Patent Publication Number: US-2021167975-A1

Title: Method and system for managing power delivery and device operation for power over ethernet systems

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part (and claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 120) of U.S. application No. 62/912,695 filed Oct. 9, 2019. The disclosure of the prior applications is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This disclosure relates generally a power over Ethernet (PoE) system, and particularly to the PoE system and the method of operation of the PoE system. 
     Presently, many buildings have complicated electrical wiring systems that are installed when the building is first built. These wiring systems are typically required to be installed by a certified electrician, and the placement of overhead lighting and electrical outlets is predetermined by the wiring system that is pre-installed in the building. After the building is built, adding or moving light fixtures may be complicated and costly, requiring substantial re-wiring by an electrician. 
     Each light in a building may also be connected to a switch module that is used for turning it on and off. The placement of this switch is also pre-determined by the electrical wiring system when the building is first built. Moving the placement of the switch modules or altering the control of the switch later typically also requires an electrician to re-wire the relevant portion of the house, which can be very complicated and costly. 
     These existing electrical distribution systems are typically high voltage (100-250V) AC (alternating current). Newer lighting technologies, like LED (light-emitting diode) lights, are more efficient than incandescent and even fluorescent lighting. However, they are inherently low voltage DC (direct current) driven devices. Adapting these devices to work in an existing AC distribution system requires conversion of the power sources, resulting in additional costs and complications. 
     Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology for supplying low voltage current and data over a common point-to-point Ethernet network cable to locations with applications that require both mediums. In some cases power is carried on the same conductors that carry data. In other cases power is carried on dedicated conductors within the same cable. Applications that currently benefit from PoE technology include Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), IP cameras, wireless local area networks (WLAN), Wireless Access Points, Building Automation Systems (BAS), and security and access control systems. 
     PoE has several advantages over traditional power systems used in homes and commercial buildings. For example, PoE systems are relatively low voltage, thus eliminating the need to run expensive high voltage wiring and conduit for lighting. In addition, installation of PoE wiring can be faster than with traditional power systems because Ethernet cabling employs simple plug-in end connections. Where Ethernet cabling is already in place (i.e., for data transmission), PoE functionality can be achieved without the need for additional wiring installation. 
     With the increase in power provided by modern PoE systems, it would be desirable to provide a PoE system capable of controlling and powering a variety of light emitting diode (LED) lighting system components. The system should be inexpensive, easy to install, and easy to configure and control. The system should also be able to power and/or control other low voltage devices, such as occupancy sensors, photodetectors, wall switches and the like. 
     The power over Ethernet devices do not require separate power supply lines. In some instances, the power may be supplied by a power supply contained within an Ethernet switch or within the system. Due to this, the power supply does not generally have the power capability to supply maximum power to every port, there is a limit on the number of power over Ethernet devices that can be connected to a given power supply. A port may be denied power, if it will result in oversubscription of the power supply. Example power over Ethernet devices that can benefit from receiving power over the Ethernet communication lines include an internet protocol telephone, a badge reader, a wireless access point, a video camera, and others. 
     Traditionally, when a power over Ethernet device is connected to a power supply, the power over Ethernet device is allocated a maximum power class. These maximum values correspond to the maximum amount of power that will be supplied by the power supply to the power over Ethernet device. 
     Therefore, it is desired for a PoE system that provides for ease of installation within the building, simplification of the integration of new fixtures, and a user friendly experience to control and use the PoE system. 
     SUMMARY 
     In a first embodiment, the present invention is a system for providing power and controlling a plurality of ethernet devices, comprising: a driver, wherein the driver provides for the control of the system; a plurality of sensors, wherein the plurality of sensors collect sensor specific data and are in communication with the driver; a Power over Ethernet (POE) switch, wherein the POE switch is in communication with the plurality of sensors; a plurality of fixtures in communication with the driver and the POE switch, wherein the plurality of fixtures are light sources; and a local power source, wherein the local power source is in communication with the POE switch. 
     In a second embodiment, the present invention is a method of controlling a fixture in a power over ethernet (POE) system, the method comprising: a driver receiving a power and a control signal from at least one fixtures; a control module processing the received power and the received control signal, wherein the control module determines if the at least one fixtures are operating with a predetermined range; the control module signaling the driver to adjust the power signal for the at least one fixtures. 
