AU2015271862A1

AU2015271862A1 - Lighting system

Info

Publication number: AU2015271862A1
Application number: AU2015271862A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Walter Kimble
Original assignee: Izone Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Izone Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-02-18
Filing date: 2015-12-16
Publication date: 2016-09-08

Abstract

Abstract An integrated air-conditioning and lighting control system 90 that combines a 5 lighting control system with a typical Airstream air-conditioning control system. The air-conditioning control system includes an air-conditioning CPU 40 for controlling an air-conditioning Unit Module 92, (that operates an air conditioning unit 94) and a plurality of zone controllers 96. The air conditioning CPU 40 also receives and sends information to a Colour Touch 10 Screen (CTS) 98. The entire air-conditioning and lighting control system 90 can be controlled via the CTS 98. Instructions from the Colour Touch Screen 98 are sent to the CPU 40 via a data cable. The CPU 40 will then send these instructions on to the wireless light bridge 30, the LED light bulbs 10, any wireless light switches 60 and/or the air-conditioning system. The wireless 15 instructions are sent either directly to the switches and light bulbs, or via the wireless light bridge 30. Zone controllers 96 control the flow of air to a corresponding plurality of zones within the building. The end-user can control any LED light bulb 10 from the CTS 98 (via the air-conditioning CPU 40). 20 Drawing suggested to accompany the Abstract: Figure 5 (( a) =-0 wl 0 0 Clo _0 w w a tD (D C -- (D c (D) g- CtD g- c aY) o a) 0 m) 0 a) 0 a) 0 0) o CD N N N N IN N co CC) (00 ED ] Q DLI0 ]

Description

“LIGHTING SYSTEM”

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a lighting system and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to a wireless LED light and lighting control system that can be fully integrated with an automatic air-conditioning control system.

Background to the Invention

Home automation systems and devices are becoming increasingly popular with new advances in electronics and consumer demand. The 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2015 in Las Vegas featured a major focus on home automation. Numerous automated systems and devices are now being offered to control everything within the home, including the colour and brightness of lights, ambient music playing in individual rooms and thermostat-controlled temperature control in each room. Improvements in home security enable users to monitor their home security cameras from their mobile phone or tablet via an internet data connection. The possibilities for automated and remote control appear to be endless.

In general, prior art home automation systems employ a plurality of control systems that operate alongside each other, but are not truly integrated. Thus each device in the home automation system has its own user interface, typically a graphical user interface (GUI), which must be accessed by the user to control that device.

The present invention was developed with a view to providing a lighting control system that can be fully integrated with an automatic air-conditioning system, with the option of expanding to integrate with other home automation devices, such as a home security system, etc.

References to prior art in this specification are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be taken as an admission that such prior art is part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an LED light bulb, the light bulb comprising: an array of LEDs; a light controller operatively connected to the array of LEDs for controlling the luminosity of the LEDs in response to control signals; and, an RF transmitter/receiver operatively connected to the light controller for receiving the control signals and forwarding them to the light controller wherein, in use, the LEDs in the LED light bulb can be controlled wirelessly.

Preferably the LED light bulb further comprises a built-in power adaptor for adapting a voltage of a mains power supply to a voltage of the light controller, RF transmitter/receiver and LED array.

Preferably the light bulb further comprises a translucent cover enclosing the LED array, light controller and power adaptor; and, a connector adapted to be received in a standard light socket. The connector may be either a screw-or bayonet-type connector. Advantageously the translucent cover acts as a lens and/or diffuser to help soften and diffuse the light more evenly. Typically the translucent cover is in the shape of a conventional light bulb.

The LEDs are preferably mounted in an annular array on a circular LED PCB, and typically comprise LEDs of a plurality of colours and temperatures, including cool white, warm white and RGB LEDs. The LED PCB preferably has an aluminium base which acts as a heat-sink to help conduct heat generated by the LED array away from the electronic components.

