Abstract:
A lighting monitor/control system for remote billboards uses a cellular network to provide utility power and light status information to a central controller, which in response provides control signals to individual remote billboard lighting controllers for setting operating parameters such as multiple on/off times, lighting power adjustments for individual billboards, and custom lighting schedules based upon geographic and environmental considerations. Battery back-up is provided in the event of utility power outage with automatic reversion to utility power when restored. Immediate notification of failure of utility power or of individual lamp or ballast failure is provided by SMS messaging formatted so as to minimize the number of messages and reduce communications costs. The monitor/control system is also adapted for use in remote power monitoring applications to automatically switch to standby power (generator) in the absence of primary power and to return to primary power when restored.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to the remote monitoring/control of an operating system, and is particularly directed to an arrangement for the monitor/control of remote billboard lighting or standby electrical power systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Display signs are used in a wide variety of industries, and are frequently used in the promotion and advertising of products and services. Some of these display signs are used indoors, while others are used in an outdoor environment. One popular outdoor display sign is the billboard, which is typically located in populous or high-traveled areas, such as, for example, along roadsides or on the exterior of buildings. The traditional billboard is a “static” type of display sign in that the advertising image is permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the boards as paint or paper applied in the form of the message to be conveyed. In order to provide 24-hour viewing of the billboard display, an array of lights is typically attached to the billboard&#39;s frame and disposed adjacent the displayed message for viewing at night. In some cases, when using a somewhat transparent or translucent sheet, backlighting may also be employed. 
     More recently, “dynamic” billboards such as electronic billboards have been employed for purveying information to large numbers of people. The dynamic nature of these electronic billboards allows the displayed information to be changed electronically, or otherwise. In both types of outdoor billboards, static and dynamic, it is the use of lights which provides a 24-hour-a-day viewing capability of the displayed message. Thus, the loss of one or more lights of either of these types of displays renders it more difficult, and perhaps even impossible, to discern the displayed message. A billboard lighting failure thus reduces billboard effectiveness in carrying out its intended purpose. Because of the remote location of many billboards, this type of failure may go undetected for an extended period before it is corrected. 
     The present invention addresses the aforementioned limitations of the prior art by providing a billboard lighting monitor/control system which uses SMS messages over a wireless network to remotely monitor multiple points in the system including utility power and lighting system component status, and provides failure alerts as well as the capability to remotely control various lighting system operating parameters. The present invention is also adapted for remotely monitoring the status of and exercising control over the operation of an electric power backup system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide continuous monitoring of and precise control over the operation of a remote operating system via a wireless RF network and/or the Internet. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a monitor/control system for a remote billboard lighting network which affords flexible and easily-changed lighting schedules, customized lighting schedules to accommodate seasonal changes as well as daylight savings time, utility power and individual bulb and ballast monitoring, battery backup in the event of utility power outage, and customized operation based upon lighting system historical performance data. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide improved performance and predictability for a remote billboard lighting system by recording historical performance data and establishing component tolerance levels to adjust for normal variances in current due to seasonal changes and/or aging of lamps and ballasts for reducing false alerts and increasing billboard lighting system reliability. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to remotely set multiple on/off times for billboard lights to turn on the lights during peak public viewing periods and to turn off the lights during low traffic periods to reduce energy costs and extend bulb lifetime. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to format SMS messages transmitted over a cellular telephone network in a manner which increases information transmission efficiency and reduces communication costs. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide for an operating system a power backup monitoring and control arrangement capable of detecting the status of utility voltage, the status of the operating system including its load and standby generator, and a failure of its automatic transfer switch for switching from utility to backup power, and back. 
     Another object of the present invention is to determine operational status and detect specific types of failures in a backup electric power supply system by monitoring multiple points in the system, i.e., utility, load and standby generator, and communicate failures via e-mail and/or a wireless network to a system operator. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The appended claims set forth those novel features which characterize the invention. However, the invention itself, as well as further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference characters identify like elements throughout the various figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified block and schematic diagram of a remote monitor/control system for billboard lighting in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified block diagram of a remote monitor/controller connected to a billboard for controlling the billboard&#39;s lights in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified block diagram of the remote monitor/controller shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed schematic diagram of the remote monitor/controller shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of a current sensor for use in the remote monitor/control system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a voltage sensor for use in another embodiment of the remote monitor/control system of the present invention, such as in a remote backup power monitor/control system. 
         FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  10  and  11  are flowcharts illustrating the series of steps carried out by the remote monitor/control system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a reference tolerance curve for a four light circuit for use in analyzing circuit performance in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a video display presentation for providing remote monitor/control system alerts to an operator of the remote monitor/control system; 
         FIG. 13  is a video display presentation for providing an operator of the remote monitor/control system with controller status information; 
         FIG. 14  is a video display presentation for use in controlling light scheduling and controller setup and operation in the remote monitor/control system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a video display presentation for use by a remote monitor/control system operator for accessing system diagnostic tools; 
         FIG. 16  is a simplified combined schematic and block diagram of a remote backup power monitor/control system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16   a  is a block diagram of the remote portion of the backup power monitor/control system shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a fault condition table presented on a video display to an operator of the remote backup power monitor/control system to assist in trouble shooting the system; 
         FIGS. 18-27  are a series of flowcharts illustrating the various operations carried out by the remote backup power monitor/control system of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 28-31  illustrate various screens on a video display used in assigning (or adding) usage by a customer of billboard faces or unassigning (or deleting) a customer from billboard faces currently being used by that customer. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a simplified block and schematic diagram of a remote monitor/control system  10  for use with billboard lighting in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Remote monitor/control system  10  is adapted for use with a billboard  12  having a first set of lights  14   a  on one side and a second set of lights  14   b  on the second, opposed side of the billboard. A utility power connection  16  provides electric power to lights  14   a  and  14   b . Lights  14   a  and  14   b  illuminate opposed sides of billboard  12  upon which are displayed messages in graphic form. However, a billboard  12  used in the present invention may have any number of faces with each face illuminated by virtually any number of lights. The system described herein is designed to accommodate as many as four (4) faces in the billboard illuminated by as many as twenty-four (24) lights. 
     Also connected to lights  14   a  and  14   b  is a remote monitor/controller  18  which monitors and controls the operation of the billboard lights. Remote monitor/controller  18  is in communication with a GSM system for mobile communication (GSM) network  20 . Remote monitor/controller  18  transmits RF signals containing information relating to the status and operation of lights  14   a  and  14   b  to a wireless GSM network  20 . Remote monitor/controller  18  similarly receives RF control signals from GSM network  20  for controlling the operation of lights  14   a  and  14   b . GSM network  20  is connected by means of a bi-directional dedicated link  30  to a server  22  in a worldwide communications network such as the Internet. Also connected to server  22  via the Internet are plural personal computers (PCs)  24   a - 24   d . By means of PCs  24   a - 24   d , input control signals may be provided via the Internet and GSM network  20  to lights  14   a  and  14   b . While four PCs  24   a - 24   d  are shown in the remote monitor/control system  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the present invention is not limited to this number of PCs for exercising system control, and may have more or less PCs. Also shown in  FIG. 1  as connected to server  22  via the Internet are a handheld device  26  and a cell phone  28 , either of which may also be used to monitor the operation of lights  14   a ,  14   b  and to remotely exercise control over the operation of the billboard lights. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , there are shown additional details of remote monitor/controller  18  for monitoring and controlling the operation of lights  14   a  and  14   b . Remote monitor/controller  18  is preferably co-located with billboard  12  and is coupled to a utility power connection  16 , by means of which electric power energizes lights  14   a ,  14   b . Remote monitor/controller  18  is connected to the utility power connection  16  by means of a power control interface circuit  40  and a sensor input interface circuit  42  which are described in detail below in terms of  FIG. 3 . 
