Patent Publication Number: US-11639776-B2

Title: Luminaire

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/998,625, filed Aug. 15, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,221,111, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and is a national stage of International Application No. PCT/US2017/017908, filed Feb. 15, 2017, which in turn claims the benefit of the following applications, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. Provisional Patent Application “LUMINAIRE” having No. 62/295,400 filed on Feb. 15, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application “POE AUTOMATION CONTROL SYSTEM” having No. 62/303,223 filed on Mar. 3, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application “POE AUTOMATION CONTROL SYSTEM” having No. 62/362,352 filed on Jul. 14, 2016, PCT Patent Application “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POWER OVER ETHERNET CONTROL” having international application number PCT/US17/17885 filed on Feb. 15, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BEACON” having No. 62/459,124 filed on Feb. 15, 2017. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to field of illumination, more specifically to the field of illumination with a light emitting diode (LED). 
     DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
     LEDs as a general illumination sources have become increasingly popular. Recent developments have shown that LEDs can provide an efficient light source, and lab results show that certain LEDs can approach or even exceed 150 lumens/watts. In addition, LEDs avoid the need for using mercury, thus providing a friendlier environmental footprint than other conventional illumination technologies. 
     While LEDs are useful for illumination, one issue that exists is the expense of installing LED fixtures. One method to address this is to develop LED-based designs that are comparable to existing bulbs. While this can be done, it generally is suboptimal due to the fact that design tradeoffs needed to allow LEDs to function in existing fixtures tend to do a poor job of efficiently using the light provided by LEDs. More optimized fixtures would tend to be more effective at efficiently directing the emitted lumens on the desired surfaces. 
     In many facilities, a significant portion of the electricity being consumed is directed towards illumination. Even with the substantial increases in efficiency, it is still desirable to minimize the use of the electricity when feasible. By increasing the intelligence of the system, it is expected that further improvements in the efficacy of a building system can be provided. 
     While use is one portion of the efficiency of a system, another portion of the efficiency is the cost to install and maintain the illumination system. LEDs, due to their long life and gradual decrease in output, are well suited to commercial facilities. Instead of being replaced every 10,000 hours, for example, they can be replaced every 50,000 or more hours. This longevity can substantially increase the ROI as commercial facilities must pay someone to replace bulbs and often the replacement requires positioning someone near a ceiling that is more than 10 feet above the ground (potentially requiring the use of lifts or other means to safely position the person in the appropriate position). 
     Existing LED fixtures, however, while offering long life, often fail to provide a simple installation process. For improved safety, it would be helpful if the installation process could be done with one hand. It further would be beneficial if the luminaire could be used in a more intelligent manner. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment, a luminaire includes a housing with a reflector. A rail is positioned near the reflector and has a light board thereon which is configured to emit light into the reflector. The light is reflected from the reflector and passes through a diffuser that can act to ensure the emitted light is desirably defuse. In an embodiment, the diffuser can be removed from the housing for service or replacement. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a bottom perspective view of a luminaire in accordance with a first embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a top perspective view of the luminaire of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view of the luminaire of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a partial cross-sectional view of the luminaire of  FIG.  1   , with a housing of the luminaire removed, and showing a connector which is mounted on the housing; 
         FIG.  5    is a top perspective view of a rail of the luminaire of  FIG.  1   , and showing the connector which is mounted on the housing; 
         FIG.  6    is a bottom perspective view of the rail of  FIG.  5   , and showing the connector which is mounted on the housing; 
         FIG.  7    is a bottom perspective view of the rail of  FIG.  5   , with a cover removed, and showing the connector which is mounted on the housing; 
         FIG.  8    is an exploded top perspective view of the rail of  FIG.  5   , with the cover removed, and showing the connector which is mounted on the housing; 
         FIG.  9    is a partial exploded top perspective view of the rail of  FIG.  5   , with the cover removed, and showing the connector which is mounted on the housing; 
         FIG.  10    is an exploded bottom perspective view of the rail of  FIG.  5   , with the cover removed, and showing the connector which is mounted on the housing; 
         FIG.  11    is a bottom perspective view of a luminaire in accordance with a second embodiment; 
         FIG.  12    is a bottom plan view of the luminaire of  FIG.  11   , without a cover being shown; 
         FIG.  13    is an end elevation view of the luminaire of  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  14 A  is a partial exploded top perspective view of the luminaire of  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  14 B  is another partial exploded perspective view of the luminaire of  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a partial top perspective view of a housing of the luminaire of  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  16    is an end elevation view of a reflector of the luminaire of  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  17    is a top perspective view of a light board diffuser assembly of the luminaire of  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  18    a partial exploded perspective view of the light board diffuser assembly of  FIG.  17   ; 
         FIG.  19    is a top perspective view of a diffuser of the light board diffuser assembly of  FIG.  17   ; 
         FIG.  20    is an end elevation view of the diffuser of  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  21    is a top plan view of the diffuser of  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  22    is a top perspective view of a rail of the light board diffuser assembly of  FIG.  17   ; 
         FIG.  23    is an end elevation view of the rail of  FIG.  22   ; 
         FIG.  24    is a top plan view of the rail of  FIG.  22   ; 
         FIGS.  25  and  26    are partial top perspective views of the light board diffuser assembly of  FIG.  17   ; 
         FIG.  27    is a cross-sectional view of the light board diffuser assembly of  FIG.  17   ; 
         FIG.  28    is a cross-sectional view of the luminaire of  FIG.  17   ; 
         FIG.  29    is a partial cross-sectional view of the luminaire of  FIG.  17   ; 
         FIGS.  30 A,  31 A,  32 A,  33 A and  34 A  are bottom plan views of alternate embodiments of the diffuser for the light board diffuser assembly; 
         FIGS.  30 B,  31 B,  32 B,  33 B and  34 B  are partial enlarged bottom views of the alternate embodiments shown in  FIGS.  30 A,  31 A,  32 A,  33 A and  34 A , respectively; 
         FIG.  35    is an example circuit board for a gateway controller; and 
         FIG.  36    is an example circuitry for the sensor board and light board. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description that follows describes exemplary embodiments and is not intended to be limited to the expressly disclosed combination(s). Therefore, unless otherwise noted, features disclosed herein may be combined together to form additional combinations that were not otherwise shown for purposes of brevity. 
