System and method for light socket adaptation

A light socket adaptation system and method. A light socket adapter module comprises a female end designed to accept a light bulb, a male end designed to be placed in an existing light socket, Wi-Fi transmit/receive circuitry, Bluetooth LE transmit/receive circuitry, a processor that processes instructions received via one or more of the Wi-Fi transmit/receive circuitry and the Bluetooth LE transmit/receive circuitry, wherein the instructions are received from one or more of a remote server system and a mobile computing device, wherein the processor executes Bluetooth LE instructions to cause the light socket adapter module to detect Bluetooth LE enabled devices within a detection proximity of the light socket adapter module, and power supply control circuitry controllable by the processor, wherein the power supply control circuitry controls power supplied to a light bulb positioned in the female end of the light socket adapter module.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to lighting systems and methods and more specifically to systems and methods for adapting existing light sockets for automation and remote interaction.

Every home, restaurant, hotel, or building must have lighting installed. Such lighting includes various types of light bulbs and schemes for controlling the light bulbs. The control schemes can also include some sort of automation to control lighting (on/off/dim), temperature, and power to various systems.

It is not uncommon for the existing automation in these various structures to utilize a proprietary RF protocol. The RF protocols result in limited interoperability with popular consumer electronics, as the more popular consumer electronics utilize Wi-Fi or Bluetooth instead.

Popular consumer electronics are available that utilize Bluetooth, however a smartphone or other mobile computing device is required to act as a bridge from the consumer electronics to the Internet, either through cellular or Wi-Fi communications.

It is within the aforementioned context that a need for the present invention has arisen. Thus, there is a need to address one or more of the foregoing disadvantages of conventional systems and methods, and the present invention meets this need.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of methods and systems for adapting light sockets can be found in exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

In a first embodiment, a light socket adapter module comprises a female end designed to accept a light bulb, a male end designed to be placed in an existing light socket, Wi-Fi transmit/receive circuitry, Bluetooth LE transmit/receive circuitry, a processor that processes instructions received via one or more of the Wi-Fi transmit/receive circuitry and the Bluetooth LE transmit/receive circuitry, wherein the instructions are received from one or more of a remote server system and a mobile computing device, wherein the processor executes Bluetooth LE software to cause the light socket adapter module to detect Bluetooth LE enabled devices within a detection proximity of the light socket adapter module, and power supply control circuitry controllable by the processor, wherein the power supply control circuitry controls power supplied to a light bulb positioned in the female end of the light socket adapter module.

With the present invention, a user can easily install an existing light bulb into a light socket adapter module, install the combination of the light socket adapter module with the light bulb into an existing light socket, establish communication with the light socket adapter module via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE, and remotely control power supplied to the light bulb using a mobile computing device. The light socket adapter module of the present invention is designed such that no modification to the existing light socket or light bulb is necessary, for ease of installation.

With the present invention, data collected by the light socket adapter module can be transmitted from each light socket adapter in a home or building to a remote server system through a router via Wi-Fi. This benefit is realized by the light socket adapter module becoming a gateway, eliminating the need for a central hub that gathers data and transmits to the remote server system. Further, additional Bluetooth enabled devices in proximity to the light socket adapter can communicate data to the light socket adapter to be transmitted to the remote server system.

With the present invention, data regarding how humans or other beings move around a house or building is collected via Bluetooth LE attached to a light socket adapter module. The data can be aggregated and analyzed for a wide variety of uses.

With the present invention, a user can enter a room and be identified. This enables a change in the lighting scheme according to the user's preferences. This also enables the user to program their lights to be an alarm clock (e.g., dim the lights up slowly in the morning).

With the present invention, a user can provision Wi-Fi for multiple Bluetooth enabled light socket adapter modules at the same time through the use of Bluetooth communication. This is in contrast to existing systems, whereby each device must be provisioned individually.

With the present invention, user experienced is far enhanced due to the light socket adapter module having both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communication capabilities. The combination of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities provides contextual awareness, enhanced setup, and makes the present invention easy to use for users having a wide variety of technical aptitude.

