U.S. patent application number 14/576872 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-17 for apparatus and method embedding a camera in an led streetlight.
The applicant listed for this patent is OWLS AG INTERNATIONAL MARKETING & CONSULTING. Invention is credited to Gerhard Eberl, Wilfried Gabriel.
Application Number | 20150362172 14/576872 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54541010 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150362172 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gabriel; Wilfried ; et
al. |
December 17, 2015 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD EMBEDDING A CAMERA IN AN LED STREETLIGHT
Abstract
Apparatus and method embedding a camera in a street light
includes structure and/or function whereby the street light,
comprising has a first compartment having an LED array configured
to illuminate an area beneath the street light. A second
compartment is coupled to the first compartment and has a camera
directed toward the area beneath the street light. The second
compartment has a window covering the camera such that the camera
can receive light from area beneath the street light, but
passers-by do not see the camera. A third compartment is coupled to
the second compartment and is configured to attach the street light
to a vertical support. A passive air channel is disposed between
the first compartment and the second compartment, and is configured
to direct air from beneath the street light to the top of the
street light. Preferably, the power supply for the LED array is
disposed in a compartment different that the first compartment. An
anti-glare device is preferably mounted to a bottom of at least one
of the first compartment and the second compartment, and is
configured to shield the camera from light glare and/or reflections
from the LED array.
Inventors: |
Gabriel; Wilfried;
(Frastanz, AT) ; Eberl; Gerhard; (Eisenstadt,
AT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OWLS AG INTERNATIONAL MARKETING & CONSULTING |
Schaanwald |
|
LI |
|
|
Family ID: |
54541010 |
Appl. No.: |
14/576872 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62012648 |
Jun 16, 2014 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/151 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21Y 2105/10 20160801;
F21W 2131/103 20130101; F21V 11/16 20130101; G08B 15/001 20130101;
G08B 13/19632 20130101; F21V 23/0435 20130101; F21S 8/086 20130101;
F21V 29/83 20150115; F21V 33/0052 20130101; G08B 13/1966 20130101;
H04N 7/183 20130101; F21V 21/116 20130101; F21V 23/023 20130101;
F21S 8/088 20130101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801; H04N 5/2252
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F21V 33/00 20060101
F21V033/00; F21V 11/16 20060101 F21V011/16; H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225; F21V 29/83 20060101 F21V029/83; H04N 7/18 20060101
H04N007/18; F21S 8/08 20060101 F21S008/08; F21V 23/02 20060101
F21V023/02 |
Claims
1. An LED street light, comprising: a first compartment having an
LED array configured to illuminate an area beneath the street
light; a second compartment, coupled to the first compartment,
having a camera directed toward the area beneath the street light,
the second compartment also having a window covering the camera
such that the camera can receive light from area beneath the street
light, but passers-by in the area beneath the street light do not
see the camera; attachment structure, coupled to the second
compartment, and configured to attach the street light to a
vertical support; and a passive air channel disposed between the
first compartment and the second compartment, and configured to
direct air from the area beneath the street light to an area above
the street light.
2. The LED street light according to claim 1, wherein a power
supply for the LED array is disposed in one or more of the second
compartment and the attachment structure.
3. The LED street light according to claim 1, further comprising an
anti-glare device mounted to a bottom of at least one of the first
compartment and the second compartment, and configured to shield
the camera from light glare and/or reflections from the LED
array.
4. The LED street light according to claim 3, wherein the
anti-glare device is further configured to direct air into the
passive air channel.
5. The LED street light according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one antenna coupled to the second compartment and configured
to transmit one or more images from the camera.
6. The LED street light according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one antenna coupled to the attachment structure and
configured to transmit one or more images from the camera.
7. The LED street light according to claim 1, wherein the camera
comprises a pan-tilt-zoom camera.
8. An LED streetlight, comprising: an LED light compartment having
an array of LED lights disposed to direct light to an area to be
observed; a camera compartment coupled to but thermally insulated
from the LED light compartment, the camera compartment having a
camera with a lens that is (i) disposed vertically below said array
of LED lights, and (ii) disposed to capture an image from the area
to be observed; and a power supply compartment coupled to at least
one of the LED light compartment and the camera compartment, the
power supply compartment configured to support a power supply of
said array of LED lights.
9. The LED street light according to claim 8, further comprising a
cooling air channel disposed between the LED light compartment and
the camera compartment, and configured to passively supply cooling
air therebetween.
10. The LED street light according to claim 9, further comprising a
shield device vertically oriented between the LED light compartment
and the camera compartment, and configured to (i) block light from
the array of LED lights from reaching the camera lens, and (ii)
direct air into the cooling air channel.
11. The LED street light according to claim 8, wherein the camera
compartment is disposed between the LED light compartment and the
power supply compartment, and further comprising a light pole
connection mechanism configured to couple the LED streetlight to a
vertical light pole.
12. The LED street light according to claim 8, further comprising a
light control unit disposed in at least one of the camera
compartment and the power supply compartment.
