Abstract:
The disclosed invention relates to smart light apparatuses compunctions particularly well suited for providing wireless communications between a true vehicle and a died in being towed such as a trailer. A smart light controller comprising a process for his electrically associated with a traditional wiring harness associated with a two vehicle. The smart light controller detects light signals such as stop, left turn, right turn, and lights on and generates a corresponding RF control signals. The RF control signals are transmitted to smart lights associated with a vehicle can configured to receive the RF control signals. The smart light generates a light signal based on the receive control signals.

Description:
CLAIM TO PRIORITY 
     This application is a continuation in part to non-provisional application 60/987,074 filed on Nov. 11, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference for all that it discloses. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to smart light apparatuses and methods for providing a variety of functions including lighting functions, signaling functions, security functions, emergency functions, and monitoring functions. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There is often need for providing signaling functions to a vehicle such as a trailer or automobile. Many times such signaling functions are difficult to add after the fact. In addition, prior art wired systems can be very annoying when they are not working properly. Consequently, there is a need for a simple way of adding lighting features, such as signaling features, to items such as vehicles. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a smart light apparatus and system for providing trailers and vehicles with signaling functions with or without a direct wired connection. The smart light apparatus can also monitor and transmit to a user a variety of environment data such as visual, audio, temperature, ice warning, collision warning, and RF warnings. 
     Other embodiment relate to smart lights configurable to perform a variety of tasks including lighting a path, lighting a room, providing emergency lighting, lighting associated with an alarm system, and for carrying around to perform the function of a traditional flashlight. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some of the objects and advantages of the invention will now be set forth in the following description, while other objects and advantages of the invention may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     Broadly speaking, a general object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for providing a wireless light signaling system to an item such as a vehicle or trailer. 
     It is another general object of the invention to provide back up emergency lighting with remote control features. 
     Additional objects and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the detailed description herein or will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the detailed description. It should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed steps, or features hereof may be practiced in various uses and embodiments of this invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by virtue of the present reference thereto. Such variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent steps, referenced or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various features, steps, parts, or the like. Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments, of this invention may include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features or elements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features or parts or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description). 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling description of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view on one exemplary smart light controller; 
         FIG. 2  is one exemplary block diagram representation of a controller; 
         FIG. 3  is one exemplary block diagram representation of an information unit; 
         FIG. 4  is one exemplary embodiment of a universal display; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of one exemplary embodiment of a smart vehicle light bulb; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of one exemplary smart light configured for being electrically associated with a light fixture; and 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the light generators for the smart light depicted in  FIG. 6 . Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification and appended drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present technology. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present invention are disclosed in or may be determined from the following detailed description. Repeat use of reference characters is intended to represent same or analogous features, elements or steps. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention. 
     For the purposes of this document two or more items are “associated” by bringing them together or into relationship with each other in any number of ways including a direct or indirect physical connection. Similarly, two or more items are “electrically associated” by bringing them together or into relationship with each other in any number of ways including: (a) a direct, indirect or inductive communication connection, and (b) a direct/indirect or inductive power connection. In addition, while a drawing or image may depict a particular electrical association as a single line, such a connection may represent a plurality of wired connections or cables comprising multiple conductors as required for the application of interest. 
