WO2013184669A1 - Système et procédé de surveillance/commande d'appareil d'éclairage - Google Patents

Système et procédé de surveillance/commande d'appareil d'éclairage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013184669A1
WO2013184669A1 PCT/US2013/044094 US2013044094W WO2013184669A1 WO 2013184669 A1 WO2013184669 A1 WO 2013184669A1 US 2013044094 W US2013044094 W US 2013044094W WO 2013184669 A1 WO2013184669 A1 WO 2013184669A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
control
wci
icd
lfas
ldc
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2013/044094
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jin Lu
Todd Scott KELLY
Lee CHEUNG
Original Assignee
Advanergy, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/644,795 external-priority patent/US8478450B2/en
Priority claimed from US13/844,491 external-priority patent/US8826046B2/en
Priority claimed from US13/840,022 external-priority patent/US8769327B2/en
Application filed by Advanergy, Inc. filed Critical Advanergy, Inc.
Publication of WO2013184669A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013184669A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2816—Controlling appliance services of a home automation network by calling their functionalities
    • H04L12/2818—Controlling appliance services of a home automation network by calling their functionalities from a device located outside both the home and the home network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R33/00—Coupling devices specially adapted for supporting apparatus and having one part acting as a holder providing support and electrical connection via a counterpart which is structurally associated with the apparatus, e.g. lamp holders; Separate parts thereof
    • H01R33/945—Holders with built-in electrical component
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2823—Reporting information sensed by appliance or service execution status of appliance services in a home automation network
    • H04L12/2827—Reporting to a device within the home network; wherein the reception of the information reported automatically triggers the execution of a home appliance functionality
    • 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
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2816—Controlling appliance services of a home automation network by calling their functionalities
    • H04L12/282—Controlling appliance services of a home automation network by calling their functionalities based on user interaction within the home
    • 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 invention generally relates to systems and methods for remote control of lighting systems. Specifically, the present invention attempts to remotely control lighting systems and the like over the Internet without the need for changes in wiring infrastructure for the lighting fixture.
  • FIG. 1 Putting a switch and/or a dimmer in a light bulb socket adapter as shown in FIG. 1 (0100) - FIG. 4 (0400) is a known practice.
  • United States Patent 7,573,208 (METHOD OF PROGRAMMING A LIGHTING PRESET FROM A RADIO- FREQUENCY REMOTE CONTROL) and United States Patent 8,278,838 (DIMMER DEVICE WITH FEEDBACK FUNCTION) and the references mentioned therein discuss such a device.
  • the socket adaptor (as generally depicted in FIG. 4 ( 04 00 ) has one end screwed into a standard light bulb socket, and the other end is a standard receptacle for a light bulb to screw in.
  • the middle part houses the control logic that can turn on and off and dim the light bulb by regulating the current.
  • the light bulbs can be of any type and include incandescent bulbs, CFL, and LED-based lamps .
  • the objectives of the present invention are (among others) to circumvent the deficiencies in the prior art and affect the following objectives:
  • the present invention describes a product that allows consumers to control (turn on and off and dim) light bulbs (and associated lamp fixtures) anywhere at home or away via an Internet -capable device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop) . It also allows the light bulb control to work with other devices in the same sub-network.
  • the present invention embeds these control functions within the light fixture. It is non- intrusive , secure, and blended well with consumers' home network.
  • LFA light fixture adapter
  • SEIC source electrical input connector
  • wireless communication interface (f) wireless communication interface (WCI) (0516); wherein the LDC is configured to control the flow of electrical current from the SEIC to the SEOC under direction of the ICD;
  • the ICD is configured to monitor the LFAS
  • the ICD is configured to control the LDC in response to inputs from the LFAS;
  • the ICD is configured to monitor the WCI; the ICD is configured to control the LDC in response to inputs from the WCI;
  • the ICD is configured with a web-browser interface (WBI) (0517) permitting remote monitoring of the LFAS via the WCI;
  • WBI web-browser interface
  • the ICD is configured with a web-browser interface (WBI) (0517) permitting remote control of the LDC via the WCI;
  • WBI web-browser interface
  • the ICD is configured to execute instructions stored in a lamp fixture adapter program (LFAP) (0518) ;
  • LFAP lamp fixture adapter program
  • the LFAP is configured to allow local control and monitoring of the LDC in response to inputs from the LFAS;
  • the LFAP is configured to allow local control and monitoring of the LFAS in response to inputs from the WCI;
  • the LFAP is configured to allow the LFAS to be monitored and controlled by the web-browser interface ;
  • the LFAP is configured to allow reporting of LFAS detected events to the WCI;
  • the LFAP is configured to be remotely programmable via the WCI via the web-browser interface.