     In a third embodiment, the present invention is a method of operating a Power over Ethernet (POE) system, the method comprising: a driver, wherein the driver has a control module; a POE switch in wired communication with the driver; a plurality of sensors in wired communication with the POE switch; a plurality of fixtures in wired communication with the driver and the POE switch; a power source in wired communication with the POE switch, and wherein the control module processes a first set of data received by the plurality of sensors and the plurality of fixtures, and generates a set of actions which are sent from the driver to the POE switch, wherein the POE switch sends power only via the wired connection. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a block diagram depicting a PoE environment, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a computing node, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a cloud computing environment, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a flowchart of the operational steps of an exemplary method of operating the disclosed PoE system within the PoE environment of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a flowchart of the operational steps of an exemplary method of monitoring the disclosed PoE system within the PoE environment of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention 
         FIG. 6  depicts a flowchart of the operational steps of an exemplary method of integrating additional fixtures into the disclosed PoE system within the PoE environment of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention generally relates to PoE systems and provides several advantages over the present designs. The present PoE lighting system is unique in that it is an entire systems and not a component requiring the integration of at least one other system. Unlike other manufacturers of lighting technology systems that rely on other vendors for individual components to make up there lights/fixtures, the present PoE system uses all internal components. The present PoE system improves communication by using a predominately wireless system design. The elimination of the light controller, and the use of a cloud based management system, the PoE system increases efficiency, reduces costs, and improves the versatility of the system. The system further eliminates the gateway/driver combo and only require the use of one driver. The gateway is used as a power distribution and network connected module to power the fixtures. The present invention removes the necessity of this element and further simplifies the PoE system. With the integration of the cloud based system, the need for physical switches is removed and thus increases the number of fixtures which can be integrated into the PoE system. As in the past the requirement of switches limits the number of fixtures which can be integrated into the PoE system. Through the use of wireless controller, the present PoE system can manage 1 or 10,000 fixtures. The requirement of the need for a power cable to connect the sensors has been removed, providing a massive increase in the versatility of the system by allowing for the sensors to be placed virtually anywhere provided they are in wireless communication with the driver. 
     The system does not require an additional power supply to power downstream devices such as but not limited to wall switch, motion sensors, etc. The system does not require a wall switch to be physically connected to turn the led on or off. The system does not require an in-room controller to manage connectivity to switches, motion sensors etc. the system is able to manage all auxiliary devices via a wi-fi connection. Additionally, the system is not limited to the number of fixtures or location of fixtures it can simultaneously control. The system is able to manage and control an unlimited number of devices via the wi-fi controller. Unlike other systems that use slave controllers to manage downstream devices thus making them inherently fault intolerant our system does not have any such limitation and if one device on the network fails only said devices fails and all other devices on the network remain operational. Existing systems require the use of costly site control servers to manage the operation of each light fixture, our system embeds control software in each wi-fi chip that connects directly to a cloud server eliminating the need for a costly onsite control server. 
     The PoE lighting systems is powered by a network switch using power over ethernet technology. The system is able to reduce energy consumption by up to 80% over traditional fluorescent lighting and 50% over standard high voltage LED lighting. Additionally, the present system can be used as a full time system or an emergency lighting system. The system is also intelligent lighting as it is managed by a cloud server allowing for the management of each fixture or a group of fixtures. There is no need for an in-house lighting controller, there is also redundancy built into the system in the case of an internet outage. The system uses wireless technology for data communication allowing for a more efficient communication method that does not suffer from traditional emf interference that is experience when higher than normal voltage is run through bundled communication cabling. 
     The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention. 
     The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire. 
     Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device. 
     Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention. 
     Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions. 
     These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The flowcharts and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes a detailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented in conjunction with any other type of computing environment now known or later developed. 
     Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing, memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or interaction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may include at least five characteristics, at least three service models, and at least four deployment models. 
     Characteristics are as follows: 
     On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provision computing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, as needed automatically without requiring human interaction with the service&#39;s provider. 
     Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network and accessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs). 
