WO2012142115A2 - Apparatus and method of energy efficient illumination using received signals - Google Patents
Apparatus and method of energy efficient illumination using received signals Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2012142115A2 WO2012142115A2 PCT/US2012/033059 US2012033059W WO2012142115A2 WO 2012142115 A2 WO2012142115 A2 WO 2012142115A2 US 2012033059 W US2012033059 W US 2012033059W WO 2012142115 A2 WO2012142115 A2 WO 2012142115A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- light
- level
- ambient environment
- threshold
- expected
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 428
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 111
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 41
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- 230000010267 cellular communication Effects 0.000 claims description 28
- 230000001594 aberrant effect Effects 0.000 claims description 18
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 43
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 37
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 22
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 17
- 230000015654 memory Effects 0.000 description 16
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 13
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 13
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 10
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000012549 training Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 6
- FRLJSGOEGLARCA-UHFFFAOYSA-N cadmium sulfide Chemical compound [S-2].[Cd+2] FRLJSGOEGLARCA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 229910052980 cadmium sulfide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000003044 adaptive effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000001186 cumulative effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000010453 quartz Substances 0.000 description 4
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicon dioxide Inorganic materials O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000005265 energy consumption Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000001932 seasonal effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001934 delay Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 description 1
- CYTYCFOTNPOANT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Perchloroethylene Chemical compound ClC(Cl)=C(Cl)Cl CYTYCFOTNPOANT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000269400 Sirenidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009118 appropriate response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004397 blinking Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004134 energy conservation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003760 hair shine Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N mercury Chemical compound [Hg] QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910001507 metal halide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000005309 metal halides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000010355 oscillation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004321 preservation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002470 thermal conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001052 transient effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010200 validation analysis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012795 verification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010792 warming Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
- H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
- H05B47/105—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters
- H05B47/11—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters by determining the brightness or colour temperature of ambient light
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
- H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
- H05B47/105—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
- H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
- H05B47/16—Controlling the light source by timing means
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
- H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
- H05B47/175—Controlling the light source by remote control
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
- H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
- H05B47/175—Controlling the light source by remote control
- H05B47/19—Controlling the light source by remote control via wireless transmission
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
- H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
- H05B47/105—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters
- H05B47/115—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B20/00—Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps
- Y02B20/40—Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to the field of illumination devices and, more particularly, to control of illumination to improve energy efficiency and security.
- Lighting devices employ a variety of conventional light sources, for example incandescent lamps, florescent lamps such as high- intensity discharge (HID) lamps ⁇ e.g., mercury vapor lamps, high-pressure sodium lamps, metal halide lamps).
- incandescent lamps florescent lamps such as high- intensity discharge (HID) lamps ⁇ e.g., mercury vapor lamps, high-pressure sodium lamps, metal halide lamps.
- florescent lamps such as high- intensity discharge (HID) lamps ⁇ e.g., mercury vapor lamps, high-pressure sodium lamps, metal halide lamps.
- HID high- intensity discharge
- Use of higher efficiency light sources may, for instance, include replacing incandescent lamps with florescent lamps or even with solid-state light sources ⁇ e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PLEDs)) to increase energy efficiency.
- solid-state light sources e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PLEDs)
- these higher efficiency light sources may present a number of problems.
- florescent and HID light sources take a relatively long time after being turned ON to achieve their full rated level of output light or illumination. Such light sources also typically have a high energy consumption during warm-up.
- Many of higher efficiency light sources emit light with a low color rendering index (CRI).
- CRI color rendering index
- sunlight has a CRI of 100 and represents "ideal light" which contains a continuous spectrum of visible radiation.
- Low CRI light is less pleasing to the human eye. Surfaces illuminate with low CRI light may not be perceived in their "true" color. Low CRI light makes it more difficult to discern details, often requiring a higher level of output light or illumination to discern details that would otherwise be discernible in high CRI light. Further, higher efficiency light sources may require additional circuitry ⁇ e.g., ballasts) and/or thermal management techniques ⁇ e.g., passive or active cooling).
- Timer based control Providing illumination only when needed can be achieved manually by a user of the lighting system, or automatically by a control mechanism.
- Automatic control mechanisms generally fall into two broad categories, timers and environmental sensors. Timer based control
- Light or illumination level based control mechanisms turn light sources ON and OFF based on time. The times are typically user configurable. Such relies on the user to account for changes in length of day light which may occur throughout a year. Very often, timer based control mechanisms are set once and never updated.
- Environmental sensor based control mechanisms sense light or illumination level and/or motion or proximity.
- Light or illumination level based control mechanisms are commonly referred to dusk-to-dawn sensors. Dusk-to-dawn light or illumination level based control mechanisms turn the light sources ON when a level of light or illumination in an environment falls below a turn ON threshold, and turn the light sources OFF when the level of light or illumination exceeds a turn OFF threshold.
- Light or illumination level based control subsystems advantageously automatically accommodate changes in length of day light throughout the year.
- Motion or proximity based control mechanisms ⁇ e.g., passive infrared sensor based) turn light sources ON when motion or proximity is detected.
- Motion or proximity based control mechanisms turn light sources OFF after some period of time if no motion or proximity is detected during that period of time.
- Sensitivity of such motion or proximity based control mechanisms is typically user configurable, as is the duration between turn ON and turn OFF.
- motion or proximity based control mechanisms have limited range ⁇ e.g., 10 meters), limiting the number of applications in which such may be effectively employed.
- Motion or proximity based control mechanisms may also be ineffective where the ambient air temperature or temperature of an object is close to that of the trigger temperature ⁇ e.g., temperature of human body).
- Some lighting control mechanisms employ both light or illumination level based and motion or proximity based techniques. Such lighting control mechanisms turn light sources ON only if motion is detected while the level of light or illumination in the environment is below the turn ON threshold. Thus, the motion or proximity sensing is active only between dusk and dawn.
- lighting systems which use dusk-to-dawn control mechanisms typically provides light at a continuous, relatively high, level from dusk to dawn. The exception to such appears to be when motion or proximity based sensing is included in such a control mechanism.
- a high level of lighting or illumination is not necessary throughout the entire period. For instance, in retail business or corporate office parking lots high levels of light or illumination are typically only useful into the late evening hours ⁇ e.g., 10PM or 1 1 PM) and early morning hours ⁇ e.g., 4AM or 5AM). High level lighting or illumination between the late evening and early morning hours provide little benefit. A lower level of light or illumination during such hours may achieve sufficient illumination for some desired purpose ⁇ e.g., security), while reducing energy consumption.
- Such may useful with a simple dusk-to-dawn control mechanism.
- Use of a low level lighting or illumination during such hours may also make practical use of relatively slow warm up light sources with motion or proximity based control mechanisms since the illumination sources may only need to be warmed up from an already turned ON, but reduced output state, instead of warming up from an OFF state.
- Illumination systems may be used in secured environments or in situations where security is important. Thus, it would be particular
- the lighting control mechanism of the illumination system is designed to handle unintentional conditions, for example the failure of a component such as an ambient light sensor. It would also be particularly advantageous if the lighting control mechanism of the illumination system is designed to handle intentional tampering, for example tampering in the form of shining focused light on a light sensor in an attempt to prevent illumination of a surrounding area by the lighting system. It would additionally be advantageous if the lighting control system continued to operate as programmed even if a component failed, for example even if a light sensor failed. It may further be advantageous if the lighting control mechanism did not require extensive training, learning or adjustment to the existing ambient environmental conditions.
- the lighting control system could quickly adjust to the daily cycle (e.g., solar noon, solar midnight) for the particular geographic location at which the illumination system is installed, without the need to first obtain samples over multiple days or even weeks. It would be very advantageous if the lighting control system
- the local time of day for a particular geographic location at which the illumination system is installed. Such would allow lighting levels to be programmed to coincide with local activity such a retail store business hours. Such local activity typically occurs at fixed hours, regardless of the length of day or seasonal changes in length of day. For example, it would be advantageous to turn the lighting system to a high level of illumination at dusk, and reduce the output to a lower level of illumination at a fixed time of day ⁇ e.g., 10PM local time).
- a method of operating an illumination system including at least one light source and at least one controller may be summarized as from time- to-time, detecting a level of light in an ambient environment; comparing by the at least one controller the detected level of light in the ambient environment to a first threshold; validating by the at least one controller a result of the
- Validating a result of the comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the first threshold with respect to at least one expected condition may include: comparing by the at least one controller an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold to an expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for at least one of a current location or a current date; determining that the result of the comparison is valid if the actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date; or determining that the result of the comparison is invalid if the actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is not within the second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date.
- Validating a result of the comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the first threshold with respect to at least one expected condition may include:
- the at least one controller compares by the at least one controller the detected level of light in the ambient environment to an expected level of light for at least one of a current location, a current date or a current time; determining that the result of the comparison is valid if the detected level of light in the ambient environment is within a second threshold of the expected level of light for the at least one of the current location, the current date or the current time; or determining that the result of the comparison is invalid if the detected level of light in the ambient environment is not within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the at least one of the current location, the current date or the current time.
- Comparing the detected level of light in the ambient environment to an expected level of light for at least one of a current time or a current location may include comparing the detected level of light to a value indicative of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location. From time-to- time, detecting a level of light in an ambient environment may include continuously receiving a signal at the at least one controller from an ambient light sensor which is part of the illumination system, the signal indicative of the level of light in the ambient environment. The method may further include receiving a location signal at the at least one controller indicative of the current location; and determining by the at least one controller at least one of an excepted level of light or an expected time at which the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold based on the current location identified by the location signal.
- the method may further include receiving a time signal at the at least one controller indicative of the current time.
- Receiving a location signal indicative of the current location may include receiving the location signal from a global positioning system receiver.
- Receiving a location signal indicative of the current location may include receiving the signal from at least one cellular communications system receiver.
- Adjusting an output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition may include turning the at least one light source ON if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or less than a turn ON threshold and an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date. Adjusting an output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the
- the comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition may include turning the at least one light source ON if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or less than a turn ON threshold and the detected level of light in the ambient environment is within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location.
- Adjusting an output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition may include turning the at least one light source OFF if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or greater than a turn OFF threshold and an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date.
- Adjusting an output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition may include turning the at least one light source OFF if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or greater than a turn OFF threshold and the detected level of light in the ambient environment is within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location.
- the method may further include reducing the output of the at least one light source to a non-zero level when a first real time in a daily cycle is reached.
- the method may further include detecting motion at least proximate an area being illuminated; and in response to the detecting motion, temporally increasing the output of the at least one light source.
- the method may further include increasing the output of the at least one light source when a second real time in the daily cycle is reached.
- the method may further include repeating at least the reducing and the increasing the output of the at least one light source when the first and the second real times, respectively, are reached for a number of additional daily cycles.
- Repeating at least the reducing and the increasing of the output of the at least one light source when the first and the second real times, respectively, are reached for a number of additional daily cycles, may further include turning ON the at least one light source at a time in a daily cycle that corresponds to dusk and turning OFF the at least one light source at a time in the daily cycle that corresponds to dawn.
- the method may further include producing by the controller an external notification if the detected level of light in the ambient environment is not within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location.
- the method may further include in response to determining that the result of the comparison is invalid, causing the output of the at least one light source to be at least proximate a highest level of the at least one light source.
- a system to control illumination may be summarized as including at least one controller that: from time-to-time, receives a signal indicative of a level of light in an ambient environment; compares the detected level of light in the ambient environment to an expected level of light for at least one of a current time or a current location; compares the detected level of light in the ambient environment to a first threshold; validates a result of the comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the first threshold with respect to at least one expected condition; and adjusts an output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition.
- the at least one controller may: compare an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold to an expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for at least one of a current location or a current date; determine that the result of the comparison is valid if the actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date; or determine that the result of the comparison is invalid if the actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is not within the second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date.
- the at least one controller may: compare an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold to an expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for at least one of a current location or a current date; determine that the result of the comparison is valid if the actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the
- the at least one controller may compare the detected level of light to a value indicative of an expected level of light for the current time at the current location.
- the system may further include an ambient light sensor, wherein the at least one controller continuously receives a signal from the ambient light sensor, the signal indicative of the level of light in the ambient environment.
- the at least one controller may further receive a location signal indicative of the current location; and may determine at least one of an excepted level of light or an expected time at which the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold based at least in part on the current location identified by the location signal.
- the at least one controller may further receive a time signal indicative of the current time.
- the system may further include an antenna; and a global positioning receiver communicatively coupled to the antenna to receive a global positioning signal from a number of global positioning system satellites, wherein the at least one controller is communicatively coupled to the global positioning receiver to receive the location signal indicative of the current location.
- the system may further include an antenna; and a cellular communications receiver communicatively coupled to the antenna to receive a cellular communications signal from a number of cellular communications antennas, wherein the at least one controller is communicatively coupled to the cellular communications receiver to receive the location signal indicative of the current location.
- the at least one controller may turn the at least one light source ON if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or less than a turn ON threshold and an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date.
- the at least one controller may turn the at least one light source ON if both the detected level of light in the ambient
- the at least one controller may turn the at least one light source OFF if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or greater than a turn OFF threshold and an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date.
- the at least one controller may turn the at least one light source OFF if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or greater than a turn OFF threshold and the detected level of light in the ambient environment is within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location.
- the at least one controller may reduce the output of the at least one light source to a nonzero level when a first real time in a daily cycle is reached.
- the at least one controller may further detect motion at least proximate an area being
- the at least one controller may further increase the output of the at least one light source when a second real time in the daily cycle is reached.
- the at least one controller may further repeat at least the reducing and the increasing the output of the at least one light source when the first and the second real times, respectively, are reached for a number of additional daily cycles.
- Repeating at least the reducing and the increasing of the output of the at least one light source when the first and the second real times, respectively, are reached for a number of additional daily cycles may further include turning ON the at least one light source at a time in a daily cycle that corresponds to dusk and turning OFF the at least one light source at a time in the daily cycle that corresponds to dawn.
- the at least one controller may further produce an external notification if the detected level of light in the ambient environment is not within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location. When the result of the comparison is invalid with respect to the at least one expected condition the at least one controller may cause the output of the at least one light source to be at least proximate a highest level of the at least one light source.
- the system may further include the at least one light source.
- a method of operating an illumination system including at least one light source may be summarized as including determining by a controller, an expected ambient environment illumination condition for a current location at a defined date and time; comparing by the controller, an actual ambient environment illumination condition detected in the ambient environment at the current location with the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition; and in response to determining an existence of a difference between the actual ambient environment illumination condition and the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition, producing by the controller, at least one of a notification or a record indicative of an aberrant event.
- the method may further include receiving a location signal by the controller, the location signal indicative of a current location of the illumination system.
- Determining by a controller an expected ambient environment illumination condition may include determining at least one of an expected time of dusk or an expected time of dawn for the current location based at least in part on the current location indicated by the location signal.
- Determining by a controller, an expected ambient environment illumination condition may include determining an expected level of illumination in the ambient environment for the current location at a defined time based at least in part on the current location indicated by the location signal.
- Receiving a location signal by the controller may include receiving a location signal from a global positioning system receiver.
- Receiving a location signal by the controller may include receiving a location signal from a cellular communications system receiver.
- the method may further include detecting a level of light in an ambient environment via an ambient light sensor.
- Producing a notification may include transmitting a signal externally from the illumination system.
- Producing a notification may include illuminating a warning indicator of the illumination system.
- Comparing an actual ambient environment illumination condition with the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition may include at least one of:
- Comparing an actual ambient environment illumination condition with the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition may include at least one of: determining whether an actual time when dusk in the ambient environment is detected is within a first threshold of an expected time at which dusk was predicted or whether an actual time when dawn in the ambient environment is detected is within a second threshold of an expected time at which dawn was predicted.
- a system to control illumination may be summarized as including at least one controller that: determines an expected ambient environment illumination condition for a current location at a defined date and time;
- the at least one controller may receive a location signal, the location signal indicative of a current location of the illumination system. To determine an expected ambient environment illumination condition the at least one controller may determine at least one of an expected time of dusk or an expected time of dawn for the current location based at least in part on the current location indicated by the location signal. The at least one controller may determine an expected level of illumination in the ambient environment based at least in part on the current location indicated by the location signal.
- the system may further include an antenna; and a global positioning receiver communicatively coupled to the antenna to receive a global positioning signal from a number of global positioning system satellites, wherein the at least one controller is communicatively coupled to the global positioning receiver to receive the location signal indicative of the current location.
- the system may further include an antenna; and a cellular communications receiver
- the system may further include an ambient light sensor communicatively coupled to provide ambient light level signals to the at least one controller.
- the at least one controller may produce the notification as a signal transmit externally from the system.
- the at least one controller may produce the notification as an illuminated warning indicator of the system.
- the at least one controller may determine at least one of whether a detected level of illumination in the ambient environment is below an expected level of illumination by more than the defined threshold or whether the detected level of illumination in the ambient environment is above the expected level of illumination by more than the defined threshold. To compare an actual ambient environment illumination condition with the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition the at least one controller may determine whether an actual time when dusk in the ambient environment is detected is within a first threshold of an expected time at which dusk was predicted or whether an actual time when dawn in the ambient environment is detected is within a second threshold of an expected time at which dawn was predicted.
- the system may further include at least one light source; and wherein the at least one controller adjusts a level of illumination produced by the at least one light source.
- a method of operating an illumination system including at least one light source may be summarized as including receiving a signal by a controller from an external source, the signal indicative of at least one of a current location of the illumination system, a current date or a current time; and controlling a level of illumination produced by the at least one light source based at least in part on at least one of the current location of the illumination system, the current date or the current time.
- Receiving a signal by the controller may include receiving a signal via a global positioning system receiver from at least one global positioning satellite.
- the method may further include determining by a controller, an expected level of illumination in an ambient environment based at least in part on at least one of the current location of the illumination system, the current date or the current time; comparing by the controller, a detected level of illumination in the ambient environment with the determined expected level of illumination in the ambient environment; and in response to determining an existence of a difference between the detected level of illumination in the ambient environment and the determined expected level of illumination in the ambient environment which exceeds a defined threshold, producing by the controller, at least one of a notification or a record indicative of the existence.
- the method may further include determining by a controller, an expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn based at least in part on at least one of the current location of the illumination system, the current date or the current time; comparing by the controller, a detected occurrence of at least one of dusk or dawn in the ambient environment with the determined expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn; and in response to determining an existence of a difference between the detected occurrence of at least one of dusk or dawn and the determined expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn which exceeds a defined threshold, producing by the controller, at least one of a notification or a record indicative of an aberrant condition.
- a system to control illumination may be summarized as including at least one antenna; at least one receiver communicatively coupled to the at least one antenna to receive signals from an external source, the signals indicative of at least one of a current location of the illumination system, a current date or a current time; and at least one controller communicatively coupled to the at least one receiver to receive information therefrom, and which controls a level of illumination produced by the at least one light source based at least in part on at least one of the current location of the illumination system, the current date or the current time.
- the at least one receiver may be a global positioning receiver communicatively coupled to the antenna to receive a number of global positioning signals from a number of global positioning system satellites.
- the at least one controller may: determine an expected level of illumination in the ambient environment based at least in part on the current location, the current date or the current time; compare a detected level of illumination in the ambient environment with the determined expected level of illumination in the ambient environment; and in response to determining an existence of a difference between the detected level of illumination in the ambient environment and the determined expected level of illumination in the ambient environment which exceeds a defined threshold, produce at least one of a notification or a record indicative of an aberrant condition.
- the at least one controller may: determine an expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn based at least in part on at least one of the current location of the illumination system, the current date or the current time; compare a detected occurrence of at least one of dusk or dawn in the ambient environment with the determined expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn; and in response to a determination that an existence of a difference between the detected occurrence of at least one of dusk or dawn and the determined expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn which exceeds a defined threshold, produce at least one of a notification or a record indicative of an aberrant condition.
- Figure 1 is a partially exploded isometric diagram showing a conventional luminaire, light source and a retrofit control subsystem selectively attachable in place of the legacy dusk to dawn sensor, according to one non- limiting illustrated embodiment.
- Figure 2 is a partially exploded isometric diagram showing a conventional luminaire, conventional light sources and a retrofit control subsystem selectively attachable between the luminaire and light source, according to another non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional luminaire with optical sensor(s) and a dusk-to-dawn control mechanism, a light source and a retrofit control subsystem, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- Figure 4A is an isometric diagram showing a luminaire including an integral control subsystem and a light source, according to another non- limiting illustrated embodiment.
- Figure 4B is right side elevational view of the luminaire of Figure 4A.
- Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the luminaire of Figures 4A and 4B with the integral control subsystem, and a light source.
- Figure 6A is a graph showing a level of illumination or output versus time over two daily cycles during a first part of a year, according to another non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- Figure 6B is a graph showing a level of illumination or output versus time over two daily cycles during a second part of a year where there is less daylight in a daily cycle.
- Figure 6C is a graph showing a level of illumination or output versus time over two daily cycles during the first part of a year, according to another non-limiting illustrated embodiment where a dusk sensing threshold is set to be reached earlier while a dawn sensing threshold is set to be reached later in the daily cycle.
- Figure 6D is a graph showing a level of illumination or output versus time over two daily cycles during the first part of a year, according to another non-limiting illustrated embodiment the dusk and dawn sensing thresholds are set such as to produce uneven durations of high intensity illumination.
- Figures 7A-7C are a flow diagram showing a high level method of operating an illumination system to provide illumination in an energy efficient manner, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- Figure 8 is a flow diagram showing a low level method of operating a control subsystem of an illumination system to validate a detection, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- Figure 9 is a flow diagram showing a low level method of operating a control subsystem to validate a detection, according to another non- limiting illustrated embodiment.
- Figure 10 is a flow diagram showing a low level method of operating a control subsystem of an illumination system to determine a location of the illumination system based on global positioning system signals, and to determine an expected level of light based at least in part on the determined location, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- Figure 1 1 is a flow diagram showing a low level method of operating a control subsystem of an illumination system to determine a location of the illumination system based on cellular system signals, and to determine an expected level of light based at least in part on the determined location, according to another non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- Figure 12 is a flow diagram showing a low level method of operating a control subsystem of an illumination system to produce a security notification, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- Figure 13 is a flow diagram showing a high level method of operating a control subsystem of an illumination system, according to another non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- illumination or “level of light output” have the same meanings. Also instance, the phrases “illumination source” and “light source” have the same meanings.
- FIG. 1 shows an illumination system 100 according to one non- limiting illustrated embodiment.
- the illumination system 100 includes a conventional luminaire 102, at least one illumination or light source 104, and a retrofit control subsystem 106.
- the luminaire 102 may take any of a variety of forms.
- the luminaire 102 may include a housing 108, a shade 1 10 and optionally a bracket 1 12 to allow the luminaire 102 to be hung from a structure.
- the shade 1 10 may be transparent or translucent or may be opaque.
- the luminaire 102 may include a socket, for instance a threaded socket or receptacle 1 14, sized to removably or interchangeably receive a base 1 15 of the light source 104 and wiring (not shown in Figure 1 ) to provide power to the light source 104 from an external source of electrical power, such as AC mains.
- an external source of electrical power such as AC mains.
- such luminaires 102 are conventional and commercially available from a large variety of sources.
- the luminaire 102 may also include a socket 1 16 or other coupler to allow removable physical and electrical mounting of a dusk-to-dawn sensor.
- Standard NEMA compliant luminaries typically include such a sensor accommodating socket 1 16, to allow dusk-to-dawn sensors to be easily replaced.
- the socket 1 16 may be positioned to allow the dusk-to-dawn sensor to be favorably positioned to have an unimpeded field-of-view.
- the socket 1 16 may be positioned on top of the housing 108 such that a sensor mounted thereto generally faces skyward. While illustrated as threaded, other types of sockets, receptacles or couplers may be employed.
- the luminaire 102 may include a luminaire control circuit 120.
- the luminaire control circuit 120 is configured to turn the light source 104 ON when a level of light detected by a sensor mounted via the socket 1 16 is below a turn ON threshold and to turn the light source 104 OFF when the level of light detected by the sensor is above a turn OFF threshold.
- the turn ON and turn OFF thresholds may, or may not, be equal to one another.
- the light source 104 may take a variety of forms.
- the light source may include one or more distinct light bulbs, lights or light emitters 122a-122n (only two called out in Figure 1 ).
- the light source 104 may take the form of one or more incandescent light bulbs.
- the light source 104 may take the form of one or more florescent light bulbs such as HID light bulbs or lights, one or more arc lamps, or one or more gas-discharge lamps.
- the light source 104 may take the form of one or more solid state light sources, for instance an array of LEDs, OLEDs or PLEDs.
- the light sources do not necessarily have to be enclosed in a bulb structure.
- the light sources may take the form of one-, two-, or even three-dimensional arrays of individual LEDs or strings of LEDs.
- the light source 104 may also include a ballast 124, for example an electronic ballast.
- the retrofit control subsystem 106 is selectively attachable, mountable or coupleable to the luminaire 102 and luminaire control circuit 102, and hence to the light source 104.
- the retrofit control subsystem 106 includes a base 126 sized to be received in the sensor receiving socket or receptacle 1 16 of the luminaire 102.
- the base 126 will have a three contact plug which allows the base 126 to be removably or detachably received by the socket or receptacle 1 16 of the luminaire 102.
- the socket 1 14 and base 126 provide both physical coupling between the luminaire 102 and the retrofit control system 106 and electrical coupling between the luminaire control circuit 120 and the retrofit control system 106.
- the retrofit control subsystem 106 includes at least one sensor 1 18 (e.g., photosensor, cadmium sulfide cell, photodiode, phototransistor, ambient light sensor integrated circuit) that is responsive to a level ⁇ e.g., energy or intensity) of light or illumination in the environment ⁇ e.g., daylight or ambient light).
- the sensor 1 18 may be positioned to minimize an effect of the light source 104 on the sensor 1 18.
- the sensor 1 18 may be positioned on be on top of the housing 108 when the retrofit control subsystem 106 is mounted via the sensor receiving socket 1 18.
- the retrofit control subsystem 106 also includes electrical circuitry, electronics, software and/or firmware that adjusts an illumination level downward at a time after the light source is turned ON and adjusts the illumination level upward at a time preceding the light source being turned OFF. Such provides lighting at relatively high levels when illumination is typically most useful, while providing lighting at reduced levels when illumination is not typically useful, thereby reducing energy usage.
- the electrical circuitry, electronics, software and/or firmware may also verify that detected levels of light are within some defined threshold(s) of expected levels of light for a given location, date and/or time.
- the electrical circuitry, electronics, software and/or firmware may also verify that a time at which an event or condition ⁇ e.g., dusk, dawn) is detected is within some defined threshold(s) of expected time at which the event or condition was predicted to occur for a given location, date and/or time.
- a time at which an event or condition ⁇ e.g., dusk, dawn
- Such validation of levels or time may allow detection of aberrations such as unintentional component failures or interference or even intentional tampering or interference with the luminaire, and automatic notification or alerts regarding the detection of such aberrations.
- Such may also allow operation to continued, even if an aberrant condition occurs.
- the electrical circuitry, electronics, software and/or firmware may automatically determine a current location of the luminaire, current date and/or current time, based at least in part on signals received from an external source ⁇ e.g., global positioning satellites, cellular communications base stations, WiFi sources). Such may advantageously reduce, or even eliminate, the need for training or adaptive learning over multiple daily cycles, and produce more accurate responses than could be produced using training or adaptive learning based approaches. Such is possible via a retrofit to existing luminaires. Such may avoid the drawbacks associated with motion or proximity based control, such as the limited range of motion or proximity sensors and lack of sensitivity of such sensors in warm climates. As described in more detail below, the retrofit control subsystem 106 may monitor the local time of day and location from received data, and advantageously employ such in controlling the light source 104. Such can automatically accommodate seasonal changes in the length of daylight or night.
- an external source e.g., global positioning satellites, cellular communications base stations, WiFi sources.
- FIG 2 shows an illumination system 200 according to another non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- the illumination system 200 includes a conventional luminaire 202, illumination or light sources 204a, 204b, and retrofit control subsystems 206a, 206b (only one visible in Figure 2).
- the luminaire 202 may take any of a variety of forms.
- the luminaire 202 may include a housing 208, two shades 210a, 210b, and at least one optical sensor 218.
- the housing 208 allows the luminaire 202 to be hung from a structure.
- the shades 210a, 210b each include a respective socket or receptacle 214a, 214b sized to receive a base 215a (only one visible in Figure 2) of the light source 204a, 204b.
- the shades 210a, 210b may be supported from the housing 208 by respective articulated arms 230a, 230b.
- the arms 230a, 230b may include one or more joints 232a, 232b to provide multiple degrees of freedom which allows the shades 210a, 210b and respective light sources 204a, 204b to be positioned and oriented in any desired manner.
- the optical sensor 218 may be supported from the housing 208 by an arm 234, for example via a ball joint 236. Such may allow the optical sensor 218 to be positioned and oriented with respect to the housing 208 and any structure to which the housing is mounted. As previously noted, such luminaires 202 are conventional and commercially available from a large variety of sources.
- Luminaires 202 of this type typically have a control mechanism that implements both dusk-to-dawn and motion or proximity based control.
- the control mechanism relies on signals from the optical sensor to implement motion or proximity sensing only during a period after a level of light or illumination in the environment has fallen below a turn ON threshold ⁇ e.g., 10 Lux) and before the level of illuminations exceeds a turn OFF threshold ⁇ e.g., 30 Lux).
- the control mechanism will turn the light sources 204a, 204b ON for a period of time in response to the detection of motion between dusk and dawn, turning the light sources 204a, 204b OFF after the period of time.
- Respective retrofit control subsystems 206a, 206b are selectively attachable or coupleable between the sockets or receptacles 214a, 214b of the luminaire 202 and the bases 215a of the light sources 204a, 204b to provide an interface therebetween.
- the retrofit control subsystems 206a, 206b include a base 226a (only one visible in Figure 2) sized to be received in the sockets or receptacles 214a, 214b of the luminaire 202.
- the base 226a will have a thread which allows the base 226a to be threadedly removably or detachably received by the socket or receptacle 214a, 241 b of the luminaire 202.
- the socket 214a, 214b and base 214a provide both physical and electrical coupling between the luminaire 202 and the respective retrofit control system 206a, 206b.
- the retrofit control subsystems 206a, 206b also include a socket or receptacle 228a (only one visible in Figure 2) sized to receive the base 215a of the light source 204a, 204b.
- the socket or receptacle 228a has a thread which allows the base 215a of the light source 204 to be threadedly removably or detachably received by the socket or receptacle 228a.
- the socket 228a and base 215a provide both physical and electrical coupling between the retrofit control subsystem 206a, 206b and the respective light source 204a, 204b.
- the retrofit control subsystems 206a, 206b include electrical circuitry, electronics, software and/or firmware that adjust an illumination level downward ⁇ i.e., decrease) at a time after the light source is turned ON and adjust the illumination level upward ⁇ i.e., increase) at a time preceding the light source being turned OFF.
- Such provides lighting at relatively high levels when illumination is typically most useful, while providing lighting at reduced levels when illumination is not typically useful, thereby reducing energy usage.
- the electrical circuitry, electronics, software and/or firmware may also verify that detected levels of light are within some defined threshold(s) of expected levels of light for a given location, date and/or time.
- Such may allow detection of aberrations such as unintentional component failures or unintentional interference with, or even intentional tampering or interference with, the luminaire, and automatic notification or alerts regarding the detection of such aberrations. Such may also allow operation to continued, even if an aberrant condition occurs.
- the electrical circuitry, electronics, software and/or firmware may automatically determine a current location of the luminaire, current date and/or current time, based at least in part on signals received from an external source ⁇ e.g., global positioning satellites, cellular communications base stations, WiFi sources). Such may advantageously reduce, or even eliminate, the need for training or adaptive learning over multiple daily cycles, and produce more accurate responses than could be produced using training or adaptive learning based approaches.
- the retrofit control subsystem 206a, 206b may monitor the local time of day and location from received data, and advantageously employ such in controlling the light source 204a, 204b. Such can automatically accommodate seasonal changes in the length of daylight or night.
- FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an illumination system 300, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- the illumination system 300 may employ a conventional luminaire 302, for example identical or similar to those illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.
- the luminaire 302 may include an optical sensor 304 and a control mechanism 306.
- the optical sensor 304 can take any variety of forms, including light sensitive or light responsive photosensors, cadmium sulfide cells, photodiodes,
- the control mechanism 306 may be an analog circuit, digital circuit or may include both analog and digital circuit components, as well as software or firmware instructions executable by one or more processors, for instance microprocessors, digital signal processors, programmable gate arrays or application specific integrated circuits. Again, a conventional commercially available luminaire with an integral control mechanism may be employed.