     It will be appreciated that while this document contains headers, such headers are place markers only and are not intended to form a part of this document or affect its construction. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a side perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a smart light controller configured for transmitting light command signals is presented. For the presently preferred embodiment, smart light controller  10  comprises a housing  11  defining a first end  12  and a second end  13 . First end  12  is preferably configured for being associated with a light-command generator (vehicle  5 ) via socket  9  comprising light-command signal paths (not shown). For the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the light command-generator is the electrical system of vehicle  5  and the signal paths are wires that convey the traditional signals associated with a vehicle to socket  9 . Such traditional signals include stop signals, turn signals, and running like signals. Restated, housing  11  defines a male plug suitable for being associated with a female socket comprising light-command signal paths where the female socket is mechanically associated with a vehicle and electrically associated with the electrical system of such vehicle. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , smart light controller  10  may further comprise a security-interface associated with said housing  11 . One exemplary example of a security interface is locking loop  17 . Locking loop  17  is configured for receiving a cable that is secured to trailer hitch  7 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , one exemplary embodiment of a controller  8  disposed between the first end  12  and the second end  13  is presented. Controller  8  comprises processing device  16  associated with a memory  18  and a transmitter  24 . It should be appreciated that while memory  18  and transmitter  24  are depicted in  FIG. 2  as discrete components, embodiments of the invention where memory  18  and transmitter  24  are integrated into a single processor chip fall within the scope of the invention. Transmitter  24  is further electrically associated antenna  26 . 
     Memory  18  may be any type of memory and may be used for storing any digitally encoded information including programs and data (e.g. sensor data). Memory  18  may be a discrete memory module electrically associated with processing device  16 . 
     Processing device  16  is further electrically associated with input  12  configured for electrically associating processing device  16  with the light-command signal paths associated with socket  9 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such a configuration allows controller  8  to receive signals from the light-command generator. Upon receiving signals from the light command generator, processing device  16  configures the appropriate corresponding RF command signal. Such RF command signal is then transmitted to remote devices such as smart lights. In addition to providing an RF output, smart light controller may further provide a wired output ( 14 ). Wired output  14  is electrically associated with the wired input  12  and is configured to provide a “pass-through-connector” function. Wired output  14  may be the same configuration as socket  9  or wired output  14  may use other socket configurations thereby providing an adapter function. 
     For some embodiments of the invention, controller  8  may further comprise an information indicator  22  electrically associated with processing device  16 . Information indicator  22  is configured for providing information to a user such as status information. Exemplary embodiments of information indicator  22  include LED lights or a display such as an LCD display. Such information indicator  22  may be configured to provide a connection status indicating that smart light controller  10  has been electrically associated with a properly wired socket. Information indicator  22  may further be configured to indicate the need for providing a bio-sample as described below. 
     For some embodiments of the invention, a Port  28  may be provided. Port  28  is preferably configured with one or more connections for providing at least one of data input and data output functions. For example, port  28  may provide a connection point for an external antenna. Additionally, port  28  may comprise a communication connection to processing device  16  for transferring data between processing device  16  and an external device electrically associated with port  28 . Port  28  may be configured to perform a plurality of communication functions including: (a) upgrading firmware; (2) transferring data to processing device  16  that is (i) incorporated into a data-signal and transmitted via antenna ( 26 ), (ii) stored in a memory, and (iii) transferred to wired output ( 14 ). 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , controller  8  may further comprise a sensor or array of sensors  20 . Sensor  20  may be any number of sensors (or only one sensor) configured for detecting and generating a signal relatable to an environmental parameter. Generally speaking, a sensor may collect data and perform at least one of the following functions: (a) transfer the data to processing device  16  or a device selected by processing device  16 ; (b) store the data in a local memory associated with the sensor; (c) process the data and generate a sensor-signal that is transferred to processing device  16 . Possible sensor technologies include temperature, visual (image), audio, continuity, power quality, proximity, and RF sensors. 
     For one embodiment, sensor  20  includes an image sensor configured to capture image data of the smart light controller  10  environment. For example, where smart light controller  10  is a trailer light control unit, image sensor  20  may be configured to capture image data of the connection between a trailer and a trailer hitch associated with hitch receiver  7 . Such data could be stored in memory  18  and/or transmitted to a remote device. Additionally, some trailers are difficult to see from the cab of the towing vehicle making backing up even more difficult than normal. In such circumstances, image sensor  20  may be used as an aid when backing the trailer. 
     For one embodiment, sensor  20  includes a temperature sensor for capturing temperature data which may be stored in memory ( 18 ) and/or transmitted to a remote device. 
