U.S. patent application number 14/708851 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-10 for lighting device monitor and communication apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to APPALACHIAN LIGHTING SYSTEMS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is APPALACHIAN LIGHTING SYSTEMS, INC.. Invention is credited to John R. RONEY, James J. WASSEL.
Application Number | 20150257229 14/708851 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53190821 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150257229 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WASSEL; James J. ; et
al. |
September 10, 2015 |
LIGHTING DEVICE MONITOR AND COMMUNICATION APPARATUS
Abstract
A smart metered light fixture including a light source. The
light fixture includes a surge protection device with a monitor
that indicates when surge protection fails. The light fixture
includes a power supply monitor configured to collect real-time AC
current, voltage, and power factor measurements from a power
supply. An operational characteristic monitor monitors an
operational characteristic of the light source, such as current
consumption, wattage, real-time temperature, a brightness level,
and/or an efficiency of the light fixture. A communication device
positioned between the power supply receives information from the
monitors and wirelessly transmits information regarding the
monitored operational characteristic and information and/or power
supply measurements to a remote user equipment. The communications
device may also receive control instructions from the remote user
equipment for controlling aspects of the light source.
Inventors: |
WASSEL; James J.; (Fombell,
PA) ; RONEY; John R.; (Renfrew, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
APPALACHIAN LIGHTING SYSTEMS, INC. |
Ellwood City |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
APPALACHIAN LIGHTING SYSTEMS,
INC.
Ellwood City
PA
|
Family ID: |
53190821 |
Appl. No.: |
14/708851 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13588926 |
Aug 17, 2012 |
9049753 |
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14708851 |
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61525448 |
Aug 19, 2011 |
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61542556 |
Oct 3, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
315/307 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 20/40 20130101;
H05B 47/19 20200101; Y02B 20/48 20130101; H05B 45/14 20200101; H05B
47/10 20200101 |
International
Class: |
H05B 33/08 20060101
H05B033/08 |
Claims
1. A light fixture monitoring and communication device, the device
comprising: a monitor for monitoring an operational characteristic
of a light source comprised in the light fixture; a communication
component positioned in the light fixture between the power supply
device and the light source, the communication component including:
a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit
information regarding the monitored operational characteristic to a
remote management device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application for patent is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 13/588,926 titled "Lighting Device Monitor and
Communication Apparatus", filed Aug. 17, 2012, which claims
priority to Provisional Application No. 61/525,448 titled "Lighting
Device Communication Apparatus", filed Aug. 19, 2011, and
Provisional Application No. 61/542,556, titled "Lighting Device
Including Power Supply and Surge Protection Monitoring", filed Oct.
3, 2011, the entire contents of each of which are hereby expressly
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] Aspects relate, in general, to electronic power supplies,
and specifically to lighting fixtures, e.g., luminaires, that
utilize light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source and, more
particularly, to lighting fixtures incorporating LEDs configured in
a manner to amplify and direct light produced by such lighting
fixtures. Aspects further include smart monitoring and remote
control of such lighting fixtures.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] It is desirable to adjust the amount of light generated by
one or more light sources (e.g., incandescent light bulbs,
fluorescent light fixtures, LEDs, etc.) in various lighting
applications (e.g., home, commercial, industrial, etc.). In many
cases, this is accomplished via a user-operated device, commonly
referred to as a "dimmer," that adjusts the power delivered to the
light source(s). Many types of conventional dimmers allow a user to
adjust the light output of one or more light sources via various
types of user interface (e.g., by turning a knob, moving a slider,
etc.) which is often mounted on a wall in a proximity to an area
for which it is desirable to adjust the light level. Accordingly,
there is a need for providing a dimmer switching and adjustment
mechanism that allows two-way enhanced remote control of lighting
fixtures.
[0006] It is further desirable to monitor aspects of a power supply
used by and to provide surge protection for one or more light
sources. LED fixtures as well as most electrical appliances have
some form of an electronic power supply. Although hand held and
other test equipment exist, such equipment is completely external
to the electrical appliance and the power supply. Thus, the test
equipment would have to be positioned in front of the equipment on
the AC input side. Accordingly, there is a need for providing more
accurate power source measurements.
[0007] Surge protection may be provided for a light fixture.
However, when such surge protection stops functioning, power in
most cases (unless due to a catastrophic failure) continues to flow
to the light fixture without any external evidence of failure and
will no longer provide surge protection for the next incident of
surge. Accordingly, there is a need for better surge
protection.
SUMMARY
[0008] Aspects described herein overcome the drawbacks of previous
systems by providing a two-way RF to WiFi remote control system for
lighting fixtures that is configured to measure and report wattage
and voltage of the lighting fixture, control the level of
brightness/dimness of the lighting fixtures, and provide the
ability to mesh a plurality of such remote systems together.
[0009] The system communicates with a plurality of lighting
fixtures and can instruct the lighting system to pass such signals
to additional lighting fixtures. The plurality of lighting fixtures
may be located at multiple physical locations apart from each
other. The control system may be used to remotely monitor,
communicate, and control the lighting fixtures and other attached
or component devices via the Internet.
[0010] Aspects further provide a way to more accurately measure and
report such power measurements by incorporating an AC power
measurement device into the light fixture to make power
measurements of the power supply. The power measurement device may
be incorporated within the structure of the power supply, or may be
provided external to the power supply. The measurement device may
transmit in real time, the electronic power supply's current,
voltage, and power factor readings, out of the electronic power
supply in a digital format through an optical isolation device.
This optical isolation device will transmit the information via a
wire to a communication device such that the measurement readings
of power consumption information can be wirelessly transmitted to a
remote device.