       FIGS.  1 - 10    illustrate a first embodiment of a luminaire  1020  which incorporates features of the present disclosure.  FIGS.  11 - 31 A  illustrate a second embodiment of a luminaire  2020  which incorporates features of the present disclosure. The luminaire  1020 ,  2020  is configured to be mounted in, or suspended from, a ceiling (not shown). 
     Attention is invited to the luminaire  1020  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 10   . The luminaire  1020  includes a housing  1022  with a reflector, provided in this embodiment as a reflection chamber  1024 . The housing  1022  is mounted in, or suspended from, the ceiling in a known manner. The depicted reflection chamber  1024  is convex, with a partial circular shape but other shapes may be used as desired and may include angles rather than smooth curves. A pair of diffusers  1026  are provided to help provide a more diffuse lighting source. The housing  1022  supports a rail  1028  and the rail  1028  includes a connector  1030  that is intended to mate with a connector  1032  supported by the housing  1022 . The rail  1028  is intended to be removably mated to the housing  1022 . In an embodiment, one end of the rail  1028  is secured by the housing  1022  via a tab  1034 , see  FIG.  5   , that supports one end of the rail  1028  while the other end is supported by the connector  1032 . 
     The rail  1028  and the diffusers  1026  are positioned so as to be aligned with the reflection chamber  1024 . The rail  1028  has a first side facing the reflection chamber  1024  and the first side supports a light board  1036  that includes a set of LEDs  1038 . The LEDs  1038  are thermally coupled to the rail  1028 . While two LEDs  1038  are depicted for purposes of clarity, in practice it is expected that 4 or more LEDs (preferably more than 10 LEDs) will be provided so as to provide more even illumination. Thus, the set of LEDs  1038  can have a relatively large number of LEDs if desired. The rail  1028  further includes a second side opposite the first side and a sensor board  1040  (e.g.,  FIG.  36   ) can be mounted on the second side. The housing  1022  supports the connector  1032  that is configured to mate with the connector  1030  on the rail  1028 . One or both of the connectors  1030 ,  1032  can include a releasable latch (not shown) that helps hold the connectors  1030 ,  1032  in a mated condition. A cover  1042  is attached to the rail  1028  to cover the sensor board  1040 . 
     The LEDs  1038  on the light board  1036  can be controlled by a controller  118  ( FIG.  36   ). The LEDs  1038  will typically include more than two LEDs but there is not a particular number that is required. In some embodiments, the LEDs  1038  may be of differing color temperatures. Such an assortment enables many different lighting color temperatures to be provided by varying the mix and illumination level of different LED colors. The location of the controller  118  that adjusts the output and/or the lighting effects of the LED array can vary depending on the configuration of the luminaire. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  118  may be mounted on, or integrated into, the sensor board  1040 . Naturally such a location is not required, and the controller  118  could also be mounted on another board such as a separate circuit board supported by the rail  1028 . In an embodiment where the rail  1028  supports the controller  118 , the controller  118  can receive various types of input and provide current to the LEDs  1038 , per its configuration, based on the input received. As can be appreciated, such a construction allows the connector  1030  to have relatively few inputs (one pair of power inputs and one pair of signal inputs—and if desired the signal inputs could be multiplexed onto the power inputs) while providing a variety of control outputs. Additional or alternative features of the controller  118  are described with regard to the embodiments of the luminaire  2020  of  FIGS.  11 - 33 A . 