- the illumination system 300 may include at least one illumination or light source 308, for example identical or similar to those discussed with reference to Figure 1 .
- the illumination system 300 may employ a light source 308 that includes an array of solid-state light sources or emitters, such as LEDs, OLEDs or PLEDs.
- the illumination system 300 may include a ballast 310 for the light source 308.
- the ballast 310 may be an integral or unitary part of the light source 308, or may be a separate discrete component therefrom.
- control mechanism 306 may take the form of a dusk-to-dawn photo control mechanism configured to turn the light source(s) 308 ON when the sensor 304 senses a level of illumination or light in the environment that is at or below a turn ON threshold.
- mechanism 306 may be configured to turn the light source(s) 308 OFF when the sensor 304 senses a level of light in the environment that is at or above a turn OFF threshold. While the turn ON and turn OFF thresholds could be equivalent, such would likely produce undesirable oscillation. Hence, some separation should be maintained between the turn ON and turn OFF
- the turn ON threshold may equal 10 LUX while the turn OFF threshold may equal 30 LUX.
- the illumination system 300 may include one more retrofit control subsystems 312.
- the retrofit control subsystem 312 may be identical or similar to the retrofit control subsystem 106, 206 ( Figures 1 and 2).
- the retrofit control subsystem 312 may, for example, include a microcontroller 314 and one or more non-volatile storage media 316 communicatively coupled to the
- the microcontroller 314 may take any of a variety of forms, for example a microprocessor, programmable gate array (PGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.
- the non-volatile storage media 316 may take any of a variety of forms, for example electrically erasable programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), flash memories, etc.
- the retrofit control subsystem 312 may additionally include one or more antennas (only one illustrated) 317 and one or more receivers 318 (only one illustrated) communicatively coupled to at least one of the antennas 317 and to the microcontroller 314.
- the antenna 317 may be internal to the retrofit control subsystem 312 or may be electrically coupled to the retrofit control subsystem 312 such that the antenna may be extended to an outer side of the shade 1 10, 210a, 210b ( Figures 1 and 2).
- the receiver 318 may also be positioned within the retrofit control subsystem 312.
- the receivers 318 may take a variety of forms for example a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a cellular communications system receiver, a wireless telecommunications receiver ⁇ e.g., WiFi), a landline transceiver, or a radio ⁇ e.g., AM, FM, Satellite ) receiver.
- GPS global positioning system
- the receiver 318 may provide information to the retrofit control subsystem 312, such as information which is indicative of a current location of the illumination system, and/or information that is indicative of a current date, and/or time of day.
- the retrofit control subsystem 312 may use information from the receiver 318 to determine an expected level of light in the ambient environment, for example, to calibrate the dusk-to-dawn controller 306 and/or to implement security features to the illumination system 300.
- the retrofit control subsystem 312 is electrically coupled to the control mechanism 306 of the luminaire 302, for example via a socket and base.
- the components of the retrofit control subsystem 312 may receive power via this coupling or a standalone power source may be included.
- the retrofit control subsystem 312 may include power supply circuitry 313 that rectifies, steps down a voltage and otherwise transforms or conditions supplied electrical power to a form suitable to power the microcontroller 314, non-volatile storage media 316 and/or other components of the retrofit control subsystem 312.
- retrofit control subsystem 312 is illustrated as being coupled between the luminaire 302 and light source 308, some embodiments may employ one or more relays (not illustrated) to provide electrical power to the light source 308 from the luminaire 302.
- the retrofit control subsystem 312 may employ a conventional light dimmer circuit to control light level output by the light source 308. Alternatively or additionally, a network link to a
- programmable lamp controller may be employed.
- an analog voltage applied to a dimmable lamp controller may be employed, or a resistor switched into a dimming input of a dimmable lamp controller.
- the retrofit control subsystem may use one or more switches ⁇ e.g., contact switches, relays, transistors, triacs) to switch in or out individual or groups of light emitters that make up one or more light sources, or lamp controllers which control the light sources.
- switches e.g., contact switches, relays, transistors, triacs
- the retrofit control subsystem 312 receives signals from the control mechanism 306 of the luminaire 302 which are indicative of when the control mechanism 306 attempts to turn the light source 308 ON and OFF in response to a sensed illumination level being below a turn On threshold and below a turn OFF threshold, respectively.
- the signals may be as simple as providing electrical power to power the light source 308 then not providing electrical power.
- the lamp may be turned on to full brightness or almost full brightness in response to the dusk-to-dawn sensor sensing an illumination level falling below a defined threshold ⁇ e.g., dusk threshold), then using the data received from a wireless source to adjust the illumination level down at a preprogrammed time of day, then adjust the illumination level back to full illumination at another preprogrammed time of day, and finally turned OFF when the dusk to dawn sensor signals an illumination level above a threshold ⁇ e.g., dawn threshold).
- a threshold e.g., dusk threshold
- the microcontroller 314 can determine an expected level of light for the ambient environment based upon information received by the receiver 318. For instance, the receiver 318 may provide GPS data such as longitude and/or latitude data indicative of the current location of the illumination system 300 and optionally the current time of day. Further, the receiver may provide weather or other information which may be indicative of certain aspects ⁇ e.g., expected level of illumination) of the ambient environment for a give time and geographic location. From the location and time of day, the microcontroller 314 may determine times at which to turn lighting ON, turn lighting OFF, increase a level of illumination and/or decrease a level of illumination.
- GPS data such as longitude and/or latitude data indicative of the current location of the illumination system 300 and optionally the current time of day.
- weather or other information which may be indicative of certain aspects ⁇ e.g., expected level of illumination
- the microcontroller 314 may additionally, or alternatively, determined an expected level of light in the ambient environment for a given time of day, based at least in part on the location.
- the microcontroller 314 may, for example, access data stored within the non-volatile storage 316, such as sunrise/sunset tables, almanac information, and/or daylight savings time tables, to determine and compare an expected level of light for a given time of day with a detected level of light.
- Differences between the detected level of light and the expected level of light may be used to trigger an event, such as increase the level of light from the illumination system 300, an aural notification ⁇ e.g., an alarm), and/or a transmission of a data notification ⁇ e.g., through a wireless home network, cellular network, telephone line, or a security system).
- an aural notification e.g., an alarm
- a transmission of a data notification e.g., through a wireless home network, cellular network, telephone line, or a security system.
- the retrofit control subsystem 312 may include a real time or solar clock 320 ⁇ i.e., a clock that tracks time in the real world or with respect to the sun, rather than an internal clock of a processor based system).
- the microcontroller 314 may implement a real time or solar clock.
- the real time or solar clocks may be automatically calibrated by the microcontroller 314 based upon information received from the receiver 318.
- Such embodiments may also include a discrete internal power source 322 (e.g., battery cells, capacitors, super- or ultracapacitors, fuel cell) to supply power to the clock 320 while power is not being received from the control mechanism 302 of the luminaire.
- the internal power source 322 may be rechargeable, via the power supply circuitry 313.
- the microcontroller 314 may determine solar midnight, from time-to-time ⁇ e.g., each daily cycle). In particular, the microcontroller may divide the average or median time that the light source is ON in half, which should occur at the darkest time of the daily cycle ⁇ e.g., solar midnight). The microcontroller 314 may calibrate the real time clock with the determined solar midnight. The microcontroller 314 may control the increasing and decreasing of the level of light output by the light source 308 using the calibrated real time clock 320. This can prevent or reduce the effect of artificial lights on the illumination system 300.
- FIGS 4A and 4B show an illumination system 400 according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- the illumination system 400 includes a luminaire 402 and at least one light source 404.
- the illumination system 400 may also include a sensor 418 that is responsive to a level of light or
- the illumination system 400 may further include an integral control subsystem 406 and an antenna 424.
- the luminaire 402 may take a variety of forms. Such forms include luminaires that hold one, two, or more light sources 404.
- the luminaire 402 may also include a reflector 407, a housing 408, a shade 410.
- the brackets 412 may be used with attachment clips to attach a retrofit luminaire (all parts except 408) to an existing, previously installed housing 408.
- the housing 408 and shade 410 may be in the shape of a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, or other polygon.
- the housing 408 and shade 410 may share a common shape or they may be different shapes from one another.
- the light source 404 can take a variety of forms.
- the light source 404 may be comprised of one or more incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, or any of the various types of light emitting diodes (LEDs).
- the light source 404 that is selected for use in the luminaire 402 may be based upon the intended use of the illumination system 400. For example, a brighter illuminating source may be selected over a more energy efficient source based upon whether the area to be illuminated is residential or commercial, densely populated or rural, and secured or public and/or on the relative cost of locating sufficient luminaries to satisfactorily cover the area to be illuminated.
- the reflector 407 may be optionally positioned around the light source 404 to mitigate light trespass.
- the reflector 407 may define and limit the angle of the illumination footprint so as not to illuminate a backyard or window of a neighboring home or structure.
- the reflector 407 may provide the additional benefit of reducing light pollution, which obscures the stars in the night sky, interferes with astronomical research, and may disrupt ecosystems.
- the heat sink 426 may be optionally positioned around the light source 404 to transfer thermal energy away from the light source 404. Trapped thermal energy in solid state devices may alter the color of the light source 404 or alter the operational characteristics, such as threshold voltages in transistors, of components within the light source 404, as well as reduce the life of the light source 404.
- the heat sink 426 may be composed of one or more thermal conductors such as aluminum and copper or thermally filled polymers, and may include a convoluted surface ⁇ e.g., fins, pins) to provide significantly more surface area for a given volume occupied.
- the illumination system 400 may use the sensor 418, the receiver 420, and/or the motion detector 422 to determine when to adjust the state of the light source 404 between ON, OFF, and to adjust illumination levels between ON and OFF.
- the illumination system 400 may use information received via the receiver 420 to determine an expected level of light in the ambient environment based at least in part on a current location of the illumination system 400 as indicated in the received information, and optionally in conjunction with a current date and/or current time.
- the illumination system 400 may use a geographical look up table, sunrise/sunset chart, or similar form of organized data stored in non-volatile memory, or may use one or more formulas or algorithms to analytically calculate such based in the received information.
- daylight savings time status may be determined by the controller based on the location data and a geographical lookup table other method.
- the received information may be pre-processed by the receiver 420, for example converting signals from two or more geographically disparate sources into longitude and/or latitude information.
- a geographical lookup table other method for example converting signals from two or more geographically disparate sources into longitude and/or latitude information.
- microprocessor or other controller of the integral control subsystem 406 may process the received information to determine the current geographic coordinates and/or current date/time.
- data encoded in a cellular communications signal may be used to determine local time and location.
- the light source 404 may be removably coupled to the luminaire 402, for instance via a threaded socket or receptacle 405.
- the light source 404 may be integral to the luminaire 402, particularly where the light source 404 includes a plurality of solid-state light emitters.
- the integral control subsystem 406 includes circuitry to control operation of the illumination system 400 in a similar fashion to the operation described above.
- the integral control subsystem 406 interfaces with at least one sensor 418 ⁇ e.g., photosensor, cadmium sulfide cell, photodiode, phototransistor, ambient light sensor integrated circuit) that is responsive to a level of light in the environment ⁇ e.g., daylight or ambient light).
- the sensor 418 may be positioned to minimize an effect of the light source 404 on the sensor 418.
- the sensor 418 may be positioned on top of the housing 408 or on the shade 410.
- control subsystem 406 may be coupled to receive signals directly from the sensor 418.
- the control subsystem 406 may receive signals indicative of a sensed level of light in the environment.
- the control subsystem 406 determines when the sensed level of light is at or below a turn ON threshold and when the sensed level of light is at or above a turn OFF threshold.
- the integral control subsystem 406 may also directly interface with the receiver 420 to verify or calibrate the information received from the sensor 418.
- the control subsystem 406 may use data from a GPS receiver (e.g., Delorme GPS2058-10 GPS receiver), such as latitude, longitude, date, and time to determine an expected level of light.
- the control subsystem 406 may then compare the expected level of light to the level of light sensed by the sensor 418. Such may allow detection of aberrant conditions, for example aberrant conditions associated with unintentional failure of a component or associated with intentional tampering with the illumination system.
- control subsystem 406 may run in a variety of modes, e.g., security, calibrate, normal, etc., and produce an output based upon the comparison between the expected level of light and the actually detected level of light and the current operational mode in which the control subsystem 406 is running.
- the integral control subsystem 406 may be directly coupled to the antenna 424 to provide communications with external systems.
- the antenna 424 may be a radio antenna
- the control subsystem 406 may include hardware and/or software to extract location, date and/or time
- radio e.g., radio or microwave portions of the
- the control subsystem 406 may then synchronize an internal clock using the received date and time ⁇ e.g., Universal Coordinated Time or UTS) to provide continued accuracy of ON and OFF switching of the light source 404.
- UTS Universal Coordinated Time
- the integral control subsystem 406 may use the antenna 424 to receive cellular communications signals.
- the control subsystem 406 may include hardware and/or software to enable receiving information from, and optionally transmitting information to, a cellular network.
- a subscription with a cellular network carrier may enable the control subsystem 406 to acquire location, date, and time data from local cellular base stations.
- the control subsystem 406 may perform triangulation on signals received from
- the control subsystem may extract location information from data encoded in the signal received from a single cellular base station, for example, by finding the identity of the base station and using stored data to determine longitude and latitude, or by direct encoding of location information in the cellular base station signal.
- the control subsystem 406 may also extract current date and/or time information from the cellular communications systems signals.
- the subscription with a cellular network carrier may also
- control subsystem 406 may transmit data to notify a person or system of an event, for instance an alert indicative of detection of an aberrant condition.
- the notification can take the form of a short message service (SMS), text message, email, or data packet.
- SMS short message service
- a notification event may be defined by a sensed level of light being detected above or below a threshold of the expected level of light. Such an event may be triggered, for example, when a detected level of light is significantly below (i.e., by more than a defined threshold) an expected level of light, for instance where a person covers the sensor 418.
- Such an event may be triggered, for example, when a detected level of light is significantly above (i.e., by more than a defined threshold) an expected level of light, for instance where a person shines a laser or other light source at the sensor 418 in order to deceive the illumination system 400 into shutting OFF the light source 404 during non-daylight hours.
- a detected level of light is significantly above (i.e., by more than a defined threshold) an expected level of light, for instance where a person shines a laser or other light source at the sensor 418 in order to deceive the illumination system 400 into shutting OFF the light source 404 during non-daylight hours.
- both the above described aberrations may be indicative of intentional tampering.
- Aberrations may alternatively be indicative of an unintentional condition, for example a failed component, for instance a failed ambient light sensor 418.
- the ambient light sensor 418 may fail, producing a signal indicative of a sensed level of light that is either higher than the actual level of light in the ambient environment or lower than the actual level of light. Detection of aberrant conditions, whether unintentionally or intentionally produced, may be
- Such may allow the aberration to be reported, investigated, with the failed component being replaced or repaired or the tampering individual being apprehended or scared off, or allowing heightened patrolling of a secured area in response.
- the integral control subsystem 406 may use the antenna 424, or a separate antenna, to provide wireless telecommunications device services.
- the control subsystem 406 may include hardware and/or software to enable receiving information from and transmitting information to a personal or commercial WiFi network.
- the control subsystem 406 may enable a person to set various levels and times of illumination through a graphical user interface via a personal computer.
- the wireless device service may enable the illumination system 400 to be one of several remotely controlled illumination systems, such as may be used outside of a warehouse, at a shipyard, impoundment lot, motor pool, other transportation facility, energy production facility, military facility or in proximity to some other secured area.
- control subsystem 406 may include the hardware and/or software to manipulate a landline so as to receive and transmit data at frequencies similar to those used by a facsimile machine or frequencies used by digital subscriber line (DSL) standards.
- DSL digital subscriber line
- FIG 5 schematically illustrates an illumination system 500, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- the illumination system 500 may be identical or similar to the illumination system 400 illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B.
- the illumination system 500 may employ a conventional luminaire 502, for example identical or similar to that illustrated in Figure 3 or Figures 4A and 4B, or of any other style.
- the illumination system 500 includes one or more light sources 508 and optionally one or more ballasts 510 for the light sources 508. Suitable examples of light sources 508 are described above.
- the illumination system 500 includes an integral control subsystem 512 which is integral to the luminaire.
- the integral control subsystem 512 may be identical or similar to the integral control subsystem 406 ( Figure 4A or Figure 4B).
- the integral control subsystem 512 may include a sensor 504 that senses or is responsive to varying levels of light.
- the sensor 504 may take a variety of forms, some of which are described above.
- the integral control subsystem 512 may include one or more antennas 517 (only one show) and receivers 518 (only one show).
- the antenna 517 and receiver 518 may be operable to receive and transmit a variety of signals, some of which are described above.
- the integral control subsystem 512 may, for example, include a microcontroller 514 and one or more non-volatile storage media 516 communicatively coupled to the microcontroller 514.
- the microcontroller 514 may take any of a variety of forms, for example a microprocessor,
- the non-volatile storage media 516 may take any of a variety of forms, for example electrically erasable programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), flash memories, etc.
- the microcontroller 514 may be communicatively coupled to receive signals directly from the sensor 504, the receiver 518, and/or a clock 519.
- the integral control subsystem 512 may include circuitry 513 that rectifies, steps down a voltage and otherwise conditions supplied electrical power to a form suitable to power the microcontroller 514, non-volatile storage media 516 and/or other components of the integral control subsystem 512.
- the integral control subsystem 512 may employ a variety of switches or other mechanisms to turn the light source 508 ON and OFF and to adjust the level of light output by the light source 508.
- the integral control subsystem 512 may employ various switches or conventional dimmer circuits, for instance those circuits and circuit components discussed above in reference to the retrofit control subsystem 312.
- the integral control subsystem 512 may adjust the level of light by adjusting a level of light emitted by each discrete light emitter and/or by adjusting the number of discrete light emitters emitting light.
- the microcontroller 514 receives signals from the sensor 504 which are indicative of levels of light sensed in the ambient environment around or proximate the sensor 504.
- the microcontroller 514 or some dedicated circuit, compares the signals to a turn ON threshold and a turn OFF threshold.
- the microcontroller 514 determines whether the sensed level of light is at or below a turn ON threshold, indicating that lighting is required.
- the microcontroller 514 may verify that the sensed level of light is within some threshold of an expected level of light, and if so may cause the light source to be turned ON at a first output level, which is typically relative high for the light source.
- the microcontroller 514 may compare a programmed time of day at which to reduce the illumination level, and if the local time of day is substantially equal to that time, turn down (i.e., decrease) the illumination level. While the illumination is at a lower level, the microcontroller 514 may continue to compare the local time of day with a programmed time of day at which the illumination level is desired to be increased, and increase the illumination level when the said times are substantially equal.
- the microcontroller 514 determines whether the sensed level of light is at or above a turn OFF threshold, indicating that lighting is no longer required. In response, the microcontroller 514 may verify that the sensed level of light is within some threshold of an expected level of light, and if so may cause the light source to be turned OFF. In response to a detection of motion, the microcontroller 514 may increase a level of light output or turn ON the light sources.
- Appropriate time delays hysteresis may be added or built into the control subsystem 512 before the light source 1 10 is turned ON or OFF. During these, sensed illumination levels remain approximately constant or the microcontroller 514 will not register a single occurrence of an ON or OFF threshold being met. This suppresses short-term noise events and thereby avoids the microcontroller 514 from being falsely triggered to activate the light source 1 10 due to short-term events such as vehicle headlights or a transient moving object.
- the microcontroller 514 also determines when to adjust the level of output, the adjustment occurring between turning the light source ON and OFF in a daily cycle. Such has been described above, and is described in more detail below with reference to the various methods illustrated in the flow diagrams.
- Some embodiments of the integral control subsystem 512 may include or implement the real time or solar clock 519, similar to that discussed with reference to Figure 3, above. While such embodiment may include a discrete internal power source, such typically would not be necessary where the integrated control subsystem 512 receives power directly from the AC power mains, rather than via a dusk-to-dawn control mechanism.
- the microcontroller 514 may control the turning ON and OFF as well as the increasing and decreasing of the level of light output by the light source using the calibrated real time clock 519.
- the microcontroller 514 may also synchronize the real time clock based on received signals indicative of a current date and/or current time at the particular location at which the illumination system 500 is installed.
- the microcontroller 514 may use the receiver 518 to obtain information in order to perform various functions.
- the receiver 518 may use the receiver 518 to obtain information in order to perform various functions.
- the microcontroller 514 may use the receiver 518 to obtain information in order to perform various functions. For example, the
- microcontroller 514 may use the receiver 518 to acquire location data ⁇ e.g., GPS data, cellular base station location signal strength, etc.), to determine a current location.
- the microcontroller 514 may use the receiver 518 to interface with a communications network, for example a cellular network, to receive radio signals including date and time, to interface with a wireless telecommunications network ⁇ e.g., WiFi, WAN, LAN, MAN) and/or to interface with a wired or wireless security system.
- a communications network for example a cellular network
- a wireless telecommunications network e.g., WiFi, WAN, LAN, MAN
- the microcontroller 514 may use GPS data to determine an expected level of light for comparison with a sensed level of light.
- the microcontroller 514 may initiate a notification event or transmit an alert through any one of or
- the microcontroller 514 interfaces with receiver 518 to provide wireless device services enabling a person to access and set various turn ON and turn OFF thresholds through a graphical user interface (GUI) via a personal computer, mobile computing device, personal data assistant, smart phone, or the like.
- GUI graphical user interface
- Figure 6A shows a graph 600a of a level of light produced by a light source over time during a first part of a year, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- the level of light output by the light source is shown along the Y-axis, while time is shown along the X-axis.
- the light source is turned ON at 604a to produce light at a first level ⁇ e.g., relatively high) 606a.
- the light source may be turned ON in response detecting a first event or condition, for example that a level of light in the ambient environment has fallen below some defined threshold ⁇ e.g., level of light corresponding to dusk or "dusk threshold").
- the first level 606a of light is maintained until detection of a second event or condition.
- the first level 606a of light may be maintained until a real world time at the particular location reaches some defined first adjustment time ⁇ e.g., 10PM).
- the first level 606a of light may be maintained for a first duration 608a, which may, for example, be the duration of time between sensing dusk and a defined or set time ⁇ e.g., 10PM).
- the level of light produced by the light source is then adjusted at 610a to produce a second, lower level 612a.
- the second level of light 612a may be deemed sufficient to provide some level of lighting when the amount of traffic ⁇ e.g., foot or vehicle traffic) in the location is expected to be small, while still being efficient.
- the second level 612a of light may be maintained until a detection of a third event or condition.
- the second level 612a of light may be maintained until a real world time at the particular location reaches some defined second adjustment time ⁇ e.g., 6AM).
- the second level 612a of light may be maintained for a second duration 614a, which may, for example, be the duration of time between 10PM and 6AM.
- the level of light produced is then adjusted at 616a to produce a third level 606a of light, higher than the second level 612a. While illustrated as equal to the first level 606a, the third level may be higher or lower than the first level 606a.
- the level of light is maintained until detection of a fourth event or condition.
- the third level of light 606a may be maintained until a level of light in the ambient environment has increased to or above some defined threshold ⁇ e.g., level of light corresponding to dawn or "dawn threshold").
- some defined threshold e.g., level of light corresponding to dawn or "dawn threshold”
- the level of light may be maintained for a third duration 618a, which may, for example, be the duration of time between the set time 6AM and sensing dawn.
- this pattern may repeat for additional daily cycles, although the length of the durations 608a, 618a may gradually change, for example as the time of sunrise and sunset varies changes throughout the year.
- the thresholds may be factory set or may be user configurable, set based on user input received via a user interface ⁇ e.g., buttons, switches, dials,
- the adjustment times 610a, 616a at which the level of light is adjusted may be factory set or may be user configurable, set based on user input received via a user interface ⁇ e.g., buttons, switches, dials, potentiometers, shorting jumpers, wired or wireless communications ports, or via power line carrier control) of the luminaire.
- user input may, for instance, indicate a fixed real world time for the second and third thresholds.
- Figure 6B shows a graph 600b of a level of light produced by a light source over time during a second part of a year, according to one non- limiting illustrated embodiment.
- Times or durations corresponding to those of Figure 6A are called out using the same reference numerals but with the lower case letter "b" instead of the lower case letter “a” used in Figure 6A.
- the pattern is similar to that illustrated in Figure 6A, however the first threshold ⁇ e.g., turn ON or dusk threshold) is reached at an earlier time 604b in the daily cycle while the fourth threshold ⁇ e.g., turn OFF or dawn threshold) is reached at a later time 620b in the daily cycle to the change in the amount of daylight hours in the daily cycle.
- the first duration 608a at the relatively high first level 606b is longer than that illustrated in Figure 6A, starting earlier.
- the third duration 618b at the relatively high third level 606b is longer than that illustrated in Figure 6A, ending later. Such is in response to the amount of daylight in the daily cycle 602b being shorter than that illustrated in Figure 6A.
- Figure 6A may represent summer in the Northern Hemisphere, while Figure 6B may represent winter in the same location.
- Figure 6C shows a graph 600c of a level of light produced by a light source over time during the first part of a year with dusk and dawn sensing thresholds set to be reached earlier and later in a daily cycle, respectively, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- Times or durations corresponding to those of Figure 6A and 6B are called out using the same reference numerals but with the lower case letter “c" instead of the lower case letter “a” or “b” used in Figures 6A and 6B, respectively.
- the pattern is similar to that illustrated in Figure 6A, however the threshold at which a level of light corresponding to dusk is sensed is adjusted downward or reduced such that dusk is sensed at an earlier time 604c in a daily cycle ⁇ e.g., 5:00PM), while the threshold at which a level of light corresponding to dawn is sensed is adjusted upward or increased such that dawn is sensed at an earlier time 620c in the daily cycle ⁇ e.g., 5:30AM).
- first and third durations 608c, 618c at the high level 606c are longer than that illustrated in Figure 6A.
- the times 610c, 616c at which the level of light is adjusted may be factory set or may be user configurable, set based on user input received via a user interface ⁇ e.g., buttons, switches, dials, potentiometers, shorting jumpers, wired or wireless communications ports, or via power line carrier control) of the luminaire.
- Figure 6D shows a graph 600d of a level of light produced by a light source over time during the second part of a year, according to one non- limiting illustrated embodiment.
- the third threshold has been changed such that the first and third durations 608d, 618d are of unequal lengths with respect to one another.
- the third threshold may be set to occur at a later time 616d ⁇ e.g., 8AM), as compared to an earlier time 616a ⁇ e.g., 6AM).
- the third threshold may be user configurable, set based on user input received via a user interface ⁇ e.g., buttons, switches, dials, communications port) of the luminaire.
- Figures 7A-7C show a high level method 700 of operating an illumination system to provide illumination in an area, such as a secured area, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- the method 700 starts at 702.
- the method 700 may start upon application of power to the luminaire or turning ON of a switch or relay, either locally or remotely located from the illumination system.
- the illumination system may, for example, be controlled remotely via one or more communications channels, for example one or more extranets, intranets, or the Internet, or via one or more cellular, plain old telephone service (POTS), or other telecommunications channels or networks.
- POTS plain old telephone service
- At 704 at least one component of the illumination system receives one or more signals indicative of a current location of the illumination system.
- the at least one component also receives signals indicative of the current date and/or current time.
- a control subsystem may include a receiver configured to receive GPS signals from GPS satellites, cellular network signals from cellular base stations, wireless networks signals, landline signals, radio signals, or the like.
- an integral control subsystem may include a microcontroller operable to decode a stream of data, including latitude and longitude data from a receiver such as a GPS receiver, to determine the current location of the illumination system.
- the microcontroller may then store information indicative of the current location in a non-volatile memory or storage medium.
- the microcontroller operable to decode a stream of data, including latitude and longitude data from a receiver such as a GPS receiver, to determine the current location of the illumination system.
- the microcontroller may then store information indicative of the current location in a non-volatile memory or storage medium.
- microcontroller may be operable to determine the current location based on signals received from geographically dispersed terrestrial sources, using triangulation or other algorithms or approaches ⁇ e.g., signal time of flight). For instance, the microcontroller may be operable to determine the location by querying the receiver which is configured to acquire signals from two or more cellular network radio towers or base stations. One cellular network signal may also be used if the location or identity of the tower is encoded into the transmitted signal.
- a microprocessor may convert a current time indicated in the received signal from one format to another.
- the microprocessor may convert a Universal Coordinate Time (UCT) or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) representation to a local time based on the determined location of the illumination system. Such may account for whether day light saving time is, or is not in effect, at the determined location.
- UCT Universal Coordinate Time
- GTT Greenwich Mean Time
- the illumination system may include a real time clock or a solar clock.
- the clock may be initially set by user input or by synchronizing the clock based upon GPS signals, cellular network signals, radio signals, ⁇ e.g., UCT signal) or other signals received by the receiver, and may be updated or synchronized from time-to-time ⁇ e.g., periodically or aperiodically) based on such signals.
- the illumination system or retrofit may include an ambient light sensor ⁇ e.g., photosensor, cadmium sulfide cell, photodiode, phototransistor, ambient light sensor integrated circuit) that is responsive to a level of light in the ambient environment ⁇ e.g., daylight or ambient light).
- the controller subsystem may include a microcontroller and a non-volatile memory or storage medium into which the sensor periodically stores sensed levels of light.
- illumination system may query registers to retrieve stored data representing the current level of light.
- the sensor may be directly controlled by the integral subsystem controller which may receive real-time indications of levels of light from the sensor.
- the illumination system determines whether the detected level of light is at equal or less than (i.e., equals or below) to a first threshold.
- the first threshold may represent a level of light at which the illumination is to be turned ON [e.g., dusk threshold). If the detected level of light is less than or below the first threshold, control passes to 714. Otherwise, control passes to 724.
- At 714 at least one component of the illumination system validates the result of the comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the first threshold with respect to at least one expected condition.
- the component validates the detection of the occurrence of an event or condition [e.g., dusk).
- an event or condition e.g., dusk
- microprocessor may compare an actual level of illumination detected to an expected level of illumination for the particular location, at the current time and current date. Also for example, the microprocessor can compare the actual time the event ⁇ e.g., dusk) occurred or was detected to an expected or predicted time of the event at the particular location and current date.
- Such approaches are may identify malfunctioning components, unintentional interference or even intentional tampering. Detecting such aberrations facilitates preventing or detecting false positive or false negative results. Such approaches are discussed in detail below, in reference to Figures 8 and 9.
- At 716 at least one component of the illumination system determines whether the detection was valid. If the detection was valid control passes to 722. If the detection was not valid or was invalid, control passes to 718. At 718, at least one component of the illumination system produces a notification or alert.
- the notification or alert may take many forms.
- An aural alert may include a wide range of alarms sounds produce via one or more speakers, sirens, klaxons, either commonly located with the illumination system or remote therefrom.
- the aural alert may be provided at a user selectable volume.
- a visible alert may include flashing, blinking or strobing one or more lights located commonly with the illumination system, and/or remotely therefrom. Such may a flashing pattern executed by the illumination source itself.
- a data alert may be transmitted through a cellular network, a wireless network, a landline, or other communications networks or channels.
- the data alert may be sent to a security center, to a multimedia center which initiates video capture of the vicinity, or to the personal computer or smart phone of a person responsible for the area illuminated by the illumination system.
- Such an alert system may satisfy a governmental or other requirement or condition for security lighting.
- the control system may default to an ON condition, at the brightest level of illumination.
- At least one component of the illumination system may adjust a level of output of the at least one illumination source.
- the microprocessor may increase the output of the illumination sources to a relatively high level, which may be at or proximate a highest output level of the illumination sources.
- a component e.g., sensor
- tampering may be suspected based on the determination that the detection was not valid.
- such may be a particularly appropriate response where a high level of light is detected in the ambient environment at a time when a low level is expected since such may indicate that someone is deliberately shining a light at the senor to trick the illumination system.
- Control then returns to 704, and the method 700 is repeated, or may be called again by a calling routine or program.
- a first threshold e.g. dusk threshold
- at least one component of the illumination system turns ON the at least one illumination source at 722.
- the microcontroller may control a power supply or other circuit to cause electrical power to be supplied to one or more of the illumination sources.
- control mechanism may rectify and/or reduce a voltage, current, or duty cycle of the electrical power via any variety of electrical or electronic circuitry [e.g., rheostat, DC/DC converter, other power regulator).
