COMMUNICATION MODULE

Abstract

An electronic 2-way communication module suitable for 2-way communication with a luminaire is disclosed. The module may be installed into the power supply to the luminaire, and includes a housing assembly, live and neutral power input terminals, live and neutral power output terminals, a power supply unit, a dimmer unit controller, a wireless communication interface adapted to receive data/operating instructions and to relay data to a remote repository, and a wired connection between the electronic 2-way communication module and the luminaire. The wired connection may provide the 2-way transmission of data between the module and the luminaire and vice versa.

Claims

1. An electronic 2-way communication module for 2-way communication with a luminaire, wherein the electronic 2-way communication module comprises: a housing assembly; live and neutral power input terminals on the housing assembly that are dimensioned to be plugged into corresponding features on a first power block connected to a power supply line; live and neutral power output terminals on the housing assembly that are dimensioned to be plugged into corresponding features on a second power block connected to a luminaire; a dimmer unit controller; a wireless communication interface adapted to receive data/operating instructions and to relay data to a remote repository; and a wired connection between the electronic 2-way communication module and the luminaire adapted for 2-way transmission of data between the module and the luminaire and vice versa.

2. The electronic 2-way communication module of claim 1, wherein the 2-way communication module is adapted to be retrofit onto the luminaire.

3. The electronic 2-way communication module of claim 1, wherein the wired connection comprises a power line communication that carries data through a conductor that is also used for power transmission.

4. The electronic 2-way communication module of claim 1, wherein the luminaire is connected to the power supply line by a plug-in type two part electrical connector block, and wherein the housing assembly comprises a lock and release mechanism and complementary input and output terminals that are complementary to the corresponding features of the plug-in type two part electrical connector block of the luminaire, such that the electronic communication module can be installed in between the two parts of an existing connector block.

5. The electronic 2-way communication module of claim 1, wherein the luminaire comprises an on-board dimmer unit, wherein the dimmer unit controller controls the on-board dimmer unit in the luminaire.

6. The electronic 2-way communication module according to claim 1, further comprising: a power transfer and an AC communication unit; and optionally, a real time clock.

7. The electronic 2-way communication module according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of: a touch sensor interface adapted as a user interface to detect user actions; and a status display unit.

8. The electronic 2-way communication module according to claim 1, further comprising a wireless IC adapted to translate data in a 2-way nature with a Power Line Communications IC.

9. The electronic 2-way communication module according to claim 1, further comprising a light engine comprising a programmable IC incorporating a dimming function.

10. The electronic 2-way communication module according to claim 9, wherein the programmable IC associated with the luminaire comprises one or more functionalities selected from the group of functions comprising: switch mode power supply control comprising bucking and fly-back topologies; on chip temperature measurements; capacitive touch and proximity sensing; ambient light sensing for automatic night/day activation/deactivation; bi-directional Optical data transfer; power line communications; timer function comprising automatic; accepting commands from a normal wall dimmer switch, the commands comprising dimming; lumen maintenance; temperature management; colour temperature adjustment; RGB control; HV LED control, without requiring at least one of a transformer and an inductor; PIR motion detection detectable by an external PIR; and smoke detection detectable by an external smoke detector.

11. An electronic 2-way communication module for 2-way communication with a luminaire, wherein the electronic 2-way communication module comprises: a housing assembly; live and neutral power input terminals on the housing assembly that are dimensioned to be plugged into corresponding features on a first power block connected to a power supply line; live and neutral power output terminals on the housing assembly that are dimensioned to be plugged into corresponding features on a second power block connected to a luminaire; a dimmer unit; a dimmer unit controller; a wireless communication interface adapted to receive data/operating instructions and to relay data to a remote repository; and a wired connection between the electronic 2-way communication module and the luminaire adapted for the 2-way transmission of data between the module and the luminaire and vice versa, wherein the wired connection comprises a power line communication that carries data through a conductor that is also used for power transmission.

12. The electronic 2-way communication module according to claim 11, wherein the dimmer unit is a TRIAC dimmer.

13. The electronic 2-way communication module according to claim 11, wherein the dimmer unit controller is electrically connected to an intelligent power supply unit, and receives electrical power from the intelligent power supply unit.

14. The electronic 2-way communication module of claim 11, wherein the 2-way communication module is adapted to be retrofit onto the luminaire.

15. The electronic 2-way communication module of claim 11, wherein: the luminaire is connected to the power supply line by a plug-in type two part electrical connector block; and the housing assembly comprises a lock and release mechanism and complementary input and output terminals that are complementary to the corresponding features of the plug-in type two part electrical connector block of the luminaire, such that the electronic communication module can be installed in between the two parts of an existing connector block.

16. The electronic 2-way communication module of claim 11, wherein the luminaire comprises an on-board dimmer unit, wherein the dimmer unit controller controls the on-board dimmer unit in the luminaire.

17. The electronic 2-way communication module according to claim 11, further comprising: a power transfer and an AC communication unit; and optionally, a real time clock.

18. An electronic 2-way communication module for 2-way communication with a luminaire, wherein the electronic 2-way communication module comprises: a housing assembly; live and neutral power input terminals on the housing assembly that are dimensioned to be plugged into corresponding features on a first power block connected to a power supply line; live and neutral power output terminals on the housing assembly that are dimensioned to be plugged into corresponding features on a second power block connected to a luminaire; a dimmer unit controller; a wireless communication interface adapted to receive data/operating instructions and to relay data to a remote repository; a wired connection between the electronic 2-way communication module and the luminaire adapted for 2-way transmission of data between the module and the luminaire and vice versa; and a memory module adapted to store information regarding the functioning of the luminaire selected from a group of information comprising: a number of times the luminaire has been turned on/off; a total duration the luminaire has been illuminated; a duration that has elapsed from the initiation of the luminaire; a lumen output of an LED light engine associated with the luminaire when not dimmed; an operating temperature of an LED light engine associated with the luminaire.

19. The electronic 2-way communication module according to claim 18, wherein the luminaire comprises an on-board dimmer unit, the dimmer unit controller controlling the on-board dimmer unit in the luminaire

20. The electronic 2-way communication module according to claim 18, further comprising a TRIAC dimmer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] A more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments thereof and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates in schematic form an electronic 2-way communication module adapted to fit in series within an existing plug-in type two part electrical connector block providing power to a luminaire;

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates in schematic form the components of an electronic communication module shown in FIG. 1 and its interconnection with an LED light engine and associated PCB;

[0038] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate in block diagram form the components of two types of electronic communication module that include dimmer unit controller/dimmer control units;

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates in schematic form the components of an electronic communication module similar to that shown in FIG. 2 and its interconnection with an LED light engine and associated PCB;

[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates in schematic form the components of a further electronic communication module and its interconnection with an LED light engine and associated PCB;

[0041] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate perspective and plan views respectively of a further electronic communication module with the top of the housing assembly removed to expose a schematic view of the components;

[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates the electronic communication module of FIG. 7 with the housing assembly cover in place and input and output power line wires attached;

[0043] FIG. 10 illustrates the input and output wires shown in FIG. 9 attached to respective FASTFIX connectors; and

[0044] FIG. 11 illustrates the respective FASTFIX connectors connected to each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Various features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying figures in which like numerals represent like components throughout the figures and text. The various described features are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to some embodiments.

[0046] The present disclosure provides a new type of electronic 2-way communication module that can be inserted in series in the power supply cable to a luminaire, either as an inline module/connector block or, as a plug-in connector block that can be inserted into known types of plug-in type two part electrical connector blocks. Such connector blocks are well known in the electrical trade and a wide variety are already commercially available. Three examples that have particular application in the lighting sector are the FASTFIX Rapid Install System supplied by Aurora Limited, the CLICK system supplied by Scolmore International Limited of Scolmore Park, Landsberg, Lichfield Road Industrial Estate, Tamworth, Staffordshire, United Kingdom, B79 7XB, and the Wieland connectors supplied by Wieland Electric GmbH of Brennerstrae 10-14, 96052 Bamberg, Germany.

[0047] These versatile lock and release connectors allow for the safe installation and subsequent replacement of a variety of light fittings or luminaires or other electrical items such as fans. The terms light fitting and luminaire are considered to have the same meaning and will be used interchangeably in the context of this description. Similarly the terms lamp and bulb are considered to have the same meaning, namely a device for giving out light that fits into some type of holder.

[0048] The term luminaire has a broad meaning in this context and is to be understood to encompasses similar terms such as light fixture, light fitting and lamp. The term lamp is to be understood to encompass similar terms such as light bulb, light or LED light engine. An LED light engine is a combination of one or more LED modules together with the associated electronic control gear or LED driver. An LED module contains one or more LEDs, together with further components, but excludes the control gear.

[0049] In practice when installing a luminaire the mains wiring is connected to the primary section of a connector and the necessary testing is then carried out. The appropriate luminaire is connected to the secondary section of the connector, if not already supplied in this fashion by the manufacturer. The installation is completed by plugging the primary and secondary connectors together, ensuring that they are locked in combination, and finally positioning the luminaire in its desired position. Both 3 pole and 4 pole connectors of this type are available.

[0050] It will be appreciated that as well as providing a safe and secure mains supply to the luminaire, these connectors allow quick and easy replacement of a luminaire simply by the user operating the quick release locking/unlocking system and pulling the connector apart. No live wires or connections are ever exposed and no tools are required to perform this operation. Nor is there any need for a qualified electrician. So long as the new luminaire comes with a secondary connector already attached it can simply be plugged in to the primary connector, again with no tools required.

[0051] As well as illustrating certain embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows a known arrangement whereby a luminaire 6 can be connected to a power source using such a connector assembly. Thus FIG. 1 shows a power source 7, which has live, neutral and earth connections, all of which are connected to a first or primary part 4 of a plug-in type two part electrical connector block. In this description the part of the connector block connected to the power source is referred to as the primary section and the part connected to the luminaire is referred to as the secondary section. A second or secondary part 5 of the plug-in type two part electrical connector block is connected to the luminaire 6. In normal, use prior to this invention, the luminaire is connected to mains power by simply push fitting first part 4 and second part 5 together, ensuring that locking lugs 10,11 on the secondary part 5 engage with and lock into corresponding apertures in the primary part 4. This plug-in type two part electrical connector block can be easily unplugged to permit easy removal and replacement of the luminaire. This can be done without any tools, re-wiring or the services of an electrician or controls engineer. A quick release locking mechanism of some type is usually provided as an integral part of the connector housing to avoid the two parts from coming apart accidentally.

[0052] Versatile as these connectors are for making mains or low voltage power connections, they do not include any control or communication functionality, and certainly no remote control or remote data reporting functionality. Currently that type of control is usually provided by a wall switch, a specialised control panel or remote communication module as part of a sophisticated controls package using a dedicated communication protocol. In the case of LED luminaires these often require special dimming drivers with remote control built in, or remote control built in to each LED luminaire. ZigBee and DALI as discussed above are just two of the communication protocols that currently find favour, but there are many others (see below).

[0053] An example of an electronic 2-way communication module according to the present invention is also illustrated schematically in FIG. 1. In this example the electronic module is shown connected to a digital dimming ready LED downlight 6 but it will be understood that it could be used connected to any piece of electrical or electronic equipment where remote control of some function is required. A conventional two part electrical connector block with a primary section 4 and a secondary section 5 is shown connecting power line 7 to the luminaire 6. A plug in electronic module, shown in grey scale in FIG. 1 located between the primary and secondary sections of the connector block. During assembly, one of the electronic communication modules 1, 2 or 3, which are shown as alternatives, is plugged in series in between sections 4 and 5. The electronic 2-way communication module is thus adapted to be connected in series into the power supply to the luminaire/lamp. These modules incorporate all the communications interface, dimming unit controller, and optionally a dimmer unit, and associated components/circuitry necessary to control all the desired function of the luminaire, and to relay data collected by the luminaire back to a remote data repository. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the necessary control signals are transmitted to the luminaire along control cable 9, and the power is supplied along cable 8. The control signals can be BiWire signals, and are PWM (pulse width modulation) signals and cable 9 is connected to a dimmer unit in the luminaire. Other wired communication protocols can be used for controlling the dimmer. Although cables 8 and 9 are shown as separate cables, these can be combined into a single multi-core cable.

[0054] Although separate power 8 and control 9 cables are shown for clarity purposes in FIGS. 1 and 2, in an embodiment the control signals are simply transmitted down the conventional mains/power cable that connects the connector block, shown in FIG. 1 as 5 and in FIG. 2 as 15, to the integrated circuit and driver on the LED PCB using known power line communication technology. Power-line communication (PLC) carries data on a conductor that is also used simultaneously for AC electric power transmission. Thus in this embodiment there would only be a conventional mains/power cable connecting the luminaire 6 to the connector block section, shown in FIG. 1 as 5 and in FIG. 2 as 15, exactly as in the prior art arrangement. This configuration is shown in FIG. 5, in which an electronic communication module 213 includes a ZigBee wireless module and a PLC dimmer unit controller, and the control signals are passed to the dimmer 217 via a mains cable. Again, the electronic communication module is adapted to be connected in series into the power supply to the luminaire/lamp

[0055] The various examples of communication module 1, 2 and 3 shown in FIG. 1 will now be described in more detail. As explained above, a variety of technical standard for network-based systems for controlling lighting in buildings have already been developed. It is an object of the present invention to make use of these existing, wireless, standards in a communication interface in the communication module, as well as being able to use those standards yet to be developed. Existing technologies include ZigBee as used in module 3 in FIG. 1, module 13 in FIG. 2, and module 213 in FIG. 5, and DALI, as used in module 2 in FIG. 1. Other useful wireless technical standards and protocols include Z-Wave, LoWPAN, JenNet-IP, INSTEON, X10, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This list is not exhaustive but serves to indicate the wide range of standards and protocols that can be employed in this invention. In addition, there may be new protocols developed in the future that could have good application in the present areas of technology. It is intended that this disclosure and the communication modules and systems described herein can be operated using any suitable wireless protocol/technical standard. That is to say, any of these protocols, when properly configured with the necessary components and circuitry, can be used to send control signals to an electronic communication module according to the present invention and thus on to an IC module in the LED lamp/luminaire or to a dimmer module, either built in to the circuitry within a luminaire or lamp, or within the communication module itself.

[0056] It is an important advantage of the electronic 2-way communication modules of the present invention, and the IC in the LED unit that they communicate with, that if a new wireless protocol is adopted or additional functionality is required, the old electronic module can be removed and a new electronic 2-way communication module can simply be inserted in its place. This is a very easy change to make and no tools or professional technical expert are required when a quick release two part electrical connector version is used.

[0057] It is a further advantage that whichever type of wireless protocol is used to communicate with the electronic communication module, the control signals from that electronic communication module to the luminaire/lamp, and any data/information sent back from the luminaire/lamp to the communication module, are communicated using the same protocol. Thus the luminaire/lamp is able to respond appropriately to these control signals regardless of which wireless technology is used to instruct the electronic communication module. Various suitable protocols for these control signals are known, such as X10 and PWM, and others are under development. It is intended that the present invention can operate using any suitable communications protocol.

[0058] A variety of dimming modules or technologies have already been developed for LED light engines and recently these have been miniaturised into integrated circuits (IC) or microchips such that they can be incorporated onto the PCB on which the LED light engine is mounted, or they can be incorporated elsewhere within an LED luminaire or lamp. The present invention in these embodiments makes use of LEDs which contain this IC on board dimmer technology.

[0059] Where the luminaire does not contain a built in dimmer module that can be controlled by signals from the electronic communication module, but the LED luminaire circuitry is nevertheless configured such that the luminaire is dimmable, then an in-line wireless dimmer, such as module 1 as shown in FIG. 1, can be used. Referring to the schematic block diagram shown in FIG. 3, this shows an electronic communication module that includes a 2-way communication interface 59 and associated signal processing unit 56, together with a dimmer control unit 55 that includes a dimmer unit. The dimmer unit is of the TRIAC type that finds application in conventional dimmer switches.

[0060] This type of dimmer unit is compatible with so-called dimmable luminaires, including dimmable LED luminaires that have the capability to translate signals from a TRIAC type dimmer into the rapid pulsing used to control LED light levels. It will however be appreciated that other types of analogue and digital dimmer units could be used within a communication module according to the present invention in order to achieve the desired dimming function. Dimming units are continually being developed and this invention is intended to include known and yet to be developed dimming units and dimming technologies, including digital AC dimmers and TRIAC dimmer emulators.

[0061] A further example of an electronic 2-way communication module 100 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically in FIG. 4. Electronic communication module 100 includes a live power input terminal 114, a neutral power input terminal 116, a live power output terminal 118, and a neutral power output terminal 120. Input and output earth terminals (not shown) may also be provided. Electronic module 100 further includes an AC conditioning module 103 connected to a power transfer and AC communication unit 106. Each of the output terminals 118, 120 are electrically connected to power transfer and AC communication unit 106. The electronic module 100 further includes a dimmer unit controller 105 and a communication interface 109. The dimmer unit controller 105 is electrically connected to an intelligent power supply unit 104, and receives electrical power there from. The above components are all located within an electronic communication module housing assembly of the type shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2 as 1, 2, 3 or 13 or 213 in FIG. 5.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, electronic communication module 100 receives control information in the form of wireless signals received by communication unit 106, which decodes the control information and passes the information to dimmer unit controller 105. Dimmer control unit 105 sends a control signal via the unit 106 to regulate the intensity of light emitted by the luminaire. Dimmer control unit 105 can for example cause the luminaire to be switched off, switched on fully, or to emit light of an intermediate intensity, according to the control information received.

[0063] An important feature of this invention is that regardless of the nature of the wireless technology/protocol used to receive wireless information at the electronic communication module, the output control signals sent out by the electronic communication module to the IC in the LED lamp/luminaire are always of the same format or protocol. This means that if for example a different wireless protocol is used at a later date, or additional functionality is required, then the user simply needs to remove the old communication module and install the appropriate new electronic communication module. The system is therefore future proof in this regard.

[0064] In an embodiments, such as the ones shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the housing assembly housing modules 1, 2, 3, 13 and 213 include a lock and release mechanism and input and output terminals complementary to the corresponding features of the plug-in type two part electrical connector block of the luminaire, such that the electronic communication module can be installed in between the two parts of an existing connector block for fast and easy installation of the electronic communication module into the connector block of the luminaire. Again, this can be done without any rewiring or tools and does not require the services of an electrician or control engineer.

[0065] The present invention is particularly versatile in that other remote control functionality can be incorporated into these electronic communication modules. For example, LEDs are available in which the colour temperature of the emitted light can be varied. LEDs are also available in which the colour of the light emitted can be varied. Examples of this known functionality are available from Super Bright LEDs Inc., St Louis, Mo., USA. However, as with other prior art technology, any lighting system incorporating this technology has to be designed and specified before installation, and requires expensive and bulky control units to be installed by skilled electricians or control engineers. A further disadvantage is that these known control units can each only handle a limited number of lamps or luminaires.

[0066] In contrast, by using an electronic communication module according to the present invention, a communication module including the appropriate signal generating function is simply wired in series with or inserted between the connector blocks associated with each lamp/luminaire that needs to be controlled remotely. In the latter case no tools, specialist technician or specialist knowledge are required.

[0067] In addition, the communication between the electronic communication module and the integrated circuit associated with the luminaire is by power line communication along the power cable connecting the electronic communication module to the LED luminaire or lamp. This power line communication technology is well known and a variety of different power line communication technologies and protocols are available to select from, as determined by the appropriate expert. This means that an electronic communication module according to the present invention can communicate with any LED device which has the corresponding power line communication function built in to its integrated circuitry.

[0068] The functionality of the IC module in the LED luminaire or lamp and the interaction between that IC and the electronic communication module is clearly an important feature of the present invention. An IC option is a Microcontroller ASIC (MASIC) which provides a cost effective but programmable (ROM) platform for intelligent LED lights. Such a chip can perform a plurality of functions, such switch mode power supply control (bucking and fly-back topologies), on chip temperature measurements, capacitive touch and proximity sensing, ambient light sensing for automatic night/day activation/deactivation, bi-directional optical data transfer, power line communications, timer function (auto off, etc), accepting commands (e.g. dimming) from a normal wall dimmer switch, dimming functions without external dimmer, lumen maintenance, temperature management, colour temperature adjustment, RGB control, HV LED control (i.e. no transformer/inductor required), PIR motion detection, and Other sensor data collection, management, storage and data transfer, including smoke detection data. This list of functions in not exhaustive but rather serves to illustrate the wide range and variety of functions that can be incorporated into en electronic communication module/IC combination.

[0069] Each of the functions above can be expanded into for specific applications. For example, the MASIC device can be provided with the necessary analogue elements to interface directly to a photo diode or phototransistor (3c-5C) US. By adding this single component the following functions and features becomes possible: Measurement of ambient light. This enables automatic activation of an LED lamp/luminaire when it gets dark and switching it off when it is light. It also very elegantly allows for data transfers and hence configuration from smart phones, tablets, laptops etc without any further costs. This can be via the screen or via the flashlight mechanism on the phones etc.

[0070] The result of this functionality means that a standard LED lamp/luminaire with a 3c extra component can be bought by a consumer and then the consumer can configure the lamp/luminaire using their smart phone or tablet to select an auto off period, or to make it automatically switch on at night, at a light level they choose and for a selected period only. These functions were always desirable but previously a supplier had to stock every function in a separate product. Now they are available in one LED lamp/luminaire and the user simply selects the functions they want by running an app on their phone, tablet, laptop, PC or other device, gaining incredible functionality and flexibility.

[0071] A further example relates to colour temperature. Some applications desire warm white for ambience, and others cold white for energy and attention etc. Now a single lamp/luminaire can offer all temperature ranges from say 3000K to 5000K in whatever steps the manufacturer wants to offer. Once again these colours are selectable with the user's smart phone/table/laptop app. In this case additional colour LED's must be incorporated into the LED light engine.

[0072] Optionally the LED device may be programmed to cycle through the colours, offering colder colour during working ours and becoming warmer as the night wears on to help the body with normal sleeping patterns.

[0073] One further important aspect is the functionality this technology makes possible with regards to networks, home/building automation and power management. Currently it is extremely costly to install a home automation system for lighting and even more difficult to maintain such a system as the user's needs change and more devices are added to the system over time. Anything that is changed requires input from a professional technical expert.

[0074] In the past the lamps/luminaires were not part of the network, but were simply a dumb load. And each lamp/luminaire had to be individually wired to a network node in order to be individually controllable. This was very costly in a new build and usually required complete rewiring of an existing building or home. There was also a problem of how to link a new or extra lamp/luminaire into the network. How and with what do you program it?

[0075] Using the described system, all these problems disappear because each lamp/luminaire fitted with an electronic 2-way communication module is individually addressable. The user simply runs the home automation app on a chosen computing device, selects the position to install the lamp on the Graphical User Interface (GUI) and then configures the lamp via the optical data transfer interface. Now the lamp has an address or handle in the network and can be addressed to perform individual functions even though it is on the same power line with several other lamps.

[0076] Essentially a user can set all this up by himself (or his teenage child), without having to involve a professional expert, and when getting home at night can for example activate several lights in the house by selecting a single icon on the smart phone. By way of example, if the user arrives home late at night he/she may activate the porch light for 30 minutes, the stairs light for 30 minutes and the bedroom light until it is switched off.

[0077] In summary, the combination of an electronic 2-way communication module fitted in line with the LED lamp/luminaire power supply in combination with an intelligent, programmable chip on board in the LED lamp/luminaire provides many levels of sophisticated control for the user. These range from simple dimming functions to creating and augmenting a complex building control and automation system. As mentioned above, the IC can measure temperature (no added components), motion detection (extra PIR only required), smoke (sensor added) and feed this information back into the network over the power line or wired data connection to the electronic 2-way communication module and from there wirelessly to a remote data repository.

[0078] As indicated above, other remote control functionality that can be incorporated into these modules includes, but is not limited to Touch sensor/proximity sensor input(s), as for example described in US2012/0056490 (Frederick Bruwer) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,249,089B1 (Azoteq Pty Ltd), motion sensors to turn the luminaires on and off or alter the brightness of a luminaire in response to the detection of movement in a space, time input(s) from a real time clock to turn the luminaire on and off on a timed basis, light input(s) from one or more light sensors to turn the luminaire on/off in response to the ambient light level.

[0079] These functionalities are known per se in the lighting field and the technology can be easily incorporated into the appropriately programmable microprocessor chip.

[0080] With regards to suitable user interfaces to interact with and instruct an electronic 2-way communication module, a wide variety of options are available. These include Apps for iPhones or other smart phones, Apps for iPads or other tablet devices, programs for a PC, and dedicated remote control units including wall mounted remote control units. Apps of various description and functionality are now ubiquitous and once again the technology necessary to develop such Apps and devices is either known or within the skill of a competent software designer.

[0081] It will be appreciated that if no plug-in type two part electrical connector block is in place in an existing installation, or a luminaire/light fitting is supplied without a plug-in type two part electrical connector block, then one can simply be installed, in order that an electronic communication module according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be used.

[0082] Alternatively and as shown in FIG. 6, the in-line electronic communication module 213a is installed by connections made directly to the mains cable 220 before it reaches the luminaire 216 by screw fix or push fit connectors (not shown). Again, electronic communication module 213a is adapted to be connected in series into the power supply to the luminaire/lamp.

[0083] In summary the electronic 2-way communication module is connected in-line between the luminaire and the power supply. For installations in which the luminaire includes a dimmer that is able to communicate with the electronic communication module via PLC protocol, communication between the electronic communication module and the luminaire is via the power cable, and a signal cable is not required. Power-line communication (PLC) is a protocol in which data is carried on a conductor that is also used simultaneously for AC electric power transmission.

[0084] A signal cable is also not required where the electronic communication module communicates with the dimmer using a near field protocol, such as Bluetooth.

[0085] For installations in which a dimmer unit is located in the luminaire/lamp then the dimmer unit must be able to communicate with the electronic communication module. This communication between the electronic module and the luminaire dimmer unit could be by power line communication via the power cable, or via an additional communications cable as described above. Various communication protocols are known and available for this purpose including X10 and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). Pulse-width modulation is a modulation technique that controls power supplied to electrical devices.

[0086] It will be appreciated that improved protocols for such communication are constantly in development and may become available in the future, and which can be applied to this approach for remotely controlling a luminaire by using a corresponding communication interface, and/or by using a corresponding protocol for providing information to the luminaire from the dimmer unit controller and vice versa.

[0087] FIGS. 7 to 11 illustrate a further embodiment of the system that may be wired in series into the powerline supplying power to a luminaire, or other item to be communicated with, or wired into plug-in type two part electrical connector blocks, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, and as described above. FIG. 7 illustrates an electronic 2-way communication module 300 with the side walls 301, 302 and base 303 of a housing assembly. The top or cover to the housing assembly has been removed for clarity, but the complete housing assembly is shown in FIG. 9. The various components necessary to receive and transmit wireless signals and data, and to enable bi-directional powerline communication with the LED light engine in a lamp or luminaire, are housed within the housing assembly, together with terminal blocks 304, 305. Components housed here can include a wireless IC translating data in a 2-way nature with a Power Line Communications IC. During assembly, wires 310, 311 are attached to terminal blocks 304, 305 allowing the module to be connected in series with the live, neutral and earth power supply to a luminaire/light fitting or other electrical item with which it is compatible.

[0088] FIG. 10 shows the module 300 connected to female 320 and male 321 connector blocks of the quick release type, ready for connection to corresponding connectors 322, 323 wired into the power supply to the electrical item to be communicated with. This is shown more clearly in FIG. 11.

[0089] It will also be understood that luminaires and lamps are not the only devices that can be controlled using this system. For example, the fan speed of a fan could be controlled using an electronic 2-way communication module according to the present disclosure.

[0090] The components of the apparatus illustrated are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet a further embodiment. It is intended that the apparatus include such modifications and variations. Further, steps described in the method may be utilized independently and separately from other steps described herein.

[0091] While the apparatus and method have been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope contemplated. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings found herein without departing from the essential scope thereof.

[0092] In this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, references to one embodiment, some embodiments, an embodiment and the like are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as about is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as first, second, upper, lower etc. are used to identify one element from another, and unless otherwise specified are not meant to refer to a particular order or number of elements.

[0093] As used herein, the terms may and may be indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of may and may be indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occurthis distinction is captured by the terms may and may be.

[0094] As used in the claims, the word comprises and its grammatical variants logically also subtend and include phrases of varying and differing extent such as for example, but not limited thereto, consisting essentially of and consisting of. Where necessary, ranges have been supplied, and those ranges are inclusive of all sub-ranges therebetween. It is to be expected that variations in these ranges will suggest themselves to a practitioner having ordinary skill in the art and, where not already dedicated to the public, the appended claims should cover those variations.

[0095] Advances in science and technology may make equivalents and substitutions possible that are not now contemplated by reason of the imprecision of language; these variations should be covered by the appended claims. This written description uses examples to disclose the method, machine and computer-readable medium, including the best mode, and also to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to practice these, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope thereof is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.