     For yet another embodiment, sensor  20  includes a continuity sensor for determining the connection quality between two electrical connections. Such a configuration may particularly useful in verifying a connection between wired output ( 14 ) and a connector electrically associated with wired output ( 14 ). Such data could be used to perform security functions (e.g. someone stealing a trailer) or safety functions (e.g. when a wired connection has been unintentionally disconnected). For such a configuration processing device  16  is configured to may be used for detecting broadband signals and other signals (such a police RADAR). Such sensor data may be stored in memory ( 18 ) and/or transmitted to a remote device. 
     A biosensor  21  may also be electrically associated with processing device  16  to provide a security feature. For such an embodiment of the invention, such biosensor  21  may be any suitable type but is preferably a fingerprint scanner. For the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, enrollment samples for authorized users are collected and stored in a nonvolatile memory. There may be any number of authorized users and enrollment bio-samples. When processing device  16  determines a security bio-sample is required before activating the features within smart light controller  10 , processing device  16  generates a signal requesting a bio-sample. Such signal may be a simple flashing light. A user then provides a bio-sample to processing device  16 , via biosensor  21 . Processing device  16  then compares the real time bio-sample with the enrollment bio-sample. If processing device  16  determines that the two bio-samples are sufficiently similar, the features of smart light controller  10  are enabled. Otherwise smart light controller  10  is disabled. 
     One exemplary method for configuring processing device  16  to detect when a bio-sample is needed is now described. For such a configuration, when smart light controller  10  is disassociated from socket  9 , processing device  16  notes the disassociation using a flag stored in memory. The next time processing device  16  is electrically associated with socket  9 , the status of the disassociation flag is examined and a real-time bio-sample is requested. 
     For one alternative embodiment, a unit enable device is used to activate smart light controller  10 . For this embodiment, a unit enable device is electrically associated with port  28  to activate smart light controller  10 . For one embodiment, unit enable device includes a chip that holds unique activation data that is examined and verified by processing device  16 . If valid transmit a relatively low-power signal to an electronic device associated with vehicle  5 . Such electronic device within vehicle  5  would then perform any number of functions including transmitting an emergency signal to a remote location, blowing the horn, flashing lights, and transmitting a disabled signal. 
     Similarly, processing device  16  is configured to detect unauthorized decoupling. An unauthorized decoupling may result from smart light control unit  10  losing communication with a smart light, or detecting the removal of an electrical connection at a wired output  14 , or removal of the smart light controller from socket  9 . For such a configuration, a power source may be disposed within smart light controller  10  that is electrically associated with controller  8  (if needed). When an unauthorized decoupling is detected processing device  16  generates a disabling signal. For example, such disable signal may engage the braking system of a properly configured trailer. 
     For yet another embodiment, processing device  16  includes a power quality sensor  20  for monitoring the quality of power supplied to smart light controller  10 . Alternatively, such a sensor may be used to monitor the power quality of a power source associated with external device such as a battery used to power emergency trailer brakes. Such sensor data may be stored in memory ( 18 ), evaluated by processing device  16 , and/or transmitted to a remote device. 
     Another alternative embodiment for sensor  20  includes a proximity sensor for detecting when an objection is comes within a predefined distance to processing device  16 . Such data is useful when backing a vehicle or trying to connect a trailer to a trailer hitch. 
     For yet another embodiment, sensor  20  includes a RF sensor for detecting the presence of RF energy that may disrupt normal operation of the system. Similarly, a plurality of RF sensors activation data is received by processing device  16 , smart light controller  10  is enabled. Otherwise, smart light controller  10  is disabled. Such activation data may comprise a security code that is incorporated into data-signals generated by smart light controller  10 . Such a configuration provides a security function as well as an anti interference function. As described later, only smart lights  50  that have been activated with the same activation data will be able to respond to data-signal transmitted by smart light controller  10 . First, as a security feature, smart light ( 50 ) devices that have been stolen will not be able to respond to a transmitted data-signal. Second, smart light  50  devices associated with a first smart light controller  10  device will not be affected by data-signals generated by a second, nearby, smart light controller device that has been activated with different activation data. 
