are spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction L. A rear wallmay extend laterally between the first sidewalland second sidewall.

The rear wallmay, for example, include an upper portionand a lower portion. Upper portionmay for example have a generally curvilinear cross-sectional shape, and may accommodate a portion of the blower fanwhen blower fanis housed within the interior. Lower portionmay have a generally linear cross-sectional shape, and may be positioned below upper portionalong the vertical direction V. Rear wallmay further include an indoor facing surfaceand an opposing outdoor facing surface. The indoor facing surfacemay face the interiorand indoor portion, and the outdoor facing surfacemay face the outdoor portion.

Bulkheadmay additionally extend between a top endand a bottom endalong vertical axis V. Upper portionmay, for example, include top end, while lower portionmay, for example, include bottom end. Bulkheadmay additionally include, for example, an air diverter, which may extend between the sidewalls,along the lateral direction L and through which air may flow.

In exemplary embodiments, blower fanmay include or be provided as a tangential fan. Alternatively, however, any suitable fan type may be used. Blower fanmay include a blade assemblyand a motor. The blade assembly, which may include one or more blades disposed within a fan housing, may be disposed at least partially within the interiorof the bulkhead, such as within the upper portion. As shown, blade assemblymay for example extend along the lateral direction L between the first sidewalland the second sidewall. The motormay be connected to the blade assembly, such as through the fan housingto the blades via a shaft. Operation of the motormay rotate the blades, thus generally operating the blower fan. Further, in exemplary embodiments, motormay be disposed exterior to the bulkhead. Accordingly, the shaft may for example extend through one of the sidewalls,to connect the motorand blade assembly.

In exemplary embodiments, heating unitincludes one or more heater banks. Each heater bankmay be operated as desired to produce heat. In some embodiments, three heater banksmay be used, as shown. Alternatively, however, any suitable number of heater banksmay be used. Each heater bankmay further include at least one heater coil or coil pass, such as in exemplary embodiments two heater coils or coil passes. Alternatively, other suitable heating elements may be used. As is understood, each heater coil passmay be provided as a resistive heating element configured to generate heat in response to resistance to an electrical current flowed therethrough.

The operation of air conditionerincluding compressor(and thus the sealed system generally) blower fan, fan, heating unit, or other suitable components may be controlled by a control board or controller. Controllermay be in communication (via for example a suitable wired or wireless connection) to such components of the air conditioner. By way of example, the controllermay include a memory and one or more processing devices such as microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of air conditioner. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. Generally, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory.

Air conditionermay additionally include a control paneland one or more user inputs, which may be included in control panel. The user inputsmay be in communication with the controller. A user of the air conditionermay interact with the user inputsto operate the air conditioner, and user commands may be transmitted between the user inputsand controllerto facilitate operation of the air conditionerbased on such user commands. A displaymay additionally be provided in the control panel, and may be in communication with the controller. Displaymay, for example be a touchscreen or other text-readable display screen, or alternatively may simply be a light that can be activated and deactivated as required to provide an indication of, for example, an event or setting for the air conditioner.

Referring especially to, a light assemblymay be provided to illuminate a region (e.g., a ground surface) nearby or proximal to cabinet. Generally, light assemblyis attached (e.g., directly or indirectly) to cabinetto provide a notably subtle illumination that visible to an adjacent user. To this end, light assemblyincludes one or more electrical light sources (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), halogen bulb, incandescent bulb, fluorescent bulb, etc.) configured to emit radiation in the visible light spectrum (e.g., at a wavelength range of between 400 and 700 nanometers), which may be emitted at a fixed or, alternatively, variable wavelength (e.g., to vary the color of light emissions, as would be understood).

In some embodiments, light assemblyis directed at an area below the cabinet(e.g., a ground surface). Thus, the light emissions from light assemblymay generally be projected below the cabinet. The light emissions may be, for instance, projected downward, either directly (e.g., parallel to the vertical direction V) or indirectly (e.g., at a non-parallel and non-orthogonal angle relative to the vertical direction V). The light emissions may be in the form of a general or diffuse illumination region (e.g., to be projected on the ground surface) or one or more illuminated messages (e.g., a singular fixed message or, alternatively, a plurality of discrete, variable messages), such as in the form of text or a pictorial icon. Advantageously, the light emissions may be directed away from a user's eyes are face, though the reflected light may still be visible.

