Method and apparatus for distributed lighting control

In one aspect, the present invention provides control for a distributed lighting network, for selectively reducing an aggregate electrical load of the distributed lighting network according to a defined lighting reduction pattern. Among the several advantages of the provided control is the ability to define via the pattern which lamps are involved in load shedding, and how they are controlled to shed load. In another aspect, the present invention provides control for a distributed lighting network, for visibly signaling persons within sight of one or more lamps within the distributed lighting network. Among the several advantages of the provided control is the ability to provide emergency or other public safety signaling to persons that might not otherwise be alerted to an existing or impending danger.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to lighting control, and particularly relates to distributed lighting control.

BACKGROUND

Street lighting has long been used to provide nighttime lighting, for reasons of safety, convenience, utility, and aesthetics. Common examples include the network(s) of pole-mounted lights commonly used both for surface streets and at least some portions of interstates and freeways. Other common examples include the lighting systems, pole-mounted or otherwise, that are used to illuminate parking lots, parking garage decks, neighborhoods, etc.

These lighting networks, generally comprising a plurality of spaced-apart lighting units, represent potentially significant electrical loads. Further, in addition to such direct operating expenses, the expense and effort associated with monitoring and maintaining lighting networks, particularly large lighting networks, are well known.

Some degree of automation, at least with respect to monitoring lamp status, for example, is known. For example, it is known to deploy lamp units that include some type of monitoring and communication circuitry capable of reporting lamp status back to a central monitoring station. Various communication mechanisms are used for such reporting, including power line signaling, wherein communications are carried at least partway over the electrical supply lines used to power the lamp modules. Further, there are products that provide some wireless capability for lighting networks, such as for detecting failed units, etc.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present invention provides control for a distributed lighting network, for selectively reducing an aggregate electrical load of the distributed lighting network according to a defined lighting reduction pattern. Among the several advantages of the provided control is the ability to define via the pattern which lamps are involved in load shedding, and how they are controlled to shed load.

In another aspect, the present invention provides control for a distributed lighting network, for visibly signaling persons within sight of one or more lamps within the distributed lighting network. Among the several advantages of the provided control is the ability to provide emergency or other public safety signaling to persons that might not otherwise be alerted to an existing or impending danger. Non-limiting examples including “runway flashing” of streetlights—timed, successive blinking—along one or more roadways, to indicate evacuation routes and directions of travel to motorists.

Correspondingly, in one embodiment, the present invention comprises a lighting control server configured to control a distributed lighting system comprising a plurality of physically distributed lamps, where each lamp is controllable through a wireless lamp control module. The lighting control server comprises a communication interface configured to communicatively couple the lighting control server to a regional network interface (RNI) that in turn communicatively couples to a radio network providing two-way radio links with the lamp modules. Further, the lighting control server includes a control circuit operatively associated with the communication interface and configured to selectively reduce an aggregate electrical load of the distributed lighting system. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the control circuit is configured to determine a set of lamps within the distributed lighting system to place into a reduced-consumption state according to a defined lighting reduction pattern, and to send lighting control commands to the wireless lamp control modules associated with said set of lamps, to effectuate the defined lighting reduction pattern in said distributed lighting system.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a method of lighting control for a distributed lighting system comprising a plurality of physically distributed lamps, each lamp controllable through a wireless lamp control module. In an example implementation, the method comprises selectively reducing an aggregate electrical load of the distributed lighting system by: determining a set of lamps within the distributed lighting system to place into a reduced-consumption state according to a defined lighting reduction pattern; and sending lighting control commands to the wireless lamp control modules associated with said set of lamps, to effectuate the defined lighting reduction pattern in said distributed lighting system.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a lighting control server configured to control a distributed lighting system comprising a plurality of physically distributed lamps, where each lamp is controllable through a wireless lamp control module. The lighting control server includes a communication interface configured to communicatively couple the lighting control server to a regional network interface (RNI) that in turn communicatively couples to a radio network providing two-way radio links with the lamp modules. Further, the lighting control server includes a control circuit that is operatively associated with the communication interface.