In the preferred embodiment the RF transmitter/receiver comprises a 433 MHz wireless chipset with antenna for wireless transmission and reception of control signals.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a lighting control system for controlling one or more wireless light bulbs, the lighting control system comprising: a wireless light bridge for receiving and transmitting light control signals wirelessly to a wireless light bulb, the light bridge being adapted to connect to a router or modem whereby, in use, the wireless light bridge receives and transmits the light control signals wirelessly via Wi-Fi and/or the internet.

Preferably the lighting control system further comprises a mobile computing device with a control app installed to permit the light control signals to be transmitted wirelessly to the light bridge via Wi-Fi and/or the internet.

One of more optional wireless light switches may be included in the lighting control system to provide manual control of the one or more light bulbs.

Preferably the light bridge comprises a light bridge controller for controlling operation of the light bridge, mounted on a controller PCB. An Ethernet connection is preferably also provided on the controller PCB to allow the light bridge to be plugged into a local area network (LAN). Preferably an RF transmitter/receiver with antenna is also provided in the light bridge for 433 MHz wireless communication with one or more wireless light bulbs, or one or more wireless light switches. Typically the wireless light bulbs are wireless LED light bulbs having a plurality of LEDs mounted in an array to enable the colour and temperature, as well as the brightness, of the light to be controlled.

Advantageously the lighting system is capable of being integrated with an air-conditioning control system, which includes an air-conditioning CPU, the wireless light bridge being adapted to connect wirelessly to the air-conditioning CPU and to receive and transmit the control signals to/from the air-conditioning CPU.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided an integrated lighting and air-conditioning control system for controlling one or more wireless light bulbs and a ducted air-conditioning system, the lighting and air-conditioning control system comprising: a central processing unit (CPU) for controlling operation of all lighting system and air-conditioning system components; and, a wireless light bridge for receiving and transmitting control signals wirelessly to a wireless light bulb and/or the CPU, the light bridge being adapted to connect to a router or modem whereby, in use, the wireless light bridge receives and transmits lighting and air-conditioning control signals wirelessly via Wi-Fi and/or the internet.

Preferably the lighting and air-conditioning control system further comprises a Colour Touch Screen (CTS), which comprises CTS controller for controlling operations of the CTS. The CTS controller is preferably mounted on a controlling PCB. Advantageously a thin-film transistor touch screen is connected to the controlling PCB and enables manual entry of operating instructions, programming information and configuration data. Typically the Colour Touch Screen also has an on-board room temperature sensor 88. Preferably the CTS controller communicates with the CPU via a Local Area Network (LAN).

Preferably the lighting and air-conditioning control system also comprises one or more wireless light switches. Preferably each wireless light switch comprises a switch controller, mounted on a controlling PCB, for controlling the various functions and communications of the light switch. Preferably an RF Transmitter/Receiver with antenna is also mounted on the controlling PCB for wireless (433MFIz) communication with the CPU and/or the wireless light bridge. Typically a plurality of buttons or switches are provided for manual control of the light switch by an end-user.

The wireless light switch may optionally incorporate a variety of sensors within its housing, including an occupancy sensor, a light intensity sensor, and a temperature sensor (thermostat). These sensors may be used to control both the lighting and the air-conditioning.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Likewise the word “preferably” or variations such as “preferred”, will be understood to imply that a stated integer or group of integers is desirable but not essential to the working of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The nature of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of several specific embodiments of the light bulb and lighting system, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a preferred embodiment of an LED light bulb according to the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of an LED light bulb according to the present invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a basic wireless lighting control system according to the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a wireless light bridge according to the present invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment of an integrated air-conditioning and lighting control system according to the present invention;

Figure 6 is a functional block diagram of a preferred embodiment of an air-conditioning CPU according to the present invention;

Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a wireless light switch according to the present invention;

Figure 8 illustrates the control signals that are communicated via a wireless network employed in the control system of Figure 5;

Figure 9 illustrates the control signals that are communicated via a local area network employed in the control system of Figure 5;

Figure 10 is a functional block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a colour touch screen according to the present invention;