     Resource pooling: the provider&#39;s computing resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to demand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumer generally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of the provided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher level of abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter). 
     Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elastically provisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out and rapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilities available for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can be purchased in any quantity at any time. 
     Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level of abstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage, processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for both the provider and consumer of the utilized service. 
     Service Models are as follows: 
     Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to use the provider&#39;s applications running on a cloud infrastructure. The applications are accessible from various client devices through a thin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based e-mail). The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exception of limited user-specific application configuration settings. 
     Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquired applications created using programming languages and tools supported by the provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, or storage, but has control over the deployed applications and possibly application hosting environment configurations. 
     Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and other fundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy and run arbitrary software, which can include operating systems and applications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage, deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networking components (e.g., host firewalls). 
     Deployment Models are as follows: 
     Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for an organization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises. 
     Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by several organizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns (e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and compliance considerations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises. 
     Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the general public or a large industry group and is owned by an organization selling cloud services. 
     Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or more clouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities but are bound together by standardized or proprietary technology that enables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting for load-balancing between clouds). 
     A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus on statelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability. At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising a network of interconnected nodes. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a block diagram of a PoE environment  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  provides an illustration of one embodiment and does not imply any limitations regarding the environment in which different embodiments may be implemented. 
     In the depicted embodiment, PoE environment  100  includes local network  101 , network  102 , server  104 , computing devices  105 , driver  106 , devices  107 , switches  108 , multi-sensors  109 , alarms/existing building systems  110 , relay  111 , PoE Switch  112 , local power source  113 , external power source  114 , and server  120 . PoE environment  100  may include additional servers, computers, or other devices not shown. 
     The local network  101  may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, any combination thereof, or any combination of connections and protocols that can support communications between computing device  105 , and server  104  in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Network  102  may include wired, wireless, or fiber optic connections. In the depicted embodiment, the local network  101  connects computing devices  105 , driver  106 , switches  108 , multi-sensors  109 , relay  111 , and PoE Switch  112 . 
     The network  102  may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, any combination thereof, or any combination of connections and protocols that can support communications between computing device  105 , and server  104  in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Network  102  may include wired, wireless, or fiber optic connections. In the depicted embodiment, the network  102  connects servers  104  and  120  with the local network  101 . 
     The server  104  may be a management server, a web server, or any other electronic device or computing system capable of processing program instructions and receiving and sending data. In other embodiments server  104  may be a laptop computer, tablet computer, netbook computer, personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, or any programmable electronic device capable of communicating via network  102 . In one embodiment, server  104  may be a server computing system utilizing multiple computers as a server system, such as in a cloud computing environment. In one embodiment, server  104  represents a computing system utilizing clustered computers and components to act as a single pool of seamless resources. In the depicted embodiment database  116  and control program  106  are located on server  104 . Server  104  may include components, as depicted and described in further detail with respect to  FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, server  104  is a cloud service platform or a web service cloud-based service platform. 
     Control program  106  controls the operations of the devices  107  based on the data received and processed from the sensors  109 , existing building systems  110 , switches  108 , and the like. In the depicted embodiment, Control program  106  utilizes network  102  and network  101  to access the driver  103  and the relay  111 , PoE Switch  112 , and sensors  109 . In the depicted embodiment, Control program  106  resides on server  104 . In other embodiments, Control program  106  may be located on another server or computing device, provided Control program  106  has access to database  116 , driver  103  and the relay  111 , PoE Switch  112 , and sensors  109 . The control program  106  is able to set features such as, but not limited to circadian rhythm, and timers. 
     Database  116  may be a repository that may be written to and/or read by control program  106 . In one embodiment, database  116  is a database management system (DBMS) used to allow the definition, creation, querying, update, and administration of a database(s). In the depicted embodiment, database  116  resides on server  104 . In other embodiments, database  116  resides on another server, or another computing device, provided that database  116  is accessible to Control program  106 . 
