MXPA06010342A - Light management system having networked intelligent luminaire managers, and applications thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A light management system having networked intelligent luminaire managers. A plurality of networked luminaire managers, each collocated with a respective luminaire, monitor the status of their respective luminaires. The luminaire managers include transmitters for transmitting status information about their respective luminaires such as, for example, a lamp out condition upon occurrence of such a lamp out condition, to a network server. The network server forwards the received status information from the networked luminaire managers to a computer of an owner/operator of the plurality of luminaires. The luminaire managers communicate with each other, whereby they form a network.

Description

LIGHT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM WITH INTELLIGENT LIGHTWEIGHT ADMINISTRATORS CONNECTED INTO NETWORK, AND APPLICATIONS OF THE SAME FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in general to the administration of light systems. More particularly, it relates to the control and administration of outdoor lighting units employing a light management system that has intelligent luminaire managers connected in a network, and applications thereof. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is estimated that there are more than 60 million exterior lights in the United States controlled autonomously by means of photocontrollers. These external lights, when working properly, react simply to ambient light conditions, for example, to light at dusk and turn off at dawn. This method of operating exterior lights results in the lighting of many lights when they are not needed, and significantly increases the operating costs of the exterior lighting system. The use of conventional photocontrollers to control exterior lights (luminaires) also gives rise to maintenance and repair issues. There are significant costs associated with hiring maintenance personnel and purchasing equipment such as, for example, Ref.:175775 special maintenance vehicles that are required to access lampholders to replace lamps and electrical components in service. To discover defective lampholder operations, owners and operators of lighting systems must resort to sending maintenance personnel to perform a visual inspection on "moving vehicles" of all units, which often add up to thousands or wait for a client report the damage. This operation on moving vehicles must be done at night to detect lampholders that are not working. These high costs limit the ways in which they can be repaired or maintained on any given day and force many lighting system operators to keep their exterior lights on based on need (ie, only when notified of an inoperable light). ). It is understandable that this maintenance methodology is quite inefficient because it maintains resources such as personnel and equipment traveling randomly in search of damaged external lights dispersed geographically. Operators of lighting systems (eg, electric service providers) have tried to limit time, equipment, and personnel spent in any given outdoor lighting by carrying out group maintenance programs, where the lights within a geographical area they are maintained in a programmed manner. This approach reduces travel times between lights. In order to implement this maintenance methodology, lighting operators must estimate the life expectancy of the lighting equipment and schedule maintenance in each geographic area when interruptions of lighting services in the area are expected to reach a predetermined level. While this methodology has certain benefits, maintenance personnel often replace good equipment that still has a significant additional life. Consequently, this maintenance methodology results in maintenance personnel discarding good equipment and visiting exterior lights that do not require maintenance. The location of lampholders with damaged lamps is a problem since the lampholders of the floodlights are only lit at night and most maintenance personnel work during the day. What is needed is a new lighting management system that overcomes the deficiencies indicated above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a light management system that has administrators of intelligent luminaires connected in a network, and applications thereof. In one embodiment, a plurality of luminaire managers connected in a network, each placed with a respective luminaire, monitors the status of their respective luminaires. Each luminaire manager includes a transmitter for transmitting status information about its respective luminaire such as, for example, a lamp condition turned off when said lamp off condition occurs, to a network server. Each luminaire manager also has a receiver to receive and relay data to other luminaire managers. The network server sends the status information received from the network luminaire administrators to a computer of an owner / operator of the lighting system. The luminaire managers communicate with each other, thereby forming a network. The features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with reference to the appended figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The appended figures, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, serve additionally to explain the principles of the invention and allow persons experienced in the techniques relevant to making and using the invention. In the figures, the reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. In addition, the digit to the left of the reference number indicates a drawing in which the reference number appears for the first time. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a light management system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating street lamps connected together in network using smart luminaire managers in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A is a diagram illustrating an intelligent luminaire manager in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3B is a block diagram illustrating a luminaire and the intelligent luminaire manager of Figure 3A in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3C is a circuit diagram illustrating a luminaire and the intelligent luminaire manager of Figure 3A in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3D is a circuit diagram further illustrating the intelligent luminaire manager of Figure 3A in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3E is a flow diagram illustrating the steps of a method for detecting electrical oscillation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, which is implemented by modes of the intelligent luminaire manager of Figure 3A. Figure 3F is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method for detecting a bad lamp in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, which is implemented by modes of the intelligent luminaire manager of Figure 3A. Figure 3G is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method for detecting a bad lampholder in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, which is implemented by the intelligent luminaire manager modes of Figure 3A. Figure 3H is a flowchart illustrating steps of a method for predicting a lamp failure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, which is implemented by the intelligent luminaire manager embodiments of Figure 3A. Figure 31 is a graph illustrating the energy of a lampholder as a function of time during the start-up of a high intensity gas discharge lamp. Figure 4A is a diagram illustrating an operation center network according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4B is a diagram illustrating operational centers of geographically distributed networks in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5A is a diagram illustrating a light system owner / operator in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5B is a diagram illustrating an intelligent luminaire manager field unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a light manager system that has intelligent lighting managers, connected in network, and applications of the same. In the following detailed description of the invention, references to "the modality", "a modality", "an example modality", etc., indicate that the described modality may include a particular distinction, structure, or characteristic, but each modality may not necessarily include the particular distinction, structure, or characteristic. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same modality. Furthermore, when describing a particular distinction, structure, or characteristic in relation to a modality, it is understood that it is within the knowledge of someone with experience in the art to effect such a distinction, structure, or characteristic in relation to others -modalities either are described or not explicitly. Figure 1 illustrates a light management system 100 having administrators of intelligent luminaires connected in network 112 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Figure 1, a light management system 100 includes networks 102a and 102b, a network operation center 106, owners / operators of light system 108a and 108b, and third party users 110. These system subsystems 100 are linked together using appropriate communication means such as, for example, radio frequency communications, optical communications and / or power line carrier to form the trunk communication network 104.

Each of the networks 102a and 102b includes several intelligent luminaire managers (ILM) 112 and a master control 114. The smart luminaire managers 112 communicate with each other and with the master controller 114 using, for example , short range radio frequency (RF) communication links. In one embodiment, these RF communication links operate in the non-proprietary 900 MHz band and have a range of approximately (1000 feet). As described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the smart luminaire managers 112 controls the operation of a lampholder, also called a luminaire. Networks 102a and 102b in Figure 1 monitor each and control the operation of an exterior light system or subsystem. These exterior lighting systems are represented as being operated and maintained by the owners / operators of the light system 108a and 108b, respectively. Consequently, the data collected by the smart lighting managers 112 related to the status of the lighting system represented by the network 102a are sent to the owner / operator 108a. The data collected by the intelligent lighting managers 112 related to the status of the lighting system represented by the network 102b is sent to the owner / operator 108b. The owners / operators 108a and 108b also have the ability to send commands to and / or reprogram the operation of intelligent luminaire managers coupled to their lights using the data network shown in Figure 1. This allows owners / operators 108a and 108b adjust the operation of their respective lighting system. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, networks 102 are networks between peers and / or mesh networks. These networks support three levels of devices: master controllers 114; network addressing devices, for example, smart luminaire manager 112; and other nodes such as the RF device 202 (see Figure 2). Each of the network links between smart luminaire managers 112 includes a two-way communication channel. These two-way communication channels between smart luminaire managers 112 support, for example, in the air carrier or power line the recoding and reprogramming of these intelligent control devices. This allows, on request, turn on and off, for example, selected street lamps coupled to smart lighting managers 112. In one embodiment, each smart luminaire manager 112 maintains an internal clock which is synchronized throughout the network. The clock may be local to the device or maintained in a selected location and transmitted to each luminaire manager 112. This allows precise date / time stamps to be added to the data sent to the network operations center 106 and control based on the time of smart luminaire managers 112. In embodiments of the present invention, smart luminaire managers 112 support commands sent from master controller 114 to alternating address paths. Additionally, smart luminaire managers 112 will automatically attempt to recognize network 102 if a signal is lost for more than a selected time (eg, after 15 minutes, after 30 minutes, after 60 minutes, etc.). Each smart luminaire manager 112 is able to redirect data through an alternative path, if one or more smart luminaire managers 112 fail. When a failed or new intelligent network controller 112 re-enters the network 102, other devices in the network pass the activation or installation of the new intelligent luminaire manager to other network addressing devices. Additional details about the operation of smart luminaire managers 112 are described below. The master controllers 114a and 114b serve as gateways between their associated intelligent lighting managers 112 and the network operation center 106. Each master controller 114 is coupled to a network operation center 106 through a trunk communication network channel. 104. In modalities, the trunk network channels 104 can be, for example, electrical communication channels and / or terrestrial optical line, electrical communication channels, paging network channels, energy line carrier channels, RF links and / or channels of cellular communication. These communication channels can include public and / or private media (for example, own service lines and / or the Internet). In one embodiment, a network operation center 106 is coupled with master controllers via an Internet protocol infrastructure provided by third-party carrier network services. The master controllers 114 preferably provide data concentration and compression, and thereby reduce the overall service fees for third-party rental arrangements of communication services. The master controllers 114 also preferably include a data storage capacity such that data to and from the intelligent lighting managers 112 can be stored during network communication disruptions and transmitted after the communications are restored. In one embodiment, each master controller 114 connects to a network operation center 106 at predetermined times and loads the current status of all intelligent luminaire managers 112 within their area of responsibility and any device that has entered the network 102. since its last update to the network operations center 106. For high priority communications, such as, for example, detection of a faulty lamp, the master controller 114 can perform unscheduled communications to the network operation center 106. Preferably, each master controller 114 is responsible for linking several smart luminaire managers 112 to the network operation center 106. For example, in one embodiment, more than 500 intelligent luminaire managers can be linked by means of a single master controller 114 to the operations center of networks 106. It is a feature of each master controller 114 that can be programmed from the network operation center 106. In certain embodiments, the master controller 114 is capable of inheriting the characteristics of the addressing devices of the network 102, such as the intelligent luminaire manager 112, for communications within the network 102. The master controller 114 may also implement, for example, a TCP / IP stack for communications through the communication backbone network 104 with the network operation center 106. The master controller 114 preferably includes memory such as a non-volatile storage of card slot or compact flash memory and cache data representing the status of all smart lighting managers 112 for which it is responsible.