Figure 11 is a screen shoot of a typical coloured graphical user interface (GUI) for lighting control using the colour touch screen of Figure 10; and,

Figure 12 is a screen shoot of a typical coloured graphical user interface (GUI) for air-conditioning control using the colour touch screen of Figure 10.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments A preferred embodiment of an LED light bulb 10 in accordance with the invention, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, comprises an array of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 12 mounted on an LED Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 14. A light controller 16 is mounted on its own PCB 18 operatively connected to the array of LEDs 12 for controlling one or more control parameters affecting the luminosity of the LEDs in response to control signals. The LED light bulb 10 further comprises an RF transmitter/receiver 20 operatively connected to the light controller 16 for receiving the control signals and forwarding them to the light controller 16 wherein, in use, the luminosity of the LEDs 12 in the LED light bulb 10 can be controlled wirelessly. Typically the RF transmitter/receiver 20 is mounted on the light controller PCB 18.

Advantageously the light bulb 10 also comprises its own built-in power adaptor 22 for adapting a voltage of a mains power supply to a voltage of the light controller 16, RF transmitter/receiver 20 and LED array 12.

Preferably the light bulb further comprises a translucent cover 24 enclosing the LED PCB 14, light controller PCB 18 and power adaptor; and, a connector 26 adapted to be received in a standard light socket. The connector 26 may be either a screw- or bayonet-type connector. Advantageously the translucent cover acts as a lens and/or diffuser to help soften and diffuse the light more evenly. Typically the translucent cover is in the shape of a conventional light bulb.

As can be seen more clearly in Figure 2 the LEDs 12 are preferably mounted in an annular array on a circular PCB 14, and comprise LEDs of a plurality of colours and temperatures, including cool white, warm white and RGB LEDs. The LED PCB 14 preferably has an aluminium base 28 which acts as a heatsink to help conduct heat generated by the LED array away from the electronic components.

In this embodiment of light bulb 10 the RF transmitter/receiver 20 comprises a 433 MHz wireless chipset with antenna installed on the light controller PCB 18 for wireless transmission and reception of control signals. The control signals are typically received from a light bridge 30 and/or an air-conditioning Central Processing Unit (CPU) 40 (see Figures 3 and 5), described in more detail below. Other generic intelligent LED lighting systems use 2.4GHz from a remote controller or a smart phone or tablet to control the light. However the lower frequency of 433 MHz was selected as it is better at passing through brick, concrete and other building materials, making the wireless operation more reliable and providing improved range of transmission and reception within a building.

The use of 433Mhz wireless communication also allows the LED light bulb 10 to be fully integrated into our proprietary air-conditioning control system. This means that the LED light bulb 10 can blend seamlessly with the rest of the Airstream wireless networks, so that from a single touch screen or smartphone app an end user can control their air-conditioning, lighting, garage door, reticulation, pool pump and water features, etc.

Figure 3 illustrates a typical stand-alone basic wireless lighting control system 80. The system 80 comprises a wireless light bridge 30, described in more detail below with reference to Figure 4, a smartphone or tablet 50 with an Airstream control app installed, an optional wireless light switch 60, and one or more optional wireless repeaters 70.

The optional wireless repeaters 70 are custom-built and are used in the event that a wireless signal is unable to reach its intended destination within the system 80. The repeater 70 is located between a transmitting device and a receiving device, and will typically receive wireless signals from the transmitting device and re-transmit the signals on to the receiving device. Multiple repeaters can be used to cover unlimited distances or obstructions. Each repeater is simply plugged directly into a 240V power outlet and is wirelessly paired with the system 80.

The Airstream control app is downloaded onto the end-user’s smartphone or tablet 50 or onto a PC and the user can then control any part of the lighting control system 80. Control signals are sent via Wi-Fi or the internet to the end-user’s modem or router 52. The control signals are then passed onto the wireless light bridge 30 and sent wirelessly to the appropriate LED light bulb(s) 10. The types of control signals that can be received and transmitted will be described in more detail below with reference to an integrated air-conditioning and lighting control system 90.