     The computing device(s)  105  may be a management server, a web server, or any other electronic device or computing system capable of processing program instructions and receiving and sending data. In some embodiments, computing device  105  may be a laptop computer, tablet computer, netbook computer, personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, or any programmable electronic device capable of communicating with computing device  105  and server  104  via network  102 . In other embodiments, computing device  105  may represent a server computing system utilizing multiple computers as a server system, such as in a cloud computing environment. In another embodiment, computing device  105  represents a computing system utilizing clustered computers and components to act as a single pool of seamless resources. In embodiments, computing device  105  may include any combination of Control program  106  or database  116 . Computing device  105  may include components, as depicted and described in further detail with respect to  FIG. 3 . In the depicted embodiment the computing device  105  is connected to the local area network  101  through a wireless  130  connection. In other embodiments, the computing device  105  may be connected to the local area network  101  and other components of the system through wired or wireless connections. 
     The driver  103  allows for the powering of devices  107  and communicating with the sensors  109  and switches  108 . The driver  103  has been built with a special capacitor  117  to allow for a charge to be maintained allowing the devices  107  to turn on without the customary led light delay. Additionally, the driver  103  has an embedded wireless component that allows for the control program  106  to communicate directly with the driver  103 . In some embodiments, the wireless component acts as a gateway to allow for direct communication to the networks  101  and  102 , eliminating the need for an inhouse lighting control system. Within the driver  103  is a self-contained wireless network that allows for the use of a computing device  105  to be used in the event of an internet outage. 
     The driver  103  has a wireless component provides for the wireless communication with network  101  and communication with the PoE switch  112  and the devices  107 . The driver  103  has a different mac address for wireless communication over a secure wireless network. The PoE interface embeds two active bridges and the driving circuitry, a charge pump to drive high-side MOSFETs, the hot swap MOSFET, and the standard single-signature IEEE 802.3bt-compliant interface, including detection, classification, UVLO, and inrush current limitation. In some embodiments, the driver  103  is capable of handling power up to 48-W output with high efficiency, good current regulation, low standby consumption, and low current ripple. 
     On powering up the driver  103 , the power is provided directly through the POE switch  112 . In some embodiments, this is through a UPoe (802.3 bt) switch. 
     The driver  103  has a built in control module  119  for the transmitting, receiving, and process of data and provides the driver with the ability to communicate with the other control modules  119  within the system  100 . 
     The devices  107  turn ON with maximum brightness. The dimming, temperature control and ON/OFF of the devices  107  can be controlled by using a switch  108  or a computing device  105  through the control program  106 . The control program  106  communicates with the networks  101  and  102 . The driver provides for the control of the devices  107 . For example the ON/OFF of the devices  107  is controlled by clicking on the on and off icon, and the brightness of the devices  107  can be changed by adjusting the slide bar icon and changing the color temperature is done by choosing the color temperature range programmed for each individual light fixture. Based on the selected dimming level, the driver  103  adjusts the duty cycle signal going to the device  107 . In some embodiments, the frequency of the PWM to the driver  103  is 500 Hz. In some embodiments the devices  107  are doors, door switches, windows, window locks, security systems, and other fixtures which are part of buildings or structures which can be controlled through electronic means. 
     The overall efficiency, current regulation, and dimming behavior of the driver  103  has been evaluated at different loads. With 100% load at 48 VDC, the efficiency is above 95%, the driver  103  performance in terms of dimming behavior, current regulation, and efficiency. The standby power consumption is less than 100 mW. 
     The present driver  103  does not require a physical switch to control the devices  107 . Nor does the driver  103  require a hardwired switch  108  to function or operate. The current invention does not require slave configuration for operation of down stream fixtures. 
     The relay  118  may be integrated into the driver  103  to provide another approach involves self-contained battery pack emergency light. The relay  118  is connected to normal power, which provides a constant charging current for the battery. During a power failure, the relay  118  energizes the emergency fixtures. 
     In one embodiment, the driver  103  allows for a constant-current smart driver capable of working on Ethernet RJ-45 cable for delivery of power only and wirelessly controlled through Wi-Fi at 2.4 ghz. The power supply for the LED driver is capable of operating from 37- to 57-V input DC voltage, with a maximum power output of 48 W. The board features digital/PWM dimming, with the depth of PWM dimming close to 1%. The smart dimming and ON/OFF of the LEDs, color temperature controls, timer control functionality is controlled through an onboard control module. The driver  103  provides for the standby power (no load) consumption. The driver&#39;s converter efficiency reaches 95% for most of the input voltage range. All protection features like LED open and short are present in the developed solution. 