13. The LED street light according to claim 8, wherein the power
supply compartment is heavier than the camera compartment, and
wherein the camera compartment is heavier than the LED light
compartment.
14. The LED street light according to claim 8, further comprising
at least one antenna configured to (i) receive commands from a
remote center, and (ii) transmit plural captured images from the
camera to the remote center.
15. Streetlight-mounted camera apparatus, comprising: an enclosure
having an LED light module, a camera module, and a power supply
module, the camera module being separated from the LED light module
by at least one passive air cooling channel extending from a bottom
of the enclosure to a top thereof; the LED light module having an
array of LED lights disposed to provide light onto an area below
the streetlight, an LED light power supply being disposed in at
least one of the camera module and the power supply module; the
camera module supporting a camera having a lens disposed to capture
light from the area below the streetlight, the camera lens being
disposed vertically below a plane of the LED array; the power
supply module having mounting structure configured to mount the
enclosure on a streetlight post; and shield structure mounted on
the bottom of the enclosure and configured to prevent light from
the LED array from entering the camera lens, and to guide air into
the passive air cooling channel.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the shield
comprises at least one antenna.
17. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising an
antenna mounted on the top of the enclosure and configured to
transmit and receive signals, the transmitted signals including
image signals and the received signals including control
signals.
18. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a radio
transmitter, a radio receiver, at least one processor, and at least
one memory disposed within at least one of the camera module and
the power supply module.
19. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a
camera lens shield configured to pass incoming light to the camera
lens but to render the camera lens substantially invisible from
outside of the enclosure.
20. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising (i)
wireless communications structure configured to communicate with a
remote station, and (ii) wired communications structure configured
to communicate with the remote station, and wherein camera control
signals, camera images, and LED information are enabled to be
communicated to the remote station over at least one of the
wireless communications structure and the wired communications
structure.
21. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a fan
for forced convection of air from the LED module to the camera
module.
22. A kit comprising the apparatus of claim 15.
23. A method of imaging a lighted area from a streetlight,
comprising: illuminating an area below the streetlight with an LED
light array disposed in an LED light compartment of an enclosure;
capturing an image of the illuminated area below the streetlight
with a camera mounted in a camera compartment coupled to the LED
light compartment; cooling the LED light compartment by providing
at least one passive cooling air channel between the LED light
compartment and the camera compartment, from a bottom of the
enclosure to a top thereof; shielding light from the LED array from
entering a lens of the camera using a shield device; providing
power to the LED light array and to the camera from circuitry
disposed in a power supply compartment of the enclosure; and
supporting the enclosure on a streetlight support structure.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to apparatus and method
whereby a camera mounted in an LED streetlight is enabled to
monitor a field of view and report what is observed. In a preferred
embodiment, a fixed camera and/or a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera is
used, and it is remotely controlled by, and communicates image(s)
and/or reports to, a remote control center via one or more of
wireless (e.g., WiFi, WiMax, GSM, Bluetooth, satellite, etc.)
and/or land-line (e.g., coaxial cable, Ethernet, fiber optics,
etc.) modalities. Preferably, the camera is not visible from the
area monitored.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] Street lights are found all over the world. They are used to
light public roads, paths, and areas during night time, and to
provide safety to the citizens and visitors of such areas. Cameras
may be installed in such street lights to view the areas below the
streetlight, thus providing security to the public and providing
police visual monitoring capabilities. The video and/or still
images are typically uploaded to one or more monitoring servers via
wireless and/or land-line. Where a PTZ camera is used, the camera
motions and image-capture can be controlled via the same or
different servers via the wireless and/or land-line connection.
[0005] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,886,738 discloses a PTZ camera
installed in a street light. However, the heat-generating Halogen
bulb 673 (FIG. 6B) is located adjacent the camera 650, thus
requiring a fan 687 to cool the equipment. Even with the fan,
overheating of the camera and light components is a problem.
[0006] As another example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0141727
discloses a street light having a camera module 2230 surrounded by
lamp bulb modules 2220 (FIGS. 3A, 3B). Beside the overheating
problems engendered by such a design, the light from the lamp bulbs
will likely enter onto the camera module, resulting in
improperly-exposed video/pictures.
[0007] Thus, what is needed is an efficient street lamp/camera
design which overcomes the problems of the known art, and provides
a safe, cost-efficient design.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention,
apparatus and method embedding a camera in a street light includes
structure and/or function whereby the street light has a first
compartment having an LED array configured to illuminate an area
beneath the street light. A second compartment is coupled to the
first compartment and has a camera directed toward the area beneath
the street light. The second compartment has a window covering the
camera such that the camera can receive light from area beneath the
street light, but passers-by do not see the camera. A third
compartment is coupled to the second compartment and is configured
to attach the street light to a vertical support. A passive air
channel is disposed between the first compartment and the second
compartment, and is configured to direct air from beneath the
street light to the top of the street light. Preferably, the power
supply for the LED array is disposed in a compartment different
that the first compartment. An anti-glare device is preferably
mounted to a bottom of at least one of the first compartment and
the second compartment, and is configured to shield the camera from
light glare and/or reflections from the LED array.