- the illumination sources may, for example, be turned ON to a relatively high level, for instance proximate to the full rated output of the illumination sources.
- all or a large number of the commonly located illumination sources may be turned ON, to provide the desired level of illumination. The method may then continue at 724.
- the microprocessor may determine whether the real world time is equal to a defined first adjustment time.
- the first adjustment time may be a user or otherwise defined time at which the level of illumination produced by the at least one light source is programmed or configured to be reduced.
- a user or other individual or entity may determine that the amount of traffic ⁇ e.g., foot traffic) in a retail parking lot or a public park is minimal sometime after the retail hours ⁇ e.g., 1 1 PM).
- a time for decreasing illumination levels may be set, using the real world local time of the location. Such not only results in energy efficient operation, but does so using an easy to understand, intuitive user interface making it more likely that this feature is used, and used correctly.
- the level of illumination is adjusted at 726.
- at least one component of the illumination system decreases or reduces the amount of illumination provided by the at least one illumination source.
- the microcontroller may control a power supply or other circuit to cause electrical power to be supplied to one or more of the illumination sources.
- the amount of power delivered to respective ones of the illuminations sources may be reduced, for instance using a shorter duty cycle in a pulse width modulated system.
- fewer of the illumination sources may be powered or turned ON, some of the illumination sources being turned OFF to reduce the cumulative illumination level output by the illumination sources.
- a first number of illumination sources are powered to achieve a relatively high level of illumination, while a second number of illumination sources, less than the first, are powered to produce the relatively lower, yet non-zero level of illumination.
- at least one component of the illumination may vary the particular illuminations sources that are powered and those which are not, for example from daily cycle to daily cycle. Such may cause any wear to be distributed relatively evenly across the total number of illumination sources. This may help to achieve relatively uniform illumination output between the various illumination sources, particularly where the output varies with use over time. This may also reduce the number of times that any given set of illumination sources need to be serviced, since this approach will cause all of the illumination sources to tend to reach the end of their useful lives around the same time.
- the variation may be or may be varied randomly, for example using a random number generator to select which ones of the illumination sources will be ON and which OFF to achieve the lower level of illumination.
- Such may employ any of a variety of motion sensors ⁇ e.g., photosensor, cadmium sulfide cell, photodiode, phototransistor, ambient light sensor integrated circuit, Videocon, CCD array). If motioned is sensed, control passes to 730 where a timer is started. The timer is used to control how long ⁇ e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes) an elevated illumination will be provided in response to sensing motion on the illuminated area.
- the timer may be integral to the microprocessor or may be a distinct timer.
- At 732, at least one component of the illumination system adjusts the output of the illumination source.
- the microprocessor may cause an output of the at least one light source to be increased.
- the microcontroller may control a power supply or other circuit to cause electrical power to be supplied to one or more of the illumination sources.
- the amount of power delivered to respective ones of the illuminations sources may be increased, for instance using a longer duty cycle in a pulse width modulated system.
- a greater number of the illumination sources may be powered or turned ON, to increase the cumulative illumination level output by the illumination sources.
- At 734 at least one component of the illumination system determines whether the timer has reached the first defined time, repeating a wait loop until the defined time condition is reached. Upon reaching the defined time, at least one component of the illumination system adjusts the output of the illumination sources at 736, for example reducing the output back to the relatively low, non-zero, level of illumination that was being provided before the motion was sensed.
- the microcontroller may control a power supply or other circuit to cause electrical power to be supplied to one or more of the illumination sources. The amount of power delivered to respective ones of the illuminations sources may be reduced, for instance using a shorter duty cycle in a pulse width modulated system.
- the illumination sources may be powered or turned ON, some of the illumination sources being turned OFF to reduce the cumulative illumination level output by the illumination sources.
- the timer is reset in preparation for future use.
- at least one component of the illumination system determines whether the level of illumination should be adjusted. For example, the microprocessor may determine whether the real world time is equal to a defined second adjustment time. The second adjustment time may be a user or otherwise defined time at which the level of illumination produced by the at least one light source is programmed or configured to be increased.
- a user or other individual or entity may determine that the amount of traffic ⁇ e.g., foot traffic) in a retail parking lot is increases sometime before the retail hours ⁇ e.g., 8AM) or sometime before dawn ⁇ e.g., 5AM-9AM). Consequently, there is generally a need for maintaining illumination at full output.
- a time for increasing illumination levels may be set, using the real world local time of the location. Such not only results in energy efficient operation, but does so using an easy to understand, intuitive user interface making it more likely that this feature is used, and used correctly.
- the level of illumination is adjusted at 742.
- at least one component of the illumination system increases the amount of illumination provided by the at least one illumination source.
- the microcontroller may control a power supply or other circuit to cause electrical power to be supplied to one or more of the illumination sources.
- the amount of power delivered to respective ones of the illuminations sources may be increased, for instance using a longer duty cycle in a pulse width modulated system.
- a greater number of the illumination sources may be powered or turned ON to increase the cumulative illumination level output by the illumination sources.
- a first number of illumination sources are powered to achieve a relatively high level of illumination, while a second number of illumination sources, less than the first, are powered to produce the relatively lower, yet non-zero level of illumination.
- the second threshold may represent a level of light at which the illumination is to be turned OFF ⁇ e.g., dawn threshold). If the detected level of light is at least equal to the second threshold, control passes to 746.
- the component validates the detection of the occurrence of an event or condition ⁇ e.g., dawn).
- the microprocessor may compare an actual level of illumination detected to an expected level of illumination for the particular location, at the current time and current date.
- the microprocessor can compare the actual time of the event or detection thereof to an expected or predicted time of the event ⁇ e.g., dawn) at the particular location and current date.
- Such approaches are may identify malfunctions, unintentional interference with, or even
- At 748 at least one component of the illumination system determines whether the detection was valid. If the detection was valid control passes to 754. If the detection was not valid or was invalid, control passes to 750.
- the notification or alert may take many forms, which will not be repeated here in the interest of brevity.
- At least one component of the illumination system may maintain or adjust a level of output of the at least one illumination source.
- the microprocessor may cause the output of the illumination sources to be maintained or increased to a relatively high level, at or proximate a highest output level of the illumination sources.
- a component e.g., sensor
- tampering may be suspected based on the determination that the detection was not valid.
- Control then returns to 704, and the method 700 is repeated, or may be called again by a calling routine or program.
- At least one component of the illumination system turns OFF the at least one
- the microcontroller may control a power supply or other circuit to cause cessation of electrical power being supplied to one or more of the illumination sources. Control may pass to 704, and the method 700 repeated.
- the method 700 may be implemented to automatically turn ON and turn OFF illumination in response to detected ambient conditions, and to selectively increase and decrease the level of illumination at selected times and/or in response to detection of motion. Such may reduce, or even eliminate, the need to train, learn or adjust to the lighting conditions at a current location, or may eliminate that training, learning, or adjustment to refinements related to artificial light sources or conditions at the location.
- a single retrofit or integral control subsystem may be sold and/or installed in locations at widely different latitudes (e.g., Miami, Florida and Nome, Alaska) with little or no self training required by the system.
- the variation in the length of daylight/nighttime is more extreme the farther a location is from the Equator.
- the microcontroller may store the time (e.g., time relative to turning ON, time indicated by real time clock) in the non-volatile storage media.
- the method 700 may advantageously include verification of the detection of conditions or events, allowing detection of suspected instances of unintentional failure of one or more components, unintentional interference and/or intentional tampering with one or more components.
- Figure 8 shows a method 800 of performing validating a detection of a condition or event, according to one illustrated embodiment.
- the method 800 may be useful in performing the validating 714, 746 ( Figures 7A-7C) of the method 700.
- At 802 at least one component of the illumination system determines the level of light expected in the ambient environment for the determined current location, current date and/or the current time.
- the current location may be derived from one or more signals received from an external source, for instance from one or more GPS satellites or cellular
- the current date and/or current time may likewise be derived from one or more signals received from an external source, or alternatively, or additionally be derived from a calendar and/or real world time clock maintained by the illumination system.
- the illumination system may from time to time synchronize the calendar and/or real world time clock maintained thereby with the current date and/or time indicated in the signal(s) received from the external source(s).
- a microcontroller may access lookup tables stored in non-volatile memory to determine the expected level of light based on the determined current location, current date and/or the current time.
- the lookup tables may include data representing solar midnight and solar noon, and/or times for sunrise and sunset.
- the microcontroller may analytically calculate the expected level of light information based on the determined current location, current date and/or the current time using one or more formulas.
- the microcontroller may also adjust the expected level of illumination based on whether day light savings applies in the particular location.
- the microcontroller may even adjust the expected level of illumination based on current or forecasted weather conditions, which may be indicated in the received signals.
- the microcontroller may wirelessly query a remote database via a wireless network with the determined current location, current date and/or the current time, to obtain the expected level of light.
- At 804 at least one component of the illumination system determines whether a detected level of light in the ambient environment is within a defined threshold of an expected level of light in the ambient environment for the determined current location, current date and/or the current time.
- the component for instance the microprocessor, validates the detection by ensuring that the actual level of light detected in the ambient environment is what is expected or predicted for the time of day, at the time of year and the particular location. Otherwise, the detection may be the result of an aberrant condition, for example a failure of a component or intentional tampering or unintentional interference.
- the defined threshold provides a margin of variability in expected light level in the ambient environment, compensating for fluctuations due to high light pollution, clouds, phases of the moon, and other natural causes of variation in nighttime levels of light. In some instances it may be useful to set the defined threshold to detect unwanted covering of the ambient light sensors, such as by a hand, bag or dark plastic or the shinning of some other light source at the sensor.
- the illumination system sensitivity may be adjusted to differentiate between natural causes of changing light levels and the actions of perpetrators seeking to manually defeat the purpose of the illumination system.
- the illumination system is essentially determining whether the determination or measurement of ambient light conditions made is consistent with what is expected for the particular current location and/or current date and/or time. If the detected level of light in the ambient
- Figure 9 shows a method 900 of performing validating a detection of a condition or event, according to another illustrated embodiment.
- the method 900 may be useful in performing the validating 714, 746 ( Figures 7A- 7C) of the method 700.
- At 902 at least one component of the illumination system determines an expected time of day at which a particular trigger event or condition ⁇ e.g., light levels associated with dusk and/or dawn) is predicted to occur for the determined current location, current date and/or the current time.
- the current location may be derived from one or more signals received from an external source, for instance from one or more GPS satellites or cellular communications base stations.
- the current date and/or current time may likewise be derived from one or more signals received from an external source, or alternatively, or additionally be derived from a calendar and/or real world time clock maintained by the illumination system.
- the illumination system may from time to time synchronize the calendar and/or real world time clock maintained thereby with the current date and/or time indicated in the signal(s) received from the external source(s).
- the microcontroller may access lookup tables stored in nonvolatile memory or storage media to determine the expected level of light based on the determined current location, current date and/or the current time.
- the lookup tables may include data representing solar midnight and solar noon, and/or times for sunrise and sunset. Alternatively, or additionally, the
- microcontroller may analytically calculate the expected time information based on the determined current location, current date and/or the current time using one or more formulas. The microcontroller may also adjust the expected time based on whether day light savings time is in effective or applicable in the particular location. The microcontroller may even adjust the expected time based on current or forecasted weather conditions, which may be indicated in the received signals. As a further alternative, the microcontroller may wirelessly query a remote database via a wireless network with the determined current location, current date and/or the current time, to obtain the expected time.
- At 904 at least one component of the illumination system determines whether a detected time at which the event or condition occurred or was sensed in the ambient environment is within a defined threshold of the expected time that the event or condition was predicted to occur for the determined current location, current date and/or the current time.
- the component for instance the microprocessor, validates the detection by ensuring that the actual time that the event or condition occurred or was sensed is what is expected for the time of day, at the time of year and the particular location. Otherwise, the detection may be the result of an aberrant condition, for example a failure of a component or intentional tampering or unintentional interference.
- the defined threshold provides a margin of variability in expected time, compensating for fluctuations due to high light pollution, clouds, phases of the moon, and other natural causes of variation in nighttime levels of light. In some instances it may be useful to set the defined threshold to detect unwanted covering of the ambient light sensors, such as by a hand, bag or dark plastic or the shinning of some other light source at the sensor.
- the illumination system sensitivity may be adjusted to differentiate between natural causes of changing light levels and the actions of perpetrators seeking to manually defeat the purpose of the illumination system.
- the illumination system is essentially determining whether the determination or measurement of ambient light conditions made is consistent with what is expected for the particular current location and/or current date and/or time. If the detected time that the event or condition actually occurred is within a defined threshold of an expected time that the event or condition was predicted to occur, the detection is identified as valid at 906, and if not the detection is identified as not valid or invalid at 908.
- Figure 10 shows a method 1000 of operating a retrofit or integral control subsystem to determine a location of the illumination system based at least in part on GPS data from GPS satellites and to determine an expected level of light based at least in part on the determined location, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment. The method 1000 may be employed with the method 700 ( Figures 7A-7C).
- a receiver receives signals from GPS satellites.
- the receiver may employ a passive or active antenna, although signal reception is significantly better with active antennas when compared to passive antennas.
- the receiver synchronizes with and receives information from and about at least one satellite.
- Each GPS satellite transmits the date, time, the satellite's orbit information, and an orbit almanac of the other GPS satellites. While date and time may be acquired from a single satellite, determination of a static location typically requires synchronization with at least three GPS satellites.
- the GPS receiver may be an integral part of the illumination system or even the luminaire or may be separate and distinct therefrom.
- the retrofit or integral control subsystem determines at least a current latitude of the illumination system from the received signals. Determining latitude may be particularly important when compensating for differences in lengths of days and lengths of nights as a location of interest moves further away from the equator.
- the retrofit or integral control subsystem determines the latitude of the illumination system by triangulating the signals received from multiple GPS satellites.
- the retrofit or integral control subsystem determines a current longitude of the illumination system from the received signals. Determining latitude and/or longitudinal allows control subsystems to be advantageously manufactured without any knowledge of or regard for the particular locations where those systems may be installed.
- the retrofit or integral control subsystem determines whether daylight savings applies for the particular location and date.
- the control subsystem may use a lookup table which may include information regarding the time zones of continents, countries, states or other geographical or political boundaries.
- the lookup table may, for example, produce an offset from coordinated universal time (UTC) based upon inputs of latitude, longitude, and the date of the request.
- UTC coordinated universal time
- the retrofit or integral control subsystem determines the current time from the received signals.
- the control subsystem determines the current time by parsing the data stream output from the GPS receiver.
- the retrofit or integral control subsystem updates the real time clock.
- Common electronics use quartz based real time clocks because quartz crystal-based clocks are cheaper to manufacture than the more precise time keeping alternatives.
- the determined current time from the received signals may be used to update the real time clock of the
- the method 1000 may be integrated with the method 700, method
- Figure 1 1 shows a method 1 100 of operating a retrofit or integral control subsystem to determine a current location of a lighting system based at least in part on signals from one or more cellular base stations, and to determine an expected level of light based at least in part on the determined location, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- the method 1 100 may be employed with the method 700 ( Figures 7A-7C).
- a cellular communications receiver receives signals from one or more cellular base stations.
- the received signals may include information identifying the carrier, the signal strength, the state and county of the base station, and general handshaking instructions for the receiving device to follow.
- the retrofit or integral control subsystem determines at least a current latitude of the illumination system from the received signals.
- the cellular base stations track the locations of cellular receivers/transceivers using triangulation or other methods.
- the one or more cellular base stations may transmit latitude coordinate of the illumination system to the receiver upon receipt of a proper query to the base station.
- the retrofit or integral control subsystem may perform the triangulation or other position estimating algorithm based on signals received from two or more
- the cellular base stations are geographically disparate cellular base stations.
- the cellular base stations are geographically disparate cellular base stations.
- the cellular base stations are geographically disparate cellular base stations.
- communications receiver may be an integral part of the illumination system or even the luminaire or may be separate and distinct therefrom.
- the retrofit or integral control subsystem determines a current longitude coordinate of the illumination system. For example, the retrofit or integral control subsystem may transmit a query to the one or more cellular base stations and may decode the reply received from the one or more cellular base stations. Determining latitude and/or longitudinal allows control subsystems to be advantageously manufactured without any knowledge of or regard for the particular locations where those systems may be installed.
- the retrofit or integral control subsystem determines whether daylight savings applies for the particular location and date.
- the control subsystem may use a lookup table which may include information regarding the time zones of continents, countries, states or other geographical or political boundaries.
- the lookup table may, for example, produce an offset from coordinated universal time (UTC) based upon inputs of latitude, longitude, and the current date.
- UTC coordinated universal time
- the retrofit or integral control subsystem determines the current time from the received signals.
- the control subsystem determines the current time by decoding the stream of data transmitted by the cellular base stations. The time may already be adjusted for daylight savings time, the time may be in UTC format, or the time may be adjusted for the location serviced by the cellular base station.
- the retrofit or integral control subsystem updates the real time clock. Common electronics use quartz based real time clocks because quartz crystal-based clocks are cheaper to manufacture than the more precise time keeping alternatives.
- the determined current time from the received signals may be used to update the real time clock of the
- the method 1 100 may be integrated with the method 700, method 800, method 900and/or any of the other previously described methods.
- Figure 12 shows a low level method 1200 of operating a control subsystem of an illumination system to produce a notification, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
- the method 1200 may be employed with the method 700 ( Figures 17A-17C).
- At 1202 at least one component of the illumination system transmits an alert over one or more communications channels.
- the employed communications channel may take a variety of forms.
- the data-based alert may take the form of an SMS, text message, or email message over a cellular network.
- the illumination system may transmit the alert by utilizing the communications protocols of facsimile or DSP over a landline to transmit an alert to a server, telephone, or fax machine.
- the illumination system may transmit an alert over a wireless network, such as a LAN, WAN, or MAN.
- the alert may be directed to a central system controlling several illumination systems, a personal computer, or an automated system which initiates video recording of the area proximate to the illumination device.
- At 1204 at least one component of the illumination system illuminates an alert at the luminaire and/or remotely therefrom.
- the illumination system may illuminate one or more lights of uniform or differing colors.
- the illumination system may illuminate the lights in an alarming pattern, such as rapid flashing, to indicate a error or problem has occurred.
- the aural alert may take on a variety of forms.
- the alert may be a recording which repeats the phrase "an error has been detected.”
- the alert may be an alarming sound such as a siren, klaxon, repeated horn honks, or a series of chimes that gradually grow louder.
- Figure 13 shows a high level method 1300 of operating a control system of an illumination system to provide illumination, according to one non- limiting illustrated embodiment.
- At 1302 at least one component of the illumination system receives one or more signals indicative of a current location of the illumination system.
- the at least one component also receives signals indicative of the current time.
- an integral control subsystem may include a receiver configured to receive GPS signals, cellular network signals, wireless networks signals, landline signals, radio signals, or the like.
- the illumination system may include an integral control subsystem that include a microcontroller configured to decode a stream of data, including latitude and longitude data from a receiver such as a GPS receiver, to determine the location of the illumination system.
- the microcontroller may then store the location in a non-volatile memory.
- the microcontroller may be operable to determine the location by querying a receiver which is configured to acquire latitude and longitude data from cellular network radio towers.
- the illumination system may include a real time or solar clock and/or calendar.
- the clock may be initially set by user input or by synchronizing the clock based upon GPS signals, cellular network signals, radio signals, or other signals received by the receiver.
- a microprocessor of the illumination system may use a lookup table stored in a non-transitory storage medium or create a database query for the location and date to determine whether: 1 ) the location employees day light savings time, and if so 2) whether day light savings time is in effect on that date in at the location.
- the microprocessor may wirelessly query a remote.
- At least one component of the illumination system updates or synchronizes an internal clock and/or calendar based on current time and/or current date information received from one or more external sources.
- At 1314 at least one component of the illumination system determines if the detected condition was determined to be valid. If the actual or detected does not fall within the threshold of the expected, then the condition is considered invalid, and control passes to 1316 where an alert or notification is produced. Otherwise, control returns 1302 and the method 1300 may repeat.
- the various methods may include additional acts, omit some acts, and/or may perform the acts in a different order than set out in the various flow diagrams.
- the use of ordinals such as first, second and third does not necessarily imply a ranked sense of order, but rather may only distinguish between multiple instances of an act or structure.
- logic or information can be stored on any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with any processor-related system or method.
- a memory is a computer-readable storage medium that is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or means that non- transitorily contains or stores a computer and/or processor program.
- Logic and/or the information can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions associated with logic and/or information.
- a "computer-readable medium” can be any element that can store the program associated with logic and/or information for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, and/or device.
- the computer-readable medium can be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable medium would include the following: a portable computer diskette (magnetic, compact flash card, secure digital, or the like), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), and digital tape.
- the control subsystem may control multiple luminaires.
- luminaire is used in its broadest sense to refer to any lighting fixture or structure. While a single step adjustment downward and upward in the level of illumination has been described and illustrated, illumination level may be adjusted in multiple steps, or even continuously to gradually ramp downward some time after turning ON the light source, then eventually back upward some time before turning OFF the light source. Additionally, or alternatively, the embodiments described herein may be combined with motion or proximity detecting, either as implemented by a luminaire control mechanism or by a retrofit or integral control subsystem.
- the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406 may be programmable and may include one or more input ports (not illustrated) through which a user can program the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406. For example, the time delays and the various illumination levels of the light source may be programmed.
- the input port may include switches and/or potentiometers that can be set to program the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406.
- the input port may include communications interface for the user to remotely program the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406 whether through a wire or wirelessly.
- the input port may be the ambient light sensor which is connected to the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406.
- the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406 may be programmable optically via one or more images captured by an image capture device or imager (not illustrated).
- the image sensor may capture images of printed barcode symbols, which encode information used to set delay times and other parameters used by the
- the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406 may also receive a one-bit input via the input port to activate or deactivate the light source. For example, a binary bit of "0” turns OFF the light source 1 10 and a binary bit of "1 " turns ON the light source.
- control subsystem 312, 512, 406 may further include a communication device.
- the communication device may be communicatively coupled to the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406.
- the communication device may be further coupled to an external data network using protocols in compliance with any or all of the Ethernet, the RS-485 and wireless communication standards, such as the IEEE 802.1 1 standards for example, or commercially or proprietary power line carrier control standards.
- the communication device may be used to remotely program the
- the communication device may be used to transmit information from the control subsystem 312, 512 or control system 406 to a remote user or processor based system.
- the communication device may be used to transmit a notification signal from the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406 indicative of turning ON, turning OFF, increasing or decreasing output from a light source.
- the communication device may be used to transmit an actuation signal from the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406 to actuate a device such as an alarm or an automatic door.
Abstract
Illumination sources are turned ON and turned OFF in response to detected levels of illumination in an ambient environment reaching respective thresholds, which may be user set. The detection of these turn ON and turn OFF events is verified, for instance against expected events or conditions for the particular location, date and/or time. An alert or log entry may be generated if a detected event or condition appears to be invalid. For instance, if an amount of illumination in the environment is different than predicted by a threshold amount or if a time that the event occurs or is detected is different than expected or predicted by more than a threshold amount. A level of illumination may be decreased to some non-zero level after a specified time after turn ON, and increased at some specified time before turn OFF. Use of information from external sources (e.g., satellites, cell towers) may allow times to be using local time, including daylight savings if applicable.
Description
APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ENERGY EFFICIENT ILLUMINATION
USING RECEIVED SIGNALS
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims benefit of US Patent Application No. 13/085,301 , filed April 12, 201 1 and entitled "APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ENERGY EFFICIENT ILLUMINTAION USING RECEIVED SIGNALS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND Technical Field
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of illumination devices and, more particularly, to control of illumination to improve energy efficiency and security.
Description of the Related Art
Energy conservation has become of ever increasing importance. Efficient use of energy can result in a variety of benefits, including financial benefits such as cost savings and environmental benefits such as preservation of natural resources and reduction in "green house" {e.g., CO2) gas emissions.
Residential, commercial, and street lighting which illuminate interior and exterior spaces consume a significant amount of energy.
Conventional lighting devices or luminaires exist in a broad range of designs, suitable for various uses. Lighting devices employ a variety of conventional light sources, for example incandescent lamps, florescent lamps such as high- intensity discharge (HID) lamps {e.g., mercury vapor lamps, high-pressure sodium lamps, metal halide lamps).
There appear to be two primary approaches to reducing energy consumption associated with lighting systems. One approach employs higher
efficiency light sources. The other approach selectively provides light only when needed.
Use of higher efficiency light sources may, for instance, include replacing incandescent lamps with florescent lamps or even with solid-state light sources {e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PLEDs)) to increase energy efficiency. In some instances, these higher efficiency light sources may present a number of problems. For example, florescent and HID light sources take a relatively long time after being turned ON to achieve their full rated level of output light or illumination. Such light sources also typically have a high energy consumption during warm-up. Many of higher efficiency light sources emit light with a low color rendering index (CRI). For reference, sunlight has a CRI of 100 and represents "ideal light" which contains a continuous spectrum of visible radiation. Low CRI light is less pleasing to the human eye. Surfaces illuminate with low CRI light may not be perceived in their "true" color. Low CRI light makes it more difficult to discern details, often requiring a higher level of output light or illumination to discern details that would otherwise be discernible in high CRI light. Further, higher efficiency light sources may require additional circuitry {e.g., ballasts) and/or thermal management techniques {e.g., passive or active cooling).
Providing illumination only when needed can be achieved manually by a user of the lighting system, or automatically by a control mechanism. Automatic control mechanisms generally fall into two broad categories, timers and environmental sensors. Timer based control
mechanisms turn light sources ON and OFF based on time. The times are typically user configurable. Such relies on the user to account for changes in length of day light which may occur throughout a year. Very often, timer based control mechanisms are set once and never updated. Environmental sensor based control mechanisms sense light or illumination level and/or motion or proximity. Light or illumination level based control mechanisms are commonly referred to dusk-to-dawn sensors. Dusk-to-dawn light or illumination level
based control mechanisms turn the light sources ON when a level of light or illumination in an environment falls below a turn ON threshold, and turn the light sources OFF when the level of light or illumination exceeds a turn OFF threshold. Light or illumination level based control subsystems advantageously automatically accommodate changes in length of day light throughout the year. Motion or proximity based control mechanisms {e.g., passive infrared sensor based) turn light sources ON when motion or proximity is detected. Motion or proximity based control mechanisms turn light sources OFF after some period of time if no motion or proximity is detected during that period of time.
Sensitivity of such motion or proximity based control mechanisms is typically user configurable, as is the duration between turn ON and turn OFF. However, motion or proximity based control mechanisms have limited range {e.g., 10 meters), limiting the number of applications in which such may be effectively employed. Motion or proximity based control mechanisms may also be ineffective where the ambient air temperature or temperature of an object is close to that of the trigger temperature {e.g., temperature of human body). Some lighting control mechanisms employ both light or illumination level based and motion or proximity based techniques. Such lighting control mechanisms turn light sources ON only if motion is detected while the level of light or illumination in the environment is below the turn ON threshold. Thus, the motion or proximity sensing is active only between dusk and dawn.
Sometimes these approaches are incompatible with each other. For example, the relatively long time for florescent light sources to produce full output hinders the effective use of such light sources with motion or proximity based control mechanisms. Further, many control mechanisms are built into the luminaire. Such makes it difficult or even impossible to modify operation of the control mechanism beyond some simple user settings {e.g., sensitivity, duration between turn ON and turn OFF).
New approaches to improving the energy efficiency of lighting systems are desirable.
BRIEF SUMMARY
As previously explained, lighting systems which use dusk-to-dawn control mechanisms typically provides light at a continuous, relatively high, level from dusk to dawn. The exception to such appears to be when motion or proximity based sensing is included in such a control mechanism. In many instances, a high level of lighting or illumination is not necessary throughout the entire period. For instance, in retail business or corporate office parking lots high levels of light or illumination are typically only useful into the late evening hours {e.g., 10PM or 1 1 PM) and early morning hours {e.g., 4AM or 5AM). High level lighting or illumination between the late evening and early morning hours provide little benefit. A lower level of light or illumination during such hours may achieve sufficient illumination for some desired purpose {e.g., security), while reducing energy consumption. Such may useful with a simple dusk-to-dawn control mechanism. Use of a low level lighting or illumination during such hours may also make practical use of relatively slow warm up light sources with motion or proximity based control mechanisms since the illumination sources may only need to be warmed up from an already turned ON, but reduced output state, instead of warming up from an OFF state.
Illumination systems may be used in secured environments or in situations where security is important. Thus, it would be particular
advantageous if the lighting control mechanism of the illumination system is designed to handle unintentional conditions, for example the failure of a component such as an ambient light sensor. It would also be particularly advantageous if the lighting control mechanism of the illumination system is designed to handle intentional tampering, for example tampering in the form of shining focused light on a light sensor in an attempt to prevent illumination of a surrounding area by the lighting system. It would additionally be advantageous if the lighting control system continued to operate as programmed even if a component failed, for example even if a light sensor failed. It may further be advantageous if the lighting control mechanism did not require extensive
training, learning or adjustment to the existing ambient environmental conditions. For instance, it would be advantageous if the lighting control system could quickly adjust to the daily cycle (e.g., solar noon, solar midnight) for the particular geographic location at which the illumination system is installed, without the need to first obtain samples over multiple days or even weeks. It would be very advantageous if the lighting control system
automatically determined the local time of day for a particular geographic location at which the illumination system is installed. Such would allow lighting levels to be programmed to coincide with local activity such a retail store business hours. Such local activity typically occurs at fixed hours, regardless of the length of day or seasonal changes in length of day. For example, it would be advantageous to turn the lighting system to a high level of illumination at dusk, and reduce the output to a lower level of illumination at a fixed time of day {e.g., 10PM local time).
A method of operating an illumination system including at least one light source and at least one controller may be summarized as from time- to-time, detecting a level of light in an ambient environment; comparing by the at least one controller the detected level of light in the ambient environment to a first threshold; validating by the at least one controller a result of the
comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the first threshold with respect to at least one expected condition; and adjusting by the at least one controller an output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition.
Validating a result of the comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the first threshold with respect to at least one expected condition may include: comparing by the at least one controller an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold to an expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for
at least one of a current location or a current date; determining that the result of the comparison is valid if the actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date; or determining that the result of the comparison is invalid if the actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is not within the second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date. Validating a result of the comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the first threshold with respect to at least one expected condition may include:
comparing by the at least one controller the detected level of light in the ambient environment to an expected level of light for at least one of a current location, a current date or a current time; determining that the result of the comparison is valid if the detected level of light in the ambient environment is within a second threshold of the expected level of light for the at least one of the current location, the current date or the current time; or determining that the result of the comparison is invalid if the detected level of light in the ambient environment is not within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the at least one of the current location, the current date or the current time. Comparing the detected level of light in the ambient environment to an expected level of light for at least one of a current time or a current location may include comparing the detected level of light to a value indicative of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location. From time-to- time, detecting a level of light in an ambient environment may include continuously receiving a signal at the at least one controller from an ambient light sensor which is part of the illumination system, the signal indicative of the level of light in the ambient environment. The method may further include receiving a location signal at the at least one controller indicative of the current location; and determining by the at least one controller at least one of an
excepted level of light or an expected time at which the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold based on the current location identified by the location signal. The method may further include receiving a time signal at the at least one controller indicative of the current time. Receiving a location signal indicative of the current location may include receiving the location signal from a global positioning system receiver. Receiving a location signal indicative of the current location may include receiving the signal from at least one cellular communications system receiver. Adjusting an output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition may include turning the at least one light source ON if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or less than a turn ON threshold and an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date. Adjusting an output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the
comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition may include turning the at least one light source ON if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or less than a turn ON threshold and the detected level of light in the ambient environment is within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location.
Adjusting an output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition may include turning the at least one light source OFF if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or greater than a turn OFF threshold and an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the
level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date. Adjusting an output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition may include turning the at least one light source OFF if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or greater than a turn OFF threshold and the detected level of light in the ambient environment is within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location. The method may further include reducing the output of the at least one light source to a non-zero level when a first real time in a daily cycle is reached. The method may further include detecting motion at least proximate an area being illuminated; and in response to the detecting motion, temporally increasing the output of the at least one light source. The method may further include increasing the output of the at least one light source when a second real time in the daily cycle is reached. When the result of the comparison is invalid with respect to the at least one expected condition, the method may further include repeating at least the reducing and the increasing the output of the at least one light source when the first and the second real times, respectively, are reached for a number of additional daily cycles. Repeating at least the reducing and the increasing of the output of the at least one light source when the first and the second real times, respectively, are reached for a number of additional daily cycles, may further include turning ON the at least one light source at a time in a daily cycle that corresponds to dusk and turning OFF the at least one light source at a time in the daily cycle that corresponds to dawn. The method may further include producing by the controller an external notification if the detected level of light in the ambient environment is not within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location. The method may further include in response to determining that the result of the comparison is
invalid, causing the output of the at least one light source to be at least proximate a highest level of the at least one light source.
