Abstract:
A lighting and communication system for use in a standardized light fixture is provided. The lighting and communication system includes a light source and a communication apparatus, and the communication apparatus is at least one of an audio device or a camera. At least one electrical connector configured for physical and electrical connection to the standardized light fixture is included, and the at least one electrical connector is electrically connected to the light source and the communication apparatus.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/257,691, filed Oct. 24, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to building communication systems, and more particularly to integrating building communication system components with building lighting. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many buildings have lighting systems. For example, many commercial buildings include fluorescent lighting fixtures for use with fluorescent tubes, though other types of lighting systems using other types of lights (e.g., incandescent lights) may also be used. Fixtures are typically hard-wired to a power source, such as an electric utility line. The lighting system may produce a generally constant flux of light so long as a switch controlling the lighting system is in an “on” position. Typically, the sole function of lighting systems is providing light. 
     Many buildings also have one or more sound systems. For example, an alarm sound system may be part of an alarm system for notifying building occupants of an emergency. While alarm sound systems may include emergency lighting, the emergency lighting is typically active only during the emergency to supplement the notice of the emergency provided by the alarm sound. The emergency lighting included with some sound systems, such as a strobe light, is typically not designed to provide normal lighting for a building. Another type of sound system includes speakers for making announcements. Such speakers typically do not include lighting. Sound systems, including both the alarm sound system and announcement speakers, typically are separate from and operate independently of lighting systems. 
     Many buildings also have one or more cameras for security purposes. Most cameras are separate from and operate independently of both lighting systems and sound systems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a lighting and communication system for use in a standardized light fixture. The lighting and communication system includes a light source and a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus is at least one of an audio device or a camera. The system further includes at least one electrical connector configured for physical and electrical connection to the standardized light fixture. The at least one electrical connector is electrically connected to the light source and the communication apparatus. 
     In another example, an LED-based light including a lighting and communication system for use in a fluorescent fixture is provided. The LED-based light includes at least one LED and a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus is at least one of an audio device or a camera. A pair of pin-carrying connectors is included for physical and electrical connection to the fluorescent fixture, and the connectors are electrically connected to the LEDs and the communication apparatus. 
     In yet another example, a lighting and communication system for use in a standardized light fixture is provided. The lighting and communication system includes a light source and a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus is at least one of an audio device or a camera, and a controller is operative to control a brightness of the light source in response to an input signal received from the communications apparatus. 
     These and other embodiments will be described in additional detail hereafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example of a light and communication system; 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart showing an example of the light and communication system of  FIG. 1  in operation; 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart showing another example of the light and communication system of  FIG. 1  in operation; and 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another example of a light and communication system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Examples of light and communication systems according to the invention are discussed with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 .  FIG. 1  illustrates a light and communication system  10  for use in a standard fixture  12 , such as a fixture designed to accept T 5 , T 8 , T 10 , or T 12  tubes. As such, the system  10  can have the shape of a standard tube, i.e., the shape of a T 5 , T 8 , T 10 , or T 12  tube, or otherwise be shaped for compatibility with the standard fixture  12 . Alternatively, another example of a light and communication system can have an alternative shape from the illustrated system  10  for use in fixtures that accept other types of standard sized lights, such as the shape of an incandescent bulb as shown in  FIG. 4  or standard sized halogen lamps. However, all examples of light and communication systems need not be compatible with the fixture  12  or another type of standard fixture. That is, yet another example of a light and communication system can be powered by a battery or connected to a power source by means such as hard-wiring the system to a power source. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the light and communication system  10  includes a housing  14 , a circuit board  16 , a pair of end caps  18 , LEDs  20 , a controller  22 , an audio device including a microphone  24  and a speaker  26 , a camera  28 , a receiver  30 , and a transmitter  32 . The housing  14  as shown in  FIG. 1  is a light transmitting cylindrical tube. The housing  14  can be made from polycarbonate, acrylic, glass or another light transmitting material (i.e., the housing  14  can be transparent or translucent). For example, a translucent housing  14  can be made from a composite, such as polycarbonate with particles of a light refracting material interspersed in the polycarbonate. While the illustrated housing  14  is cylindrical, a housing having a square, triangular, polygonal, or other cross sectional shape can alternatively be used. Similarly, while the illustrated housing  14  is linear, a housing having an alternative shape, e.g., a U-shape or a circular shape can alternatively be used. Additionally, the housing  14  need not be a single piece as shown in  FIG. 1 . Instead, another example of a housing can be formed by attaching multiple individual parts, not all of which need be light transmitting. For example, such a housing can include an opaque lower portion and a lens or other transparent cover attached to the lower portion to cover the LEDs  20 . The housing  14  can be manufactured to include light diffusing or refracting properties, such as by surface roughening or applying a diffusing film to the housing  14 . For compatibility with the fixture  12  as discussed above, the housing  14  can have a length such that the light  10  is approximately 48″ long, and the housing  14  can have a 0.625″, 1.0″, or 1.5″ diameter. The housing  14  can define first, second, and third apertures  14   a ,  14   b , and  14   c  as discussed below. 