     Remote monitor/controller  18  has its own power supply  44  energized by utility power via the utility power connection  16 . Remote monitor/controller  18  further includes a backup battery  52  for energizing the remote monitor/controller in the absence of utility power. The output of power supply  44  and/or battery  52  is controlled by a power management unit  54  within the remote monitor/controller  18 . A cellular module  56  is imbedded in the remote monitor/controller  18  for interfacing with the aforementioned GSM network  20 . Antenna  50  receives RF signals from GSM network  20  and transmits RF signals to the GSM network. Remote monitor/controller  18  further includes a SIM interface circuit  48  to allow the present system to operate with a cellular network SIM card which provides the unique identity (such as a phone number) for each device on the network so that it can be identified on the cellular network. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , there are respectively shown a block diagram and a schematic diagram of the remote monitor/controller  18  used in the present invention. Operation of remote monitor/controller  18  is under the control of processor  46  which is conventional in design and operation, but is uniquely programmed as described in detail below. Processor  46  is in the form of an integrated circuit comprising a ROM, a RAM, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and a clock generator on a single semiconductor chip. These components of processor  46  are not illustrated in the figures for simplicity as they are standard in this type of signal processor. Processor  46  receives various inputs from sensors  60   a - 60   d  via sensor input interface circuit  42  and provides various outputs to lights  14   a  and  14   b  via a power control interface circuit  40 . Processor  46  is also connected to a power management unit  54  and is responsive to inputs from the power management unit. Power management unit  54  is comprised of a group of circuits which work together to control power in the device. Power to the lights is controlled by the power control interface circuit  40  under the control of processor  46 . Power supply  44  and backup battery  52  are also coupled to power management unit  54  which controls the outputs of these units and ensures that backup battery remains fully charged. Cellular module  56  is also coupled to the power management unit  54  and receives power from either power supply  44  or battery  52  via the power management unit. Cellular module  56  is further coupled to the SIM interface circuit  48  as well as to RF antenna  50 . The cellular module cannot connect to the cellular network without a valid SIM card. The cellular module  56  utilizes data from the SIM card to establish the initial connection to the GSM network  20  and while transmitting information to or receiving information from the GSM network. This is a defined process under the GSM cellular standards. Messages received from GSM network  20  are initially processed by cellular module  56  and are further processed by processor  46 . 
     Power control interface circuit  40  includes four relays  58   a - 58   b  as well as plural connectors  66  (shown in  FIG. 3  as a single connector for simplicity) for connecting the remote monitor/controller  18  to utility power connection  16  for regulating the power provided to billboard lights  14   a  and  14   b . Sensor input interface circuit  42  includes four sensors  60   a - 60   d  as well as plural sensor connectors  68  (also shown as a single connector) for connecting the combination of utility power connection  16  and remote monitor/controller  18  to the power control interface circuit  40 . Sensor input interface circuit  42  allows for exercise of control by remote monitor/controller  18  of utility power provided to billboard lights  14   a  and  14   b . The four sensors  60   a - 60   d  within sensor input interface circuit  42  monitor current in the remote monitor/control system  10  and provide data whereby remote monitor/controller  18  can determine the operational status, performance and fault conditions of lights  14   a  and  14   b.    
     As shown in the detailed schematic diagram of  FIG. 4 , relay connector arrangement  66  within the power control interface circuit  40  includes  4  connectors  66   a - 66   d  for respectively connecting to relays  58   a - 58   d . Each of the four relay connectors  66   a - 66   d  receives a plus 6 VDC input from the remote monitor/controllers&#39; power supply  44 . In addition, each of the four relay connectors  66   a - 66   d  receives a respective control input from processor  46 . Each of these control signals from processor  46  is provided to a respective switching transistor  72  in each connector, as shown for the first relay connector  66   a , for providing the appropriate output voltage via a respective one of relays  58   a - 58   d  to one of the billboard lights  14   a  or  14   b.    
     Sensor connector arrangement  68  of the sensor input interface circuit  42  also includes four sensor connectors  68   a - 68   d  as shown in the  FIG. 4 . Each of connectors  68   a - 68   d  couples a respective one of sensors  60   a - 60   d  to processor  46  within the remote monitor/controller  18 . The inputs provided by sensor input interface circuit  42  to the remote monitor/controller  18  allow the remote monitor/controller to exercise control over the billboard lights based upon their operational status, performance and fault conditions. 
     Additional details of power management unit  54  are shown in  FIG. 4 . Power management unit  54  includes a DC power connector  55  and power connector circuit  54   a , a linear voltage regulator  54   b , and a battery power controller  54   c . The DC power connector  55  and circuit  54   a  is the input for the DC voltage from the external power supply  44  and provides +6 VDC to the remote/monitor controller  18 . Linear voltage regulator  54   b  converts this 6 VDC output to +3 VDC for use by other components of the remote monitor/controller. Power management circuit  54   c  provides battery  52  charging and control and provides a visual indication of utility power status via LED  57   d.    