Generally, cabinetextends along the vertical direction between a top endand a bottom end. When assembled, light assemblymay be disposed proximal to bottom end. In other words, light assemblymay be located closer to the bottom than the top of cabinet. In some such embodiments, light assemblyis mounted below (e.g., lower relative to the vertical direction V) or directly beneath one or more other components. For instance, light assemblymay be provided on a mounted bracketlocated below one or more components at the indoor portion, such as control panel, indoor heat exchanger, etc. In certain embodiments, light assemblyis disposed below or directly beneath base pan. Optionally, light assembly(e.g., at least a portion thereof) may be supported (e.g., from above) by base pan. Additionally or alternatively, light assembly(e.g., at least a portion thereof) may be mounted on room front. Notably, portions of unitabove light assemblymay effectively block portions of the light emissions from light assembly(e.g., from directly traveling to or being visible by a user), such that no light is shone directly into the eyes of a user.

In certain embodiments, one or more light sourcesof light assemblyare advantageously covered or sealed (e.g., to prevent the passage of moisture thereto, which might otherwise be problematic if condensation forms or travels from indoor heat exchanger). For instance, a lens casing(e.g., UV-transparent lens casing) may seal at least one light source(e.g., and a control board thereof) against mounting bracket. Optionally, a peripheral bracketmay extend about a rim of the lens casingto sandwich the rim against mounting bracketand, thus, hold lens casingto mounting bracket. Lens casingmay be formed from a light-permissive polymer. When assembled, at least a portion of lens casingmay be disposed between light sourceand the ground surface(e.g., along the vertical direction V).

In some embodiments, one or more remote devices, such as a remote thermostat, or remote computer(e.g., personal computer, laptop, server, smartphone, tablet, etc.), is provided at a location separate and apart from the cabinet. For instance, the remote devicemay be spaced apart from cabinetwhile a corresponding remote controller of the remote deviceis in operative communication with, and may thus exchange signals to/from, the controller(e.g., via for example a suitable wired or wireless connection). Optionally, the remote devicemay be mounted or positioned within the same room or indoor environment as the indoor and outdoor portions,. Additionally or alternatively, the remote devicemay be independently movable relative to the cabinet.

In optional embodiments, a remote thermostatis in operative communication with the controllerto selectively detecting a temperature that is not immediately adjacent to either the indoor and outdoor portions,(e.g., within the same room or indoor environment). Thus, remote thermostatincludes a remote bodythat houses or supports a suitable temperature circuitfor detecting temperature. For instance, the remote thermostatmay include a temperature circuitthat is or includes one or more thermocouples, thermistors, optical temperature sensors, infrared temperature sensors, etc. Within the remote body, a secondary controllermay be provided (e.g., in communication with or as part of temperature circuit). In additional or alternative embodiments, a network interfacemay be mounted within the remote body(e.g., to selectively communicate with the controller).

The secondary controllermay include one or more memory devices and one or more processors. The processors of the secondary controllercan be any combination of general or special purpose processors, CPUs, or the like that can execute programming instructions or control code associated with operation of remote thermostat. The memory devices (i.e., memory) of the secondary controllermay represent random access memory such as DRAM or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In certain embodiments, the processor of the secondary controllerexecutes programming instructions stored in the memory of the secondary controller. The memory of the secondary controllermay be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, the secondary controllermay be constructed without using a processor, for example, using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

In optional embodiments, the secondary controllerincludes a network interface(e.g., on or off board secondary controller) such that secondary controllercan connect to and communicate over one or more networks (e.g., wireless communications network) with the controller. In some such embodiments, network interfaceincludes one or more transmitting, receiving, or transceiving components for transmitting/receiving communications with the controllervia wireless communications network. In exemplary embodiments, the wireless communications networkmay be a wireless sensor network (such as a Bluetooth communication network), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a point-to point communication networks (such as radio frequency identification networks, near field communications networks, etc.), or a combination of two or more of the above communications networks.

In certain embodiments, the secondary controlleris configured to transmit (e.g., wirelessly transmit) one or more detected temperature values (i.e., signals corresponding to a value of a temperature detected at remote thermostat) to the controller. For example, the secondary controllermay be configured to transmit detected temperature values unprompted by any outside request, such as a polling request that might otherwise be transmitted to the secondary controllerfrom the controller.

