System and method to dynamically allocate energy savings amounts for remote energy efficient light fixture networks

According to some embodiments, data about a plurality of remote energy efficient light fixture networks may be received, and each energy efficient light fixture network is associated with a customer of an enterprise and includes a plurality of energy efficient light fixtures equipped with wireless communication devices. Based on data indicative of energy consumption by a first customer, a first energy savings amount may be determined for the first customer in connection with a pre-determined period of time. An allocation of the first energy savings amount between the first customer and the enterprise may be dynamically calculated and an indication of the allocation between the first customer and the enterprise may be transmitted.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In general, the invention relates to a computerized system and method for allocating energy savings amounts associated with energy efficient light fixtures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Energy efficient light fixtures, such Light Emitting Diode (“LED”) light fixtures, may consume less energy during use as compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, and use of the energy efficient light fixtures over time will result in an energy savings amount. In some cases, however, the energy efficient light fixtures may cost more to purchase or install as compared to less efficient lighting solutions. As a result, some customers may be unable or unwilling to use energy efficient light fixtures (even though the use of less efficient fixtures will eventually cost the customer more money in the long run).

SUMMARY

Therefore, there is a need in the art for ways to encourage the use of energy efficient light fixtures. Such measures may, according to some embodiments, receive data about a plurality of remote energy efficient light fixture networks, and each energy efficient light fixture network is associated with a customer of an enterprise and includes a plurality of energy efficient light fixtures equipped with wireless communication devices. Based on data indicative of energy consumption by a first customer, a first energy savings amount may be determined for the first customer in connection with a pre-determined period of time. An allocation of the first energy savings amount between the first customer and the enterprise may be dynamically calculated and an indication of the allocation between the first customer and the enterprise may be transmitted.

Some embodiments may be associated with: means for receiving data about a plurality of remote energy efficient light fixture networks, each energy efficient light fixture network being associated with a customer of an enterprise and including a plurality of energy efficient light fixtures equipped with wireless communication devices; means for storing data indicative of energy consumption by a first customer associated with a first energy efficient light fixture network; means for determining, based on the data indicative of energy consumption by the first customer, a first energy savings amount for the first customer in connection with a pre-determined period of time; means for dynamically calculating an allocation of the first energy savings amount between the first customer and the enterprise; and means for transmitting an indication of the allocation between the first customer and the enterprise.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to computerized methods for carrying out the functionalities described above. According to another aspect, the invention relates to non-transitory computer readable medium having stored therein instructions for causing a processor to carry out the functionalities described above.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

To provide an overall understanding of the invention, certain illustrative embodiments will now be described, including systems and methods to facilitate use of energy efficient light fixtures. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the systems and methods described herein may be adapted and modified as is appropriate for the application being addressed and that the systems and methods described herein may be employed in other suitable applications, and that such other additions and modifications will not depart from the scope thereof.

FIG. 1is an architectural model of a system100to facilitate use of “energy efficient light fixtures”104according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. As used herein, the term “energy efficient light fixtures” might refer to, for example, an LED light fixture or any other type or source of illumination. The system100may collect energy consumption data associated with operation of the energy efficient light fixtures104. An enterprise may use the energy consumption data to allocate a savings amount between a customer and the enterprise. With a sufficient amount of data, the enterprise can calculate a predicted amount of usage or savings for the customer based on, for example, the customer's habits. The enterprise can use the savings amount for setting or adjusting a discount value to be applied to the customer. In some implementations, a score or discount is determined by the enterprise and/or a third party data processing service. In addition, the score or discount may be set by an automated process, which may be executed by the enterprise or otherwise affiliated with or in a third party arrangement with the enterprise. According to any embodiments described herein, a score might be used to determine a rebate, an energy company utility bill adjustment, and/or any other benefit that may be associated with a customer.