In an example embodiment, the control circuit is configured to selectively control some or all of the lamps in the distributed lighting system to effectuate a defined signaling pattern, for visibly signaling any people in proximity of said lamps. Here, the control circuit is configured to: determine a set of lamps within the distributed lighting system to use for signaling; and send lighting control commands to the wireless lamp control modules associated with said set of lamps, to effectuate the defined signaling pattern.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a method of lighting control for a distributed lighting system comprising a plurality of physically distributed lamps, where each lamp is controllable through a wireless lamp control module. The method comprises selectively controlling some or all of the lamps in the distributed lighting system to effectuate a defined signaling pattern, for visibly signaling any people in proximity of some or all of the lamps. The method achieves this control by: determining a set of lamps within the distributed lighting system to use for signaling; and sending lighting control commands to the wireless lamp control modules associated with said set of lamps, to effectuate the defined signaling pattern.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a simplified diagram illustrating one embodiment of a distributed lighting system10, which includes a plurality of lamps12. For ease of discussion, the reference number “12” is used for referring to lamps in the plural sense, i.e., “lamps12,” and for generically referring to any given lamp, i.e., “lamp12.” Where helpful for clarity, individual lamps12are distinguished using suffix designations, i.e., “12-1,” “12-2,” and so on.

By way of non-limiting example, the lamps12are depicted as being mounted on lamp poles14and it will be understood that this configuration complements their use as a system of street lamps, a system of parking lot lights (for one or more parking lots), or other outdoor lighting systems in which a plurality of lamps12are positioned or otherwise arrayed at spaced-apart locations within a given area or geographic region. In other contemplated examples, the distributed lighting system10comprises a plurality of lamps12arrayed within one or more parking garages or the like.

A more notable aspect is the association of a wireless lamp control module16with each lamp12, e.g., wireless lamp control module16-1is associated with lamp12-1, wireless lamp control module16-2is associated with lamp12-2, and so on. For brevity, the wireless lamp control modules16are referred to simply as “control modules16,” and in some instances the drawings abbreviate the control modules16as “WLCMs.”

As shown inFIG. 2, the control modules16are electronic devices, each including a radio interface18(e.g., a transceiver circuit), a control circuit20(which may be implemented as a programmed microcontroller and supporting circuitry), lamp monitoring and control circuits22, along with power supply and battery backup circuits24. Each control module16is individually addressable—e.g., it has a fixed or programmable identifier—that allows commands to be individually addressed to it. The individualized identification also allows each control module16to send lamp monitoring data that is uniquely identified, so that the status and condition of individual lamps12within the distributed lighting system10can be tracked and monitored.

As such, the lamp monitoring and control circuits22include, in at least one embodiment, voltage and/or current monitoring circuits and on/off control circuitry. Further, in one or more embodiments, the lamp monitoring and control circuits22(alone or in combination with the control circuit20) are configured to implement more sophisticated lamp control, such as dimming control where the lamp12can be commanded to operate at brighter or dimmer levels of illumination. The control module16also offers, in at least one embodiment, a blink mode of operation. In this regard, the control module16is configured to recognize a “blink” command, which may be parameterized in terms of blink duty cycle and blinking period.

Software and/or hardware timers, such as are provided by the control circuit in one or more embodiments, are used to implement blinking. Further, such timers can be used to implement dimming control by controlling an on/off duty cycle of the lamp12. Of course, the control module16also may implement dimming control by controlling the power applied to the illumination element of the lamp12. In this regard, it will be understood that the control module16is implemented at least to some extent according to the lamp technology used for the lamp12.

In one embodiment, the control modules16are implemented with lamp monitoring and control circuits22adapted for High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps. In other embodiments, the lamp monitoring and control circuits22are adapted for use with Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps, which may comprise large arrays of high-current LEDs. In still other embodiments, the lamp monitoring and control circuits22are adapted for use with Radio Frequency (RF) induction lamps. In the latter two cases, it will be appreciated that the lamp technologies at issue offer instant or near-instant off/on capabilities.

Turning back toFIG. 1, one sees that a lighting control server (“LCS”)30controls the distributed lighting system10based on generating and sending lighting control commands32to the control modules16associated with the lamps12in the distributed lighting system10. In this regard, a radio network36communicatively couples the LCS30to the control modules16by providing two-way radio links38—e.g., a downlink or DL and an uplink or UL—to the respective control modules16. The depiction of the radio network36is simplified for ease of illustration and, as such, is shown with one base station40. It will be appreciated that as a matter of practical implementation the radio network36may include multiple base stations40dispersed over one or more geographic regions, and that these multiple base stations40may be configured in a cellular fashion, as is known. According to the cellular configuration, each base station40serves a defined geographic region (cell), where those cells may be configured in an overlapping or adjacent fashion to provide more or less continuous coverage over a larger area.