     The circuit board  16  as illustrated in  FIG. 1  is an elongate printed circuit board. Multiple circuit board sections can be joined by bridge connectors to create the circuit board  16 . The circuit board  16  as shown in  FIG. 1  is slidably engaged with the housing  14 , though the circuit board  16  can alternatively be clipped, adhered, snap- or friction-fit, screwed or otherwise connected to the housing  14 . For example, the circuit board  16  can be mounted on a heat sink that is attached to the housing  14 . Also, other types of circuit boards may be used, such as a metal core circuit board. Or, instead of a circuit board  16 , other types of electrical connections (e.g., wires) can be used to electrically connect the LEDs  20  to a power source. 
     The light and communication system  10  can include two bi-pin end caps  18  (i.e., each end cap  18  can carry two pins), one at each longitudinal end of the housing  14 , for physically and electrically connecting the system  10  to the fixture  12 . The end caps  18  can be the sole physical connection between the light and communication system  10  and the fixture  12 . The end caps  18  can be electrically connected to the circuit board  16  to provide power to the LEDs  20  and other components (e.g., the microphone  24 , speaker  26 , and camera  28 ). Each end cap  18  can include two pins, though two of the total four pins can be “dummy pins” that do not provide an electrical connection. Alternatively, other types of electrical connectors can be used, such as an end cap carrying a single pin. Also, while the end caps  18  are shown as including cup-shaped bodies, apparatuses having a different configuration can alternatively be used (e.g., plugs lodged in ends of the housing  14  can carry pins or other electrical connectors). One or both of the end caps  18  can additionally include electric components, such as a rectifier and filter. 
     The LEDs  20  can be surface-mount devices of a type available from Nichia, though other types of LEDs can alternatively be used. For example, although surface-mounted LEDs  20  are shown, one or more organic LEDs can be used in place of or in addition thereto. The LEDs  20  can be mounted to the circuit board  16  by solder, a snap-fit connection, or other means. The LEDs  20  can produce white light. However, LEDs that produce blue light, ultra-violet light or other wavelengths of light can be used in place of white light emitting LEDs  20 . Additionally, notification LEDs  21  can be included. Notification LEDs  21  can be identical to LEDs  20 , except notification LEDs  21  can produce a different color of light than LEDs  20  (e.g., if the LEDs  20  produce white light as described above, notification LEDs  21  can produce red light). 
     The number of LEDs  20  can be a function of the desired amount of light produced by the light and communication system  10  and the power of the LEDs  20 . For a 48″ light, such as the illustrated light and communication system  10 , the number of LEDs  20  can vary from about five to four hundred such that the system  10  outputs approximately 500 to 3,000 lumens. However, a different number of LEDs  20  can alternatively be used, and the system  10  can output a different amount of lumens. The LEDs  20  can be evenly spaced along the circuit board  16 , and the spacing of the LEDs  20  can be determined based on, for example, the light distribution of each LED  20  and the number of LEDs  20 . 