One of more optional wireless light switches 60 may be included in the lighting control system 80 to provide manual control of the LED light bulb(s) 10. There are many different forms of wireless light switch 60 from a single switch for each a single light bulb to a single switch controlling all the light bulbs on a system and the air-conditioning. Each wireless light switch 60 operates at 433MHz and is configurable to control any device or number of devices. The configuration and operation of a preferred embodiment of a wireless light switch 60 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 7. A preferred embodiment of the wireless light bridge 30 will now be described with reference to Figure 4. The light bridge 30 comprises a light bridge controller 32 for controlling operation of the light bridge 30 mounted on a controller PCB 34. An Ethernet connection is also provided on the controller PCB 34 to allow the light bridge to be plugged into a local area network (LAN). An RF transmitter/receiver 36 with antenna is also provided in the light bridge 30 for wireless (433MHz) communication with one or more wireless LED light bulbs 10, one or more wireless light switches 60 and (optionally) a air-conditioning CPU 40 (via the Ethernet connection). A battery 38 is preferably provided in the light bridge 30 for a RTC (Real Time Clock).

The wireless light bridge 30 typically connects to the end-user’s computer network via the router or modem 52 and enables Wi-Fi communication with the LED light bulbs 10 and the air-conditioning CPU 40. The connection between the wireless light bridge 30 and the router or modem 52 is hardwired via a data cable. The wireless light bridge 30 allows the end-user to control the LED lights 10 (and optionally the air-conditioning) via their smartphone or tablet from within the Wi-Fi zone or via the internet using 3G/4G mobile communications. Typically the wireless light bridge 30 is supplied with an external power adaptor to enable it to be plugged into the 240V mains power supply.

Figure 5 illustrates an integrated air-conditioning and lighting control system 90 that combines the lighting control system 80 of Figure 3 with a typical Airstream air-conditioning control system. The air-conditioning control system includes an air-conditioning CPU 40 for controlling an air-conditioning Unit Module 92, (that operates an air-conditioning unit 94) and a plurality of zone controllers 96. The air-conditioning CPU 40 also receives and sends information to a Colour Touch Screen (CTS) 98. The entire air-conditioning and lighting control system 90 can be controlled via the CTS 98. Instructions from the Colour Touch Screen 98 are sent to the CPU 40 via a data cable.

The CPU 40 will then send these instructions on to the wireless light bridge 30, the LED light bulbs (10), any wireless light switches 60 and/or the air-conditioning system. The wireless instructions are sent either directly to the switches and light bulbs, or via the wireless light bridge 30.

Zone controllers 96 control the flow of air to a corresponding plurality of zones within the building. Up to twelve zones and twelve Colour Touch Screens can be supported by one air-conditioning CPU 40. A six zone system with one CTS 98 is shown in Figure 5. The air-conditioning CPU 40 receives all the information from the lighting control system 80 (via the wireless light bridge 30 to CPU 40), and this information is then displayed on the CTS 98. The end-user can then control any LED light bulb 10 from the CTS 98 (via the air-conditioning CPU 40).

In addition the two combined systems will share information from their respective and/or shared occupancy sensors, switches, temperature sensors and light sensors for control strategies. This integrated operation will be described in more detail below.

Figure 6 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the air-conditioning CPU 40. The CPU 40 comprises a master controller 42, (mounted on a controlling PCB 44) for controlling all the functions of the integrated air-conditioning and lighting control system 90. Also mounted on the controlling PCB is an RF Transmitter/Receiver 46 with antenna for wireless (433MHz) communication with the various components of the system, such as a wireless light switch 60, as described above. A battery 48 is preferably provided in the CPU 40 for a RTC. The air-conditioning CPU 40 is typically mounted in the roof space and therefor an in-roof temperature sensor 45 is provided for sensing the inroof temperature. A CAN Bus Controller enables the air-conditioning CPU 40 to be connected to the Airstream Network.