As described in more detail below, in embodiments, the master control 114 provides authentication and authorization to radio frequency devices that wish to enter the network 102. The master controller 114 communicates with the "administrators of intelligent luminaires 112 and optimizes the address in its network pool The master controller 114 preferably also includes a sufficient backup power source to power the master controller 114, for example, up to 24 hours of operation.The network operation center 106 provides a variety of services for owners / operators of the lighting system 108. These services include, for example, storage and data delivery services 24 hours a day, seven days a week for data flowing between the owners / operators 108 of the lighting system and their respective administrators of intelligent luminaires 112. The network operation center 106 is pre responsibly responsible for the configuration, monitoring, and operation of the addressing switches and other communication equipment comprising the network illustrated by FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the network operation center 106 manages and assigns Internet protocol addresses and domain names for the data network, manages and assigns nodes for the data network, provides data management services, network security administration, and other services. As illustrated in Figure 1, the network operation center 106 establishes an interface with a plurality of light system owners / operators 108 and / or other appropriate entities. Each owner / operator of the lighting system is shown including a lighting system administrator 109 and a maintenance unit 111. The maintenance personnel 120 of the maintenance units is responsible for the repair, replacement and maintenance of their own lighting systems respective. The maintenance personnel 120 may also be responsible for the initial installation and activation of their smart lighting managers 112 with the aid of a wireless device such as a personal data assistant (PDA) connected to a central, a field unit of intelligent luminaire manager 122, or other microprocessor-based device. This field unit is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 5A and 5B. In operation, the system 100 performs as illustrated below the example event cycle. An owner / operator 108 of an exterior lighting system wishes to reduce the operating and maintenance costs associated with its lighting system. The owner (operator 108) therefore has maintenance personnel 120 that installs and activates smart luminaire managers 112 in accordance with the present invention in each light of the lighting system, for example, like conventional photocontrollers that are replaced due to aflasts. A master controller 114 is also installed in the vicinity of one of the smart luminaire managers (for example, in a fenced post or on the terrace of a building.) During the installation and activation of each intelligent luminaire manager, the maintenance retrieves selected information such as identification number of smart luminaire managers, GPS grid coordinates for the location of the installation, the type of lighting equipment that is controlled, a digital photo of the installation, and / or equipment parameters initial, with the help of a PDA 122 field unit connected to a central This information is then stored in the records of the owner / operator's maintenance system. In embodiments, the PDA field unit 122 connected to a central unit can communicate with intelligent lighting managers 112 as well as with the master controllers 114 to receive information and / or information on loading operations. By using the services of the network operation center 106 and a computer connected to the network operation system 106 (e.g., through a secure Internet link), the owner / operator 108 is able to monitor and control their lights. For example, if a light fails or is determined to degrade, the intelligent luminaire manager 112 coupled with the light sends an alarm to the owner / operator 108, indicating that a failure has occurred or is likely to occur, through the network and the network operation center 106. This alarm notifies the owner / operator of the lighting system 108 of the changed status of the lighting system and allows the owner / operator 108 to take appropriate action. In one mode, the alarm automatically interacts with the owner / operator maintenance program and generates a work order that tells maintenance personnel 120 what actions are needed. The work order could include, for example, the time of the alarm, the location of the degraded or damaged equipment, and what equipment or parts are needed to correct the problem. This work order is downloaded to the field unit of the PDA intelligent luminaire manager connected to a central and used to guide the maintenance personnel 120 to the site of the degraded or damaged equipment. Once repairs are made to light, the smart luminaire manager 112 updates the status for the light and the alarm is cleared. In an alternative mode, the alarm is erased only when the owner / operator 108 updates its maintenance records, for example, using data retrieved by the field unit of the intelligent luminaire manager 122 while the repair was being performed. In another mode, the fault is only reported to the owner / operator 108 when the fault has occurred on a specified number of continuous days. Once the owner / operator 108 has installed intelligent luminaire managers in their lights, the owner / operator 108 can control when the lights are turned on or off. This is achieved by sending commands through the data network to individual or assignable groups of smart luminaire managers 112 and / or reprogramming a control program stored in a memory in each intelligent luminaire manager or group of assignable intelligent luminaire managers. Further details regarding the functionality of smart luminaire managers 112 are given below. Also shown in Figure 1 are third-party users 110. Third-party users 110 are system administrators / users 10 different from owners / operators of the system. lights 108 and the network operation center staff 106. For example, a third user 110 may be someone hired by the owner / operator 108 to operate their lighting system or someone who is renting, or otherwise appropriately using, a bandwidth in the system 100 as explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 illustrates a plurality of street lamps 200 that are part of a light system operated and maintained by an owner / operator 108 Each street lamp 200 is equipped with an intelligent luminaire manager 112 mounted, for example, at the top of a portal lamps 204 of a street lamp 200. In the embodiment shown, the smart luminaire manager 112 is preferably configured and housed in a shell that conforms to the appropriate NEMA and ANSI standards in such a way that it can be exchanged one by one with a photo-control formerly used to control the lampholder 204. This compatibility allows the smartlight manager 112 to be installed in a lampholder 204 without requiring a new assembly and without requiring any rewiring or physical modification of the lampholder. People with experience in relevant techniques are familiar with industry standards such as NEMA and ANSI C136, will understand, based on the present description, how to adapt the smart luminaire manager 112 for selected applications and clients. As shown in Figure 2, an intelligent luminaire manager 112 communicates using an RF communication link with its neighbors mounted on neighboring street lamps 200. In one embodiment, an intelligent luminaire manager 112 is also capable of communicating. with other nearby devices that include, for example, an RF 202 device. This communication can be unidirectional or bidirectional. The unidirectional communication may be from an RF device 202 to the intelligent luminaire manager 112 or from the intelligent luminaire manager 112 to the RE 202 device depending on whether the RF device 202 is a transmitting device or a receiving device. Communication with an RF device 202 is established when an RF device 202 enters the communication space of an intelligent luminaire manager 112 and is authorized to be part of the network formed by the intelligent luminaire manager 112 and its neighbors. In one embodiment, the RF device 202 can be part of a network by transmitting a signal that is received by a communications unit within the intelligent luminaire manager 112. The intelligent luminaire manager 112 then reports the presence of the RF 202 device to the center of operation of networks 106 through the network and a master control 114. The RF device 202 may be enabled to simply transmit data through the network, or it may be enabled to transmit and receive data. This communication can be opened or encrypted. The intelligent luminaire manager 112 is capable of blocking communications from the RF device 202 if the RF device 202 is rated to operate inappropriately or if it denies access to the RF device based on a backup list maintained by the operations center of networks or if the RF device interferes with the routing of higher priority traffic. In embodiments of the present invention, the RF device 202 is referred to as a blind slave. A blind slave is a device controlled by the intelligent luminaire manager 112. An example of the use of a blind slave is to control the operation of an external light (eg light of a gantry or light of a road). The blind slave coupled to the light receives commands from an intelligent luminaire manager 112 to turn the light on or off, for example, together with the luminaire controlled by the intelligent luminaire manager 112. In one embodiment, the blind slaves can be controlled by means of of a utility in order to limit the use of energy during periods of high energy demand and thus avoid reductions or blackouts of electrical energy.