     Smart light controller  10  is preferably configured to receive power via inputs  12 . Alternatively, smart light controller  10  may receive power from an internal power source such as a battery. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , one exemplary embodiment of an information unit  50  is presented. Information unit  50  comprises a housing  51  defining a housing interface  53  configured for being associated with an item interface. Exemplary embodiments of an item interface include a bracket configured to receive connectors such as nuts and bolts and screws. Other item interface configurations include a magnetically enabled surface such as a steel plate or a super magnet. Where the item interface is a steel plate, housing interface  53  is a super magnet. Where the item interface is a super magnet, housing interface  53  may be either a steel plate or similar surface for a super magnet. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such a configuration allows information unit  50  to be associated with a variety of items. For example, where the item is a trailer, the item interface may be a bracket on the site of the trailer configured to receive a signal light. 
     Information unit  50  further comprises a processing device  52  disposed within said housing  51 . Processing device  52  is electrically associated with a memory  60  and a receiver  54 . Receiver  54  is electrically associated with antenna  56 . Information indicator  64  is electrically associated with said processing device  52 . 
     For the smart light configuration depicted in  FIG. 3  processing device  52  is configured to “listen” for a properly coded RF command signal using receiver  54  and generate the corresponding information indicator control signals. Such information indicator control signals are then transferred to information indicator  54  which in turn generates a display based on such control signals. 
     As described earlier, memory  60  may be an external component electrically associated with processing device  52  or alternatively, a memory integrated into processing device  52 . In addition, receiver  54  may be a transceiver configured to receive and transmit RF signals. Alternatively a discrete transmitter may be electrically associated with processing device  52 . 
     Information unit  50  may further comprise mode selector  80 . Mode selector  80  is an electronic switch or electromechanical switch configured to define one of a plurality of display modes. For example, information unit  50  may be the left signal light associated with the rear of a trailer. For this configuration, mode selector  80  is set to instruct processing device  52  that information unit  50  is to perform the functions of a left signal light. Alternatively, information unit  50  may be a right signal light associated with the rare of a trailer. Other smart light configurations include running lights. Thus, mode selector  80  may have left, right, and running light selection options. Any suitable selection technology may be used to implement the mode selector  80  function. Such selection technology includes a magnetic reed switch, a mechanical switch, an infrared interface, and a weigan wire based switch. 
     Information unit  50  further comprises a power source disposed within or associated with housing  51 . Alternatively, information unit  50  may provide a power interface configured for being electrically associated with an external power source. For one embodiment, local power source  70  is a rechargeable battery. Local power source  70  may further be electrically associated with a charging device  72 . Exemplary embodiments of charging devices include photovoltaic cells associated with housing  51  and electrically associated with battery  70 . 
     As noted above for smart light controller  10 , sensor  62  may be any number of sensors configured for generating a sensor signal related to the smart light  50  environment. Possible sensor technologies include temperature, visual (image), audio, continuity, power quality, proximity, and RF sensors. Discussion presented above for such sensors applies equally here. 
     Information unit  50  may further comprise a communication port  68  for electrically associating processing device  52  with external devices. One use for communication port  68  is to provide data path for translating data between processing device  52  and an external devices. Such data path may be used to transfer program code, firmware code, security codes, are in any other appropriate data. For example, communication port  68  may be used to activate information unit  50  using an external security device such as a dongle. For example, when a dongle device, comprising a security code, is electrically associated with port  68 , processing device  52  retrieves a security code that is used to determine when a properly coded RF command signal/RF control signal (i.e. an RF signal comprising the same security code) has been received. 