A system to control illumination may be summarized as including at least one controller that: from time-to-time, receives a signal indicative of a level of light in an ambient environment; compares the detected level of light in the ambient environment to an expected level of light for at least one of a current time or a current location; compares the detected level of light in the ambient environment to a first threshold; validates a result of the comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the first threshold with respect to at least one expected condition; and adjusts an output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition.
To validate a result of the comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the first threshold with respect to at least one expected condition, the at least one controller may: compare an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold to an expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for at least one of a current location or a current date; determine that the result of the comparison is valid if the actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date; or determine that the result of the comparison is invalid if the actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is not within the second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date. To validate a result of the comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the first threshold with respect to at least one expected condition, the at least one controller may:
compare the detected level of light in the ambient environment to an expected
level of light for at least one of a current location, a current date or a current time; determine that the result of the comparison is valid if the detected level of light in the ambient environment is within a second threshold of the expected level of light for the at least one of the current location, the current date or the current time; or determine that the result of the comparison is invalid if the detected level of light in the ambient environment is not within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the at least one of the current location, the current date or the current time. The at least one controller may compare the detected level of light to a value indicative of an expected level of light for the current time at the current location. The system may further include an ambient light sensor, wherein the at least one controller continuously receives a signal from the ambient light sensor, the signal indicative of the level of light in the ambient environment. The at least one controller may further receive a location signal indicative of the current location; and may determine at least one of an excepted level of light or an expected time at which the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold based at least in part on the current location identified by the location signal. The at least one controller may further receive a time signal indicative of the current time. The system may further include an antenna; and a global positioning receiver communicatively coupled to the antenna to receive a global positioning signal from a number of global positioning system satellites, wherein the at least one controller is communicatively coupled to the global positioning receiver to receive the location signal indicative of the current location. The system may further include an antenna; and a cellular communications receiver communicatively coupled to the antenna to receive a cellular communications signal from a number of cellular communications antennas, wherein the at least one controller is communicatively coupled to the cellular communications receiver to receive the location signal indicative of the current location. To adjust the output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the
comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition the at least one controller may turn the at least one light source ON if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or less than a turn ON threshold and an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date. To adjust the output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition the at least one controller may turn the at least one light source ON if both the detected level of light in the ambient
environment is equal or less than a turn ON threshold and the detected level of light in the ambient environment is within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location. To adjust the output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the
comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition the at least one controller may turn the at least one light source OFF if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or greater than a turn OFF threshold and an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date. To adjust the output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition the at least one controller may turn the at least one light source OFF if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or greater than a turn OFF threshold and the detected level of light in the ambient environment is within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location. The at least
one controller may reduce the output of the at least one light source to a nonzero level when a first real time in a daily cycle is reached. The at least one controller may further detect motion at least proximate an area being
illuminated; and in response to the detection of motion, temporally increase the output of the at least one light source. The at least one controller may further increase the output of the at least one light source when a second real time in the daily cycle is reached. When the result of the comparison is invalid with respect to the at least one expected condition, the at least one controller may further repeat at least the reducing and the increasing the output of the at least one light source when the first and the second real times, respectively, are reached for a number of additional daily cycles. Repeating at least the reducing and the increasing of the output of the at least one light source when the first and the second real times, respectively, are reached for a number of additional daily cycles may further include turning ON the at least one light source at a time in a daily cycle that corresponds to dusk and turning OFF the at least one light source at a time in the daily cycle that corresponds to dawn. The at least one controller may further produce an external notification if the detected level of light in the ambient environment is not within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location. When the result of the comparison is invalid with respect to the at least one expected condition the at least one controller may cause the output of the at least one light source to be at least proximate a highest level of the at least one light source. The system may further include the at least one light source.
A method of operating an illumination system including at least one light source may be summarized as including determining by a controller, an expected ambient environment illumination condition for a current location at a defined date and time; comparing by the controller, an actual ambient environment illumination condition detected in the ambient environment at the current location with the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition; and in response to determining an existence of a difference between
the actual ambient environment illumination condition and the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition, producing by the controller, at least one of a notification or a record indicative of an aberrant event.
The method may further include receiving a location signal by the controller, the location signal indicative of a current location of the illumination system. Determining by a controller an expected ambient environment illumination condition may include determining at least one of an expected time of dusk or an expected time of dawn for the current location based at least in part on the current location indicated by the location signal. Determining by a controller, an expected ambient environment illumination condition may include determining an expected level of illumination in the ambient environment for the current location at a defined time based at least in part on the current location indicated by the location signal. Receiving a location signal by the controller may include receiving a location signal from a global positioning system receiver. Receiving a location signal by the controller may include receiving a location signal from a cellular communications system receiver. The method may further include detecting a level of light in an ambient environment via an ambient light sensor. Producing a notification may include transmitting a signal externally from the illumination system. Producing a notification may include illuminating a warning indicator of the illumination system. Comparing an actual ambient environment illumination condition with the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition may include at least one of:
determining whether a detected level of illumination in the ambient environment is below an expected level of illumination by more than the defined threshold or determining whether the detected level of illumination in the ambient
environment is above the expected level of illumination by more than the defined threshold. Comparing an actual ambient environment illumination condition with the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition may include at least one of: determining whether an actual time when
dusk in the ambient environment is detected is within a first threshold of an expected time at which dusk was predicted or whether an actual time when dawn in the ambient environment is detected is within a second threshold of an expected time at which dawn was predicted.
A system to control illumination may be summarized as including at least one controller that: determines an expected ambient environment illumination condition for a current location at a defined date and time;
compares an actual ambient environment illumination condition detected in the ambient environment a the current location with the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition; and in response to a determination that a difference between the actual ambient environmental illumination condition and the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition, produces at least one of a notification or a record indicative of an aberrant event.
The at least one controller may receive a location signal, the location signal indicative of a current location of the illumination system. To determine an expected ambient environment illumination condition the at least one controller may determine at least one of an expected time of dusk or an expected time of dawn for the current location based at least in part on the current location indicated by the location signal. The at least one controller may determine an expected level of illumination in the ambient environment based at least in part on the current location indicated by the location signal. The system may further include an antenna; and a global positioning receiver communicatively coupled to the antenna to receive a global positioning signal from a number of global positioning system satellites, wherein the at least one controller is communicatively coupled to the global positioning receiver to receive the location signal indicative of the current location. The system may further include an antenna; and a cellular communications receiver
communicatively coupled to the antenna to receive a cellular communications signal from a number of cellular communications antennas, wherein the at least
one controller is communicatively coupled to the cellular communications receiver to receive the location signal indicative of the current location. The system may further include an ambient light sensor communicatively coupled to provide ambient light level signals to the at least one controller. The at least one controller may produce the notification as a signal transmit externally from the system. The at least one controller may produce the notification as an illuminated warning indicator of the system. To compare an actual ambient environment illumination condition with the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition the at least one controller may determine at least one of whether a detected level of illumination in the ambient environment is below an expected level of illumination by more than the defined threshold or whether the detected level of illumination in the ambient environment is above the expected level of illumination by more than the defined threshold. To compare an actual ambient environment illumination condition with the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition the at least one controller may determine whether an actual time when dusk in the ambient environment is detected is within a first threshold of an expected time at which dusk was predicted or whether an actual time when dawn in the ambient environment is detected is within a second threshold of an expected time at which dawn was predicted. The system may further include at least one light source; and wherein the at least one controller adjusts a level of illumination produced by the at least one light source.
A method of operating an illumination system including at least one light source may be summarized as including receiving a signal by a controller from an external source, the signal indicative of at least one of a current location of the illumination system, a current date or a current time; and controlling a level of illumination produced by the at least one light source based at least in part on at least one of the current location of the illumination system, the current date or the current time.
Receiving a signal by the controller may include receiving a signal via a global positioning system receiver from at least one global positioning satellite. The method may further include determining by a controller, an expected level of illumination in an ambient environment based at least in part on at least one of the current location of the illumination system, the current date or the current time; comparing by the controller, a detected level of illumination in the ambient environment with the determined expected level of illumination in the ambient environment; and in response to determining an existence of a difference between the detected level of illumination in the ambient environment and the determined expected level of illumination in the ambient environment which exceeds a defined threshold, producing by the controller, at least one of a notification or a record indicative of the existence. The method may further include determining by a controller, an expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn based at least in part on at least one of the current location of the illumination system, the current date or the current time; comparing by the controller, a detected occurrence of at least one of dusk or dawn in the ambient environment with the determined expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn; and in response to determining an existence of a difference between the detected occurrence of at least one of dusk or dawn and the determined expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn which exceeds a defined threshold, producing by the controller, at least one of a notification or a record indicative of an aberrant condition.
A system to control illumination may be summarized as including at least one antenna; at least one receiver communicatively coupled to the at least one antenna to receive signals from an external source, the signals indicative of at least one of a current location of the illumination system, a current date or a current time; and at least one controller communicatively coupled to the at least one receiver to receive information therefrom, and which controls a level of illumination produced by the at least one light source based
at least in part on at least one of the current location of the illumination system, the current date or the current time.
The at least one receiver may be a global positioning receiver communicatively coupled to the antenna to receive a number of global positioning signals from a number of global positioning system satellites. The at least one controller may: determine an expected level of illumination in the ambient environment based at least in part on the current location, the current date or the current time; compare a detected level of illumination in the ambient environment with the determined expected level of illumination in the ambient environment; and in response to determining an existence of a difference between the detected level of illumination in the ambient environment and the determined expected level of illumination in the ambient environment which exceeds a defined threshold, produce at least one of a notification or a record indicative of an aberrant condition. The at least one controller may: determine an expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn based at least in part on at least one of the current location of the illumination system, the current date or the current time; compare a detected occurrence of at least one of dusk or dawn in the ambient environment with the determined expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn; and in response to a determination that an existence of a difference between the detected occurrence of at least one of dusk or dawn and the determined expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn which exceeds a defined threshold, produce at least one of a notification or a record indicative of an aberrant condition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the
particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.
Figure 1 is a partially exploded isometric diagram showing a conventional luminaire, light source and a retrofit control subsystem selectively attachable in place of the legacy dusk to dawn sensor, according to one non- limiting illustrated embodiment.
Figure 2 is a partially exploded isometric diagram showing a conventional luminaire, conventional light sources and a retrofit control subsystem selectively attachable between the luminaire and light source, according to another non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional luminaire with optical sensor(s) and a dusk-to-dawn control mechanism, a light source and a retrofit control subsystem, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
Figure 4A is an isometric diagram showing a luminaire including an integral control subsystem and a light source, according to another non- limiting illustrated embodiment.
Figure 4B is right side elevational view of the luminaire of Figure 4A.
Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the luminaire of Figures 4A and 4B with the integral control subsystem, and a light source.
Figure 6A is a graph showing a level of illumination or output versus time over two daily cycles during a first part of a year, according to another non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
Figure 6B is a graph showing a level of illumination or output versus time over two daily cycles during a second part of a year where there is less daylight in a daily cycle.
Figure 6C is a graph showing a level of illumination or output versus time over two daily cycles during the first part of a year, according to
another non-limiting illustrated embodiment where a dusk sensing threshold is set to be reached earlier while a dawn sensing threshold is set to be reached later in the daily cycle.
Figure 6D is a graph showing a level of illumination or output versus time over two daily cycles during the first part of a year, according to another non-limiting illustrated embodiment the dusk and dawn sensing thresholds are set such as to produce uneven durations of high intensity illumination.
Figures 7A-7C are a flow diagram showing a high level method of operating an illumination system to provide illumination in an energy efficient manner, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
Figure 8 is a flow diagram showing a low level method of operating a control subsystem of an illumination system to validate a detection, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
Figure 9 is a flow diagram showing a low level method of operating a control subsystem to validate a detection, according to another non- limiting illustrated embodiment.
Figure 10 is a flow diagram showing a low level method of operating a control subsystem of an illumination system to determine a location of the illumination system based on global positioning system signals, and to determine an expected level of light based at least in part on the determined location, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
Figure 1 1 is a flow diagram showing a low level method of operating a control subsystem of an illumination system to determine a location of the illumination system based on cellular system signals, and to determine an expected level of light based at least in part on the determined location, according to another non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
Figure 12 is a flow diagram showing a low level method of operating a control subsystem of an illumination system to produce a security notification, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
Figure 13 is a flow diagram showing a high level method of operating a control subsystem of an illumination system, according to another non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with luminaires and imaging devices have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.
Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as "including, but not limited to."
Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Additionally, the terms lighting and illumination are used herein interchangeably. For instance, the phrases "level of
illumination" or "level of light output" have the same meanings. Also instance, the phrases "illumination source" and "light source" have the same meanings.
The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
Figure 1 shows an illumination system 100 according to one non- limiting illustrated embodiment. The illumination system 100 includes a conventional luminaire 102, at least one illumination or light source 104, and a retrofit control subsystem 106.
The luminaire 102 may take any of a variety of forms. For example, the luminaire 102 may include a housing 108, a shade 1 10 and optionally a bracket 1 12 to allow the luminaire 102 to be hung from a structure. The shade 1 10 may be transparent or translucent or may be opaque. The luminaire 102 may include a socket, for instance a threaded socket or receptacle 1 14, sized to removably or interchangeably receive a base 1 15 of the light source 104 and wiring (not shown in Figure 1 ) to provide power to the light source 104 from an external source of electrical power, such as AC mains. As previously noted, such luminaires 102 are conventional and commercially available from a large variety of sources.
The luminaire 102 may also include a socket 1 16 or other coupler to allow removable physical and electrical mounting of a dusk-to-dawn sensor. Standard NEMA compliant luminaries typically include such a sensor accommodating socket 1 16, to allow dusk-to-dawn sensors to be easily replaced. The socket 1 16 may be positioned to allow the dusk-to-dawn sensor to be favorably positioned to have an unimpeded field-of-view. For example, the socket 1 16 may be positioned on top of the housing 108 such that a sensor mounted thereto generally faces skyward. While illustrated as threaded, other types of sockets, receptacles or couplers may be employed.
The luminaire 102 may include a luminaire control circuit 120. Typically, the luminaire control circuit 120 is configured to turn the light source 104 ON when a level of light detected by a sensor mounted via the socket 1 16 is below a turn ON threshold and to turn the light source 104 OFF when the
level of light detected by the sensor is above a turn OFF threshold. The turn ON and turn OFF thresholds may, or may not, be equal to one another.
The light source 104 may take a variety of forms. The light source may include one or more distinct light bulbs, lights or light emitters 122a-122n (only two called out in Figure 1 ). For example, the light source 104 may take the form of one or more incandescent light bulbs. Also for example, the light source 104 may take the form of one or more florescent light bulbs such as HID light bulbs or lights, one or more arc lamps, or one or more gas-discharge lamps. Advantageously, the light source 104 may take the form of one or more solid state light sources, for instance an array of LEDs, OLEDs or PLEDs.
While illustrated as a bulb, the light sources do not necessarily have to be enclosed in a bulb structure. For example, the light sources may take the form of one-, two-, or even three-dimensional arrays of individual LEDs or strings of LEDs. Where appropriate, the light source 104 may also include a ballast 124, for example an electronic ballast.
The retrofit control subsystem 106 is selectively attachable, mountable or coupleable to the luminaire 102 and luminaire control circuit 102, and hence to the light source 104. In particular, the retrofit control subsystem 106 includes a base 126 sized to be received in the sensor receiving socket or receptacle 1 16 of the luminaire 102. Typically, the base 126 will have a three contact plug which allows the base 126 to be removably or detachably received by the socket or receptacle 1 16 of the luminaire 102. The socket 1 14 and base 126 provide both physical coupling between the luminaire 102 and the retrofit control system 106 and electrical coupling between the luminaire control circuit 120 and the retrofit control system 106.
The retrofit control subsystem 106 includes at least one sensor 1 18 (e.g., photosensor, cadmium sulfide cell, photodiode, phototransistor, ambient light sensor integrated circuit) that is responsive to a level {e.g., energy or intensity) of light or illumination in the environment {e.g., daylight or ambient light). The sensor 1 18 may be positioned to minimize an effect of the light
source 104 on the sensor 1 18. For example, the sensor 1 18 may be positioned on be on top of the housing 108 when the retrofit control subsystem 106 is mounted via the sensor receiving socket 1 18.
The retrofit control subsystem 106 also includes electrical circuitry, electronics, software and/or firmware that adjusts an illumination level downward at a time after the light source is turned ON and adjusts the illumination level upward at a time preceding the light source being turned OFF. Such provides lighting at relatively high levels when illumination is typically most useful, while providing lighting at reduced levels when illumination is not typically useful, thereby reducing energy usage. The electrical circuitry, electronics, software and/or firmware may also verify that detected levels of light are within some defined threshold(s) of expected levels of light for a given location, date and/or time. Alternatively, the electrical circuitry, electronics, software and/or firmware may also verify that a time at which an event or condition {e.g., dusk, dawn) is detected is within some defined threshold(s) of expected time at which the event or condition was predicted to occur for a given location, date and/or time. Such validation of levels or time may allow detection of aberrations such as unintentional component failures or interference or even intentional tampering or interference with the luminaire, and automatic notification or alerts regarding the detection of such aberrations. Such may also allow operation to continued, even if an aberrant condition occurs. The electrical circuitry, electronics, software and/or firmware may automatically determine a current location of the luminaire, current date and/or current time, based at least in part on signals received from an external source {e.g., global positioning satellites, cellular communications base stations, WiFi sources). Such may advantageously reduce, or even eliminate, the need for training or adaptive learning over multiple daily cycles, and produce more accurate responses than could be produced using training or adaptive learning based approaches.
Such is possible via a retrofit to existing luminaires. Such may avoid the drawbacks associated with motion or proximity based control, such as the limited range of motion or proximity sensors and lack of sensitivity of such sensors in warm climates. As described in more detail below, the retrofit control subsystem 106 may monitor the local time of day and location from received data, and advantageously employ such in controlling the light source 104. Such can automatically accommodate seasonal changes in the length of daylight or night.
Figure 2 shows an illumination system 200 according to another non-limiting illustrated embodiment. The illumination system 200 includes a conventional luminaire 202, illumination or light sources 204a, 204b, and retrofit control subsystems 206a, 206b (only one visible in Figure 2).
The luminaire 202 may take any of a variety of forms. For example, the luminaire 202 may include a housing 208, two shades 210a, 210b, and at least one optical sensor 218. The housing 208 allows the luminaire 202 to be hung from a structure. The shades 210a, 210b each include a respective socket or receptacle 214a, 214b sized to receive a base 215a (only one visible in Figure 2) of the light source 204a, 204b. The shades 210a, 210b may be supported from the housing 208 by respective articulated arms 230a, 230b. The arms 230a, 230b may include one or more joints 232a, 232b to provide multiple degrees of freedom which allows the shades 210a, 210b and respective light sources 204a, 204b to be positioned and oriented in any desired manner. The optical sensor 218 may be supported from the housing 208 by an arm 234, for example via a ball joint 236. Such may allow the optical sensor 218 to be positioned and oriented with respect to the housing 208 and any structure to which the housing is mounted. As previously noted, such luminaires 202 are conventional and commercially available from a large variety of sources.
Luminaires 202 of this type typically have a control mechanism that implements both dusk-to-dawn and motion or proximity based control.
Thus, the control mechanism relies on signals from the optical sensor to implement motion or proximity sensing only during a period after a level of light or illumination in the environment has fallen below a turn ON threshold {e.g., 10 Lux) and before the level of illuminations exceeds a turn OFF threshold {e.g., 30 Lux). The control mechanism will turn the light sources 204a, 204b ON for a period of time in response to the detection of motion between dusk and dawn, turning the light sources 204a, 204b OFF after the period of time.
Respective retrofit control subsystems 206a, 206b are selectively attachable or coupleable between the sockets or receptacles 214a, 214b of the luminaire 202 and the bases 215a of the light sources 204a, 204b to provide an interface therebetween. In particular, the retrofit control subsystems 206a, 206b include a base 226a (only one visible in Figure 2) sized to be received in the sockets or receptacles 214a, 214b of the luminaire 202. Typically, the base 226a will have a thread which allows the base 226a to be threadedly removably or detachably received by the socket or receptacle 214a, 241 b of the luminaire 202. The socket 214a, 214b and base 214a provide both physical and electrical coupling between the luminaire 202 and the respective retrofit control system 206a, 206b. The retrofit control subsystems 206a, 206b also include a socket or receptacle 228a (only one visible in Figure 2) sized to receive the base 215a of the light source 204a, 204b. Typically, the socket or receptacle 228a has a thread which allows the base 215a of the light source 204 to be threadedly removably or detachably received by the socket or receptacle 228a. The socket 228a and base 215a provide both physical and electrical coupling between the retrofit control subsystem 206a, 206b and the respective light source 204a, 204b.
As discussed above, the retrofit control subsystems 206a, 206b include electrical circuitry, electronics, software and/or firmware that adjust an illumination level downward {i.e., decrease) at a time after the light source is turned ON and adjust the illumination level upward {i.e., increase) at a time preceding the light source being turned OFF. Such provides lighting at
relatively high levels when illumination is typically most useful, while providing lighting at reduced levels when illumination is not typically useful, thereby reducing energy usage. The electrical circuitry, electronics, software and/or firmware may also verify that detected levels of light are within some defined threshold(s) of expected levels of light for a given location, date and/or time. Such may allow detection of aberrations such as unintentional component failures or unintentional interference with, or even intentional tampering or interference with, the luminaire, and automatic notification or alerts regarding the detection of such aberrations. Such may also allow operation to continued, even if an aberrant condition occurs. The electrical circuitry, electronics, software and/or firmware may automatically determine a current location of the luminaire, current date and/or current time, based at least in part on signals received from an external source {e.g., global positioning satellites, cellular communications base stations, WiFi sources). Such may advantageously reduce, or even eliminate, the need for training or adaptive learning over multiple daily cycles, and produce more accurate responses than could be produced using training or adaptive learning based approaches.
Such is possible via a retrofit to existing luminaires. Such may avoid the drawbacks associated with motion or proximity based control, such as the limited range of motion or proximity sensors and lack of sensitivity of such sensors in warm climates. As described in more detail below, the retrofit control subsystem 206a, 206b may monitor the local time of day and location from received data, and advantageously employ such in controlling the light source 204a, 204b. Such can automatically accommodate seasonal changes in the length of daylight or night.
Figure 3 schematically illustrates an illumination system 300, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
The illumination system 300 may employ a conventional luminaire 302, for example identical or similar to those illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The luminaire 302 may include an optical sensor 304 and a control mechanism 306.
The optical sensor 304 can take any variety of forms, including light sensitive or light responsive photosensors, cadmium sulfide cells, photodiodes,
phototransistors, ambient light sensor integrated circuits currently commercially available. The control mechanism 306 may be an analog circuit, digital circuit or may include both analog and digital circuit components, as well as software or firmware instructions executable by one or more processors, for instance microprocessors, digital signal processors, programmable gate arrays or application specific integrated circuits. Again, a conventional commercially available luminaire with an integral control mechanism may be employed.
The illumination system 300 may include at least one illumination or light source 308, for example identical or similar to those discussed with reference to Figure 1 . In particular, the illumination system 300 may employ a light source 308 that includes an array of solid-state light sources or emitters, such as LEDs, OLEDs or PLEDs. The illumination system 300 may include a ballast 310 for the light source 308. The ballast 310 may be an integral or unitary part of the light source 308, or may be a separate discrete component therefrom.
As previously explained, the control mechanism 306 may take the form of a dusk-to-dawn photo control mechanism configured to turn the light source(s) 308 ON when the sensor 304 senses a level of illumination or light in the environment that is at or below a turn ON threshold. The control
mechanism 306 may be configured to turn the light source(s) 308 OFF when the sensor 304 senses a level of light in the environment that is at or above a turn OFF threshold. While the turn ON and turn OFF thresholds could be equivalent, such would likely produce undesirable oscillation. Hence, some separation should be maintained between the turn ON and turn OFF
thresholds. For example, the turn ON threshold may equal 10 LUX while the turn OFF threshold may equal 30 LUX.
The illumination system 300 may include one more retrofit control subsystems 312. The retrofit control subsystem 312 may be identical or similar
to the retrofit control subsystem 106, 206 (Figures 1 and 2). The retrofit control subsystem 312 may, for example, include a microcontroller 314 and one or more non-volatile storage media 316 communicatively coupled to the
microcontroller 314. The microcontroller 314 may take any of a variety of forms, for example a microprocessor, programmable gate array (PGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The non-volatile storage media 316 may take any of a variety of forms, for example electrically erasable programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), flash memories, etc.
The retrofit control subsystem 312 may additionally include one or more antennas (only one illustrated) 317 and one or more receivers 318 (only one illustrated) communicatively coupled to at least one of the antennas 317 and to the microcontroller 314. The antenna 317 may be internal to the retrofit control subsystem 312 or may be electrically coupled to the retrofit control subsystem 312 such that the antenna may be extended to an outer side of the shade 1 10, 210a, 210b (Figures 1 and 2). The receiver 318 may also be positioned within the retrofit control subsystem 312. The receivers 318 may take a variety of forms for example a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a cellular communications system receiver, a wireless telecommunications receiver {e.g., WiFi), a landline transceiver, or a radio {e.g., AM, FM, Satellite ) receiver. The receiver 318 may provide information to the retrofit control subsystem 312, such as information which is indicative of a current location of the illumination system, and/or information that is indicative of a current date, and/or time of day. As will be discussed in more detail below, the retrofit control subsystem 312 may use information from the receiver 318 to determine an expected level of light in the ambient environment, for example, to calibrate the dusk-to-dawn controller 306 and/or to implement security features to the illumination system 300.
The retrofit control subsystem 312 is electrically coupled to the control mechanism 306 of the luminaire 302, for example via a socket and base. The components of the retrofit control subsystem 312 may receive power
via this coupling or a standalone power source may be included. The retrofit control subsystem 312 may include power supply circuitry 313 that rectifies, steps down a voltage and otherwise transforms or conditions supplied electrical power to a form suitable to power the microcontroller 314, non-volatile storage media 316 and/or other components of the retrofit control subsystem 312.
While the retrofit control subsystem 312 is illustrated as being coupled between the luminaire 302 and light source 308, some embodiments may employ one or more relays (not illustrated) to provide electrical power to the light source 308 from the luminaire 302. The retrofit control subsystem 312 may employ a conventional light dimmer circuit to control light level output by the light source 308. Alternatively or additionally, a network link to a
programmable lamp controller may be employed. Alternatively or additionally, an analog voltage applied to a dimmable lamp controller may be employed, or a resistor switched into a dimming input of a dimmable lamp controller.
Alternatively or additionally, the retrofit control subsystem may use one or more switches {e.g., contact switches, relays, transistors, triacs) to switch in or out individual or groups of light emitters that make up one or more light sources, or lamp controllers which control the light sources.
The retrofit control subsystem 312 receives signals from the control mechanism 306 of the luminaire 302 which are indicative of when the control mechanism 306 attempts to turn the light source 308 ON and OFF in response to a sensed illumination level being below a turn On threshold and below a turn OFF threshold, respectively. The signals may be as simple as providing electrical power to power the light source 308 then not providing electrical power. The lamp may be turned on to full brightness or almost full brightness in response to the dusk-to-dawn sensor sensing an illumination level falling below a defined threshold {e.g., dusk threshold), then using the data received from a wireless source to adjust the illumination level down at a preprogrammed time of day, then adjust the illumination level back to full illumination at another preprogrammed time of day, and finally turned OFF
when the dusk to dawn sensor signals an illumination level above a threshold {e.g., dawn threshold).
The microcontroller 314 can determine an expected level of light for the ambient environment based upon information received by the receiver 318. For instance, the receiver 318 may provide GPS data such as longitude and/or latitude data indicative of the current location of the illumination system 300 and optionally the current time of day. Further, the receiver may provide weather or other information which may be indicative of certain aspects {e.g., expected level of illumination) of the ambient environment for a give time and geographic location. From the location and time of day, the microcontroller 314 may determine times at which to turn lighting ON, turn lighting OFF, increase a level of illumination and/or decrease a level of illumination. The microcontroller 314 may additionally, or alternatively, determined an expected level of light in the ambient environment for a given time of day, based at least in part on the location. The microcontroller 314 may, for example, access data stored within the non-volatile storage 316, such as sunrise/sunset tables, almanac information, and/or daylight savings time tables, to determine and compare an expected level of light for a given time of day with a detected level of light. Differences between the detected level of light and the expected level of light may be used to trigger an event, such as increase the level of light from the illumination system 300, an aural notification {e.g., an alarm), and/or a transmission of a data notification {e.g., through a wireless home network, cellular network, telephone line, or a security system).
In some embodiments, the retrofit control subsystem 312 may include a real time or solar clock 320 {i.e., a clock that tracks time in the real world or with respect to the sun, rather than an internal clock of a processor based system). Alternatively, the microcontroller 314 may implement a real time or solar clock. The real time or solar clocks may be automatically calibrated by the microcontroller 314 based upon information received from the receiver 318. Such embodiments may also include a discrete internal power
source 322 (e.g., battery cells, capacitors, super- or ultracapacitors, fuel cell) to supply power to the clock 320 while power is not being received from the control mechanism 302 of the luminaire. The internal power source 322 may be rechargeable, via the power supply circuitry 313. The microcontroller 314 may determine solar midnight, from time-to-time {e.g., each daily cycle). In particular, the microcontroller may divide the average or median time that the light source is ON in half, which should occur at the darkest time of the daily cycle {e.g., solar midnight). The microcontroller 314 may calibrate the real time clock with the determined solar midnight. The microcontroller 314 may control the increasing and decreasing of the level of light output by the light source 308 using the calibrated real time clock 320. This can prevent or reduce the effect of artificial lights on the illumination system 300.
The operation is further described with reference to the methods illustrated in Figures 7-18, below.
Figures 4A and 4B show an illumination system 400 according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment. The illumination system 400 includes a luminaire 402 and at least one light source 404. The illumination system 400 may also include a sensor 418 that is responsive to a level of light or
illumination in the ambient environment, a receiver 420 {e.g., GPS receiver, cellular receiver), and a motion detector 422. The illumination system 400 may further include an integral control subsystem 406 and an antenna 424.
The luminaire 402 may take a variety of forms. Such forms include luminaires that hold one, two, or more light sources 404. The luminaire 402 may also include a reflector 407, a housing 408, a shade 410. The brackets 412 may be used with attachment clips to attach a retrofit luminaire (all parts except 408) to an existing, previously installed housing 408. The housing 408 and shade 410 may be in the shape of a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, or other polygon. The housing 408 and shade 410 may share a common shape or they may be different shapes from one another.
The light source 404 can take a variety of forms. For example, the light source 404 may be comprised of one or more incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, or any of the various types of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light source 404 that is selected for use in the luminaire 402 may be based upon the intended use of the illumination system 400. For example, a brighter illuminating source may be selected over a more energy efficient source based upon whether the area to be illuminated is residential or commercial, densely populated or rural, and secured or public and/or on the relative cost of locating sufficient luminaries to satisfactorily cover the area to be illuminated.
The reflector 407 may be optionally positioned around the light source 404 to mitigate light trespass. For example, the reflector 407 may define and limit the angle of the illumination footprint so as not to illuminate a backyard or window of a neighboring home or structure. The reflector 407 may provide the additional benefit of reducing light pollution, which obscures the stars in the night sky, interferes with astronomical research, and may disrupt ecosystems.
The heat sink 426 may be optionally positioned around the light source 404 to transfer thermal energy away from the light source 404. Trapped thermal energy in solid state devices may alter the color of the light source 404 or alter the operational characteristics, such as threshold voltages in transistors, of components within the light source 404, as well as reduce the life of the light source 404. The heat sink 426 may be composed of one or more thermal conductors such as aluminum and copper or thermally filled polymers, and may include a convoluted surface {e.g., fins, pins) to provide significantly more surface area for a given volume occupied.