     The controller  22  can be digital and include a CPU and a memory, such as RAM or another type of memory, though a controller including analog circuits can be used. The controller  22  can be mounted on the circuit board  16  to receive power from one or both of the end caps  18 , though the controller  22  can be coupled to a different power source such as a battery. The controller  22  can also be in communication with the LEDs  20  and  21 , the microphone  24 , the speaker  26 , the camera  28 , the receiver  30 , and the transmitter  32 . The memory can store a program for determining an operating mode of at least some components of the system  10 , such as the LEDs  20 , the microphone  24 , the speaker  26 , and the camera  28 . Additionally, the memory can store sound files for transmission to the speaker  26 , and the memory can include empty space for storing sound files corresponding to sounds captured by the microphone  24 . The functionality of the controller  22  is discussed below in greater detail in reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     The audio device can include the microphone  24  and the speaker  26  as mentioned above. The microphone  24  can be positioned to capture sound waves produced outside the housing  14 . For example, the housing  14  can define the first aperture  14   a , and the microphone  24  can be positioned adjacent the first aperture  14   a  such that sound waves produced outside the housing  14  can reach the microphone  24  to avoid sound waves having to pass through the housing  14  to reach the microphone  24 . While not illustrated, the microphone  24  can substantially fill the aperture  14   a , and a seal can be included between the microphone  24  and aperture  14   a  to protect the circuit board  16  and other components inside the housing  14 . As another example, the microphone  24  can be mounted to an exterior of the housing  14 . The microphone  24  can be in communication with the controller  22  and/or the transmitter  32 . The microphone  24  can be mounted on the circuit board  16  for receiving power passing from the fixture  12  to the circuit board  16  via at least one of the end caps  18  and for communicating the audio input signal to the controller  22  and/or the transmitter  32 . Alternatively, the microphone  24  can be powered by another power source (e.g., a battery). The microphone  24  can produce an audio input signal α corresponding to captured sound waves, and the microphone  24  can communicate the audio input signal α to the controller  22  and the transmitter  32 . 
     The speaker  26  can be positioned to produce sound waves that travel outside the housing  14 . For example, the housing  14  can define the second aperture  14   b , and the speaker  26  can be positioned adjacent to the second aperture  14   b  such that sound waves produced by the speaker  26  can pass unobstructed (e.g., without having to pass through the housing  14 ) to an area outside the housing  14 . While not illustrated, the speaker  26  can substantially fill the aperture  14   b , and a seal can be included between the speaker  26  and aperture  14   b  to protect the circuit board  16  and other components inside the housing  14 . Alternatively, the speaker  26  can be mounted at an alternative location, such as on an exterior of the housing  14 . The speaker  26  can be mounted on the circuit board  16  for receiving power passing from the fixture  12  to the circuit board  16  via at least one of the end caps  18 , though the speaker  26  can alternatively be powered by another power source (e.g., a battery), and for communication with the controller  22  and/or the receiver  30 . The speaker  26  can transform an audio output signal β communicated from the controller  22  or receiver  30  into audible sound waves. Additionally, more than one speaker  26  can be included. 
     The camera  28  can be positioned to capture video or still images of an area outside the housing  14 . For example, the housing  14  can define the third aperture  14   c , and a lens of the camera  28  can be positioned adjacent the third aperture  14   c  such that light waves can pass unobstructed from outside the housing  14  to the lens of the camera  28 . While not illustrated, the camera  28  can substantially fill the aperture  14   c , and a seal can be included between the camera  28  and aperture  14   c  to protect the circuit board  16  and other components inside the housing  14 . As another example, the camera  28  can be mounted on an exterior of the housing  14 , or the camera  28  can be mounted to face a transparent portion of the housing  14  through which the camera  28  can capture images. The camera  28  can be electrically coupled to the circuit board  16  to receive power from the end caps  18  and for communication with the controller  22  and/or the transmitter  30 . Alternatively, the camera  28  can be powered by another source (e.g., a battery), and the camera  28  can communicate with the controller  22  and/or transmitter  30  wirelessly or via a hard-wire not integral with the circuit board  16 . The camera  28  can also include additional equipment. For example, the camera  28  can be mounted on a motorized pivot for movement tracking of an object moving relative to the system  10 , or the camera  28  can be mounted on an adjustable pivot such that the camera  28  can be oriented to capture images of a certain area of a room when installed in the fixture  12 . The camera  28  can output an image signal γ corresponding to either still images or video to the controller  22  and/or transmitter  32 . 