     The sensor connector arrangement  68  includes four sensor connectors  68   a - 68   d  each having associated circuitry for energizing and receiving output signals from a respective sensor. The LED status indicators  57  include LEDs  57   a ,  57   b  and  57   c  for providing visual information regarding the status of remote monitor/controller  18 . The SIM card circuit  48  shown in  FIG. 4  enables cellular module  56  to access data from the SIM card installed in each remote monitor/controller  18 . Antenna  50  is coupled to cellular module  56  in the remote monitor/controller  18  by means of an RF antenna connector  50   a . Test button  74   a  initiates the test and calibration process during controller installation, while reset button  74   b  initializes remote monitor/controller  18  to clear fault conditions. Processor  46  controls the operation of remote monitor/controller  18  in accordance with operating programs stored in the processor. Connector interface  56   a  provides for embedding the cellular module  56  within remote monitor/controller  18 . A processor connector  76  coupled to processor  46  allows for re-programming of software within remote monitor/controller  18  to add or change functionality of the remote monitor/control system  10 . This capability also allows the remote monitor/controller  18  to be used not only with billboard lighting systems, but also with backup power generators systems when reconfigured. EEPROM  49  is a memory device that stores information such as controller configuration, measurement data from sensors and scheduled on/off times. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a schematic diagram of a current sensor module  62  for use in the remote billboard lighting monitor/control system  10  of the present invention. Current sensor module  62  is coupled by means of first and second terminal connectors  180   a  and  180   b  to a 120 VAC source for providing the AC input current to a current level sensor circuit  182 . One output of the current level sensor circuit  182  is provided to an amplifier stage  184  which includes first and second amplifiers  184   a  and  184   b . The output of amplifier stage  184  is provided to an output connector  186 . The output from connector  186  representing the level of AC current in the received input signal is provided to sensor connector  70  in the remote monitor/controller  18  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The output of current sensor module  62  is a voltage representing the level of the AC input current to the current sensor module. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a voltage sensor module  64  for use in a remote monitor/controller for a standby electrical power system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention described in detail below. Voltage sensor module  64  includes an inductive sensor probe  190  disposed in close proximity to a conductor to which a voltage is applied. Inductive sensor probe  190  provides a signal representing the voltage level in the adjacent conductor to a voltage sensing circuit  192 . Power is provided to voltage sensing circuit  192  via connector  200 . Illumination of LED  198  indicates the presence of power to sensor probe  190 . An output of the voltage sensing circuit  192  is provided to LED  196  to indicate that voltage has been detected at inductive sensor  190 . Voltage sensing LED  196  is also coupled to the voltage sensing circuit  192  by means of transistor  202  for providing a visual indication if the applied voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold value. A second output of voltage sensing circuit  192  is provided to an amplifier  194  where it is amplified and provided to connectors  68   a - 68   d  via connector  200  and is the input to processor  46 . The input to the voltage sensor module  64  is provided via connectors  68   a - 68   d  from the DC power supply circuit  54   a.    
     Referring  FIGS. 7-11 , there is shown a series of flowcharts illustrating the various operations carried out by the remote monitor/control system  10  of the present invention under the control of the system&#39;s processor  46  in accordance with programs stored in the processor. At step  80  shown in  FIG. 7 , initial power is applied to remote monitor/controller  18  and a self-test operation is carried out. Processor  46  undergoes a self-test routine, a valid SIM signal is searched for, a buffer memory in the processor is cleared, and the interface to the cellular module  56  is tested. The program stored in processor  46  then determines if these various tests have been passed at step  82 . If any of these tests is not passed, the program proceeds to step  96  to provide an operator with a failure indication on the LED status indicators  57 . If any of these status indicators illuminate, the program terminates, allowing an operator to check for the indicated problem. If at step  82 , processor  46  determines that all of the self-tests have been passed, the program proceeds to step  84  for directing cellular module  56  to connect to GSM network  20  via antenna  50 . If cellular module  56  is unable to connect to GSM network  20 , the program proceeds to step  96  indicating a failure status on the LED status indicators  57 . If at step  84  it is determined that cellular module  56  has successfully connected to GSM network  20 , the program proceeds to step  86  for allowing an operator to select downloading the billboard site configuration data from server  22  to processor  46  via GSM network  20 . This site configuration data includes location and unit identification of the particular billboard, the number of light circuits/faces of the billboard in question, the voltage configuration of the billboard, i.e., 120 or 240 VAC, and the set date, time and tolerance values of the billboard lighting system. 
     Following the downloading of billboard site configuration data by server  22 , step  88  is initiated when the installer activates test switch  74   a  for starting the test and calibration sequence involving waiting for 15 minutes for billboard light operation to stabilize. In this step, the installer activates the set-up process on the remote monitor/controller  18  and all lights are turned on for visual identification of installation. Following the 15 minute warm-up period, the program then proceeds to step  90  where each lighting circuit is sampled for its current every 20 seconds for a period of ten minutes. This step involves the calculation of a maximum, minimum and average current for each circuit, which values are stored in the processor&#39;s memory for that particular site. The program then proceeds to step  92  for uploading reference data to the server  22  and confirming billboard site activation. In this step, the remote monitor/controller  18  uploads calibration reference data for each lighting circuit to server  22 . The program then proceeds to step  94  for initiating normal operation of the remote monitor/controller  18 . 
     Normal operation of the remote monitor/controller  18  is initiated as shown in  FIG. 8  at step  122  where a comparison is made between the scheduled times of operation of the billboard lights with a real time clock information to determine if external relays  58   a - 58   d  should be activated. If it is determined at step  122  that the external relays  58   a - 58   d  should not yet be activated, the program enters a closed cycle until it is determined that an external relay should be activated, whereupon the program proceeds to step  124  for activating one or more of the external relays for causing the billboard lights to turn on. The program then proceeds to step  126  for initiating a waiting period of 15 minutes to ensure stable light operation, and then samples the light current every 20 seconds for ten minutes. The program measures and stores minimum, maximum and average current readings in memory with a time stamp to establish a site history record for that particular billboard site. This site history record is used to determine a reference tolerance curve for each set of lights at each billboard site as described below with reference to  FIG. 8   a . The program then proceeds to step  128  to determine if the current is within an acceptable range as defined by the reference tolerance previously determined. If it is determined that the current is not within the reference tolerance, the program generates a message on the server  22  that is seen by a customer using a PC such as one of  24   a - 24   d  to access the monitoring software, or a handheld device or mobile phone. The alert can also be sent via text message to mobile phones or email to specific email accounts specified by the customer. If at step  128  it is determined that the current is within the predetermined reference tolerance value, the program proceeds to step  130  and samples the current every 60 minutes. These sampled current readings are stored in memory with a time stamp to establish a rolling compilation of historical operating data over 48 hour periods. The program then proceeds to step  132  to determine if an external relay should be deactivated in accordance with scheduled off times with reference to real time clock. If at step  132  it is determined that a relay should not be deactivated, the program returns to step  130  and continues to sample light current every 60 minutes. If at step  132  it is determined that a relay should be deactivated, the program deactivates the relay and returns to step  122  to await the next scheduled activation time of the relay. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , there is shown an example of a reference tolerance curve for use in a four light circuit for use in analyzing circuit performance. The sinusoidal waveform represents normal current variation over time in the four light circuit. A +10% and −10% tolerance range is established for variation in circuit current during normal lighting operation. Thus, for a nominal operating current of 16.0 amps, an upper +10% tolerance of 17.6 amps and a lower −10% tolerance of 14.4 amps defines the acceptable range of circuit current during normal operation. In the event of a single light failure, the variation in reduced circuit current is shown by the lower projections of the normal sinusoidal operation curve. A similar variation in circuit current can be determined for double and triple light failures from the circuit current operating curve shown in  FIG. 9 . By using these reference tolerance ranges, it can easily be determined if the lighting circuit is operating normally or if any of the lights have failed, as well as the number of failed lights. The tolerance levels can be updated on the controller remotely in 1% increments to optimize the performance of any specific site taking into consideration the historical performance of the site, the number and type of lamps and fixtures on the site, and the geographical location to account for sites in extreme temperature environments. For example, a site in Florida may have very different performance compared to a similar site in Alaska. This provides for a high level of fault tolerance, reducing the possibility of false alerts. The historical performance is compiled from the daily current measurements that are uploaded to the server and provide daily monthly, and yearly performance in graphical format. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , there is shown the series of steps carried out by processor  46  where utility power has failed and has not been restored prior to backup battery power discharging to below 20% of normal operating power. In this case, processor  46  will shut down to conserve battery power and will reactivate when utility power is restored. At step  136 , the program executes a remote monitor/controller self-test routine including the processor checking that the cellular module has detected a valid SIM card, clearing the processor&#39;s memory buffer, and testing the interface to the cellular module  56 . The program then at step  138  determines if the self-test was passed, and if so, proceeds to step  140  for directing cellular module  56  to connect to GSM network  20 . If at step  138  it is determined that the processor self-test was not passed, the program proceeds to step  150  to provide a visual indication of input power failure on LED status indicator  57  and the program terminates. If at step  140  it is determined that cellular module  56  is unable to connect to GSM network  20 , the program also branches to step  150  to indicate the failure of a connection to the GSM network on the LED status indicators  57  and the program terminates. If at step  140 , communication between cellular module  56  and GSM network  20  is established, the program proceeds to step  142  to provide a visual indication of this communications link on LED status indicators  57 . The program then proceeds at step  144  to load data previously stored in EEPROM memory  49  into the remote processor&#39;s memory. This data includes lighting load site identification, SIM identification, operating scheduler values, and RTC information. Also retrieved from memory and loaded is calibration reference and tolerance values for the particular billboard lighting system being addressed. The program then proceeds to step  146  and sends a power restore message to server  22 . The program then at step  148  checks utility power to ensure that utility power is still present (did not recover and fail again) and if utility power is still present, the program proceeds to the normal operation sequence illustrated in  FIG. 8  and discussed above. If at step  148  it is determined that external power has not been restored, a program at step  160  sends an alert message to server  22  and provides a visual indication of the lack of external power on LED status indicators  57 . The program then proceeds to step  154  to enable the controller to monitor battery status while utility power is not present to enable the unit to shut down if battery power goes below 20% and no utility power is present. This process ensures that there is sufficient battery power present for the controller to send out an alert for warning the operator that the site is shutdown. If utility power recovers before battery power is at 20% of normal utility power level, remote monitor/controller  18  will advise that utility power is restored and will continue with normal operation which would include the battery being recharged. At step  152 , the program sends an alert message to server  22  and provides a visual indication of the restoration of utility power on LED status indicators  57 . The program then proceeds to step  148  and exits the site external power restoration routine of  FIG. 10 . If at step  154  external power is not detected, the program proceeds to step  156  to determine if backup battery power is less than 20% of normal input power. If battery power is not less than 20% of normal input power, the program returns to step  154  and continues to monitor for the restoration of external power. If at step  156  it is determined that backup battery power is less than 20% of normal operating power, the program proceeds to step  158  and sends a shutdown alert message to server  22  causing a remote monitor/controller  18  to enter a sleep mode, followed by a return to the beginning of the site external power restoration routine of  FIG. 10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , there is shown the series of steps carried out by the program stored in processor  46  for detecting an incoming command message to remote monitor/controller  18  from server  22 . At step  162 , a valid message is provided to remote monitor/controller  18  from server  22 . At step  164 , the program determines if the valid message is a diagnostics command and proceeds to step  174  for execution if the message is a diagnostics command. The program then returns to step  162  and again waits receipt of a valid message from server  22 . If at step  164 , it is determined that the valid message is not a diagnostics command, the program proceeds to step  166  to determine if the valid message is a lighting schedule command. If the valid message is a lighting schedule command, the program proceeds to step  176  and writes the new schedule data into memory for changing the operation of the billboard lights. The program then returns to step  162  and again awaits receipt of a valid message from server  22 . If at step  166  it is determined that the valid message is not a schedule command, the program proceeds to step  168  to determine if the valid message is a system configuration command. If at step  168  it is determined that the valid message is a system configuration command, the program proceeds to step  178  for writing the new system configuration data to memory for changing the configuration of the remote monitor/control system  10 . The program then returns to step  162  for again awaiting receipt of a valid message from server  22 . If at step  168  it is determined that the valid message is not a system configuration command, the program proceeds to step  170  for determining if the valid message is a query command. If it is determined that the valid message is a query command, the program proceeds to step  180  for uploading the requested data to server  22  from remote monitor/controller  18  in responding to the query. The program then returns to step  162  and again monitors for receipt of a valid message from server  22 . If at step  170  it is determined that the valid message is not a query command, the program proceeds to step  172  for initiating normal operation as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , there is shown an alerts overview display screen for use in monitoring and controlling the remote monitor/control system  10  of the present invention. Shown at the top of the screen are four user selectable methods for accessing data recorded and stored in the system. These methods for accessing data are by selecting (a) a customer overview mode, (b) an individual operating site overview mode, (c) a user login site mode, or (d) a keyword search mode. Below on the alert screen are summaries of alerts associated with three different customers. The first indicated alert summary relates to demonstration of the system at a first customer wherein five alerts occurred. The second alert summary relates to generator monitoring for a second customer designated L002. The third alert summary is for customer LMRT having ten billboard lighting systems, where alerts for each of the ten systems are shown. In each of these alert summaries, the total number of alerts received is illustrated, as is the number of alerts which have yet to be handled, or processed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , there is shown in greater detail the controller status of the LMR customer referred to in  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 13  includes additional identifying information regarding a specific billboard lighting site as well as detailed information regarding the history of operation of this billboard lighting system. The illustrated detailed controller status information includes detailed information regarding each of the four faces of the billboard lighting system with specific operating information including the number of the lights in each billboard space, the electric current in and present status of each individual billboard lighting system, and the operating schedule of each billboard lighting system for each of the four billboard lighting faces. As shown for the LMR site  2  in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , a total of 59 alerts have occurred regarding this particular billboard lighting system none of which have been tended to. When an alert is attended to, or resolved, the display of that alert is canceled on the video displays of  FIGS. 12 and 13  by the system operator. Controller  18  automatically adjusts the RTC for daylight saving time based upon data stored in the controller and shown as DST  1  and DST  2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , there is shown a video display for use by a system operator in selecting and entering the lighting schedule of a billboard lighting system having 4 faces identified as North, South, East and West faces. Each face is capable of operating over three sets of on and off times. The individual selectors under the schedule  1 , schedule  2 , and schedule  3  designations allow a system operator to enter and subsequently modify the on/off schedules of each of these three billboard lighting systems. Each individual face of the billboard lighting system is enabled or disabled by means of the “Status” selector in the time-scheduler portion of the display shown in  FIG. 14 . The “Scheduler Profile” selector permits a standard, or common, schedule to be entered for each of the four faces of the billboard lighting system for ease of programming as also shown in  FIG. 14 . However, the individual selectors for each of the faces of the billboard lighting system permits the individual faces to be programmed for operation in an independent manner with different lighting schedules. Each of the billboard lighting system faces may be provided with separate and independent operating schedules. 