  • the WBI and ICD may be configured to execute software read from a computer readable medium (0519) .
  • the system anticipates that mobile communication devices (MCD) (0520) running applications read from a computer readable medium (0529) may also be used as a remote control and/or web interface for the system.
  • MCD mobile communication devices
  • the present invention system may be utilized in the context of an overall light fixture monitoring/control method, wherein the light fixture monitoring/control system described previously is controlled by a method having the following steps:
  • step (5) Determining if the computer network is available, and if not, proceeding to step (5) (0601) ;
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art light fixture switching system as taught by United States Patent 7, 573, 208;
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art light fixture switching receiver/switching system as taught by United States Patent 7,573,208;
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a prior art light fixture switching transmitter/control system as taught by United States Patent 7,573,208;
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a prior art light fixture switching application context as taught by United States Patent 8,278,838;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a system block overview diagram describing a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a method flowchart describing a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary application context for the present invention
  • FIG. 8 illustrates the existing TRIAC Dimmer Light
  • FIG. 9 illustrates Dimmer Socket Adaptor (the figure also shows the remote control on the lower left corner) ;
  • FIG. 10 illustrates Dimmer Socket Adaptor with Control Module attached
  • FIG. 11 illustrates Control Module separated from Dimmer Circuit Module
  • FIG. 12 illustrates Remote Control (Front View)
  • FIG. 13 illustrates Remote Control (Bottom View) with a Foldable Power Plug
  • FIG. 14 illustrates Electronic Components inside the Remote Control
  • FIG. 15 illustrates Remote Control User Interface Display
  • FIG. 16 illustrates Remote Control double as a router and Internet Gateway.
  • Dimmer - A device used to vary the brightness of a light from 0 (turned off) to 100%. By decreasing or increasing the mean power to the lamp, it is possible to vary the intensity of the light output. It is intended to control light output from resistive incandescent, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) .
  • the term dimmer in this document may also apply to situations in which a switch is used to turn on/off the light.
  • TRIAC - Triode for Alternating Current, an electronic component that can conduct current in either direction when it is triggered.
  • TRIAC is bidirectional and so current can flow through it in either direction. Once triggered, the device continues to conduct until the current drops below a certain threshold.
  • DIAC - Diode for Alternating Current a diode that conducts current only after its breakover voltage has been reached momentarily.
  • WiFi - A popular technology that allows an electronic device to exchange data wirelessly (using radio waves) over a computer network, including highspeed Internet connections.
  • ZIGBEE ® - A specification for a suite of high level communication protocols using small, low-power digital radios based on an IEEE 802 standard for personal area networks .
  • Sub-network (subnet) - is a local area network connected to another network via a router or a gateway.
  • a subnet is dedicated to home automation purpose in the context of this document.
  • Dim - to increase or decrease the brightness of a light normally implies a decrease in the brightness. Within this context this term will be used for both directions and include the full “on” and completely “off” levels of brightness.
  • the present invention teaches a system that comprises the light bulb socket adaptor (as generally depicted in the adapter (0710) within FIG. 7 (0700) between the light fixture (0701) and light bulb (0702)) and a remote control that doubles as a subnet router and an Internet gateway.
  • the socket adapter may be referred to as a dimmer within the context of the present invention.
  • the dimmer can control the brightness of the light/lamp from 0% (turned off) to 100% of the maximum watt rating and may include solid state and/or mechanical switching means to accomplish this function.
  • the present invention includes the following features:
  • Mini-Slot Rather than putting a fixed control and communication module in the socket adaptor, the present invention provides for a mini -slot, where a user may plug in a control module that communicates with the remote control.
  • Remote Control A remote control that is also a subnet (the wireless network that the dimmer is communicating with) router and an Internet gateway.
  • the advantage of the removable part of the Mini -Slot is that while the switch and dimmer circuitry is fixed in the socket adaptor, it is possible to have the flexibility of changing the control logic and communication scheme by putting in a small form-factor card into the "standard" slot of the dimmer.