The system100includes a first customer communication hub102collecting data about the energy efficient light fixtures104. Together, the first customer communication hub102and energy efficient light fixtures104may comprise a network remote from an enterprise. Note that the energy efficient light fixtures104might communicate with the communication hub102in any number of ways including wirelessly, via power lines, etc. The first customer communication hub102may be positioned inside a customer's home, attached to the outside of the home, and/or be integrated into one or more light fixtures. As used herein, the term “home” might refer to any type of dwelling, including a standalone house, an apartment building, a co-op unit, etc. The first customer communication hub102may be in communication with an enterprise system108over a communication network150. The light fixtures104and/or the first customer communication hub102may communicate with the enterprise system108though a wireless network such as a cellular network or using a wireless Internet connection. In general, the first customer communication hub102can be any computing device or plurality of computing devices in cooperation having a data collection sensor (e.g., an antenna), a processor, a memory, and a means for transmitting the collected data. The light fixtures104may wirelessly transmit information about customer usage (e.g., when the fixtures104are turned on or are in standby mode) and/or an amount of actual energy usage. In one implementation, the first customer communication hub102is also configured to process the collected data. In some embodiments, the first customer communication hub102or other elements of the system100protect a customer's privacy by encrypting the data, removing personal information, producing summary information, and/or taking other measures to reduce the likelihood that sensitive information is received by the enterprise or third parties224(SeeFIG. 2).

In some embodiments, rather than sending collected data directly to the enterprise system108, the first customer communication hub102sends collected data to a data processing service106, which processes the data to determine a score and/or an appropriate discount for a customer that is then sent to the enterprise system108. This can help protect a customer's privacy, since the enterprise does not get detailed data about a customer's usage, but only receives summary information. Using a data processing service106is in some implementations also preferable to having the first customer communication hub102process data to output an energy efficiency score because it reduces the processing power needed by first customer communication hub102and because using a third party data processing service106may also make it more difficult for customers to tamper with the data. The data processing service106can perform additional monitoring functions, such as functions associated with other types of sensors (e.g., home security sensors). Note that an enterprise might receive detailed reports from the third party data processing service106, summary reports (with certain details removed), and/or supplemented information (e.g., including information from one or more public databases). According to some embodiments, a customer may access data via a user terminal130(e.g., the customer might view a current savings amount via a web page). Note that in some embodiments, a detailed record might be created recording all of the information associated with a large number of communication hubs102, including the status of light fixtures, the number of people in various rooms, the movement of people between rooms, etc. According to some embodiments summaries of this large store of information may be generated (e.g., on a ZIP code level).

The enterprise system108includes a plurality of application servers112, a plurality of load balancing proxy servers114, an enterprise database116, a processing system120, and a company terminal122. These computing devices are connected by a local area network.

The application servers112are responsible for interacting with the first customer communication hub102and/or the data processing service106. The data exchanged between the enterprise system108and first customer communication hub102and/or data processing service106can utilize push and pull technologies where the application servers112of the enterprise system108can act as both a server and client for pushing data to the data processing service106(e.g., which light fixtures104to monitor, when to stop data collection, rules for monitoring services requested by the customer) and for pulling data from the data processing service106. The application servers112or other servers of the enterprise system108can request to receive periodic data feeds from the first customer communication hub102and/or data processing service106. The communication between the application servers112and the data processing service106can follow various known communication protocols, such as TCP/IP. Alternatively, the application servers112and data processing service106can communicate with each other wirelessly, e.g., via cellular communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, or other wireless communications technologies or combination of wired or wireless channels. The load balancing proxy servers114operate to distribute the load among application servers112.

The enterprise database116stores information about customer energy consumption. For each customer, the database116includes for example and without limitation, the following data fields: an identifier, a customer subsidy amount, a date of purchase, dates of subsequent renewals, product and price of product sold, applicable automation services (for example, electronic billing, automatic electronic funds transfers, centralized customer service plan selections, etc.), customer information, customer payment history, or derivations thereof.

The processing system120is configured for allocating an energy savings amount between a customer and the enterprise. The processing system120may comprise multiple separate processors, such as a scoring processor, which may calculates an energy efficiency rating from raw or processed data from the first customer communication hub102or data processing service106over the communications network150; and a business logic processor, which determines an appropriate savings amount for a customer. An exemplary implementation of a computing device for use in the processing system120is discussed in greater detail in relation toFIG. 2.

The company terminals122provide various user interfaces to enterprise employees to interact with the processing system120. The interfaces include, without limitation, interfaces to review energy usage data and/or scores; to retrieve data related to customer contracts; and/or to manually adjust an allocation amount. In some instances, different users may be given different access privileges. For example, marketing employees may only be able to retrieve information about customers but not make any changes to data. Such interfaces may be integrated into one or more websites for managing the enterprise system108presented by the application servers112, or they may be integrated into thin or thick software clients or stand alone software. The company terminals122can be any computing devices suitable for carrying out the processes described above, including personal computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, smartphones, servers, and other computing devices.