[0011] Aspects may further include a smart surge protection device
connected to the power supply. Aspects may further include remotely
monitoring such a device.
[0012] Additional advantages and novel features of these aspects of
the application will be set forth in part in the description that
follows, and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in
the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by
practice of the application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0013] In the drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 presents an example diagram of a wireless lighting
device communication system and apparatus in accordance with
aspects of the present application;
[0015] FIG. 2 presents an example diagram of a light fixture in
accordance with aspects of the present application;
[0016] FIG. 3 presents an example diagram of a light fixture in
accordance with aspects of the present application.
[0017] FIG. 4 presents an example of a diagram of a light fixture
in accordance with aspects of the present application.
[0018] FIG. 5 presents a flow chart of an example method of
operating a light fixture in accordance with aspects of the present
application.
[0019] FIG. 6 presents a flow chart of an example method of remote
management of a light fixture in accordance with aspects of the
present application.
[0020] FIG. 7 presents an example system diagram of various
hardware components and other features, for use in accordance with
aspects of the present application.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of various example system
components, in accordance with aspects of the present
application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic system diagram 100 of an
example remote control module 102 in communication with a wireless
lighting module 118 via a network 116 in accordance with aspects of
the present application. Remote control module 102 may include a
computer circuit integrated with a microcontroller 106 driven RF
transceiver module 104 for securely communicating with various
wireless devices connected with the wireless network 116. In some
examples, network 116 may be contemplated via various conventional
and/or advanced wireless network techniques. In one aspect, a
wireless mesh network (WMN) may advantageously offer a broadband
wireless communication environment for areas where wired
infrastructure is not available or not worthy to deploy. Due to
WMN's inherent characteristics, such as self-configuring and
self-healing capabilities, the WMN can be easily deployed and
maintained. However, those of skill in the art will recognize that
the devices and methods disclosed in this specification may also be
useful for connecting devices to and configuring devices for any
suitable types of wireless networks.
[0023] Remote control module 102 is configured to provide two-way
RF to WiFi communication to remotely control and/or program the
dimming function of a plurality of lighting fixtures 124a-124n. In
some implementations, the processor 106 embedded in the remote
control module 102 may include an operational metrics monitor
module 108 for monitoring and reporting the operational metrics and
health of the lighting fixtures 124a-124n such as current
electricity consumption with a fail-safe mode of operation. Here,
the fail-safe mode of operation generally refers to operation that
can ensure a failure of equipment, process, or system does not
propagate beyond the immediate environs of the failing entity, as
well as a control operation or function that prevents improper
system functioning or catastrophic degradation in the event of
circuit malfunction or an operator error. Among others, example
operational metrics may include a wattage used by each individual
or all of the lighting fixtures 124a-124n, real-time temperature of
the fixtures, the amount of the fixtures' capacity that is
currently being used, a level of brightness of the fixtures, and a
level of efficiency of the fixtures. The system 100 may be used to
communicate with and program the plurality of lighting fixtures
124a-124n, which may be located in different physical locations
apart from each other. In some examples, the lighting control
module 118 may include circuitry having a unique and highly
efficient DC/DC converter to utilize and control the same voltage
available to and powering each LED in the lighting fixtures
124a-124n.
[0024] As will be explained in details below, present application
includes a method of and system for remote secure control of the
dimming function of a single LED lighting fixture, or multiple
fixtures 124a-124n simultaneously as part of an array. Aspect may
include a method of and system for remote secure monitoring of
voltage, current consumption, and temperature of a single LED
lighting fixture, or multiple fixtures simultaneously as part of an
array. The method and system may be further configured with the
ability to group a number of fixtures together as an array in part
of a much larger network to control multiple arrays of fixtures at
different dimming levels. Aspects may also include the provision of
a fail-safe operation of the LED lighting fixtures 124a-124n in the
event of an over temperature condition.
[0025] In some examples, the system 100 may include a computer
board (not shown) configured to control the output intensity of the
fixture to prevent a thermal runaway condition. Disclosed
system/method herein may further include a fail-safe operation of
the LED fixtures 124a-124n in the event of loss of RF network
signal. For example, the computer board may be configured to
maintain its existing state in the event of a loss of RF
communication. Aspects may further include a fail-safe operation of
a particular or multiple LED fixtures in the event of loss of
computer board DC/DC power. For example, the computer board may be
configured to enable the fixture intensity to 100% in the event of
a computer board DC/DC failure. Aspects may further include the
recovery of normal operation after a power failure event without
user intervention.
[0026] As discussed above, lighting fixture control devices
available on the market are designed to work on the AC side of
High-Intensity Discharge Lamp (HID), High Pressure Sodium (HPS),
fluorescent and LED fixtures. The system 100 described herein can
be designed to work on the DC side (light output side) thereby
protecting it from transient surge and spikes and other power line
issues. Among others, benefits may include being able to run the
system 100 on very minimal voltage and also being able to make it
work with harvested radio frequency voltage.