  • some system configurations may provide different modules for different customers. Some customers may need a motion sensor in the dimmer to detect movement while others may require an ambient light sensor for controlling the dimmer and yet still others may desire a sound sensor to turn on the light when ambient noise is too loud.
  • the remote control can directly communicate with the wireless module in the dimmer and also serves as a subnet router and an Internet gateway. This not only allows people to control and see the status of the dimmer from anywhere, it also allows the dimmer to work with other devices. For example, when a car is driving into the driveway, a sensor near the driveway detects that and sends a signal for the dimmer to flash through the remote control .
  • the TRIAC-DIAC based light dimmer is the most common dimmer and has been widely used in a variety of household applications.
  • the DIAC is used to trigger a TRIAC by the "Phase Control" method.
  • the AC mains waveform is phase shifted by the RC (Resistor and Capacitor) circuit so that a reduced amplitude, phase delayed version of the mains waveform appears across capacitor, CI.
  • R v is a variable resistor in mechanic form or, an analog trimming pot.
  • the TRIAC then conducts for the remainder of the mains half cycle, and when the mains voltage passes through zero it turns off. In to the next (negative) half cycle, the voltage on CI reaches breakover voltage in the other polarity and the DIAC again conducts, providing an appropriate trigger pulse to turn on the TRIAC.
  • Variable Resistor R v By making Variable Resistor R v , the amount of phase delay of the waveform across capacitor CI can be varied, allowing the time during each half cycle at which the TRIAC fires to be controlled. In this way, the amount of power delivered to the load such as lights or fans can be varied. It is how the TRIAC/DIAC-based light dimmer works.
  • Wireless control enables reducing overall system cost by eliminating the cost of cabling. There is also a significant return on investment from energy savings obtained by intelligent control, especially when the wireless network includes sensors.
  • Light Dimming will be an important feature in the future of smart lighting.
  • the marriage of wireless IP connectivity with energy- efficient lighting technology in secure, compact, low- cost solutions can be implemented with modules small enough to integrate into the light fixture. Since the variable resistor used in the existing dimmers is the mechanical resistive trim pot it isn't suitable for wireless remote control application such as WiFi and ZIGBEE ® , etc.
  • the replacement of digital potentiometer from the mechanic trimming pot is one of our major approaches to wireless control.
  • a dimmer shown in FIG. 9 ( 0900 ) consists of the following parts:
  • Wireless transceiver and MCU WiFi or ZIGBEE ®
  • TRIAC/DIAC control circuit is implemented with a digital potentiometer to achieve variable amounts of power delivered to the light bulb or ceiling fan.
  • the variable resistor Rd in digital potentiometer performs the function of the mechanical resistor Rv in FIG. 8 ( 0 800 ) by replacing the mechanics with a simple 2-wire digital interface such as I 2 C bus or SPI, etc.
  • TRIAC-DIAC circuit in FIG. 9 it is similar to that in FIG. 8 ( 0800 ) except with a digital potentiometer.
  • the AC mains waveform is phase shifted by the circuit with capacitor CI and variable Rd so that a reduced amplitude, phase delayed version of the mains waveform appears across capacitor, CI.
  • This wave reaches the break-over voltage of the DIAC, it conducts and discharges capacitor CI into the gate of the TRIAC, so triggering the TRIAC into conduction.
  • the TRIAC then conducts for the remainder of the mains half cycle, and when the mains voltage passes through zero it turns off.
  • the voltage on CI reaches break-over voltage in the other polarity and the DIAC again conducts, providing an appropriate trigger pulse to turn on the TRIAC.
  • Rd the amount of phase delay of the waveform across capacitor CI can be varied, allowing the time during each half cycle at which the TRIAC fires to be controlled. In this way, the amount of power delivered to the load such as lights or fans can be varied, and the function of dimming is implemented.
  • a wireless RF transceiver/MCU receives the dimming commands (to increase or decrease the light brightness) via its wireless module from the remote control discussed below .
  • the dimming operations are also based on some types of "local" sensors connected to the MCU (not shown in FIG. 9 ( 0900 ) ) .
  • the ambient motion sensor may increase or decrease the brightness of the light based on people walking towards or away from the light.