The user terminal130provides various user interfaces to customers to interact with the enterprise system108over the communications network150. Potential customers can use user terminals130to retrieve contract and pricing information for subsidies offered by the enterprise. Customers can enter information pertaining to energy usage and/or changes in their contract, e.g., an addition or subtraction of customer lighting fixtures104, etc.

In some embodiments, the first customer communication hub102may not be continually connected to the enterprise system108via the network150. For example, the first customer communication hub102may be configured to temporarily store data if the first customer communication hub102becomes disconnected from the network150. When the connection is restored, the first customer communication hub102can then transmit the temporarily stored data to the enterprise system108. The first customer communication hub102may alternatively be configured to connect to the communications network150through a user's home Wi-Fi network. In this case, the first customer communication hub102stores energy usage data until a pre-determined time, connects to the user's wireless network, and sends the data. In some embodiments, the first customer communications hub102is not connected to the network150at all, but rather, data collected is transmitted to the enterprise through other means. For example, a customer can receive a first customer communication hub102from the enterprise, couple the device104to his or her light fixtures104, and then either mail the device104with the collected data to the enterprise system108or extract and send the collected data to the enterprise system108via mail, email, or through a website.

Thus, in some embodiments, the communication hub102may facilitate the collection and exchange of information associated with the system100. In other embodiments, the light fixtures104themselves may form a computer “mesh network.” As used herein, the phrase “mesh network” may refer to a network topology having a decentralized design in which each node on the network may connects to multiple other nodes. Moreover, some of the network nodes may “talk” directly to each other without requiring the assistance of an Internet connection (helping reduce the chance of a single point of failure). If one node can no longer operate, the remaining nodes may still communicate with each other, directly or through one or more intermediate nodes. Note that a mesh networks might use a full mesh topology or a partial mesh topology. Also note that one or more of the nodes may be selected as a “master node” (which can be replaced, such as when the master node fails for any reason). Further note that any of the embodiments described herein might be implemented utilizing cloud computing. For example the hub might upload data to the cloud and receive instructions back from an application executing within the cloud (and use those instructions, for example, to facilitate control of the lighting fixtures104).

Although the element described with respect toFIG. 1is a light fixture104, note that similar systems may be associated with other residential appliances that may be located at and/or service the residence (e.g., water, heating, and/or cooling fixtures). Moreover, some embodiments might be associated with a vehicle, including an automobile, a boat, a snowmobile, and/or an airplane.

FIG. 2is a block diagram of a computing device200that may be associated with the system100ofFIG. 1according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The computing device200comprises at least one Network Interface Unit (“NIU”)204, an Input Output (“IO”) controller206, a memory208, and one or more data storage devices214. The memory208may include at least one Random Access Memory (“RAM”) and at least one Read-Only Memory (“ROM”). All of these elements are in communication with a Central Processing system (“CPU”)202to facilitate the operation of the computing device200. The computing device200may be configured in many different ways. For example, the computing device200may be a conventional standalone computer or alternatively, the functions of computing device200may be distributed across multiple computer systems and architectures. The computing device200may be configured to perform some or all of the energy consumption data collection and/or allocation calculations, or these functions may be distributed across multiple computer systems and architectures. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, the computing device200is linked, via network150or a local network, to other servers or systems housed by the enterprise system108, such as the load balancing server and/or the application servers ofFIG. 1.

The computing device200may be configured in a distributed architecture, wherein databases and processors are housed in separate units or locations. The computing device200may also be implemented as a server located either on site near the enterprise system108, or it may be accessed remotely by the enterprise system108. Some such units perform primary processing functions and contain at a minimum a general controller or the CPU202and the memory208. In such an embodiment, each of these units is attached via the NIU204to a communications hub or port (not shown) that serves as a primary communication link with other servers, client or user computers and other related devices. The communications hub or port may have minimal processing capability itself, serving primarily as a communications router. A variety of communications protocols may be part of the system, including, but not limited to: Ethernet, SAP, SAS™, ATP, BLUETOOTH™, GSM and TCP/IP.