[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a
method of imaging a lighted area from a streetlight, includes
illuminating an area below the streetlight with an LED light array
disposed in an LED light compartment of an enclosure. An image of
the illuminated area below the streetlight is captured with a
camera mounted in a camera compartment coupled to the LED light
compartment. The LED light compartment is cooled by providing at
least one passive cooling air channel between the LED light
compartment and the camera compartment, from a bottom of the
enclosure to a top thereof. Light from the LED array is shielded
from entering a lens of the camera using a shield device. Power to
the LED light array and to the camera is provided from circuitry
disposed in a power supply compartment of the enclosure. The
enclosure is supported on a streetlight support structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the presently
preferred exemplary embodiment taken along line 1-1 of FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the FIG. 1 embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 1 embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the FIG. 1 embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1
embodiment taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1
embodiment taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4.
[0016] FIGS. 7A and 7B are, respectively, schematic cross-sectional
and perspective views of the lamp post connecting adapter for use
with the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a notional, schematic side view of the lamp post
electronic devices for use with the FIG. 1 embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a schematic, functional diagram of the electronics
for use with the FIG. 1 embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EXEMPLARY
EMBODIMENTS
1. Introduction
[0019] The presently preferred exemplary embodiments provide a
unique combination of features whereby a fixed and/or PTZ camera is
mounted in a street light enclosure, in a compartment separate from
the LED light compartment. With this design, heat-generation is
properly managed, and the lighting functions will not interfere
with the camera functions. Preferably, the fixed and/or PTZ camera
lens is mounted beside but vertically below the LED compartment to
prevent light pollution to the camera. As a further aid in lighting
control, an anti-glare spoiler may be mounted between the light
compartment and the camera compartment, to shield the camera from
the light. To properly manage the generated heat, the
heat-generating components of the LED lights are preferably located
remotely from the LED compartment. Additionally, a passive-cooling
air channel is preferably disposed between the camera compartment
and the LED compartment, sloping upward from the bottom of the
street lamp to the top thereof.
[0020] Of course, many alternative designs and devices may be
adapted for use in the present invention without departing from the
present disclosure and the claims. For example, the light(s) may be
incandescent, Halogen, or any other acceptable light source. The
camera(s) may be fixed, pan-only, tilt-only, zoom-only, or any
combination thereof. The passive air cooling channel may be
vertical, and/or may slope in a forward direction or a reverse
direction, or any combination thereof. Active air cooling structure
(e.g., one or more fans) may be installed in or near the air
channel, or in one or more other locations. The heat-generating
components may be installed in the camera compartment and/or in the
compartment which is used to attach the street light to a vertical
support (such as a pole or a wall). Further, such heat-generating
components (and other electrical devices) may be installed in the
tubing which is used to attach the street light to the vertical
support. Several presently-preferred exemplary embodiments will now
be described below.
2. Glossary
[0021] As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." The embodiments described
herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should
be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to
be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
Moreover, the terms "embodiments of the invention," "embodiments,"
or "invention" do not require that all embodiments of the invention
include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation.
[0022] The terms "communicate" and "communicating" as used herein,
include both conveying data from a source to a destination and
delivering data to a communications medium, system, channel,
network, device, wire, cable, fiber, circuit, and/or link to be
conveyed to a destination. The term "communication" as used herein
means data so conveyed or delivered. The term "communications" as
used herein includes one or more of a communications medium,
system, channel, network, device, wire, cable, fiber, circuit,
and/or link.
[0023] The terms "coupled," "coupled to" and "coupled with" as used
herein, each mean a relationship between or among two or more
devices, apparatuses, files, circuits, elements, functions,
operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks,
systems, subsystems, and/or means, constituting any one or more of
(i) a connection, whether direct or through one or more other
devices, apparatuses, files, circuits, elements, functions,
operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks,
systems, subsystems, or means, (ii) a communications relationship,
whether direct or through one or more other devices, apparatuses,
files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes,
programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or
means, and/or (iii) a functional relationship in which the
operation of any one or more devices, apparatuses, files, circuits,
elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media,
components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means depends, in
whole or in part, on the operation of any one or more others
thereof.
[0024] The term "data" as used herein means any indicia, signals,
marks, symbols, domains, symbol sets, representations, and any
other physical form or forms representing information, whether
permanent or temporary, whether visible, audible, acoustic,
electric, magnetic, electromagnetic, or otherwise manifested. The
term "data" is used to represent predetermined information in one
physical form, encompassing any and all representations of
corresponding information in a different physical form or
forms.
[0025] The term "database" as used herein means an organized body
of related data, regardless of the manner in which the data or the
organized body thereof is represented. For example, the organized
body of related data may be in the form of one or more of a table,
a map, a grid, a packet, a datagram, a frame, a file, an email, a
message, a document, a report, or a list, or in any other form.