The air-conditioning CPU 40 typically has an external power adaptor to enable it to be plugged into the 240V mains power supply. Hardwire connections are provided for up to twelve zone controllers 96 (which operate air dampers for each room/zone). Whilst the CPU 40 normally communicates with the light bridge 30 wirelessly, provision is also made for an optional wired connection. Provision is also made for wired connection to one or more Colour Touch Screens 98, and various external temperature, occupancy and light sensors, such as the supply air sensor 47.

Figure 7 illustrates one embodiment of a wireless light switch 60, which comprises a switch controller 62, (mounted on a controlling PCB 64) for controlling the various functions and communications of the light switch 60. Also mounted on the controlling PCB 64 is an RF Transmitter/Receiver 66 with antenna, for wireless (433MHz) communication with the CPU 40 and/or the wireless light bridge 30. A battery 68 is preferably provided in the wireless light switch 60 for a RTC. Typically a plurality of buttons or switches 69 are provided for manual control by an end-user, i.e. it can also be used like a conventional light switch.

The wireless light switch 60 may optionally incorporate a variety of sensors within its housing, including an occupancy sensor 63, a light intensity sensor 65, and a temperature sensor (thermostat) 67. These sensors can be used to control both the lighting and the air-conditioning, e.g. to automatically change the air-conditioning and/or lighting in a room depending on whether it is occupied or unoccupied. It can also automatically change the lighting level depending on the ambient lighting level in the room, and change the volume of air-conditioned air provided to the room depending on the temperature. The wireless light switch 60 can also be used to simultaneously switch the air-conditioning and lighting ON/OFF in a room or zone. The functionality of the wireless light switch 60 is configured via the CPU 40 using the Colour Touch Screen 98.

Figure 8 illustrates the control signals that are communicated via the Wireless network, and Figure 9 illustrates the control signals that are placed on the iZone Local Area Network (LAN). In Figure 8 it can be seen that all the system control signals (air-conditioning and lighting) are sent wirelessly between the CPU 40 and the wireless light bridge 30, (although a data cable may also optionally be used for this purpose). Primary air-conditioning system information is sent wirelessly between the CPU 40 and wireless light switch 60 and a wireless temperature sensor 100 respectively. Redundancy air-conditioning system information is also sent /from the wireless light switch 60 and a wireless temperature sensor (iSense controller) 100 via the wireless light bridge 30.

Primary lighting system information is sent wirelessly between the wireless light bulb (iLight) 10 and the CPU 40 via the wireless light bridge 30, although redundancy lighting system information may also be communicated wirelessly directly between wireless light bulb 10 and the CPU 40. Primary lighting system information is sent wirelessly between the wireless light switch 60 and the CPU 40 via the wireless light bridge 30, although redundancy lighting system information may also be communicated wirelessly directly between wireless light switch 60 and the CPU 40.

Control signals are sent wirelessly from the wireless light bridge 30 to the wireless light bulb 10 for ON/OFF/colour/ white type/special effect/ brightness. Some of the special effects will reside in the light bulbs and simply be switched ON and OFF, while others will reside in the wireless light bridge 30 and be transmitted to the respective wireless light bulb 10.

In Figure 9 it can be seen that the CPU 40, the Colour Touch Screen (CTS) 98, and various other wired devices, such as additional CTS units, iSense controllers, and wired light switches, all communicate via the iZone system Local Area Network.

Figure 10 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a Colour Touch Screen 98, which comprises CTS controller 82 (mounted on a controlling PCB 84). A thin-film transistor touch screen 86 is connected to the controlling PCB 84 and enables manual entry of operating instructions, programming information and configuration data. Typically the Colour Touch Screen 98 also has an onboard room temperature sensor 88, similar to wireless light switch 60. The CTS controller 82 communicates with the CPU 40 via the iZone LAN, and a CAN Bus Controller 102 is provided for this purpose.