The illumination system 400 may use the sensor 418, the receiver 420, and/or the motion detector 422 to determine when to adjust the state of the light source 404 between ON, OFF, and to adjust illumination levels between ON and OFF. In particular, the illumination system 400 may use information received via the receiver 420 to determine an expected level of light in the
ambient environment based at least in part on a current location of the illumination system 400 as indicated in the received information, and optionally in conjunction with a current date and/or current time. The illumination system 400 may use a geographical look up table, sunrise/sunset chart, or similar form of organized data stored in non-volatile memory, or may use one or more formulas or algorithms to analytically calculate such based in the received information. In addition, daylight savings time status may be determined by the controller based on the location data and a geographical lookup table other method. The received information may be pre-processed by the receiver 420, for example converting signals from two or more geographically disparate sources into longitude and/or latitude information. Alternatively, a
microprocessor or other controller of the integral control subsystem 406 may process the received information to determine the current geographic coordinates and/or current date/time. Alternatively, data encoded in a cellular communications signal may be used to determine local time and location.
As best illustrated in Figure 4B, the light source 404 may be removably coupled to the luminaire 402, for instance via a threaded socket or receptacle 405. Alternatively, the light source 404 may be integral to the luminaire 402, particularly where the light source 404 includes a plurality of solid-state light emitters.
The integral control subsystem 406 includes circuitry to control operation of the illumination system 400 in a similar fashion to the operation described above. In particular, the integral control subsystem 406 interfaces with at least one sensor 418 {e.g., photosensor, cadmium sulfide cell, photodiode, phototransistor, ambient light sensor integrated circuit) that is responsive to a level of light in the environment {e.g., daylight or ambient light). The sensor 418 may be positioned to minimize an effect of the light source 404 on the sensor 418. For example, the sensor 418 may be positioned on top of the housing 408 or on the shade 410.
In contrast to the illumination system 200 of Figure 2 which receive signals from the control mechanism, in the illumination system 400 the control subsystem 406 may be coupled to receive signals directly from the sensor 418. Thus, instead of receiving ON and OFF switching or power signals, the control subsystem 406 may receive signals indicative of a sensed level of light in the environment. Thus, in addition to the previously described operation, the control subsystem 406 determines when the sensed level of light is at or below a turn ON threshold and when the sensed level of light is at or above a turn OFF threshold.
The integral control subsystem 406 may also directly interface with the receiver 420 to verify or calibrate the information received from the sensor 418. For example, the control subsystem 406 may use data from a GPS receiver (e.g., Delorme GPS2058-10 GPS receiver), such as latitude, longitude, date, and time to determine an expected level of light. As discussed in detail below, the control subsystem 406 may then compare the expected level of light to the level of light sensed by the sensor 418. Such may allow detection of aberrant conditions, for example aberrant conditions associated with unintentional failure of a component or associated with intentional tampering with the illumination system. The use of data received from an external source may also reduce or eliminate the need for training or learning by the control system which might otherwise be required to establish the solar day {e.g., solar noon, solar midnight) at the location where the luminaire is installed. The control subsystem 406 may run in a variety of modes, e.g., security, calibrate, normal, etc., and produce an output based upon the comparison between the expected level of light and the actually detected level of light and the current operational mode in which the control subsystem 406 is running.
The integral control subsystem 406 may be directly coupled to the antenna 424 to provide communications with external systems. For example, the antenna 424 may be a radio antenna, and the control subsystem 406 may
include hardware and/or software to extract location, date and/or time
information from the radio {e.g., radio or microwave portions of the
electromagnetic spectrum) signals, such as those sent from the National Institute of Standards of Technology (NIST) radio station WWVB located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The control subsystem 406 may then synchronize an internal clock using the received date and time {e.g., Universal Coordinated Time or UTS) to provide continued accuracy of ON and OFF switching of the light source 404.
The integral control subsystem 406 may use the antenna 424 to receive cellular communications signals. For example, the control subsystem 406 may include hardware and/or software to enable receiving information from, and optionally transmitting information to, a cellular network. A subscription with a cellular network carrier may enable the control subsystem 406 to acquire location, date, and time data from local cellular base stations. The control subsystem 406 may perform triangulation on signals received from
geographically disparate sources, for example received from three cellular system base stations, to determine a current location of the luminaire. The control subsystem may extract location information from data encoded in the signal received from a single cellular base station, for example, by finding the identity of the base station and using stored data to determine longitude and latitude, or by direct encoding of location information in the cellular base station signal. The control subsystem 406 may also extract current date and/or time information from the cellular communications systems signals.
The subscription with a cellular network carrier may also
optionally enable the control subsystem 406 to transmit data to the cellular network. For example, the control subsystem 406 may transmit data to notify a person or system of an event, for instance an alert indicative of detection of an aberrant condition. The notification can take the form of a short message service (SMS), text message, email, or data packet. A notification event may be defined by a sensed level of light being detected above or below a threshold
of the expected level of light. Such an event may be triggered, for example, when a detected level of light is significantly below (i.e., by more than a defined threshold) an expected level of light, for instance where a person covers the sensor 418. Such an event may be triggered, for example, when a detected level of light is significantly above (i.e., by more than a defined threshold) an expected level of light, for instance where a person shines a laser or other light source at the sensor 418 in order to deceive the illumination system 400 into shutting OFF the light source 404 during non-daylight hours. Thus, both the above described aberrations may be indicative of intentional tampering.
Aberrations may alternatively be indicative of an unintentional condition, for example a failed component, for instance a failed ambient light sensor 418. The ambient light sensor 418 may fail, producing a signal indicative of a sensed level of light that is either higher than the actual level of light in the ambient environment or lower than the actual level of light. Detection of aberrant conditions, whether unintentionally or intentionally produced, may be
particularly advantageous. Such may allow the aberration to be reported, investigated, with the failed component being replaced or repaired or the tampering individual being apprehended or scared off, or allowing heightened patrolling of a secured area in response.
The integral control subsystem 406 may use the antenna 424, or a separate antenna, to provide wireless telecommunications device services. For example, the control subsystem 406 may include hardware and/or software to enable receiving information from and transmitting information to a personal or commercial WiFi network. By providing wireless device services, the control subsystem 406 may enable a person to set various levels and times of illumination through a graphical user interface via a personal computer.
Alternatively, the wireless device service may enable the illumination system 400 to be one of several remotely controlled illumination systems, such as may be used outside of a warehouse, at a shipyard, impoundment lot, motor pool,
other transportation facility, energy production facility, military facility or in proximity to some other secured area.
While several embodiments of the integral control subsystem 406 are described in connection to wireless implementations, the present disclosure also includes landline and other wired uses. For example, the control subsystem 406 may include the hardware and/or software to manipulate a landline so as to receive and transmit data at frequencies similar to those used by a facsimile machine or frequencies used by digital subscriber line (DSL) standards.
Figure 5 schematically illustrates an illumination system 500, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment. The illumination system 500 may be identical or similar to the illumination system 400 illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B.
The illumination system 500 may employ a conventional luminaire 502, for example identical or similar to that illustrated in Figure 3 or Figures 4A and 4B, or of any other style. The illumination system 500 includes one or more light sources 508 and optionally one or more ballasts 510 for the light sources 508. Suitable examples of light sources 508 are described above.
The illumination system 500 includes an integral control subsystem 512 which is integral to the luminaire. The integral control subsystem 512 may be identical or similar to the integral control subsystem 406 (Figure 4A or Figure 4B). The integral control subsystem 512 may include a sensor 504 that senses or is responsive to varying levels of light. The sensor 504 may take a variety of forms, some of which are described above. The integral control subsystem 512 may include one or more antennas 517 (only one show) and receivers 518 (only one show). The antenna 517 and receiver 518 may be operable to receive and transmit a variety of signals, some of which are described above. The integral control subsystem 512 may, for example, include a microcontroller 514 and one or more non-volatile storage media 516 communicatively coupled to the microcontroller 514. The microcontroller 514
may take any of a variety of forms, for example a microprocessor,
programmable gate array (PGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The non-volatile storage media 516 may take any of a variety of forms, for example electrically erasable programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), flash memories, etc. The microcontroller 514 may be communicatively coupled to receive signals directly from the sensor 504, the receiver 518, and/or a clock 519. The integral control subsystem 512 may include circuitry 513 that rectifies, steps down a voltage and otherwise conditions supplied electrical power to a form suitable to power the microcontroller 514, non-volatile storage media 516 and/or other components of the integral control subsystem 512.
The integral control subsystem 512 may employ a variety of switches or other mechanisms to turn the light source 508 ON and OFF and to adjust the level of light output by the light source 508. For example, the integral control subsystem 512 may employ various switches or conventional dimmer circuits, for instance those circuits and circuit components discussed above in reference to the retrofit control subsystem 312. Like the retrofit control subsystem 312, the integral control subsystem 512 may adjust the level of light by adjusting a level of light emitted by each discrete light emitter and/or by adjusting the number of discrete light emitters emitting light.
The microcontroller 514 receives signals from the sensor 504 which are indicative of levels of light sensed in the ambient environment around or proximate the sensor 504. The microcontroller 514, or some dedicated circuit, compares the signals to a turn ON threshold and a turn OFF threshold. The microcontroller 514 determines whether the sensed level of light is at or below a turn ON threshold, indicating that lighting is required. In response, the microcontroller 514 may verify that the sensed level of light is within some threshold of an expected level of light, and if so may cause the light source to be turned ON at a first output level, which is typically relative high for the light source. The microcontroller 514 may compare a programmed time of day at which to reduce the illumination level, and if the local time of day is substantially
equal to that time, turn down (i.e., decrease) the illumination level. While the illumination is at a lower level, the microcontroller 514 may continue to compare the local time of day with a programmed time of day at which the illumination level is desired to be increased, and increase the illumination level when the said times are substantially equal.
The microcontroller 514 determines whether the sensed level of light is at or above a turn OFF threshold, indicating that lighting is no longer required. In response, the microcontroller 514 may verify that the sensed level of light is within some threshold of an expected level of light, and if so may cause the light source to be turned OFF. In response to a detection of motion, the microcontroller 514 may increase a level of light output or turn ON the light sources.
Appropriate time delays hysteresis may be added or built into the control subsystem 512 before the light source 1 10 is turned ON or OFF. During these, sensed illumination levels remain approximately constant or the microcontroller 514 will not register a single occurrence of an ON or OFF threshold being met. This suppresses short-term noise events and thereby avoids the microcontroller 514 from being falsely triggered to activate the light source 1 10 due to short-term events such as vehicle headlights or a transient moving object.
The microcontroller 514 also determines when to adjust the level of output, the adjustment occurring between turning the light source ON and OFF in a daily cycle. Such has been described above, and is described in more detail below with reference to the various methods illustrated in the flow diagrams.
Some embodiments of the integral control subsystem 512 may include or implement the real time or solar clock 519, similar to that discussed with reference to Figure 3, above. While such embodiment may include a discrete internal power source, such typically would not be necessary where the integrated control subsystem 512 receives power directly from the AC power
mains, rather than via a dusk-to-dawn control mechanism. The microcontroller 514 may control the turning ON and OFF as well as the increasing and decreasing of the level of light output by the light source using the calibrated real time clock 519. The microcontroller 514 may also synchronize the real time clock based on received signals indicative of a current date and/or current time at the particular location at which the illumination system 500 is installed.
The microcontroller 514 may use the receiver 518 to obtain information in order to perform various functions. For example, the
microcontroller 514 may use the receiver 518 to acquire location data {e.g., GPS data, cellular base station location signal strength, etc.), to determine a current location. The microcontroller 514 may use the receiver 518 to interface with a communications network, for example a cellular network, to receive radio signals including date and time, to interface with a wireless telecommunications network {e.g., WiFi, WAN, LAN, MAN) and/or to interface with a wired or wireless security system. Various additional features that may exist in these embodiments have been discussed above (Figures 4A and 4B). For example, the microcontroller 514 may use GPS data to determine an expected level of light for comparison with a sensed level of light. The microcontroller 514 may initiate a notification event or transmit an alert through any one of or
combination of a cellular network, a wireless telecommunications network, or a landline interface to transmit notification of anomalies or interferences with normal operations of the illumination system 500. According to one
embodiment, the microcontroller 514 interfaces with receiver 518 to provide wireless device services enabling a person to access and set various turn ON and turn OFF thresholds through a graphical user interface (GUI) via a personal computer, mobile computing device, personal data assistant, smart phone, or the like.
Figure 6A shows a graph 600a of a level of light produced by a light source over time during a first part of a year, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
In particular, the level of light output by the light source is shown along the Y-axis, while time is shown along the X-axis. In a first daily cycle 602a, the light source is turned ON at 604a to produce light at a first level {e.g., relatively high) 606a. The light source may be turned ON in response detecting a first event or condition, for example that a level of light in the ambient environment has fallen below some defined threshold {e.g., level of light corresponding to dusk or "dusk threshold"). The first level 606a of light is maintained until detection of a second event or condition. For example, the first level 606a of light may be maintained until a real world time at the particular location reaches some defined first adjustment time {e.g., 10PM). Thus, the first level 606a of light may be maintained for a first duration 608a, which may, for example, be the duration of time between sensing dusk and a defined or set time {e.g., 10PM). The level of light produced by the light source is then adjusted at 610a to produce a second, lower level 612a. The second level of light 612a may be deemed sufficient to provide some level of lighting when the amount of traffic {e.g., foot or vehicle traffic) in the location is expected to be small, while still being efficient.
The second level 612a of light may be maintained until a detection of a third event or condition. For example, the second level 612a of light may be maintained until a real world time at the particular location reaches some defined second adjustment time {e.g., 6AM). Thus, the second level 612a of light may be maintained for a second duration 614a, which may, for example, be the duration of time between 10PM and 6AM. The level of light produced is then adjusted at 616a to produce a third level 606a of light, higher than the second level 612a. While illustrated as equal to the first level 606a, the third level may be higher or lower than the first level 606a.
The level of light is maintained until detection of a fourth event or condition. For example, the third level of light 606a may be maintained until a level of light in the ambient environment has increased to or above some defined threshold {e.g., level of light corresponding to dawn or "dawn
threshold"). Thus, the level of light may be maintained for a third duration 618a, which may, for example, be the duration of time between the set time 6AM and sensing dawn. As illustrated, this pattern may repeat for additional daily cycles, although the length of the durations 608a, 618a may gradually change, for example as the time of sunrise and sunset varies changes throughout the year.
The thresholds {e.g., turn ON or dusk threshold; turn OFF or dawn threshold) may be factory set or may be user configurable, set based on user input received via a user interface {e.g., buttons, switches, dials,
potentiometers, shorting jumpers, wired or wireless communications ports, or via power line carrier control) of the luminaire. The adjustment times 610a, 616a at which the level of light is adjusted may be factory set or may be user configurable, set based on user input received via a user interface {e.g., buttons, switches, dials, potentiometers, shorting jumpers, wired or wireless communications ports, or via power line carrier control) of the luminaire. Such user input may, for instance, indicate a fixed real world time for the second and third thresholds.
Figure 6B shows a graph 600b of a level of light produced by a light source over time during a second part of a year, according to one non- limiting illustrated embodiment.
Times or durations corresponding to those of Figure 6A are called out using the same reference numerals but with the lower case letter "b" instead of the lower case letter "a" used in Figure 6A. The pattern is similar to that illustrated in Figure 6A, however the first threshold {e.g., turn ON or dusk threshold) is reached at an earlier time 604b in the daily cycle while the fourth threshold {e.g., turn OFF or dawn threshold) is reached at a later time 620b in the daily cycle to the change in the amount of daylight hours in the daily cycle. Hence, the first duration 608a at the relatively high first level 606b is longer than that illustrated in Figure 6A, starting earlier. Likewise, the third duration 618b at the relatively high third level 606b is longer than that illustrated in Figure 6A, ending later. Such is in response to the amount of daylight in the daily cycle
602b being shorter than that illustrated in Figure 6A. Thus, Figure 6A may represent summer in the Northern Hemisphere, while Figure 6B may represent winter in the same location.
Figure 6C shows a graph 600c of a level of light produced by a light source over time during the first part of a year with dusk and dawn sensing thresholds set to be reached earlier and later in a daily cycle, respectively, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
Times or durations corresponding to those of Figure 6A and 6B are called out using the same reference numerals but with the lower case letter "c" instead of the lower case letter "a" or "b" used in Figures 6A and 6B, respectively. The pattern is similar to that illustrated in Figure 6A, however the threshold at which a level of light corresponding to dusk is sensed is adjusted downward or reduced such that dusk is sensed at an earlier time 604c in a daily cycle {e.g., 5:00PM), while the threshold at which a level of light corresponding to dawn is sensed is adjusted upward or increased such that dawn is sensed at an earlier time 620c in the daily cycle {e.g., 5:30AM). Additionally, the time 610c at which the level of illumination is reduced is set to occur later, and the time 616c at which the level of illumination is raised is set to occur earlier than in Figure 6A. Consequently, first and third durations 608c, 618c at the high level 606c are longer than that illustrated in Figure 6A. As noted above, the times 610c, 616c at which the level of light is adjusted may be factory set or may be user configurable, set based on user input received via a user interface {e.g., buttons, switches, dials, potentiometers, shorting jumpers, wired or wireless communications ports, or via power line carrier control) of the luminaire.
Figure 6D shows a graph 600d of a level of light produced by a light source over time during the second part of a year, according to one non- limiting illustrated embodiment.
Times or durations corresponding to those of Figures 6A-6C are called out using the same reference numerals but with the lower case letter "d"
instead of the lower case letter "a" "b" or "c" used in Figures 6A-6C,
respectively. The pattern is similar to that illustrated in Figure 6A, however the third threshold has been changed such that the first and third durations 608d, 618d are of unequal lengths with respect to one another. For example, the third threshold may be set to occur at a later time 616d {e.g., 8AM), as compared to an earlier time 616a {e.g., 6AM). As previously noted, the third threshold may be user configurable, set based on user input received via a user interface {e.g., buttons, switches, dials, communications port) of the luminaire.
Figures 7A-7C show a high level method 700 of operating an illumination system to provide illumination in an area, such as a secured area, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.
The method 700 starts at 702. For example, the method 700 may start upon application of power to the luminaire or turning ON of a switch or relay, either locally or remotely located from the illumination system. The illumination system may, for example, be controlled remotely via one or more communications channels, for example one or more extranets, intranets, or the Internet, or via one or more cellular, plain old telephone service (POTS), or other telecommunications channels or networks.
At 704, at least one component of the illumination system receives one or more signals indicative of a current location of the illumination system. Optionally, the at least one component also receives signals indicative of the current date and/or current time. For example, a control subsystem may include a receiver configured to receive GPS signals from GPS satellites, cellular network signals from cellular base stations, wireless networks signals, landline signals, radio signals, or the like.
At 706, at least one component of the illumination system determines a current location of the illumination source. For example, an integral control subsystem may include a microcontroller operable to decode a stream of data, including latitude and longitude data from a receiver such as a GPS receiver, to determine the current location of the illumination system. The
microcontroller may then store information indicative of the current location in a non-volatile memory or storage medium. As another example, the
microcontroller may be operable to determine the current location based on signals received from geographically dispersed terrestrial sources, using triangulation or other algorithms or approaches {e.g., signal time of flight). For instance, the microcontroller may be operable to determine the location by querying the receiver which is configured to acquire signals from two or more cellular network radio towers or base stations. One cellular network signal may also be used if the location or identity of the tower is encoded into the transmitted signal.
At 708, at least one component of the illumination system determines the current time. For example, a microprocessor may convert a current time indicated in the received signal from one format to another. For instance, the microprocessor may convert a Universal Coordinate Time (UCT) or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) representation to a local time based on the determined location of the illumination system. Such may account for whether day light saving time is, or is not in effect, at the determined location.
Alternatively, or additionally, the illumination system may include a real time clock or a solar clock. The clock may be initially set by user input or by synchronizing the clock based upon GPS signals, cellular network signals, radio signals, {e.g., UCT signal) or other signals received by the receiver, and may be updated or synchronized from time-to-time {e.g., periodically or aperiodically) based on such signals.
At 710, at least one component of the illumination system detects the level of light in the ambient environment. The illumination system or retrofit may include an ambient light sensor {e.g., photosensor, cadmium sulfide cell, photodiode, phototransistor, ambient light sensor integrated circuit) that is responsive to a level of light in the ambient environment {e.g., daylight or ambient light). The controller subsystem may include a microcontroller and a non-volatile memory or storage medium into which the sensor periodically
stores sensed levels of light. An integral subsystem controller of the
illumination system may query registers to retrieve stored data representing the current level of light. Alternatively, the sensor may be directly controlled by the integral subsystem controller which may receive real-time indications of levels of light from the sensor.
At 712, the illumination system determines whether the detected level of light is at equal or less than (i.e., equals or below) to a first threshold. The first threshold may represent a level of light at which the illumination is to be turned ON [e.g., dusk threshold). If the detected level of light is less than or below the first threshold, control passes to 714. Otherwise, control passes to 724.
At 714, at least one component of the illumination system validates the result of the comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the first threshold with respect to at least one expected condition. In other words, the component validates the detection of the occurrence of an event or condition [e.g., dusk). For example, the
microprocessor may compare an actual level of illumination detected to an expected level of illumination for the particular location, at the current time and current date. Also for example, the microprocessor can compare the actual time the event {e.g., dusk) occurred or was detected to an expected or predicted time of the event at the particular location and current date. Such approaches are may identify malfunctioning components, unintentional interference or even intentional tampering. Detecting such aberrations facilitates preventing or detecting false positive or false negative results. Such approaches are discussed in detail below, in reference to Figures 8 and 9.
At 716, at least one component of the illumination system determines whether the detection was valid. If the detection was valid control passes to 722. If the detection was not valid or was invalid, control passes to 718.
At 718, at least one component of the illumination system produces a notification or alert. The notification or alert may take many forms. An aural alert may include a wide range of alarms sounds produce via one or more speakers, sirens, klaxons, either commonly located with the illumination system or remote therefrom. The aural alert may be provided at a user selectable volume. A visible alert may include flashing, blinking or strobing one or more lights located commonly with the illumination system, and/or remotely therefrom. Such may a flashing pattern executed by the illumination source itself. A data alert may be transmitted through a cellular network, a wireless network, a landline, or other communications networks or channels. The data alert may be sent to a security center, to a multimedia center which initiates video capture of the vicinity, or to the personal computer or smart phone of a person responsible for the area illuminated by the illumination system. Such an alert system may satisfy a governmental or other requirement or condition for security lighting. Further, on the occurrence of an aberration or fault, whether unintentional or intentional, the control system may default to an ON condition, at the brightest level of illumination.
Optionally at 720, at least one component of the illumination system may adjust a level of output of the at least one illumination source. For example, the microprocessor may increase the output of the illumination sources to a relatively high level, which may be at or proximate a highest output level of the illumination sources. Such may be particular appropriate where failure of a component (e.g., sensor) or tampering may be suspected based on the determination that the detection was not valid. For example, such may be a particularly appropriate response where a high level of light is detected in the ambient environment at a time when a low level is expected since such may indicate that someone is deliberately shining a light at the senor to trick the illumination system. Control then returns to 704, and the method 700 is repeated, or may be called again by a calling routine or program.
In response to determining that a detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal to or below a first threshold (e.g. dusk threshold) at 712 and determining the detected condition is valid at 716, at least one component of the illumination system turns ON the at least one illumination source at 722. For example, the microcontroller may control a power supply or other circuit to cause electrical power to be supplied to one or more of the illumination sources. For instance, depending on the particular type of light source, the control mechanism, may rectify and/or reduce a voltage, current, or duty cycle of the electrical power via any variety of electrical or electronic circuitry [e.g., rheostat, DC/DC converter, other power regulator). The illumination sources may, for example, be turned ON to a relatively high level, for instance proximate to the full rated output of the illumination sources.
Additionally, or alternatively, all or a large number of the commonly located illumination sources may be turned ON, to provide the desired level of illumination. The method may then continue at 724.
At 724, at least one component of the illumination system determines whether the level of illumination should be adjusted. For example, the microprocessor may determine whether the real world time is equal to a defined first adjustment time. The first adjustment time may be a user or otherwise defined time at which the level of illumination produced by the at least one light source is programmed or configured to be reduced. For instance, a user or other individual or entity may determine that the amount of traffic {e.g., foot traffic) in a retail parking lot or a public park is minimal sometime after the retail hours {e.g., 1 1 PM). Thus, there is generally no need for maintaining illumination at full output. Thus, a time for decreasing illumination levels may be set, using the real world local time of the location. Such not only results in energy efficient operation, but does so using an easy to understand, intuitive user interface making it more likely that this feature is used, and used correctly.
If the first adjustment time has been reached, the level of illumination is adjusted at 726. For example, at least one component of the
illumination system decreases or reduces the amount of illumination provided by the at least one illumination source. For instance, the microcontroller may control a power supply or other circuit to cause electrical power to be supplied to one or more of the illumination sources. The amount of power delivered to respective ones of the illuminations sources may be reduced, for instance using a shorter duty cycle in a pulse width modulated system. Alternatively, or additionally, fewer of the illumination sources may be powered or turned ON, some of the illumination sources being turned OFF to reduce the cumulative illumination level output by the illumination sources.
In such an embodiment, a first number of illumination sources are powered to achieve a relatively high level of illumination, while a second number of illumination sources, less than the first, are powered to produce the relatively lower, yet non-zero level of illumination. When operated in this fashion, at least one component of the illumination may vary the particular illuminations sources that are powered and those which are not, for example from daily cycle to daily cycle. Such may cause any wear to be distributed relatively evenly across the total number of illumination sources. This may help to achieve relatively uniform illumination output between the various illumination sources, particularly where the output varies with use over time. This may also reduce the number of times that any given set of illumination sources need to be serviced, since this approach will cause all of the illumination sources to tend to reach the end of their useful lives around the same time. The variation may be or may be varied randomly, for example using a random number generator to select which ones of the illumination sources will be ON and which OFF to achieve the lower level of illumination.
At 728, at least one component of the illumination system determines whether motion is sensed in the illuminated area. Such may employ any of a variety of motion sensors {e.g., photosensor, cadmium sulfide cell, photodiode, phototransistor, ambient light sensor integrated circuit, Videocon, CCD array).
If motioned is sensed, control passes to 730 where a timer is started. The timer is used to control how long {e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes) an elevated illumination will be provided in response to sensing motion on the illuminated area. The timer may be integral to the microprocessor or may be a distinct timer.
At 732, at least one component of the illumination system adjusts the output of the illumination source. For example, in response to sensing motion, the microprocessor may cause an output of the at least one light source to be increased. For instance, the microcontroller may control a power supply or other circuit to cause electrical power to be supplied to one or more of the illumination sources. The amount of power delivered to respective ones of the illuminations sources may be increased, for instance using a longer duty cycle in a pulse width modulated system. Alternatively, or additionally, a greater number of the illumination sources may be powered or turned ON, to increase the cumulative illumination level output by the illumination sources.
At 734, at least one component of the illumination system determines whether the timer has reached the first defined time, repeating a wait loop until the defined time condition is reached. Upon reaching the defined time, at least one component of the illumination system adjusts the output of the illumination sources at 736, for example reducing the output back to the relatively low, non-zero, level of illumination that was being provided before the motion was sensed. Again, the microcontroller may control a power supply or other circuit to cause electrical power to be supplied to one or more of the illumination sources. The amount of power delivered to respective ones of the illuminations sources may be reduced, for instance using a shorter duty cycle in a pulse width modulated system. Alternatively, or additionally, fewer of the illumination sources may be powered or turned ON, some of the illumination sources being turned OFF to reduce the cumulative illumination level output by the illumination sources. At 738, the timer is reset in preparation for future use.
At 740, at least one component of the illumination system determines whether the level of illumination should be adjusted. For example, the microprocessor may determine whether the real world time is equal to a defined second adjustment time. The second adjustment time may be a user or otherwise defined time at which the level of illumination produced by the at least one light source is programmed or configured to be increased. For instance, a user or other individual or entity may determine that the amount of traffic {e.g., foot traffic) in a retail parking lot is increases sometime before the retail hours {e.g., 8AM) or sometime before dawn {e.g., 5AM-9AM). Consequently, there is generally a need for maintaining illumination at full output. Thus, a time for increasing illumination levels may be set, using the real world local time of the location. Such not only results in energy efficient operation, but does so using an easy to understand, intuitive user interface making it more likely that this feature is used, and used correctly.
If the second adjustment time has been reached, the level of illumination is adjusted at 742. For example, at least one component of the illumination system increases the amount of illumination provided by the at least one illumination source. For instance, the microcontroller may control a power supply or other circuit to cause electrical power to be supplied to one or more of the illumination sources. The amount of power delivered to respective ones of the illuminations sources may be increased, for instance using a longer duty cycle in a pulse width modulated system. Alternatively, or additionally, a greater number of the illumination sources may be powered or turned ON to increase the cumulative illumination level output by the illumination sources. In such an embodiment, a first number of illumination sources are powered to achieve a relatively high level of illumination, while a second number of illumination sources, less than the first, are powered to produce the relatively lower, yet non-zero level of illumination.
At 744, at least one component of the illumination system determines whether the detected level of light is equal to or greater than a
second threshold. The second threshold may represent a level of light at which the illumination is to be turned OFF {e.g., dawn threshold). If the detected level of light is at least equal to the second threshold, control passes to 746.
Otherwise, control returns to 704 and the method 700 may repeat.
At 746, at least one component of the illumination system validates the result of the comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the second threshold with respect to at least one expected condition. In other words, the component validates the detection of the occurrence of an event or condition {e.g., dawn). For example, the microprocessor may compare an actual level of illumination detected to an expected level of illumination for the particular location, at the current time and current date. Also for example, the microprocessor can compare the actual time of the event or detection thereof to an expected or predicted time of the event {e.g., dawn) at the particular location and current date. Such approaches are may identify malfunctions, unintentional interference with, or even
intentional tampering. Identifying such aberrations may facilitate in preventing or detecting false positive or false negative results. Such approaches are discussed in detail below, in reference to Figures 8 and 9.
At 748, at least one component of the illumination system determines whether the detection was valid. If the detection was valid control passes to 754. If the detection was not valid or was invalid, control passes to 750.
At 750, at least one component of the illumination system produces a notification or alert. As previously discussed, the notification or alert may take many forms, which will not be repeated here in the interest of brevity.
Optionally at 752, at least one component of the illumination system may maintain or adjust a level of output of the at least one illumination source. For example, the microprocessor may cause the output of the illumination sources to be maintained or increased to a relatively high level, at or proximate a highest output level of the illumination sources. Such may be
particular appropriate where failure of a component (e.g., sensor) or tampering may be suspected based on the determination that the detection was not valid. Control then returns to 704, and the method 700 is repeated, or may be called again by a calling routine or program.
In response to determining that a detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal to or greater than a second threshold (e.g. dawn threshold) at 744 and determining the detected condition is valid at 748, at least one component of the illumination system turns OFF the at least one
illumination source at 754. For example, the microcontroller may control a power supply or other circuit to cause cessation of electrical power being supplied to one or more of the illumination sources. Control may pass to 704, and the method 700 repeated.
The method 700 may be implemented to automatically turn ON and turn OFF illumination in response to detected ambient conditions, and to selectively increase and decrease the level of illumination at selected times and/or in response to detection of motion. Such may reduce, or even eliminate, the need to train, learn or adjust to the lighting conditions at a current location, or may eliminate that training, learning, or adjustment to refinements related to artificial light sources or conditions at the location. Thus, for example, a single retrofit or integral control subsystem may be sold and/or installed in locations at widely different latitudes (e.g., Miami, Florida and Nome, Alaska) with little or no self training required by the system. Notably, the variation in the length of daylight/nighttime is more extreme the farther a location is from the Equator. Such retrofit or integral control subsystem can automatically accommodate to the significant differences between locales. The microcontroller may store the time (e.g., time relative to turning ON, time indicated by real time clock) in the non-volatile storage media. The method 700 may advantageously include verification of the detection of conditions or events, allowing detection of suspected instances of unintentional failure of one or more components,
unintentional interference and/or intentional tampering with one or more components.
Figure 8 shows a method 800 of performing validating a detection of a condition or event, according to one illustrated embodiment. The method 800 may be useful in performing the validating 714, 746 (Figures 7A-7C) of the method 700.
At 802, at least one component of the illumination system determines the level of light expected in the ambient environment for the determined current location, current date and/or the current time. The current location may be derived from one or more signals received from an external source, for instance from one or more GPS satellites or cellular
communications base stations. The current date and/or current time may likewise be derived from one or more signals received from an external source, or alternatively, or additionally be derived from a calendar and/or real world time clock maintained by the illumination system. The illumination system may from time to time synchronize the calendar and/or real world time clock maintained thereby with the current date and/or time indicated in the signal(s) received from the external source(s).