The use of blind slaves is not limited to photocontrol only. In embodiments of the present invention, communication links between intelligent lighting managers 112 may include, for example, power line bearer communication links or optical communication links. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to using only RF communication links. As further described below with reference to Figure 6, the precise location of each intelligent luminaire manager device 112 is known. Therefore, the use of appropriate algorithms, an intelligent luminaire manager 112, a master controller 114 and / or a network operation center 106 are able to accurately determine and report the location of any RF device 202. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the master controller 114 is capable of computing interpolated coordinates for a RF device 202 based on information received from a variety of smart luminaire managers 112 and the master controller's knowledge of the locations of these smart luminaire managers 112. As will be understood by people with experience in the relevant techniques, the potential for communication with radiofrequency (RF) type devices or identification of Radio frequency (RFID) using the network formed by smart lighting managers 112 is almost unlimited and limited only by the available bandwidth. For example, an RF 202 device could be included in a used car to monitor and locate stolen automobiles when they pass or park near 200 street lamps. An automobile insurance company may pay an owner / operator of a lighting system to monitor or report the location of stolen cars using your network. In this example, an RF device 202 could be configured to start transmitting a stolen car signal, for example, as long as the car engine started without using the ignition key of the car. The stolen automobile signal would be detected by an intelligent lighting manager 112 and reported through the network to an appropriate individual (eg, a third party user 110 such as a representative insurance company and / or a local observer officer). the application of the law). A similar use to that described above for the network capabilities of smart lighting managers 112 would be to identify and locate an individual under house arrest, who wears an ankle bracelet, who has left home. Other possible uses include, but are not limited to: providing security monitoring to determine whether a nearby door is opened or closed or whether a particular system is on or off; provide an interface to the General Motors ON-STAR system; provide a firearm detection detection; provide automotive or pedestrian traffic monitoring; provide public address audio communications and transmit precautionary warning information (eg, radiation alerts, biological alerts, chemical alerts, smog alerts, etc.); provide surveillance in high crime areas; locate lost individuals, children or animals; transmit climatological monitoring data, energy monitoring data, etc .; retransmit cellular communications, iFi communications, or Internet communications; and reading and / or transmitting electrical measurement data, gas measurement data, and / or water measurement data for public services. Those with experience in the relevant techniques will appreciate other uses given the present description. Figure 3A shows a detailed view of a housing 301 for an intelligent luminaire manager 112 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in figure 3A, enclosure 301 of smart luminaire manager 112 includes a window 303 that exposes a photodetector 305 to ambient light. This allows the intelligent luminaire manager 112 to be programmed to turn on and / or off based on ambient light conditions in addition to an internal clock. A filter can be used to adjust the sensitivity / response of the photodetector 305 (for example, a filter such as an infrared filter can be used to avoid unwanted light switching on and off due to passing clouds, sky conditions or the influence of other nearby lights ). In one embodiment, the intelligent luminaire manager 112 includes at least one LED (not shown) internal or external to the enclosure 301 to communicate with maintenance personnel. In one embodiment, the LED transmits infrared signals that are received by the PDA 122 field unit connected to a central unit. In one mode, the LED flashes a visual code that can be seen and interpreted by the maintenance personnel. For example, when a smart luminaire manager is initially installed, it sends a message to a nearby smart luminaire manager 112 and receives a recognition signal in response. When this acknowledgment signal is received by the newly installed smart luminaire manager 112, its LED sends or flashes a code to allow the maintenance personnel to know that the signal has been sent and an acknowledgment signal has been received. This allows the maintenance personnel to know that the smart luminaire manager 112 is working properly. In one embodiment, an LED signal may be different colors to indicate different states. As indicated above, the casing 301 is preferably in accordance with appropriate NEMA and ANSI standards so that it can be installed in a intended lampholder without requiring re-assembly and without requiring any rewiring or physical modification of the lampholder. In embodiments, the shell 301 is formed of a highly durable material, such as plastic, which is suitable for outdoor use and which will withstand the expected climate and temperature variations at the location of the intended installation. The casing 301 can also be coated with a weather resistant material. In one embodiment, each intelligent luminaire manager 112 or envelope 301 has a barcode to be scanned securely fixed for identification purposes. An identification code can also be stored in a memory of each luminaire manager 112. In one embodiment, the PDA 122 field unit connected to a central unit is used to read and / or write the identification code to the memory of each administrator. luminaire 112. Figure 3B is a block diagram further illustrating the features and functionality of an intelligent luminaire manager 112 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3B, an intelligent luminaire manager 112 is coupled to and controls a light or more precisely a luminaire 200. The luminaire 200 includes a reactor 302, a starter 306, and a lamp 308. The intelligent luminaire manager 112 includes a controller 310, a subsystem for detecting and diagnosing the condition of the luminaire 312, a communication subsystem 314, and other optional subsystems 316. In one embodiment, the luminaire 200 is a conventional luminaire such as. For example, a street lamp. The purpose and function of the reactor 302, the starter 306, and the lamp 308 are well known to those skilled in the relevant art. The controller 310 includes a processor 318, a memory 320, and an interface subsystem 322. The memory 320 stores a variety of programs that are executed and / or implemented using the processor 318. These programs include, for example, a luminaire control program 324 and a smart luminaire manager configuration program 326, status report program 328, and other optional programs 330. As will be apparent to those with experience in the relevant art given the present description, the intelligent luminaire manager 112 in an improved network device that includes and improves with respect to the functionality and capabilities of the luminaire diagnostic systems described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,028,396, 6,452,339 and 6,841,944, each of which it is incorporated here as a reference in its entirety. These improvements are described below. A remarkable improvement is the added functionality that allows an intelligent luminaire manager 112 to be used to turn the lamp 308 on and off upon request. The commands for turning the lamp 308 on and off can be provided to the intelligent lighting manager 112 through the data network illustrated in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the data sent by an owner / operator 108 through the network is used. for programming a luminaire control program 324 stored in the memory 320 of the intelligent luminaire manager 112. This program interacts with a clock / timer function synchronized with the network and supports a work time and an idle time for the lamp 308 for each day of the week with a resolution of one minute. Examples of work time and idle time commands that can be programmed include: (1) turning on lamp 308 at time X, and turning off lamp 308 at time Y; (2) turning on the lamp 308 at time X, and turning off the lamp 308 and minutes after it is turned on; (3) turn on lamp 308 at nightfall, and turn it off X minutes after it lights; and (4) turn on lamp 308 at nightfall, and turn it off X minutes after sunrise. The programmable commands described above for turning the lamp 308 on and off are only illustrative and are not intended to limit the present invention. Other programmable commands may be used that will be apparent to those with experience in the relevant techniques given the present description. For example, the commands can be programmed to turn on the lamp 308 only during certain days of the week, to turn the lamp 308 off and on at different times during different days in a given week, or they can turn on all the lamps in a group at one hour specified and turn off, for example, at dawn. In one embodiment, a command to turn off during periods of high power demand may have been sent to the selected lamps. Similarly, turn-on and turn-off times can be programmed to comply with state or local light-invasion codes, and these can be reprogrammed remotely if the light-invasion codes change. In one embodiment, in the event that an intelligent luminaire manager 112 loses contact with the network operations center 106 or with the master controller, due, for example, to a failure in the network, the intelligent luminaire manager 112 will revert to a pre-stored program to control the luminaire 200. For example, this could light the lamp 308 at nightfall and turn it off at dawn. The intelligent luminaire manager 112 can tolerate and continue to operate through expected peaks and power drops without interruption of the operation. In one embodiment, an intelligent luminaire manager 112 utilizes a lighting condition detection and diagnosis subsystem 312 to monitor the A / C power supplied to the luminaire 200. For example, the lighting condition detection and diagnosis subsystem 312 monitors voltage drops and over voltages and records the time, severity, and duration of these events, and reports these events to the owner / operator 108. Additionally, in one mode, the lighting condition detection and diagnosis subsystem 312 registers the supplied current to turn on the lamp 308 and the current taken by the lamp 308 at some period after it turns on. Such data are useful, for example, for monitoring the proper condition of the luminaire 200, and in particular of the reactor 302. In an example embodiment, the intelligent luminaire manager 112 monitors the electrical oscillation of the luminaire 200. Registers, for example , the lamp socket current after the lamp 308 is turned on. If the lampholder current is increased or decreased more than a specified amount in a given time interval, this denotes an oscillation. The oscillation detections are reported to the master controller 114, through network messages, and sent to the owner / operator 108. In one embodiment, an occurrence of multiple oscillations such as, for example, approximately five on a given night can be Report as a faulty lamp. In one embodiment, the intelligent luminaire manager 112 generates a faulty lamp signal / alarm in the following manner. First it measures the power or volts amps of the lamp 308 two seconds after turning on, 15 seconds after turning on, one minute after turning on, and 8.5 minutes after turning on. If all four measurements are equal, for example, with a 10% interval, the lamp 308 is marked as defective. Consequently, the detection signal / alarm of a faulty lamp is stored and transmitted to the network operation center 106 and the owner / operator 108. As indicated herein, values such as 10% tolerance for current comparisons are reprogrammable. However, the loss of electrical connectivity, for example, for more than a selected period of times causes the intelligent luminaire manager 112 to reverse the programmable time measurement intervals and tolerances to predetermined values in the memory of the intelligent luminaire manager 112. The intelligent luminaire manager 112 is preferably capable of measuring AC currents and voltages in addition to average currents and voltages. In embodiments, the smart luminaire manager 112 determines and records the energy consumption of a connected device as well as the energy factor and the load. As described above, the status data collected by the intelligent lighting managers 112 is communicated through the network 102 to the master controller 114 and then to the network operation center 106. In the network operation center 106, the status data is analyzed for alarms and alerts, sorted, stored, and routed to an appropriate owner / operator 108. Additional features and functionalities of the intelligent luminaire manager 112 are described below. Figure 3C is a circuit diagram further illustrating the luminaire 200 and intelligent luminaire manager 112 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The circuit diagram is illustrative and is not intended to limit the present invention. As shown in Figure 3C, in one embodiment, the smart luminaire manager 112 is a three-peak device in accordance with ANSI C136.10 or similar standard that acts as a switch to control the energy supplied to the luminaire 200. A the first peak 301a of the intelligent luminaire manager 112 is connected to an energized line of a power supply (not shown). A second peak 301b of the intelligent luminaire manager 112 is connected to a neutral or common line of the power supply. A third peak 301c of the intelligent luminaire manager 112 is connected to a luminaire charging line 200. The charging line is connected to a reactor 302 and an optional power factor correction capacitor 304. The reactor 302 is connected to a starter (if employed) and a lamp 308. The optional energy factor correction capacitor 304, the starter 306, and the lamp 308 are each connected to a neutral line of the power supply. Figure 3D is a more detailed circuit diagram of an intelligent luminaire manager 112 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3D, the energy of a power supply is rectified by means of a rectifier 350. The power of the rectifier is filtered and regulated, and supplied to the controller 310. In one embodiment, the controller 310 is a microprocessor or commercially available microcontroller. The rectified energy is also supplied to a pick-up coil 354 of a relay 352. When a control signal provided by the controller 310 closes a switch 356, the pick-up coil 354 is energized and closes a contact of the relay 352. As shown in FIG. illustrated in Figure 3C, the contact closure of the relay provides power to the luminaire 200. As shown in Figure 3D, two resistors 358 and 359 form a voltage divider network. The voltage developed through resistor 359 is a reference voltage (Vref) which is provided to controller 310 as an input parameter. A current sensor 357 is coupled between the relay 352 and the load peak of the intelligent luminaire manager 112. The current sensor 357 generates a reference current (Iref), which is also provided to the controller 310 as an input parameter . In a modality, the current sensor 357 is a current transformer. In one embodiment, the current sensor 357 is a current sensing resistor or Hall effect sensor. As described below in more detail, the input parameters Vref and Iref are used to diagnose and provide an indication of the status of the luminaire 200. FIG. 3E is a diagram illustrating steps of a 360 method for detecting compliance oscillations. with one embodiment of the present invention. The method 360 can be implemented by means of intelligent luminaire manager modes 112. As shown in Figure 3E, the method 360 comprises steps 361-367. In step 361, the input AC voltage is measured (VCA) supplied to a luminaire. In one embodiment, the input AC voltage is preferably measured in a plurality of times (Ti). The time intervals between measurements can be constant or variable. The frequency (_) of the input AC voltage can be determined, for example, by identifying how many zero-crossing voltage waveforms occur in a selected time interval. In step 362, the input AC current (IAc) supplied to the luminaire is measured. In one embodiment, the input AC current is also preferably measured in a plurality of times (Ti). The time intervals between measurements can be constant or variable. A phase angle (_) can be determined between the measured AC current and the AC voltage measured in step 361, for example, by determining a time difference between the zero crossing point of the current waveform and the point zero crossing of the voltage waveform. In step 363, a ratio between the actual energy and the apparent energy (eg, the actual energy divided by the apparent energy) is calculated. Both the actual energy and the apparent energy are determined based on the AC voltage measurements of step 361 and the AC current measurements of step 362. Example ratios of real energy divided by apparent energy vary from about 1 to about less than 0.1. For example, a luminaire in uncorrected power factor service having a stabilizer reactor and a 100 watt high pressure sodium lamp has a real power of about 120 watts and an apparent power of about 200 VA. This results in a ratio of 120/200 or 0.6. A corrected energy factor luminaire having a stabilizer reactor and a 100 watt high pressure sodium lamp has a real power of approximately 120 watts and an apparent power of approximately 120 VA. This results in a ratio of 120/120 or 1. In step 364, a determination is made as to whether the AC current is greater than or equal to a first threshold value. This verification is verified, for example, to make sure the lamp is turned on. In one embodiment, the first threshold value is one ampere. Other values can also be used. If the AC current is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, the control goes to step 635. Otherwise, the control goes to step 366. In step 365, a determination is made as to whether the ratio of the actual energy to apparent energy calculated in step 363 is less than or equal to a second threshold value. The second threshold value can be selected, for example, based on the particular luminaire (e.g., type of lampholder and type of lamp) to be monitored, or it can be a general value that is selected to work with multiple luminaires (for example, example, various combinations of lampholder types and lamp types). For example, a value of 0.4 could be selected to monitor both an uncorrected energy factor luminaire that has a stabilizer reactor and a 100 watt high pressure sodium lamp and a corrected energy factor luminaire that has a stabilizing reactor and a 100 watt high pressure sodium lamp. If the ratio calculated in step 363 is less than the second threshold value, the control goes to step 367 (Electric Oscillation of the Lamp). Otherwise, the control goes to step 366. Persons with experience in the relevant techniques will know how to select a second threshold value given the present description. It is a feature of the method 360 that in step 365 electrical oscillation can be detected for a wide variation of luminaires (for example, luminaires having lamps with an operating energy of about 70 watts to about 1000 watts).