Figure 11 is a screen shoot of a typical coloured graphical user interface (GUI) provided on the Colour Touch Screen 98 for the lighting system. This screen shot shows a Summary page indicating the current preferences for the programmed lighting in each of the rooms in a residential building. Various standard settings are provided already programmed into the system, or the user can also manually set the preferred lighting levels in terms of colour, intensity and temperature. For example, the screen indicates that the lighting in the lounge room is currently set to 85% of the maximum light intensity. Any of the settings can be altered by touching the relevant ‘button’ on the touch screen.

Figure 12 is another screen shoot of a typical coloured graphical user interface (GUI) provided on the Colour Touch Screen 98 for the air-conditioning system. This screen shot shows a Summary page indicating the current preferences for the programmed air-conditioning in each of the zones/rooms in a residential building. Various standard settings are provided already programmed into the system, or the user can also manually set the preferred air-conditioning settings in terms of temperature, open/closed and constant. For example, the Summary page indicates that the dining room zone is currently in climate control mode and the temperature set point is 23.5°C. On the other hand the Summary page indicates that the kitchen zone is currently fully Open. The Summary page indicates that the Hall zone is currently being overridden by the system and is being used as a constant because too many zones are closed. Any of the settings can be altered by touching the relevant ‘button’ on the touch screen.

The similarities between the two GUIs for the lighting and air-conditioning systems respectively illustrates the degree to which the two systems are thoroughly integrated in the combined air-conditioning and lighting control system 90. An end-user familiar with one system can seamlessly operate the other system because the control system 90 shares many of the same sensors, components and control interfaces.

Now that preferred embodiments of the wireless LED light bulb, lighting control system, and integrated air-conditioning and lighting control system have been described in detail, it will be apparent that the described embodiments provide a number of advantages over the prior art, including the following: (i) the wireless LED light bulb provided improved functionality and lighting control, enabling the temperature, colour and intensity of the light bulb to be precisely controlled; (ii) using lower frequency (433Mhz) wireless communication means that control signals can be more readily transmitted through brick, concrete and other building materials; (iii) it also allows the LED light bulb 10 to be fully integrated into the iZone proprietary air-conditioning control system; (iv) the integrated air-conditioning and lighting control system allows both the lighting and air-conditioning to be fully controlled, either automatically or manually, via the same user interface and employing several of the same system components; (v) this provides improved ease of use, reduced cost of expansion, and the option of integrating other home systems, such as garage door, reticulation, pool pump and water features, etc.

It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention. For example, the integrated air-conditioning and lighting control system is not limited in its operation to using a wireless LED light bulb, but may also incorporate other kinds of lighting devices. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described.

Claims

The Claims defining the Invention are as follows:

1. An LED light bulb, the light bulb comprising: an array of LEDs; a light controller operatively connected to the array of LEDs for controlling the luminosity of the LEDs in response to control signals; and, an RF transmitter/receiver operatively connected to the light controller for receiving the control signals and forwarding them to the light controller wherein, in use, the LEDs in the LED light bulb can be controlled wirelessly.
2. An LED light bulb as defined in claim 1, further comprising a built-in power adaptor for adapting a voltage of a mains power supply to a voltage of the light controller, RF transmitter/receiver and LED array.
3. An LED light bulb as defined in claim 2, further comprising a translucent cover enclosing the LED array, light controller and power adaptor; and, a connector adapted to be received in a standard light socket.
4. An LED light bulb as defined in claim 3, the translucent cover acts as a lens and/or diffuser to help soften and diffuse the light more evenly.
5. An LED light bulb as defined in claim 4, the translucent cover is in the shape of a conventional light bulb.
6. An LED light bulb as defined in claim 1, wherein the LEDs are mounted in an annular array on a circular LED PCB.
7. An LED light bulb as defined in claim 6, wherein the LEDs comprise LEDs of a plurality of colours and temperatures, including cool white, warm white and RGB LEDs.
8. An LED light bulb as defined in claim 6, wherein the LED PCB has an aluminium base which acts as a heat-sink to help conduct heat generated by the LED array away from the electronic components.
9. An LED light bulb as defined in claim 1, wherein the RF transmitter/receiver comprises a 433 MHz wireless chipset with antenna for wireless transmission and reception of control signals.
10. A lighting control system for controlling one or more wireless light bulbs, the lighting control system comprising: a wireless light bridge for receiving and transmitting light control signals wirelessly to a wireless light bulb, the light bridge being adapted to connect to a router or modem whereby, in use, the wireless light bridge receives and transmits the light control signals wirelessly via Wi-Fi and/or the internet.
11. A lighting control system as defined in claim 10, further comprising a mobile computing device with a control app installed to permit the light control signals to be transmitted wirelessly to the light bridge via Wi-Fi and/or the internet.
12. A lighting control system as defined in claim 10, wherein a wireless light switch is included to provide manual control of the light bulb.
13. A lighting control system as defined in claim 10, wherein the light bridge comprises a light bridge controller for controlling operation of the light bridge, mounted on a controller PCB.
14. A lighting control system as defined in claim 13, wherein an Ethernet connection is also provided on the controller PCB to allow the light bridge to be plugged into a local area network (LAN).
15. A lighting control system as defined in claim 14, wherein an RF transmitter/receiver with antenna is also provided in the light bridge for 433 MHz wireless communication with one or more wireless light bulbs, or one or more wireless light switches.
16. A lighting control system as defined in any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the wireless light bulbs are wireless LED light bulbs having a plurality of LEDs mounted in an array to enable the colour and temperature, as well as the brightness, of the light to be controlled.
17. A lighting control system as defined in any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the lighting system is capable of being integrated with an air-conditioning control system, which includes an air-conditioning CPU, the wireless light bridge being adapted to connect wirelessly to the air-conditioning CPU and to receive and transmit the control signals to/from the air-conditioning CPU.
18. An integrated lighting and air-conditioning control system for controlling one or more wireless light bulbs and a ducted air-conditioning system, the lighting and air-conditioning control system comprising: a central processing unit (CPU) for controlling operation of all lighting system and air-conditioning system components; and, a wireless light bridge for receiving and transmitting control signals wirelessly to a wireless light bulb and/or the CPU, the light bridge being adapted to connect to a router or modem whereby, in use, the wireless light bridge receives and transmits lighting and air-conditioning control signals wirelessly via Wi-Fi and/or the internet.
19. An integrated lighting and air-conditioning control system as defined in claim 18, further comprising a Colour Touch Screen (CTS), which comprises a CTS controller for controlling operations of the CTS.
20. An integrated lighting and air-conditioning control system as defined in claim 19, wherein the CTS controller is mounted on a controlling PCB.
21. An integrated lighting and air-conditioning control system as defined in claim 20, wherein a thin-film transistor touch screen is connected to the controlling PCB and enables manual entry of operating instructions, programming information and configuration data.
22. An integrated lighting and air-conditioning control system as defined in claim 20, wherein the Colour Touch Screen also has an on-board room temperature sensor 88.
23. An integrated lighting and air-conditioning control system as defined in claim 22, wherein the CTS controller communicates with the CPU via a Local Area Network (LAN).
24. An integrated lighting and air-conditioning control system as defined in claim 18, further comprising one or more wireless light switches.
25. An integrated lighting and air-conditioning control system as defined in claim 24, wherein each wireless light switch comprises a switch controller, mounted on a controlling PCB, for controlling the various functions and communications of the light switch.
26. An integrated lighting and air-conditioning control system as defined in claim 25, wherein an RF Transmitter/Receiver with antenna is also mounted on the controlling PCB for wireless (433MHz) communication with the CPU and/or the wireless light bridge.
27. An integrated lighting and air-conditioning control system as defined in claim 26, wherein a plurality of buttons or switches are provided for manual control of the light switch by an end-user.
28. An integrated lighting and air-conditioning control system as defined in claim 24, wherein each wireless light switch incorporates a variety of sensors within its housing, including an occupancy sensor, a light intensity sensor, and a temperature sensor (thermostat).
29. An integrated lighting and air-conditioning control system as defined in claim 28, wherein the sensors are used to control both the lighting and the air-conditioning.