     For one alternative embodiment of the invention, information indicator  64  comprises a universal display that may be used in a plurality of locations. Referring now to  FIG. 4 , one exemplary universal display  90  is presented. Universal display  90  comprises a plurality of LED lights  92  or other low power consumption light devices. For the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , the LED lights  92  are configured in rows comprising row  92   a ,  92   b ,  92   c ,  92   d , and  92   e . Universal display  90  may further comprise sensor interface  94  and sound interface  96 . Sensor interface  94  may be used, for example, to provide a window for an image sensor and sound interface  96  may provide an acoustic transparent boundary. 
     For the presently preferred embodiment, an orientation sensor is electrically associated with processing device  52 . Processing device  52  uses orientation sensor to determine when housing  11  is oriented in a particular direction. For example, processing device  52  uses the orientation sensor to determine if side  93  or side  91  is the top side. If processing device  52  determines that side  93  is the top side, and processing device  52  receives a left turn signal, LED rows  92   d ,  92   c , and  92   e  are activated. Alternatively, if processing device  52  determines that side  91  is the top side, and processing device  52  receives a left turn signal, LED rows  92   a ,  92   b , and  92   e  are activated. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such a configuration allows information unit  64  comprising universal display  90  to be used as a left signal light or a right signal light without the need for a mode selector. For such an embodiment, the housing interface should be positioned in a universal location such as the center of the back of the unit or two housing interfaces should be used. 
     For another embodiment of the information unit  50 , a motion sensor is electrically associated with processing device  52 . For such embodiment, processing device  52  is configured to place information unit  50  and a sleep mode when no movement is detected for a predefined amount of time. While in sleep modes, processing device  52  continues checking for motion. When motion is detected, information unit  50  wakes up. Similarly, while in sleep mode, processing device  52  may periodically scanned for RF signals. As used in this document, periodically means to do something now and again at random intervals, to do something at predefined equal intervals, or randomly at unknown intervals. 
     For one alternative embodiment, the motion sensor is an accelerometer. Processing device  52  is configured to use the accelerometer to determine when information unit  50  is moving in a particular direction (such as reverse/packing up). When processing device  52  determines that information unit  50  is moving in a predefined direction, processing device  52  implements one or more predefined routines. For example, when information unit  50  is associated with a trailer, and processing device  52  determines that the trailer is backing up, processing device made generate a noise as a warning. In addition, processing device  52  may turn on backup lights. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , one exemplary embodiment of a smart vehicle light bulb configured for transmitting RF-Command signals is presented. Smart vehicles light bulb  100  comprises a housing  102  defining a first end  107  and a second end  108 , wherein said first end  107  is configured for being associated with the signal paths of a vehicle light interface. Embodiments of a vehicle light interface include light sockets found in a typical vehicle light fixture. It should be appreciated that for the configuration depicted in  FIG. 5 , smart vehicle light bulb  100  may be used to replace traditional incandescent vehicle light bulbs. 
     Second end  108  is configured for receiving a light-generator  108 . As depicted in  FIG. 5 , light generator  108  comprises a plurality of relatively low power LEDs. It should be appreciated that any suitable light source may be used. In addition to light generator  108 , secondary light sources one of five may be provided to generate more light. 
     A processing device is disposed in housing  100  and is electrically associated with a light generator  108  and said signal paths. Alternatively, the processing device may be disposed within light generator  108 . The processing device preferably includes memory integral to the processing device although external memory may be used. Similarly, the processing device is an RF enabled chip such as the ones manufactured by Microchip or Chipcon. For such embodiment, the processing device is a single integrated component comprising a processor, memory, and a RF transmitter. 
     For the smart vehicle light bulb  100  configuration depicted in  FIG. 5 , when power is supplied to second end  107 , at least one light source is activated. A light source  108  may provide a stop signal function while secondary light source  105  provides a running light function. In addition, the processing device is configured to detect such power signals and transmit a control signal to a remote device such as a trailer light. Thus, the signal light function is “cloned” to a second remote smart light unit. 