[0026] The term "network" as used herein includes both networks and
inter-networks of all kinds, including the Internet, Local Area
Networks, Wide Area Networks, etc., and is not limited to any
particular network or inter-network.
[0027] The term "processor" as used herein means processing
devices, apparatuses, programs, circuits, components, systems, and
subsystems, whether implemented in hardware, tangibly embodied
software, or both, and whether or not it is programmable. The term
"processor" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, one or
more computers, personal computers, CPUs, ASICS, PLC's, hardwired
circuits, signal modifying devices and systems, devices, and
machines for controlling systems, central processing units,
programmable devices, and systems, field-programmable gate arrays,
application-specific integrated circuits, systems on a chip,
systems comprised of discrete elements and/or circuits, state
machines, virtual machines, data processors, processing facilities,
and combinations of any of the foregoing.
3. Structure
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the streetlight apparatus 1 has a
modular design preferably comprising a first compartment 2, a
second compartment 4, and a third compartment 5, which together
provide a weather proof enclosure. Each compartment may have its
own interior and/or exterior weatherproofing and/or thermal
insulation, such as interior and/or exterior powdered coatings,
composite coatings, spray coatings, etc.
[0029] The first compartment 2 preferably contains: (i) a
fixed-dome and/or PTZ camera device 8; (ii) a glass and/or
polycarbonate camera window 11, (iii) mechanical and electrical
drive linkages 101 (shown in schematic) for the camera 8; (iv) an
antenna 9 for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the camera 8
to/from a remote control center; (v) a transceiver 102 for
supplying signals to/from the antenna 9; (vi) one or more
processors 103 for controlling the operations of the camera 8, the
transceiver 102, and the LED array 3; (vii) one or more memory
storage devices 104 preferably comprising Read-Only-Memory
containing computer program code, which, when executed by the one
or more processors, carries out the functions described herein,
Random-Access-Memory for storing data used by the one or more
processors in execution of the program code, and data storage which
may, for example, store camera video for a given period of time,
e.g., one day, one week, one month, one year, or any increments
thereof; (viii) an optional heating device 105; (ix) an optional
cooling device (e.g., fan) 106; and (x) a mechanical interface 6
for mounting the streetlight apparatus 1 on a pole, column, lamp
post, and/or bracket.
[0030] The streetlight apparatus 1 also comprises the second
compartment 4, which preferably contains: (i) the LED array 3
(e.g., a 8.times.6 matrix of LEDs, a printed circuit board, LED
circuitry, lenses, etc.); (ii) a flat or shaped glass and/or
polycarbonate LED array cover 15; and (iii) an anti-glare spoiler
device 7 mounted on the bottom part of the apparatus, preferably
substantially orthogonal to the bottom surface, and which acts to
protect the camera 8 from light glare and/or reflections from the
LED array 3, and also provides some lateral protection to both the
camera 8 and the LED array 3 from wind and/or rain. Further, the
device 7 acts as an "air-scoop" to direct air upward through a
channel 12, which will be described in greater detail below. The
device 7 may contain one or more bottom-mounted antennas, which, if
used in conjunction with the top-mounted antenna 9, gives
all-around antenna coverage. Note that since the LED array power
supply is preferably disposed in the compartment 2 or compartment
5, the heat generated thereby will not adversely impact the LED
array 3. Further, since the heavier components of the apparatus 1
are disposed in the compartments 2 and/or 5, the mechanical
coupling 6 may be made lighter and more secure. To further improve
heat management, an aluminum block 402 (hollow and/or solid) may be
mounted over top of the LED array 3 to act as a heat sink. The
block 402 may have a top piece 403. Instead of the block 402, other
thermally-coupling devices may be used, for example heat pipes.
[0031] The third compartment 5 preferably couples to the top of the
mechanical interface 6, and is configured to hold: (i) gears and
drives; (ii) the Lighting Control Unit (LCU) 28; (iii) preferably
one or more power supplies 30 for the LED array 3 (which may
include LED SMPS smart power supply 201); (iv) the camera power
supply 202; (v) radio device power supplies 203, etc.; and (vi)
connector terminals 204 for the SMPS, the camera power supply, the
LED power supply, and the LCU 28.
[0032] Between the compartment 2 and the compartment 4 is a passive
air-cooling channel 12. It has been found that LED lighting for
streets, areas, and industrial uses has advantages and
disadvantages. The most pronounced disadvantage is the necessity of
careful thermal management. The present invention is designed to
operate in critical and sensitive environments in outdoor
applications. In general, ambient temperatures beyond 35.degree. C.
are the most critical environment for LED street light
applications. The present invention is designed for ambient
temperatures up to +50 degrees C. There are areas on our planet
where such temperatures are likely to exist, even by sunset when
street lights are switched on. The present invention preferably
separates the LED power supply (in the compartment 5 and/or 2) from
the actual LED array 3 and its compartment 4. Furthermore, the
street light apparatus is designed to provide a constant air stream
(passive cooling) through channel 12, preferably from the in-board
bottom of compartment 4 to the out-board top of that compartment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the channel 12 slopes at an approximate 45
degree angle from the in-board side of the apparatus 1 toward the
out-board side thereof. Of course, any reasonable and convenient
angle of air the air channel 12 may be used, such as 90 degrees, 60
degrees, 30, 15 degrees, or any angle in between.