[0027] Such a system 100 can be configured to be applied in
multiple situations. For example, aspects of the controller may be
designed for use in offices and in parking garage applications for
daylight energy harvesting. In some embodiments, the power source
may employ any and all forms of energy harvesting. Energy harvest
may, without limitation, include capturing radiofrequency energy,
converting kinetic energy to electrical energy (including
converting motion or tension into electrical energy), converting
thermal energy into electrical energy, converting wind energy into
electrical energy, and so on. In some examples, energy harvesting
may include collecting light from other light sources and
converting that light into electrical energy. It will be understood
that a variety of systems and methods that harvest energy are
possible. In some other examples, the power source may be
contemplated through wireless power transmission where a method of
wireless power transmission may act as the power source or in
combination with the other power sources (e.g., rechargeable
batteries, capacitors, and the like) to provide power to relevant
on-board modules. Power sources that can be used stand alone (i.e.,
not connected to a traditional AC power source) may be defined as
wireless power. In one aspect, a wireless power source may allow
the installation of the lighting control module 118 in any indoor
or outdoor location where light may be desired without the need for
a wired connection to an AC power source. Additionally, aspects of
the computer controlled version can be configured for use in other
indoor and outdoor lighting systems.
[0028] In one aspect, the remote control module 102 can be accessed
and controlled via the Internet on a user device 114. For example,
the remote control module 102 may be configured to be controlled by
Smart phone technology, as there currently exist a variety of
wireless devices, including mobile phones, personal digital
assistants (PDAs), laptops, and paging devices that are small,
lightweight, and easily carried by users. These devices may include
the ability to transmit voice and/or data over wireless networks.
Some of these wireless devices may utilize application programming
interfaces (APIs) that are sometimes referred to as runtime
environments and software platforms. The APIs can be installed onto
a wireless device to simplify the operation and programming of such
wireless devices by providing generalized calls for device
resources. Further, some APIs can provide software developers the
ability to create software applications that are executable on such
wireless devices. In addition, APIs can provide an interface
between a wireless device and the software applications. As such,
the wireless device functionality can be made available to the
software applications by allowing the software to make a generic
call for a function without requiring a developer to tailor its
source code to the individual hardware or device on which the
software is executing. Further, some APIs can provide mechanisms
for secure communications between wireless devices, such as client
devices and server systems, using secure cryptographic key
information.
[0029] In some other implementations, the remote control module 102
may be configured with its own hand held remote control device 114.
When adding such a device 114 to home, office buildings and
automotive electronic components, the device 114 can be configured
to feed back all necessary data to be able to give real time
monitoring control and to further manage light fixtures 124a-124n
in a way to increase their energy efficiency.
[0030] In one example, as shown in FIG. 1, the remote control
module 102 may include a user command controller 110 for obtaining
and processing user commands to communicate with a plurality of
wireless lighting modules in various formats. A user may enter a
command through keyboards, mice, trackballs and joysticks. These
input devices are used to control cursors, mouse pointers etc. in
order to manipulate, e.g., buttons, switches, dials, knobs that are
displayed graphically on a display screen of the user device 114
for controlling the remote lighting fixtures 124a-124n. In some
examples, lighting fixtures 124a-124n may be associated with
dedicated channels such that the user can select a channel number
via the remote control module 102 by referring to specific channel
numbers. In other examples, the channel number assigned for the
remote lighting fixtures 124a-124n may be preprogrammed, randomly
generated, or previously stored in a memory 112. Example commands
may include an "on/off" toggle command, an "on" command, an "off"
command, a "dim" command, a "brightness" command, a "color change"
command, or a timer command.
[0031] The user command controller 110 may also provide the user
with a voice command input means by using, e.g., a voice
recognition module which receives a voice command from the user.
The voice command is then identified as a specific command or a
fuzzy command using a fuzzy logic algorithm. If the voice command
is a specific command, one of the operations corresponding to the
voice command is adjusted. If the voice command is a fuzzy command,
a plurality of the operations corresponding to the voice command is
adjusted. Further, if the adjusted operations do not meet the
user's expectation, the user can further modify the operations
using an adjustment modification process. A process of modifying
the operations can be performed by, e.g., another voice command.
Since a specific command means a specific operating action, this
operating action can adjust a specific category of the remote
lighting fixtures 124a-124n. The specific category can be stored
in, for example, the voice recognition module or the memory 112,
depending on design requirements. If this specific command, for
example, is "decrease brightness", then this specific command can
directly adjust the brightness of the remote lighting fixtures
124a-124n. On the other hand, a fuzzy command may involve adjusting
the lighting fixtures through a plurality of operations. The
operations can be stored in the voice recognition module or the
memory 112, or even an independent command database, depending on
the design requirements. Accordingly, a series of operations can be
issued to adjust the remote lighting fixtures 124a-124n in a
plurality of steps.
[0032] After the user inputs a command through the command input
530, processor 106 may encode the command and subsequently instruct
the RF transceiver 104 to transmit an RF signal that includes the
encoded command. In one example, the RF transceiver 104 transmits
RF signals at a predetermined frequency, or a user
selected-frequency. The RF signal may be transmitted once, or for a
predetermined number of times, or for a predetermined time period.
If more than one RF signal is transmitted, each transmission may be
separated by a predetermined time interval.
[0033] The lighting control module 118 can include an RF
transceiver 120 that monitors for RF signals at a predetermined
frequency. For example, the RF transceiver 120 periodically
monitors for RF signals, or continuously monitors for RF signals
from network 116. When an RF signal is received, the signal is
transmitted to LED controller 122, where the signal is decoded. In
one aspect, the LED controller 122 may obtain and compare a decoded
channel number that is included in the command to a specific LED
channel number. For example, if the command is an on/off toggle
command, the lighting control module 118 may instruct the LED
controller 122 to toggle a plurality of LEDs 124a-124n. If the
command is an "on" command, the LED controller 122 may first
determine if the plurality of LEDs 124a-124n are in an "on" state.