A microcontroller may access lookup tables stored in non-volatile memory to determine the expected level of light based on the determined current location, current date and/or the current time. The lookup tables may include data representing solar midnight and solar noon, and/or times for sunrise and sunset. Alternatively, or additionally, the microcontroller may analytically calculate the expected level of light information based on the determined current location, current date and/or the current time using one or more formulas. The microcontroller may also adjust the expected level of illumination based on whether day light savings applies in the particular location. The microcontroller may even adjust the expected level of illumination based on current or forecasted weather conditions, which may be indicated in the received signals. As a further alternative, the microcontroller may wirelessly
query a remote database via a wireless network with the determined current location, current date and/or the current time, to obtain the expected level of light.
At 804, at least one component of the illumination system determines whether a detected level of light in the ambient environment is within a defined threshold of an expected level of light in the ambient environment for the determined current location, current date and/or the current time. In other words, the component, for instance the microprocessor, validates the detection by ensuring that the actual level of light detected in the ambient environment is what is expected or predicted for the time of day, at the time of year and the particular location. Otherwise, the detection may be the result of an aberrant condition, for example a failure of a component or intentional tampering or unintentional interference.
The defined threshold provides a margin of variability in expected light level in the ambient environment, compensating for fluctuations due to high light pollution, clouds, phases of the moon, and other natural causes of variation in nighttime levels of light. In some instances it may be useful to set the defined threshold to detect unwanted covering of the ambient light sensors, such as by a hand, bag or dark plastic or the shinning of some other light source at the sensor. Thus, the illumination system sensitivity may be adjusted to differentiate between natural causes of changing light levels and the actions of perpetrators seeking to manually defeat the purpose of the illumination system.
So, at 804, the illumination system is essentially determining whether the determination or measurement of ambient light conditions made is consistent with what is expected for the particular current location and/or current date and/or time. If the detected level of light in the ambient
environment is within a defined threshold of an expected level of light in the ambient environment, the detection is identified as valid at 806, and if not the detection is identified as not valid or invalid at 808.
Figure 9 shows a method 900 of performing validating a detection of a condition or event, according to another illustrated embodiment. The method 900 may be useful in performing the validating 714, 746 (Figures 7A- 7C) of the method 700.
At 902, at least one component of the illumination system determines an expected time of day at which a particular trigger event or condition {e.g., light levels associated with dusk and/or dawn) is predicted to occur for the determined current location, current date and/or the current time. The current location may be derived from one or more signals received from an external source, for instance from one or more GPS satellites or cellular communications base stations. The current date and/or current time may likewise be derived from one or more signals received from an external source, or alternatively, or additionally be derived from a calendar and/or real world time clock maintained by the illumination system. The illumination system may from time to time synchronize the calendar and/or real world time clock maintained thereby with the current date and/or time indicated in the signal(s) received from the external source(s).
The microcontroller may access lookup tables stored in nonvolatile memory or storage media to determine the expected level of light based on the determined current location, current date and/or the current time. The lookup tables may include data representing solar midnight and solar noon, and/or times for sunrise and sunset. Alternatively, or additionally, the
microcontroller may analytically calculate the expected time information based on the determined current location, current date and/or the current time using one or more formulas. The microcontroller may also adjust the expected time based on whether day light savings time is in effective or applicable in the particular location. The microcontroller may even adjust the expected time based on current or forecasted weather conditions, which may be indicated in the received signals. As a further alternative, the microcontroller may wirelessly
query a remote database via a wireless network with the determined current location, current date and/or the current time, to obtain the expected time.
At 904, at least one component of the illumination system determines whether a detected time at which the event or condition occurred or was sensed in the ambient environment is within a defined threshold of the expected time that the event or condition was predicted to occur for the determined current location, current date and/or the current time. In other words, the component, for instance the microprocessor, validates the detection by ensuring that the actual time that the event or condition occurred or was sensed is what is expected for the time of day, at the time of year and the particular location. Otherwise, the detection may be the result of an aberrant condition, for example a failure of a component or intentional tampering or unintentional interference.
The defined threshold provides a margin of variability in expected time, compensating for fluctuations due to high light pollution, clouds, phases of the moon, and other natural causes of variation in nighttime levels of light. In some instances it may be useful to set the defined threshold to detect unwanted covering of the ambient light sensors, such as by a hand, bag or dark plastic or the shinning of some other light source at the sensor. Thus, the illumination system sensitivity may be adjusted to differentiate between natural causes of changing light levels and the actions of perpetrators seeking to manually defeat the purpose of the illumination system.
So, at 904, the illumination system is essentially determining whether the determination or measurement of ambient light conditions made is consistent with what is expected for the particular current location and/or current date and/or time. If the detected time that the event or condition actually occurred is within a defined threshold of an expected time that the event or condition was predicted to occur, the detection is identified as valid at 906, and if not the detection is identified as not valid or invalid at 908.
Figure 10 shows a method 1000 of operating a retrofit or integral control subsystem to determine a location of the illumination system based at least in part on GPS data from GPS satellites and to determine an expected level of light based at least in part on the determined location, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment. The method 1000 may be employed with the method 700 (Figures 7A-7C).
At 1002, a receiver receives signals from GPS satellites. The receiver may employ a passive or active antenna, although signal reception is significantly better with active antennas when compared to passive antennas. The receiver synchronizes with and receives information from and about at least one satellite. Each GPS satellite transmits the date, time, the satellite's orbit information, and an orbit almanac of the other GPS satellites. While date and time may be acquired from a single satellite, determination of a static location typically requires synchronization with at least three GPS satellites. Notably, the GPS receiver may be an integral part of the illumination system or even the luminaire or may be separate and distinct therefrom.
At 1004, the retrofit or integral control subsystem determines at least a current latitude of the illumination system from the received signals. Determining latitude may be particularly important when compensating for differences in lengths of days and lengths of nights as a location of interest moves further away from the equator. The retrofit or integral control subsystem determines the latitude of the illumination system by triangulating the signals received from multiple GPS satellites.
Optionally, at 1006, the retrofit or integral control subsystem determines a current longitude of the illumination system from the received signals. Determining latitude and/or longitudinal allows control subsystems to be advantageously manufactured without any knowledge of or regard for the particular locations where those systems may be installed.
Optionally, at 1008, the retrofit or integral control subsystem determines whether daylight savings applies for the particular location and date.
The control subsystem may use a lookup table which may include information regarding the time zones of continents, countries, states or other geographical or political boundaries. The lookup table may, for example, produce an offset from coordinated universal time (UTC) based upon inputs of latitude, longitude, and the date of the request.
At 1010, the retrofit or integral control subsystem determines the current time from the received signals. The control subsystem determines the current time by parsing the data stream output from the GPS receiver.
Optionally, at 1012, the retrofit or integral control subsystem updates the real time clock. Common electronics use quartz based real time clocks because quartz crystal-based clocks are cheaper to manufacture than the more precise time keeping alternatives. The determined current time from the received signals may be used to update the real time clock of the
illumination system.
The method 1000 may be integrated with the method 700, method
800, method 900 and/or any of the other previously described methods.
Figure 1 1 shows a method 1 100 of operating a retrofit or integral control subsystem to determine a current location of a lighting system based at least in part on signals from one or more cellular base stations, and to determine an expected level of light based at least in part on the determined location, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment. The method 1 100 may be employed with the method 700 (Figures 7A-7C).
At 1 102, a cellular communications receiver receives signals from one or more cellular base stations. The received signals may include information identifying the carrier, the signal strength, the state and county of the base station, and general handshaking instructions for the receiving device to follow.
At 1 104, the retrofit or integral control subsystem determines at least a current latitude of the illumination system from the received signals. The cellular base stations track the locations of cellular receivers/transceivers using
triangulation or other methods. The one or more cellular base stations may transmit latitude coordinate of the illumination system to the receiver upon receipt of a proper query to the base station. Alternatively, the retrofit or integral control subsystem may perform the triangulation or other position estimating algorithm based on signals received from two or more
geographically disparate cellular base stations. Notably, the cellular
communications receiver may be an integral part of the illumination system or even the luminaire or may be separate and distinct therefrom.
Optionally, at 1 106, the retrofit or integral control subsystem determines a current longitude coordinate of the illumination system. For example, the retrofit or integral control subsystem may transmit a query to the one or more cellular base stations and may decode the reply received from the one or more cellular base stations. Determining latitude and/or longitudinal allows control subsystems to be advantageously manufactured without any knowledge of or regard for the particular locations where those systems may be installed.
Optionally, at 1 108, the retrofit or integral control subsystem determines whether daylight savings applies for the particular location and date. The control subsystem may use a lookup table which may include information regarding the time zones of continents, countries, states or other geographical or political boundaries. The lookup table may, for example, produce an offset from coordinated universal time (UTC) based upon inputs of latitude, longitude, and the current date.
At 1 1 10, the retrofit or integral control subsystem determines the current time from the received signals. The control subsystem determines the current time by decoding the stream of data transmitted by the cellular base stations. The time may already be adjusted for daylight savings time, the time may be in UTC format, or the time may be adjusted for the location serviced by the cellular base station.
Optionally, at 1 1 12, the retrofit or integral control subsystem updates the real time clock. Common electronics use quartz based real time clocks because quartz crystal-based clocks are cheaper to manufacture than the more precise time keeping alternatives. The determined current time from the received signals may be used to update the real time clock of the
illumination system.
The method 1 100 may be integrated with the method 700, method 800, method 900and/or any of the other previously described methods.
Figure 12 shows a low level method 1200 of operating a control subsystem of an illumination system to produce a notification, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment. The method 1200 may be employed with the method 700 (Figures 17A-17C).
At 1202, at least one component of the illumination system transmits an alert over one or more communications channels. The employed communications channel may take a variety of forms. The data-based alert may take the form of an SMS, text message, or email message over a cellular network. The illumination system may transmit the alert by utilizing the communications protocols of facsimile or DSP over a landline to transmit an alert to a server, telephone, or fax machine. Alternatively, the illumination system may transmit an alert over a wireless network, such as a LAN, WAN, or MAN. The alert may be directed to a central system controlling several illumination systems, a personal computer, or an automated system which initiates video recording of the area proximate to the illumination device.
At 1204, at least one component of the illumination system illuminates an alert at the luminaire and/or remotely therefrom. The illumination system may illuminate one or more lights of uniform or differing colors. The illumination system may illuminate the lights in an alarming pattern, such as rapid flashing, to indicate a error or problem has occurred.
At 1206, at least one component of the illumination system produces an aural alert at the luminaire and/or remotely therefrom. The aural
alert may take on a variety of forms. For example, the alert may be a recording which repeats the phrase "an error has been detected." As another example, the alert may be an alarming sound such as a siren, klaxon, repeated horn honks, or a series of chimes that gradually grow louder.
Figure 13 shows a high level method 1300 of operating a control system of an illumination system to provide illumination, according to one non- limiting illustrated embodiment.
At 1302, at least one component of the illumination system receives one or more signals indicative of a current location of the illumination system. Optionally, the at least one component also receives signals indicative of the current time. For example, an integral control subsystem may include a receiver configured to receive GPS signals, cellular network signals, wireless networks signals, landline signals, radio signals, or the like.
At 1304, at least one component of the illumination system determines the location of the illumination source. The illumination system may include an integral control subsystem that include a microcontroller configured to decode a stream of data, including latitude and longitude data from a receiver such as a GPS receiver, to determine the location of the illumination system. The microcontroller may then store the location in a non-volatile memory. As another example, the microcontroller may be operable to determine the location by querying a receiver which is configured to acquire latitude and longitude data from cellular network radio towers.
At 1306, at least one component of the illumination system determines whether day light saving times applies at a current location. The illumination system may include a real time or solar clock and/or calendar. The clock may be initially set by user input or by synchronizing the clock based upon GPS signals, cellular network signals, radio signals, or other signals received by the receiver. A microprocessor of the illumination system may use a lookup table stored in a non-transitory storage medium or create a database query for the location and date to determine whether: 1 ) the location employees
day light savings time, and if so 2) whether day light savings time is in effect on that date in at the location. Alternatively, the microprocessor may wirelessly query a remote.
At 1308, at least one component such as a microprocessor of the illumination system converts time from one format {e.g., UCT, GMT) to a local time format. Such may include accounting for time zone differences between UCT or GMT and the time zone in which the location is located. Such may also include accounting for day light savings time if in effect for the current location on the current date.
Optionally at 1310, at least one component of the illumination system updates or synchronizes an internal clock and/or calendar based on current time and/or current date information received from one or more external sources.
At 1312, at least one component of the illumination system validates the determined condition. For example, a microprocessor may determine whether the detected level of light is within a threshold of an expected or predicted level of light. The expected level of light may be based upon the determined location of the illumination system on the Earth, the determined current date or season of the year, and/or the determined current time. Also for example, a microprocessor may determine whether an actual time at which an event {e.g., dusk, dawn) occurred or was sensed is within a threshold of an expected time at which the event was predicted to occur or be sensed. The threshold accommodates reasonable differences in actual conditions, for example, amount of cloud cover, phases of the moon, typical amounts of reflection associated with particular areas {e.g. urban, suburban, rural).
At 1314, at least one component of the illumination system determines if the detected condition was determined to be valid. If the actual or detected does not fall within the threshold of the expected, then the condition is
considered invalid, and control passes to 1316 where an alert or notification is produced. Otherwise, control returns 1302 and the method 1300 may repeat.
Also, for example, the various methods may include additional acts, omit some acts, and/or may perform the acts in a different order than set out in the various flow diagrams. The use of ordinals such as first, second and third does not necessarily imply a ranked sense of order, but rather may only distinguish between multiple instances of an act or structure.
Also, for example, the foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, schematics, and examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, schematics, and examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the present subject matter may be implemented via one or more microcontrollers. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in standard integrated circuits {e.g., Application Specific Integrated Circuits or ASICs), as one or more computer programs executed by one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs executed by on one or more controllers {e.g., microcontrollers) as one or more programs executed by one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and/or firmware would be well within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings of this disclosure.
When logic is implemented as software and stored in memory, logic or information can be stored on any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with any processor-related system or method. In the context of this disclosure, a memory is a computer-readable storage medium that is an
electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or means that non- transitorily contains or stores a computer and/or processor program. Logic and/or the information can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions associated with logic and/or information.
In the context of this specification, a "computer-readable medium" can be any element that can store the program associated with logic and/or information for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, and/or device. The computer-readable medium can be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable medium would include the following: a portable computer diskette (magnetic, compact flash card, secure digital, or the like), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), and digital tape.
The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. To the extent that they are not inconsistent with the specific teachings and definitions herein, all of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, including but not limited to U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2009/0278474, published November 12, 2009; U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2009/0284155, published November 19, 2009; U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2010/0090577, published April 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/051 ,619 filed May 8, 2008; U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/052,924 filed May 13, 2008; U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/088,651 filed August 13, 2008; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/1 15,438 filed November 17, 2008; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/154,619 filed February 23, 2009; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/174,913 filed May 1 , 2009; U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/180,017 filed May 20, 2009; U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/229,435 filed July 29, 2009; U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 12/619,535, filed November 16, 2009; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/295,519 filed January 15, 2010; U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 12/769,956, filed April 29, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Serial No. 61/333,983, filed May 12, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/346,263, filed May 19, 2010; Nonprovisional Patent Application Serial No. 12/ 784,091 , filed May 20, 2010; and U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application Serial No. 12/784,093, filed May 20, 2010; are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems, circuits and concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.
The above description of illustrated embodiments, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Although specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art. The teachings provided herein of the various embodiments can be applied to other contexts, not necessarily the exemplary context of controlling operations of an illumination system generally described above.
For example, while the illumination systems are generally described above as embodied in a luminaire, the control subsystem may control multiple luminaires. As used herein and in the claims, luminaire is used in its broadest sense to refer to any lighting fixture or structure. While a single step
adjustment downward and upward in the level of illumination has been described and illustrated, illumination level may be adjusted in multiple steps, or even continuously to gradually ramp downward some time after turning ON the light source, then eventually back upward some time before turning OFF the light source. Additionally, or alternatively, the embodiments described herein may be combined with motion or proximity detecting, either as implemented by a luminaire control mechanism or by a retrofit or integral control subsystem.
The microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406 may be programmable and may include one or more input ports (not illustrated) through which a user can program the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406. For example, the time delays and the various illumination levels of the light source may be programmed. The input port may include switches and/or potentiometers that can be set to program the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406. Alternatively, the input port may include communications interface for the user to remotely program the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406 whether through a wire or wirelessly. The input port may be the ambient light sensor which is connected to the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406. For example, the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406 may be programmable optically via one or more images captured by an image capture device or imager (not illustrated). For instance, the image sensor may capture images of printed barcode symbols, which encode information used to set delay times and other parameters used by the
microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406. The microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406 may also receive a one-bit input via the input port to activate or deactivate the light source. For example, a binary bit of "0" turns OFF the light source 1 10 and a binary bit of "1 " turns ON the light source.
Also for example, the control subsystem 312, 512, 406 may further include a communication device. The communication device may be communicatively coupled to the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406. The communication device may be further coupled to an external data network
using protocols in compliance with any or all of the Ethernet, the RS-485 and wireless communication standards, such as the IEEE 802.1 1 standards for example, or commercially or proprietary power line carrier control standards. The communication device may be used to remotely program the
microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406. Alternatively, the
communication device may be used to transmit information from the control subsystem 312, 512 or control system 406 to a remote user or processor based system. For example, the communication device may be used to transmit a notification signal from the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406 indicative of turning ON, turning OFF, increasing or decreasing output from a light source. The communication device may be used to transmit an actuation signal from the microcontroller 314, 514 or control system 406 to actuate a device such as an alarm or an automatic door.
These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific
embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.
Claims
1 . A method of operating an illumination system including at least one light source and at least one controller, the method comprising:
from time-to-time, detecting a level of light in an ambient environment;
comparing by the at least one controller the detected level of light in the ambient environment to a first threshold;
validating by the at least one controller a result of the comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the first threshold with respect to at least one expected condition; and
adjusting by the at least one controller an output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein validating a result of the comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the first threshold with respect to at least one expected condition includes: comparing by the at least one controller an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold to an expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for at least one of a current location or a current date; determining that the result of the comparison is valid if the actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date; or determining that the result of the comparison is invalid if the actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is not within the second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein validating a result of the comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the first threshold with respect to at least one expected condition includes: comparing by the at least one controller the detected level of light in the ambient
environment to an expected level of light for at least one of a current location, a current date or a current time; determining that the result of the comparison is valid if the detected level of light in the ambient environment is within a second threshold of the expected level of light for the at least one of the current location, the current date or the current time; or determining that the result of the comparison is invalid if the detected level of light in the ambient
environment is not within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the at least one of the current location, the current date or the current time.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein comparing the detected level of light in the ambient environment to an expected level of light for at least one of a current time or a current location includes comparing the detected level of light to a value indicative of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein from time-to-time, detecting a level of light in an ambient environment includes continuously receiving a signal at the at least one controller from an ambient light sensor which is part of the illumination system, the signal indicative of the level of light in the ambient environment.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
receiving a location signal at the at least one controller indicative of the current location; and
determining by the at least one controller at least one of an excepted level of light or an expected time at which the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold based on the current location identified by the location signal.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:
receiving a time signal at the at least one controller indicative of the current time.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein receiving a location signal indicative of the current location includes receiving the location signal from a global positioning system receiver.
9. The method of claim 6 wherein receiving a location signal indicative of the current location includes receiving the signal from at least one cellular communications system receiver.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein adjusting an output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient
environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the
comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition includes turning the at least one light source ON if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or less than a turn ON threshold and an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date.
1 1 . The method of claim 1 wherein adjusting an output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient
environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the
comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition includes turning the at least one light source ON if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or less than a turn ON threshold and the detected level of light in the ambient environment is within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein adjusting an output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient
environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the
comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition includes turning the at least one light source OFF if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or greater than a turn OFF threshold and an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein adjusting an output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient
environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the
comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition includes turning the at least one light source OFF if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or greater than a turn OFF threshold and the detected level of light in the ambient environment is within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location.
14. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
reducing the output of the at least one light source to a non-zero level when a first real time in a daily cycle is reached.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: detecting motion at least proximate an area being illuminated; and in response to the detecting motion, temporally increasing the output of the at least one light source.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: increasing the output of the at least one light source when a second real time in the daily cycle is reached.
17. The method of claim 16 when the result of the comparison is invalid with respect to the at least one expected condition, further comprising:
repeating at least the reducing and the increasing the output of the at least one light source when the first and the second real times, respectively, are reached for a number of additional daily cycles.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein repeating at least the reducing and the increasing the output of the at least one light source when the first and the second real times, respectively, are reached for a number of additional daily cycles, further includes turning ON the at least one light source at a time in a daily cycle that corresponds to dusk and turning OFF the at least one light source at a time in the daily cycle that corresponds to dawn.
19. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
producing by the controller an external notification if the detected level of light in the ambient environment is not within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:
in response to determining that the result of the comparison is invalid, causing the output of the at least one light source to be at least proximate a highest level of the at least one light source.
21 . A system to control illumination, the system comprising: at least one controller that:
from time-to-time, receives a signal indicative of a level of light in an ambient environment;
compares the detected level of light in the ambient environment to an expected level of light for at least one of a current time or a current location;
compares the detected level of light in the ambient environment to a first threshold;
validates a result of the comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the first threshold with respect to at least one expected condition; and
adjusts an output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition.
22. The system of claim 21 wherein to validate a result of the comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the first threshold with respect to at least one expected condition, the at least one controller: compares an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold to an expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for at least one of a current location or a current date; determines that the result of the comparison is valid if the actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date; or determines that the result of the comparison is invalid if the actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is not within the second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date.
23. The system of claim 21 wherein to validate a result of the comparison of the detected level of light in the ambient environment to the first threshold with respect to at least one expected condition, the at least one controller: compares the detected level of light in the ambient environment to an expected level of light for at least one of a current location, a current date or a current time; determines that the result of the comparison is valid if the detected level of light in the ambient environment is within a second threshold of the expected level of light for the at least one of the current location, the current date or the current time; or determines that the result of the comparison is invalid if the detected level of light in the ambient environment is not within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the at least one of the current location, the current date or the current time.
24. The system of claim 23 wherein the at least one controller compares the detected level of light to a value indicative of an expected level of light for the current time at the current location.
25. The system of claim 21 , further comprising: an ambient light sensor, wherein the at least one controller continuously receives a signal from the ambient light sensor, the signal indicative of the level of light in the ambient environment.
26. The system of claim 21 wherein the at least one controller further receives a location signal indicative of the current location; and determines at least one of an excepted level of light or an expected time at which the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold based at least in part on the current location identified by the location signal.
27. The system of claim 26 wherein the at least one controller further receives a time signal indicative of the current time.
28. The system of claim 26, further comprising: an antenna; and
a global positioning receiver communicatively coupled to the antenna to receive a global positioning signal from a number of global positioning system satellites, wherein the at least one controller is
communicatively coupled to the global positioning receiver to receive the location signal indicative of the current location.
29. The system of claim 26, further comprising: an antenna; and
a cellular communications receiver communicatively coupled to the antenna to receive a cellular communications signal from a number of cellular communications antennas, wherein the at least one controller is communicatively coupled to the cellular communications receiver to receive the location signal indicative of the current location.
30. The system of claim 21 wherein to adjust the output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the
comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition the at least one controller turns the at least one light source ON if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or less than a turn ON threshold and an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date.
31 . The system of claim 21 wherein to adjust the output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the
comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition the at least one controller turns the at least one light source ON if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or less than a turn ON threshold and the detected level of light in the ambient environment is within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location.
32. The system of claim 21 wherein to adjust the output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the
comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition the at least one controller turns the at least one light source OFF if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or greater than a turn OFF threshold and an actual time at which the detected level of light satisfied the first threshold is within a second threshold of the expected time when the level of light is predicted to satisfy the first threshold for the at least one of the current location or the current date.
33. The system of claim 21 wherein to adjust the output of the at least one light source if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment at least satisfies the first threshold and the result of the comparison is valid with respect to the at least one expected condition the at least one controller turns the at least one light source OFF if both the detected level of light in the ambient environment is equal or greater than a turn OFF threshold and the detected level of light in the ambient environment is within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location.
34. The system of claim 21 wherein the at least one controller reduces the output of the at least one light source to a non-zero level when a first real time in a daily cycle is reached.
35. The system of claim 34 wherein the at least one controller further:
detects motion at least proximate an area being illuminated; and in response to the detection of motion, temporally increases the output of the at least one light source.
36. The system of claim 35 wherein the at least one controller, further:
increases the output of the at least one light source when a second real time in the daily cycle is reached.
37. The system of claim 36 wherein when the result of the comparison is invalid with respect to the at least one expected condition, the at least one controller further:
repeats at least the reducing and the increasing the output of the at least one light source when the first and the second real times, respectively, are reached for a number of additional daily cycles.
38. The system of claim 36 wherein repeating at least the reducing and the increasing the output of the at least one light source when the first and the second real times, respectively, are reached for a number of additional daily cycles, further includes turning ON the at least one light source at a time in a daily cycle that corresponds to dusk and turning OFF the at least one light source at a time in the daily cycle that corresponds to dawn.
39. The system of claim 21 wherein the at least one controller further produces an external notification if the detected level of light in the ambient environment is not within the second threshold of the expected level of light for the current time at the current location.
40. The system of claim 39 wherein when the result of the comparison is invalid with respect to the at least one expected condition the at least one controller causes the output of the at least one light source to be at least proximate a highest level of the at least one light source.
41 . The system of claim 21 , further comprising: the at least one light source.
42. A method of operating an illumination system including at least one light source, the method comprising:
determining by a controller, an expected ambient environment illumination condition for a current location at a defined date and time;
comparing by the controller, an actual ambient environment illumination condition detected in the ambient environment at the current location with the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition; and
in response to determining an existence of a difference between the actual ambient environment illumination condition and the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition, producing by the controller, at least one of a notification or a record indicative of an aberrant event.
43. The method of claim 42, further comprising: receiving a location signal by the controller, the location signal indicative of a current location of the illumination system.
44. The method of claim 43 wherein determining by a controller an expected ambient environment illumination condition includes determining at least one of an expected time of dusk or an expected time of dawn for the current location based at least in part on the current location indicated by the location signal.
45. The method of claim 43 wherein determining by a controller, an expected ambient environment illumination condition includes determining an expected level of illumination in the ambient environment for the current location at a defined time based at least in part on the current location indicated by the location signal.
46. The method of claim 43 wherein receiving a location signal by the controller includes receiving a location signal from a global positioning system receiver.
47. The method of claim 43 wherein receiving a location signal by the controller includes receiving a location signal from a cellular
communications system receiver.
48. The method of claim 42, further comprising:
detecting a level of light in an ambient environment via an ambient light sensor.
49. The method of claim 42 wherein producing a notification includes transmitting a signal externally from the illumination system.
50. The method of claim 42 wherein producing a notification includes illuminating a warning indicator of the illumination system.
51 . The method of claim 42 wherein comparing an actual ambient environment illumination condition with the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition includes at least one of: determining whether a detected level of illumination in the ambient environment is below an expected level of illumination by more than the defined threshold or determining whether the detected level of illumination in the ambient environment is above the expected level of illumination by more than the defined threshold.
52. The method of claim 42 wherein comparing an actual ambient environment illumination condition with the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition includes at least one of: determin whether an actual time when dusk in the ambient environment is detected is within a first threshold of an expected time at which dusk was predicted or whether an actual time when dawn in the ambient environment is detected is within a second threshold of an expected time at which dawn was predicted.
53. A system to control illumination, comprising: at least one controller that:
determines an expected ambient environment illumination condition for a current location at a defined date and time; compares an actual ambient environment illumination condition detected in the ambient environment a the current location with the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition; and
in response to a determination that a difference between the actual ambient environmental illumination condition and the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition, produces at least one of a notification or a record indicative of an aberrant event.
54. The system of claim 53 wherein the at least one controller receives a location signal, the location signal indicative of a current location of the illumination system.
55. The system of claim 54 wherein to determine an expected ambient environment illumination condition the at least one controller determines at least one of an expected time of dusk or an expected time of dawn for the current location based at least in part on the current location indicated by the location signal.
56. The system of claim 54 wherein the at least one controller determines an expected level of illumination in the ambient environment based at least in part on the current location indicated by the location signal.
57. The system of claim 53, further comprising: an antenna; and
a global positioning receiver communicatively coupled to the antenna to receive a global positioning signal from a number of global positioning system satellites, wherein the at least one controller is
communicatively coupled to the global positioning receiver to receive the location signal indicative of the current location.
58. The system of claim 53, further comprising:
an antenna; and
a cellular communications receiver communicatively coupled to the antenna to receive a cellular communications signal from a number of cellular communications antennas, wherein the at least one controller is communicatively coupled to the cellular communications receiver to receive the location signal indicative of the current location.
59. The system of claim 53, further comprising: an ambient light sensor communicatively coupled to provide ambient light level signals to the at least one controller.
60. The system of claim 53 wherein the at least one controller produces the notification as a signal transmit externally from the system.
61 . The system of claim 60 wherein the at least one controller produces the notification as an illuminated warning indicator of the system.
62. The system of claim 53 wherein to compare an actual ambient environment illumination condition with the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition the at least one controller determines at least one of whether a detected level of illumination in the ambient environment is below an expected level of illumination by more than the defined threshold or whether the detected level of illumination in the ambient environment is above the expected level of illumination by more than the defined threshold.
63. The system of claim 53 wherein to compare an actual ambient environment illumination condition with the determined expected ambient environment illumination condition the at least one controller determines whether an actual time when dusk in the ambient environment is detected is within a first threshold of an expected time at which dusk was predicted or whether an actual time when dawn in the ambient environment is detected is within a second threshold of an expected time at which dawn was predicted.
64. The system of claim 53, further comprising: at least one light source; and wherein the at least one controller adjusts a level of illumination produced by the at least one light source.
65. A method of operating an illumination system including at least one light source, the method comprising:
receiving a signal by a controller from an external source, the signal indicative of at least one of a current location of the illumination system, a current date or a current time; and
controlling a level of illumination produced by the at least one light source based at least in part on at least one of the current location of the illumination system, the current date or the current time.
66. The method of claim 65 wherein receiving a signal by the controller includes receiving a signal via a global positioning system receiver from at least one global positioning satellite.
67. The method of claim 66, further comprising: determining by a controller, an expected level of illumination in an ambient environment based at least in part on at least one of the current location of the illumination system, the current date or the current time;
comparing by the controller, a detected level of illumination in the ambient environment with the determined expected level of illumination in the ambient environment; and in response to determining an existence of a difference between the detected level of illumination in the ambient environment and the
determined expected level of illumination in the ambient environment which exceeds a defined threshold, producing by the controller, at least one of a notification or a record indicative of the existence.
68. The method of claim 66, further comprising: determining by a controller, an expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn based at least in part on at least one of the current location of the illumination system, the current date or the current time;
comparing by the controller, a detected occurrence of at least one of dusk or dawn in the ambient environment with the determined expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn; and
in response to determining an existence of a difference between the detected occurrence of at least one of dusk or dawn and the determined expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn which exceeds a defined threshold, producing by the controller, at least one of a notification or a record indicative of an aberrant condition.
69. A system to control illumination, comprising: at least one antenna;
at least one receiver communicatively coupled to the at least one antenna to receive signals from an external source, the signals indicative of at least one of a current location of the illumination system, a current date or a current time; and
at least one controller communicatively coupled to the at least one receiver to receive information therefrom, and which controls a level of illumination produced by the at least one light source based at least in part on at least one of the current location of the illumination system, the current date or the current time.
70. The system of claim 69 wherein the at least one receiver is a global positioning receiver communicatively coupled to the antenna to receive a number of global positioning signals from a number of global positioning system satellites.
71 . The system of claim 70 wherein the at least one controller determines an expected level of illumination in the ambient environment based at least in part on the current location, the current date or the current time;
compares a detected level of illumination in the ambient environment with the determined expected level of illumination in the ambient environment; and in response to determining an existence of a difference between the detected level of illumination in the ambient environment and the determined expected level of illumination in the ambient environment which exceeds a defined threshold, produces at least one of a notification or a record indicative of an aberrant condition.