The CPU202might comprise a processor, such as one or more conventional microprocessors and one or more supplementary co-processors such as math co-processors for offloading workload from the CPU202. The CPU202is in communication with the NIU204and the IO controller206, through which the CPU202communicates with other devices such as other servers, user terminals, or devices. The network NIU204and/or the IO controller206may include multiple communication channels for simultaneous communication with, for example, other processors, servers or client terminals. Devices in communication with each other need not be continually transmitting to each other. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit to each other as necessary, may actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time, and may require several steps to be performed to establish a communication link between the devices.

The CPU202is also in communication with the data storage device214. The data storage device214may comprise an appropriate combination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example, RAM, ROM, flash drive, an optical disc such as a compact disc and/or a hard disk or drive. The CPU202and the data storage device214each may be, for example, located entirely within a single computer or other computing device; or connected to each other by a communication medium, such as a USB port, serial port cable, a coaxial cable, an Ethernet type cable, a telephone line, a radio frequency transceiver or other similar wireless or wired medium or combination of the foregoing. For example, the CPU202may be connected to the data storage device214via the network interface unit204.

The CPU202may be configured to perform one or more particular processing functions. For example, the computing device200may be configured to collect energy consumption data and/or calculate allocations for a customer. The same computing device200or another similar computing device may be configured for calculating an energy efficiency score based on multiple factors. The same computing device200or another similar computing device may be configured for calculating an energy bill discount for a residence or customer based on these factors.

The data storage device214may store, for example, (i) an operating system216for the computing device200; (ii) one or more applications218(e.g., computer program code and/or a computer program product) adapted to direct the CPU202in accordance with the present invention, and particularly in accordance with the processes described in detail with regard to the CPU202; and/or (iii) database(s)220adapted to store information that may be utilized to store information required by the program. The database(s)220may including all or a subset of data stored in enterprise database116, described above with respect toFIG. 1, as well as additional data, such as formulas or manual adjustments, used in establishing allocations.

The operating system216and/or applications218may be stored, for example, in a compressed, an uncompiled and/or an encrypted format, and may include computer program code. The instructions of the program may be read into a main memory of the processor from a computer-readable medium other than the data storage device214, such as from the ROM212or from the RAM210. While execution of sequences of instructions in the program causes the CPU202to perform the process steps described herein, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, software instructions for implementation of the processes of the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.

Suitable computer program code may be provided for performing allocations based on energy consumption data for a light fixture or customer over a period of time. The program also may include program elements such as an operating system, a database management system and “device drivers” that allow the processor to interface with computer peripheral devices (e.g., a video display, a keyboard, a computer mouse, etc.) via the IO controller206.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to the CPU202(or any other processor of a device described herein) for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be borne on a magnetic disk of a remote computer (not shown). The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over an Ethernet connection, cable line, or even telephone line using a modem. A communications device local to a computing device (e.g., a server) can receive the data on the respective communications line and place the data on a system bus for the processor. The system bus carries the data to main memory, from which the processor retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by main memory may optionally be stored in memory either before or after execution by the processor. In addition, instructions may be received via a communication port as electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals, which are exemplary forms of wireless communications or data streams that carry various types of information.

FIG. 3is a block diagram of a light fixture300having a lighting element310and a wireless communication portion320. The lighting element310might be associated with an LED unit or any other type energy efficient source of illumination. The wireless communication portion320may be co-located and/or located within the lighting element410. According to some embodiments, the wireless communication portion320transmits data via a household electrical system and/or to the first customer communication hub102though a wireless connection, e.g., BLUETOOTH or Wi-Fi. Data obtained by the first customer communication hub102from the light fixture300may then be reported to the enterprise. In some embodiments, the wireless portion320turns on automatically when the light fixture300is turned on; moreover, the wireless communication portion320may be powered by the light fixture300.

FIG. 4is a block diagram of a network400having a number of light fixtures (each with a lighting element410and a wireless communication portion420). The light elements410might be associated with an LED unit or any other type energy efficient source of illumination. The wireless communication portions420may be co-located and/or located within the lighting elements410. According to some embodiments, all of the wireless communication portions420transmit data to a customer communication hub430though a wireless connection, e.g., BLUETOOTH or Wi-Fi. Data obtained by the customer communication hub430from the light fixtures may then be reported to the enterprise. The customer communication hub430may also include a wireless communications device for sending collected data, including data indicative of energy consumption and scoring and receiving commands from the data processing service106and/or enterprise system108via the network150ofFIG. 1. The customer communication hub430may also be configured for communication with the customer or a resident via a user interface. The user interface might include output components, such as a screen or speakers, and input components, such as a touch screen, keyboard, or microphone. The user interface can output energy consumption data, route summary data, and/or an efficiency score.