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings. Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with respect to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1illustrates a lighting system for light socket adaptation100according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 1, lighting system100comprises a remote server104communicably coupled via Internet/communication network106and wireless router108to home lighting system1designated110Internet/communication network106can be any communication network that allows data to be communicated or transferred from one point to another. Such a network might be wired or wireless as deemed necessary to be consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention

Although not shown, home lighting system110includes at least one light bulb and a corresponding power unit for controlling the light bulb as well as a wall unit switch for manually controlling the light bulb.

InFIG. 1, using tablet102, USER1can log into remote server system104to access home lighting system110. Thus, USER1remotely located from his or her home lighting system110can use the remote server system104to access various functionalities relating to the light bulbs within home lighting system110.

USER3can also remotely access home lighting system N designated as114. Specifically, USER3can employ laptop computer105to access remote server system104via Internet/communication network106.

Because light socket adapter modules (not shown but described further below) of the home lighting systems (110,112,114) are both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE enabled, devices102,103,105can also directly control the home lighting systems110,112,114via Bluetooth LE without need for Wi-Fi or cellular communications.

Changes to light socket (110,112,114) settings (not limited to dim levels, proximity detection, etc.) can be pushed into Internet/communication network (106) so that it may be observed by USER (102,103,105) or a 3rdparty (not limited to security company, family members, etc.).

It will be appreciated that, while devices102,103,105, and the mobile or input devices depicted and described herein are in the form of a smart phone, mobile computing device, laptop computer, and tablet device, any computing device having processing and communication capabilities for performing the functionalities described herein are suitable for use with the present system without departing from the scope of the invention.

USER1, USER2, and/or USER3can then perform functionalities related to each corresponding home lighting system consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention. Although not shown, further descriptions of various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the following figures.

FIG. 2Aillustrates home lighting system200according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 2A, an light socket adapter module202communicates directly with a mobile device102via a short range RF protocol including Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE (BLE), Zigbee, ANT, ANT+, NFC, 6LoWPAN, or any other protocol used for short range data communication. The light socket adapter module202also communicates over the Internet/Network106with remove server system104via Wi-Fi using a router108. According to one embodiment, light socket adapter module202receives instructions directly from mobile device102. Light socket adapter module202can also receive instructions via Wi-Fi from remote server system104.

According to one embodiment, light socket adapter module202receives instructions from a device102, and device102can receive input in the form of actuation of buttons, selection via touch screen, voice input and various gestures (e.g., shaking of the device102, sensing a hand gesture within proximity of the device102, etc.). Although depicted herein as a smartphone, device102does not necessarily have to be a smart phone in order to have enabled the above described input capabilities.

According to one embodiment, light socket adapter module202acts as a Wi-Fi repeater for device102. In this manner, light socket adapter module202receives information via Wi-Fi through router108and transmits the data to device102. This is particularly useful for occasions when device102is not within range of router108.

FIG. 2Billustrates home lighting system220according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 2B, a plurality of light socket adapter modules (204,206,208,210,212,214) form a lighting network throughout a home or other building. Each light socket adapter module (204,206,208,210,212,214) communicates with a mobile input device102via Bluetooth LE or other short range RF protocol. Each light socket adapter module (204,206,208,210,212,214) also communicates over Internet/network106Wi-Fi through router108.

FIG. 2Cillustrates home lighting system240according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 2B, a plurality of light socket adapter modules (204,206,208,210,212,214) form a lighting network throughout a home or other building. However, in this embodiment, adapter modules204,206,208,210, and214have powered down their Wi-Fi modules and have essentially become slave devices to master adapter module212. Adapter module212communicates with mobile input device102via Bluetooth LE or other short range RF protocol and also communicates over Internet/network106Wi-Fi through router108. Slave adapter modules204,206,208,210, and214communicate with master adapter module212via Bluetooth LE or other short range RF protocol. Instructions for the slave adapter modules received over Internet/network106are related from the master module to the slave adapter modules vie Bluetooth LE.