     In some embodiments, the driver  103  has a power controller, which is used for driving the devices  107  in constant-current mode. Due to the high-frequency operation of the power controller. The power controller has a DIM pin for digital dimming and an EN pin for implementing driver ON and OFF. The power controller has a built-in protection mechanism to manage faults both at source and load side. 
     The devices  107  are different types of electrical equipment which is connected or integrated into the system. These devices can be various types of fans (ceiling fans, HVAC, etc.), automatic or electronic doors, elevators, security systems, fire detection and alarm systems, air quality sensors, water management systems, or the like which is integrated into the POE system. In the depicted embodiment, the devices  107  are wired to the driver  103 . The direct connection within the environment  100  may be a category  6 A U/UTP CMP/CMR cable or the like which is able to meet the power and signal requirements of the driver  106 . This provides for the PoE connection to provide both power and control signals from the driver  103  to the devices  107 . In some embodiments, the devices  107  may be in direct contact with a power source  111  (e.g. battery, solar panel, municipal power, or the like) through a relay which controls the power supplied from the power source  111  to the device  107 . In some embodiments, the devices  107  are light-emitting diode (LED), the LEDs are activated and turn on quickly and can be readily dimmed. LEDs emit a cool light with very little infrared light. An LED circuit will approach 80% efficiency, which means 80% of the electrical energy is converted to light energy; the remaining 20% is lost as heat energy. 
     The switch  108  are used to provide manual operation and control of the devices  107 . The switches  108  are either hardwired into the system or, based on more recent technology may be able to be wirelessly connected to the local area network  101 . The switches  108  may have various features such as dimming, time controlled, or other features to activate, deactivate the devices  107 . In the depicted embodiment, the switches  108  are connected to the local area network  101  through a wireless connection. In other embodiments, the switches  108  may be hardwired into the system  100 . 
     The sensor(s)  109  are used to provide the data collection for the driver  103  to determine if the requirements have been met to activate or alter the devices  107 . The sensors  109  may also be a multi sensor, that allows for the detection of motion, daylight, heat, temperature and humidity using a wireless component that has been built into the sensors  109  to allow for direct communication to the control module. In some embodiments, the sensors  109  are simple switches as currently designed. The use of the motion sensor will allow for the light to be turned on when it detects motion or in the event that an individual is in an office at his desk but not moving enough to trip the motion sensor it will detect the individuals body heat and activate the lights. The daylight sensor  109  will allow for the integration of daylight harvesting and a circadian rhythm setting to maximize the efficiency of the systems. The sensor  109  is self contains as it does not require a power cable and runs off of battery power. In another embodiments, the sensor  109  may be hardwired and connected to power via the PoE switch. The sensors  109  have a built in control module  119  for transmitting data with regards to the data received from the sensors  109 , as well as process the requests sent to the sensors  109  from various elements of the system  100 . In some embodiments, the sensors  109  may be able to detect various chemicals, gases, or the like. The sensors  109  are replaceable and adjustable based on the building requirements for both safety and security. The sensors  109  can be integrated into the system provided they are able to communicate with the driver  103  and/or the POE switch  112 . 
     The existing building systems  110  may also include fire or burglary components or systems integrated into the building which are connected to the system, such that when these building systems  110  are activated, the driver  103  provides a response action from or to the devices  107 . The fire alarm interface, that will enable any number of pre-determined scenes to be activated in the event that the fire alarm at the facility is triggered. The system  110  can be set to turn all facility lights to max power allowing for the safe evacuation of tenants and guests. The burglar alarm interface that will enable any number of pre-determined scenes to be activated in the event that the burglar alarm at the facility is triggered. The system  110  can be set to turn all facility lights to max power allowing in an effort to thwart any wood be criminals and to enable the safety conditions for security and or police additionally the motion sensor can be used to trigger the recording feature of any security cameras in the vicinity. 