FIG. 5is a flowchart of a method500in accordance with some embodiments. The method500might be performed by the first customer communication hub102, the data processing service106, the enterprise system108, or any combination of these. At S510, a communication port may receive data about a plurality of remote energy efficient light fixture networks, each energy efficient light fixture network being associated with a customer of an enterprise and including a plurality of energy efficient light fixtures equipped with wireless communication devices. According to some embodiments, the enterprise may have previously subsidized some or all of the purchase and/or instillation costs associated with these light fixtures on behalf of the customers. According to some embodiments, the communication port receives data about the first energy efficient light fixture network via a first customer communication hub co-located with the first energy efficient light fixture network.

At S520, data indicative of energy consumption by a first customer, associated with a first energy efficient light fixture network may be stored. For example, the data might indicate when least some of a set LED energy efficient light fixtures are turned on (or are in standby mode). At S530, the system may determine, based on the data indicative of energy consumption by the first customer, a first energy savings amount for the first customer in connection with a pre-determined period of time (e.g., on a weekly or monthly basis). For example, by using an LED fixture instead of an incandescent light bulb, the customer may have saved the first energy saving amount over the last year.

At S540, the system may dynamically calculate an allocation of the first energy savings amount between the first customer and the enterprise. That is, the enterprise may receive a portion of energy savings amount to help recover the cost of subsidizing the customer's initial purchase of the light fixtures. The dynamic calculation may be associated with, for example, allocating a pre-determined amount to the first customer or the enterprise and/or allocating a pre-determined percentage to the first customer or the enterprise.

At S550, an indication of the allocation between the first customer and the enterprise may be transmitted. For example, the indication of the allocation between the first customer and the enterprise might be transmitted to a first customer device, an enterprise device, an energy company device, and/or a payment platform. According to some embodiments, the system may also sensor information from the first energy efficient light fixture network, such as data generated by sensors to detect a level of light, motion, temperature, a presence of volatile organic compounds (e.g., smoke, CO, or CO2), and/or data from other sensors.

According to some embodiments, information about energy savings may be displayed to a customer on a display. For example, referring now toFIG. 6, a diagram650depicting a user interface602is shown. The user interface602may be displayed on device600such as a mobile telephone, PDA, personal computer, or the like. For example, the device600may be a PC, an iPhone® or smartwatch from Apple, Inc., a BlackBerry® from RIM, a mobile phone using the Google Android® operating system, or the like. The user interface602depicts a portion of a customer's home. The user interface602may display locations of energy efficient light fixtures605and/or a communication hub “H”606. In this way, a customer may be able to quickly view the status of his or her network. According to some embodiments, selecting the H icon606results in detailed information about customer's current energy savings. As another example, referring now toFIG. 7, a diagram750depicting a user interface702is shown. The user interface702again may be displayed on device700and depicts the customer's house including light fixtures704. In this embodiment, information about one or more sensors706also displayed. The user interface702may display sensor associated with other systems in the customer's home, such as an air conditioning system and/or heating system.

Note that a customer's energy saving may change over time. Thus, according to some embodiments a customer may interact with a display to view energy savings associated with a selected range of dates and/or times. For example, referring now toFIG. 8, a diagram850depicting another user interface802is shown. As before, the user interface802may be displayed on device800such as a mobile telephone. The user interface802may be display to a customer of an enterprise and might be graphically displayed810over time and/or include a total amount of savings (e.g., daily or monthly savings).

In some cases, a customer might be interested in and/or motivated by being informed of the relations between his or her actual energy use and what the energy use would have been without using his or her energy efficient light fixtures. For example, referring now toFIG. 9, a diagram950depicting a user interface902including a customer's energy use over a period of time. In particular, his or her actual energy use920may be displayed on device900and may be compared to that the energy consumption would have been910without the energy efficient light fixtures. In this way, a home customer may be encouraged to maintain and increase his or her use of energy efficient light fixtures.