The embodiment ofFIG. 2Cachieves desirable power savings due to Wi-Fi requiring more power than Bluetooth LE. In addition, such an embodiment is appropriate in a scenario where adapter modules are in use in areas without Wi-Fi coverage. It will be appreciated that one or more of adapter modules204,206,208,210, and214can be slave or master devices. The embodiment depicted inFIG. 2Cillustrates a single master adapter module and all other adapter modules being slaves, however any combination of master and slave modules can exist without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Although not shown, Bluetooth LE units forward messages to each other in a mesh type network. This extends the Bluetooth range from the master unit.

It will also be appreciated that Wi-Fi modules of adapter modules may be periodically powered down to save energy, and powered on in response to any number of triggering events (a specific user is detected, activity detected, timer expiration, instruction received, etc.).

FIG. 3illustrates home lighting system300according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 3, home lighting system300shows various exemplary components of home lighting systems110,112and114ofFIG. 1. Home lighting system300comprises router302communicably coupled to control module316. Bluetooth enabled mobile device318is also communicably coupled to control module316via Bluetooth LE (or other short range protocol). Router302receives data from Internet/communication network106ofFIG. 1. Router302is a Wi-Fi router capable of receiving data from the Internet and that is compliant with 802.11 standards. Router302, as mentioned, is capable of receiving data from Internet/communication network106and transmitting received data to control module316.

Data is transferred wirelessly from router302or device318to control module316. Control module316might be located within receiving distance of router302and/or device318such that both components can effectively communicate with each other. Router302and device318are also capable of receiving data from control module306and transferring that data via Internet/communication network106to the remote server system104ofFIG. 1.

Data received by control module316might comprise instructions to adjust power to light bulb310. Control module316executes such instructions and adjusts power to light bulb310accordingly.

An advantage of the present invention is that control module316is in an adapter module that is placed between light bulb310and the power supply314for the light bulb without the need to uninstall and replace entire lighting systems, potentially saving many homeowners substantial amounts of money as well as labor costs.

Control module316is also communicably coupled to lighting sensor312and activity sensor308. Control module316can receive data from sensors312and308push such data via router302and Internet/communication network106to the remote server system104ofFIG. 1or push such data to device318via Bluetooth.

It will be appreciated that, while the embodiments described herein include lighting and activity sensors312and308, respectively, any integrated peripheral device or sensor used in combination with or in place of those sensors is appropriately within the scope of the present invention. Examples of peripherals can include smart sockets, temperature sensors, moisture detectors, sound detectors, dimmers or various switches. The peripherals can be Bluetooth LE enabled.

It will be appreciated that activity sensor308can simply be the existing Bluetooth LE radio and antenna, and does not necessarily have to be an additional sensor attached to the adapter module.

A benefit to using Bluetooth LE over other short range RF protocols (e.g. Zigbee, Z-wave) is that it enables proximity or presence sensing. In such a situation, the identity of a user who has entered a room (or proximity of the adapter module) can be determined. The lighting scheme can subsequently be adjusted according to known preferences of the detected user. The identity of the user can be determined because the MAC address (or other unique identifier that is emitted) from their BLE detection device (smartphone, tablet, wearable fitness tracker, or other wearable) is tied to their account. This is in contrast to general motion sensors because a motion sensor simply detects motion and has no way to distinguish one user from another, or a human from an animal. The adapter module can also detect the presence of a still object, since it is detecting presence and not motion.

In one embodiment, control module316can be disabled such that light bulb310operates as if control module316is not present. In such a state of the system, manual light switch306(or other associated remote control) is fully functional. Otherwise, when control module316is enabled, power to the light bulb310is off or controlled by the control module316and the manual switch306is not functional.

In another embodiment, the control module316is enabled and responds to the manual switch306such that both are functional (i.e., a user can control lighting using control module316or manual switch306).

Further description and operation of the home lighting system300are illustrated with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5below.

FIG. 4illustrates remote server system104according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 4, remote server system104includes web server402and application server404. Web server402functions to serve up and host a website (not shown) that can be accessed by USER1, USER2and USER3ofFIG. 1. Among other functionalities, users can access this website to determine lighting system status information as well as issue corresponding commands to adjust power to light bulbs of remotely located lighting systems. Web server402can be hardware, software or a combination of both.