Separate from or in addition to remote thermostat, an input sensor assemblymay be provided. As an example, input sensor assemblymay be provided on or as part of a remote device, such as within the remote body(e.g., spaced apart from cabinetof unit). As an additional or alternative example, input sensor assemblymay be mounted directly to or supported on cabinet(e.g., at indoor portion, such as on or proximal to control panel). Generally, input sensor assemblyis in operative communication with controllerand is configured to transmit an occupancy or user-input signal thereto (e.g., based on a detected condition). In particular, the occupancy or user-input signal transmitted by input sensor assemblymay indicate a user's input (e.g., desired action for the unit) or the presence/absence of a person within the same room or indoor environment as unit. For instance, input sensor assemblymay include an motion sensor (e.g., infrared motion sensor), photoelectric light sensor, acoustic or ultrasonic sensor, radio frequency sensor, audio sensor, touch sensor, etc. to directly detect an action or a portion of a human body within the indoor environment. Thus, a user's input or presence may prompt transmission of an occupancy or user-input signal. Additionally or alternatively, input sensor assemblymay indirectly detect a human body, such as by including a keycard reader positioned within the indoor environment or on a door thereto. Thus, swiping a mated identification or access card across the input sensor assemblymay indirectly indicate a user is present within the indoor environment and, thereby, prompt transmission of an indirect occupancy or user-input signal.

As an alternative or supplement to input sensor assembly, one or more remote computersmay be in operative communication with controllerand be configured to selectively transmit an occupancy or user-input signal thereto. In some such embodiments, the occupancy or user-input signal is transmitted from the remote computerbased on a remote user input. For instance, the remote computermay be provided as or include a room management device, such as might be provided for a hotel system or network to manage room reservations. In response to a remote user input(e.g., indicating the room has been reserved or an intended occupant has checked in), the remote computermay transmit an occupancy signal indicating the presence of a user within the room or indoor environment of the unit. Additionally or alternatively, a remote computermay be provided as a user device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, remote, wearable computing device, etc.) in wireless communication with the unitor controllerto control one or more features thereof (e.g., as a wireless extension or addition to control panel). In response to a user inputon the user device (e.g., indicating a desired action or activation of the unit), the remote computermay transmit a user-input signal indicating the user's desired action.

Generally, the light assemblymay be configured to activate (e.g., illuminate or otherwise project light emissions therefrom) in response to one or more detected signals. Such signals may be detected, for instance, at controller, which itself may be in operative (e.g., wired or wireless) communication with light assembly. In some embodiments, controlleris configured to activate or illuminate light assemblyin response to one or more received signals.

As an example, a user-input signal may be received, such as in response to a user action positively indicating desired activation of the light assembly(e.g., indefinitely or for a predetermined time period). In certain embodiments, the user-input signal is provided to the controllerfrom a user inputon the control panel(e.g., in response to a user pressing, turning, touching, or otherwise engaging the user input) attached to the cabinet. In additional or alternative embodiments, the user-input signal is provided to the controllerfrom a remote device(e.g., as described above). In further additional or alternative embodiments, the user-input signal is received from a linked or corresponding sensor assembly (e.g., sensor assembly). In some such embodiments, the sensor assembly includes or is provided as a motion sensor (e.g., passive infrared sensor, microwave motion sensor, etc.), which directed outward (e.g., away from cabinet). Moreover, the motion sensor may be configured to detect a movement action (e.g., provided by movement of a user's body in front of the motion sensor) proximal to the cabinet. Detected motion may thus prompt activation of the light assembly. In still further additional or alternative embodiments, the sensor assembly may include or be provided as a photoelectric light sensor (e.g., photoresistor, photodiode, phototransistor, etc.) configured to detect an illumination threshold proximal to the cabinet, as would be understood. Detected light may thus prompt activation of the light assembly.

As an additional or alternative example, an occupancy input signal may be received, such as to indicate a predicted or confirmed occupancy of the room by a user (e.g., as described above). Activation of the light assemblymay be based on the occupancy signal. For instance, the light assemblymay be directed to activate (e.g., by controller) in response to receiving an occupancy signal. Additionally or alternatively, the light assemblymay be restricted from activating if no occupancy signal has been received (e.g., within a predetermined time period or following a set condition). Subsequent activation of the light assemblymay be further based on one or more additional conditions (e.g., receiving a user-input signal or a predetermined schedule). Thus, the light assemblymay be prevented from being selectively activated if the room is unoccupied or otherwise designated in an unoccupied state (e.g., when no registered guest has been confirmed or indicated as present).

As another additional or alternative example, the light assemblymay be configured to activate according to a predetermined schedule. Such a schedule may be programmed, for instance, within controller. Thus, controllermay be configured to activate the light assemblyas proscribed in the predetermined schedule (e.g., without requiring further user assent or input).

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.