72. The system of claim 70 wherein the at least one controller determines an expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn based at least in part on at least one of the current location of the illumination system, the current date or the current time; compares a detected occurrence of at least one of dusk or dawn in the ambient environment with the determined expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn; and in response to a determination that an existence of a difference between the detected occurrence of at least one of dusk or dawn and the determined expected time of at least one of dusk or dawn which exceeds a defined threshold, produces at least one of a notification or a record indicative of an aberrant condition.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP12771286.7A EP2698040B1 (en) | 2011-04-12 | 2012-04-11 | Apparatus and method of energy efficient illumination using received signals |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/085,301 US8901825B2 (en) | 2011-04-12 | 2011-04-12 | Apparatus and method of energy efficient illumination using received signals |
US13/085,301 | 2011-04-12 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2012142115A2 true WO2012142115A2 (en) | 2012-10-18 |
WO2012142115A3 WO2012142115A3 (en) | 2012-12-13 |
Family
ID=47005919
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2012/033059 WO2012142115A2 (en) | 2011-04-12 | 2012-04-11 | Apparatus and method of energy efficient illumination using received signals |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US8901825B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2698040B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012142115A2 (en) |
Cited By (37)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014078854A1 (en) * | 2012-11-19 | 2014-05-22 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Luminaire with ambient sensing and autonomous control capabilities |
US8810138B2 (en) | 2009-05-20 | 2014-08-19 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus and method of energy efficient illumination |
US8872964B2 (en) | 2009-05-20 | 2014-10-28 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Long-range motion detection for illumination control |
US8878440B2 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2014-11-04 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Luminaire with atmospheric electrical activity detection and visual alert capabilities |
US8896215B2 (en) | 2012-09-05 | 2014-11-25 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus and method for schedule based operation of a luminaire |
US8901825B2 (en) | 2011-04-12 | 2014-12-02 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus and method of energy efficient illumination using received signals |
US8922124B2 (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2014-12-30 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Adjustable output solid-state lamp with security features |
US8926139B2 (en) | 2009-05-01 | 2015-01-06 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Gas-discharge lamp replacement with passive cooling |
US9125261B2 (en) | 2008-11-17 | 2015-09-01 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Electronic control to regulate power for solid-state lighting and methods thereof |
US9131552B2 (en) | 2012-07-25 | 2015-09-08 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus and method of operating a luminaire |
US9185777B2 (en) | 2014-01-30 | 2015-11-10 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Ambient light control in solid state lamps and luminaires |
US9204523B2 (en) | 2012-05-02 | 2015-12-01 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Remotely adjustable solid-state lamp |
US9210751B2 (en) | 2012-05-01 | 2015-12-08 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Solid state lighting, drive circuit and method of driving same |
US9288873B2 (en) | 2013-02-13 | 2016-03-15 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Systems, methods, and apparatuses for using a high current switching device as a logic level sensor |
US9301365B2 (en) | 2012-11-07 | 2016-03-29 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Luminaire with switch-mode converter power monitoring |
US9360198B2 (en) | 2011-12-06 | 2016-06-07 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Adjustable output solid-state lighting device |
US9414449B2 (en) | 2013-11-18 | 2016-08-09 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | High efficiency power controller for luminaire |
US9445485B2 (en) | 2014-10-24 | 2016-09-13 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Detection and correction of faulty photo controls in outdoor luminaires |
US9462662B1 (en) | 2015-03-24 | 2016-10-04 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Low power photocontrol for luminaire |
US9466443B2 (en) | 2013-07-24 | 2016-10-11 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Photocontrol for luminaire consumes very low power |
US9497393B2 (en) | 2012-03-02 | 2016-11-15 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Systems and methods that employ object recognition |
US9538612B1 (en) | 2015-09-03 | 2017-01-03 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Low power photocontrol for luminaire |
US9572230B2 (en) | 2014-09-30 | 2017-02-14 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Centralized control of area lighting hours of illumination |
US9924582B2 (en) | 2016-04-26 | 2018-03-20 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Luminaire dimming module uses 3 contact NEMA photocontrol socket |
US9961731B2 (en) | 2015-12-08 | 2018-05-01 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Luminaire with transmissive filter and adjustable illumination pattern |
US9985429B2 (en) | 2016-09-21 | 2018-05-29 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Inrush current limiter circuit |
US10098212B2 (en) | 2017-02-14 | 2018-10-09 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Systems and methods for controlling outdoor luminaire wireless network using smart appliance |
US10219360B2 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2019-02-26 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Systems and methods for outdoor luminaire wireless control |
US10230296B2 (en) | 2016-09-21 | 2019-03-12 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Output ripple reduction for power converters |
US10544917B2 (en) | 2016-08-24 | 2020-01-28 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Shade and wavelength converter for solid state luminaires |
US10568191B2 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2020-02-18 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Systems and methods for outdoor luminaire wireless control |
CN111083861A (en) * | 2019-11-20 | 2020-04-28 | 万翼科技有限公司 | Street lamp optimization control method and device, computer equipment and storage medium |
US10904992B2 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2021-01-26 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Systems and methods for outdoor luminaire wireless control |
US11212887B2 (en) | 2019-11-04 | 2021-12-28 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Light having selectively adjustable sets of solid state light sources, circuit and method of operation thereof, to provide variable output characteristics |
US11234304B2 (en) | 2019-05-24 | 2022-01-25 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Photocontroller to control operation of a luminaire having a dimming line |
US11375599B2 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2022-06-28 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Systems and methods for outdoor luminaire wireless control |
US11765805B2 (en) | 2019-06-20 | 2023-09-19 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Photocontroller and/or lamp with photocontrols to control operation of lamp |
Families Citing this family (80)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9565275B2 (en) | 2012-02-09 | 2017-02-07 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Transformation of industrial data into useful cloud information |
US8125163B2 (en) | 2008-05-21 | 2012-02-28 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Backlight adjustment system |
US20120319586A1 (en) * | 2011-06-14 | 2012-12-20 | Scott Riesebosch | Led lamp with integrated light detector |
US8610358B2 (en) | 2011-08-17 | 2013-12-17 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Electrostatic discharge protection for luminaire |
US9326362B2 (en) * | 2011-08-31 | 2016-04-26 | Chia-Teh Chen | Two-level LED security light with motion sensor |
US8866392B2 (en) | 2011-08-31 | 2014-10-21 | Chia-Teh Chen | Two-level LED security light with motion sensor |
KR20190130079A (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2019-11-20 | 매뉴팩처링 리소시스 인터내셔널 인코포레이티드 | System and method for environmental adaptation of display characteristics |
US8797415B2 (en) * | 2011-09-26 | 2014-08-05 | Google Inc. | Device, system and method for image capture device using weather information |
JP5902930B2 (en) * | 2011-12-02 | 2016-04-13 | ヤンマー株式会社 | Remote monitoring system management server |
US9477936B2 (en) | 2012-02-09 | 2016-10-25 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Cloud-based operator interface for industrial automation |
TW201339549A (en) * | 2012-03-30 | 2013-10-01 | Luxul Technology Inc | Illumination device with automatic constant lighting brightness effect and method of constant lighting brightness thereof |
US9402294B2 (en) | 2012-05-08 | 2016-07-26 | Lighting Science Group Corporation | Self-calibrating multi-directional security luminaire and associated methods |
US20140055619A1 (en) * | 2012-05-08 | 2014-02-27 | Lighting Science Group Corporation | Luminaire to emit light responsive to an emergency alert and associated methods |
CN102802327A (en) * | 2012-07-26 | 2012-11-28 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | LED (light emitting diode) street lamp and remote intelligent monitoring system thereof |
US9374875B2 (en) * | 2012-09-12 | 2016-06-21 | Ariel-University Research And Development Company Ltd. | Light fixture connectable device useful for establishing a network infrastructure |
US11699994B2 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2023-07-11 | Vaxcel International Co., Ltd. | Method of tuning light color temperature for LED lighting device and application thereof |
US9345112B2 (en) | 2013-03-09 | 2016-05-17 | Chia-Teh Chen | Microcontroller-based multifunctional electronic switch and lighting apparatus having the same |
US9538613B1 (en) * | 2012-10-26 | 2017-01-03 | Donald H. Jacobs | Light controller and method for controlling lights |
US9413194B2 (en) * | 2012-11-27 | 2016-08-09 | Lon W McCullough | Emergency lighting system |
US8884530B2 (en) * | 2013-02-07 | 2014-11-11 | Wen-Sung Lee | Intelligent illuminating device |
US9271375B2 (en) | 2013-02-25 | 2016-02-23 | Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc. | System and method for occupancy sensing with enhanced functionality |
US9144017B2 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2015-09-22 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Systems and methods for saving power in monitoring and tracking devices |
US9596734B2 (en) * | 2013-04-04 | 2017-03-14 | Philips Lighting Holding B.V. | Anti-tampering daylight harvesting system |
US9703902B2 (en) | 2013-05-09 | 2017-07-11 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Using cloud-based data for industrial simulation |
US9438648B2 (en) | 2013-05-09 | 2016-09-06 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Industrial data analytics in a cloud platform |
US9709978B2 (en) | 2013-05-09 | 2017-07-18 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Using cloud-based data for virtualization of an industrial automation environment with information overlays |
US9989958B2 (en) | 2013-05-09 | 2018-06-05 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Using cloud-based data for virtualization of an industrial automation environment |
US9786197B2 (en) | 2013-05-09 | 2017-10-10 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Using cloud-based data to facilitate enhancing performance in connection with an industrial automation system |
US10026049B2 (en) | 2013-05-09 | 2018-07-17 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Risk assessment for industrial systems using big data |
KR101497521B1 (en) * | 2013-11-20 | 2015-03-02 | 주식회사 천년의빛림스 | Emotion lighting device and method for controlling the same |
WO2015112774A1 (en) * | 2014-01-23 | 2015-07-30 | Eminvent, LLC | Systems and methods for altering and coordinating illumination characteristics |
TWI573494B (en) * | 2014-04-15 | 2017-03-01 | 索玉昇 | Illuminance based illumination regulating system and method |
CN106664785B (en) * | 2014-09-11 | 2019-11-15 | 飞利浦灯具控股公司 | It determines and is used for the movable method suitably illuminated |
US9433065B2 (en) * | 2014-11-05 | 2016-08-30 | Stmicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited | Lighting system including time of flight ranging system |
US11243505B2 (en) | 2015-03-16 | 2022-02-08 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Cloud-based analytics for industrial automation |
US11042131B2 (en) | 2015-03-16 | 2021-06-22 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Backup of an industrial automation plant in the cloud |
US10496061B2 (en) | 2015-03-16 | 2019-12-03 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Modeling of an industrial automation environment in the cloud |
US11513477B2 (en) | 2015-03-16 | 2022-11-29 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Cloud-based industrial controller |
JP6477093B2 (en) * | 2015-03-20 | 2019-03-06 | 岩崎電気株式会社 | LED lighting device and lighting device |
DE102015208002A1 (en) * | 2015-04-30 | 2016-11-03 | Zumtobel Lighting Gmbh | Method and system for improving a lighting control and method and system for controlling a lighting device |
US10593255B2 (en) | 2015-05-14 | 2020-03-17 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Electronic display with environmental adaptation of display characteristics based on location |
US10321549B2 (en) * | 2015-05-14 | 2019-06-11 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Display brightness control based on location data |
US10607520B2 (en) | 2015-05-14 | 2020-03-31 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Method for environmental adaptation of display characteristics based on location |
US10667372B2 (en) * | 2015-06-02 | 2020-05-26 | Gg Tech Products Co., Limited | Lighting system |
ES2946192T3 (en) * | 2015-11-30 | 2023-07-13 | Signify Holding Bv | Distinguishing devices that have positions and directions |
KR101811499B1 (en) * | 2015-12-15 | 2017-12-21 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Lighting device and controlling method for the same |
US10271404B1 (en) * | 2016-03-10 | 2019-04-23 | Heathco Llc | Linked security lighting system and methods |
US9869574B2 (en) * | 2016-05-16 | 2018-01-16 | The Boeing Company | System and method of allocating objects within storage bins |
WO2018009917A1 (en) | 2016-07-08 | 2018-01-11 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Controlling display brightness based on image capture device data |
US9781794B1 (en) * | 2016-11-17 | 2017-10-03 | Echelon Corporation | System and method for optimizing lighting in response to online weather data |
CN110023678B (en) | 2016-12-02 | 2021-05-18 | 伊顿智能动力有限公司 | Antenna for dangerous position lamp |
JP6964232B2 (en) * | 2017-04-25 | 2021-11-10 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | lighting equipment |
USD847404S1 (en) | 2017-11-20 | 2019-04-30 | Heathco Llc | Security light |
US10865980B1 (en) | 2017-11-29 | 2020-12-15 | Heathco Llc | Configurable security light |
USD853623S1 (en) | 2017-12-07 | 2019-07-09 | Heathco Llc | Security light |
US10578658B2 (en) | 2018-05-07 | 2020-03-03 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | System and method for measuring power consumption of an electronic display assembly |
US10932343B2 (en) | 2018-05-10 | 2021-02-23 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Switch protection apparatus and operating method thereof |
US10782276B2 (en) | 2018-06-14 | 2020-09-22 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | System and method for detecting gas recirculation or airway occlusion |
US11119448B2 (en) * | 2018-06-18 | 2021-09-14 | Richard M. Lienau | Faux solar-driven clock |
US11118779B2 (en) | 2018-10-19 | 2021-09-14 | Abl Ip Holding Llc | Luminaire with an integrated speaker |
CA3059316C (en) | 2018-10-19 | 2023-02-14 | Abl Ip Holding Llc | Antenna systems for wireless communication in luminaires |
CN109769333B (en) * | 2019-03-29 | 2020-02-04 | 山东建筑大学 | Event-driven household intelligent lighting method and system |
US11304281B2 (en) * | 2019-05-15 | 2022-04-12 | Open Platform Systems, Llc | Intelligent dusk detection for automatic light controller |
US11129257B2 (en) | 2019-07-27 | 2021-09-21 | Appleton Grp Llc | System for dynamic switching control of a luminaire |
WO2021034931A1 (en) * | 2019-08-20 | 2021-02-25 | Biotrillion, Inc. | Systems and methods for evaluating pupillary response |
US11343898B2 (en) | 2019-09-20 | 2022-05-24 | Appleton Grp Llc | Smart dimming and sensor failure detection as part of built in daylight harvesting inside the luminaire |
EP3799533A1 (en) * | 2019-09-27 | 2021-03-31 | Helvar Oy Ab | Self-adaptive lighting control |
US11526044B2 (en) | 2020-03-27 | 2022-12-13 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Display unit with orientation based operation |
CN111526649A (en) * | 2020-06-01 | 2020-08-11 | 沧州师范学院 | Intelligent illumination control method for new energy street lamp |
CN114449709B (en) * | 2020-11-03 | 2023-10-31 | 电威电机工厂股份有限公司 | Garden lamp control system and control method thereof |
US11324098B1 (en) * | 2020-11-03 | 2022-05-03 | Smart Electric Works Co., Ltd. | Garden lighting control system and method |
US20220409848A1 (en) * | 2021-02-02 | 2022-12-29 | Synapcis Inc. | Apparatus and method to stimulate creativity via color palette transitions in a virtual sky projected in a digital space with a collection of gaze points experiencing cyclical size changes |
WO2022169478A1 (en) * | 2021-02-02 | 2022-08-11 | Synapcis Inc. | Resetting circadian rhythms via color palette transitions in a virtual sky |
US11458280B2 (en) * | 2021-02-02 | 2022-10-04 | Synapcis Inc. | Apparatus and method for facilitating cognitive clarity via color palette transitions in a virtual sky projected in a digital space with a gaze point experiencing cyclical size changes |
US11452840B2 (en) * | 2021-02-02 | 2022-09-27 | Synapcis Inc. | Apparatus and method to mitigate trauma via color palette transitions in a virtual sky projected in a digital space with a collection of gaze points experiencing cyclical size changes |
US20220409851A1 (en) * | 2021-02-02 | 2022-12-29 | Synapcis Inc. | Apparatus and method for mitigating the effects of travel lag via color palette transitions in a virtual sky projected in a digital space |
US11777199B2 (en) | 2021-03-05 | 2023-10-03 | Abl Ip Holding Llc | Modular wireless modules for light fixtures |
WO2022271719A1 (en) * | 2021-06-22 | 2022-12-29 | Synapcis Inc. | Apparatus and method to mitigate trauma via color palette transitions in a virtual sky projected in a digital space with a collection of gaze points experiencing cyclical size changes |
WO2022271711A1 (en) * | 2021-06-22 | 2022-12-29 | Synapcis Inc. | Apparatus and method for facilitating cognitive clarity via color palette transitions in a virtual sky projected in a digital space with a gaze point experiencing cyclical size changes |
CN116086600A (en) * | 2022-04-11 | 2023-05-09 | 义明科技股份有限公司 | High-sensitivity light sensor and sensing method thereof |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100244708A1 (en) | 2009-03-26 | 2010-09-30 | Hong Kong Applied Science And Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd. | Lighting control system and method |
US7828463B1 (en) | 2007-04-25 | 2010-11-09 | Anton Michael Willis | Lunar resonant lighting |
Family Cites Families (290)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2240050A (en) | 1938-10-03 | 1941-04-29 | Gail R Nutty | Locking means for extension cords and the like |
US2745055A (en) | 1951-12-19 | 1956-05-08 | North American Aviation Inc | Load and control current feedback magnetic amplifier |
US3374396A (en) | 1967-01-09 | 1968-03-19 | Gen Electric | Starting, current limiting and voltage stabilizing circuit for high intensity arc discharge lamps |
US4153927A (en) | 1977-08-17 | 1979-05-08 | Owens Ossie E | Multi-function clipboard apparatus |
US4237377A (en) | 1979-05-23 | 1980-12-02 | Sansum Victor H | Photoelectric lamp control with sun-synchronized timer |
US4663521A (en) | 1985-02-15 | 1987-05-05 | Rca Corporation | Infrared radiation controlled switch with a visible light detector |
US5343121A (en) | 1986-10-09 | 1994-08-30 | Michael Terman | Naturalistic illumination system |
DE4001980A1 (en) | 1989-02-03 | 1990-08-09 | Albrecht H Sinnigen | Marking stud for road surfaces - has head with surface directed upwards provided with solar cells and light-responsive sensor switch |
US5086379A (en) | 1989-07-31 | 1992-02-04 | Intermatic Incorporated | Low voltage outdoor floodlight having adjustable beam pattern, ball and socket mounting, and novel cable handling |
JP3180364B2 (en) | 1990-09-25 | 2001-06-25 | 東芝ライテック株式会社 | High pressure discharge lamp and lighting method thereof |
US5161107A (en) | 1990-10-25 | 1992-11-03 | Mestech Creation Corporation | Traffic surveillance system |
US5160202A (en) | 1992-01-09 | 1992-11-03 | Legare Luc R | Illuminated concrete curbstone |
US7983817B2 (en) | 1995-06-07 | 2011-07-19 | Automotive Technologies Internatinoal, Inc. | Method and arrangement for obtaining information about vehicle occupants |
US5230556A (en) | 1992-09-08 | 1993-07-27 | J. M. Canty Associates Inc. | Lighting and viewing unit |
US5561351A (en) * | 1992-10-14 | 1996-10-01 | Diablo Research Corporation | Dimmer for electrodeless discharge lamp |
US5349505A (en) | 1992-11-24 | 1994-09-20 | Gty Industries | Wet niche light |
JPH06335241A (en) | 1993-03-26 | 1994-12-02 | Tokyo Electric Co Ltd | Transformer-coupled secondary dc power-supply forming device |
US5936362A (en) | 1993-04-07 | 1999-08-10 | Profile Systems, Llc | Programmable remote control systems for electrical apparatuses |
US5589741A (en) | 1993-04-22 | 1996-12-31 | Research Foundation For Mental Hygiene, Inc. | System for creating naturalistic illumination cycles |
US5450302A (en) | 1993-08-25 | 1995-09-12 | U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Exterior high intensity discharge illumination system and method for use |
CA2140559C (en) * | 1995-01-16 | 2007-04-10 | James Allan Baker | Energy management control system for fluorescent lighting |
US5838226A (en) | 1996-02-07 | 1998-11-17 | Lutron Electronics Co.Inc. | Communication protocol for transmission system for controlling and determining the status of electrical devices from remote locations |
US5892331A (en) | 1996-03-04 | 1999-04-06 | Hollaway; Jerrell P. | Lamp control responsive to rapid increases in ambient light |
US5869960A (en) | 1996-12-19 | 1999-02-09 | Brand; Ethan | Digital power consumption meter for displaying instantaneous and consumed electric power of an electrical device |
US5808294A (en) | 1997-01-14 | 1998-09-15 | Kenco Automatic Feeders | Electronic controller for scheduling device activation by sensing daylight |
US5892335A (en) | 1997-04-08 | 1999-04-06 | Eos Corporation | Gas discharge lamp with active crest factor correction |
US6035266A (en) | 1997-04-16 | 2000-03-07 | A.L. Air Data, Inc. | Lamp monitoring and control system and method |
US6160353A (en) * | 1998-06-18 | 2000-12-12 | Mancuso; Michael L. | Remote positionable photocell device for use with an exterior landscape lighting assembly |
US6154015A (en) | 1998-07-14 | 2000-11-28 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | DC-DC converter |
US6149283A (en) | 1998-12-09 | 2000-11-21 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Rpi) | LED lamp with reflector and multicolor adjuster |
JP2000339589A (en) | 1999-05-25 | 2000-12-08 | Fujitsu Ltd | Traffic safety auxiliary system for vehicle and recording medium |
US6111739A (en) | 1999-08-11 | 2000-08-29 | Leotek Electronics Corporation | LED power supply with temperature compensation |
US6954859B1 (en) | 1999-10-08 | 2005-10-11 | Axcess, Inc. | Networked digital security system and methods |
US6753842B1 (en) | 1999-12-20 | 2004-06-22 | Qualcomm Incorporated | System and method for backlighting control in a wireless communication device |
US6681195B1 (en) | 2000-03-22 | 2004-01-20 | Laser Technology, Inc. | Compact speed measurement system with onsite digital image capture, processing, and portable display |
JP2001333420A (en) | 2000-05-22 | 2001-11-30 | Hitachi Ltd | Image supervisory method and device |
CA2420237C (en) * | 2000-08-22 | 2013-01-22 | Acuity Brands, Inc. | Luminaire diagnostic and configuration identification system |
FI109632B (en) | 2000-11-06 | 2002-09-13 | Nokia Corp | White lighting |
US20020190859A1 (en) | 2000-11-28 | 2002-12-19 | Bucher John C. | Theft-deterrent outdoor lighting |
EP1344373A1 (en) | 2000-12-21 | 2003-09-17 | QUALCOMM Incorporated | System and method for backlighting control in a wireless communication device |
JP2002199614A (en) | 2000-12-28 | 2002-07-12 | Nec Corp | Photovoltaic power charger |
US7038399B2 (en) | 2001-03-13 | 2006-05-02 | Color Kinetics Incorporated | Methods and apparatus for providing power to lighting devices |
AUPR574901A0 (en) | 2001-06-18 | 2001-07-12 | Eveready Battery Company Inc. | An outdoor lighting device |
JP2003016429A (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2003-01-17 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Vehicle periphery monitor device |
US6612720B1 (en) | 2001-07-19 | 2003-09-02 | Joshua Z. Beadle | Spot light fixture with beam adjustment |
US20030016143A1 (en) | 2001-07-23 | 2003-01-23 | Ohanes Ghazarian | Intersection vehicle collision avoidance system |
AU2002360721A1 (en) | 2001-12-19 | 2003-07-09 | Color Kinetics Incorporated | Controlled lighting methods and apparatus |
US6724159B2 (en) | 2001-12-27 | 2004-04-20 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Method and apparatus for controlling lighting based on user behavior |
US20030184672A1 (en) | 2002-04-02 | 2003-10-02 | Quen-Zong Wu | Digital image monitoring system with functions of motion detection and auto iris |
US6841947B2 (en) | 2002-05-14 | 2005-01-11 | Garmin At, Inc. | Systems and methods for controlling brightness of an avionics display |
US8100552B2 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2012-01-24 | Yechezkal Evan Spero | Multiple light-source illuminating system |
US7122976B1 (en) | 2002-09-25 | 2006-10-17 | The Watt Stopper | Light management system device and method |
US7578597B2 (en) | 2002-11-15 | 2009-08-25 | Hubbell Incorporated | Outdoor lighting fixture |
US7258464B2 (en) | 2002-12-18 | 2007-08-21 | General Electric Company | Integral ballast lamp thermal management method and apparatus |
US7019276B2 (en) | 2002-12-31 | 2006-03-28 | Utc Canada Corporation Micro Thermo Technologies Division | Distributed dimmable lighting control system and method |
US7162258B2 (en) | 2003-01-15 | 2007-01-09 | Symbol Technologies, Inc. | Light fixture wireless access points |
JP2004279668A (en) | 2003-03-14 | 2004-10-07 | Yamaha Motor Co Ltd | Led display device |
US7569802B1 (en) | 2003-03-20 | 2009-08-04 | Patrick Mullins | Photosensor control unit for a lighting module |
JP3987048B2 (en) | 2003-03-20 | 2007-10-03 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Vehicle periphery monitoring device |
US6828911B2 (en) | 2003-03-20 | 2004-12-07 | David E. Jones | Lightning detection and prediction alarm device |
US20040206970A1 (en) | 2003-04-16 | 2004-10-21 | Martin Paul S. | Alternating current light emitting device |
US6746274B1 (en) | 2003-05-06 | 2004-06-08 | Neal R. Verfuerth | Motion detector fluorescent light connector apparatus |
JP2004349065A (en) | 2003-05-21 | 2004-12-09 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Light control master unit and light control system |
MXPA06000121A (en) | 2003-07-02 | 2006-04-27 | Johnson & Son Inc S C | Lamp and bulb for illumination and ambiance lighting. |
US6880956B2 (en) | 2003-07-31 | 2005-04-19 | A L Lightech, Inc. | Light source with heat transfer arrangement |
JP4385694B2 (en) | 2003-09-16 | 2009-12-16 | 東芝ライテック株式会社 | Lighting control device |
US7688222B2 (en) | 2003-09-18 | 2010-03-30 | Spot Devices, Inc. | Methods, systems and devices related to road mounted indicators for providing visual indications to approaching traffic |
EP1671293A4 (en) | 2003-10-09 | 2009-04-22 | Moreton Bay Corp Pty Ltd | System and method for image monitoring |
US6902292B2 (en) | 2003-11-12 | 2005-06-07 | Li-Chun Lai | Refined illuminating lamp structure |
JP4348241B2 (en) | 2003-12-08 | 2009-10-21 | 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 | Load control circuit |
US7239087B2 (en) | 2003-12-16 | 2007-07-03 | Microsemi Corporation | Method and apparatus to drive LED arrays using time sharing technique |
AU2003271383A1 (en) | 2003-12-23 | 2005-07-07 | Hpm Industries Pty Ltd | A Solar Powered Light Assembly to Produce Light of Varying Colours |
KR100660186B1 (en) | 2004-01-29 | 2006-12-26 | 최한태 | light emitting diode lamp assembly |
KR200350484Y1 (en) | 2004-02-06 | 2004-05-13 | 주식회사 대진디엠피 | Corn Type LED Light |
US6948826B2 (en) | 2004-02-09 | 2005-09-27 | Fogerlie Sivert G | Light box having a solar panel cover |
US7619539B2 (en) | 2004-02-13 | 2009-11-17 | Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. | Multiple-input electronic ballast with processor |
US7659673B2 (en) | 2004-03-15 | 2010-02-09 | Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for providing a controllably variable power to a load |
JP4720100B2 (en) | 2004-04-20 | 2011-07-13 | ソニー株式会社 | LED driving device, backlight light source device, and color liquid crystal display device |
US7633463B2 (en) | 2004-04-30 | 2009-12-15 | Analog Devices, Inc. | Method and IC driver for series connected R, G, B LEDs |
US7252385B2 (en) | 2004-05-11 | 2007-08-07 | Infocus Corporation | Projection LED cooling |
US20060014118A1 (en) | 2004-06-08 | 2006-01-19 | Utama John J | Dental hygiene accessory |
EP1761726B1 (en) | 2004-06-22 | 2008-01-02 | Klaus Kolb | Lantern for emitting a warning signal in a circular manner |
TWI263008B (en) | 2004-06-30 | 2006-10-01 | Ind Tech Res Inst | LED lamp |
US7132805B2 (en) | 2004-08-09 | 2006-11-07 | Dialight Corporation | Intelligent drive circuit for a light emitting diode (LED) light engine |
US7066622B2 (en) | 2004-08-12 | 2006-06-27 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Flashlight |
US7190121B2 (en) | 2004-08-19 | 2007-03-13 | Intel Corporation | Systems and methods to control light-emitting diodes |
US7270441B2 (en) | 2004-09-14 | 2007-09-18 | Ole K. Nilssen | Luminaire with special ballast |
JP4251128B2 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2009-04-08 | ヤマハ株式会社 | Switching power supply |
US20060098440A1 (en) | 2004-11-05 | 2006-05-11 | David Allen | Solid state lighting device with improved thermal management, improved power management, adjustable intensity, and interchangable lenses |
US7290904B2 (en) | 2004-11-29 | 2007-11-06 | Randy George Miller | Light with support flange |
JP4337731B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2009-09-30 | ソニー株式会社 | Illumination device and image display device |
US7339471B1 (en) | 2004-12-30 | 2008-03-04 | Cordelia Lighting, Inc. | Nighttime-controlled lighting system |
US20060146652A1 (en) | 2005-01-03 | 2006-07-06 | Sdi Technologies, Inc. | Sunset timer |
KR100679689B1 (en) | 2005-01-26 | 2007-02-06 | 주식회사 에스티월 | System for lighting using GPS reciever |
WO2006081613A1 (en) | 2005-02-02 | 2006-08-10 | Cap-Xx Limited | A power supply |
US7081722B1 (en) | 2005-02-04 | 2006-07-25 | Kimlong Huynh | Light emitting diode multiphase driver circuit and method |
JP2006244711A (en) | 2005-02-28 | 2006-09-14 | Sharp Corp | Lighting device |
CA2637757A1 (en) | 2005-03-03 | 2006-09-08 | Tir Technology Lp | Method and apparatus for controlling thermal stress in lighting devices |
US7468723B1 (en) | 2005-03-04 | 2008-12-23 | National Semiconductor Corporation | Apparatus and method for creating large display back-lighting |
US7623042B2 (en) * | 2005-03-14 | 2009-11-24 | Regents Of The University Of California | Wireless network control for building lighting system |
FR2883306B1 (en) | 2005-03-18 | 2008-10-31 | Terres Cuites Des Rairies Soc | PROFILE FOR THE CONSTITUTION OF BORDER OF DELIMITATION OF PARTERRE OR ELEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION |
US7627372B2 (en) * | 2005-03-21 | 2009-12-01 | Defibtech, Llc | System and method for presenting defibrillator status information while in standby mode |
CA2768198C (en) | 2005-04-08 | 2013-11-26 | Eldolab Holding B.V. | Methods and apparatuses for operating groups of high-power leds |
US7339323B2 (en) | 2005-04-29 | 2008-03-04 | 02Micro International Limited | Serial powering of an LED string |
JP2006344580A (en) | 2005-05-10 | 2006-12-21 | Sony Corp | Discharge tube lighting apparatus, light source apparatus and display apparatus |
US7703951B2 (en) | 2005-05-23 | 2010-04-27 | Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc. | Modular LED-based lighting fixtures having socket engagement features |
US7631324B2 (en) | 2005-06-08 | 2009-12-08 | The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc | Methods and apparatus for indirect illumination in electronic media rating systems |
US7322714B2 (en) | 2005-06-08 | 2008-01-29 | Snapedge Canada Ltd. | Decorative light and landscape lighting system |
EP1734795A1 (en) | 2005-06-13 | 2006-12-20 | Sangamo Limited | Lamp control units |
TWM295720U (en) | 2005-08-09 | 2006-08-11 | Wei-Chiang Lee | LED full-color display lamp |
US7317403B2 (en) | 2005-08-26 | 2008-01-08 | Philips Lumileds Lighting Company, Llc | LED light source for backlighting with integrated electronics |