     Referring to the lower portion of  FIG. 14 , there is shown an arrangement for incorporating a tolerance profile in the operation of a selected billboard lighting system as discussed above. As shown in the figure, each of the four faces of the billboard lighting system is provided with a selectable Tolerance Profile of 60%. Also as shown, the North and South faces of the billboard lighting system are provided with Tolerance Reference current value of 0.40 amps. The Tolerance Profile and Tolerance Reference values are selected by means of the video display shown on the lower portion of  FIG. 14  and are entered by selecting a calibration button of the remote monitor/controller  18  shown in  FIG. 4 . Upon entry of the Tolerance Profile and Tolerance Reference values, these values are provided to server  22  for storage and use. With a Tolerance Profile of 60% and a Tolerance Reference of 0.40 amps, an alert would be triggered in the event that the current exceeds 0.64 amps or is less than 0.16 amps for the example shown in the lower portion of  FIG. 14 . 
     The Set Up RTC Time selector on the lower portion of the video display set up arrangement shown in  FIG. 14  is used to enter real time clock information in the remote monitor/control system  10 . Also shown in the lower portion of  FIG. 14  is the Update Controller Unit and Query Controller Unit selectors. The Update Controller selector is used to send lighting time schedule operating information illustrated in the upper portion of  FIG. 14  to remote monitor/controller  18 . The Query Controller Unit selector allows an operator to display the time schedule and current tolerance values for a given billboard lighting system in the video display presentation shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , there is shown a video display presentation for use in accessing diagnostic tools in the remote monitor/control system  10  of the present invention. The four selectors in the MCD Lighting Controller On/Off Setting portion of the display shown in  FIG. 15  allow the light in any of the four faces of the billboard lighting system to be turned on or off, as desired. This permits an operator to verify the operation of a selected function by noting the readings of the corresponding operation parameters. In the section entitled Retrieve Last 48 Hours Data portion of the display, an operator can select a desired face of the billboard lighting system and view its operating data and performance over the last 48 hours. By storing and reviewing these 48 hour data reports, long term trends of the billboard lighting system can be determined. In the portion of the display entitled Retrieve Data for Last Turn-On Cycle portion of the diagnostic tools display, a user can view billboard lighting system operating data for the last time the lighting system was turned on for comparing this previous data with current turn-on operating data. In the portion of the diagnostic tools entitled Retrieve Data For Last 30-days Turn-On Cycle the operator can obtain a current report either visually or in printed form of the operating state of a selected face of the billboard lighting system and compare the current operating state with billboard lighting system operation over the previous 30 days of operation. If this data is not requested by a system operator, the system automatically sends last 30 days operating data on the last day of each month to the system server  22 . In this manner, historical operating data accumulated over the lifetime of the billboard lighting system may be reviewed and compared with current operating data for each face of each billboard lighting system under the control of the operator. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , there is shown a simplified block and schematic diagram of a remote backup power monitor/control system  210  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Remote backup power monitor/control system  210  includes a remote portion comprised of a utility power connection  212 , a load center  214 , an automatic transfer switch  216 , a remote monitor/controller  218  and a backup generator  220 . The remote portion of the remote backup power monitor/control system  210  is in communication with a GSM network  204  which, in turn, is connected by means of a bi-directional dedicated link  206  to a server  207  in a worldwide communications network such as the Internet. Also connected to server  207  via the Internet are plural PC controllers  208   a - 208   d . By means of a PC controllers  208   a - 208   d , the remote portion of the remote backup power monitor/control system  210  may be controlled by one or more remotely located operators using one or more controllers. As in the previously described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this number of PC controllers for exercising system control and may have more or less PC controllers. Also as in the previously described embodiment, remote control may be provided by operator-responsive devices other than PC controllers. For example, control may also be exercised by means of a hand-held device connected to server  207  or by means of a cellphone connected to the GSM network  204  by conventional means. Neither the hand-held device nor cellphone is illustrated in  FIG. 15  for simplicity. The operation of these communications devices in the present embodiment is the same as that previously described in terms of the first embodiment described above. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16   a , there is shown a block diagram of the remote portion of the backup power monitor/control system  210  shown in  FIG. 16 . Remote backup power monitor/control system  210  includes a utility power connection  212  coupled to a utility power source (not shown for simplicity) which powers a load center  214 . Load center  214  receives and distributes the utility power as desired. In the present example, load center  214  in a typical home is a 200 amp load center with two 100 amp connections to the utility, with one half of the circuits connected to the load center operating off of one 100 amp connection and the other half of the circuits operating off of the other 100 amp connection. However, the present invention is adapted for use with a wide range of home installations, e.g., 50 amp, 60 amp, 100 amp, 150 amp etc. Load center  214  thus provides utility power to various peripheral circuits which are not shown in the figure for simplicity. The backup power portion of the remote back-up power monitor/control system  210  includes an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)  216  coupled to a backup generator  220 . A remote monitor/controller  218  is connected to ATS  216  for monitoring the operational performance of the ATS and generator, and monitoring other associated electrical devices such as the operational status of sump pumps. 
     Remote monitor/controller  218  is in RF communication with a GSM network  220  which includes a server  226  as in the previously described embodiment of the present invention. Internet server  226  is in communication with plural PCs  228   a - 228   d . Communication between remote monitor/controller  218  and GSM network  224  and the operation of server  226  and PCs  228   a - 228   d  in communicating in the Internet network are as previously described in terms of the first embodiment discussed above. 
     Additional details of remote monitor/controller  218  in the remote backup power monitor/control system  210  of this embodiment of Applicant&#39;s invention are illustrated in  FIG. 16   a . Remote monitor/controller  218  includes a primary power supply  225 , an SIM interface circuit  228 , an RF antenna  230 , a processor  232 , a cellular module  234 , a backup battery  236 , and a power management unit  238 . Each of these components is comprised of, and operates in the same manner as, the corresponding components of the billboard lighting system remote monitor/controller  18  described above. 
     ATS  216  monitors utility input power, detects any failures in utility input power, provides a startup command to generator  220  in the event of loss of utility power, switches generator power to the load center  214  and disconnects utility power connection  212  from the load center. Remote monitor/control  218  further includes first, second and third sensors: a utility power sensor  221 , a load sensor  222 , and a generator start sensor  223 . Utility power sensor  221  is coupled between utility power connection  212  and load center  214  and detects the voltage between these two components. Load sensor  222  is connected between load center  214  and ATS  216  and detects the voltage between these two components. Generator start sensor  223  is connected between ATS  216  and generator  220  and detects the voltage between these two components and is also used to monitor the generator exercise cycle. Each of these sensors is of the voltage sensing type as illustrated in  FIG. 6  and described in detail above. Remote monitor/controller  218  has the ability to interface with certain ATS controller  216   a  for the purpose of remotely setting the exercise cycle and resetting ATS  216  faults. Load sensor  222  is normally monitoring utility power passing through the ATS to the load center. In the event of a utility failure this voltage will go to zero and ATS  216  will initiate the start of generator  220  and then switch the generator supply to the load sensor  222  by detecting the voltage to the load center after the generator start sensor  223  provides positive confirmation of successful ATS operation. 