[0033] For additional thermal management, the LED array 3 is
preferably directly mounted by several mechanical interfaces 13 to
the compartment 2, providing optimized thermal heat dissipation. In
addition, a powder-coating material is preferably used to cover the
outsides of the compartments 2, 4, and/or 5, to decrease heating by
the sun.
[0034] As described above, the LED power supply 30 (FIG. 1) is
preferably mounted inside the compartment 5, although it may be
provided (in whole or in part) on one or more portions of the pole
mounting unit 19 (FIG. 8), or in compartment 2. Using the thermal
management techniques described above, the cooling performance
shows a cool and stable temperature environment for the LED array 3
in the compartment 4. Additionally, the LED array 3 is preferably
supplied with a temperature sensor 401 to monitor the operating
temperature of the array and/or inside the compartment 4. In case
of overheating, the LED array 3 is preferably switched into an
autonomous dimming mode (by the LED power supply 30) to prevent
malfunctioning of the system. The dimming mode may reduce the light
output of the LED array 3 by 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%,
80%, 90%, 100%, or any percentage therebetween.
[0035] Ambient temperatures below -25 degrees C. are also
foreseeable. In such cases, the compartment 5 provides constant
insulation for electronic components being operated below their
individual manufacturer temperature specifications. For example
each compartment may be a self-contained compartment which may be
lined with one or more layers of insulation. Additionally, one or
more heating devices 105 may be provided in one or more of
compartments 2, 4, and/or 5. Even at temperatures above -25 degrees
C., the humidity inside the compartment 2 may condense on the
inside of the camera window 11. Additional heating may be used to
avoid condensing water. Optionally, an additional fan may be used
to generate forced convection between compartment 4 and compartment
2, to heat the air in compartment 2 using thermal losses of the
LEDs in compartment 4 instead of additional heating devices.
4. Functions
[0036] One or more cameras 8 are preferably used to integrate live
video streams into complex video surveillance systems that monitor
defined areas for traffic-control, security, etc. The camera 8 may
also include or be accompanied by one or more microphones 31. Thus,
integrated video/audio streams may be provided to one or more
control centers, such as traffic management, security,
entertainment, etc.
[0037] The radio antenna 9 is preferably used for broadband
communication and is preferably mounted on the top of the camera
compartment 2. The antenna 9 is preferably connected to the camera
8 through the transceiver radio device 10. The antenna 9 and/or the
antenna 7 preferably communicate with a base station located in the
area. The communication between the base station and the street
light antenna(s) may be by way of wireless cellular (voice and/or
SMS text, and/or MMS data), WiFi (e.g., IEEE 802.11 systems),
WiMax, Bluetooth, etc. In addition (or alternatively) such
communication may be by way of land-line cable, fiber optics and/or
Ethernet via the street light pole, preferably alongside of the
electric cables bringing power to the apparatus 1.
[0038] The apparatus 1 preferably has an integrated broadband radio
device 10 (RF CPE--Radio Frequency Customer Premises Equipment) to
connect the apparatus 1 and the column/pole's or lamp post's
applications (if any) via base stations to the world wide web in
order to communicate with the system globally. The street light may
be connected by any means, including wireless, and/or wired, and/or
land-line, etc. This connection may be physically the same as the
camera connection, or different.
[0039] In order to provide an ideal technical solution for the
video surveillance application, an exclusive design for an embedded
camera 8 is described herein. Therefore, the camera 8 itself is
located in the separate compartment 2, and is integrated as a
modular device for easy assembly and maintenance. Thus, in order to
decrease costs for area wide video observation/surveillance systems
within sensitive areas, the present invention provides a system
solution embedded inside a street light apparatus. The present
invention saves costs by expanding existing infrastructures, due to
retrofit kit-type deployment of the apparatus. Knowing that
existing street light poles, columns, lamp posts, or brackets are
not always in the best vertical and level position for best
surveillance, the use of the PTZ camera 8 will overcome those
issues by calibration/adjustment on site during installation and
later on when operating the system. By preferably using a one-way
type glass or polycarbonate camera window 11, passers-by will not
be able to detect the camera 8, even when the camera is moving or
zooming, thus rendering the surveillance essentially invisible.
