DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2014.15
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/1166
Date of Award
3-2014
Degree Name
MS in Electrical Engineering
Department/Program
Electrical Engineering
Advisor
William L. Ahlgren
Abstract
Patents and published patent applications are valuable resources to students, engineers, and researchers for learning about technology. This thesis investigated the ability to learn about a technology through the disclosures that are made in published patent applications and issued patents.
This thesis first provides an overview of U.S. patent law, system, and resources that are available to the public. It is through an understanding of U.S. patent law and system that one can appreciate that patents and patent applications are a resource for learning about technology.
By providing the basic building blocks of LED lighting technology as learned through the teachings of patents and patent applications, this thesis proves that patents and patent applications are valuable resources for learning about technology. The patents and patent applications relied upon for this thesis teach that the basic building blocks of LED lighting technology include:
- LED device;
- Color management; and
- Heat management.