As an example, the radio network36comprises a FLEXNET radio network from the SENSUS USA, Inc. (“Sensus”). FLEXNET radio networks operate in licensed spectrum in the 900 MHz range, with the UL utilizing 901 to 902 MHz and the DL utilizing 940 to 941 MHz. These spectrum allocations are subdivided into multiple narrowband channels, e.g., 25 KHz channels. Individual narrowband channels can be allocated to respective control modules16, or a set of control modules16can be assigned to operate on one or more such channels, while other groups are assigned to other channels. Data is sent on a per-channel basis using Frequency Shift Keying (“FSK”), e.g., 4, 8, or 16FSK, where the data may be “packaged” in messages of a predefined bit length.

The individual control modules16send status reports for their respective lamps12at timed intervals, with those reports being conveyed by the radio network36to a radio network interface (“RNI”)42. The RNI42, which may be a server or other computer system that is configured with a radio interface44, receives the RF signaling incoming from the control modules16and provides demodulation, etc., thereby providing control/processing circuits46with digital messages representing the received control module communications. These messages are provided to the LCS30via an LCS interface48, which may be, for example, a computer network interface accessible via a computer network link50, such as provided via the Internet or through a private IP network. (Note that the LCS30can be co-located with the RNI42, and the link50will be adapted accordingly, e.g., it may be internalized or otherwise localized, such as an Ethernet connection between a server configured with software and data storage implementing the RNI42and a server configured with software and data storage implementing the LCS30.)

FIG. 1depicts the status reports flowing to the LCS30from the control modules16as “monitoring data”52. Of further note, and of particular interest in one or more embodiments disclosed herein, one also sees that the network link50also carries lighting control commands54from the LCS30to the RNI42, where they are converted into RF signaling and transmitted by the radio network36over the radio links38to the control modules16. Because each control module16is individually addressable, individual lighting control commands54can be generated for (targeted to) a specific control module16, meaning that the LCS30can effect lighting control in the distributed lighting system10on a per lamp basis.

Of course, the control module addresses may be configured in terms of net/subnet prefixes or suffixes, allowing the LCS30to generate commands that target all or some (e.g., defined sets or zones) of the control modules16. In this regard, it will be appreciated that given lighting control commands54may be broadcast over all or part of the geographic regions spanned by the distributed lighting control system10, but only those control modules targeted by those lighting control commands54will respond. This allows very efficient signaling, such as where one lighting control command54controls all or many of the lamps12, yet preserves the flexibility of per-lamp command signaling.

However, it will be appreciated that these arrangements are non-limiting examples, and other signaling configurations could be used, e.g., using per-lamp dedicated channels such as are known in voice/data cellular systems, etc. Further, while the FLEXNET implementation is a preferred implementation, given its use of licensed spectrum, favorable performance characteristics, and economical implementations, the teachings herein are not limited to FLEXNET.

For example, unlicensed spectrum in the ISM band can be used, with corresponding adaptations at the control modules16and in the radio network36. In such a case, the involved radio circuitry may be configured for frequency-hopping OFDM based communications, for example. Other radio configuration examples include any of the cellular network standards, including IS-95, cdma2000, WCDMA, GSM (which may have particular cost advantages), EV-DO/DV, etc.

Setting aside the particular radio implementation used, in an advantageous embodiment contemplated herein, the LCS30is configured to control a distributed lighting system10comprising a plurality of physically distributed lamps12, each lamp12controllable through a wireless lamp control module16. The LCS30comprises a communication interface60that is configured to communicatively couple the LCS30to an RNI42that in turn communicatively couples to a radio network36providing two-way radio links38with the lamp modules16. Further, the LCS30includes a control circuit62that is operatively associated with the communication interface60and configured to selectively reduce an aggregate electrical load of the distributed lighting system10.

Here, the control circuit62comprises, for example, the CPU and supporting resources (e.g., memory and storage devices), of a computer, such as a WINDOWS-based computer that includes disk or other storage that is configured with one or more computer programs, the execution of which by the CPU configures the computer to operate as the LCS30. The LCS30also includes, in one or more embodiments, a user interface (“UI”)64and a control/monitoring interface66. Notably, the RNI interface60and the control/monitoring interface66may comprise separate interfaces, or may be implemented as the same interface having network-addressed “connections” with the RNI42and one or more external devices or systems.