  • the light sensor may increase or decrease the brightness of light based on the ambient light. How sensors trigger the dimming operations are set by the remote control and recorded in the dimmer MCU. For example, when a light sensor detects the ambient light exceeding certain brightness, it would decrease the light brightness to a certain percentage. When a motion sensor detects people in the room, it would increase the light brightness to a certain percentage. This type of configuration is infinite.
  • the remote control provides a user interface for users to set it up.
  • the dimming commands are converted by MCU into I 2 C or
  • variable resistor Rd will be adjusted proportionally to the amplitude of the analog signal.
  • the MCU reports the dimmer status - the light brightness in terms of percentage and the events when a local sensor triggers a dimming action - to the remote control, either event-driven or at the request of the remote control .
  • the dimmer essentially has two components:
  • the current regulating component comprising of TRIAC/DIAC circuit and digital potentiometer; and ⁇ the control component comprising of the energy measurement unit, wireless module (WiFi or ZIGBEE ® ) & MCU, sensors and flexible antenna unit.
  • the present invention may incorporate an energy monitoring unit that reads the power measurement and interacts with a user through the wireless module.
  • the present invention makes use of an antenna that can be bent and installed around the wall of the circular housing. This flexible antenna is printed on a bendable board to enhance the wireless RF signal strength. It is connected to Wireless, WiFi, or ZIGBEE ® Transceiver module via a standard cable assembly.
  • FIG. 10 ( 10 00 ) and FIG. 11 ( 1100 ) show the bendable antenna attached to the inside of the fixture wall. The antenna is connected with the control component via standard RF connector .
  • the control component is a removable piece from the dimmer, as shown in FIG. 11 ( 1100 ) .
  • the control module has a standard interface (pin connector) with the current regulating component.
  • the standard interface allows different control modules to work in the dimmer.
  • FIG. 12 ( 1200 ) and FIG. 13 ( 130 0 ) show the remote control.
  • the users can hold the device like a regular remote control (it contains a rechargeable battery) or plug it into a power socket with a "foldable” power plug at the back. It contains a rechargeable battery.
  • the remote control has a unique casing design that combines a "look-and-feel" of a remote control and also a pluggable Internet gateway.
  • FIG. 14 shows the diagram of the remote control.
  • This remote control is an embodiment of the system described in the patent applications included by reference above - using the same schematic and block diagram - with the added functionality of a remote control interface.
  • it contains a WiFi module that allows the remote control to communicate with users through the Internet.
  • it contains a wireless module (removable or fixed) that communicates with the dimmer or any devices that are on the same subnet.
  • the communication protocol between the remote control and the dimmer can be any popular communication protocol, for example, BLUETOOTH ® , ZIGBEE ® , and WiFi.
  • the remote control may serve as a router to relay information from a ZIGBEE ® sensor to the dimmer.
  • a separate motion ambient sensor not embedded in the dimmer
  • sends a message of someone approaching the sensor to the remote control which will send a command correspondingly to the dimmer.
  • control commands are sent over the communication to the dimmer, whether they originate from the remote control in the case, users directly touch and press the remote control, or originate from Internet commands that are then relayed by the remote control.
  • the status of the dimmer (the energy consumption, the light brightness and events) is sent back in the reverse path.
  • the events include the energy consumption and local "triggers" from sensors that start and stop the dimming operations.
  • FIG. 15 ( 1500 ) shows a design of the user interface on the remote control .
  • the remote control is therefore a mixture of a remote control, a router of the local sub network where the dimmer resides, and a network router and an Internet gateway.
  • FIG. 16 (1600) shows the multiple roles the remote control play, where the subnet is a ZIGBEE ® network .
  • the remote control provides the following functionality:
  • the local user interface It displays dimmer status on a LCD display and it receives the user input either though the touch screen of the LCD or the buttons on the remote control.
  • User input includes (1) scheduling when and how much to dim the light - periodically or one-time; (2) setting up the rules (or trigger conditions) for the sensors in the dimmer - how much to dim in what sensor conditions; (3) setting up the rules for other sensors in the same subnet .
  • the UI is responsible for the following functions:
  • the percentage of light brightness (0% - 100%)
  • the time of operation (now, one-time in the future, or periodically) .
  • remote control For Internet based UI , some additional features are provided by remote control, as discussed below.
  • the WiFi module in the remote control provides an Internet connection through the home gateway between a user device located anywhere and the remote control .
  • Document PCSM discusses how this connection is configured. Once the Internet connection is setup, there are two ways users can configure and monitor the dimmer via the Internet connection.