[0040] The LED array 3 is preferably mounted in the compartment 4,
separate from the compartment 5 where the LED power supply 30 and
other heart-generating components are installed. Alternatively, one
or more of these components may be installed in compartment 2. The
LED array 3 is preferably based on sheet metal aluminum. The
separate compartment 4 is designed to manage the heat developed by
the LED array 3, between 30 W and 150 W load power for ambient
temperatures from -35 degrees C. to +50 degrees C. The cast
aluminum compartment 4 is mechanically and thermally separated from
the camera compartment 2 as much as possible (e.g., via thermal
insulating screws 13), and contains the passive air cooling section
12, including the top portion thereof 16 (FIG. 2). As best depicted
in FIG. 3, the cooling section 12 comprises seven air channels
running from the bottom of the section to the top 16, although the
number of air channels may vary from one to twenty or more. These
air channels may be disposed in parallel, but more preferably are
disposed in a fan-type arrangement where they are closer together
at the bottom and fan-out as they extend upward toward the top of
the enclosure. The compartment 4 is preferably sealed at the bottom
via a glass or polycarbonate cover 15. The glass or polycarbonate
cover 15 and corresponding lower edges of the compartment 4 provide
a light distribution that is fully cut off against the sky
according to the Dark Sky Association standards (reduction of light
pollution), although the glass or polycarbonate flat cover 15
provides less glare effect for passers-by or vehicles during night
time.
[0041] As a matter of redundancy, the local power supply for the
lighting control unit 28 is located in the compartment 5 and
preferably operates 24 hours a day/7 days a week, generating enough
temperature to preheat the LED power supply throughout the daytime.
The same redundancy method may be adopted for the camera 8, which
should also be in operation 24 hours a day/7 days a week, providing
constant live video streams.
[0042] The PTZ camera device 8 is preferably a remotely-controlled,
off-the-shelf unit providing live video streams transmitted
wirelessly through radio frequencies, and/or a wired LAN (Local
Area Network) connection to a central command control facility for
display on one or more computers and/or large screen displays.
Preferably, live video streams of an individual camera 8 can also
be viewed from smart mobile devices such as Smart Phones, iPads,
PDAs, laptops, etc. Preferably, the camera 8 triggers alarm
information to the command control via video analytics (e.g.,
face-recognition) software either embedded inside the camera or
centrally managed at the command control facility via one or more
computers/servers. Also preferably, the camera 8 is electronically
addressed via a unique IP address to be defined by the system
integration service responsible for the video surveillance system
deployment and set up. The present invention thus provides a method
for integrating most common PTZ cameras over IP. Preferably, there
is no separate and distinct camera control unit in the street light
fixture. Instead, camera control commands are generated at the
remote control station and sent to the camera through an electrical
interface.
[0043] Preferably, the camera 8 is mounted via one or more (e.g.,
four) brackets 14 (FIG. 5) to the compartment 2. In order to mount
the camera 8 in a mostly-horizontal, mostly-level position (which
may be independent of the street light apparatus 1), tilt
(inclination) may be adjusted via the brackets 14, mounted so as to
be independently adjustable inside the compartment 2. On the
bracket 14, optional heating and/or ventilation (fan) devices may
be mounted. These devices may provide an improved temperature
environment for the camera device 8 inside compartment 2, and may
be autonomously activated (switched on or off) by an embedded
temperature sensor 141 also mounted on the bracket 14.
[0044] Preferably, the compartment 2 is covered by a glass or
polycarbonate camera window 11, which is mounted via screws 251
(FIG. 1) to the compartment enclosure (preferably aluminum). The
window may be made of clear glass, and/or polycarbonate, and/or
inked, and/or smoked glass, and/or partially or fully mirrored
glass, to avoid pedestrian view of the camera.
[0045] The present invention also provides a method of removing the
camera window 11 via the one or more screws 251 or other attachment
devices. After removing the window 11, the camera 8 and the camera
brackets 14 can be removed from and inserted into the compartment 2
for maintenance or repair reasons.
[0046] Preferably, the compartment 2 or compartment 5 houses a
radio device 10 (FIG. 1) for broadband wireless communication, such
as for example WiFi, WiMax, LTE (Long term evolution) or LTE
advanced. The radio device 10 can operate in several modes. Those
modes provide the signal to be either amplified, bridged (IP
address stays as the origin), routed (IP address is connected to a
defined IP address and subnet), or as a client (the IP cam device
is asking for an IP address from the radio device (CPE)). The radio
device 10 thus may operate either in one or more of Bridge,
Repeater, Router, and/or Client mode. The radio device 10 is
preferably connected to the radio antenna 9 via high frequency
shielded antenna cable and to the camera device 8 via an Ethernet
cable. The radio device 10 may not be needed when the camera is
connected via LAN (Local Area Network) or fiber optics cable.
Preferably, the power for the camera device 8 is supplied via a PoE
(Power over Ethernet) connection.
[0047] The present invention includes a method of protecting the
camera 8 optical lens from reflections and glare effects from the
LED array 3 when in operation (preferable during night time), using
the anti-glare spoiler 7. The anti-glare spoiler 7 (FIGS. 1 and 3)
may be made of ultra violet resistant and
radio-frequency-transparent plastic, and may comprise one or more
of 433 Mhz, 868 MHz, 916 MHz and/or 2.4 GHz radio antenna(s)
connected to the LCU 28.