CA2559182C (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2017-05-09 | Acuity Brands, Inc. | Network operation center for a light management system having networked intelligent luminaire managers |
KR20080049063A (en) | 2005-09-27 | 2008-06-03 | 코닌클리케 필립스 일렉트로닉스 엔.브이. | Motion detection device |
US7932535B2 (en) | 2005-11-02 | 2011-04-26 | Nuventix, Inc. | Synthetic jet cooling system for LED module |
WO2007056706A2 (en) | 2005-11-04 | 2007-05-18 | Universal Media Systems, Inc. | Dynamic heat sink for light emitting diodes |
US7281820B2 (en) | 2006-01-10 | 2007-10-16 | Bayco Products, Ltd. | Lighting module assembly and method for a compact lighting device |
JP2007194044A (en) | 2006-01-18 | 2007-08-02 | Koito Mfg Co Ltd | Lighting circuit |
US7218056B1 (en) | 2006-03-13 | 2007-05-15 | Ronald Paul Harwood | Lighting device with multiple power sources and multiple modes of operation |
JP2007255977A (en) | 2006-03-22 | 2007-10-04 | Nissan Motor Co Ltd | Object detection method and object detector |
EP1837735A3 (en) | 2006-03-23 | 2012-05-09 | LG Electronics Inc. | Power Management and Control in Electronic Equipment |
JP4984915B2 (en) | 2006-03-27 | 2012-07-25 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Imaging apparatus, imaging system, and imaging method |
US8362713B2 (en) | 2006-03-28 | 2013-01-29 | Wireless Environment, Llc | Wireless lighting devices and grid-shifting applications |
US9338839B2 (en) * | 2006-03-28 | 2016-05-10 | Wireless Environment, Llc | Off-grid LED power failure lights |
US7440280B2 (en) | 2006-03-31 | 2008-10-21 | Hong Kong Applied Science & Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd | Heat exchange enhancement |
US7438440B2 (en) | 2006-04-25 | 2008-10-21 | Abl Ip Holding Llc | Lamp thermal management system |
US20080018261A1 (en) | 2006-05-01 | 2008-01-24 | Kastner Mark A | LED power supply with options for dimming |
US7445357B2 (en) | 2006-05-09 | 2008-11-04 | Herman Miller, Inc. | Lamp |
US7985005B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 | 2011-07-26 | Journée Lighting, Inc. | Lighting assembly and light module for same |
EP1862732B1 (en) | 2006-05-31 | 2008-12-03 | Osram Gesellschaft mit Beschränkter Haftung | A mounting arrangement for LED lamps |
US7872423B2 (en) | 2008-02-19 | 2011-01-18 | Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. | Smart load control device having a rotary actuator |
US8432448B2 (en) | 2006-08-10 | 2013-04-30 | Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation | Stereo camera intrusion detection system |
JP5188690B2 (en) | 2006-08-29 | 2013-04-24 | アバゴ・テクノロジーズ・イーシービーユー・アイピー(シンガポール)プライベート・リミテッド | Apparatus and method for driving an LED |
US7524077B2 (en) | 2006-09-07 | 2009-04-28 | Hartman Michael S | Lamp and illuminated hardscape |
WO2008029344A1 (en) | 2006-09-07 | 2008-03-13 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Lamp driver circuit and method for driving a discharge lamp |
BRPI0716977A2 (en) | 2006-09-11 | 2014-01-21 | Comlight As | PUBLIC LIGHTING DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD |
US20080130304A1 (en) | 2006-09-15 | 2008-06-05 | Randal Rash | Underwater light with diffuser |
JP5667361B2 (en) | 2006-09-20 | 2015-02-12 | コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エヌ ヴェ | Light emitting element control system and lighting system having the system |
US7798669B2 (en) | 2006-10-11 | 2010-09-21 | Automatic Power, Inc. | Marine lantern controlled by GPS signals |
US7677753B1 (en) | 2006-10-18 | 2010-03-16 | Wills Michael H | Programmable remote control electrical light operating system |
JP4888082B2 (en) | 2006-11-24 | 2012-02-29 | パナソニック電工株式会社 | LED lighting circuit and lighting apparatus using the same |
CA2708978C (en) | 2006-12-11 | 2016-03-15 | Tir Technology Lp | Luminaire control system and method |
JP3981698B1 (en) | 2006-12-18 | 2007-09-26 | 株式会社モモ・アライアンス | Lighting device |
JP2008159483A (en) | 2006-12-25 | 2008-07-10 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Lighting system |
WO2008084414A1 (en) | 2007-01-04 | 2008-07-17 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Network communication system |
US7697925B1 (en) | 2007-01-23 | 2010-04-13 | Sprint Communications Company L.P. | Synchronized light shows on cellular handsets of users at a gathering |
US20120143383A1 (en) | 2007-02-02 | 2012-06-07 | Inovus Solar, Inc. | Energy-efficient utility system utilizing solar-power |
US7518316B2 (en) | 2007-03-12 | 2009-04-14 | 1 Energy Solutions, Inc. | Half-wave rectification circuit with a low-pass filter for LED light strings |
US20080232116A1 (en) | 2007-03-22 | 2008-09-25 | Led Folio Corporation | Lighting device for a recessed light fixture |
US8289248B2 (en) | 2007-04-05 | 2012-10-16 | Sony Mobile Communications Ab | Light sensor within display |
US20100309310A1 (en) | 2007-04-19 | 2010-12-09 | Albright Dale | Aircraft monitoring and identification system |
US20080266839A1 (en) | 2007-04-25 | 2008-10-30 | Claypool Thomas A | Headwear and headwear bill with integrated light assembly |
US8450670B2 (en) | 2007-06-29 | 2013-05-28 | Orion Energy Systems, Inc. | Lighting fixture control systems and methods |
US7638743B2 (en) | 2007-06-29 | 2009-12-29 | Orion Energy Systems, Inc. | Method and system for controlling a lighting system |
US8344665B2 (en) | 2008-03-27 | 2013-01-01 | Orion Energy Systems, Inc. | System and method for controlling lighting |
US8884203B2 (en) | 2007-05-03 | 2014-11-11 | Orion Energy Systems, Inc. | Lighting systems and methods for displacing energy consumption using natural lighting fixtures |
JP2008283033A (en) | 2007-05-11 | 2008-11-20 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Drive circuit, and electronic equipment having the drive circuit |
US7578596B2 (en) | 2007-05-25 | 2009-08-25 | Canadian General-Tower Limited | System and apparatus for lighting swimming pools |
US8403531B2 (en) | 2007-05-30 | 2013-03-26 | Cree, Inc. | Lighting device and method of lighting |
US8044603B2 (en) | 2007-06-11 | 2011-10-25 | Upec Electronics Corp. | Light emitting diode driving device and light system |
US8445826B2 (en) | 2007-06-29 | 2013-05-21 | Orion Energy Systems, Inc. | Outdoor lighting systems and methods for wireless network communications |
US8866582B2 (en) | 2009-09-04 | 2014-10-21 | Orion Energy Systems, Inc. | Outdoor fluorescent lighting fixtures and related systems and methods |
WO2009003279A1 (en) | 2007-06-29 | 2009-01-08 | Carmanah Technologies Corp. | Intelligent area lighting system |
US8586902B2 (en) | 2007-06-29 | 2013-11-19 | Orion Energy Systems, Inc. | Outdoor lighting fixture and camera systems |
US8476565B2 (en) | 2007-06-29 | 2013-07-02 | Orion Energy Systems, Inc. | Outdoor lighting fixtures control systems and methods |
US8729446B2 (en) * | 2007-06-29 | 2014-05-20 | Orion Energy Systems, Inc. | Outdoor lighting fixtures for controlling traffic lights |
CN101378614B (en) | 2007-08-31 | 2012-03-14 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | LED lighting kenel control system and method |
US8290710B2 (en) | 2007-09-07 | 2012-10-16 | Led Roadway Lighting Ltd. | Streetlight monitoring and control |
EP2203679B1 (en) | 2007-09-27 | 2012-05-30 | Philips Intellectual Property & Standards GmbH | Lighting device and method of cooling a lighting device |
AT505882A1 (en) | 2007-10-03 | 2009-04-15 | Hierzer Andreas | MOTORIZED LIGHT |
KR20090042400A (en) | 2007-10-26 | 2009-04-30 | (주)파워라이트 | Security light for unrelated position |
IL188348A0 (en) | 2007-12-24 | 2008-11-03 | Lightech Electronics Ind Ltd | Controller and method for controlling an intensity of a light emitting diode (led) using a conventional ac dimmer |
US7791326B2 (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2010-09-07 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | AC-powered, microprocessor-based, dimming LED power supply |
US7746003B2 (en) | 2008-01-29 | 2010-06-29 | Orion Energy Systems, Inc. | Transformer wiring method and apparatus for fluorescent lighting |
US20090195162A1 (en) | 2008-02-05 | 2009-08-06 | Maurer Steven K | Low-power illumination system and associated barrier operator |
US20090195179A1 (en) | 2008-02-05 | 2009-08-06 | Joseph Peter D | Power line communication |
WO2009103245A1 (en) | 2008-02-22 | 2009-08-27 | Tri-Concept Technology Limited | Apparatus and system for led street lamp monitoring and control |
US7800316B2 (en) | 2008-03-17 | 2010-09-21 | Micrel, Inc. | Stacked LED controllers |
US7880394B2 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2011-02-01 | Heathco Llc | Lighting system to facilitate remote modification of a light fixture modifiable operating parameter |
US7804200B2 (en) | 2008-04-21 | 2010-09-28 | Tyco Electronics Corporation | Photosensor circuits including a switch mode power converter |
US20090268023A1 (en) | 2008-04-27 | 2009-10-29 | Wen-Hsiung Hsieh | Surveillance camera device with a light source |
US7919928B2 (en) | 2008-05-05 | 2011-04-05 | Micrel, Inc. | Boost LED driver not using output capacitor and blocking diode |
US8731689B2 (en) | 2008-05-06 | 2014-05-20 | Abl Ip Holding, Llc | Networked, wireless lighting control system with distributed intelligence |
US8118456B2 (en) | 2008-05-08 | 2012-02-21 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Low-profile pathway illumination system |
US8926138B2 (en) | 2008-05-13 | 2015-01-06 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Gas-discharge lamp replacement |
US8212491B2 (en) | 2008-07-25 | 2012-07-03 | Cirrus Logic, Inc. | Switching power converter control with triac-based leading edge dimmer compatibility |
US8164281B2 (en) | 2008-08-01 | 2012-04-24 | Thomas Warton | Luminaire system and method |
US8522487B2 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2013-09-03 | SafePro, L.P. | Safety hatch system and egress |
US8334640B2 (en) | 2008-08-13 | 2012-12-18 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Turbulent flow cooling for electronic ballast |
US8143769B2 (en) | 2008-09-08 | 2012-03-27 | Intematix Corporation | Light emitting diode (LED) lighting device |
US8457793B2 (en) * | 2008-09-10 | 2013-06-04 | Enlighted, Inc. | Intelligent lighting management and building control system |
US9002522B2 (en) * | 2008-09-10 | 2015-04-07 | Enlighted, Inc. | Logical groupings of intelligent building fixtures |
US20100096460A1 (en) | 2008-10-16 | 2010-04-22 | Bradley Carlson | Hybrid laser scanning and imaging reader |
EP2364575B1 (en) | 2008-11-17 | 2016-01-27 | Express Imaging Systems, LLC | Electronic control to regulate power for solid-state lighting and methods thereof |
US8174212B2 (en) | 2008-11-30 | 2012-05-08 | Microsemi Corp.—Analog Mixed Signal Group Ltd. | LED string driver with light intensity responsive to input voltage |
US8390475B2 (en) | 2008-12-04 | 2013-03-05 | Verizon Patent And Licensing Inc. | Motion controlled display |
US8362707B2 (en) | 2008-12-12 | 2013-01-29 | Cirrus Logic, Inc. | Light emitting diode based lighting system with time division ambient light feedback response |
KR20100007230U (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2010-07-15 | 윤승기 | Induction lamp control device |
US8760072B2 (en) | 2009-01-27 | 2014-06-24 | Led Roadway Lighting Ltd. | Power supply for light emitting diode roadway lighting fixture |
ES2536074T3 (en) * | 2009-01-29 | 2015-05-20 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Lighting control system sensitive to ambient lighting conditions |
US8749635B2 (en) | 2009-06-03 | 2014-06-10 | Flir Systems, Inc. | Infrared camera systems and methods for dual sensor applications |
US20100246168A1 (en) | 2009-03-31 | 2010-09-30 | Orion Energy Systems, Inc. | Reflector with coating for a fluorescent light fixture |
JP5481089B2 (en) | 2009-04-09 | 2014-04-23 | 株式会社アイ・ライティング・システム | Remote lighting control system |
TW201132085A (en) | 2009-04-22 | 2011-09-16 | Koninkl Philips Electronics Nv | Systems and apparatus for light-based social communications |
TWI373779B (en) | 2009-04-27 | 2012-10-01 | Delta Electronics Inc | Current-balancing transformer and power supply circuit using the same |
KR100935736B1 (en) | 2009-04-30 | 2010-01-06 | (주)인트모아 | Underground parking lot lighting control system using ip-usn |
KR20120032472A (en) | 2009-05-01 | 2012-04-05 | 익스프레스 이미징 시스템즈, 엘엘씨 | Gas-discharge lamp replacement with passive cooling |
US8541950B2 (en) | 2009-05-20 | 2013-09-24 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus and method of energy efficient illumination |
WO2010135575A2 (en) | 2009-05-20 | 2010-11-25 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Long-range motion detection for illumination control |
ES2371849B1 (en) | 2009-05-21 | 2012-09-04 | Luxintec, S.L. | MODULE FOR LIGHTING WITH LED TYPE DIODES AS A LIGHT SOURCE. |
US8573807B2 (en) | 2009-06-26 | 2013-11-05 | Intel Corporation | Light devices having controllable light emitting elements |
TWI489903B (en) | 2009-07-09 | 2015-06-21 | Light emitting diode lighting device and its current control method | |
EP2460034B1 (en) | 2009-07-29 | 2015-09-09 | Michigan Aerospace Corporation | Atmospheric measurement system |
US20110026264A1 (en) | 2009-07-29 | 2011-02-03 | Reed William G | Electrically isolated heat sink for solid-state light |
USD621410S1 (en) | 2009-08-28 | 2010-08-10 | Orion Energy Systems, Inc. | Graphical user interface for a display screen |
USD621411S1 (en) | 2009-08-28 | 2010-08-10 | Orion Energy Systems, Inc. | Graphical user interface for a display screen |
WO2011029062A2 (en) | 2009-09-04 | 2011-03-10 | Ips Group, Inc. | Parking meter communications for remote payment with updated display |
US8766544B2 (en) | 2009-09-04 | 2014-07-01 | American Dj Supply, Inc. | Wireless controller for lighting system |
US8395329B2 (en) | 2009-09-09 | 2013-03-12 | Bel Fuse (Macao Commercial Offshore) | LED ballast power supply having digital controller |
US8183797B2 (en) * | 2009-09-18 | 2012-05-22 | Boca Flasher, Inc | 90-260Vac dimmable MR16 LED lamp |
ES2753273T3 (en) | 2009-10-08 | 2020-04-07 | Delos Living Llc | LED lighting system |
FI122992B (en) | 2009-11-05 | 2012-09-28 | Teclux Oy | Outdoor Lighting |
US8896207B2 (en) | 2009-11-19 | 2014-11-25 | ElectraLED Inc. | Fluorescent light fixture assembly with LED lighting element and converter modules |
US8378563B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2013-02-19 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus, method to change light source color temperature with reduced optical filtering losses |
CA2729481A1 (en) | 2010-01-30 | 2011-07-30 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Lighting control system for a plurality of luminaires |
WO2011106506A2 (en) | 2010-02-25 | 2011-09-01 | Evatran Llc | Method and apparatus for inductively transferring ac power between a charging unit and a vehicle |
EP2364060A1 (en) | 2010-03-01 | 2011-09-07 | Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. | Light device for identifying and marking traffic areas in airports |
US20130057158A1 (en) | 2010-03-01 | 2013-03-07 | Led Roadway Lighting Ltd. | Gps-based streetlight wireless command and control system |
US20110215724A1 (en) * | 2010-03-03 | 2011-09-08 | Jyotirmoy Chakravarty | System and methods of intelligent on/off modes and dimming functionality for lighting devices |
KR101020597B1 (en) | 2010-03-03 | 2011-03-09 | 주식회사 라이트그린컨셉 | Apparatus for driving led |
US20110251751A1 (en) * | 2010-03-11 | 2011-10-13 | Lee Knight | Motorized equipment tracking and monitoring apparatus, system and method |
US8120457B2 (en) | 2010-04-09 | 2012-02-21 | Delta Electronics, Inc. | Current-controlled variable inductor |
CN102884375B (en) | 2010-04-12 | 2017-07-25 | 夏普株式会社 | Lighting device and illuminator |
US8376583B2 (en) | 2010-05-17 | 2013-02-19 | Orion Energy Systems, Inc. | Lighting system with customized intensity and profile |
US9241401B2 (en) | 2010-06-22 | 2016-01-19 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Solid state lighting device and method employing heat exchanger thermally coupled circuit board |
CA2709745A1 (en) | 2010-07-14 | 2012-01-14 | Carmanah Technologies Corp. | Variable operating mode solar lighting system |
KR101001276B1 (en) | 2010-07-22 | 2010-12-14 | 이흥태 | Wireless lighting control device and the method thereof |
US8686655B2 (en) | 2010-07-22 | 2014-04-01 | Panasonic Corporation | Lighting circuit, lamp, and illumination apparatus |
BR112013001974A2 (en) | 2010-07-26 | 2018-08-28 | Tyco Electronics Corp | controller circuit including a switching mode power converter and automatic recloser using the same |
WO2012061052A1 (en) | 2010-10-24 | 2012-05-10 | Microsemi Corporation | Synchronous regulation for led string driver |
KR101150876B1 (en) | 2010-11-05 | 2012-05-29 | 경운대학교 산학협력단 | Building lighting control system using sensor network |
DK2681969T3 (en) | 2010-11-16 | 2019-03-25 | Signify Holding Bv | REAR EDGE COMPATIBILITY WITH PREVENTION OF HIGH DUMPING RESISTANCE |
US8564219B2 (en) | 2010-11-23 | 2013-10-22 | O2Micro, Inc. | Circuits and methods for driving light sources |
KR101044224B1 (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2011-06-24 | 스티브에스 김 | Vehicle detection control system and method for hybrid street lamps |
TWI424150B (en) * | 2010-12-31 | 2014-01-21 | Ind Tech Res Inst | Lighting system for dim ambience |
US9356659B2 (en) | 2011-01-18 | 2016-05-31 | Mojo Mobility, Inc. | Chargers and methods for wireless power transfer |
US20120194054A1 (en) | 2011-02-02 | 2012-08-02 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Solid state light with optical diffuser and integrated thermal guide |
US8988005B2 (en) | 2011-02-17 | 2015-03-24 | Cooledge Lighting Inc. | Illumination control through selective activation and de-activation of lighting elements |
US9301460B2 (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2016-04-05 | The Toro Company | Irrigation controller with weather station |
US9324924B2 (en) | 2011-03-03 | 2016-04-26 | Cree, Inc. | Tunable remote phosphor constructs |
JP5712684B2 (en) | 2011-03-07 | 2015-05-07 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Color processing apparatus and program |
KR101069269B1 (en) | 2011-03-21 | 2011-10-04 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Controller and lighting system comprising the same |
US20130193857A1 (en) | 2011-03-22 | 2013-08-01 | Orion Energy Systems, Inc. | Hybrid fixture and method for lighting |
US8604701B2 (en) | 2011-03-22 | 2013-12-10 | Neal R. Verfuerth | Systems and method for lighting aisles |
CN103503576B (en) | 2011-04-04 | 2016-06-01 | 皇家飞利浦有限公司 | The equipment controlled for the illumination of multiple light source and method |
US8901825B2 (en) * | 2011-04-12 | 2014-12-02 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus and method of energy efficient illumination using received signals |
US9408280B2 (en) | 2011-05-11 | 2016-08-02 | Schreder | Lighting systems |
US20140028200A1 (en) | 2011-05-12 | 2014-01-30 | LSI Saco Technologies, Inc. | Lighting and integrated fixture control |
US8674608B2 (en) | 2011-05-15 | 2014-03-18 | Lighting Science Group Corporation | Configurable environmental condition sensing luminaire, system and associated methods |
WO2012170856A1 (en) | 2011-06-10 | 2012-12-13 | Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. | Method and apparatus for adjusting an ambient light threshold |
CN202168249U (en) | 2011-07-19 | 2012-03-14 | 深圳市华星光电技术有限公司 | Led drive circuit |
US9609720B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2017-03-28 | Hunter Industries, Inc. | Systems and methods for providing power and data to lighting devices |
US8610358B2 (en) | 2011-08-17 | 2013-12-17 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Electrostatic discharge protection for luminaire |
US8629621B2 (en) | 2011-08-24 | 2014-01-14 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Resonant network for reduction of flicker perception in solid state lighting systems |
US8866392B2 (en) | 2011-08-31 | 2014-10-21 | Chia-Teh Chen | Two-level LED security light with motion sensor |
WO2013040333A1 (en) | 2011-09-14 | 2013-03-21 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus, method to enhance color contrast in phosphor-based solid state lights |
CN103959911B (en) | 2011-11-07 | 2016-11-23 | 科泰克工业有限公司 | Wireless power, illumination and automated system that can be adaptive |
US20130154488A1 (en) | 2011-11-11 | 2013-06-20 | Laurence P. Sadwick | Dimmable LED Driver with Multiple Power Sources |
US8922124B2 (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2014-12-30 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Adjustable output solid-state lamp with security features |
US8890050B2 (en) | 2011-11-21 | 2014-11-18 | Tyco Electronics Corporation | Photosensor circuits including a regulated power supply comprising a power circuit configured to provide a regulated power signal to a comparator of a pulse-width modulator |
US9360198B2 (en) | 2011-12-06 | 2016-06-07 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Adjustable output solid-state lighting device |
TWI454041B (en) | 2011-12-06 | 2014-09-21 | Champion Elite Co Ltd | Piezoelectric resonant light emitting diode driving circuit |
US10117295B2 (en) | 2013-01-24 | 2018-10-30 | Cree, Inc. | LED lighting apparatus for use with AC-output lighting ballasts |
JP5529910B2 (en) | 2012-03-12 | 2014-06-25 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Vehicle periphery monitoring device |
WO2013160791A2 (en) | 2012-04-25 | 2013-10-31 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Failure detection in lighting system |
US9210751B2 (en) | 2012-05-01 | 2015-12-08 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Solid state lighting, drive circuit and method of driving same |
US8975827B2 (en) * | 2012-07-01 | 2015-03-10 | Cree, Inc. | Lighting fixture for distributed control |
US9161419B2 (en) | 2012-07-02 | 2015-10-13 | International Business Machines Corporation | Intelligent and coordinated lighting of a lighting device |
WO2014013407A1 (en) | 2012-07-16 | 2014-01-23 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Driver device and driving method for driving a load, in particular a light unit including controlling input supply current to meet predefined conditions |
US9131552B2 (en) | 2012-07-25 | 2015-09-08 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus and method of operating a luminaire |
US8896215B2 (en) | 2012-09-05 | 2014-11-25 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus and method for schedule based operation of a luminaire |
US9119270B2 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2015-08-25 | Osram Sylvania Inc. | Solid state lighting device and driver configured for failure detection and recovery |
AT14505U1 (en) | 2012-11-06 | 2015-12-15 | Tridonic Gmbh & Co Kg | Method and device for data transmission via a load line and lighting system |
US9210759B2 (en) | 2012-11-19 | 2015-12-08 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Luminaire with ambient sensing and autonomous control capabilities |
CN103162187B (en) | 2013-03-08 | 2016-10-05 | 北京优格莱照明科技有限公司 | A kind of efficient energy-saving LED road lamp bulb |
US9955547B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2018-04-24 | Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. | Charging an input capacitor of a load control device |
US9743473B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-08-22 | Lumenetix, Inc. | Cascade LED driver and control methods |
US9648074B2 (en) | 2013-05-31 | 2017-05-09 | Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Company Limited | Systems and methods for delivering media data based on geographical locations |
US9763310B2 (en) | 2013-11-01 | 2017-09-12 | Kenall Manufacturing Company | Systems and methods for commissioning a lighting system |
US9618162B2 (en) | 2014-04-25 | 2017-04-11 | Cree, Inc. | LED lamp |
US9107026B1 (en) | 2014-07-18 | 2015-08-11 | Google Inc. | Range management with Bluetooth low energy |
-
2011
- 2011-04-12 US US13/085,301 patent/US8901825B2/en active Active
-
2012
- 2012-04-11 EP EP12771286.7A patent/EP2698040B1/en active Active
- 2012-04-11 WO PCT/US2012/033059 patent/WO2012142115A2/en active Application Filing
-
2014
- 2014-12-01 US US14/557,275 patent/US9713228B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7828463B1 (en) | 2007-04-25 | 2010-11-09 | Anton Michael Willis | Lunar resonant lighting |
US20100244708A1 (en) | 2009-03-26 | 2010-09-30 | Hong Kong Applied Science And Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd. | Lighting control system and method |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See also references of EP2698040A4 |
Cited By (48)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9125261B2 (en) | 2008-11-17 | 2015-09-01 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Electronic control to regulate power for solid-state lighting and methods thereof |
US9967933B2 (en) | 2008-11-17 | 2018-05-08 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Electronic control to regulate power for solid-state lighting and methods thereof |
US8926139B2 (en) | 2009-05-01 | 2015-01-06 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Gas-discharge lamp replacement with passive cooling |
US8810138B2 (en) | 2009-05-20 | 2014-08-19 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus and method of energy efficient illumination |
US8872964B2 (en) | 2009-05-20 | 2014-10-28 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Long-range motion detection for illumination control |
US8987992B2 (en) | 2009-05-20 | 2015-03-24 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus and method of energy efficient illumination |
US9713228B2 (en) | 2011-04-12 | 2017-07-18 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus and method of energy efficient illumination using received signals |
US8901825B2 (en) | 2011-04-12 | 2014-12-02 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus and method of energy efficient illumination using received signals |
US8922124B2 (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2014-12-30 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Adjustable output solid-state lamp with security features |
US9360198B2 (en) | 2011-12-06 | 2016-06-07 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Adjustable output solid-state lighting device |
US9497393B2 (en) | 2012-03-02 | 2016-11-15 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Systems and methods that employ object recognition |
US9210751B2 (en) | 2012-05-01 | 2015-12-08 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Solid state lighting, drive circuit and method of driving same |
US9204523B2 (en) | 2012-05-02 | 2015-12-01 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Remotely adjustable solid-state lamp |
US9801248B2 (en) | 2012-07-25 | 2017-10-24 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus and method of operating a luminaire |
US9131552B2 (en) | 2012-07-25 | 2015-09-08 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus and method of operating a luminaire |
US8878440B2 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2014-11-04 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Luminaire with atmospheric electrical activity detection and visual alert capabilities |
US8896215B2 (en) | 2012-09-05 | 2014-11-25 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus and method for schedule based operation of a luminaire |
US9693433B2 (en) | 2012-09-05 | 2017-06-27 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Apparatus and method for schedule based operation of a luminaire |
US9301365B2 (en) | 2012-11-07 | 2016-03-29 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Luminaire with switch-mode converter power monitoring |
US9210759B2 (en) | 2012-11-19 | 2015-12-08 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Luminaire with ambient sensing and autonomous control capabilities |
US9433062B2 (en) | 2012-11-19 | 2016-08-30 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Luminaire with ambient sensing and autonomous control capabilities |
WO2014078854A1 (en) * | 2012-11-19 | 2014-05-22 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Luminaire with ambient sensing and autonomous control capabilities |
US9288873B2 (en) | 2013-02-13 | 2016-03-15 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Systems, methods, and apparatuses for using a high current switching device as a logic level sensor |
US9466443B2 (en) | 2013-07-24 | 2016-10-11 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Photocontrol for luminaire consumes very low power |
US9414449B2 (en) | 2013-11-18 | 2016-08-09 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | High efficiency power controller for luminaire |
US9781797B2 (en) | 2013-11-18 | 2017-10-03 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | High efficiency power controller for luminaire |
US9185777B2 (en) | 2014-01-30 | 2015-11-10 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Ambient light control in solid state lamps and luminaires |
US9572230B2 (en) | 2014-09-30 | 2017-02-14 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Centralized control of area lighting hours of illumination |
US9445485B2 (en) | 2014-10-24 | 2016-09-13 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Detection and correction of faulty photo controls in outdoor luminaires |
US9462662B1 (en) | 2015-03-24 | 2016-10-04 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Low power photocontrol for luminaire |
US9538612B1 (en) | 2015-09-03 | 2017-01-03 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Low power photocontrol for luminaire |
US9961731B2 (en) | 2015-12-08 | 2018-05-01 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Luminaire with transmissive filter and adjustable illumination pattern |
US9924582B2 (en) | 2016-04-26 | 2018-03-20 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Luminaire dimming module uses 3 contact NEMA photocontrol socket |
US10544917B2 (en) | 2016-08-24 | 2020-01-28 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Shade and wavelength converter for solid state luminaires |
US9985429B2 (en) | 2016-09-21 | 2018-05-29 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Inrush current limiter circuit |
US10230296B2 (en) | 2016-09-21 | 2019-03-12 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Output ripple reduction for power converters |
US10098212B2 (en) | 2017-02-14 | 2018-10-09 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Systems and methods for controlling outdoor luminaire wireless network using smart appliance |
US10568191B2 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2020-02-18 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Systems and methods for outdoor luminaire wireless control |
US10390414B2 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2019-08-20 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Systems and methods for outdoor luminaire wireless control |
US10219360B2 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2019-02-26 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Systems and methods for outdoor luminaire wireless control |
US10904992B2 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2021-01-26 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Systems and methods for outdoor luminaire wireless control |
US11375599B2 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2022-06-28 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Systems and methods for outdoor luminaire wireless control |
US11653436B2 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2023-05-16 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Systems and methods for outdoor luminaire wireless control |
US11234304B2 (en) | 2019-05-24 | 2022-01-25 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Photocontroller to control operation of a luminaire having a dimming line |
US11765805B2 (en) | 2019-06-20 | 2023-09-19 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Photocontroller and/or lamp with photocontrols to control operation of lamp |
US11212887B2 (en) | 2019-11-04 | 2021-12-28 | Express Imaging Systems, Llc | Light having selectively adjustable sets of solid state light sources, circuit and method of operation thereof, to provide variable output characteristics |
CN111083861A (en) * | 2019-11-20 | 2020-04-28 | 万翼科技有限公司 | Street lamp optimization control method and device, computer equipment and storage medium |
CN111083861B (en) * | 2019-11-20 | 2022-01-25 | 万翼科技有限公司 | Street lamp optimization control method and device, computer equipment and storage medium |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2698040A2 (en) | 2014-02-19 |
WO2012142115A3 (en) | 2012-12-13 |
US8901825B2 (en) | 2014-12-02 |
EP2698040B1 (en) | 2020-09-30 |
US20150084520A1 (en) | 2015-03-26 |
US20120262069A1 (en) | 2012-10-18 |
US9713228B2 (en) | 2017-07-18 |
EP2698040A4 (en) | 2016-06-01 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP2698040B1 (en) | Apparatus and method of energy efficient illumination using received signals | |
US8541950B2 (en) | Apparatus and method of energy efficient illumination | |
US9801248B2 (en) | Apparatus and method of operating a luminaire | |
US9185777B2 (en) | Ambient light control in solid state lamps and luminaires | |
US8878440B2 (en) | Luminaire with atmospheric electrical activity detection and visual alert capabilities | |
US7339471B1 (en) | Nighttime-controlled lighting system | |
US20170055324A1 (en) | Apparatus, retrofit kit, and method of energy efficient illumination using adjustment schedules | |
US9693433B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for schedule based operation of a luminaire | |
US8872964B2 (en) | Long-range motion detection for illumination control | |
US20180235060A1 (en) | Systems and methods for controlling outdoor luminaire wireless network using smart appliance | |
US10145525B2 (en) | Photo-voltaic powered wireless sensor for passive optical lighting | |
CN116916501A (en) | Street lamp control method, device, equipment and computer readable storage medium | |
CN109673088B (en) | Illumination system and illumination method | |
GB2546489A (en) | Lighting apparatus | |
KR200268097Y1 (en) | Sequence control of different kinds of lamps |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 12771286 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A2 |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2012771286 Country of ref document: EP |