According to some embodiments, a customer might be interested in his or her overall energy efficiency performance in connection with one or more types of light fixtures and/or how that performance compares to other customers, how that performance is modifying his or her current utility bill, etc.FIG. 10illustrates a current customer data display1000according to some embodiments. In particular, the display1000includes a graphical dashboard representation1010of information about an energy efficiency score which may be categorized as “below average,” “average,” or “above average.” The display1100also includes a current score (e.g., calculated at least in part based on information from light fixtures) and a current discount (e.g., determined based on the current score or in any other way). Note that the graphical representation1010might instead be a sliding scale, letter grade (“B+”), or any other type of indication.

FIG. 11illustrates another customer data display1100according to some embodiments. In particular, the display1100includes a graphical representation of information about three light fixtures (e.g., in the kitchen, living room, and bedroom), a current score (e.g., calculated based on data from those fixtures) and a current discount (e.g., determined based on the current score or in any other way). The current discount might, according to some embodiments, represent a final discount. According to some embodiments, the current discount might be calculated in substantially real time or be recalculated using new energy usage data at certain time periods, e.g., every month, every year, every two years, etc. In some embodiments, both prospective pricing and retroactive pricing are used. For example, a customer being continually monitored can be receive a premium discount for a time period based on past energy savings, and if the customer's actual score rating for a time period is greater than or less than the expected rating, an adjustment may be applied as appropriate.

Note that a customer's energy efficiency rating might change over time based on his or her habits, increased use of energy efficient light fixtures, etc.FIG. 12is an example of a predicted savings display1200that might be provided to a customer according to some embodiments. In particular, the display1200includes a graph1210showing predicted savings over a particular period of time (e.g., over the next month or year). According to some embodiments, a customer may select the period of time depicted on the graph1210. Such a predicted energy savings display1200might be created, for example, using historical data and/or a predictive model and may encourage the customer to improve his or her score and improve energy efficiency.

The actual amount of savings created by the use of energy efficient light fixtures may be split between the customer and the enterprise (to help reimburse the enterprise, for example, in view of a subsidy pervious given to the customer).FIG. 13illustrates an allocation display1300according to some embodiments. In particular, the display1300includes a line indicating an amount of energy that would have been used1320as compared to the amount that was actually consumed1330(because of the use of energy efficient light fixtures). That is, the savings is the area between those two lines1320,1330. Moreover, an allocation line1310divides that savings between the customer and the enterprise. For example, the area between lines1310,320might be allocated to the customer while the area between line1310,1330is allocated to the enterprise.

FIG. 14is an illustration1400of how an allocation or discount might change over time according to some embodiments. A baseline amount associated with what a customer would pay if he or she did not participate in an energy efficiency program is represented by a dashed line1410inFIG. 14along with a solid line1420representing his or her actual amount. After the customer agrees to participate in the program, energy consumption data is collected during a pre-determined period of time1430(e.g., three months). During this time, the customer's electric bill is reduced by an initial discount amount. After the pre-determined period of time1430, a final allocation is determined and applied to his or her electric (and the final amount might be more or less than the initial discount depending on his or her habits).

The processes described herein may be performed by any suitable device or apparatus.FIG. 15is one example of an enterprise platform1500according to some embodiments. The enterprise platform1500may be, for example, associated with the system108ofFIG. 1. The enterprise platform1500comprises a processor1510, such as one or more commercially available CPUs in the form of one-chip microprocessors, coupled to a communication device1520configured to communicate via a communication network (not shown inFIG. 15). The communication device1520may be used to communicate, for example, with one or more remote customer communication hubs or third party services. The enterprise platform1500further includes an input device1540(e.g., a mouse and/or keyboard to enter allocations formulas) and an output device1550(e.g., a computer monitor to display aggregated energy efficiency reports and/or results to an administrator).

The processor1510also communicates with a storage device1530. The storage device1530may comprise any appropriate information storage device, including combinations of magnetic storage devices (e.g., a hard disk drive), optical storage devices, and/or semiconductor memory devices. The storage device1530stores a program1512and/or allocation engine1514for controlling the processor1510. The processor1510performs instructions of the programs1512,1514, and thereby operates in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein. For example, the processor1510may receive data about a plurality of remote energy efficient light fixture networks, and each energy efficient light fixture network is associated with a customer of an enterprise and includes a plurality of energy efficient light fixtures equipped with wireless communication devices. Based on data indicative of energy consumption by a first customer, a first energy savings amount may be determined by the processor1510for the first customer in connection with a pre-determined period of time. An allocation of the first energy savings amount between the first customer and the enterprise may be dynamically calculated by the processor1510and an indication of the allocation between the first customer and the enterprise may be transmitted.