If the LEDs 124a-124n are not in an "on" state, the LED controller
122 can activate the plurality of LEDs 124a-124n.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the RF transceivers 104 and 120 allow
two-way communication. In some implementation, the remote control
module 102 may be programmed to repeatedly transmit a command
signal until a confirmation signal is received. Additionally, the
lighting control module 118 may be programmed to transmit a
confirmation signal upon receipt of an RF signal, or upon
successfully decoding a command. In another example, the RF
transceivers 104 and 118 can provide the remote control module 102
with feedback relating to a state associated with the lighting
control module 118 (e.g., whether the LEDs 124a-124n are in an "on"
state, an "off" state, an intensity of the LEDs 124a-124n, and the
life of certain relevant components). Moreover, RF transceivers 104
and 118 can allow the lighting control module 118 to communicate
with other disparate wireless lighting control module(s) (e.g., to
propagate or repeat signals).
[0035] The lighting control module 118 in FIG. 1 may comprise a PCB
assembly that is configured to adjust voltage to a control pin of a
LED constant current type power supply based on dimming commands
from the RF transceiver 104 and 120 and relevant software
programmed to meet specific requirements. Multiple such constant
current LED supplies can be controlled and monitored from this one
PCB assembly. For example, at least two such constant current LED
supplies can be controlled and monitored from a single assembly,
one controlling resistor dividers to set the current for one
supply, while Q7, Q8, Q9, Q10 control the other.
[0036] In some aspects, an on-board DC/DC converter can be included
to use same voltage as given to the LED 124a-124n.
[0037] Current monitoring (LED power consumption) can be achieved
through U2, and U3. Such a component can be supplied for each of
the power supplies being monitored, as these components sense LED
current through a sensing resistor Rsense R1/Rsense R2. The current
signal can be amplified by U2/U3 and is ultimately driven as a
voltage into pins of a RF engine which will described fully below.
Additionally, the PCB assembly may include resistor dividers
(R9/R13 and R36/R37) to sense the voltages of the LED rails and
drive those values into the RF engine where certain computing can
be performed to calculate the actual power consumed by the LEDs
124a-124n. In some examples, current monitoring (U2, U3) for two
separate power supplies/LED banks may be provided. Since no LED
driver board is present for this design, the dimming of the LED
124a-124n may be contemplated by hardware switching of 4 hardware
"steps" to realize 5 dimming levels (Q1, 2, 4, 6 and Q7, 8, 9, 10)
of the LED 124a-124n.
[0038] Elements J3 and J4 may be used as a unit for enabling the
wireless communication of the lighting control module 118. In one
aspect, an RF engine, such as a Synapse.TM. RF engine, can be
plugged into elements J3/J4. An RF engine may include the hardware
to communicate via RF, along with a microcontroller that drives all
the signals to actively read the health and control the dimming of
associated LEDs. For example, it may be beneficial for the RF
module to run from a voltage similar to that used to drive the
lighting fixtures LEDs 124a-124n. A Synapse.TM. module, for
example, runs from 3.3V DC. The 3.3V DC may be generated from the
same voltage that is used to drive the LEDs 124a-124n. The DC/DC
converter control IC (U1) along with its supporting R's and C's
steps the LED rail voltage down to the level required by the
Synapse.TM. module. This DC/DC converter can be used in various
applications as the LED rail voltage needed to run this converter
can be between 12-75V DC.
[0039] In some implementations, lights can be quickly configured to
different channels to group lights together for specific location
dimming control abilities. Jumpers JP2/JP3 may set the address to
which location the LEDs will be located. In other words, jumpers
JP2/JP3 may be used to set addresses to allow groups of lighting
fixtures to be established by location. Moreover, JP1 may be
utilized to initiate a hardware test mode for manufacturing/debug
purposes. For example, the test mode jumper JP1 can be used to
perform manufacturing testing of the dimming modes and
communication abilities. Jumpers may also set the unit in test mode
and will cycle through all the dimming steps along with
broadcasting current and voltage data back to any RF engine on the
network set to receive these signals.
[0040] Fail-safe thermal protection may be achieved through
multiple methods, one being a thermal sensor which may be external
to the PCB assembly. This sensor along with the software programmed
into RF engine will sense and determine a level which LED dimming
will occur due to an over temperature condition. In the event that
the DC/DC converter fails and no RF engine function can occur, an
additional thermal switch will manually (through hardware control)
drive the dimming function to a pre-determined level to reduce the
heat generated by the LEDs when the lower temperature is satisfied
by the thermal switch such that normal operation can resume.
[0041] A dimming function may also be configured with a fail-safe
because all signals to control dimming are actively driven from the
RF engine. In the event that the RF engine experiences a failure,
or the DC/DC converter fails (shutting off the RF engine) the light
will assume full brightness. Full brightness is the default state
unless actively driven to a lower dimming state by the RF engine or
hardware thermal control.
[0042] Further, temperature monitoring via a thermal switch
(connected to J6) in the event of some hardware or software
failure, absolute maximum temperature of the LED 124a-124n may be
controlled directly through hardware.
[0043] Additionally, temperature monitoring may be employed by a
sensor for providing relevant information to the lighting control
module 118 such that the dimming levels can be controlled through
software, hardware or combination thereof.
[0044] Although the example is described in connection with a
Synapse.TM. RF engine, it is understood that any number of RF chips
can be contemplated.
[0045] A dimmer device may comprise a five step dimmer schematic of
the PCB assembly describe above. These dimming steps may be
commanded by a master control RF engine on a network, or locally
from thermal control hardware. The schematic shows the lighting
control module 118 may include an RF engine connector, DC/DC
circuitry, I Monitor circuitry, and four elements. The lighting
control module 118 may further include connections between the
illustrated components. Thus, aspects include using a programmable
chip placed on the lighting control module 118 and its associated
circuitry which is installed on the DC side of the power supply in
the LED lighting fixtures 124a-12n. The programmable chip may be,
for example, a Synapse.TM. chip.