     The receiver  30  can be in communication with a remote source, such as a security center, for receiving the audio output signal β. The receiver  30  can be in wireless communication with the remote source using a standard wireless protocol such as IEEE 802.11, a protocol for radio communication, Bluetooth, a cellular standard (e.g., 3G), or another wireless protocol. Alternatively, the receiver  30  can be hardwired in communication with the remote source using a telephone line, an Ethernet line, an electrical line, or another physical coupling. The receiver  30  can be mounted on the circuit board  16  for receiving power from the end caps  18  and for communication with the controller  22  and/or the speaker  26 . Alternatively, the receiver  30  can be powered by a different source (e.g., a battery) and be coupled to the controller  22  and/or speaker  26  wirelessly or through a hard wire not integral with the circuit board  16 . The receiver  30  can receive also receive a control signal δ including instructions for controlling the LEDs  20 , the notification LEDs  21 , the speaker  26 , and/or the camera  28 . 
     The transmitter  32  can also be in communication with the remote source for transmitting at least one of the audio input signal α and the image signal γ to the remote source. The transmitter  32  can be in wireless communication with the remote source using one of the wireless protocols mentioned above, or the transmitter  32  can be hard-wired to the remote source. The transmitter  32  can be mounted on the circuit board  16  for receiving power from the end caps  32  and for communication with the controller  22 , the microphone  24 , and/or the camera  28 . Alternatively, the transmitter  30  can be powered by a different source (e.g., a battery) and can be coupled to the controller  22 , audio device, and/or camera  28  wirelessly or through a hard wire not integral with the circuit board  16 . 
     The system  10  can perform several functions when installed in the fixture  12 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , in step S 1  the LEDs  20  are in an “off” state. That is, the controller  22  is not providing power to the LEDs  20 . In step S 2 , the microphone  24  can capture sound waves and convert the sound waves to generate the audio input signal α. In step S 3 , the microphone  24  can transmit the audio input signal α to the controller  22 . Similarly, in steps S 4  and S 5 , respectively, the camera  28  can capture light waves and convert the light waves to generate the image signal γ and transmit the image signal γ to the controller  22 . Alternatively, only one set of steps S 2  and S 3  or steps S 4  and S 5  can be performed. Additionally or alternatively, the microphone  24  and camera  28  can transmit the audio input signal α and the image signal γ, respectively, to the transmitter  32 . Also, while the process of  FIG. 2  is described as occurring while the LEDs  20  are in an “off” state, a similar process can be performed when the LEDs  20  are in an “on” state as is described below with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
     In step S 6 , the controller  22  analyzes the audio input signal α and the image signal γ. For example, the controller  22  can analyze the audio input signal α to determine whether a sound over a predetermined volume is produced, whether a spike in sound to a predetermined level greater than a level of normal background noise is produced, whether a series of sounds at similar frequency to footsteps are produced, whether a sound corresponding to human speech is produced, or whether some other sound indicative of the presence of a person is produced. Similarly, the controller  22  can analyze the image signal γ by performing a facial recognition analysis, comparing successive images of video to detect a moving object, or performing another analysis. In step S 7 , the controller  22  determines whether a person is present based on the analysis of step S 6 . Alternatively, the controller  22  can analyze the audio input signal α and the image signal γ for the presence of something other than a person, such as a fire if the camera  28  is an infrared camera. Also, instead of or in addition to steps S 6  and S 7 , the transmitter  32  can transmit the audio input signal α and the image signal γ to the remote location, and personnel at the remote location can select an appropriate course of action and transmit the control signal δ to the receiver  30 . 
     In step S 8 , the controller  22  determines that no person is present, in which case the LEDs  20  remain in the “off” state and the process can be repeated continuously or after a predetermined time. Step S 9 , however, can be performed if the controller  22  determines that a person is present. In this case, any of steps S 9  through S 15  can be performed, though in another example fewer than all of steps S 9  and S 15  can be performed. 
     In step S 9 , the controller  22  turns on the LEDs  20 . The controller  22  can turn the LEDs  20  on to operate in a normal mode in which the LEDs  20  produce a generally constant flux of light, or the controller  22  can operate the LEDs  20  in an alarm mode in which the LEDs  20  flash or produce some other pattern of light. Similarly, in step S 10 , the controller  20  can turn on the notification LEDs  21 , thereby producing a red light that can provide a warning or other message to a viewer. 