In one example, the control/monitoring interface66connects the LCS30with an electrical supply or distribution system computer that provides electrical load data and/or control signaling to the LCS30. The electrical load data comprises, for example, data indicating a loading level of the electrical supply system that powers the distributed lighting system10. Additionally, or alternatively, the LCS30receives “triggering” control signaling indicating, e.g., high loading conditions, for the electrical supply system at issue. As a further addition or alternative, the UI64(e.g., keyboard, monitor, etc.) may be configured via LCS software to provide a user interface for receiving triggering control signaling or electrical load data to be acted on by the LCS30.

Regardless, in one or more embodiments of the LCS30the control circuit62is configured to selectively reduce an aggregate electrical load of the distributed lighting system10based on being configured to: determine a set of lamps12within the distributed lighting system10to place into a reduced-consumption state according to a defined lighting reduction pattern; and send lighting control commands54to the control modules16associated with the set of lamps12, to effectuate the defined lighting reduction pattern the distributed lighting system10.

FIG. 1depicts an example case where memory/storage68of the LCS30stores one or more defined lighting reduction patterns70. In the same or another embodiment, the LCS30stores one or more defined signaling patterns72, with or without also storing the defined lighting reduction pattern(s)70. Here, a “lighting reduction pattern”70comprises a data value or data structure that is used to determine how a reduction in electrical power consumption by the distributed lighting system10is to be achieved.

In an example case, a defined lighting reduction pattern70comprises a data file or table that identifies particular control modules16(by module ID, for example) that are to be placed into the reduced consumption state, thereby reducing the aggregate electrical load of the distributed lighting system10. In another example, the defined lighting reduction pattern70comprises one or more values representing a generic pattern—e.g., every other lamp12, every third lamp12, etc. —that is used by the LCS30to determine which lamps12in the distributed lighting system10are to be placed into a reduced-consumption state, to achieve some desired reduction in the aggregate electrical load.

In yet another example, the LCS30dynamically generates or derives the lighting reduction pattern(s)70in dependence on the amount of load reduction desired. Thus, more lamps12are placed into a reduced-consumption state for a 10% load reduction than for a 5% load reduction.

One aspect of the LCS30is that in one or more embodiments, it is configured to intelligently apply or determine the defined lighting reduction pattern(s)70, to minimize the disruption in lighting. For example, as a matter of public safety, the LCS30darkens every other lamp12in an urban setting, or ensures that no two lamps12on adjacent street corners are darkened at the same time. (In this respect, the LCS30may apply different defined lighting reduction patterns70during the course of the night, in response to changing electrical load conditions, or according to a programmed schedule. The LCS30also may apply different defined lighting reduction patterns70to different areas—e.g., more aggressive reduction for sets of lamps12in areas not designated as safety-critical and less aggressive reduction for sets of lamps12in areas that are so designated.)

In at least one embodiment, the LCS30is configured to store or otherwise access geographic location information for each lamp12in the distributed lighting system10—e.g., it may have access to a data file of per-lamp GPS coordinates. In one such embodiment, the LCS30further stores or has access to map data and it uses its UI to display one or more maps overlaid with lamp positions. Further, the LCS30allows an operator to draw (e.g., via a mouse) shapes or regions overlaid on the displayed map and to identify those lamp positions falling within such regions. Still further, the LCS30allows the operator to apply a particular defined lighting reduction pattern70to each such region, and the LCS30records these pattern-lamp associations. In other embodiments, the LCS30receives data from another computer or device, that includes coordinate or region data and corresponding pattern designations, and the LCS30determines by lamp position which lamps12are associated with which pattern.

In any case, the LCS30effectuates the defined lighting reduction pattern(s)70across some or all of the lamps12in the distributed lighting system10by sending appropriately generated/configured lighting control commands54. For the set or sets of lamps12to be controlled to effectuate the defined lighting reduction pattern(s)70, the LCS30generates appropriately addressed lighting control commands54and sends them to the control modules16that are associated with the set(s) of lamps12.

The command(s)54are in one example “off” commands that command the affected control modules16to turn their respective lamps12off. In another example, the commands are “dim” commands that command the affected control modules16to dim their respective lamps12. The extent by which the aggregate electrical load of the distributed lighting system10is reduced can thus be determined by the number of lamps12that are turned off or dimmed. In the case of dimming, further degrees of load reduction control are provided based on controlling the amount of dimming applied. Also note that the LCS30may effectuate the defined lighting reduction pattern(s)70by sending lighting control commands54once, or by sending a series of commands over time, such as to implement changing levels of load reduction, changing patterns, etc.