[0048] The compartment 5 may comprise several devices for the
apparatus to achieve its desired applications. For example, the LED
power supply 30 (FIG. 1) may be installed therein and used to
individually control light main voltages, frequencies, and load
power, as well as the operating method (e.g., constant current,
constant voltage), and one or more dimming interfaces (such as
Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI), 0-10V, etc.)
according to the relevant electrical standards within the
deployment area.
[0049] Likewise, the compartment 5 may contain a transformer 205
providing power to the camera 8, the radio device 10, the LCU 28,
and/or one or more of the heating and/or cooling (e.g., fan)
devices 105, 106 inside the compartment 2. Preferably, the
transforming structure 205 will convert main voltage down to 12V,
24V, 5V, 48V, and/or 5V, depending on the camera and equipment
used.
[0050] The compartment 5 may also contain one or more connection
terminals 206 for main voltage, one or more Ethernet connections
(when, for example, the camera 8 is connected via wired LAN
connection), and individual connectors for low voltage (<50V)
power supplies, such as for the camera 8, the heating and cooling
devices 105, 106, the radio device 10, and the LCU 28.
[0051] The LCU 28 preferably functions as an electronic control
device providing intercommunication for the remote and/or
autonomous street light management functions of the street light
apparatus 1. The LCU 28 is preferably connected to a light sensor
and GPS antenna 20 (FIG. 7B). The LCU 28 detects and provides
communication access to the most commonly used Industrial,
Scientific, and Medical (ISM) frequency bands, such as 433 Mhz, 868
MHz, 916 MHz, and/or 254 GHz.
[0052] The compartment 5 may also include a metering and switching
electronic device(s) 27 (FIGS. 1 and 8) providing continuous energy
metering of the street light apparatus 1 with less than 1% metering
tolerance, per ANSI C12.1 (The American National Standards
Institute development organization (SDO) for electricity metering
includes the American National Standard for Code for Electricity
Metering. It describes acceptable in-service performance levels for
meters and devices used in revenue metering.) The energy parameters
are preferably transmitted through the LCU 28 and logged in a Data
Control Unit embedded log file storage at the REMOTE MANAGEMENT
CENTER LEVEL 94 or the CORE LEVEL 96 (FIG. 9). Additionally, a
relay preferably switches the LED power supply 30 on/off according
to remote control commands or a time-table programmed at the REMOTE
MANAGEMENT CENTER LEVEL 94 or the CORE LEVEL 96. Preferably, no
lighting events are logged in the street lighting enclosure, but
lighting events may be transmitted to the REMOTE MANAGEMENT CENTER
LEVEL 94 and stored there. Preferably, lighting information may be
sent from the street light fixture to the REMOTE MANAGEMENT CENTER
LEVEL 94, but no lighting commands are sent from the street light
to the REMOTE MANAGEMENT CENTER LEVEL 94. Instead, preferably, the
lighting commands are sent from the from the REMOTE MANAGEMENT
CENTER LEVEL 94 to the street light device.
[0053] The compartment 5 may also have a GPS electronic device 207
coupled to a light sensor/GPS antenna 20 (FIG. 7B), providing the
LCU 28 with position coordinates and real time clock information to
be transferred to the REMOTE MANAGEMENT CENTER LEVEL 94 or CORE
LEVEL 96 (FIG. 9) for visualization. Although each light fixture
may communicate with the REMOTE MANAGEMENT CENTER LEVEL 94 through
one or more other light fixtures in a mesh-communication type
architecture, it is currently preferred that each light fixture
communicate directly with the REMOTE MANAGEMENT CENTER LEVEL 94
without passing through any other light fixture.
[0054] The mechanical interface 6 (FIGS. 1, 7A, and 7B) may be
designed as one or more plug-in units for a typical 60 mm diameter
pole or lamp-post brackets, adapters, and/or wall mounted brackets.
The fixation of the plug-in tube 18 with the interface 6 is
preferably managed by screws pressing the tube against the
mechanical interface, as is known in the art. The mechanical
interface may be designed to keep the street light apparatus 1
always in the mounted position, taking into consideration the
deployment areas calculated, the wind loads, the ambient air
environment, and local constraints in terms of vibration,
temperature, and humidity. Note that the devices shown in FIGS. 1,
7A, and 7B may be provided as a kit to retrofit existing street
lights into street light apparatus according to the present
inventions.
[0055] Preferably, a stainless steel mechanical lamp post adapter
17 (FIG. 7B) may be used to couple the apparatus 1 to the lamp
post. For mounting reasons, for example, for ambient temperature
environments above 50 degrees C., a mechanical lamp post adapter is
preferably used. The adapter 17 may be designed as a plug-in unit
for 60 mm, 76 mm and/or 89 mm pole top diameters. In order to
protect the adapter 17 against twisting on the lamp post (caused by
vibration, wind, or any other circumstances), it is preferably
fixed to the lamp post by fixing screws 21 (FIG. 7A). The bracket
inlet tube 18 (FIGS. 7A and 7B) is preferably designed with a
standard inclination (tilt) of about 5 degrees. This should provide
the most commonly used inclination (tilt) for most street lights.