Application server404controls all software applications accessible by USER1, USER2and USER3. Users can access lighting control application406, which comprises one or more software instructions to control the lighting within remotely located home lighting systems110,112,114ofFIG. 1. Lighting control application406may also include one or more software instructions enabling a user to view lighting status information. Application servers402and404are communicably coupled to database408, in which information for all registered users and their adapter modules are stored.

FIG. 5illustrates control module316according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 5, adapter control module316includes lighting state detect circuitry502that stores the state of lighting. This information, that is what state the light bulb is in, is typically received via lighting sensor314. Adapter control module316also includes activity detect circuitry508that senses activity within a particular vicinity of the adapter control module316. This information is typically received via activity sensor308ofFIG. 3.

When a particular state or activity is detected, push logic circuitry504pushes lighting or activity status information to lighting application406automatically and based on pre-defined time intervals designated by the user. In one embodiment, information is pushed only if there is a status change in the lighting state or activity.

Further, one or more software code instructions for applying asynchronous polling can be employed by lighting control application406. Asynchronous polling constantly polls (or pings) control module316so that when a communication error occurs during transmission, lighting control application406is aware of the error and users can receive correct lighting status information. An advantage of the present invention is that lighting status information is pushed (as opposed to pulling) to remote server system104.

Although data can be pulled as well, the present invention preferably pushes lighting status information when there is change in the status of the lighting. In this manner, unlike other existing systems, users need not request lighting status information in order to receive such information. Not only does pushing avoid inundating the server with requests, users need not await responses to their status information requests as such status information is already available.

InFIG. 5, control module316also includes a lighting control circuitry506that receives instructions from USER1,2or3to adjust power to light bulb310. In turn, lighting control circuitry506interprets the user's instructions and adjusts power to light bulb310accordingly.

Control module316also includes Bluetooth (or other short range RF protocol) receive/transmit circuitry512and Wife receive/transmit circuitry510. As implied by its name, Wife receive/transmit circuitry510can receive or transmit data to and from router302or to/from device318ofFIG. 3. Also, Bluetooth receive/transmit circuitry512can receive or transmit data to and from device318ofFIG. 3and other Bluetooth enabled devices in proximity. Specifically, Wife receive/transmit circuitry510processes remote commands received from users via Internet/Communication network106and router302before being processed at control module316. Similarly, Bluetooth receive/transmit circuitry510processes remote commands received via Bluetooth from device318before being processed at control module316.

FIG. 6illustrates control logic600according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 6, a light bulb state or information regarding activity detection is received610, as is control input620. Control input can be a request from a remote device via remote server system, a request from a remote device via Bluetooth, or can be a manual actuation of a light bulb on/off/dim switch. If the current state of the light bulb is acceptable (e.g., the bulb is on, off, or at the correct dimming level)630, the power to the light bulb is not adjusted670. However, if the current state of the light bulb is not acceptable (e.g., the light bulb state does not match the desired state)630, the power supplied to the light bulb is modified (enabled, lowered, increased)640to enable a change in light bulb state. Once again the light bulb state is received650and examined660. If the light bulb state is now acceptable660, the power to the light bulb is not adjusted670. However, if the light bulb state does not match the desired state660, power to the light bulb is again adjusted640to enable a change in light bulb state. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many issues can be responsible for an unsuccessful change in light bulb state, thus fail safes must be in place. Fail safes include the present second examination of light bulb state, but can also include sensors, timers, or counters to avoid multiple attempts at adjusting the power to the light bulb in the event that an undetected error has occurred.

According to one embodiment, the control logic600is carried out using a computing device having a computer architecture according to that described inFIG. 10.

FIG. 7illustrates an adapter module700according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 7, an adapter module700(sometimes referred to as a smart socket) includes a female end704of a light socket joint. The female end704is designed to accept a light bulb (CFL, LED, Halogen, Incandescent, or any other type of lighting), and can be designed to accept various types and sizes of light bulbs.

According to one embodiment, adapter module700incorporates a male end706of a light socket joint. The male end706is designed to be placed into an existing light socket joint.

According to one embodiment, adapter module700incorporates an electrical wire feed through element714so that it may be installed directly as part of a lighting assembly.