In step 366, a determination is made as to whether there has been a change in the AC current that is greater than or equal to a third threshold value. For example, in one embodiment, a determination is made after the lamp is turned on if the current measured in step 362 has increased or decreased more than about 25% in a second interval. If there has been a 25% change in current, the lamp is identified as oscillating unless, for example, there is an interruption in the AC power. Other threshold values may be used, the persons with experience in the relevant techniques will know how to select a third threshold value given the present description. This test works well, for example, with luminaires that have lamps with an operating power of approximately 70 watts to approximately 400 watts. If the change in the AC current is greater than or equal to the third threshold value, the control goes to step 367 (Electric Oscillation of the Lamp). Otherwise, the control goes to step 361. In step 367, a signal is generated to indicate that the lamp has oscillated. In certain applications, a counter can be used to track how many times a lamp has oscillated, for example, during a single night. Once a predetermined number of oscillations have occurred, the energy of the lamp can be turned off to prevent damage to the luminaire. As will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art, method 360 may be modified, for example, to erase one of the two electrical oscillation tests illustrated or to add additional electrical oscillation tests. Figure 3F is a flow diagram illustrating the steps of a method 370 for detecting a bad lamp from a luminaire in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Method 370 can be implemented by means of smart luminaire manager modes 112. As shown in Figure 3F, method 370 comprises steps 371-375. In step 371, the input AC voltage (VA) supplied to a luminaire is measured. In one embodiment, the input AC voltage is preferably measured in a plurality of times (Ti). The time intervals between measurements can be constant or variable. The frequency (_) of the input AC voltage can be determined, for example, by identifying how many zero point crossings of voltage waveforms occur in a selected time interval. In step 372, the input AC current (TAC) supplied to the luminaire is measured. In one embodiment, the input AC current is also preferably measured in a plurality of times (Ti). The time intervals between measurements can be constant or variable. The phase angle (_) between the measured AC current and the AC voltage measured in step 371 can be determined, for example, by determining a time difference between the zero point crossing of the current waveform and the junction of zero point of the voltage waveform. In step 373, the actual energy that is consumed is calculated. The actual energy is determined based on the AC voltage measurements of step 371 and the AC current measurements of step 372. In one embodiment, the actual energy is calculated, for example, at times 0 seconds, 10 seconds , 60 seconds, and 600 seconds after an attempt to light the lamp. Other times can also be calculated. In step 374, a determination is made as to whether the actual energy changes during an expected start time of the lamp. If no change in the actual energy is detected, the control goes to step 375 (Bad Lamp). Otherwise, the control goes to step 371. In step 375, a signal is generated to indicate that the lamp is bad. Figure 3G is a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method 380 for detecting a bad lampholder of a luminaire in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A method 380 can be implemented by means of modalities of an intelligent luminaire manager 112. As shown in Figure 3G, method 380 comprises steps 381-386. In step 381, the input AC voltage (VCA) supplied to a luminaire is measured. In one embodiment, the input AC voltage is preferably measured in a plurality of times (Ti). The time intervals between measurements can be constant or variable. The frequency (_) of the input AC voltage can be determined, for example, by identifying how many zero point crossings of voltage waveforms occur in a selected time interval. In step 382, the input AC current (IAc) supplied to the luminaire is measured. In one embodiment, the input AC current is also preferably measured in a plurality of times (Ti). The time intervals between measurements can be constant or variable. The phase angle (_) between the measured AC current and the AC voltage measured in step 381 can be determined, for example, by determining a time difference between the zero crossing of the current waveform and the zero point crossing of the current. voltage waveform. In step 383, the actual energy that is consumed is calculated. Actual power is determined based on the AC voltage measurements of step 381 and the AC current measurements of step 382.

In step 384, a determination is made as to whether the AC current is less than or equal to a first threshold value. In one embodiment, a threshold value of approximately 0.2 amperes is used. Other values can also be used. If the AC current is less than or equal to the first threshold value, the control goes to step 386. Otherwise, the control goes to step 385. In one embodiment, a current less than about 0.2 amperes indicates, for example, , either a lampholder or bad reactor or a bad starter. In step 385, a determination is made as to whether the actual energy is less than or equal to a second threshold value. In one embodiment, a threshold value of about 40 watts is used. Other values can also be used. If the actual energies is less than or equal to the second threshold value, the control goes to step 386. Otherwise, the control goes to step 381. In one embodiment, an energy less than about 40 watts is an indication, for example, of an open reactor, a bad starter, an open lamp, or a broken wire. In step 386, a signal is generated to indicate that the lampholder is bad. Figure 3H is a flow diagram illustrating the steps of a method 390 for predicting the failure of a lamp in a luminaire in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method 390 is based, for example, on the curves of lamps shown in Figure 31 below. The method 390 can be implemented by means of modalities of an intelligent luminaire manager 112. As shown in Figure 3H, the method 390 comprises steps 391-398. In step 391, the input AC voltage is measured (VCA) supplied to a luminaire. In one embodiment, the input AC voltage is preferably measured in a plurality of times (Ti). The time intervals between measurements can be constant or variable. The frequency (_) of the input AC voltage can be determined, for example, by identifying how many zero point crossings of voltage waveforms occur in a selected time interval. In step 392, the input AC current (IAc) supplied to the luminaire is measured. In one embodiment, the input AC current is also preferably measured in a plurality of times (Ta). The time intervals between measurements can be constant or variable. The phase angle (_) between the measured AC current and the AC voltage measured in step 391 can be determined, for example, by determining a time difference between the zero crossing of the current waveform and the zero point crossing of the current. voltage waveform.