In one embodiment, the control circuit62of the LCS30is configured to selectively reduce the aggregate electrical load of the distributed lighting system10based on being configured to implement the reduction responsive to receiving control signaling indicating that such reduction is desired. In this context, “selectively reducing” means that the LCS30operates the distributed lighting system10in a normal mode (e.g., with full illumination) and effectuates the load reduction in response to detecting received control signaling that is interpreted by the LCS30as indicating that load reduction is desired. Different control signaling can be defined for different lighting reduction patterns70, or to signify different desired amounts of load reduction, which are then mapped by the LCS30to corresponding lighting reduction patterns70.

In the same or another embodiment, the control circuit62is configured to selectively reduce the aggregate electrical load of the distributed lighting system10based on being configured to receive electrical load data for an electrical supply system that powers the distributed lighting system10. The control circuit62determines from that received data that a reduction is required. To do so, it may use one or more defined thresholds of electrical loading relative to a defined electrical supply capacity of the involved electrical supply system. Thus, the LCS30may have one or more (secure) data links to an electrical generation station, an electrical distribution network command center, or the like, from which it receives real-time or near real-time electrical load data relevant to the distributed lighting system10.

As noted, in at least one embodiment, the control circuit62is configured to read one or more electronic files, the contents of which represent the defined lighting reduction pattern(s)70, and to determine the set or sets of lamps12to control from the file contents. In an example case, the file contents comprise a listing of lamp module identifiers, or comprise a defined lighting reduction value, the value of which indicates to the LCS30the number of lamps12within the distributed lighting system10that are to be placed into the reduced-consumption state.

In at least one embodiment, a plurality of lighting reduction patterns70are defined, each corresponding to a different pattern of lighting reduction for a set of lamps12within a particular geographic region, or corresponding to a different amount of electrical load reduction. In at least one such embodiment, the control circuit62is configured to select a targeted one of the lighting reduction patterns70, based on receiving control signaling indicating the targeted lighting reduction pattern70. In the same or another embodiment, the control circuit62is configured to select a targeted one of the lighting reduction patterns70, based on receiving electrical load data for an electrical supply system that powers the distributed lighting system10and determining which one of the lighting reduction patterns70to effectuate in dependence on a current level of electrical loading on the electrical supply system, as indicated by the electrical load data, and one or more defined loading thresholds.

Also, as noted, the “reduced-consumption” state for a lamp12comprises an off state or a dimmed state. Thus, the LCS30generates and sends the one or more lighting control commands54to effectuate the defined lighting reduction pattern70by sending one or more off commands and/or dim commands (which may be parameterized to indicate the percent dimming desired).

In a case where the reduced-consumption state is the off state, the control circuit62is, in at least one embodiment, configured to generate further lighting control commands54for at least control module16associated with at least one lamp12that is adjacent to a lamp12that is or will be turned off to effectuate said lighting reduction pattern70. For example, these further lighting control commands54are brighten commands, such that the one or more adjacent lamps12partially compensate for the loss of illumination from the lamps12that are turned off.

Moreover, in at least one example case, the lighting reduction pattern70comprises, for a least one geographically associated series of lamps12within the distributed lighting system10, a pattern of off or dimmed lamps12. Also, as noted, there may be multiple lighting reduction patterns70defined. For example, a first one of the defined lighting reduction patterns70is characterized as being most aggressive in terms of lighting reduction, and remaining ones in the defined lighting reduction patterns70are incrementally less aggressive.

With such patterns, the control circuit62in one or more embodiments is configured to apply different ones of the lighting reduction patterns70to different sets of lamps12within the distributed lighting system10according to defined characterizations of the geographic areas corresponding to those different sets.

See, for example,FIG. 3in which the distributed lighting system10comprises a number of zones or sets80of lamps12(e.g., set80-1,80-2, and so on). Each set80may be associated with a different geographic region, such as downtown, along surface streets, along highways, in a suburb, etc. As such, each set80may be characterized according to the degree to which the provided illumination may be reduced, or in the manner that such reduction is achieved (e.g., no more than two adjacent lamps12off, no lamps12off, but dimming allowed, etc.). Correspondingly, then, the LCS30may apply a particular lighting reduction pattern70to each set80of lamps12, based on the characterization associated with that set80.