     Additionally, in step S 11 , the controller  22  can instruct the transmitter  32  to transmit the audio input signal α and the image signal γ to the remote location. Thus, personnel at the remote location can take appropriate action, such as transmitting the control signal δ to the receiver  30 , or the audio input signal α and the image signal γ can be recorded for later viewing. Step S 12  shows an example of personnel at the remote location transmitting the control signal δ to the controller  22  via the receiver  30 . As shown, the control signal δ can include an instruction for the controller  22  to change the orientation of the camera  28  (e.g., by controlling a motor coupled to a pivot on which the camera  28  is mounted). 
     In step S 13 , the controller  22  can provide the audio output signal β from its memory to the speaker  26 . The audio output signal β can correspond to an alarm sound, a pre-recorded warning (e.g., “Exit the building.”), or some other sound. In step S 15 , the speaker  26  can convert the audio output signal β into sound waves. Instead of having the speaker  26  produce the audio output signal β as stored on the memory portion of the controller  22 , step S 14  shows an additional example of a response of personnel at the remote location in which the personnel transmit the audio output signal β to the receiver  30 . In this case, the audio output signal β can be, for example, a message spoken by personnel at the remote location. This audio output signal β can also be converted to sound waves by the speaker  26  in step S 15 . 
     Another function of the light and communication system  10  is shown in  FIG. 3 . In step S 20 , the LEDs  20  are in an “on” state. Steps S 2  through S 6  can be then be performed as described with reference to  FIG. 2 . However, while steps S 2  through S 7  are continuing to be performed continuously or at intervals, the controller  22  in step S 21  determines whether a predetermined amount of time (e.g., five minutes) have passed since activity indicating the presence of a person was last detected in step S 7 . As shown in step S 22 , if no person has been detected for the predetermined amount of time, the controller  22  can turn off the LEDs  20 . After turning the LEDs  20  off, the controller  22  can return to step S 1  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Additionally, the light and communication system  10  can perform other functions. For example, when a building is in an unoccupied state (e.g., at night or over a vacation period), the controller  22  can provide power to the LEDs  20  at times to give the appearance of activity in the building. Providing power to the LEDs  20  when the building in an unoccupied state can give the appearance of activity in the building to deter trespassers from entering the building. As another example, while the example discussed above in reference to  FIG. 2  describes the camera  28  as providing the image signal γ to the remote location upon the detection of the presence of a person, the camera  28  can alternatively provide the image signal γ at a certain time interval (e.g., every fifteen seconds) for analysis by security personnel or to be stored for review in the event a break-in or other incident occurs. As yet another example, the controller  22  can turn on the camera  28 , record images captured by the camera, or cause the images captures by the camera  28  to be sent to the remote location based on the audio input signal α (e.g., when the audio input signal α indicates the presence of a person). 
     The light and communication system  10  offers many advantages. The system  10  can be installed in the standard fixture  12  with no additional wiring, as the entire system  10  can be contained in a single package defined by the housing  14  and end caps  18 , allowing for easy and inexpensive implementation of a communication system in a building. The system  10  can be installed in a “smart” building for communication with other components. For example, the receiver  30  can receive the control signal δ from a door ajar sensor separate from the system  10  with instructions to turn on the LEDs  20 . Alternatively, the system  10  can be installed in a conventional building to transform the building into a “smart” building. 
     While the system  10  is shown and described as including the microphone  24 , the speaker  26 , the camera  28 , the receiver  30 , and the transmitter  32 , another example of the light and communication system can include fewer components (e.g., another example of the system may not include the receiver  30 ). Also, while the controller  22 , audio device, camera  28 , receiver  30 , and transmitter  32  are described as separate components, one or more of the components can be integral (e.g., single component can function as both the receiver  30  and transmitter  32 ). 
       FIG. 4  shows another example of a light and communication system  40  for installation in a standard incandescent socket  42  as mentioned above. A bulb shaped housing  44  can enclose a circuit board  46  in electrical communication with a standard screw base  48 , such as an E26 Edison threaded screw base. LEDs  20 , the controller  22 , the microphone  24 , the speaker  26 , the camera  28 , the receiver  30 , and the transmitter  32  can be mounted on the circuit board  46 . The camera  28  can be mounted near a tip of the bulb for a wide viewing angle, or multiple cameras  28  can be used. 
     The above-described embodiments have been described in order to allow easy understanding of the invention and do not limit the invention. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.