The adapter module700can have various dimensions depending on the size of lighting fixture to be adapted. Adapter module includes various internal circuitry702as discussed further herein, that may include a power supply, a microcontroller, a power control module, and a transceiver.

FIG. 8illustrates an adapter module800according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 8, adapter module800is connected to the light bulb at terminals A, B, C and D. That is, line840is connected to adapter module800at terminal A and terminal C, while line842is connected to adapter module800at terminal B and terminal D.

InFIG. 8, the hashed lines are internal circuitry within adapter module800. Hashed line840, for example, is internal circuitry that connects terminals A and C. Adapter module800comprises logic circuit842having a logic switch844both of which are connected in parallel with manual switch846.

When adapter module800receives instructions via its Wife or Bluetooth circuitry (not shown) to enable, disable, increase, decrease power to the light bulb, logic circuit842closes the logic switch844to execute the instructions. On the other hand, if switch846is actuated by a user, line842is closed to trigger power supply to the light bulb to adjust the lighting. A skilled artisan will realize that this is but one exemplary technique for using adapter module800to control the light bulb.

Adapter module800might use a combination of line840and842inFIG. 8and draw power from an AC outlet as a primary source of power. Adapter module800can include an internal converter to convert the supplied voltage to what is required to power the light bulb.

FIG. 9illustrates a home lighting system setup process900according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 9, a mobile device within range of a light socket adapter module receives a setup request signal910via Bluetooth LE. An application stored on the mobile device prompts a user of the mobile device to enter credentials to be authenticated as part of a login process, the user enters his or her credentials920and the application authenticates the user930. It will be appreciated that authentication can be accomplished according to any known and appropriate algorithm without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Upon authentication of the user, the mobile device and light socket adapter module pair via Bluetooth LE940. The light socket adapter module scans and locates all available Wi-Fi networks, transmits the information about them to the mobile device via Bluetooth LE, and mobile device displays them950to the user. The user enters instructions for a desired Wi-Fi network960, including any network authentication that is necessary. In this manner, the user selects the Wi-Fi network the light socket adapter module will be connected to. Finally, the mobile device transmits the Wi-Fi password to all of the light socket adapter modules970within a defined proximity.

In an alternative embodiment, step950involves the mobile device scanning for available Wi-Fi networks and displaying those950to the user. This is an alternative to using the light socket adapter module to scan for available Wi-Fi networks.

According to one embodiment, the process900is carried out using a computing device having a computer architecture according to that described inFIG. 10.

It will be appreciated that the setup process900depicted inFIG. 9can be accomplished using any combination of computing devices, applications, or websites associated with the present system.

An exemplary provisioning process that accompanies the process900depicted inFIG. 9is as follows. The factory state of a light socket adapter module is [0x01, x01, 0x01] [Network Disconnected, Unprovisioned, Cloud Disconnected]. In step910, the light socket adapter module state transitions to [0x02, 0x01, 0x01] [Network Connecting, Unprovisioned, Cloud Disconnected]. After the light socket adapter module has connected to Wi-Fi in step950, the state transitions to [0x03, 0x02, 0x01] [Network Connected, Provisioning, Cloud Disconnected] and the adapter module attempts to provision itself with the cloud. Once the light socket adapter module has received a messaging service channel name and API token in step970, the state transitions to [0x03, 0x03, 0x02] [Network Connected, Provisioned, Cloud Connecting]. Finally, when the connection to the messaging service has completed, the state transitions to [0x03, 0x03, 0x03] [Network Connected, Provisioned, Cloud Connected] and the light socket adapter module is ready to process incoming messages.

According to one embodiment, the exemplary provisioning process described above is implemented using a messaging service similar to that provided by PubNub®. It will be appreciated that messaging services having capabilities for implementing the process described above can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

The exemplary provisioning process described above is implemented, according to one embodiment, utilizing at least the following characteristics of Bluetooth LE.

API Device ID Characteristic:Read/Write: WRITE ONLYSecurity: If adapter device has been provisioned, the characteristic is SECURED. Otherwise, the characteristic is UNSECURED.Description: Used to specify the Device API ID to use when provisioning the adapter device with the API.