[0046] The lighting control module 118 in FIG. 1 may include an
on-board DC/DC converter (U1) that can be included to use same
voltage as supplied to the LED 124a-124n. Current monitoring U2 can
be employed for one power supply/LED bank. Since this design may be
used to work in conjunction with an LED driver board (not shown),
pulse-width modulation (PWM) dimming may be realized. Compared with
DC dimming, PWM dimming has advantages of a constant lighting
color, and good stability at low brightness. In one example, Q1 and
its surrounding passive components may translate the PWM signal to
be compatible with the existing driver board. A much larger number
of dimming "steps" can be obtained by adjusting the dimming signal
from, e.g., the Synapse.TM. module. In some implementations,
temperature monitoring may not be included on this board.
Temperature monitoring via thermal switch may similarly not be
included on this board. In one aspect, Synapse.TM. wireless
communication/control module may be plugged into J1 as a unit.
Jumpers ADR0, ADR1 may be used to set address to allow groups of
lights to be established by location. A TEST jumper may be utilized
as a hardware initiated test mode to aid in manufacturing/debug
process.
[0047] A PCB assembly with PWM dimming capabilities may include an
RF engine connector, DC/DC converter circuitry, I Monitor
circuitry, and a PWM circuitry.
[0048] It may be desirable to include such PWM components so that
the LED lighting fixtures 124a-124n can be serviced with only one
PCB by allowing temperature monitoring/control in additional to the
PWM dimming capabilities.
[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates a lighting fixture system diagram that
illustrates a light fixture 200 include various device provided
internal to the light fixture and integrated therewith. The light
fixture includes a communication device 10 configured to control a
lighting fixture, to gather data regarding the lighting fixture,
and to report the data. The communication device may gather such
information, report, and perform control using a two-way RF to WiFi
system. The data may be communicated wirelessly. For example, the
communication may occur via a 2-way RF to WiFi connection 70. The
communication device can be located on the DC side of a power
supply 20, as this side will be protected from surges in the AC
current or voltage. Controlled DC power is provided to a solid
state light source 90, e.g., LEDs 11, via connection 40. The
communication device may collect and report information gathered
through the circuitry of the communication device itself or the
information may be gathered via a probe attached between the
communication device and the lighting fixture. Such information may
include data, measurement information regarding the light source
itself, and may further include audio, video, or other information
from additional components provided at the light source. For
example, an audio and/or video device may be provided at the light
fixture. The communication device 10 may be positioned between a
power supply 20 and the LED circuit strips 11 of the lighting
fixture. For example, the lighting control module 118 may be the
communication device 10 in FIG. 2.
[0050] FIG. 2 illustrates a power supply device 20 positioned
between the communication device 10 and a surge protection device
30. The surge protection device 30 is positioned between the AC
power source 80 and the power supply 20. The power supply device 20
receives AC power 60 and outputs DC power 50 for use by the
lighting fixture. The light fixture may include a power monitor,
such as a digital chip that is configured to collect real time AC
current, voltage, and power factor information from the power
supply. The power monitor may be provided inside the power supply
and may transfer such information through an optical Isolation
Device via wire to a communication device. Alternately, the power
monitor may be provided within the light fixture, external to the
power supply. Optical isolation devices may be provided within the
power supply and the surge protection device that can be connected,
e.g. via a wire, to a 2-way RF to WiFi communication device. For
example, the connection may be to the communication device 10. This
enables the power supply to be a smart metered device that is
capable of reporting its actual power consumption and to monitor
its ongoing efficiency. It also enables the surge protection device
to become a smart device, as well as to monitor and report its
ongoing protection or the failure or such protection, in which case
it can be replaced. This should enable the surge protection device
to be, ideally, replaced before another surge hits the light
fixture.
[0051] This overcomes previous inaccuracies in power usage
measurement. For example, if only the DC power usage is measured,
the system may actually be consuming a higher amount of AC power
due to inefficiencies in the power supply. Such inefficiencies may
occur due to damage, age, etc. By measuring the AC power
consumption at the power supply a very accurate report on the
ongoing health of the power supply can be provided. For example, a
monitoring chip may be positioned to perform measurements at the
point where the power supply receives the AC power 60.
[0052] The system may further include a surge protection device 30
connected between the power supply device 20 and a source of AC
power. The surge protection device provides a connection for the AC
power source to the power supply device.
[0053] The surge protection device 30 provides surge protection
along with remote monitoring. The surge protection device includes
a surge protection component having connections between the AC
power source and one or multiple power supply devices 20. Until a
single or multiple power surge(s) occur that disable a surge
protection component, AC power is supplied on a protected line. The
protected connection includes a surge protection component. FIG. 3
illustrates a surge protection component within the surge
protection device 30. The surge protection component 32 may
include, for example, an integrated fuse. The surge protection
component can be configured to withstand multiple 10 KV surges.
Once one or a sufficient number of multiple power surge(s) occur
the surge protection aspect of the surge protection component is
disabled, the integrated fuse will also be disabled and will cease
to allow current to flow to an internal optical isolation device
31.
[0054] At this time, the current that would go through the surge
protection component 32 to the optical isolation device 31 stops.
The surge protection device 30 does not provide surge protection,
but allows a continued supply of power to the power supply device
20 so that the lighting fixture continues to operate.