  • a web server is hosted on the remote control. Users can remotely access a web page using the WiFi network at home and configure the dimmer on the web page, which is delivered to the dimmer by the remote control. A dimmer status report will also be displayed on the web page.
  • Mode 2 Web Server Hosted On A Proxy Internet Server
  • a proxy web server is hosted on an Internet server in the Internet cloud.
  • the proxy web server communicates with the remote control, sending user inputs to remote control and receiving dimmer results from the remote control.
  • Users can download an application to their smartphones or tablets or computers.
  • the application interacts with the proxy server, allows users to set dimmer configurations and read the dimmer status.
  • One important feature enabled by the Internet connection is that users can configure the remote control such that users can get notifications in their emails or apps when some events have occurred. Users use the web page on the remote control or the Apps on their smartphones to configure which events they will be notified of and in what way.
  • the event notification includes the time the event happened, the type of the event (a sensor triggered dimmer operation or user configured dimmer operation) .
  • the events can be sent with some additional information such as a video clip as discussed below.
  • the software running on the remote control can record the history of the events. Users can see the history of the events from the UI as well.
  • a video camera is integrated with the remote control in the sense that the video recording is synchronized with the events of the dimmer, rather than an independent video camera.
  • the video camera is presumably monitoring the same area where the light is located.
  • Users can configure the video recording for a certain duration based on the events of the dimmer and have the video sent to them as part of the event notification (for example) when a sensor triggers a dimmer operation.
  • the video camera is a web camera, meaning it can communicate with the WiFi module of the remote control.
  • the camera sets up an Internet connection with the WiFi module of the remote control.
  • the remote control software sends an Internet message to the web camera, to start the recording and stops it when recording duration is over.
  • the video clip is sent to the WiFi module.
  • the remote control software attaches the video clip to the notification of the corresponding event.
  • IP Internet protocol
  • the dimmer is housed in a light bulb socket adaptor and can be controlled from the remote control and from anywhere via Internet .
  • the dimmer has a removable part that contains an energy measurement unit, a MCU, sensors, and a wireless communication module.
  • the antenna of the wireless module is printed on a bendable (curved or flexible) PCB and installed on the inside of the circular wall of the dimmer fixture.
  • the remote control doubles as a subnet controller and an Internet gateway. It allows users to hold it as a regular remote controller and also can be plugged into a power outlet like a regular router.
  • the remote control allows the dimmer to respond to other sensors on the same subnet as the dimmer via the remote control.
  • the remote control can send event notifications to users via email, text messaging and applications.
  • a video camera is synchronized with the remote control such that when a dimmer event (defined as a dimmer operation triggered either by a sensor or a user input) occurs, a video clip is recorded and sent with an event notification.
  • a dimmer event defined as a dimmer operation triggered either by a sensor or a user input
  • the present invention anticipates that a network "grid" of intercommunicating security monitors (configured with audio/video/motion sensors can be implemented in a retrofit fashion within any facility augmenting their standard light bulbs with the LFAs described herein. This permits the easy retrofitting of security functions in installations where a wired infrastructure would be costly or impractical.
  • the present invention preferred exemplary system embodiment anticipates a wide variety of variations in the basic theme of construction, but can be generalized as a light fixture monitoring/control system comprising:
  • SEIC source electrical input connector
  • wireless communication interface WCI
  • the LDC is configured to control the flow of electrical current from the SEIC to the SEOC under direction of the ICD
  • the ICD is configured to monitor the LFAS
  • the ICD is configured to control the LDC in response to inputs from the LFAS;
  • the ICD is configured to monitor the WCI
  • the ICD is configured to control the LDC in response to inputs from the WCI;
  • the ICD is configured with a web-browser interface permitting remote monitoring of the LFAS via the WCI;
  • the ICD is configured with a web-browser interface permitting remote control of the LDC via the WCI;
  • the ICD is configured to execute instructions stored in a lamp fixture adapter program (LFAP) ;
  • LFAP lamp fixture adapter program
  • the LFAP is configured to allow local control and monitoring of the LDC in response to inputs from the LFAS;
  • the LFAP is configured to allow local control and monitoring of the LFAS in response to inputs from the WCI;
  • the LFAP is configured to allow the LFAS to be monitored and controlled by the web-browser interface ;
  • the LFAP is configured to allow reporting of LFAS detected events to the WCI;
  • the LFAP is configured to be remotely programmable via the WCI via the web-browser interface.