Referring again toFIG. 15, the programs1512,1514may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format. The programs1512,1514may furthermore include other program elements, such as an operating system, a database management system, and/or device customers used by the processor1510to interface with peripheral devices.

As used herein, information may be “received” by or “transmitted” to, for example: (i) the enterprise platform1500from another device; or (ii) a software application or module within the enterprise platform1500from another software application, module, or any other source.

In some embodiments (such as shown inFIG. 15), the storage device1530stores a customer database1600, an enterprise database,1700, and/or a historical database1560. An example of databases that may be used in connection with the enterprise platform1500will now be described in detail with respect toFIGS. 16 and 17. Note that the databases described herein are only examples, and additional and/or different information may be stored therein. Moreover, various databases might be split or combined in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein.

Referring toFIG. 16, a table is shown that represents the customer database1600that may be stored at the enterprise platform1500according to some embodiments. The table may include, for example, entries identifying customers. The table may also define fields1602,1604,1606,1608,1610for each of the entries. The fields1602,1604,1606,1608,1610may, according to some embodiments, specify: a customer identifier1602, a status1604, light fixtures1606, a savings amount1608, and an allocation1610. The information in the customer database1600may be created and updated, for example, based on information received from communication hubs.

The customer identifier1602may be, for example, a unique alphanumeric code identifying a customer or potential customer (e.g., a person or business). The status1604might indicate if the customer is, for example, current a customer, is in a trial period, etc. The light fixtures1606might indicate the actual energy efficient light fixtures that are installed in his or her network. The savings amount1608might indicate a reduced amount of cost due to use of those light fixtures1606over a pre-determined period of time. The allocation1610might indicate how much of that savings amount1608is allocated to the customer (with remaining amount being allocated to the enterprise).

Referring toFIG. 17, a table is shown that represents the enterprise database1700that may be stored at the enterprise platform1500according to some embodiments. The table may include, for example, entries identifying light fixtures. The table may also define fields1702,1704,1706,1708,1710for each of the entries. The fields1702,1704,1706,1708,1710may, according to some embodiments, specify: a light fixture identifier1702, a network1704, a description1706, reported usage1708, and a status1710. The information in the enterprise database1700may be created and updated, for example, based on information received from customer communication hubs.

The light fixture identifier1702may be, for example, a unique alphanumeric code identifying an energy efficient light fixture and may be based on, or associated with, the light fixtures1606in the customer database1600. The network1704might be, for example, a network identifier, communication address, or any other information that can associated with the light fixture with a remote customer network. The description1706might, for example, indicate entity manufacturer that produced the light fixture or any other information associated with the light fixture. The reported usage1708might, for example, by a monetary amount, a number of kilo Watt hours (“kWh”), a percentage (e.g., a percentage above or below a predicted or prior usage), etc. associated with the light fixture's energy consumption. The status1710might indicate, for example, whether the light fixture is currently on, off, in standby mode, dimmed, etc. As used herein, the phrase “standby mode” might indicate, for example, that a lighting element is off and the fixture is “listening” for further instructions. The information in the enterprise database1700may, for example, be used to calculate the savings amount1608and/or allocation1610in the customer database.

Although specific hardware and data configurations have been described herein, note that any number of other configurations may be provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention (e.g., some of the information associated with the databases described herein may be combined or stored in external systems). Moreover, note that some or all of the embodiments described herein might collect, analyze, and/or display information about energy usage in substantially real time. For example, energy usage might be analyzed on a daily basis (e.g., by comparing current usage to other situations at a similar time of day, with a similar number of people in a house for a similar length of time). As a result of this analysis, adjustments might be automatically applied to one or more energy efficient light fixtures (e.g., to help ensure that an overall energy usage goal can be met). Similar adjustments might be made on an hourly, weekly, or any other basis.

Note that although simple energy calculation have been described herein for clarity, actual calculations may be more complicated and take into consideration any number of factors, including state and/or federal regulations. Note, for example, that electricity demand varies, and when it peaks—usually in the afternoon or evening each day, but also seasonally, such as on very hot days—the price of energy may increase. In some cases, governmental regulations require that individuals be compensated for voluntarily reducing power usage during peak demand. Any of the embodiments described herein may take such price changes and/or compensation into account.