Wi-Fi Params Passphrase Characteristic:Read/Write: WRITE ONLYSecurity: If adapter device has been provisioned, the characteristic is SECURED. Otherwise, the characteristic is UNSECURED.Description: Used to specify the Passphrase used to connect to WPA and WEP Wi-Fi networks.

Wi-Fi Params SSID Characteristic:Read/Write: WRITE ONLYSecurity: If adapter device has been provisioned, the characteristic is SECURED. Otherwise, the characteristic is UNSECURED.Description: Used to specify the SSID to use when connecting to Wi-Fi. After writing to this characteristic, a Wi-Fi scan begins.

Light socket adapter modules according to the present disclosure can be secured through an exemplary mechanism whereby access to specific device functionality can be restricted based on an identity of a user. This exemplary mechanism is active even in the event that the adapter module does not have an active network connection.

An exemplary security mechanism to accompany a light socket adapter module (or device) having gone through the process900depicted inFIG. 9is as follows. After the adapter module has been provisioned (added to a user's account), secured device characteristics require authentication to ensure the user making a request has appropriate access for such a request.

Before attempting to access a SECURED BLE Characteristic, an adapter module requests an access token from the remote server system (104inFIG. 1) providing access to only the specified adapter module. The remote server system authenticates the requestor, validating that they are authorized to access the adapter module before providing the access token. The access token comprises a nonce and a signature.

Next, the adapter module writes the nonce and signature components into an Authenticate Central BLE Characteristic. The adapter module signs the nonce using the API token that it received from the remote server system during the Provisioning process. The adapter module then compares the nonce with the provided signature and confirms that they match. If the provided access token components are correct then the adapter module allows access to SECURED Characteristics for the remainder of the connection. It will be appreciated that authentication can remain active only during the life of a single BLE connection. New connections can be re-authenticated.

FIG. 10illustrates an exemplary computer architecture1000for use with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention comprises various computing entities that may have an architecture according to exemplary architecture1000. One embodiment of architecture1000comprises a system bus1020for communicating information, and a processor1010coupled to bus1020for processing information. Architecture1000further comprises a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device1025(referred to herein as main memory), coupled to bus1020for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor1010. Main memory1025also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions by processor1010. Architecture1000may also include a read only memory (ROM) and/or other static storage device1026coupled to bus1020for storing static information and instructions used by processor1010.

A data storage device1025such as a magnetic disk or optical disc and its corresponding drive may also be coupled to architecture1000for storing information and instructions. Architecture1000can also be coupled to a second I/O bus1050via an I/O interface1030. A plurality of I/O devices may be coupled to I/O bus1050, including a display device1043, an input device (e.g., an alphanumeric input device1042and/or a cursor control device1041).

The communication device1040allows for access to other computers (e.g., servers or clients) via a network. The communication device1040may comprise one or more modems, network interface cards, wireless network interfaces or other interface devices, such as those used for coupling to Bluetooth, Ethernet, token ring, or other types of networks.

FIGS. 11A-11Fillustrate exemplary user interfaces for use with the present invention.

According to various embodiments, an adapter module as described herein can be updated via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth LE or any other wireless standard (e.g., upgrades, patches, fixes, etc.).

An adapter module according to the present invention can further include circuitry for measuring power consumption. This can include implementations involving solar or other photo voltaic cells, or basic inductive coils. The available measurements, as examples only, include measuring current flow to calculate power usage, and relative energy savings based on a maximum setting vs. user setting.

According to one embodiment, an adapter module described herein automatically detects the type of light bulb engaged in the socket. Detection includes but is not limited to an implementation involving a photovoltaic or solar cell, a single pulse from a cold start, testing for resistance, inductance, capacitance, or testing for dim ability. The adapter module can also calibrate a light bulb to determine an optimal dimming profile.

According to one embodiment, an adapter module described herein monitors bulb or other equipment temperature and modifies power to the bulb accordingly. Monitoring of temperature can be accomplished via an internal or external sensor, or a combination of both. If a temperature of a bulb has exceeded a threshold, the power to the bulb may be turned down slightly or completely to either dim or turn off the bulb until the temperature returns to an acceptable level.

While the above is a complete description of exemplary specific embodiments of the invention, additional embodiments are also possible. Thus, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.