     The relay  111  is a PoE operated switch which controls the communication between the PoE switch  112  and the existing building systems  110 . The relay  111  have a built in control module  119  for the transmitting, receiving, and process of data and requests and permits the relay  111  to perform the desired action based on the data. 
     The Power over Ethernet (PoE) Switch  112  supplying power and data through a standard Ethernet cable is commonly called “Power-over-Ethernet,” or PoE technology which has an industry standard protocol called IEEE 802.3af. An embodiment of the present invention supports the IEEE 802.3af standard as well as a customized, novel PoE architecture which allows a user to select a multiple number of desired voltages and current levels for an output PoE port by instructing a microprocessor using an output voltage-adjusting interface. PoE currently has two standards: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.3af (the original PoE standard) and IEEE 802.3at (known as PoE plus), which provide, respectively, about 13 Watts and about 25.5 Watts of power to connected devices. In addition, a new standard is being developed that is intended to provide upwards of 50 Watts of power to connected devices. The switch  112  have a built in control module  119  for the transmitting, receiving, and process of data and requests and permits the switch  112  to perform the desired action based on the data. 
     In some embodiments, the driver  103  derives its power from the PoE switch  112 . In some embodiments, the PoE switch  112  is an IEEE 802.3BT PoE switch and is only used for delivering power to the driver  103  but is not used for communication to the driver  103  in an effort to avoid any EMI communication disruption due to the higher than normal power. 
     The local power source  113  is an uninterruptible power supply that provides constant and continuous power to the system with minimal disruptions in the power supply. Both in an emergency or on a regular basis the local power source  113  may be used. The local power source  113  is connected to the external power source  114  and may be a passthrough device for the power supply, or may be charged by the external power source.  114 . In one embodiment the local power source  113  provides for 3000 watts for every three switches  112  allowing for the use of up to 75 devices  107  during a power outage at full power the light will remain functional on battery power for 120 minutes. At half power we can extend the battery life and allowing for the lights to stay on for 240 minutes. The local power source  113  also has a built in control module  119  to allow communication with the other control modules  119 , the driver  103 , and the control program  106 . The control module  119  transmits data with regards to grid power levels, battery life, battery charge levels and charge rate. This information is used to determine whether the battery is on grid or battery power to allow the system to determine if the emergency lighting scenario needs to be implemented. The battery along with the control module  119  allows for an independent control of a lighting system. 
     The external power source  114  may be various forms of renewable energy such as solar, wind, water, or the like forms of energy. In some embodiments, the external power source  114  is an established power system or structure, for example, city or municipal provided power. 
     The server  120  may be a management server, a web server, or any other electronic device or computing system capable of processing program instructions and receiving and sending data. In other embodiments server  120  may be a laptop computer, tablet computer, netbook computer, personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, or any programmable electronic device capable of communicating via network  102 . In one embodiment, server  120  may be a server computing system utilizing multiple computers as a server system, such as in a cloud computing environment. In one embodiment, server  120  represents a computing system utilizing clustered computers and components to act as a single pool of seamless resources. In the depicted embodiment database  108  is located on server  120 . Server  120  may include components, as depicted and described in further detail with respect to  FIG. 3 . Server  120  would be a lightweight publish and subscribe system where you can publish and receive messages as a client. MQTT Server  120  is a messaging protocol, designed for constrained devices with low-bandwidth. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a schematic of an example of a cloud computing node is shown. Cloud computing node  10  is only one example of a suitable cloud computing node and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the invention described herein. Regardless, cloud computing node  10  is capable of being implemented and/or performing any of the functionality set forth hereinabove. 
     In cloud computing node  10  there is a computer system/server  12 , which is operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with computer system/server  12  include, but are not limited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like. 
     Computer system/server  12  may be described in the general context of computer system executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer system. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and so on that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer system/server  12  may be practiced in distributed cloud computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer system storage media including memory storage devices. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , computer system/server  12  in cloud computing node  10  is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of computer system/server  12  may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units  16 , a system memory  28 , and a bus  18  that couples various system components including system memory  28  to processor  16 . 
     Bus  18  represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI) bus. 
     Computer system/server  12  typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. Such media may be any available media that is accessible by computer system/server  12 , and it includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. 