  • the present invention preferred exemplary method embodiment anticipates a wide variety of variations in the basic theme of implementation, but can be generalized as a light fixture monitoring/control method, the method operating in conjunction with a light fixture monitoring/control system comprising:
  • SEIC source electrical input connector
  • LDC lamp dimmer control
  • ICD integrated computing device
  • wireless communication interface WCI
  • the LDC is configured to control the flow of electrical current from the SEIC to the SEOC under direction of the ICD
  • the ICD is configured to monitor the LFAS
  • the ICD is configured to control the LDC in response to inputs from the LFAS;
  • the ICD is configured to monitor the WCI
  • the ICD is configured to control the LDC in response to inputs from the WCI;
  • the ICD is configured with a web-browser interface permitting remote monitoring of the LFAS via the WCI;
  • the ICD is configured with a web-browser interface permitting remote control of the LDC via the WCI;
  • the ICD is configured to execute instructions stored in a lamp fixture adapter program (LFAP) ;
  • LFAP lamp fixture adapter program
  • the LFAP is configured to allow local control and monitoring of the LDC in response to inputs from the LFAS;
  • the LFAP is configured to allow local control and monitoring of the LFAS in response to inputs from the WCI;
  • the LFAP is configured to allow the LFAS to be monitored and controlled by the web-browser interface ; the LFAP is configured to allow reporting of LFAS detected events to the WCI; and
  • the LFAP is configured to be remotely programmable via the WCI via the web-browser interface
  • step (5) (1) determining if the computer network is accessible via the WCI, and if not, proceeding to step (5) ;
  • step (8) determining if a LFAS event has occurred and if not, proceeding to step (8) ;
  • step (1) determining if LDC control is required by a local or remote control instruction, and if not, proceeding to step (1) ;
  • step (9) executing a dimming instruction protocol on the LDC based on LFAS input and proceeding to step (1) .
  • the present invention anticipates a wide variety of variations in the basic theme of construction.
  • the examples presented previously do not represent the entire scope of possible usages. They are meant to cite a few of the almost limitless possibilities.
  • This basic system and method may be augmented with a variety of ancillary embodiments, including but not limited to:
  • SEIC comprises an E26 light bulb socket.
  • SEOC comprises an E26 light bulb receptacle.
  • LDC comprises a TRIAC- based dimmer control .
  • LDC comprises a TRIAC- based dimmer control incorporating a digital potentiometer gate control.
  • system further comprises a mobile communication device configured to communicate with said WCI .
  • WCI is configured to communicate with a home automation network (HAN) .
  • HAN home automation network
  • WCI is configured to operate as a router within a home automation network (HAN) .
  • HAN home automation network
  • WCI is configured to operate as a network bridge between a home automation network (HAN) and an external communication network (ECN) .
  • HAN home automation network
  • ECN external communication network
  • the present invention may be implemented as a computer program product for use with a computerized computing system.
  • programs defining the functions defined by the present invention can be written in any appropriate programming language and delivered to a computer in many forms, including but not limited to: (a) information permanently stored on non-writeable storage media (e.g., read-only memory devices such as ROMs or CD-ROM disks) ; (b) information alterably stored on writeable storage media (e.g., floppy disks and hard drives); and/or (c) information conveyed to a computer through communication media, such as a local area network, a telephone network, or a public network such as the Internet.
  • non-writeable storage media e.g., read-only memory devices such as ROMs or CD-ROM disks
  • writeable storage media e.g., floppy disks and hard drives
  • information conveyed to a computer through communication media such as a local area network, a telephone network, or a public network such as the Internet.
  • the present invention system embodiments can incorporate a variety of computer readable media that comprise computer usable medium having computer readable code means embodied therein.
  • One skilled in the art will recognize that the software associated with the various processes described herein can be embodied in a wide variety of computer accessible media from which the software is loaded and activated.
  • the software associated with the various processes described herein can be embodied in a wide variety of computer accessible media from which the software is loaded and activated.
  • the present invention anticipates and includes this type of computer readable media within the scope of the invention.