[0055] Thus, the optical isolation device 31 within the surge
protection device serves as a monitor that provides a signal
indicating that the protected connection is operating correctly.
For example, the surge protection device 30 may be monitored by the
communication device 10. The monitor within the surge protection
device 30 may send a simple yes or no signal (1 or 0) to the
communication device, which is interpreted to mean that the surge
protection component within the surge protection device is working
or not. As another example, the signal to the communication device
may comprise a 0-1023 varying digital representation of the health
of a plurality of surge devices located in the light fixture. A
zero signal indicates that the surge protection devices are
functioning, and as the signal approaches 1023, it indicates that
the surge protection devices have each failed.
[0056] When the surge protection and integrated fuse are
disconnected/disabled, the signal ceases. The surge protection and
integrated fuse are configured to fail simultaneously. This
indicates that the surge protected connection has failed so that a
user will be notified to replace the surge protection device. The
signal may be transmitted via an internal optical isolation device
that can be connected by a wire to a 2-way RF to WiFi communication
device, e.g. communication device 10.
[0057] The surge protection device may have a modular, pluggable
configuration for easy replacement if the surge protection device
fails. As an example, if the surge protection component 32 fails,
the entire surge protection device can be replaced. As another
example, the surge protection device can be configured such that it
can be replaced by cutting the AC connections to a failed surge
board and recrimping new connections to a new surge board. The
surge protection device described herein (i) remotely monitors the
health of these individual surge components in each lighting
fixture or other electronic equipment, and (ii) makes possible the
method of easily changing the surge protection device in the field.
The information signal goes to the communication device 10 over a
wire coming from an Optical Isolation Device internal to the surge
Protection Device 30 which can then be transmitted over the
communication device's 2 way RF to WiFi capabilities.
[0058] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate diagram of a light fixture
400 including a surge protection device 402, a power monitor, e.g.,
power consumption monitoring circuit (PCM) 404, a power supply 406,
a communications device 408, a driver 410, and a solid state light
source 412. Communications device 408 may comprise a photocell
sensor, as described herein. FIG. 4 illustrates that the surge
protection device 402 receives and outputs AC power. The PCM 404
monitors the AC power received from the surge protection device
402. Then, the PCM 404 passes the AC power to the power supply 406.
On the side of the power supply 406 opposite the PCM 404, DC power
is output. The communications device 408 is provided between the
power supply and the light source 412, and a driver may be provided
between the communications device and the light source. The light
source 412 is driven using DC power output from either the driver
410 or the communications device 408. The communications device is
connected via an optical isolation connection to the surge
protection device 402 and the PCM 404. The communications device
transmits collected information to a remote management device via a
2-Way RF to WiFi communication link. Likewise, the communications
device may also receive information, such as control instructions
for controlling the light source.
[0059] The components illustrated in FIG. 4 are provided within
light source 400 and are integrated therewith.
[0060] Aspects described herein may be applied to a lighting
fixture, including the remote monitoring of the health of each of
the MOV (metal oxide varistor) devices in an LED fixture remotely
through a computer board. This number may include four MOV devices
within an LED fixture.
[0061] By providing an ongoing connection between the AC power
source and the power supply even after a disabling power surge has
occurred, the lighting fixture will continue to operate as needed.
The modular design of the replaceable surge protection device and
the immediate reporting of it to Field maintenance personnel over
the communication device enables quick field changing of defective
devices in the field to allow for continued operation and to
prevent further damage.
[0062] However, until a user is able to replace the surge
protection device 30, the power supply is vulnerable to power
surges. A power surge may reduce the efficiency at which the power
supply operates. Therefore, it is beneficial to monitor the ongoing
efficiency of the power supply in order to ensure that the overall
system is operating efficiently.
[0063] By using a combination of the monitor within the power
supply 20 and the monitor within the surge protection device 30, a
user is informed of problems due to power surges without
discontinuing operation of the lighting fixture. Optical isolation
connections provide information monitored at the AC side of the
system, e.g. at the AC side of the power supply 20 and at the surge
protection device 30, to the communication device 10 positioned on
the DC side of the system so that no direct connection between the
AC and DC side is provided other than the power supply 20.
[0064] Aspects of the power supply 20 and surge protection devices
can be applied to other systems. For example, the monitoring chip
could be positioned to monitor the ballast of a fluorescent light.
Such components could be used with other electronic equipment in
order to inform a user when problems occur in the surge protector
or power supply while providing ongoing use of the device.
[0065] Aspects described herein provide a method of incorporating
AC mains measurement technology directly into AC/DC power
supplies.
[0066] A method is provided to optically connect combined data from
a measurement device to a computer board digitally in order to make
use of the data after the isolation barrier of the power supply.
This transforms passive power supplies into smart metered devices
to enable power consumption data to be monitored and controlled in
any appliance that makes use of an AC to DC power supply. This can
be especially helpful in municipal light fixtures, such as street
lights. A utility company typically charges a municipality based on
an estimated power usage for such street lights. For example, the
utility company may estimate the power used based on the known
wattage of the light and a calculated amount of dark hours during
which the lights would be used. The above described communication
device enables a municipality to control the amount of power used
by such lighting fixtures. For example, this enables a municipality
to dim certain lights during specified nighttime hours to conserve
energy consumption and reduce operating costs. By incorporating
smart metering into the light fixture, the municipality can
accurately report, and therefore be charged for, the actual amount
of power used.
[0067] Smart monitoring in a replaceable surge protection device
allows the municipality to know when surge protection devices need
to be replaced. Smart metering in the power supply would also
inform the municipality of any possible damage to the power
supply.