     In addition, the processing device within smart vehicle light bulb  100  may be further configured to monitor the power quality of the power being supplied to the smart vehicle light bulb and to turn off said smart vehicle light bulb when the determined power quality falls below a predefined level. The processing device may additionally transmit a power quality warning signal. 
     Smart vehicle light bulb  100  may further include a high powered focused light source electrically associated with said processing device. The focused light source is configured for generating a warning signal to other vehicles. Preferably, the focused light source is of sufficient power to generate a warning signal that can be intercepted by a second vehicle following a first vehicle. The first vehicle has taillights comprising smart vehicle light bulbs including the focused light source feature. When a driver in the first vehicle applies the brakes, the smart vehicle light bulbs activate indicating the vehicle is stopping and the focused light source activates and transmits a stop warning signal to a vehicle that may be following and within range of the stop warning signal. If a second car following the first car is appropriately equipped with a receiving device, the stop warning signal will be intercepted and a notification will be issued to the driver of the second vehicle. Alternatively, as noted above, the smart light bulb  100  may comprise sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensors. Smart bulb  100  may transmit said stop warning signal based at least in part of such sensor signals and a receiver in the second vehicle may be configured to automatically apply the brakes thereby slowing down the second vehicle (e.g. when the accelerometer reading indicates the first vehicle&#39;s brakes have been “slammed on” and/or the second car is “too close”). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , one exemplary embodiment of a smart light configured to provide a plurality of lighting functions is presented. For the smart light  200  depicted in  FIG. 6 , the smart light comprises a housing  206  defining a first end  204  and a second end  202 . Dispose between first end  204  and second end  202  is backup power source  208 . Dispose within housing  206 , his electronic module configured for controlling smart light  200 . The electronic module comprises a processing device electrically associated with a memory. The processing device is further electrically with a transceiver that is electrically associated with an antenna. Such electoral associations are similar to the one described above. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 6 , the first end  204  of smart light  200  is configured for being associated with a power fixture. For the presently preferred embodiment, first end  204  defines a traditional light socket screw in electrical connection. Such a feature allows smart light  200  to be electrically associated with a typical lighting fixture found in many homes. When first end  204  is electrically associated with a power fixture, and the power fixture is active, power to smart light  200  is supplied by the power fixture. 
     The processing device is further electrically associated with a backup power source dispose within housing  206 . When the power fixture described above is not supplying power, the backup power source may be activated to supply power to smart light  200 . The processing device is further electrically associated with a power conditioning circuit configured for converting the power supplied by the power fixture to power that is compatible with light source  200 . Such converted power is also used to maintain the rechargeable backup power source power level. 
     Processing device  200  is further electrically associated with switch  210 . Switch  210  is configured for turning off or turning on smart light  200 . Such a feature can be accomplished by either interrupting the power path between the power source and the light source or constructing the processing device to interrupt such power path. 
     Processing device  200  is further configured for communicating with a home alarm system. Processing device  200  is configured to receive control signals from the alarm system and implement functions corresponding to the control signals. Such functions may be to turn home or turn off smart light  200  a predefined time. In addition, a sensor may be electrically associated with the processing device. Such sensor and may include a smoke sensor, a CO2 sensor, a motion sensor, and a power failed. The processing device is configured to monitor the output of such sensors and generate a sensor status signal at a predefined time or when a sensor generates a sensor signal that substantially complies with a predefined state. For example, the sensor is a smoke sensor and the spoke sensor is generating a smoke detected signal, the processing device will transmit the appropriate signal to the alarm system. 
     It will be further appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that smart light  200  may be removed from a light fixture and used as a typical flashlight. In addition, the backup battery provides emergency lighting for as long as the backup battery has sufficient power. 