In one example, the LCS30stores numeric or text values representing the defined characterizations. The actual values may be configured by an operator of the LCS30, via data input through the UI64, for example, in accordance with the definitions known to the LCS30. In any case, each such value is mappable to a defined lighting reduction pattern70. As such, the control circuit62is configured to determine the particular lighting reduction pattern70to apply to a particular set80of lamps12based on mapping the defined characterization stored for the the particular set80to the corresponding lighting reduction pattern70. As one example, five lighting reduction patterns70are stored in a table, indexed 0-4. Thus, storing an index value of “3” for set80-1causes the LCS30to apply the lighting control pattern70stored in the table at index position1. This is to be understood as a non-limiting arrangement, and other mapping functions are contemplated herein.

In addition to the lighting reduction control provided by the LCS30, or as an alternative to such control, the LCS30in at least one embodiment is configured to selectively control all or some of the lamps12in the distributed lighting system10to effectuate a defined signaling pattern72for visibly signaling human observers. In other words, the LCS30provides for emergency alerts and/or other signaling via the lamps12, which can provide safety-critical visual signaling to persons within view of any one or more of the lamps12.

For example, the distributed lighting system10comprises a network of lamps12on a college campus or within a business park. In cases where a safety-critical event happens, such as a shooting or the like, an authorized operator can activate a defined emergency signaling pattern using the UI64of the LCS30. Additionally, or alternatively, the LCS30can be tied in with one or more emergency networks, such as E911, and can receive pattern activation signaling from such external networks.

In operation, the control circuit62determines a set of lamps12within the distributed system10to use for effectuating the defined signaling pattern72. A default of all lamps12may be used, or only those sets of lamps12that are geographically relevant to the event or condition being alerted are chosen. The control circuit62generates one or more lighting control commands54for the control modules16that are associated with the set of lamps12, wherein the one or more lighting control commands54are generated to control the illumination state of individual lamps12within the set, to implement the defined signaling pattern72across the set of lamps12. As before, the LCS30sends the one or more lighting control commands54to the affected control modules16, to effectuate the defined signaling pattern72in the set or sets of lamps12.

The lighting control commands54may be generated from a defined set of lighting control commands comprising one or more of: an off command, an on command, a dim command, a blink command. The LCS30sends the selected commands54to the control modules16associated with the set(s) of lamps12, to control individual lamps12within the set of lamps12to effectuate the defined signaling pattern72. In one or more embodiments, the defined signaling pattern72comprises at least one of: a defined blinking pattern and a defined blinking interval. In at least one such embodiment, the LCS30is configured to generate the one or more lighting control commands54as a timed, repeating series of on and off commands targeted to respective ones of the control modules16associated with the set of lamps12. Properly timed on/off commands provide for the desired blink rate in such cases.

In another case, the defined lighting control commands54include a blink command that is recognized by the control modules16, meaning that only one blink command (rather than a series of on/off commands) need be sent to any given control module16to cause its lamp12to blink. In such an embodiment, the LCS30sends one or more blink commands targeted to respective ones of the control modules16associated with the set of lamps12, to effectuate the defined signaling pattern72. The LCS30may parameterize the blink commands targeting different ones of the lamps12in the set, such that an overall blinking pattern or behavior is effectuated across the set of lamps12, or it may send said one or more blink commands to respective ones of the control modules16as a timed sequence of blink commands, such that blinking is initiated at individual lamps12according to a timing that effectuates said overall blinking pattern or behavior. In other embodiments, the LCS30generates and sends multiple on/off commands according to a timing that effectuates the desired blinking pattern.

In at least one embodiment, the distributed lighting system10comprises a system of street lamps12distributed along one or more roads, wherein the defined signaling pattern(s)72comprise one or more directional indication patterns indicating recommended or mandatory directions of travel along said one or more roads. Such patterns are, for example, reminiscent of runway lighting systems, which indicate landing/taxiing directions of travel using a sequenced blinking along a series or row of lights. Thus, the LCS30can be used to indicate that a given two-way road or highway has been re-designated for a single direction of travel.

This is useful for hurricane and other emergency evacuations where, for example, both northbound and southbound lanes of a freeway are used for northbound travel. The directional blinking is also useful for indicating the particular segments of road that are designated for emergency travel, and the blinking pattern can be extended from one road segment to another at intersections and other junctions, to indicate the designated path of evacuation. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the LCS30is provisioned with one or more signaling patterns72representing desired blinking patterns for street lamps along one or more roads, and the LCS30is provisioned with information designating the particular control modules16that are associated with these patterns. Of course, the LCS30also may be configured to recognize control signaling, operator input, or received data messages, as indicating different types of events, and it may select different signaling patterns72in dependence on the event type and/or may apply different signaling patterns72to different sets of lamps12.

Thus, in at least one embodiment, the LCS30includes a communication or signaling interface (60or66), and is configured to activate a defined signaling pattern72responsive to receiving certain data or control signaling. In the same or another embodiment, the distributed lighting system10is at least logically divided into multiple zones, and the LCS30is configured to effectuate the same or different defined signaling patterns72across the multiple zones.

Thus, it will be understood that the LCS30in one or more embodiments is configured to implement a method of lighting control for a distributed lighting system10, wherein the LCS30is configured to generate and send lighting control commands54to control modules16associated with individual lamps12within the distributed lighting system10, to effectuate a defined lighting reduction pattern70and/or a defined signaling pattern72. The defined lighting reduction pattern70places some or all of the lamps12into a reduced consumption state and thereby reduces the aggregate electrical load of the distributed lighting system10. The defined signaling pattern72imposes a time-varying illumination control at one of more of the lamps12, such that persons within sight of those lamps12are alerted to the existence of an emergency condition or other event.

Thus, in one aspect, this disclosure details methods and apparatuses for selectively turning streetlights on and off for the purpose of electric power load shedding by electric distribution utilities. In at least one implementation, an “overall” system includes a SENSUS FLEXNET radio network comprising at least one FLEXNET base station, a streetlight utilizing an inductive type bulb with ballast, a SENSUS FLEXNET radio module installed inside the streetlight assembly and acting as a control module12, a SENSUS RNI, and SENSUS LCS software installed on an appropriately configured computer system.

The FLEXNET base station will transmit and receive across a pair of 25 KHz wide channels, typically in the 901-940 MHz Narrowband PCS licensed spectrum band. It will be used to communicate with streetlights equipped with FLEXNET radio modules. The FLEXNET base station is connected via Ethernet links to the RNI, and the RNI passes data bi-directionally through the base station to the street light radio modules. The LCS software interfaces to the RNI and provides instructions to the RNI for passing specific control messages through the base station to the street light radio modules. Likewise, the street light radio modules pass data through the base station to the RNI, and the RNI provides the response information to the LCS30, for processing in accordance with the logic implemented by the LCS software.

In at least one embodiment, each street light radio module's geospatial location is recorded using a handheld GPS receiver during installation. The location information is recorded in the LCS30. Based on groupings of geographic locations, the LCS30provides for the creation or designation of street light zones or other geographically defined sets of lights within the distributed lighting system10.

At times of high power consumption demand, zones can be selected and streetlights in those zones can be selectively and instantly turned on or off. Certain zones may be selected for load shedding in areas where little traffic passes during peak consumption times, and others may be left on where traffic safety is more critical. In a preferred embodiment, entire areas are not darkened, but rather certain lamps12within a given zone are dimmed or turned off, such that large areas of darkness are not caused by the LCS's load shedding operations. For example, based on geospatial cataloging of street light locations, every second or third light can be selected to remain on for safety reasons. When a street light zone is selected, either all of the lights or an alternating portion of the lights can be turned off via radio control. If the peak consumption time becomes less critical, all lights can instantly be turned back on by the LCS30via radio control.

When supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software systems are utilized, a MultiSpeak4compatible interface may be used to pass data between the SCADA server and the LCS30. The SCADA system may have an interface to consumption load metering, and have triggers that indicate an alarm condition requiring intervention. The SCADA operator can select to start a peak generation function, or could alternatively select to initiate a level of load shedding via an interface to the LCS30. The levels could select any number of street lighting zones, or a specific selection to shed a specific number of streetlights, or all of the streetlights operated by the utility at one time. When the consumption load metering demand passes, a reversal order can be issued through the SCADA system to the LCS to send a message via the RNI42to instantly re-light all of the streetlights.

In some sense, similar operations apply in the case of the defined signaling patterns72. For example, based on geospatial cataloging of street light locations, each streetlight can be targeted for specific signaling. In a first mode, all lights in a specified sector can be set to blink in a pseudo-random method to signify an emergency. Each light's radio module can be sent a message to begin sequencing a one second off, five seconds on cycle. By pseudo-randomly triggering this sequence, not all lights will be off at the same time (to prevent safety issues), but it will be very apparent to the public that an emergency condition exists. Such emergency notifications could be sent to lights at shopping malls, school campuses, or other zoned geographic areas.

Because the lights are geospatially catalogued in one or more embodiments contemplated herein, each light can receive specific instructions to go into “chase” mode. In this mode, each light will be instructed to blink (an off state) based on an instruction message's time stamp. That is, the lighting control commands54from the LCS30may comprise time-stamped messages. Each of the involved lamp control modules16would receive a specific time slot to blink, with the resulting effect being that the position of the turned-off light will appear to move in a specific direction. As previously noted, such a “chase” mode can be used for guiding drivers during evacuations, and could also be used on two directions of one road in order to signify that all lanes are one-way during evacuation or other situations where moving large numbers of vehicles in short periods of time requires one-way routing.

With the above details in mind,FIG. 4illustrates one embodiment of a method100of lighting control for a distributed lighting system comprising a plurality of physically distributed lamps, where each lamp is controllable through a wireless lamp control module. The method100includes selectively reducing an aggregate electrical load of the distributed lighting system (Operation102). The method100performs this operation by determining a set of lamps within the distributed lighting system to place into a reduced-consumption state according to a defined lighting reduction pattern (Block104), and sending lighting control commands to the wireless lamp control modules associated with said set of lamps, to effectuate the defined lighting reduction pattern in said distributed lighting system (Block106).

Similarly,FIG. 5illustrates another embodiment of a method110of lighting control for a distributed lighting system comprising a plurality of physically distributed lamps, where each lamp is controllable through a wireless lamp control module. The method110includes selectively controlling some or all of the lamps in the distributed lighting system to effectuate a defined signaling pattern, for visibly signaling any people in proximity of said some or all of the lamps (Operation112). The method110performs this operation determining a set of lamps within the distributed lighting system to use for signaling (Block114), and sending lighting control commands to the wireless lamp control modules associated with said set of lamps, to effectuate the defined signaling pattern (Block116).

Of course, modifications and other embodiments of the disclosed invention(s) will come to mind to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For example, it should be understood that in at least one aspect of the teachings herein, a lighting control server (LCS) controls a distributed lighting system based on communicating with wireless lamp control modules that control respective lamps in the system.

In at least one such embodiment, the LCS has a TCP/IP or other communication interface to a Regional Network Interface (RNI) that communicatively couples the LCS to the control modules through a radio network having two-way radio links with the control modules. In this regard, the RNI receives RF signaling from the control modules and processes that signaling to obtain messages from the control modules, for transfer to the LCS, and likewise receives messages from the LCS and generates corresponding radio signaling for transmission to the control modules. Each control module includes its own radio transceiver, to process such receptions and to provide for the aforementioned transmissions.

Thus, in at least one embodiment, the LCS is configured to control a distributed lighting system comprising a plurality of physically distributed lamps, each lamp controllable through a wireless lamp control module. The LCS comprises a communication interface configured to communicatively couple the LCS to a regional network interface (RNI) that in turn communicatively couples to a radio network providing two-way radio links with the lamp control modules. Further, the LCS includes a control circuit operatively associated with the communication interface and configured to selectively reduce an aggregate electrical load of the distributed lighting system based on being configured to: determine a subset of lamps within the distributed lighting system to place into a reduced-consumption state according to a defined lighting reduction pattern; and send lighting control commands to the wireless lamp control modules associated with said subset of lamps, to effectuate the defined lighting reduction pattern in said distributed lighting system.

According to the above embodiment, the LCS provides a centralized control mechanism that provides load shedding on a commanded or autonomous basis, and can perform such shedding according to lighting reduction patterns of essentially any desired degree of sophistication. This allows the LCS to reduce the electrical load represented by the distributed lighting system, balanced against desired illumination considerations, such as public safety, etc. Moreover, the LCS can apply different lighting reduction patterns to different parts of the distributed lighting system, so that more or less aggressive shedding can be applied to the different parts. Similarly, the LCS can dynamically change from one pattern to another, responsive to changing electrical demand conditions, such as indicated by received load data or operator input.

In the same embodiment, or in another embodiment, the LCS is configured to determine the set or sets of lamps to be used for effectuating one or more defined signaling patterns. The LCS is further configured to generate and send the lighting control commands needed to effectuate the defined signaling pattern(s). For example, to indicate a public safety emergency, the LCS causes some or all of the lamps in the distributed lighting system to blink according to a characteristic timing. As another example, the LCS generates lighting control commands that cause a set of lamps in the distributed lighting system to blink in a “chase” pattern that indicates a desired route or direction of travel along one or more road segments.

Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention(s) is/are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.