[0068] Aspects described herein enable smart power metering into AC
appliances through a combination of a power supply and AC line
measurement chips and circuitry. Measurement data can be coupled to
the safe low voltage side of the supply, isolating high potential
AC from the user. Power supply data can be transmitted through a
wireless computer board to monitor consumption data at a remote
monitoring device/station.
[0069] Additionally, a photocell may be included in the light
fixture. For example, the photocell may be used to determine the
lighting conditions of the environment surrounding the light
fixture so that a determination can be made when to turn on the
light source. The photocell may be tuned to the visible light
spectrum. For example, the photocell may determine when the
environment is dark enough that the light source should be turned
on. The light fixture may be programmed to use the photocell to
determine when to turn the light source ON and OFF. For example,
the light fixture may be programmed to turn the light source ON at
a threshold light level detected by the photocell. Among others,
the threshold light level may correspond to sundown, dusk, and
after it becomes dark.
[0070] Rather than detecting sunlight directly, the photocell may
be configured such that it senses light passed through from outside
the light fixture. For example, a light transmitting component such
as an acrylic tube or a glass tube may be used to pass light from
the outside of the fixture to the photocell. The tube may be a
replaceable. The light transmission tube may protrude from the
light fixture, e.g., approximately 1/2 inch from the light fixture.
A light transmission tube provides additional surface area to
receive sample light, which increases the sensitivity of the
photocell. Additionally, the configuration using a light
transmission tube prevents direct sunlight from reaching the
sensor. This leads to a longer photocell life. Alternately, a lens
can be used for the programmable photocell.
[0071] The photocell can be an integrated part of an ALLink control
system, e.g., communications device 10, 408, that operates from low
voltage, e.g., 3.3 Volts. By providing the photocell on the lower
voltage, DC side of the light fixture, the photocell is not
affected by AC line surges.
[0072] The photocell may act similar to a photo activated
transistor. For example, a small change in photons (light)
bombarding the base (of the internal structure) of the photocell
can cause a larger current to flow between a collector and an
emitter of the photocell. As a result, the amplified version
provides more range of digital bits to work with for a given small
change in light.
[0073] The photocell is fully programmable. The photocell can be
reprogrammed through wireless remote control. For example, the
photocell may also be controlled via the remote control device that
manages the light fixture's operation. The thresholds in which this
transistor will activate/ deactivate the light can be reprogrammed.
Software control can adjust the thresholds of the ON/OFF operating
points of the sensor in order to compensate for variations in the
acrylic light tube that passes outside light in to the sensor. The
adjustments to the activation threshold for the light fixture can
be made manually by user definition, or by automatic software
adjustments based on other light fixtures in the vicinity that make
up a "network" of light fixture. For example, if 9 out of 10 lights
on a street are reporting that it is time to turn the fixture off
based on a reading from their respective photocells, and the tenth
light is not providing the same reading, the control software can
adjust the on/off thresholds of the tenth light in order to have
its reading match the other nearby lights. In the event that the
sensor becomes out of range, or un-responsive, the network can
completely override the photo sensor input. In contrast to existing
photoeye design, immediate replacement of the photocell is not
necessary in order to maintain properly functioning lights.
[0074] Additionally, the component that passes light to the sensor,
e.g., the acrylic tube, may also be a field replaceable item in the
event it becomes too dirty or damaged to pass enough light for the
photocell to provide an accurate measurement. The acrylic tube can
be replaced without touching the photocell sensor.
[0075] FIG. 5 illustrates aspects of an example method 500 of
operating a light fixture in accordance with the present
application. At step 502, at least one operational characteristic
of a light source is monitored, e.g., via monitor that is both
internal to an integrated with the light fixture. At step 504,
information regarding the operational characteristic is transmitted
from the light fixture to a remote management device. This
information may be transmitted, e.g., via communications device 408
in FIG. 4, and may be sent via a 2-Way RF to WiFi communications
link.
[0076] Optional aspects in FIG. 5 are illustrated using a dashed
line. The method may further include receiving control instructions
from the remote management device for controlling the light
fixture. For example, the instructions may instruct the light
fixture to dim the light source, to adjust a photocell sensor, and
any of the other control instructions described herein. This
information may be received by the communications device. Once
instructions are received, the light fixture responds by
implementing the instructions. These instructions may be
implemented via the communications device or via a driver
positioned between the communications device and the light
source.
[0077] At step 508 a failure may be detected in surge protection at
the light fixture. This detection may occur when the communications
device receives an indication from a surge protection device via an
optical isolation connection therebetween. Once a failure is
detected, the communications device transmits a report of the
failure to the remote management device.
[0078] At step 510, the communications device receives power
measurements from a monitoring device on the AC side of the power
supply. This measurement information may be received via an optical
isolation connection. The communications device may also transmit
this measurement information to the remote management device.
[0079] At step 512, the communications device receives
reconfiguration parameters for a photocell sensor. The photocell
sensor may be provided on the same circuit board as the
communications device. Thereafter, the communications device
adjusts the photocell sensor's parameters accordingly.
[0080] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method 600 of
controlling a light fixture using a remote management device. At
step 602, operational characteristics are received from a light
fixture. This may occur, e.g., via a 2-Way RF to WiFi
communications link. At step 604, control instructions are
transmitted from the remote management device to the light fixture.
Among others, such instructions may control a dimming feature as in
step 606, and a photocell as in step 610 of the light fixture.
[0081] At step 608, the remote management device receives an
indication that a surge protection feature at the light fixture has
failed. The light fixture may continue to operate without surge
protection, and this report to the remote management device enables
the user to schedule a replacement of a surge protection component
while the light fixture continues to operate.