In step 393, the actual energy that is consumed is calculated. Actual power is determined based on the AC voltage measurements of step 391 and the AC current measurements of step 392. In step 394, a determination is made as to whether the actual energy changes after time Ti. In one embodiment, Ti is approximately 2 minutes. This value is based on curve Al in figure 31. Other values can also be used. If the actual energy is not changing, the control goes to step 398. Otherwise, the control goes to step 391. In step 395, a determination is made as to whether the actual energy changes after time T2. In one embodiment, T2 is approximately 6 minutes. This value is based on the curve Cl of Figure 31. Other values can also be used. If the real energy is not changing, the control goes to step 398. Otherwise, the control goes to step 391. In step 396, a determination is made as to whether the actual energy is less than or equal to a threshold value after time T3. In one embodiment, the threshold value is approximately 50 watts and T3 is approximately 6 minutes. These values are based on the curve Bl of figure 31. Other values can also be used. The threshold value is selected, for example, based on the energy of the lamp to be monitored. If the actual energy is less than or equal to the threshold value after time T3, the control goes to step 398. Otherwise, the control goes to step 391. In step 397, a determination is made as to whether a voltage / current component is greater than or equal to a selected percentage of the AC voltage / current component. A relatively large DC voltage / current component is a rectification indication. However, the lamp usually oscillates before rectification problems occur. If the DC voltage / current component is greater than or equal to a selected percentage of the AC voltage / current component, the control goes to step 398. Otherwise, the control goes to step 391. In step 398, a signal is generated to indicate that the lamp will fail. This signal may also indicate that the wrong lamp type has been installed, if it occurs early after lamp replacement. If the lamp has been installed and operates properly for a period of time, someone can deduce that the correct lamp was initially installed and therefore the lamp installed is one that is about to fail. As will be understood by persons with experience in the relevant art, method 390 can be modified, for example, to erase one of the illustrated prediction tests, such as the CD component test, or to add additional prediction tests. Figure 31 is a graph illustrating the energy of the lamp holder as a function of time during the ignition of a gas discharge lamp. As shown in Figure 31, the graph is divided into three regions: A, B, and C. Region B represents the operation of lamps, during ignition, that still have remaining useful life. Curve Bl is an example curve showing the lighting of a good lamp. Regions A and C represent lamp operations, during ignition that are about to fail. The curve Al represents the lighting of a lamp that has reached the end of its useful life. Curve Cl represents the lighting of a lamp, for example, which has a gas leakage tube. As described above, Figure 31 is useful for predicting when a lamp is about to fail. Based on the description of the present invention contained herein, it will be apparent to persons with experience in the relevant techniques that some or all of the functions and / or functionality described with respect to the present intelligent luminaire manager 112 can be implemented, for example, as an integral part of the luminaire 200. Similarly, functions and / or functionalities described with respect to the luminaire 200 (e.g., the starter 306) can be implemented as part of the intelligent luminaire manager 112. Thus, the illustration and description of Specific functions and functionality that resides in the luminaire 200 and / or smart luminaire manager 112 is illustrative and is not intended to limit the present invention. Figure 4A is a more detailed illustration of a network operation center 106 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 4A, a network operation center 106 includes a main server 400, a main database 402, data backup 404, and data addressing capabilities 406. As will become apparent from the present description, the network operation center 106 provides many services, such as, for example, operation and maintenance of the main data network system 408, services for subscribers / customers 410, network security services 412, and data interface services for subscribers / customers 414. As used herein, the term subscriber / client refers to an owner / operator of the lighting system 108 and / or a third user 110. In one embodiment, the network operation services provided by the The network operation center staff 106 includes six main components: subscriber provisioning, network provisioning, traffic engineering, billing, service assurance, and security administration. Subscriber provisioning refers to subscriber management, subscriber selection, and subscriber activation. Network provisioning refers to capacity planning, network design, and provisioning of devices. Traffic engineering refers to network traffic analysis and policy management. Billing refers, for example, to the establishment of accounts between subscribers and customers and among subscribers or customers and to the use of data collection, rates, quotation, and collection of invoices. In one embodiment, the network operation center 106 registers customer information for each smart luminaire manager 112 that can be used by the owners / operators 108 to support queries and reports of the customer service and billing of their respective clients. Service assurance refers to the management of assets, performance management, service level management, fault management, program administration, and workforce management. Security administration refers to access fraud, service fraud, management access control, and denial of service. The goal of these network services is to provide a structure that provides scalability for a unified wide area network platform that can be easily managed and controlled in real time, for example, through the Internet using either standard Web browsers or customer-specific applications developed in a software structure. As in the case of the physical hardware of the network, the software is scalable. The scalability of the system can be ensured by distributing the necessary software through multiple servers. In addition, this increases both redundancy and reliability. The communications software program maintained by the network operation center 106 provides a virtual private network for each gateway to the network operation center (e.g., master controllers 114). The network operation center 106 is capable of supporting many thousands of concurrent subscribers. Notable features of the network operation center 106 include its store and data delivery management technology; its administrative environment that supports and controls a massive subscriber base of mobile computers, integrated servers and users of Web services; its data security and independence facilitates the support of large numbers of separate customers and their sensitive business data; and its ability to provide fast, secure, and highly available synchronization between servers and the subscriber / client populations they support. In one embodiment, the network operation center 106 is capable, for example, of scaling to support up to approximately 120,000 or more master controllers and up to approximately 6 million nodes of intelligent luminaire managers or more, which could handle the traffic of about 1 megabyte per day per day per gateway or master controller 114. In one embodiment, the network operation center 106 registers GPS coordinates for each node location (for example, locations of intelligent lighting managers 112). This data is used to generate visualization maps of node locations and to support workforce management reports that include node locations. The network operation center 106, based on data collection, is also capable of providing detailed information to its subscribers / customers regarding type of lampholder, type of lamp, reactor type, and type of starter operated by each administrator of intelligent luminaire 112. Additionally, the software of the network operation center 106 is capable of generating summary reports of failure analysis, broken down by attributes of the lighting system, such as, for example, type of lampholder, type of lamp, type of reactor, type of starter, and hours of operation. This analysis is provided to specific clients and / or to all clients, based on the frequency in which a component fails or requires a call to the service. The analysis preferably includes failure conditions identified by the network as well as information provided to service centers about faults. In one embodiment, a timestamp is provided with the data packet transported via a network in such a way that a resolution about the events in the network can be identified, for example, in one minute. If a luminaire 200 controlled by an intelligent luminaire manager 112 fails, it preferably takes approximately one minute in this mode before an alarm is generated at an associated owner / operator site. This alarm preferably displays both the location of the faulty luminaire and the time of failure. As shown in Figure 4A, a network operation center 106 maintains a database that includes the current status of all nodes in the data network system. In one mode, the bandwidth of the network is such that it can support video. In one embodiment, the network operation center 106, via the networks 102, sends requests from the subscribers / clients for information, such as, for example, current voltage levels in monitored devices, meter values, energy usage by individual devices, etc. The routine message traffic is preferably programmed to take place at certain intervals. Examples of network status, device status, abnormal line voltage, power quality, tilt sensor to alert post failures, air quality, road conditions, for example, monitored by a video camera linked to the network, etc. The period of these reporting intervals is programmable (for example, from one hour intervals to 24 hours in increments of 15 minutes or less). The report of events or alarms is preferably handled based on the priority, and not according to a routine shipping program. In one embodiment, when the alarm data is received in the network operation center 106, they are compared with a predetermined action stored in a program, and the actions are carried out as described. For example, the network operation center can send an email to certain individuals, a map showing the location of the failed device, and / or generate a work order by establishing an interface with a work order program of the subscriber / client. The type of data sent from the network operations center 106 to a subscriber / client is not limited, but in practical terms it can be limited in its use to a subscriber / client based on the ability to receive and use the data. In one embodiment, the traffic of past messages between the network operation center and the smart luminaire managers 112 includes data packet applications, query command questions, device status packets, event and alarm packages, and packets of network status. The access of subscribers / customers to this data stored in the network operation center is controlled by password. The notification of the subscriber / event client is transmitted to the subscriber / client, and no password is required to obtain this data. In one embodiment, the network operation center 106 is able to identify where there is a power failure that affects the subscriber / client's light system and when backup power is used in master controls 114. For a power interruption that encompasses the entire system, the network operation center 106 can consolidate alarm reports and generate a generalized message that is sent to an affected subscriber / client (for example, an owner / operator 108 of the lighting system).

As indicated above, in the case of a power failure or a failure in the network such that a controller 114 can not provide data to a network operation center 106 in a programmed interval, the data is maintained in the controller teacher 114 until energy and communications are restored. The stored data is then sent to the next scheduled reporting interval, unless specifically requested by a subscriber / client. In one embodiment, the master controller 114 includes battery backup power. In another embodiment, master controller 114 is capable of transmitting a "Lost Energy" signal when energy is lost. The network operation center 106 is responsible for the Internet protocol traffic analysis. The traffic is managed in such a way that it is capable of supporting the maximum load of the data network and still pass data. In order to manage data, the subscriber / client commands can be limited during certain unexpected maximum loads and maintained until the bandwidth becomes available to send this traffic. When a bandwidth limitation is being reached in a network 102, an alarm is sent to the network operation center 106 in such a way that the traffic can be handled accordingly to control the maximum load. Staff of network operation center 106 can monitor the load on the network and install additional capacity if required. In one modality, as indicated above, the network operation center performs asset management functions, which include monitoring the life cycle of the node equipment, and replacing equipment in its final life or degraded equipment before failure. For owners / operators of lighting systems 108, the data analysis programs of the network operation center 106 can track the complete life of a device (for example, the time in which it was installed, the number of hours that he operated, and the cause of the failure). The network security services 412 control access to the information stored by the network operation center 106 using firewalls and prevent access / use of the unauthorized network to avoid compromising the data and / or the network. In one embodiment, network security services 412 require both authentication and authorization. The security techniques are implemented to avoid attacks of denial of services and virus attacks that could cause the networks to fail or break down. Network security services 412 also preferably include intrusion tracking and the ability to track and combat malicious acts by unauthorized users. In one embodiment, a "call home" feature is used such that when a request for information or service is sent from a subscriber / client to the network operation center 106, the request is retransmitted and sent back to the known address of the subscriber / client through the network operation center 106 to verify that the request actually came from that subscriber / client. The network security services 412 also employ and support data encryption. In one embodiment, the network operation center 106 as part of its subscriber / client service provides monthly reports that summarize the status of monitored device assets to subscribers / customers. In addition, in one embodiment, the network operation center 106 sends messages to the lighting system administrators when a light is on and when it is turned off so that the lighting system administrator can track the current status of the assets of the light system. Figure 4B illustrates another embodiment of a network operation center in accordance with the present invention. As shown in Figure 4B, all the functions and functionality of the network operation center 106 described above need not reside in a single geographical location. This functionality can be distributed over a wide geographical area. As shown in Figure 4B, in one embodiment, the functionality of the network operation center 106 is distributed through a central network operation center (NOC) 420 and one or more regional network operations centers / clients 422. Figure 5A illustrates an owner / operator of a lighting system 108. As shown in Figure 5A, the owner / operator 108 is divided into a lighting system manager portion 109 and a maintenance unit portion 111. The lighting system administrator portion includes a subscriber server 500, a database 502, and a computer screen 504. The 504 computer screen displays, both in text and in graphic form, information about the owner's light system /operator. The text and graphic information includes, for example, the status of any alarm, power usage, network status, and device status. The status is also displayed geographically on a visual map screen. In one embodiment, a graphical user interface presents a visual photometric correspondence to a user, for example, of selected lights of the lighting system. This photometric mapping can provide the user with a visual representation of the lighting, for example, of a parking lot, a sports field, or other area of interest. The lower portion of the screen of the computer 504 shows commands that are entered and responses that are received from the network operation center 106. The light system administrator preferably has the ability to run several programs on his site. These programs include alarm and maintenance program (s) (eg, issuance of repairs) 506, lighting system administration program (s) 508, billing program (s) 510, data analysis program (s) 512 , a data storage and retrieval program 514, an interface program of the network operation center 516, and a data addressing program 518. Each of these programs is described in more detail below. The alarm and maintenance program or programs 506 present an alarm in such a manner that maintenance personnel 120 can take corrective action. In one embodiment, the program uses data that has been parser, for example, by the network operation center 106 and schedules the maintenance in such a way that the equipment in the field near the end of its operational life can be replaced before let it fail For better predictability, this end-of-life analysis can be based on a larger team population than that owned and operated by a particular lighting system administrator.