     The sensor board  1040  can include various sensors  2128 , such as ambient light, temperature, occupancy, motion, noise, air quality, humidity, acceleration, proximity, magnetism, pressure, motion, flux, CO/CO2, correlated color temperature (CCT), red/green/blue (RGB) light, active or passive infrared (PIR), visual information, e.g., from a camera, audio information, e.g., from a microphone, etc., and other desired sensors  2128 . The sensors  2128  can be used to provide feedback to the luminaire  1020  so that the luminaire  1020  can provide a more intelligent illumination. For example, motion/occupancy sensors  2128  can help ensure the luminaire  1020  is either off or operating at a reduced output when no one is in the near vicinity. In addition to providing intelligent illumination, the luminaire  1020  can also provide feedback to individuals within visual or audible range. A pattern of LEDs can be provided on the sensor board  1040  and the controller  118  can turn on LEDs to provide the desired visual cues. Some sort of noise generating device (such a speaker or transducer) can also be provided on the sensor board  1040  to provide audible cues. The sensor board  1040  can be electrically coupled to the connector  1030  so as to be powered thereby. 
     As can be appreciated, the connectors  1030 ,  1032  will typically provide at least two power terminals. The power can be provided from an Ethernet cable providing power over Ethernet (PoE) or other desirable input. For example, standard 110V-277V may be used with a power converter such as a LED driver device. The advantage of using a PoE source is that the power source is low voltage, which simplifies the entire design of the luminaire and also makes it simple to provide power (one simply runs a network cable to the location and power is provided). 
     If PoE is used to power the luminaire  1020  then an RJ45 port  2126  (or other suitable port) can be provided in the luminaire  1020  along with an appropriate driver. 
     Attention is invited to the luminaire  2020  shown in  FIGS.  11 - 33 A . The luminaire  2020  includes a housing  2022  having a junction box  2044  affixed to the housing  2022 , a connector  2032  attached to the housing  2022  and a light board diffuser assembly  2046  removably attached to the housing  2022 . The light board diffuser assembly  2046  includes a connector  2030  which mates with the connector  2032  in the housing  2022  when the light board diffuser assembly  2046  is assembled with the housing  2022 . The housing  2022  is mounted in, or suspended from, the ceiling in a known manner. 
     In an embodiment, the housing  2022  is formed of a reflector  2024  having an end cap  2048 ,  2050  at each end  2024   a ,  2024   b  of the reflector  2024 , and a bracket  2116  attached to the end cap  2048 . The reflector  2024  includes first and second convex sections  2052 ,  2054  which join together at a central apex  2056 . An upper side of the reflector  2024  is provided at  2024   c ; and a lower side of the reflector  2024  is provided at  2024   d . End cap  2048  attaches to the end  2024   a  of the reflector  2024 ; end cap  2050  attaches to the end  2024   b  of the reflector  2024 . The end caps  2048 ,  2050  are suitably attached to the reflector  2024 , such as by tabs seating within apertures, or by welding. In an embodiment, the tabs are bent after insertion through the apertures to secure the end caps  2048 ,  2050  to the reflector  2024 . Other attachments configured to attach the end caps  2048 ,  2050  to the reflector  2024  are within the scope of the present disclosure. While the first and second sections  2052 ,  2054  are shown as convex, other shapes may be used as desired and may include angles rather than smooth curves. The end cap  2050  includes a slot  2058  therethrough, see  FIG.  13   . The bracket  2116  is attached to the end cap  2048  by suitable means, such as rivets. The bracket  2116  extends from the end cap  2048  toward the convex sections  2052 ,  2054 . In an embodiment, the bracket  2116  has an aperture  2117  therethrough. 
     The connector  2032  houses a plurality of pins or sockets. The connector  2032  is attached to the bracket  2116 . In an embodiment, the connector  2032  extends through the aperture  2117  in the bracket  2116 . 
     The connector  2032  seats within a cover  2062 , see  FIG.  14 A , which is, in turn, is attached to the end cap  2048 . The cover  2062  is attached to the end cap  2048  by a plurality of tabs  2066  that extend through apertures in the end cap  2048 , see  FIG.  15   . Other attachments configured to attach the cover  2062  to the end cap  2048  are within the scope of the present disclosure. The bracket  2116  is provided below the cover  2062 . 
     The junction box  2044  houses a gateway controller  2045  ( FIG.  35   ) and any other electrical components needed for connecting the luminaire  2020  (luminaire  1020 ) to a PoE source as discussed herein. In an embodiment, the junction box  2044  is provided above the upper side  2024   c  of the reflector  2024  and attached to the end caps  2048 ,  2050  by suitable attachments, such as by tabs in apertures or by welding. In an embodiment, the junction box  2044  is spaced from the first and second convex sections  2052 ,  2054 . In an embodiment, the junction box  2044  seats on top of the first and second convex sections  2052 ,  2054 . In an embodiment, the junction box  2044  is attached to a side of the reflector  2024  and to the end caps  2048 ,  2050  by suitable attachments, such as by tabs in apertures or by welding. 
     The light board diffuser assembly  2046  is removably attached to the housing  2022  and to the connector  2032 . The light board diffuser assembly  2046  includes a diffuser  2026 , a rail  2028 , a light board  2036  mounted on the rail  2028 , the connector  2030  mounted on the light board  2036 , a sensor board  2040  mounted on the rail  2028 , and attachments  2104  for attaching the diffuser  2026  to the rail  2028 . The rail  2028 , the connector  2030 , the light board  2036  and the sensor board  2040  form a subassembly  2060  of the light board diffuser assembly  2046 . The sensors  2128  of the sensor board  2040  (sensor board  1040 ) can include, but are not limited to, any of the sensors described herein. 
     As best shown in  FIGS.  19 - 21   , the diffuser  2026  includes a central section  2068 , a first side section  2070  extending from one side of the central section  2068 , and a second side section  2072  extending from the other side of the central section  2068 . In an embodiment, the central section  2068  is formed of a first upright wall  2074 , a second upright wall  2076  and a top wall formed by a pair of top wall sections  2078 ,  2080  extending between the upper ends of the upright walls  2074 ,  2076  such that a cavity  2082  is formed by the central section  2068  and a central aperture  2084  is formed by the upper ends of the upright walls  2074 ,  2076  and the top wall sections  2078 ,  2080 . In an embodiment, the upright walls  2074 ,  2076  and the top wall sections  2078 ,  2080  are planar. The first side section  2070  extends outwardly from the lower end of the first upright wall  2074 ; the second side section  2072  extends outwardly from the lower end of the second upright wall  2076 . In an embodiment, the side sections  2070 ,  2072  are curved such that each side section  2070 ,  2072  curves upwardly from the lower ends of the upright walls  2074 ,  2076 . Side section  2070  has an upper surface  2070   a  and a lower surface  2070   b ; side section  2072  has an upper surface  2072   a  and a lower surface  2072   b . In an embodiment, the side sections  2070 ,  2072  have a series of perforations  2086  which extend from the upper surfaces  2070   a ,  2072   a  to the lower surfaces  2070   b ,  2072   b . As shown in  FIGS.  30 A- 34 B , the perforations  2086  may take a variety of patterns. 
     In an embodiment, a film  2088  covers the perforations  2086  in the side sections  2070 ,  2072  of the diffuser  2026  and assists in diffusing the light generated by the LEDs  2038  through the perforations  2086 . In an embodiment, the film  2088  is provided on the upper surface  2070   a ,  2072   a  of the side sections  2070 ,  2072 . The film  2088  on the diffuser  2026  may be omitted. 
     As best shown in  FIGS.  22 - 24   , the rail  2028  includes a central section  2090 , a first side section  2092  extending from one side of the central section  2090 , and a second side section  2094  extending from the other side of the central section  2090 . In an embodiment, the central section  2090  is formed of a first upright wall  2096 , a second upright wall  2098  and a top wall  2100  extending between the upper ends of the upright walls  2096 ,  2098  such that a cavity  2102  is formed by the central section  2090 . The top wall  2100  has an upper surface  2100   a , a lower surface  2100   b , and opposite ends  2100   c ,  2100   d . In an embodiment, the upright walls  2096 ,  2098  and the top wall  2100  are planar. The side sections  2092 ,  2094  extend from the bottom ends of the respective walls  2096 ,  2098  and may curve upwardly relative thereto. A tab  2034  extends outwardly from the top wall  2100  at the end  2100   d  thereof. The tab  2034  has a reduced width relative to the top wall  2100 . 
     The light board  2036  has an upper surface  2036   a  and a lower surface  2036   b . The light board  2036  is mounted on the rail  2028 , such that the lower surface  2036   b  of the light board  2036  abuts against the upper surface  2100   a  of the top wall  2100  of the rail  2028 . The light board  2036  may be mounted on the rail  2028  by an adhesive pad or by fasteners (not shown), or by a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the adhesive pad is a thermal tape to provide for heat transfer from the light board  2036  to the rail  2028  which acts as a heat sink. The upper surface  2036   a  of the light board  2036  includes a set of LEDs  2038  (e.g.  FIG.  36   ) which are thermally coupled to the rail  2028 . While two LEDs  2038  are depicted for purposes of clarity, in practice it is expected that 4 or more LEDs (preferably more than 10 LEDs) will be provided so as to provide more even illumination. Thus, the set of LEDs  2038  can have a relatively large number of LEDs if desired. 
     The connector  2030  of the light board diffuser assembly  2046  houses a plurality of pins or sockets therein and is attached to the upper surface  2036   a  of the light board  2036 . The connector  2030  of the light board diffuser assembly  2046  is configured to mate with the connector  2032  in the housing  2022  when the light board diffuser assembly  2046  is attached to the housing  2022  as discussed herein. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  12  and  36   , the sensor board  2040  can include various sensors  2128 , including, but not limited to, ambient light, temperature, occupancy, motion, noise, air quality and other desired sensors. For example, the sensor board  2040  can include an air quality sensor to provide local air quality feedback to building automation systems, including, but not limited to, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. In other examples, the sensors  2128  can be used to provide feedback to the luminaire  2020  so that the luminaire  2020  can provide a more intelligent illumination. For example, motion/occupancy sensors can help ensure the luminaire  2020  is either off or operating at a reduced output when no one is in the near vicinity, ambient light sensor can help ensure that light levels produced by the luminaire  2020  are automatically adjusted based on ambient sunlight from windows and skylights, etc. In addition to providing intelligent illumination, the luminaire  2020  can also provide feedback to individuals within visual or audible range, e.g., to warn the individuals of a potentially dangerous air quality in the area. A pattern of LEDs  2038  can be provided on the sensor board  2040  and a controller  118  can turn on LEDs  2038  to provide the desired visual cues. Some sort of noise generating device (such a speaker or transducer) can also be provided on the sensor board  2040  to provide audible cues. The sensor board  2040  can be electrically coupled to the gateway controller  2045 , e.g., via the connector  2030 , so as to be powered thereby (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  34  and  35   ). The sensor board  2040  is also connected with the light board  2036  to supply power to the light board  2036 . The sensor board  2040  can be mounted on the lower surface  2100   b  of the top wall  2100  of the rail  2028 , and connected with the light board  2036  through the rail  2028 , e.g., via plugs and wiring harness (not shown). The sensor board  2040  can be mounted on the lower surface  2100   b  of the top wall  2100  of the rail  2028 . The sensor board  2040  may be mounted on the rail  2028  by an adhesive pad or by fasteners (not shown) or a by combination thereof. In an embodiment, the adhesive pad is a thermal tape to provide for heat transfer from the sensor board  2040  to the rail  2028  which acts as a heat sink. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  118  may be mounted on, or integrated into, the sensor board  2040 . Naturally such a location is not required, and the controller  118  could also be mounted on a separate circuit board supported by the rail  2028 . In some embodiments, the controller  118  may be a standalone device and housed separately, and connected with, the luminaire  2020 . In an embodiment where the rail  2028  supports the controller  118 , the controller  118  can receive various types of input and provide current to the LEDs  2038 , per its configuration, based on the input received. As can be appreciated, such a construction allows the connector  2030  to have relatively few inputs (one pair of power inputs and one pair of signal inputs, e.g., voltage, ground, RS+ and RS− for the RS485 protocol—and if desired the signal inputs could be multiplexed onto the power inputs) while providing a variety of control outputs. 
     As can be appreciated, the connectors  2030 ,  2032  will typically provide at least two power terminals. The power can be provided from an Ethernet cable providing power over Ethernet (PoE) or other desirable input. An advantage of using a PoE source is that the power source is low voltage, which simplifies the design of the luminaire  2020  (and luminaire  1020 ) and also makes it simple to provide power without a need for installing high voltage conduit (e.g., one simply runs a network cable to the location and power and data is provided). 
     If PoE is used to power the luminaire  2020  (or luminaire  1020 ) then an RJ45 port  2126  (or other suitable port) can be provided in the luminaire  2020  (luminaire  1020 ), e.g., directly and/or via gateway controller  2045  housed in junction box  2044 . The gateway controller  2045  receive power and control signals from the Ethernet via RJ45 port  2126 , and outputs power and control signals to the luminaire  2020  (luminaire  1020 ). In some embodiments, the gateway controller  2045  connects with the sensor board  2040  (sensor board  1040 ), e.g., for sending signals to the controller  118 . To make the power and data connections, connector  2032  (connector  1032 ) of the junction box  2044  communicatively connects with connector  1030 ,  2030  of the light board diffuser assembly  2046  (rail  1028 /light board  1036 /sensor board  1040 ), e.g., to send power and data signals to the light board diffuser assembly  2046  (rail  1028 /light board  1036 /sensor board  1040 ), and receive data signals from the light board diffuser assembly  2046  (rail  1028 /light board  1036 /sensor board  1040 ). The connectors  2032  (connector  1032 ) and  2030  (connector  1030 ) allow the light board diffuser assembly  2046  (rail  1028 /light board  1036 /sensor board  1040 ) to be removably disconnected/connected from/to the gateway controller  2045  and the rest of the luminaire  2020  (luminaire  1020 ). 
     In some embodiments, the gateway controller  2045  can convert the received Ethernet or other higher-level protocol to a lower-level, e.g., a building management based protocol. For example, the gateway controller  2045  can convert PoE, UPoE, etc. to RS232, RS485, CAN, BACnet, digital addressable lighting interface (DALI), TRANSCEND by MOLEX, etc., and vice versa. With regard to connectors  2032  (connector  1032 ) and  2030  (connector  1030 ), it should be noted that the gateway controller  2045  can make wired and/or wireless connections with the luminaire  2020  (luminaire  1020 ), e.g., via a hard-wired harness and/or wirelessly via Bluetooth low energy (BTLE), ZigBee, EnOcean, IEEE 802.11 (WiFi), etc. 
     The gateway controller  2045  can be implemented on a circuit board  160  ( FIG.  35   ). The circuit board  160  can include one or more processors  162  and one or more memory devices  164 , which in some embodiments can be implemented together as a microprocessor with memory. The memory devices  164  can include one or more of a program memory, a cache, random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a hard drive, etc., and/or other types of memory. In some embodiments, the memory  164  can store instructions (e.g., compiled executable program instructions, un-compiled program code, some combination thereof, or the like), which when performed (e.g., executed, translated, interpreted, and/or the like) by the processor  162 , causes the processor  162  to perform the conversions, translations, logic and any other processes described herein. 
     Additionally, or alternatively, the gateway controller  2045  can include a power converter  170  to convert 48 VDC, or other voltage, received via the Ethernet, to 5 VDC and 3.3 VDC, or other voltages used by the gateway controller  2045 , the sensor board  2040  (sensor board  1040 ), the LEDs  2038  (LEDs  1038 ) and/or other components of the luminaire  2020  (luminaire  1020 ). Ethernet physical layer  172  connects the Ethernet based signals with the processor  162 , and Rs485, or other, input/output (I/O)  174  connects the processor  162  with the luminaire  2020  (luminaire  1020 ). The gateway controller  2045  sends power and/or data signals to the luminaire  2020  (luminaire  1020 ) via connectors  2032  ( 2032 ) and  2030  (connector  1030 ). The gateway controller  2045  can also receive signals from the luminaire  2020  (luminaire  1020 ), e.g., from the sensors  2128  and  2129 , located on the sensor board  2040  (sensor board  1040 ) and light board  2036  (light board  1036 ) of the luminaire  2020  (luminaire  1020 ) respectively. In some embodiments, the gateway controller  2045  can process the sensor signals  2128  and/or  2129  for direct control the luminaire  2020  (luminaire  1020 ) based on data received from the sensor signals. In some embodiments, the gateway controller  2045  can send the sensor signals  2128  and/or  2129  to a server connected with the gateway controller  2045  via Ethernet for processing and sending new control signals to the luminaire  2020  (luminaire  1020 ). In some embodiments, the control signals are processed by controller  118  located on sensor board  2040  (sensor board  1040 ) for controlling the LEDs  2038  (LEDs  1038 ) based on the control signals. In some embodiments, the controller  118  directly processes the sensor signals for controlling the LEDs  2038 . 
     The sensor board  2040  (sensor board  1040 ) can include power converter  178  for converting 5 VDC, or other voltage, received from the gateway controller  2045 , to 3.3 VDC, or other voltages used by the controller  118 . The sensor board  2040  (sensor board  1040 ) can also include an RS485, or other, I/O  176  to communicatively connect the controller  118  with the gateway controller  2045  to receive power and data signals from the gateway controller  2045 , and send sensor signals, e.g., from sensors  2128 , and any other information to the gateway controller  2045 . The controller  118  can include a I{circumflex over ( )}2C sensor bus for communicating with the sensors  2128 . In some embodiments, the controller  110  can also process the sensor signals  2128  and/or  2129  for direct control the LEDs  2038  (LEDs  1038 ) on light board  2036  (light board  1036 ) based on data from the sensor signals. In some embodiments, the controller  118  can be implemented as a microprocessor with memory. The memory can include one or more of a program memory, a cache, random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a hard drive, etc., and/or other types of memory. The memory can store instructions (e.g., compiled executable program instructions, un-compiled program code, some combination thereof, or the like)), which when performed (e.g., executed, translated, interpreted, and/or the like) by the controller  118 , causes the controller  118  to perform the conversions, translations, logic and any other processes described herein. 
     The light board  2036  (light board  1036 ) can also include sensors and sensor supporting circuitry  2129 , e.g., color sensor and/or I{circumflex over ( )}2C sensor bus. The light board  2036  (light board  1036 ), or in some embodiments the sensor board  2040  (sensor board  1040 ), can include power converter  180 , e.g., a buck converter, for providing a determined constant current to control an illumination of LEDs  2038  (LEDs  1038 ), e.g., based on control signals from controller  118 . The controller  118  sends the control signals and a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to the power converter  180  for controlling the on, off, colors, illumination levels, etc. of the LEDs  2038  (LEDs  1038 ). The power converter  180  can also receive and modulate 48 VDC received from the sensor board  2040  (sensor board  1040 ) for powering the LEDs  2038  (LEDs  1038 ). 
     The sensor board  2040  (sensor board  1040 ) and/or the light board  2036  (light board  1036 ) can also include red, green, blue, white (RGBW) LEDs. The controller  118  can activate the RGBW LEDs to use the luminaire  2020  (luminaire  2010 ) as indicators of pathways, diagnostics, general information and/or in emergency situations. The RGBW LEDs may be part of LEDs  2038  (LEDs  1038 ), or separate LEDs. In some embodiments, the controller  118  can strobe the RGBW LEDs in a direction of egress. In some embodiments, the controller  118  lights the luminaire red to indicator a fire or blue to indicate police. In some embodiment, the activated LED(s) indicates that the controller  118  detected a potentially dangerous chemical or gas in the area (e.g., via a connected air quality sensor), that the controller detected the presence of an earthquake (e.g., via a connected accelerometer), that there is a terror alert for the area, etc. In some embodiments, the activated LED(s) can indicate a status of a power and/or network data connections to the luminaire  2020  (luminaires  2010 ). In some embodiments, the activated LED(s) can indicate a room&#39;s occupancy state, etc. Other examples are possible. 
     In some embodiments, the circuit board  160 , sensor board  2040  (sensor board  1040 ) and/or light board  2036  (light board  1036 ) are sized and shaped to fit the rail  2028  (rail  1028 ) and/or luminaire  2020  (luminaire  1020 ), e.g., via a round shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a square shape, a triangular shape, an irregular shape, etc. The circuit board  160 , sensor board  2040  (sensor board  1040 ) and/or light board  2036  (light board  1036 ) may include one or more physical boards connected with each other and in some embodiments stacked relative to each other. It will be appreciated that where circuit board  160 , sensor board  2040  (sensor board  1040 ) and/or light board  2036  (light board  1036 ) are described, it is described by way of non-limiting examples, such that alternative assemblies on which circuitry and/or other electronic components may be embodied may be substituted for circuit board  160 , sensor board  2040  (sensor board  1040 ) and/or light board  2036  (light board  1036 ) within the scope of the disclosure, including, but not limited to, printed circuit board assemblies, circuit boards having point to point construction, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. 
     As shown in  FIG.  25 - 28   , the rail  2028  seats within the cavity  2082  of the diffuser  2026  such that the top wall  2100  of the rail  2028  engages the lower surfaces of the top wall sections  2078 ,  2080 , the tab  2034  extends outwardly from the top wall section  2080 , the upright walls  2096 ,  2098  engage the upright walls  2074 ,  2076 , and the side sections  2092 ,  2094  engage the side sections  2070 ,  2072 . The rail  2028  is releasably attached to the diffuser  2026  by the attachments  2104  (or the diffuser  2026  is releasably attached to the rail  2028  by the attachments  2104 ). In an embodiment, the attachments  2104  are fasteners which extend through the top wall sections  2078 ,  2080  of the diffuser  2026  and through the top wall  2100  of the central section  2090  of the rail  2028  as shown in  FIGS.  25  and  26   . Other attachments for releasably attaching the rail  2028  to the diffuser  2026 , such as clips are within the scope of the disclosure. The light board  2036  is exposed through the aperture  2084  such that light from the LEDs  2038  shines upwardly. 
     The light board diffuser assembly  2046  is attached to the housing  2022  with one hand of a user by inserting the tab  2034  into the slot  2058  in the end cap  2050  and then pivoting the light board diffuser assembly  2046  upwardly around the tab  2034  until the connector  2030  on the light board diffuser assembly  2046  engages with the connector  2032  in the housing  2022 . This aligns the rail  2028 , the light board  2036  and the diffuser  2026  with the reflector  2024 . The light generated by the LEDs  2038  on the light board  2036  is reflected by the reflector  2024  such that the light is reflected downwardly from the luminaire  2020 . 
     In an embodiment, the bracket  2116  of the housing  2022  has a male threaded mount  2130  provided thereon, which has a threaded opening. Aligned apertures  2132 ,  2134 , see  FIGS.  14  and  29   , are provided through the top wall  2100  of the rail  2028  and through the top wall section  2078  of the diffuser  2026 . When the light board diffuser assembly  2046  is inserted into the housing  2022  as described herein, a fastener  2136 , such as a screw, is seated through the apertures  2132 ,  2134  and threadedly engages with the mount  2130 . In an embodiment, this causes the connectors  2030 ,  2032  to fully engage when the fastener  2136  fully seats within the mount  2130 . Such a mount  2130  and fastener  2136  may also be used with the luminaire  1020 . 
     In an embodiment, the housing  2022  further includes frame parts  2114  which are attached to each end cap  2048 ,  2050  (only shown on end cap  2050  in  FIG.  14   ) to fill any space between the ends of the light board diffuser assembly  2046  and the end caps  2048 ,  2050 , thereby blocking light emitted by the light board  2036  through any such space. In an embodiment, the frame parts  2114  mirror the shapes of the side sections  2070 ,  2072  of the diffuser  2026 . In an embodiment, the frame parts  2114  seat above the side sections  2070 ,  2072  of the diffuser  2026 . In an embodiment, the frame parts  2114  are integrally formed with the respective end cap  2048 ,  2050   
     The light board diffuser assembly  2046  can be detached from the housing  2022  with one hand of a user. If the mount  2130  and fastener  2136  are provided/engaged, the fastener  2136  is first unscrewed from the mount  2130 . Thereafter, the light board diffuser assembly  2046  is pulled downwardly to disengage the connector  2030  on the light board diffuser assembly  2046  from the connector  2032  in the housing  2022 . During this detachment, the light board diffuser assembly  2046  pivots downwardly around the tab  2034  which is still engaged within the slot  2058  in the end cap  2050 . Once the connector  2030  on the light board diffuser assembly  2046  is disengaged from the connector  2032  in the housing  2022 , the light board diffuser assembly  2046  is pulled such that the tab  2034  disengages from the slot  2058  in the end cap  2050  to remove the light board diffuser assembly  2046  from the housing  2022 . 
     Once the light board diffuser assembly  2046  is removed from the housing  2022 , the diffuser  2026  can be easily detached from the subassembly  2060 , e.g. the rail  2028 , the connector  2030 , the light board  2036  and the sensor board  2040 , of the light board diffuser assembly  2046 . This is easily accomplished by removing the attachments  2104  which couple the diffuser  2026  and the subassembly  2060  together. The subassembly  2060  forms the most expensive component of the luminaire  2020 . The subassembly  2060  can be used with diffusers  2026  having differing patterns of perforations  2086  so that the user can customize the look of the luminaire  2020  depending upon the user&#39;s needs or likes. This can be performed in the field.  FIGS.  30 A- 34 B  show example patterns of perforations  2086  that may be used. The same subassembly  2060  can be used which saves costs. In addition, if an issue arises with the function of the subassembly  2060 , the subassembly  2060  can be hot-swapped in the field with a new subassembly  2060  by removing the light board diffuser assembly  2046  from the housing  2022 , and then removing the subassembly  2060  from the diffuser  2026 . The fixed light board diffuser assembly  2046  is then easily reattached in the field by the user. The user does not need to remove the housing  2022  from the ceiling, which can be time consuming and expensive. Yet as another alternative, the entire light board diffuser assembly  2046  can be replaced with a new light board diffuser assembly and attached to the housing  2022 . 
     In an embodiment, a plurality of fingers  2110 , see  FIG.  17   , which may be L-shaped or generally L-shaped, extend from the upper ends of the upright walls  2074 ,  2076  of the diffuser  2026  and overlap the aperture  2084  of the diffuser  2026 . In an embodiment, a clear dust cover  2112  is attached to the diffuser  2026  by the fingers  2110  and covers the light board  2036 , while allowing the light emitted by the LEDs  2038  to shine therethrough and be reflected downwardly by the reflector  2024 . The dust cover  2112  assists in a user cleaning the luminaire  2020  because the user can easily move a cloth over the dust cover  2112 . The dust cover  2112  may be omitted. 
     In an embodiment, a cover  2118 ,  FIG.  28   , is attached to the rail  2028  to cover the sensor board  2040 . In an embodiment, the cover  2118  includes a pair of legs  2120 ,  2122  which extend upwardly from a base wall  2124 . The legs  2120 ,  2122  of the cover  2118  engage with the upright walls  2096 ,  2098  of the rail  2028 . In an embodiment, the legs  2120 ,  2122  of the cover  2118  releasably engage with the upright walls  2096 ,  2098  of the rail  2028  and one of the legs  2120 ,  2122  and the upright walls  2096 ,  2098  have a protrusion and the other has a recess into which the protrusion seats. The cover  2118  can be released so that the sensor board  2040  can be serviced. The cover  2118  can have a variety of patterns/designs thereon and can be exchanged for different patterns/designs. 
     The LEDs  2038  on the light board  2036  can be controlled by a controller  118 . The LEDs  2038  will typically include more than two LEDs but there is not a particular number that is required. In some embodiments, the LEDs  2038  may be of differing color temperatures. Such an assortment of colors enables many different lighting mixings to be provided by varying the mix and illumination level of different LED colors. The location of the controller  118  that adjusts the output and/or the lighting mixing of the LED array can vary depending on the configuration of the luminaire  2020  (or luminaire  1020 ). 
     The LEDs  2038  on the light board  2036  can be controlled by a controller  118 . The LEDs  2038  will typically include more than two LEDs but there is not a particular number that is required. In some embodiments, the LEDs  2038  may be of differing color temperatures. Such an assortment enables many different lighting color temperatures to be provided by varying the mix and illumination levels of different LED colors. The location of the controller  118  that adjusts the output and/or the lighting effects of the LED array can vary depending on the configuration of the luminaire. 
     The disclosure provided herein describes features in terms of preferred and exemplary embodiments thereof. Numerous other embodiments, modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims will occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art from a review of this disclosure.