[0082] At step 612, the remote management device may be configured
to communicate with and control a plurality of light fixtures. The
light fixtures may be controlled individually or as groups of light
fixtures.
[0083] Aspects of the present application may be implemented using
hardware, software, or a combination thereof and may be implemented
in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. In one
example, the application is directed toward one or more computer
systems capable of carrying out the functionality described herein.
An example of such a computer system 700 is shown in FIG. 7.
[0084] Computer system 700 includes one or more processors, such as
processor 704. The processor 704 is connected to a communication
infrastructure 706 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or
network). Various software embodiments are described in terms of
this example computer system. As used in this application, the
terms "component," "module," "system" and the like are intended to
include a computer-related entity, such as but not limited to
hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software,
software, or software in execution. For example, a component may
be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor,
a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a
program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an
application running on a computing device and the computing device
can be a component. One or more components can reside within a
process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized
on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers.
In addition, these components can execute from various computer
readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The
components may communicate by way of local and/or remote processes
such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data
packets, such as data from one component interacting with another
component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a
network such as the Internet with other systems by way of the
signal. After reading this description, it will become apparent to
a person skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the
application using other computer systems and/or architectures.
[0085] In one aspect, computer system 700 can include a display
interface 702 that forwards graphics, text, and other data from the
communication infrastructure 706 (or from a frame buffer not shown)
for display on a display unit 730. Computer system 700 also
includes a main memory 708, preferably random access memory (RAM),
and may also include a secondary memory 710. The secondary memory
710 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 712 and/or a
removable storage drive 714, representing a floppy disk drive, a
magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, etc. The removable
storage drive 714 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage
unit 718 in a well-known manner. Removable storage unit 718,
represents a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, etc., which
is read by and written to removable storage drive 714. As will be
appreciated, the removable storage unit 718 includes a computer
usable storage medium having stored therein computer software
and/or data.
[0086] In alternative examples, secondary memory 710 may include
other similar devices for allowing computer programs or other
instructions to be loaded into computer system 700. Such devices
may include, for example, a removable storage unit 722 and an
interface 720. Examples of such may include a program cartridge and
cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a
removable memory chip (such as an erasable programmable read only
memory (EPROM), or programmable read only memory (PROM)) and
associated socket, and other removable storage units 722 and
interfaces 720, which allow software and data to be transferred
from the removable storage unit 722 to computer system 700.
[0087] Computer system 700 may also include a communications
interface 724. Communications interface 724 allows software and
data to be transferred between computer system 700 and external
devices. Examples of communications interface 724 may include a
modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a
communications port, a Personal Computer Memory Card International
Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, etc. Software and data
transferred via communications interface 724 are in the form of
signals 728, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical or
other signals capable of being received by communications interface
724. These signals 728 are provided to communications interface 724
via a communications path (e.g., channel) 726. This path 726
carries signals 728 and may be implemented using wire or cable,
fiber optics, a telephone line, a cellular link, a radio frequency
(RF) link and/or other communications channels. In this document,
the terms "computer program medium" and "computer usable medium"
are used to refer generally to media such as a removable storage
drive, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 712, and signals
728. These computer program products provide software to the
computer system 700. The application is directed to such computer
program products.
[0088] Computer programs (also referred to as computer control
logic) are stored in main memory 708 and/or secondary memory 710.
Computer programs may also be received via communications interface
724. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer
system 700 to perform the features of the present application, as
discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when
executed, enable the processor 704 to perform the features of the
present application. Accordingly, such computer programs represent
controllers of the computer system 700.
[0089] In an example where the application can be implemented using
software, the software may be stored in a computer program product
and loaded into computer system 700 using removable storage drive
714, hard drive 712, or communications interface 724. The control
logic (software), when executed by the processor 704, causes the
processor 704 to perform the functions of the application as
described herein. In another example, the application may be
implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, hardware
components, such as application specific integrated circuits
(ASICs). Implementation of the hardware state machine so as to
perform the functions described herein will be apparent to persons
skilled in the relevant art(s).
[0090] In yet another illustration, the application may be
implemented using a combination of both hardware and software.
[0091] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of various example system
components, in accordance with aspects of the present application.
FIG. 8 shows a communication system 800 usable in accordance with
aspects of the present application. The communication system 800
can include one or more accessors 860, 862 (also referred to
interchangeably herein as one or more "users") and one or more
terminals 842, 866. In one example, data for use in accordance with
the present application is, for example, input and/or accessed by
accessors 860, 862 via terminals 842, 766, such as personal
computers (PCs), minicomputers, mainframe computers,
microcomputers, telephonic devices, or wireless devices, such as
personal digital assistants ("PDAs") or a hand-held wireless
devices coupled to a server 843, such as a PC, minicomputer,
mainframe computer, microcomputer, or other device having a
processor and a repository for data and/or connection to a
repository for data, via, for example, a network 844, such as the
Internet or an intranet, and couplings 845, 846, 864. The couplings
845, 846, 864 include, for example, wired, wireless, or fiber-optic
links. In another example, the method and system of the present
application operate in a stand-alone environment, such as on a
single terminal (not shown here).
[0092] While aspects of this application have been described in
conjunction with the examples outlined above, various alternatives,
modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial
equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently
unforeseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary
skill in the art. Accordingly, the examples, as set forth above,
are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
application. Therefore, the application is intended to embrace all
known or later-developed alternatives, modifications, variations,
improvements, and/or substantial equivalents.
* * * * *