     Utility power sensor  221  detects the loss of utility power at the output of the utility power connection  212  in both of the 100 amp cables coupling the utility power connection to load center  214 . If either of these utility input power cables loses voltage, an appropriate signal is provided from utility power sensor  221  to the remote monitor/controller&#39;s processor  232  similar to the loss of current in the billboard lighting system described above. A simple logic circuit may be coupled across the two utility power input cables to provide a single output to processor  232  in the event of loss of voltage on either of these cables. 
     Another function of remote monitor/control  218  is monitoring of operation of a primary water sump pump  240  where a sump pump sensor  242  detects failure of the sump pump by monitoring the water level in the sump pit and provides immediate notification to the system operator and by text message to selected individuals. 
     Remote monitor/controller  218  in this embodiment of the present invention is capable of independently monitoring utility power, generator  220  operation, ATS  216  operation, and sump pump  240  operation at various points in the system. In response to receipt of an input from one or more sensors  221 ,  222 ,  223  and  242 , remote monitor/controller  218  generates an alert to indicate a problem with the operation of any of the aforementioned components, as well as an indication of where the problem is. Remote monitor controller  218  is also capable of resetting ATS  216  by providing an appropriate input to its internal controller  216   a  so that it provides the correct control signals to load center  214 . Resetting is primarily to correct a failure or a lock up situation with the ATS logic. If this occurs, the ATS may fail to switch the generator power to the load and resetting will clear a fault condition and enable it to resume normal function. Remote monitor/controller  218  is also capable of remotely programming ATS  216  via an appropriate input to its internal controller  216   a . For certain ATS models the exercise cycle timer can be programmed remotely to automatically test generator  220  operation periodically, such as every 7 or 14 days, by specifying the day and time to initiate this exercise cycle and monitors generator operation to ensure that it is functional. Appropriate alerts are provided on one or more of PC terminals  228   a - 228   d  for viewing by a system operator(s). 
     In one embodiment, utility power sensor  221  is in the form of two separate sensors, each inductively coupled to a respective one of the first and second power input cables. In this embodiment, the two first sensors provide first and second utility L 1  and utility L 2  inputs to a remote monitor/controller circuit board as shown in  FIG. 17 . Third and fourth load L 1  and generator L 1  inputs are respectively provided to the remote monitor/controller  218  from load sensor  222  and generator start sensor  223 . This arrangement of four sensor inputs to remote monitor/controller  218  for analysis is shown as a fault condition table  250  in  FIG. 17 . At the top of fault condition table  250  are listed the four sensor inputs to remote monitor/controller  218  as utility L 1 , utility L 2 , load L 1  and generator L 1 . Listed under the “Status” column are the various conditions of the remote backup power monitor/controller system  218  depending upon the aforementioned four parameters sensed and processed by the remote monitor/controller  218 . For example, Group 1 States  252  represent various conditions during normal operation of the remote backup power monitor/control system  218 . During normal operation, both utility inputs L 1  and L 2  are available and the load L 1  is energized by the utility power input. In this state, generator L 1  is off. In the event of a utility power failure, utility L 1  and/or utility L 2  inputs are lost, load L 1  is not energized and generator L 1  remains off. Failure of the generator to start within two minutes following utility power failure constitutes a generator failure. If generator  220  starts within the two minutes of utility power failure, the system then monitors ATS  216  and if the ATS does not provide generator power to load center  214 , an ATS failure is indicated. If ATS  216  has not failed, then ATS will connect emergency power to load L 1  from generator  220  to load center  214 . After utility power is restored, ATS  216  provides a stop signal to generator  220 . 
     Group 2 States  254  shown in fault condition table  250  correspond to a generator exercise routine carried out during normal remote backup monitor/control system  210  operation. During the generator exercise routine as utility power inputs are provided to load center  214  as load L 1 , generator operation is tested and a report regarding generator status is provided to personal computers  228   a - 228   d  via server  226 . 
     Group 3 States  256  in fault condition table  250  illustrate the various states of operation of remote backup power monitor/control system  210  in the event of failure of the utility L 2  power input. The first Group 2 State indicates normal system operation, followed by failure of the utility L 2  power input. Again, generator  220  is allowed two minutes to initiate operation, whereupon power is provided from the generator via ATS  216  to load center  214 . If generator  220  does not initiate operation within two minutes of loss of the utility L 2  power input, the system provides a generator failure indication. Following the start of generator  220  within two minutes of loss of the utility L 2  power in put, ATS  216  is switched by remote monitor/controller  218  to an emergency state allowing power from generator  220  to be provided to load center  214 . Following restoration of utility L 2  input power, ATS  216  provides a stop signal to generator  220  for discontinuing generator operation. The operation of the remote backup power monitor/control system  210  in the event of failure of the utility L 1  power input is shown by the Group 4 States  258  in fault condition table  250  and is similar to that of the operation of the system in the event of failure of the utility L 2  power input and therefore is not explained in detail herein. 
     The Group 5 State  260  shown in fault condition table  250  represents a default of ATS  216 , wherein utility power is provided on the utility L 1  and L 2  inputs, but power is not delivered to load center  214 . Also shown in the lower portion of fault condition table  250  are three alerts generated by the remote monitor/controller  218 . These alerts include a loss of power to controller alert, a low battery alert, and a sump failure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18-27 , there are shown a series of operating routines carried out by the remote backup power/monitor control system  210  under the control of remote monitor/controller  218 . The various operations illustrated in  FIGS. 18-26  are carried out by the remote monitor/controller  218  under the control of an operating program stored in its processor  232 . Processor  232  responds to inputs from various other components of the remote monitor/controller  218  as well as to inputs from the four sensors  221 ,  222 ,  223  and  242  for providing appropriate output signals to the controller  216   a  of ATS  216  in exercising control over the various components of the remote backup power monitor/control system  210 . 
     More specifically, a remote site installation routine is initiated at step  270  by initializing power and undergoing a self-test of the remote backup monitor/control system  210  including its remote monitor/controller  218 . A self-test of the remote monitor/controller&#39;s processor  232  is carried out and its memory buffer is cleared. The program stored in processor  232  also detects a valid SIM signal by means of SIM interface circuit  227  and tests the operation of cellular module  234  for connecting to GSM network  224 . The program then at step  272  determines if the self-test of processor  232  was successful. If not successful, the program proceeds to step  276  for indicating a failure status on LED status indicators  57  of remote monitor/controller  218 . If at step  272  it is determined that the processor self-test was carried out successfully, the program proceeds to step  274  for directing the remote monitor/controller&#39;s cellular module  234  to connect to GSM network  224 . If cellular module  234  is unable to connect to the GSM network  224 , the program proceeds to step  276  to indicate a failure by illuminating the aforementioned LED status indicators  57 . If cellular module  234  successfully connects to GSM network  224 , the program proceeds to step  278  for downloading to processor  232  from server  226  configuration data specific to the site being set up. For example, site details such as the site location and unit identification indicia, and generator and ATS operating details are downloaded from server  226  to processor  232 . In addition, ATS  216  reset is enabled and the ATS exercise test control is also enabled. Finally, the date and time are provided from server  226  to the remote monitor/controller&#39;s processor  232 . This site configuration data is provided wirelessly from server  226  to remote monitor/controller  218  via GSM network  224 . 