Any other inclination may be possible on demand. The adapter 17 may
contain the lamp post electronic unit 26 embedded in a tubular
enclosure 19. The lamp post enclosure 19 is preferably connected
via a mechanical interface 22 to the adapter mechanics 17. The top
of the adapter mechanics 17 is preferably covered and sealed by the
adapter top cover plastic plate 23. The adapter top cover plastic
plate 23 may comprise the light sensor and GPS antenna 20, which
may be connected to the lamp post electronic 26. Wiring (power
and/or signal) 24 may be installed in the tube 19 and may connect
with wiring 25, which typically is coupled within the compartment 5
to the above-described electrical interfaces.
[0056] The enclosure 19 for the lamp post electronic unit 26 may be
made of aluminum and/or plastics, allowing the electrical and
mechanical interfaces to be integrated inside the adapter 17. The
enclosure 19 preferably attaches inside the existing lamp post
tube, providing the lamp post electronics 26 with enhanced cooling
performance by the air circulation inside the lamp post itself.
Additionally, the enclosure 19 is well protected against any
physical impact from the outside (vandalism).
[0057] In another embodiment, the lamp post electronic unit 26
(FIG. 7A) may comprise several devices used for apparatus-provided
applications. The LED power supply 30 may be installed in one or
more portions of the pole mounting structure (FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8).
Likewise, the lamp post electronic unit may also provide one or
more transformers providing power to the camera 8, the radio device
10, and the LCU 28. An electronic transformer device may be
installed in the pole mounting structure to convert mains voltage
down to 12V, 24V, 48V, and/or 5V, as noted above. The pole mounting
structure may also house the connection terminals for mains voltage
and individual connectors for low voltage (<50V) power supplies
such as the camera 8, the heating and cooling device(s) 105, 106,
and/or the radio device 10. Likewise, the LCU 28 may be housed on
one or more of the pole mounting structures, as well as electronic
device(s) for providing intercommunication for the remote and
autonomous street light management of the street light apparatus 1.
The LCU 28 is preferably connected to the light sensor and GPS
antenna 20. The LCU 28 preferably detects and provides
communication access to the most commonly used ISM band radio
frequencies, such as 433 Mhz, 868 MHz, 916 MHz and/or 2.4 GHz.
[0058] In an another embodiment, one or more of the pole mounting
structures may include the metering and switching electronic device
27 (FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8) providing continuous energy metering of
the street light apparatus 1. Additionally, the pole mounting
structures may house the relay switching the LED power supply 30
on/off, according to a remote control device or a time table
programmed at the REMOTE MANAGEMENT CENTER LEVEL 94 or CORE LEVEL
96. Furthermore, the pole mounting structures may house the GPS
electronic device 207.
[0059] The presently preferred embodiments are preferably active
within three physical infrastructure levels: The Field Level 92,
the Automation and Aggregation Level 94, and the Remote Management
Center Level (or Core Level) 96 (FIG. 9). At the Field Level is the
physical structure: the street light(s), the street, the industrial
area, and/or or the objects of area lighting, including
columns/poles, their electrical supplies, luminaires, sensors, or
any devices connected to the physical lighting infrastructure(s).
The Internet of Things (smart sensor networks) may use and/or be
part of the present invention, as individual communication
backbones.
[0060] The Automation and Aggregation Level 94 includes,
physically, the electrical interface(s) between the energy supply
infrastructure and the Field Level structure. Mainly, this includes
an electrical cabinet with a data controller providing the street
lights with electrical energy, communications, control, and
monitoring, preferably through radio frequency communication with
all connected devices (e.g., one or more of the apparatus 1).
Backbone connectivity is preferably via the internet.
[0061] The Remote Management Center Level 96 comprises, physically,
a data and operations center to remotely control and monitor any
individual device connected to the field- and automation or
aggregation levels. The remote management center can either be
separated from or embedded into the video observation command
control.
5. Conclusion
[0062] Thus, what has been described is useful structure and/or
methods whereby, e.g., a PTZ camera device is embedded in an LED
street light apparatus. Preferably, the embodiments are based on a
modular design for illumination, video observation, wireless
communication, and electrical and mechanical connectivity, within
existing street lighting structure. Notably, an anti-glare spoiler
with embedded radio antenna may be provided in preferred
embodiments to reduce reflections and direct glare from the LED
array to the camera lens. Preferably, a passive cooling system is
provided for the street light apparatus. Thermal management
preferably includes the thermal separation of the LED compartment,
the camera compartment, and the compartment for gears and drives.
Preferably, live stream video observation is provided using the
camera mounted inside the LED street light apparatus at a location
being monitored remotely.
[0063] The individual components shown in outline or designated by
blocks in the attached Drawings are all well-known in the debt
settlement arts, and their specific construction and operation are
not critical to the operation or best mode for carrying out the
invention.
[0064] While the present invention has been described with respect
to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it
is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the
disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, the invention is intended
to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included
within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of
the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation
so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures
and functions.
* * * * *