Abstract:
A Combination Lamp and Wireless Network Access System, and a related Method for creating a Local Mesh Network. The device and method includes a combination lighting lamp and mesh network node. The combination lamp/node assembly is available both as original equipment, and as a retrofit kit for legacy lamps. The lamp portion of the combination lamp/node provides area lighting through a lens located in the housing within which the combination lamp/node is housed. The node portion of the assembly provides sophisticated mesh network functionality such that the placement of a series of devices of the present invention should provide a high quality, wireless “mesh” computer network. The lamp/node assembly may optionally provide local security/surveillance functionality, including cameras and sensors in order to enable typical security system functionality. The mesh network created by interconnection of a series of the lamp/node assemblies includes the ability to repair itself in the event of damage to one or more networked lamp/node assemblies, as well as the ability to constantly seek to optimize electronic traffic through the local mesh network. The lamp/node assemblies may further include Infrared communications capabilities to facilitate mesh communications between nodes in the mesh by either WiFi or Infrared means.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates generally to computer networking systems and, more specifically, to a Combination Lamp and Wireless Network Access System. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Wireless networking access points, or “hotspots” have become more and more prevalent in our computerized society. It is common for retail store establishments, hotels, airports and even fast food restaurants to offer hotspots to their patrons, either for free or for a daily fee. As personal computing (apparently inevitably) transitions from the current state of pc-centric computing to “cloud” computing, the desire for connection to the world wide web will become a mandatory requirement. Consequently, the need for WiFi hotspots will transition from a luxury to a necessity, because all software and data will only be accessible (in the “cloud”) through the world wide web. It is believed this need can only be truly served by using non-traditional resources for WiFi hotspots. 
         [0005]    While a number of other approaches have been attempted, including municipally-sponsored, city-wide systems of hotspots, none have sought to make such installations simply, through utilization of existing infrastructure, devices and systems that are found in virtually all populated areas in all industrialized countries. One such resource is the street lamp. 
         [0006]    Street lamps (including lights for lighting parking garages, parking lots, warehouses, and the like) have a variety of traits that make them desirable for utilization as WiFi hotspots: (1) they are ubiquitous—they are found on virtually every street, parking lot, parking garage, and outside every commercial building in the world; (2) due to their sheer numbers, many are found within line of sight distance from one another, making it simple to create overlapping reception areas; (3) they are weatherproof and durable, since they are designed to last for decades with little or no maintenance; and (4) they already have electrical power available (for the purpose of lamp operation). Despite these seemingly apparent strengths, to date, we are unaware of any device or system that is capable of transforming a conventional streetlamp into a WiFi hotspot. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In light of the aforementioned problems associated with the prior devices and systems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a Combination Lamp and Wireless Network Access System, and a related Method for creating a Local Mesh Network. The device should be a combination lighting lamp and mesh network node. The combination lamp/node assembly should be available both as original equipment, and as a retrofit kit for legacy lamps. The lamp portion of the combination lamp/node should provide area lighting through a lens located in the housing within which the combination lamp/node is housed. The node portion of the assembly should provide sophisticated mesh network functionality such that the placement of a series of devices of the present invention should provide a high quality, wireless “mesh” computer network. The lamp/node assembly should optionally provide local security/surveillance functionality, including cameras and sensors in order to enable typical security system functionality. The mesh network created by interconnection of a series of the lamp/node assemblies should include the ability to repair itself in the event of damage to one or more networked lamp/node assemblies, as well as the ability to constantly seek to optimize electronic traffic through the local mesh network. The lamp/node assemblies may further include Infrared communications capabilities to facilitate mesh communications between nodes in the mesh by either WiFi or Infrared means. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, of which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  depicts an example of the world wide web at a local scale; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  depicts an example of a local mesh network of the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a node of the local mesh network system of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a streetlamp embodiment of the node of  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a conceptual diagram of a local mesh network of  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a functional diagram of the node control system of the node of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0015]    The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to provide a Combination Lamp and Wireless Network Access System. 
         [0016]    The present invention can best be understood by initial consideration of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  depicts an example of the world wide web at a local scale for the purpose of providing background for the present invention. The device and system of the present invention is intended to provide localized “mesh” networks for the purpose of creating local access to the world wide web for local computer users. As will be discussed in further detail below, these “mesh” networks have functionality and value beyond that provided by a standard local area network. 
         [0017]    In the depicted example, there are a plurality of local mesh networks that are each independently in communication with the world wide web  10  via communications conduits (generically  14 ). These local mesh networks (generically  12 ) may or may not have any relationship with one another beyond that they have the same internal architecture and operational rules. While they may be in communication with one another, it would only be via the world wide web, and not through direct, independent interconnections. As shown, the first local mesh network  12 A is in communications contact with the world wide web  10  via first communications conduit  14 A. Second local mesh network  12 B is in communications with the world wide web  10  via second communications conduit  14 B, and third local mesh network  12 C is in communications with the world wide web  10  via third communication conduit  14 C. 
         [0018]    Each communications conduit (generically  14 ) is any conventional communications connection that permits access to and from the world wide web  10 . In that it is the expectation that these conduits  14  will be transporting data for any user connecting to the associated local mesh network (generically  12 ), it would by typical that these conduits (generically  14 ) will be capable of handling multi-user simultaneous data needs. Generally, this would exclude wireless options of interconnection, however, for smaller local mesh networks (generically  12 ) having lower data transfer demands, wireless connections might be feasible. If we now turn to  FIG. 2 , we can continue to study the details of the system of the present invention. 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  depicts an example of a local mesh network  12  of the system of  FIG. 1 . Each local mesh network  12  is comprised of a series of nodes (generically  16 ) that communicate with one another, typically wirelessly, in order to share one or more connections to the world wide web. In the depicted example, there is a single communications conduit  14  between the local mesh network  12  and the world wide web, but they system is designed to handle (i.e. through a sort of load-sharing) multiple available conduits  14  connecting to one or more nodes (generically  16 ) within the mesh  12 . 
         [0020]    In this example, node  16 B is the only node having direct access to the world wide web. This node  16 B is connected to node  16 D by local mesh communications link  18 D. Node  16 D is connected to node  16 C by link  18 C and to node  16 F by link  18 F. Node  16 C is connected to node  16 A by link  18 A and to node  16 E by link  18 E. Node  16 F is connected to node  16 H by link  18 H and to node  16 G by link  18 G. Generically, each of these elements, being identical, can be called node  16  and local mesh communications link  18 . 
         [0021]    The technical and operational details regarding the nodes  16  will be discussed below in connection with subsequent drawing figures. The links  18  are communications links between adjacent (from a communications standpoint) nodes  16 . Generally, these links would be wireless, such as by Radio Frequency communications (e.g. WiFi) or infrared (Ir), or some combination of both. These links  18  allow each individual node  16  to communicate with other nodes  16  within the mesh network  12 . The links would not generally be long-distance, and would typically be line-of-sight. 
         [0022]    While defined links  18  are depicted here between individual nodes  16 , this is not necessarily the case. Each node  16  could have as many links  18  as are there are other nodes  16  within linking distance. In fact, substantial utility is created by having numerous interconnecting links to more than one adjacent node  16 . As will be discussed more fully below in connection with  FIG. 6 , the mesh network  12  will be more robust and flexible because of each node&#39;s  16  ability to automatically connect to as many nodes  16  as it has the ability to connect with, depending on proximity and wireless signal strength. 
         [0023]    The purpose of interconnecting all of the nodes  16  by links  18  is to share one or more communications conduits  14  with each and every interconnected node  16 . The links  18  not only allow the nodes  16  to communicate with one another for activities related to maintaining the mesh, but also to transmit data to and from the communications conduit  14 . 
         [0024]    A local mesh client  20 , such as a personal computer or other world wide web-enabled device will “see” each node  16  as a wireless hotspot. Connection by WiFi to any of the nodes  16  will create a client communications conduit  19  with that node (in this case  16 G). As depicted in this example, communications to and from client  20  will travel through the communications conduit  19  to node  16 G, through link  18 G to node  16 F, through link  18 F to node  16 D, through link  18 D to node  16 B, and then to the world wide web by communications conduit  14 . If link  18  quality changes between any of the nodes  16 , or if the client  20  relocates physically, the communications routing through the mesh  12  will also change in order to provide the strongest and most reliable data communications quality to the client  20 . It should also be understood that the communications conduit  14  shown here may not be actually hardwired to any of the nodes  16 . The conduit  14  could also be of the wireless variety. For example, any one of the nodes  16  could be connected to a wireless access point that is in close physical proximity to that particular node  16 . Once that one node  16  is connected wirelessly to the external wireless access point, the reach of that wireless access point is effectively extended to include all of the nodes  16  within the local mesh network  12 . In such a case, the communications conduit  14  would not be the wire structure depicted here, but rather would be an RF connection with the (non-depicted) wireless access point. 
         [0025]    In yet another version, the communications conduit  14  is actually combined with the electrical power supply to the node  16 . Known as powerline networking, this is an architecture that allows the standard electrical power cables to double as networking communications conduit. Typically these systems include a router device interconnecting a external network portal to a particular electrical power system; in order to add a node  16  to this powerline networking system, the communications conduit  14  would be network cabling connecting a node  16  of the local mesh  12  to a node of the powerline networking system (that is in communications with the powerline router device over the electrical power line). As will be more relevant with regard to the discussion related to subsequent drawing figures, the use of the electrical power cables for network communications eliminates the need for a separate cable system for the communications conduit  14 .  FIG. 3  provides additional detail regarding the nodes  16  of this invention. 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a node  16  of the local mesh network system (see e.g.  FIG. 2 ) of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The node  16  can be an original equipment device (i.e. designed from the ground up to operate as a node  16  of the present description), or it can be configured as an after-market replacement module that can be installed or retrofitted into an existing fixture of piece of equipment as will be discussed below. 
         [0027]    In its preferred form, each node  16  will be contained within a single housing  22 . Each node will include a node control system  24 . The node control system  24  is the hardware, firmware, software module that provides the operational features that are discussed herein. It controls each of the other systems making up the node  16  (most, if not all of which are contained within the housing  22 ). Each of the following subsystems are not necessarily included within every node  16 , and therefore those items presented here may or may not be optional. 
         [0028]    The WiFi subsystem  26  provides the necessary elements to allow the node  16  to communicate with other nodes  16 , or with local mesh clients (see  FIG. 2 ). The mesh communications protocols themselves may be contained within the either the WiFi subsystem  26  or the node control system  24 , as desired. These operational features are more fully discussed below in connection with  FIG. 6 . The Ir (infrared) subsystem  28  provides the node  16  with a short-range, secure method of communications. This communication could be useful for inter-node communications either for client data handling, or more likely for control and operation of the mesh network itself. 
         [0029]    The security subsystem  32  can provide additional security and data recording/transmission features. The subsystem  32  may be in communication with one or more cameras (e.g.  34 A- 34 C) and/or sensors (e.g.  36 A- 36 C) that are located either within or outside of the housing  22 . Alternatively, the cameras and/or sensors may use either infrared or RF technology to communicate with the security subsystem  32  from either inside or outside of the housing  22 . 
         [0030]    Lamp subsystem  30  is related to the control and operation of, and communication with an area lighting lamp module, as will be better understood by review of  FIG. 4 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a streetlamp embodiment of the node  16  of  FIGS. 1-3 . The version depicted here is only one of several types and forms of lamp structure within which the device of the present invention could be contained. Furthermore, it must be understood that the elements of the node  16  could be contained solely within the lamp housing  22 , or in other designs (such as the OEM version) the functional elements of the node  16  as described in  FIG. 3  could be dispersed throughout the entire structure of the combination lamp/node  17  of the present invention. In certain cases, the elements of the node  16  will be contained within a retrofit subassembly for a conventional lamp (such as a street lamp). This subassembly will be described in detail in one or more separate patent disclosures. Such a retrofit lamp/node subassembly would be designed to take the place of the lamp and ballast portions (and related circuits) of the street lamp. The retrofit lamp/node subassembly would include an improved lamp (e.g. an LED lamp), while also adding the node structure and functionality discussed herein. That retrofit lamp/node subassembly would preferably be easily installed in place of the conventional lamp and ballast portions without special tools or additional modification to the lamp structure. The disclosure herein is intended to apply to each of these embodiments, with the only potential difference being the location within the combination lamp/node  17  that the individual elements will be actually positioned. 
         [0032]    In this version of the node  16  or combination lamp/node  17 , the housing  22  sits atop a pole  40 . In other embodiments, the housing  22  could be attached to an wall or other separate structure. The pole  40  is supported by a base  42  where it attaches to the ground. The lamp/node  17  receives electrical power just as would a conventional street lamp, that is through an electrical power conduit  44 . Communications conduit  14  is provided to the lamp/node  17  with by the hardwired cable as shown, or by the other approaches discussed previously (i.e. external WiFi access point or powerline networking). The clear lens  38  is provided within the housing in order to allow light emitted from the lamp subsystem (see  FIG. 3 ) to provide illumination therethrough, while providing security and weather protection to the internal components of the node  16 .  FIG. 5  shows this device/assembly  16 / 17  in operation. 
         [0033]      FIG. 5  is a conceptual diagram of a local mesh network  12  of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Each combination lamp/node is within wireless range (either via RF or infrared) of at least one other lamp/node. As should be apparent, street lamps, parking lot lamps and other outdoor security lamps are generally large clusters of lamps that are in close proximity to one another and to lamps making up adjacent clusters of lamps. Consequently, it is expected that a using street lamps and the like as wireless access points will provide large blankets of wireless networking coverage without the need for specialized installations of equipment. 
         [0034]    Here, node  16 D is in wireless contact via link  18 D with node  16 B; node  16 B has links  18 A and  18 B with nodes  16 A and  16 C, respectively. Node  16 A further has link  18 C with node  16 C. It is node  16 C that has the connection for the local mesh network  12  with the communications conduit  14 . Finally, we will turn to  FIG. 6  to examine some functional particulars for the present system. 
         [0035]      FIG. 6  is a functional diagram of the node control system  24  of the node of the present invention. The system  24  is expected to operate in accordance with Draft Mesh Network Protocol IEEE 82.11s in its handling of communications with other nodes in the local mesh network. An operational feature of the system  24  is that of Dynamic Mesh Integration  104 . Dynamic Mesh Integration means that that new nodes discovered by the existing mesh will be integrated automatically by the mesh network, thereby expanding the physical coverage of the existing local mesh network. 
         [0036]    Dynamic mesh optimization  106  is another operational feature of the instant system  24 . Each node will repeatedly test link communications quality to detect if the existing link being used for network communications is the best available. If a better route to the communications conduit is determined to be available, then that particular node will automatically abandon its existing network communications path in favor of the improved path. The information regarding mesh or link strength could be shared between nodes either via RF communications, or alternatively by infrared or other communications method. 
         [0037]    The security sensors and video recording functions of the node interface with (or through) and are controlled by the node control system  24 . This could mean that certain security subsystems (in certain nodes) are performing different functions or have different operational settings than others. It would be expected that all of them could be individually addressed via its particular node control system for control of the security subsystem and/or to obtain alerts, alarms, and even to upload recorded or real-time security data. 
         [0038]    The system  24  will allow for the control and surveillance of the lighting lamp subsystem  110 . Presumably, this allows for the scheduled turning on and off of the lamp. If the lamp has the capability for other operational and/or diagnostic modes, then these features would also be controlled via interface with or through the node control system  24 . 
         [0039]    The WiFi access point control, supervision and operational surveillance  112  shall be conducted with or through the node control system  24  within the node circuitry. Subscriber logging, security rules, logon encryption and other normal aspects related to the operational control of most wireless access points will be controlled or actually operated by the node control system  24 . Of course, in most cases this will involve the imposition of the same rules, etc. for all nodes within a particular local mesh network, although selective control and rule-making may be used as well. 
         [0040]    Similarly, the control and operational surveillance of the infrared transceiver subsystem  114  will be either handled by or in cooperation with the node control system  24 . 
         [0041]    As with the WiFi subsystem, the rules for security and connection availability, as well as encryption, etc. will be a part of this functionality  114 . 
         [0042]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiment can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.