The 508 lighting maintenance program or programs are used by the lighting system administrator to reprogram devices in the field. Examples of this include, for example, turning on lights and turning off lights using a program instead of simply having to turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn. The billing program or programs 510 keeps track of when the lights are used and consequently generate invoices to customers. In one embodiment, the charge charged for turning on and using a particular light may be based on the time it is turned on (for example, during peak hours of operation or non-peak hours of operation). The program or data analysis programs 512 maintain the status of the components in use in a lighting system and compare, for example, the total time in use of each component with an estimated life expectancy to predict a time remaining for fail the component. When a component is at the expected end of life, the data generated by the program or programs 512 can be used to create a work order for maintenance personnel to replace the component before it fails, for example, by interacting with a program maintenance / work order 520. The program or programs for storage and retrieval of data 514 facilitate the storage and retrieval of data in the database 502 at the site of the lighting manager. The interface program of the network operation system 516 is used to establish an interface with the network operation center 106. This interface program is useful, for example, for transmitting data and receiving data from smart lighting managers 112 installed in the lighting system administrator's team. The data addressing program 518 analyzes and directs data received from the network operation center 106.

On the side of the maintenance unit, a maintenance work order program 520, a field unit interface device of the intelligent luminaire manager 522, and a field unit of the intelligent luminaire manager 524 are included. they include an inventory purchase program 526 and an asset management program 528. In one embodiment, when an alarm or maintenance requirement is sent to the administrator of the lighting system by the network operation center 106, it is automatically directed to the maintenance program / work order 520. This program then automatically generates an order - work that a maintenance worker can perform.

An electronic copy of the work order can be downloaded to the field unit of the intelligent luminaire manager 524 via the field unit interface of the intelligent luminaire manager 522. In one embodiment, the field unit of the intelligent luminaire manager 524 is a portable handheld device that can be carried to the site while installing and / or servicing the luminaire 200. Information about the installation and / or service is captured by the field unit of the intelligent luminaire manager 524 the subsequent entry to the records of the owner / operator of the lights system 108. Upon the return of the maintenance worker to the maintenance unit, the information collected is loaded from the field unit to the maintenance records. In one embodiment, this loaded information is sent to the network operation center 106 where it is stored and analyzed together with information gathered by the maintenance units of other owners / operators of lighting systems. In one embodiment, the alarms generated by an intelligent luminaire manager 112 are not erased until replacement / service information is received in the network operation center 106. In one embodiment, the inventory purchase program 526, tracks, for example, the provision with which it is counted and causes equipment to be ordered and procured based on the information collected from smart lighting managers 112. An asset management program 528 is a program that modifies the data of administration of assets received, for example, from the operation center of networks 106 to satisfy particular data requirements of the owner / operator of the lighting system. Based on the description of the present invention contained herein, it will be apparent to those with experience in the relevant techniques that any or all of the functions and / or functionalities described with respect to the network operation center may be impounded, for example, by an owner / light system operator 108. Similarly, any or all of the functions and / or functionalities described with respect to a light system owner / operator may be implemented by the network operation center 106. Thus, the illustration and description of specific functions and the functionality that resides in a particular location or with a particular entity is illustrative and is not intended to limit the present invention. Figure 5B further illustrates an intelligent luminaire manager field unit 524. The field unit 524 is used, for example, to activate newly installed or recently received smart luminaire managers 112.

In one embodiment, the field unit 524 includes a built-in GPS system 534 and a communications interface 536. The communication interface can communicate, for example, with an intelligent luminaire manager or other device using RF and / or optical communications. Using the GPS 534, the field unit identifies the place where an intelligent luminaire manager 112 is installed. This information is stored, for example, in the memory 320 of the intelligent luminaire manager 112. It is also brought back to the maintenance unit and is stored in the records of the maintenance unit. In addition, it is sent to the network operation center 106 via the subscriber / client interface of the light manager to the network operation center 106. Other information collected and sent to the network operation center 106 includes, for example, all the features about the equipment monitored and controlled by the intelligent luminaire manager 112 (for example, lamp type, reactor type, digital photo, etc.). In embodiments of the present invention, for example where more than one smart luminaire manager 112 can be installed in the same geographical location (for example where two luminaires are fixed to a single pole and each luminaire has its own intelligent luminaire manager 112). ), the field unit 524 can be used to assign a unique identification value for each of the luminaire managers. Once the intelligent luminaire manager 112 is installed, it is autoconfigured by executing a configuration program. Once activated, the network 102 notifies the network operation center 106, via the master controller 114, that a new device has entered the network. In one embodiment, the field unit 524 is centralized by a PDA 530, which executes the application program (s) 532. However, the present invention is not limited to requiring the use of a PDA. Base reports of maps downloaded to field unit 524 show the location of each luminaire in a lighting system and visualize efficient driving routes for maintenance personnel to reach a luminaire that requires repair. The damaged types with communications to personnel via the network operation center 106 and the field unit 524 for previous diagnostics of a faulty luminaire in such a way that the time at the site is minimized and the need for return paths of the luminaire is eliminated damaged In one embodiment, the type of failures and corrective actions that can be provided to maintenance personnel workers include electric oscillation of anticipated lamps, electric oscillation of lamps, no ignition pulse, ignition pulse but failure to turn on, unit that does not report , replace a lamp when going to the area, replace the lamp, replace the starter, check the power in the lampholder, if there is no power restore the power, and if there is power replace the intelligent luminaire manager unit. As will be understood by those with experience in the relevant techniques, this list is illustrative and is not intended to limit the present invention. It is a feature of the present invention that during activation of an intelligent luminaire manager 112, each unit is identified in terms of its type of luminaire and its GPS location. This data, coupled with the fault mode report, allows a much greater efficiency of the maintenance personnel. In addition, dedicated, less expensive maintenance personnel are able to perform all maintenance during daylight hours, rather than at night, at significantly lower costs. In one embodiment, when an intelligent luminaire manager 112 is removed from the service, its identification number is captured by the field unit 524. If the GPS coordinates of the intelligent luminaire manager 112 differ from what is expected (e.g. for more than a couple of meters) an alert / alarm is generated or initiated by field unit 524 and preferably is provided to the network operation center 106. The alarm is an indication, for example, that (1) the smart luminaire manager 112 was originally installed inappropriately (for example, in the wrong location or with incorrect GPS coordinates); (2) the smart luminaire manager 112 has been removed given its activation without proper authority; or (3) the data stored by the smart luminaire manager 112 has been corrupted. While the foregoing is a complete description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent that various modifications, alternatives and equivalents can be made and used. For example, although the intelligent luminaire manager of the present invention is described as controlling luminaires having conventional lamps, it will be apparent to those with experience in the relevant techniques, given the present disclosure, that the intelligent luminaire manager can be adapted to administer other luminaires. types of lighting such as, for example, light-emitting diodes. In addition, the intelligent luminaire manager of the present invention can also be adapted to manage other electromechanical devices. Therefore, it is not limited to just managing luminaires. Consequently, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (131)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. An administration system for managing a plurality of luminaires, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of intelligent luminaire managers, each intelligent luminaire manager placed with an associated luminaire and configured to monitor and transmit status information for the associated luminaire, the status information includes at least one indication of a condition of a lamp condition turned off upon the occurrence of a lamp off condition; and a network server in a network operation center to receive status information transmitted from the plurality of intelligent luminaire managers and to communicate at least a portion of the status information to an operator's computer of the plurality of luminaires. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that each intelligent luminaire manager includes a wireless radio frequency receiver and transmitter that receives and retransmits status information signals from smart luminaire managers. 3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the plurality of networked luminaire managers form a peer-to-peer communications network. 4. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the plurality of networked luminaire managers form a mesh communications network. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a master control which receives status information signals from the selected smart luminaire managers and transmits status information signals through a communication link. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a master control that receives status information signals from selected smart luminaire managers and transmits status information signals through a cellular telephone communication link. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a master control that receives status information signals from selected smart luminaire managers and transmits status information signals through a satellite communication link. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the network server transmits data to a particular intelligent luminaire manager indicating when a lamp of the luminaire associated with the particular luminaire will turn on. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the network server transmits data to a particular intelligent luminaire manager indicating when a lamp of the luminaire associated with the particular luminaire will be turned off. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a hand activation device that is used to communicate with a first intelligent luminaire manager when the first intelligent luminaire manager is put into service. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the received status information is communicated to a maintenance work order program. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that each luminaire manager comprises: a circuit for detecting and diagnosing the condition of luminaires that monitors selected currents and voltages of a luminaire; and a microprocessor, coupled to the circuit for detecting and diagnosing the condition of luminaires, which receives signals from the detection and diagnosis circuit of luminaire conditions and generates status information. 13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that the microprocessor generates a control signal that operates a relay. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that the relay controls the energy. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that the microprocessor generates a control signal that operates a solid state switching device. 16. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that the solid-state switching device controls the energy. 17. A computer-based method for managing a plurality of luminaires, wherein each luminaire is monitored and controlled by means of an associated intelligent luminaire manager, characterized in that the method comprises: monitoring a status of each of the plurality of luminaires, where each luminaire is monitored using an associated intelligent luminaire manager based on microprocessor; periodically communicate the status of each of the luminaires to a computer in communication with the administrators of intelligent luminaires; and using a first intelligent luminaire manager to turn on and off a lamp of a first luminaire based on data transmitted from the first luminaire manager by means of the computer. 