     System memory  28  can include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM)  30  and/or cache memory  32 . Computer system/server  12  may further include other removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, storage system  34  can be provided for reading from and writing to a nonremovable, non-volatile magnetic media (not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided. In such instances, each can be connected to bus  18  by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below, memory  28  may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out the functions of embodiments of the invention. 
     Program/utility  40 , having a set (at least one) of program modules  42 , may be stored in memory  28  by way of example, and not limitation, as well as an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networking environment. Program modules  42  generally carry out the functions and/or methodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein. 
     Computer system/server  12  may also communicate with one or more external devices  14  such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display  24 , etc.; one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computer system/server  12 ; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that enable computer system/server  12  to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Such communication can occur via Input/Output (I/O) interfaces  22 . Still yet, computer system/server  12  can communicate with one or more networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via network adapter  20 . As depicted, network adapter  20  communicates with the other components of computer system/server  12  via bus  18 . It should be understood that although not shown, other hardware and/or software components could be used in conjunction with computer system/server  12 . Examples, include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , illustrative cloud computing environment  50  is depicted. As shown, cloud computing environment  50  comprises one or more cloud computing nodes  10  with which local computing devices used by cloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone  54 A, desktop computer  54 B, and laptop computer  54 C may communicate. Nodes  10  may communicate with one another. They may be grouped (e.g. array) (not shown) physically or virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community, Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combination thereof. This allows cloud computing environment  50  to offer infrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloud consumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computing device. It is understood that the types of computing devices  54 A-C shown in  FIG. 3  are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes  10  and cloud computing environment  50  can communicate with any type of computerized device over any type of network and/or network addressable connection (e.g., using a web browser). 
     The program(s) described herein are identified based upon the application for which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that any particular program nomenclature herein is used merely for convenience, and thus the invention should not be limited to use solely in any specific application identified and/or implied by such nomenclature. 
       FIG. 4  shows flowchart  400  depicting a method according to the present invention. The method(s) and associated process(es) are now discussed, over the course of the following paragraphs, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, steps of the method  600  may be performed in varying orders or concurrently. Furthermore, various steps may be added, subtracted, or combined in the method  600  and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     A method  400  to operate the fixtures  105  is described. In step  201 , the driver  103  receives the power from the PoE Switch and the control signal over the wireless network  105 , for the groups or arrays of fixtures  105 , or a combination of the two. The received power and control signal are associated with the fixture power usage, power requirements, control settings, sensor data, and the like. In step  202 , the control program  106  analyzes the data collected by the driver  103  to determine if the fixture(s)  15  are operating within the set requirements or parameters set forth by the user or the system, and are within the program requirements. The program may be normal operation, emergency, low power consumption or the like. In step  203 , the control program  106  communicates with the driver  103  to control the operation of the respective fixture  105  based on the processed power and control signal  105 , through the wired connection between the driver  103  and the fixture  105  the driver is able to maintain or alter the power supplied to the fixture  105 , control the fixture  105  to act in a predetermined manner is managed over the wireless network (e.g. on, off, or dim). 
     The power and control signal processing is typically interrupted by the sensors  109 , where a request to turn on, turn off, or dim the fixture is requested. In some embodiments, the driver  103  controls the temperature of the fixtures  105  which relate to the light output of the fixture. In additional embodiments, the interruption may come from the alteration or instability of the incoming power supply, and various other factors which can occur to the fixtures  105 . For instance if a fixture experiences an error or malfunction, the driver may receive information related to the malfunction and cut power to the fixture  105  to stop further damage and provide a notice to the control program  106  which communicates with the computing device  103  for the required personnel to investigate the malfunction. Similar for the sensors  109  if one is providing inaccurate or inconsistence control signals. In some embodiments, the control signals are conditioned and provided to the driver  103 . The conditioning may be due to the relay or capacitor. 