     Following downloading of this site specific configuration data, the program proceeds to step  280  and checks each of the voltage sensors  221 ,  222 ,  223  and  242 , as well as remote monitor/controller  218 . The program then proceeds to step  282  and determines if the voltage sensors, remote monitor/controller power supply  225 , and backup battery  236  have checked positively and are experiencing normal operation. If any of the aforementioned system components are not experiencing normal operation as determined at step  282 , the program proceeds to step  276  to indicate a failure by illuminating the aforementioned LED status indicators  57 . If at step  282  it is determined that the aforementioned components are in normal operation, the program proceeds to point A for initiating normal operation of the remote backup power monitor/control system  210  as shown in  FIG. 20 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , there is shown the sequence of steps carried out in power on/startup after a total loss of power to the remote monitor/controller  218  with the battery depleted. This condition occurs following utility power failure and failure of generator  220  or ATS  216  for such a period of time that the controller backup battery  236  becomes depleted. This sequence is initiated at step  284  wherein the initial power on and self-test procedure of the remote monitor/controller  218  is carried out as described above. The program then proceeds to step  286  to determine if the self-test was successful, and if so, proceeds to step  288  for directing cellular module  234  to connect to GSM network  224  as previously described. If at either step  286  or at step  288  is it determined that either the self-test was unsuccessful or there was a failure to successfully connect to GSM network  224 , the program branches to step  290  for indicating a failure on LED status indicators  57  and the operating program is terminated. If at steps  286  and  288  it is determined that the self-test was successfully passed and connection to the GSM network  224  was established, the program proceeds to step  292  for providing a visual indication of this status on LED status indicators  57 . The program then proceeds to load stored data into the remote monitor/controller&#39;s processor  232  from EEPROM  49 . This data includes site identification, SIM identification, ATS configuration, and RTC information. The program then sends an alert message to server  226  to indicate that remote monitor/controller  218  has successfully recovered and provides an indication of this on the LED status indicators  57  and proceeds to point A for initiating normal operation as shown in  FIG. 20 . 
       FIG. 20  illustrates the series of steps carried out during normal operation of the remote backup power monitor/control system  210 . At step  308 , sensor operation is examined to determine if it is experiencing normal operation. In this step, the availability of utility power is checked, as is the operation of load center  214 , generator  220 , the remote monitor/controller&#39;s power supply  225  and backup battery  236 . If the utility power and load  214  are on and generator  220  is off, and power supply  225  and backup battery  236  as well as sensors  221 ,  222 ,  223  and  242  are in a normal state of operation, the program executes a loop involving step  308  and continues to monitor for a break in the normal operation of the aforementioned components. If at step  308 , an operating problem is detected for any of sensors  221 ,  222 ,  223  or  242 , or any other components of remote monitor/controller  218 , the program branches to step  310  and determines if there has been a failure of either the utility L 1  or utility L 2  power inputs. If a failure of one of these power inputs is detected, the program proceeds to point B for initiation of a utility failure routine as shown in  FIG. 21 . If utility failure is not detected at step  310 , the program proceeds to step  312  to detect if generator  220  has started. If it is determined that generator  220  has started, the program branches to point C. If at step  312 , it is determined that generator  220  did not start, the program proceeds to step  314  and checks for a load failure. If it is determined at step  314  that there is no power provided to load center  214 , the program branches to point D and initiates a load failure test sequence as shown in  FIG. 24 . If at step  314 , it is determined that the load L 1  has not failed, the program proceeds to step  316  to determine if there has been a sump pump failure. If it is determined at step  316  that there has been a sump pump failure, the program proceeds to point E to process sump pump failure as shown in  FIG. 27 . 
     In the event of detection of a utility power failure, the sequence of operations illustrated in  FIG. 21  is executed. The utility failure test sequence is initiated at step  318  where the program attempts to detect restoration of utility power. If utility power restoration is detected at step  318 , the program proceeds to point J and initiates execution of a utility recovery routine as shown in  FIG. 22 . If at step  318 , it is determined that utility power has not been restored, the program proceeds to step  320  to determine if generator  220  is operating. If at step  320 , it is determined that generator  220  is on, the program proceeds to step  322  for determining if the load center  214  is on. If it is determined at step  320  that the generator  220  is on, the program proceeds to step  322  to determine if load center  214  is on. If load center  214  is on, the program executes a loop and returns to step  318  to again attempt to determine if utility power has been restored. This loop continues so long as generator  220  and load center  214  are on and utility power has not yet been restored. 
     If at step  320 , it is determined that generator  220  is not on, the program proceeds to step  324  for waiting for two minutes to again determine if the generator is on at step  326 . If at step  326  it is again determined that generator  220  is not on, the program generates an alert. If at step  326  it is determined that generator  220  is on, the program proceeds to step  322  for determining if load center  214  is on. If the load center  214  is determined to be on, the program returns to step  318  and executes a loop for attempting to detect utility power restoration as previously described. If at step  322 , it is determined that the load center  214  is not on, the program branches to step  328  and introduces a two minute waiting period before again attempting to determine if the load center  214  is on at step  330 . If at step  330  the load center  214  is determined to be on, the program proceeds to step  318  for executing the aforementioned loop for detecting the restoration of utility power. If at step  330  it is determined that load center  214  is not on, the program generates an alert. 
     The utility recovery routine shown in  FIG. 22  is undertaken upon the restoration of utility power with the load center  214  ON, generator  220  ON, and the remote monitor/controller&#39;s power supply  225  and backup battery  236  normal. The utility recovery routine is initiated at step  332  with a determination of the status of generator  220 . If generator  220  is OFF, the program proceeds to step  334  to determine if the load center  214  is ON. The program then first detects if ATS  216  is switched to the utility mode of operation. If ATS  216  is not switched to the utility mode of operation, the program attempts to reset ATS  216  to the utility mode of operation at step  340 . The program then proceeds to step  342  to determine if the load is ON. If the load center  214  is ON, the program proceeds to point A for initiating the normal operation sequence as shown in  FIG. 20 . 
     If at step  332  it is determined that generator  220  is not shut down, the program proceeds to step  336  for introducing a ten minute waiting period following which another attempt is made at step  338  to determine if the generator is OFF. If at step  338  it is determined that generator  220  is OFF, the program proceeds to determine if the load center  214  is ON at step  334  as previously described. If at step  338  it is determined that generator  220  is not OFF, the program generates an alert. If at step  334  it is determined that load center  214  is not ON, the program proceeds to step  340  for resetting ATS  216 . Upon the resetting of ATS  216 , the program again attempts to determine if load center  214  is ON at step  342  and proceeds to point A if it is determined that the load center is ON. If at step  342  it is determined that the load center  214  is not ON, the program generates an alert. 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , there is shown the series of steps in the operation of the remote backup power monitor/control system  210  in monitoring and reporting on the generator exercise cycle which is required to ensure that it operates as intended. The generator exercise cycle sequence is initiated by the monitor/control system  210  detecting a generator start as illustrated in  FIG. 20  at step  344  in  FIG. 23  with a determination if utility power is available. If utility power is determined at step  344  to be not available, the monitor/controller determines if the generator started in response to a utility failure and proceeds to point B for initiating the utility power failure sequence illustrated in  FIG. 21  and described above. If at step  344  it is determined that utility power is ON, the monitor/controller determines if the generator started in response to an exercise cycle and proceeds to step  346  for determining if the generator is still on. 
     If generator  220  is determined to be ON at step  346 , the program continues to monitor utility status at step  344  and generator status at step  346 . If a utility failure is detected at step  344 , the generator exercise cycle is aborted and the program branches to point B to execute the utility power failure sequence illustrated in  FIG. 21 . If there is no utility failure when the generator stop is detected at step  346 , the program records the exercise cycle event and run time and transmits this information to server  226 . The program then proceeds to point A for initiating the normal generator operation routine illustrated in  FIG. 20  and described above. 
     Referring to  FIG. 24 , there is shown the load failure-utility power on routine executed under the control of the operating program stored in the remote monitor/controller&#39;s processor  232 . The load failure-utility power ON sequence is initiated at step  350  with a determination of the presence of utility input power. If it is determined that utility power is ON, the program proceeds to step  352  for determining if ATS  216  is switched to the utility power mode of operation and that ATS is operating normally. If all of the remote monitor/controller&#39;s aforementioned components are determined to be normal in operation, the program proceeds to point A for initiating normal operation as shown in  FIG. 20 . If at step  350  it is determined that utility power is not ON, the program proceeds to point B for initiating the utility failure sequence shown in  FIG. 21 . If at step  352  it is determined that the load center  214  is OFF, with ATS  216  switched to the utility input power mode of operation, this indicates that the ATS  216  is hung up or in default. The program then resets ATS  216  at step  354  for one (1) second and again attempts to determine if load center  214  is ON at step  356 . If it is determined that the load center  214  is ON at step  356 , the program proceeds to point A for initiating normal operation of the system. If at step  356  it is determined that the load center  241  is OFF, the program proceeds to step  358  and generates an alert indicating ATS failure. The program then again attempts to determine if the load center  214  is ON at step  360 , and, if so, proceeds to point A for initiating normal operation. If at step  360  it is again determined that load center  214  is OFF, the program initiates a waiting period of one hour at step  362  and again generates an alert indicating ATS failure at step  358  and again proceeds to step  360  in attempting to determine if the load center  214  is ON. The program remains in this ATS failure loop sending alerts every hour until it is corrected such as by ATS resetting and the load center is determined to be ON at step  360 . Once it is determined that load center  214  is ON at step  360 , the program proceeds to point A for initiating the normal operation sequence shown in  FIG. 20 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , there is shown the battery low or controller power failure sequence which is executed upon detection of a battery or power failure. The battery low or controller power failure sequence is initiated at step  370  with a determination that controller battery&#39;s charge is low. The program then proceeds to step  372  for providing a visual alert of this condition on LED status indicators  57 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 26 , there is shown the sequence of steps involved in receiving an incoming message at the remote monitor/controller  218  from server  226 . At step  386 , a valid message is received at remote monitor/controller  218  from server  226 . The program then determines if the received message includes an ATS reset command at step  388 . If the received message contains an ATS reset command, the command is executed at step  398  by resetting ATS  216  and the program returns to step  386  to await receipt of another valid message from server  226 . If at step  388  it is determined that the received message did not include an ATS reset command, the program proceeds to step  390  to determine if the received message includes a generator exercise program command. If it is determined that the received message includes a generator exercise program command, the program proceeds to step  400  for turning on generator  220 , setting a new generator schedule, and returns to step  386  for awaiting receipt of another valid message from server  226 . 
     If at step  390  it is determined that the received message did not include a generator exercise program command, the program proceeds to step  392  to determine if the received message includes a system configuration command. If it is determined that the received message includes a system configuration command, the program branches to step  402  and proceeds to write the new system configuration data to the memory of the remote monitor/controller&#39;s processor  232  for executing the change. The program then proceeds to step  386  for awaiting receipt of another valid message from server  226 . If at step  392  it is determined that the received message did not include a system configuration command, the program proceeds to step  394  for determining if the received message includes a query command. If it is determined that the received message includes a query command, the program branches to step  404  and uploads the requested data from remote monitor/controller  218  to server  226  and proceeds to step  386  for awaiting receipt of another valid message from server  226 . If at step  394  it is determined that the received message also did not include a query command, the program proceeds to step  396  for initiating normal system operation as shown in  FIG. 20 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 27 , there is shown the sequence of steps carried out in accordance with the operating program stored in the remote monitor/controller&#39;s processor  232  in checking the operation of sump pump  240 . At step  410 , the program detects if the sump pump monitor switch is closed. If the sump pump&#39;s monitor switch is closed, the program proceeds to point A for initiating normal system operation as shown in  FIG. 20 . If at step  410  it is determined that the sump pump monitor switch is not closed, the program at step  412  generates a visual indication of this on the video display/computer and sends an alert via text message to any specified person. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 28-30 , there are shown a series of screens on a video display for use in the first embodiment of the disclosed invention relating to the remote monitor/control system  10  for billboard lighting described above. These video display screens are useful in the remote monitor/control system  10  for billboard lighting in easily assigning or unassigning a customer to one or more billboard lighted faces by a few simple entries by a system operator. This feature of the billboard lighting remote monitor/control system  10  allows an operator to easily disable the lights of a given billboard face upon termination of the use of that billboard face by a customer.  FIG. 28  shows a video display screen presenting various billboard lighting face, or panel, identification labels on the left-hand portion of the screen. To the right of these panel identification labels is specific information relating to each panel, such as the location of each of the identified billboard panels.  FIG. 30  illustrates a screen used in assigning billboard panels to a customer. Available panels are listed in the left-hand portion of the screen of  FIG. 30 , with space provided on the right-hand portion of the screen to designate specific panels to be assigned to a customer.  FIG. 31  illustrates a screen presented on a video display used for unassigning, or removing, a panel from a customer currently using the panel. Assigned panels are listed on the left-hand portion of the screen shown in  FIG. 31 . A panel to be unassigned to a given customer is entered on the left-hand portion of the screen shown in  FIG. 31 .  FIG. 29  illustrates a screen presented on a video display for use in disabling the lights for a billboard lighting panel which has been unassigned, or removed, from a customer. By selecting the “DISABLE” control in  FIG. 29 , an operator may disable the lights for a recently unassigned display panel. Lighting panels can be deactivated upon unassigning of the panel, or may be activated when assigned to a new customer. Selection of the “DISABLE” control on the screen of  FIG. 29  causes a command to be sent to the remote monitor/controller  18  which causes it to skip the programmed scheduled times discussed above until a second command is received to re-enable the specific lighted billboard face assigned to a new customer. With a typical usage rate in the billboard industry of approximately 65%, this feature of Applicant&#39;s invention which allows an operator to easily deactivate billboard lighting no longer assigned for use by a given customer will make possible energy savings on the order of 35% for a typical billboard lighting installation. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the relevant arts that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.