18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the monitoring stage monitors the status of a lamp. 19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the monitoring step includes monitoring the lighting of the lamp in order to predict if the lamp is about to fail. 20. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the monitoring step includes monitoring the status of a lampholder. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the monitoring step includes monitoring the ignition of the lampholder in order to predict if the lampholder is about to fail. 22. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that it additionally comprises: using a second luminaire manager to receive information transmitted by a third radiofrequency device; and communicate the information to the computer. 23. A management system for managing a plurality of luminaires, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of administrators of intelligent luminaires connected in a network, each intelligent luminaire manager being placed with an associated luminaire and configured to monitor a status of the associated luminaire, and wherein at least one first intelligent luminaire manager connected to a network monitors third party transmissions of a third radio frequency device and retransmits third party transmissions received; and a network server to receive transmissions from the plurality of intelligent luminaire managers connected in a network and to communicate to a computer information about third-party transmissions received. 24. The system according to claim 23, characterized in that the third-party radiofrequency device is an anti-theft device. 25. The system according to claim 23, characterized in that the radio frequency device of a third party is a tracking device. 26. The system according to claim 23, characterized in that the radiofrequency device of a third party transmits utility measurement data. 27. The system according to claim 23, characterized in that the radiofrequency device of a third party transmits data from an environmental monitoring device. 28. The system according to claim 23, characterized in that the radiofrequency device of a third party transmits climatological data. 29. The system according to claim 23, characterized in that the information about transmissions of third parties received includes location information about the third-party device. 30. The system according to claim 23, characterized in that the information about transmissions of third parties received includes time transmission information. 31. The system according to claim 23, characterized in that the transmissions of third parties are encrypted. 32. The system according to claim 23, characterized in that the intelligent luminaire manager sends a signal to the third-party device. 33. The system according to claim 32, characterized in that the signal disables the operation of a vehicle. 34. The system according to claim 32, characterized in that the signal controls a device coupled to a third-party radiofrequency device. 35. A communication system, characterized in that it comprises: a radiofrequency device that transmits information; and a computer to receive information transmitted by the radiofrequency device, wherein the radiofrequency device transmits information to a first intelligent luminaire manager who is part of a network of smart luminaire managers, each intelligent luminaire manager is coupled to a lamp of street and configured to monitor and control the street lamp, and where the first administrator of intelligent luminaire transmits the information via the network of administrators of intelligent luminaires to a server, and the server transmits the information to the computer to receive transmitted information by the radiofrequency device. 36. The system according to claim 35, characterized in that the radiofrequency device is an anti-theft device. 37. The system according to claim 35, characterized in that the radiofrequency device is a tracking device. 38. The system according to claim 35, characterized in that the radiofrequency device transmits utility measurement data. 39. The system according to claim 35, characterized in that the intelligent luminaire manager transmits location information about the radiofrequency device to the server and the server transmits the location information to the computer to receive information transmitted by the radiofrequency device. 40. The system according to claim 35, characterized in that the information is encrypted. 41. The system according to claim 35, characterized in that the first intelligent luminaire manager sends a signal to the radiofrequency device. 42. The system according to claim 41, characterized in that the signal controls a device coupled to the radiofrequency device. 43. A method for managing a plurality of luminaires, characterized in that it comprises: receiving information for a plurality of luminaires from a plurality of administrators of intelligent luminaires connected in a network, each intelligent luminaire manager connected in a network is coupled to an associated luminaire and configured to monitor and communicate a status of the associated luminaire; store the information received; and direct the information received from a first group of luminaires to a first computer associated with an operator of the first group of luminaires. 44. The method according to claim 43, characterized in that it additionally comprises: directing information for a second group of luminaires to a second computer associated with an operator of the second group of luminaires. 45. The method according to claim 43, characterized in that it additionally comprises: receiving information from third parties that originated from a radiofrequency device; store the information of third parties; and direct the information of third parties to a second computer. 46. The method according to claim 43, characterized in that it additionally comprises: receiving a command from the computer associated with the operator of the first group of luminaires to light a particular luminaire; store the command; and directing the command to the intelligent luminaire manager connected in a network coupled to the particular luminaire. 47. The method according to claim 43, characterized in that the information received includes information about the use of each luminaire, characterized in that it additionally comprises: generating an invoice for a particular group of luminaires based on the recovered information. 48. The method according to claim 43, characterized in that it additionally comprises: adjusting a communication flow between the administrators of selected intelligent luminaires connected in a network. 49. The method according to claim 43, characterized by additionally comprising: sending an alarm to the first computer associated with the operator of the first group of luminaires if the status information is received indicating that a particular luminaire of the first group of luminaires does not It is working properly. 50. The method according to claim 49, characterized in that the sending step comprises: sending location information for the particular luminaire. 51. The method according to claim 49, characterized in that the sending step comprises: sending time information of the failure for the particular luminaire. 52. The method according to claim 49, characterized in that the sending step comprises: sending fault type information for the particular luminaire. 53. The method according to claim 43, characterized in that it additionally comprises: analyzing the received information; and generate a report based on the analysis. 54. The method according to claim 53, characterized in that the generation step comprises: generating a fault analysis report. 55. The method according to claim 43, characterized in that it additionally comprises: sending billing information of the first computer associated with the operator of the first group of luminaires. 56. The method according to claim 49, characterized in that it additionally comprises: sending information of the status of the network to the first computer associated with the operator of the first group of luminaires. 57. The method according to claim 49, characterized in that it additionally comprises: sending energy usage information to the first computer associated with the operator of the first group of luminaires. 58. A method for managing a plurality of luminaries, characterized in that it comprises: receiving information for a plurality of luminaires of a plurality of administrators of intelligent luminaires connected in a network, each intelligent luminaire manager connected in a network is coupled to an associated luminaire and configured to monitor and communicate a status of the associated luminaire; direct the information for a first group of luminaires to a first computer associated with an operator of the first group of luminaires; receiving a command from the first computer associated with the operator of the first group of luminaires to light a particular luminaire; and directing the command to the intelligent luminaire manager connected in a network coupled to the particular luminaire, thereby enabling the administrator of the intelligent luminaire connected to the network to light the particulate luminaire. 59. The method according to claim 58, characterized in that it additionally comprises: sending an alarm to the first computer associated with the operator of the first group of luminaires if the received information indicates that a particular luminaire of the first group of luminaires is not working properly. 60. The method according to claim 59, characterized in that the sending step comprises: sending location information for the particular luminaire; and send time information of the fault for the particular luminaire. 61. The method according to claim 58, characterized in that it additionally comprises: adjusting a flow of communications between administrators of selected smart luminaires connected in a network. 62. The method according to claim 58, characterized in that it additionally comprises: analyzing the received information; and send a report based on the analysis to the first computer associated with the operator of the first group of luminaries. 63. A method for controlling a plurality of luminaires, characterized in that it comprises: receiving information for a plurality of luminaires from a plurality of administrators of intelligent luminaires connected in a network, each intelligent luminaire manager connected in a network is coupled to an associated luminaire and configured to monitor and communicate a status of the associated luminaire; show the status of the selected luminaires on a screen; and send a first command to an intelligent luminaire manager connected in a network to turn on the luminaire associated with the first intelligent luminaire manager connected in a network. 64. The method according to claim 63, characterized in that the sending step comprises: sending a first command to turn on the luminaire associated with the first intelligent luminaire manager connected in a network at a specified first time. 65. The method according to claim 63, characterized in that the sending step comprises: sending a first command to turn on the luminaire associated with the first intelligent luminaire manager connected to the network at nightfall. 66. The method according to claim 63, characterized in that the sending step additionally comprises: sending a second command to turn off the luminaire associated with the first intelligent luminaire manager connected in a network. 67. The method according to claim 66, characterized in that the sending step comprises: sending a second command to turn off the luminaire associated with the first smart luminaire manager connected in a network at a specified second time. 68. The method according to claim 66, characterized in that the sending step comprises: sending a second command to turn off the luminaire associated with the first smart luminaire manager connected in a network at a specified number of minutes after the luminary is turned on. luminaire associated with the first intelligent luminaire manager connected in a network. 69. The method according to claim 66, characterized in that the sending step comprises: sending a second command to turn off the luminaire associated with the first intelligent luminaire manager connected in a network at a specified number of minutes after dawn. 70. The method according to claim 63, characterized in that it additionally comprises: generating invoices based on the energy usage information received for the plurality of luminaries. 71. A system for managing a plurality of luminaires, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of administrators of intelligent luminaires connected in a network, each administrator of intelligent luminaire connected in a network coupled to an associated luminaire and configured to monitor and communicate a status of the luminaire associate; a computer that receives information for the plurality of luminaires of the plurality of administrators of intelligent luminaires connected in a network and sends commands to the plurality of administrators of intelligent luminaires connected in a network, thereby allowing the plurality of administrators of intelligent luminaires connected in a network control the plurality of luminaries; and a screen that displays the status of selected luminaires. 72. The system according to claim 71, characterized in that the computer sends a first command to turn on the particular luminaire. 73. The system according to claim 72, characterized in that the computer sends a second command to turn off the particular luminaire. 74. The system according to claim 73, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a computer program that generates invoices based on information received for the plurality of luminaires. 75. The system according to claim 73, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a computer program that displays alarms based on information received for the plurality of luminaires. 76. The system according to claim 73, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a computer program that visualizes the use of energy based on received information for the plurality of luminaires. 