  • Pursuant to In re Nuijten, 500 F.3d 1346 (Fed. Cir. 2007) U.S. Patent Application S/N 09/211,928)
  • the present invention scope is limited to computer readable media wherein the media is both tangible and non-transitory. CONCLUSION
  • a light fixture monitoring/control system/method allowing a lamp associated with a lighting fixture to be controlled in response to localized lighting fixture sensor inputs and/or emote wireless commands has been disclosed.
  • the system utilizes a light: fixture adapter (LPA) as a dimming control and monitoring interface between a light fi ture and the lamp installed in the LPA.
  • Dimming control is directed by a computing device based on a LFA program (LFAP) that analyzes information from one or more sensors integrated within the LFA.
  • LFAP LFA program
  • the LPA supports a web-based browser interface and a wireless communication link allowing remote users to define the LFAP and/or directly control lamp dimming and/or access data from LFA sensors.
  • the LFA permits low- ost retrofitting of existing light fixtures with "smart" networked lighting controls that may incorporate advanced spatially diverse security monitoring functions including audio and/or video surveillance.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système et un procédé de surveillance/commande d'appareil d'éclairage permettant de commander une lampe associée à un appareil d'éclairage en réponse à des entrées d'un capteur de l'appareil d'éclairage localisé et/ou des instructions sans fil à distance. Le système utilise un adaptateur d'appareil d'éclairage (LFA) comme interface de commande et de contrôle d'atténuation entre un appareil d'éclairage et la lampe montée dans le LFA. La commande d'atténuation est dirigée par un dispositif informatique en fonction d'un programme de LFA (LFAP) qui analyse des informations d'un ou de plusieurs capteurs intégrés dans le LFA. Le LFA supporte une interface de navigateur web et une liaison de communication sans fil permettant à des utilisateurs distants de définir le LFAP et/ou de commander directement l'atténuation de la lampe et/ou d'accéder à des données depuis les capteurs du LFA. Le LFA permet une mise à niveau peu coûteuse d'appareils d'éclairage existants avec des commandes d'éclairage en réseau intelligentes qui peuvent comprendre des fonctions de surveillance de sécurité spatialement diverses et avancées, y compris une surveillance audio et/ou vidéo.
PCT/US2013/044094 2012-06-04 2013-06-04 Système et procédé de surveillance/commande d'appareil d'éclairage WO2013184669A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (28)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201261655099P 2012-06-04 2012-06-04
US61/655,099 2012-06-04
US201261661100P 2012-06-18 2012-06-18
US61/661,100 2012-06-18
US201261667477P 2012-07-03 2012-07-03
US61/667,477 2012-07-03
US201261698288P 2012-09-07 2012-09-07
US61/698,288 2012-09-07
US13/644,795 US8478450B2 (en) 2011-10-04 2012-10-04 Power control system and method
US13/644,795 2012-10-04
PCT/US2012/058761 WO2013052671A2 (fr) 2011-10-04 2012-10-04 Système et procédé de régulation de puissance
USPCT/US2012/0058771 2012-10-04
USPCT/US2012/0058761 2012-10-04
US13/644,995 US8583955B2 (en) 2011-10-04 2012-10-04 Battery management system and method
US13/644,995 2012-10-04
PCT/US2012/058771 WO2013052678A2 (fr) 2011-10-04 2012-10-04 Système et procédé de gestion de batterie
US13/645,080 US8443071B2 (en) 2011-10-04 2012-10-04 Data server system and method
PCT/US2012/058788 WO2013052692A2 (fr) 2011-10-04 2012-10-04 Système serveur de données et procédé
USPCT/US2012/0058788 2012-10-04
USPCT/US2012/0058781 2012-10-04
US13/645,044 2012-10-04
US13/645,080 2012-10-04
US13/645,044 US8761050B2 (en) 2011-10-04 2012-10-04 Network integration system and method
PCT/US2012/058781 WO2013052685A2 (fr) 2011-10-04 2012-10-04 Procédé et système d'intégration de réseau
US13/844,491 US8826046B2 (en) 2011-10-04 2013-03-15 Light fixture monitoring-controlling system and method for controlling light intensity based on a light fixture adapter program loaded from a web-server
US13/840,022 2013-03-15
US13/844,491 2013-03-15
US13/840,022 US8769327B2 (en) 2011-10-04 2013-03-15 Battery charger management system and method for controlling a charge current by indirectly determining the type and characteristics of a battery via a current consumed by a charger

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WO2013184669A1 true WO2013184669A1 (fr) 2013-12-12

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