       FIG. 5  shows flowchart  500  depicting a method according to the present invention. The method(s) and associated process(es) are now discussed, over the course of the following paragraphs, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, steps of the method  600  may be performed in varying orders or concurrently. Furthermore, various steps may be added, subtracted, or combined in the method  600  and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In one example, unless the context indicates otherwise, these steps may be performed by control program  106 ; however, they may also be performed by suitable hardware or software such as by computing device  103  having suitable logic for implementing these described steps. The method  500  begins at step  301  where a power limit is allocated for each fixture. This may be performed automatically by control program  106 , by a user through computing device  103 , or through other suitable methods. According to the teachings of the invention, the allocated power limit for each device may include values other than those specified by IEEE, or set by the fixture. After allocation of a power limit for each fixture, power is provided to any fixture sending a power signal request at step  302 . The power limit allocated for each device may be stored in the database  108 , or in other suitable locations. At decision  303 , the power usage is measured for each fixture requesting power. If it is determined that the power exceeds the limit of the fixture at the time, the control program  106 , or the like reduces the power supplied to that fixture. If the control program  106  determines that the power does not exceed the limit for the fixture, the control program  106  communicates with the driver to continue supplying the fixture the power  305 . 
     This determination may be based upon an overall power usage determination that occurs independently of this method or may involve specifically determining the power usage for this purpose. Such determination of an overall power usage may involve measuring the overall power usage or measuring power usage for each fixture. This may be implemented in an emergency situation where the power source is nearly depleted of power or the power has been severed and the backup power supply is being used. It may also apply to situations where the fixtures are to be dimmed to accommodate the absence of personnel in the room or building. In some emergency situations the driver can control the various devices  107  based on the data received from the sensors  109  to block or lock the people from entering areas of the building which are consumed by fire, gas, smoke, or are otherwise dangerous and direct the people out of the building through a safe and clear path. This can be implemented in different situations and events such as fires, gas leaks, shooters, or the like. In some events the system can be designed to trap or contain individuals who are not permitted to be in the building. 
       FIG. 6  shows flowchart  600  depicting a method according to the present invention. The method(s) and associated process(es) are now discussed, over the course of the following paragraphs, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, steps of the method  600  may be performed in varying orders or concurrently. Furthermore, various steps may be added, subtracted, or combined in the method  600  and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The exemplary method for a sequence that may be deployed by the control program  106  when a new fixture  105  is added to the system  100 . The method  600  may be performed by a computing device  103 , server  104 , or any other computing device with software components of the control program  106 . In step  401  a new fixture  105  is added into the system, this may be through physical placement of the fixture and detection by the driver  103 , or through a virtual addition of a fixture  105  into the system  100 . The new fixture  105  may comprise a new LED light. In step  402 , the new fixture communicates with the driver  103  or the control program  106 . In an exemplary embodiment, once a new fixture is powered, the new fixture  105  sends a signal to the driver  103  or the control program  106 . In step  403 , the user, driver  103 , or the control program  106  incorporates the light fixture  105  into the system  100 . This may include a basic integration into the set of fixtures  105  already incorporated in the system  100  or may be able to automatically group the fixture  105  with similar or associated fixtures  105  in step  404 . This process may also be done manually. A user may then access the computing device  103  to locate the new fixture  105 . In exemplary embodiments, if the fixture  105  is moved it may need to be reincorporated into the system  100 . Each fixture may save its own parameters in non-volatile memory, such that it can resume operation after a power failure. 
     The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention. 
     The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire. 
     Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device. 
     Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, to perform aspects of the present invention. 
     Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions. 
     These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     Present invention: should not be taken as an absolute indication that the subject matter described by the term “present invention” is covered by either the claims as they are filed, or by the claims that may eventually issue after patent prosecution; while the term “present invention” is used to help the reader to get a general feel for which disclosures herein that are believed as maybe being new, this understanding, as indicated by use of the term “present invention,” is tentative and provisional and subject to change over the course of patent prosecution as relevant information is developed and as the claims are potentially amended. 
     The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments have been presented only for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the forms disclosed. Accordingly, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. Additionally, the above disclosure is not intended to limit the present invention. In the specification and claims the term “comprising” shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term “including” and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term “comprising” such as “comprise” and “comprises”. 
     Although various representative embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims. Joinder references (e.g. attached, adhered, joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Moreover, network connection references are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members or devices between network connections of elements. As such, network connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are in direct communication with each other. In some instances, in methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Listing the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of the method. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents.