|Publication number||US7480534 B2|
|Application number||US 11/131,776|
|Publication date||Jan 20, 2009|
|Filing date||May 17, 2005|
|Priority date||May 17, 2005|
|Also published as||EP1883559A2, EP1883559A4, US20060262086, WO2006124308A2, WO2006124308A3|
|Publication number||11131776, 131776, US 7480534 B2, US 7480534B2, US-B2-7480534, US7480534 B2, US7480534B2|
|Inventors||Richard A. Bray, Michael Grant, William P. Horton|
|Original Assignee||The Watt Stopper|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (36), Non-Patent Citations (20), Referenced by (12), Classifications (5), Legal Events (2)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
This invention relates to the field of lighting systems, devices, and methods. More particularly, this invention relates to automatic lighting control systems, devices, and methods.
To deal with lighting requirements for computer usage and other activity within offices, current lighting control systems have been developed to turn lighting on and off. Current control systems must permit both small and large groups of lights and electrical loads to be controlled based on occupant motion detection commands. However, current motion-detection type lighting control systems have a shortcoming in that they are not sensitive enough to detect subtle movements. In other words, current automatic lighting control systems are not sensitive enough to detect inconspicuous occupant activity and thus fail to effectively and efficiently control lighting systems based on micro-motion.
Occupant control and override of local lighting is becoming increasingly important. Further, lighting control systems that provide local override capability based on the location of each individual occupant are required.
The present invention is directed to a computer assisted system of and method for controlling power to one or more load circuits based on the detection of computer activity at one or more host computers. Preferably, the system and method are used to control load circuit that operate, or supply power to, light fixtures, such as overhead fluorescent light fixtures in a large office or public building. However, it will be clear to one skilled in the art that the system and method of the present invention can be used in residential environments and/or to control load circuits that operate, or provide power to, any number of different types of electrical devices or appliances, such as refrigerators and heaters, as well as other computer devices.
In accordance with the system and method of the present invention, computer usage at host computers is monitored and/or detected to generate activity data. The activity data is then transmitted to a controller unit that controls power to light fixtures corresponding to the locations of the host computers.
In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the host computers coupled by a network to a central server. The host computers send the activity data to the central server. The central server is programmed with a look-up table that correlates addresses of the host computers with locations of the host computers in a building. The central server then sends control commands to a controller unit to control power to the lights corresponding to the location of each host computer in a building.
A control unit, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, includes relays, switches and logic circuitry suitable for receiving control commands from the central server and for controlling the power to load circuits that operate the light fixtures. The host computer, the central server and the control unit are coupled by a network using any suitable networking medium or media, including wire cables, optical cables, wireless transmitters, wireless receivers or any combination thereof.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, computer usage is detected through use of an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen or any other input device that is configured to input commands into the host computer. Computer usage can also be detected by voice recognition or any program activity as, for example, when a media file is being played.
In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, the system includes sensor devices such as occupancy sensors and/or light sensors. Accordingly, when occupants are present and/or low levels of natural light are present, the sensors can provide control commands to a controller unit to keep lights on even when activity from the host computers is not detected.
In accordance with the invention, each of the host computers is configured to run a daylight control program. The daylight control program is preferably a Windows™ or PC-based program that senses activity through one or more of the input device drivers also running on the host computer and is configured to send the activity data to the central server based on the sensed activity. The daylight control program can run any number of menus to allow it to run according to the customized needs of the computer user.
In accordance with the present invention, an intelligent automatic lighting control system accurately detects the presence of office and other workers and ensures that office lighting is maintained even when the workers are merely typing or performing some other task that motion detectors are ill-suited to detect. Thus, an office worker typing on a computer late at night will not have his office lights go out at an inopportune time. The system in accordance with the present invention will detect the user typing on the computer and will keep his office lights on, even when a system timer turns off the lights in other offices in which no one is working. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, lighting systems can be controlled more efficiently, and, for security and other reasons, offices can be monitored more accurately.
Features and any combination of features of the automatic lighting control methods and systems shown in the figures are used, herein, to describe and explain particular properties of the devices, systems, and methods. However, the features and combinations of the features of the automatic lighting control system shown in the figures are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
In contrast to
It will be appreciated that while
The commands controlling the output of the light source are preferably selected from the group consisting of commands to turn the light source off in response to the computer usage by the user not being detected, commands to turn the light source on in response to host computer usage by the user being detected, or any combination thereof. Preferably, before controlling the output, the user is warned of an upcoming action. An example is providing a user with a Windows® based warning of the upcoming controlling of output by having a flashing icon appear on the Windows® toolbar on the user's host computer. In one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, if no host computer usage is monitored on the host computer 110 for twelve or more minutes, controlling an output comprises initiating a warning of the impending turning off of the light. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, this warning comprises turning the light on and off (a blinking warning), and later (in one embodiment, after three minutes), the turning off of the lights. It should be understood that these warning signals and times for turning the light off are fully customizable and configurable. In one embodiment, two warnings can be given to the user before the lights are turned off. The first warning comprises an audible warning indicating that the light will be turned off in the next few minutes. The second warning comprises the blinking warning described above (i.e. the blinking of the lights to be turned off). This blinking warning could be set for a predetermined period ranging from seconds to minutes. Any movement of the mouse or press of a key keeps the light on (or turns the light back on if it has been turned off).
The arrows 240 and 240′ illustrate communicating data from the central server 230 to the lighting unit 250. Specifically, the arrow 240 illustrates communicating data from the central server 230 to the lighting unit 250, modifying the lighting unit 250 so that the lighting unit 250 is turned off. The arrow 240′ illustrates communicating data from the central server 230 to the lighting unit 250′, modifying the lighting unit 250′ so that the lighting unit 250 is turned on.
In another embodiment, the method of operating the system 200 further comprises communicating the data from the central server 230 to a controller unit (not shown) and communicating the data from the controller unit to the lighting unit 250. The controller unit (not shown) is configured to modify the lighting unit 250 based on the data.
The central server 330 is preferably configured to communicate with the host computer 310. The arrows 320 and 320′ illustrate instructions being communicated from the host computer 310 to the central server 330. The central server 330 is also preferably configured to communicate instructions based on the detected usage of the host computer 310 by the user 302 to the light controller unit 350. The arrows 340 and 340′ illustrate the instructions being communicated from the central server 330 to the light controller unit 350. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the central server 330 is further configured to compile a historical activity log of the data and instructions 320 and 320′ from the host computer 310, the instructions 340 and 340′ from the central server 330, and the instructions 360 and 360′ from the light controller unit 350. Examples of historical activity stored in the historical activity log include, but are not limited to, all “override” activity by individual users (e.g., room occupants), time of user activity, user name, and Internet Protocol (IP) address or other unique identifier of the host computer generating the activity, or any identification of the device activated. This activity log is preferably accessible by users for reviewing their own individual activity, and by an administrator for review of activity by all users. In alternative embodiments, the activity log can be accessed remotely, such as over a wide are network using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), or over a local area network using, for example, the Ethernet protocol.
The lighting controller unit 350 is preferably configured to receive and implement the instructions from the central server 330 and to communicate instructions based on the instructions from the central server 330 to the lighting source 370.
Preferably, the communication between the host computer 310 and the components of the system 300 is conducted at intervals pre-selected by the user 302. Types of computer usage that are monitored and thereby control lights in accordance with the present invention include, but are not limited to, key strokes, mouse movements, uses of a peripheral device operatively coupled to the host computer 310, and any combination thereof. In addition, the components of the system 300 are preferably configured to communicate using means selected from the group consisting of network-based communications means such as those using a local area network (e.g., Ethernet) or a wide area network (e.g., TCP/IP), a wireless means, an infrared means, a wireless (e.g., radio) means, any hard-wired connection means, and any combination thereof.
The instructions 320 and 320′ from the host computer 310, the instructions 340 and 340′ from the central server 330, and the instructions 360 and 360′ from the light controller unit 350 of the embodiment of the system 300 are selected from the group consisting of instructions to keep lights on if data generated by the host computer 310 indicate that the user 302 is using the host computer 310 or instructions to turn the lights off if there is the data indicate that the user 302 is not using the host computer 310. In addition, the instructions from the light controller unit 350 and the instructions from the central server 330 preferably comprise the instructions from the host computer 310. Further, the data, the instructions from the host computer 310, the instructions from the central server 330, and the instructions from the light controller unit 350 preferably comprise a user identifier (not shown) and a location address (not shown) of the host computer 310. In other embodiments, the data, the instructions from the host computer 310, the instructions from the central server 330, and the instructions from the light controller unit 350 comprise a user override instruction configured to instruct the central server 330 to maintain the lights on for a set period of time, regardless of the usage of the host computer 310 by the user 302. The user override instruction is useful when the occupant (e.g. user 302) will not be using the host computer 310, but still requires lighting. This may occur, for example, when the user 302 is reading, using the telephone, meeting with others in the office, or other times when the host computer 310 would not be used but lighting would still be required. Further, in other embodiments, the user 302 can set a maximum user override time setting so that occupants can not abuse this feature by unnecessarily keeping lights on for extensive periods.
The system 400 further comprises a controller unit 450 operatively coupled to the plurality of receiver modules 412, 422, and 432. The controller unit 450 is preferably configured to communicate with and instruct the plurality of receiver modules 412, 422, and 432 and to control the plurality of light sources 410, 420, and 430. The arrows 413, 423, and 433 illustrate the communication between the controller unit 450 and the plurality of receiver modules 412, 422, and 432, respectively. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the controller unit 450 is further configured to communicate with the plurality of receiver modules 412, 422, and 432 using any suitable networking media or medium, or a line voltage communication protocol using internal wiring within a building (not shown) housing the system 400.
The system 400 further comprises a plurality of host computers 460, 470, and 480 each comprising a corresponding signaling device 461, 471, and 481, respectively. Each of the plurality of signaling devices 461, 471, and 481 is configured to send signals to the controller unit 450 instructing the controller unit 450 to communicate with and instruct the plurality of receiver modules 412, 422, and 432, thereby controlling the plurality of light sources 410, 420, and 430 based on host computer activity of a user. The arrows 462, 472, and 482 illustrate the communication between the plurality of signaling devices 461, 471, and 481 and the controller unit 450.
For illustration purposes only, the host computer 460 is shown as being used by a user 463 (i.e., there is computer activity by a user on the computer 460), the computer 470 is shown as being used by a user 473 (i.e., there is computer activity by a user on the computer 470), and the hashed computer 480 is shown as not being used (i.e., there is no computer activity by a user on the computer 480). It should also be understood that the computer activity is selected from the group consisting of a key stroke, a mouse movement, a use of a peripheral device operatively coupled to the computer, and any combination thereof. The light source 410 is on in response to host computer activity of the user 463 on the computer 460. The light source 420 is on in response to host computer activity of the user 473 on the computer 470. However, because there is no computer activity by a user on the computer 480, the corresponding light source 430 is off because of the lack of computer activity. Preferably, the plurality of computers 460, 470, and 480 is each configured for an override option to be selected from the group consisting of a wall switch based override, a telephone based override, an Internet Protocol based override, an occupancy sensor based override, or a manual computer based override.
In one embodiment, each of the plurality of light sources 410, 420, and 430 is powered by a load (not shown). In another embodiment, each of the plurality of light sources 410, 420, and 430 comprises a lamp (not shown), a ballast (not shown), and a lighting fixture (not shown). Preferably, each of the plurality of light sources 410, 420, and 430 comprises a multiple light output source lighting fixture (not shown), and the controller unit 450 is further configured to control one or more of the light output sources of the multiple light output source lighting fixture (not shown). It should also be understood that the system 400 automatically keeps lights on for occupants, even when a relay (not shown) is shared with other offices where computer usage by users has not been detected, based on most recent host computer activity. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, each of the light sources 410, 420, and 430 further comprises a signaling device 411, 421, and 431 operatively coupled to each of the plurality of light sources 410, 420, and 430, respectively. These signaling devices 411, 421, and 431 are configured to communicate with the components of the system 400.
As stated above, in the embodiment of the system 300 shown in
The user interface 500 is now used to illustrate how the user interface 500 can be used so that a user can override pre-set lighting commands (e.g., timer shut off) to have meetings, make phone calls, or perform other non-PC intensive tasks. In a Windows® based user interface system, a user would perform the necessary number of mouse clicks on the light bulb task bar icon 540, thereby opening a pop-up window 550. The pop-up window 550 provides the user with options to override the automatic lighting control systems described above. The override preferably comprises options to turn the lights off, turn the lights on, or keep the lights on for a predetermined interval (e.g. one, two, or more hours). In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a user can configure and customize the override options. In other embodiments, all override option settings are predefined and configured at a central location (by the system administrator, or via a web page, for example) and stored in a configuration file or database.
The benefits of the current device, system and method include, but are not limited to: saving energy and money by turning lights off based on computer usage; allowing an occupant to override the automatic lighting control system based on specific needs; providing efficient and effective automatic lighting control in an open office area where a single relay is shared by the open office area and individual offices; achieving energy and money savings by eliminating “false off” generations with computer-intensive users and other uses with movements that are inconspicuous to automatic lighting control systems; offering a customizable and efficient manner to sense occupancy for minimal cost; and providing a system that fits seamlessly in a networked lighting environment such as one containing computers, servers, and other lighting controllers.
The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made in the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the present invention could be implemented in several different ways and have several different appearances.
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|Cooperative Classification||F24F11/0034, H05B37/0227|
|May 17, 2005||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: WATT STOPPER, THE, CALIFORNIA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BRAY, RICHARD A.;GRANT, MICHAEL;HORTON, WILLIAM P.;REEL/FRAME:016584/0328
Effective date: 20050428
|Jul 20, 2012||FPAY||Fee payment|
Year of fee payment: 4