     In addition to switch  210 , smart light  200  comprises alert signal button  212 . Alert signal button to 12 may be used to instruct smart light  200  to generate an alarm signal. Such a feature may be useful when an emergency condition is detected while using smart like  200  as a flashlight. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a plurality of light generators is depicted. For the presently preferred embodiment, such like generators are LEDs. As depicted in  FIG. 7 , there are seven LED light generators ( 222  through  234 ). For the preferred embodiment, every other LED is a relatively low power consumption LED while remaining LEDs are relatively high power consumption LED. For such embodiment, the processing device is configured to use the low power consumption LEDs when the backup battery is powering smart light  200 . All the LEDs are used when a light fixture is powering smart light  200 . 
     Electronic Devices 
     Exemplary electronic devices for performing the above described functions are now presented. The electronic modules and control apparatus associated with local and remote devices may comprise all of or a portion of the features described below. Initially, it should be appreciated that the functions represented in block diagrams by individual blocks may be performed by ASSPs (Application Specific Standard Product) although one or more blocks may be integrated into ASSP chip sets. Manufactures of such devices include Motorola, and Texas Instruments. In addition, Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLD) may be used to interface the various ASSP blocks to system buss ( 101 ) allowing one system component to interface with another component. Manufactures of suitable CPLD devices include Lattice&#39;s (ispMACH 4000 family) and (Altera&#39;s MAX 7000-series CPLD). 
     The processing devices described above are preferably low power consumption PICs or microprocessor such as ASICs (application specific integrated circuit) or ASSPs (application specific standard product). 
     DSP/ASSP may be electrically associated with the processing device. Such DSP devices are preferably configured to perform signal processing tasks such as voice, audio, video, encoding, decoding as well as other data and signal processing functions. 
     The above described devices may further comprise communication circuitry comprising a transceiver electrically associated with antenna. Such communications circuitry is configured to transmit a data signal to a remote electronic device. It should be noted that embodiments where such communication circuitry comprises only a transmitter fall within the scope of the invention. For the preferred embodiment, transceiver comprises a relatively low power transmitter that transmits a data signal in an unlicensed frequency although such transceiver may comprise any number of well known technologies for wireless communications that transmit at any legal power level. For example, communication circuitry may be configured to communicate over GPRS, GSM, GPRS, 3G, and EDGE enabled networks as well as WAP networks. 
     Low Power transceiver comprises a low power transmitter relative to the above described high power transceiver and operates in an unlicensed band although frequencies requiring a license may be used. Suitable technologies include Bluetooth and Zigbee (IEEE 802.15). Zigbee is a low data rate solution for multi-month to multi-year battery life applications. Zigbee operates on an unlicensed, international frequency band. Such technologies are known and understood by those skilled in the art, and a detailed explanation thereof is not necessary for purposes of describing the method and system according to the present invention. By way of example, the low power transmitter may provide communications with devices such as cell phones and may further be operable to transmit on one or more FM bands to provide communication through a FM radio. 
     Some embodiments may comprise a GPS device electrically associated with the processing device. Such a GPS is one embodiment of a location-detector electrically associated with a processing device and configured to generate location-data for the location of smart light controller. 
     An Imaging element of may be electrically associated with the processing device. Such an imaging element may be configured for acquiring images to be transmitted to remote devices. For the preferred embodiment, the imaging element is configured to support CMOS image input sensors such as the one manufactured by Micron® and/or CCD (charge-coupled device) image input sensors such as the ones manufactured by ATMEL® sensors. The imaging element comprises an imaging interface that performs the necessary processing functions to convert the imaging data into a desired format before transferring such data to other devices. 
     For one embodiment, a sound sensor is electrically associated with the processing device. Such sound sensor may comprise a speaker and a microphone electrically associated with audio codex. Such sound sensor is configured for detecting sound waves and converting such waves into digital data of a predefined format such as MP3. In addition, the sound sensor may further comprise a sound transducer such as a speaker to issue warnings and provide for other forms of communications. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a microphone may be used to provide a bio-sample to the processing device. 
     While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily adapt the present technology for alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations, and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.