77. The system according to claim 73, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a computer program that analyzes information received for the plurality of luminaires and generates status reports. 78. The system according to claim 73, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a computer program that displays a photometric map of lighting provided by selected luminaires. 79. A system for managing a plurality of luminaires, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of administrators of intelligent luminaires connected in a network, each administrator of intelligent luminaire connected in a network coupled to an associated luminaire and configured to monitor and communicate a status of the luminaire associated; a computer that receives information for the plurality of luminaires of the plurality of administrators of intelligent luminaires connected in a network and sends commands to the plurality of administrators of intelligent luminaires connected in a network, thereby allowing the plurality of administrators of intelligent luminaires connected in a network control the plurality of luminaries; a screen that displays the status of selected luminaries; a computer program that generates alarms based on information received for the plurality of luminaires; and a computer program that determines the use of energy based on information received for the plurality of luminaires. 80. The system according to claim 79, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a computer program that generates invoices based on I information received for the plurality of luminaires. 81. The system according to claim 79, characterized in that the computer sends a first command to turn on the particular luminaire. 82. The system according to claim 81, characterized in that the computer sends a second command to shut down the particular luminaire. 83. An intelligent luminaire manager, characterized in that it comprises: a voltage sensor for measuring a voltage supplied to a luminaire; a current sensor for measuring a current supplied to the luminaire; a controller coupled to the voltage sensor and the current sensor; and a diagnostic program for luminaires stored in a memory of the controller, where the luminaire diagnostic program calculates the actual energy for the luminaire and the apparent energy for the luminaire and generates an electric oscillation message of lamps if the actual energy calculated divided by the calculated apparent energy is less than a first threshold value. 84. The intelligent luminaire manager in accordance with claim 83, characterized in that the electric oscillation message of the lamp is generated only if a current measured by the current sensor is greater than a second threshold value. 85. The intelligent luminaire manager according to claim 84, characterized in that the electric oscillation message of the lamp is generated if a change in current is greater than a third threshold value. 86. The intelligent luminaire manager according to claim 83, characterized in that the luminaire diagnostic program generates a bad lamp message if the actual energy continues to change during a specified period of time. 87. The intelligent luminaire manager according to claim 83, characterized in that the luminaire diagnostic program generates a bad lampholder message if the calculated real power is less than a second threshold value. 88. The intelligent luminaire manager according to claim 87, characterized in that the luminaire diagnostic program generates a bad lampholder message if a current measured by the current sensor is less than a third threshold value. 89. The intelligent luminaire manager according to claim 83, characterized in that the luminaire diagnostic program generates a predicted lamp failure message if the actual calculated energy is not changing after a specified first time. 90. The intelligent luminaire manager according to claim 89, characterized in that the luminaire diagnostic program generates a predicted lamp failure message if the actual calculated energy is changing after a specified second time. 91. The intelligent luminaire manager according to claim 90, characterized in that the luminaire diagnostic program generates a predicted lamp failure message if the calculated actual energy is less than a second threshold value after a specified third time. 92. The intelligent luminaire manager according to claim 91, characterized in that the luminaire diagnostic program generates a predicted lamp failure message if a direct current component of a voltage measured by the voltage sensor is greater than a percentage. selected from the voltage. 93. The intelligent luminaire manager according to claim 91, characterized in that the luminaire diagnostic program generates a predicted lamp failure message if a direct current component of a current measured by the current sensor is greater than a percentage. selected from the current. 94. A method for monitoring and diagnosing a luminaire, characterized in that it comprises: measuring an alternating current voltage supplied to a luminaire; measure an alternating current current supplied to the luminaire; calculate the actual energy for the luminaire; calculate the apparent energy for the luminaire; and generating an electric lamp oscillation message if the actual calculated energy divided by the calculated apparent energy is less than a first threshold value. 95. The method according to claim 94, characterized in that the generation step comprises: generating the electric oscillation message of the lamp only if the measured current is greater than a second threshold value. 96. The method according to claim 94, characterized in that it additionally comprises: generating a bad lamp message if the calculated real power changes during a specified period of time. 97. The method according to claim 94, characterized in that it additionally comprises: generating a bad lampholder message if the calculated real power is less than a second threshold value. 98. The method according to claim 94, characterized in that it additionally comprises: generating a bad lampholder message if the measured current is less than a second threshold value. 99. The method according to claim 94, characterized in that it additionally comprises: generating a predicted lamp failure message if the calculated real power does not change after a first specified period of time. 100. The method according to claim 99, characterized in that it additionally comprises: generating a predicted lamp failure message if the calculated real power changes after a second specified period of time. 101. The method according to claim 100, characterized in that it additionally comprises: generating a predicted lamp fault message if the calculated actual energy is less than a third threshold value after a specified third time. 102. The method according to claim 101, characterized in that it additionally comprises.- generating a predicted lamp failure message if a direct current component of the measured voltage is greater than a selected percentage of the measured voltage. 103. The method according to claim 101, further comprising: generating a predicted lamp failure message if a direct current component of the measured current is greater than a selected percentage of the measured current. 104. An intelligent luminaire manager, characterized in that it comprises: a controller coupled to a voltage sensor and a current sensor; a luminaire diagnostic program stored in a controller memory, where the luminaire diagnostic program calculates the actual energy for a luminaire and the apparent energy for the luminaire, based on voltage and current measurements, and generates a message of electrical oscillation of lamps if the actual calculated energy divided by the calculated apparent energy is less than a first threshold value; and a housing housing the controller, the housing has a three-prong plug to be fixed to a street lamp socket. 105. The intelligent luminaire manager according to claim 104, characterized in that the electric lamp oscillation message is generated only if a current measured by the current sensor is greater than a second threshold value. 106. The intelligent luminaire manager according to claim 104, characterized by the luminaire diagnostic program generates a bad lamp message if the actual energy continues to change during a specified period of time. 107. The intelligent luminaire manager according to claim 104, characterized in that the luminaire diagnostic program generates a bad lampholder message if the calculated real power is less than a second threshold value. 108. The intelligent luminaire manager according to claim 104, characterized in that the luminaire diagnostic program generates a bad lampholder message if a current measured by the current sensor is less than a second threshold value. 109. The intelligent luminaire manager according to claim 104, characterized in that the luminaire diagnostic program generates a predicted lamp failure message if the actual energy is not changing after a specified first time. 110. The intelligent luminaire manager according to claim 109, characterized in that the luminaire diagnostic program generates a predicted lamp failure message if the actual energy is changing after a specified second time. 111. The intelligent luminaire manager according to claim 110, characterized in that the luminaire diagnostic program generates a predicted lamp failure message if the actual energy is less than a second threshold value after a specified third time. 112. An activation device for an intelligent luminaire manager, characterized in that it comprises: a processor having a memory; a communication interface, coupled to the processor, which has a transmitter and a receiver to communicate with an intelligent luminaire manager; and a memory program stored in memory, wherein the computer program causes the activation device to transmit a unit identification query to an intelligent luminaire manager, receives a unit identification number from the intelligent luminaire manager, and store the unit identification number received in the memory. 113. The activation device according to claim 112, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a global positioning system receiver coupled to the processor, wherein the computation program causes the activation device to transmit location coordinates to the intelligent luminaire manager . 114. The activation device according to claim 112, characterized in that the processor is part of a personal data assistant host device. 115. The activation device according to claim 112, characterized in that the communication interface includes a radiofrequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver. 116. The activation device according to claim 112, characterized in that the communication interface includes an infrared frequency transmitter and an infrared frequency receiver. 117. The activation device according to claim 112, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a user interface program stored in the memory that allows a user to enter data about a luminaire, storing the data in the memory. 118. The activation device according to claim 112, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a barcode reader coupled to the processor for reading a bar code fixed to the intelligent luminaire manager. 119. The activation device according to claim 112, characterized in that the activation device loads a diagnostic program of luminaires stored in the memory to a memo of the intelligent luminaire manager. 120. An activation device for an intelligent luminaire manager, characterized in that it comprises: a personal data assistant guest device having a memory; a communication interface, coupled to the personal data assistant guest device, having a transmitter and a receiver to communicate with an intelligent luminaire manager; and a memory program stored in memory, wherein the computer program causes the activation device to receive a unit identification number from the intelligent luminaire manager and store the unit identification number received in the memory. 121. The activation device according to claim 120, further characterized by comprising: a global positioning system receiver coupled to the personal data assistant host device. 122. The activation device according to claim 120, characterized in that the communication interface includes a radiofrequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver. 123. The activation device according to claim 120, characterized in that the communication interface includes an infrared frequency transmitter and an infrared frequency receiver. 124. The activation device according to claim 120, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a user interface program stored in the memory that allows a user to enter data about a luminaire, the data being stored in the memory. 125. The activation device according to claim 120, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a bar code reader coupled to the personal data assistant guest device. 126. The activation device according to claim 120, characterized in that the activation device loads a diagnostic program of luminaires stored in the memory to a memo of the intelligent luminaire manager. 127. An activation device for an intelligent luminaire manager, characterized in that it comprises: a processor having a memory; a communication interface, coupled to the processor, which has an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver to communicate with an intelligent luminaire manager; and a memory program stored in the memory that causes the activation device to store in the memory a unit identification number received from the intelligent luminaire manager. 128. The activation device according to claim 127, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a global positioning system receiver coupled to the processor. 129. The activation device according to claim 127, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a user interface program stored in the memory that allows a user to enter data about a luminaire, the data being stored in the memory. 130. The activation device according to claim 127, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a barcode reader coupled to the processor. 131. The activation device according to claim 127, characterized in that the activation device loads a diagnostic program of luminaires stored in the memory to a memo of the intelligent luminaire manager.