Multi-Protocol Luminaire System

Abstract

A luminaire system comprising: a light module with at least one light source; a first peripheral interface device and a second peripheral interface device; a first interface configured to receive first signals from the first peripheral interface device using a first protocol; a second interface configured to send second signals to the second peripheral interface device using a second protocol; wherein the first protocol and the second protocol are different; a transfer module configured to transfer first data content included in a first input signal received at the first interface and/or first processed data based on said first data content, to the second interface; a control means configured to control the signaling between the first interface, the transfer module and the second interface.

Claims

1. A luminaire system comprising: a light module with at least one light source; a first peripheral interface device and a second peripheral interface device; a first interface configured to receive first signals from the first peripheral interface device using a first protocol; a second interface configured to send second signals to the second peripheral interface device using a second protocol, wherein the first protocol and the second protocol are different; a transfer module configured to transfer first data content included in a first input signal received at the first interface and/or first processed data based on said first data content, to the second interface; a control means configured to control the signaling between the first interface, the transfer module and the second interface such that, when said first input signal is received, a second output signal according to the second protocol is generated at said second interface, said second output signal including said first data content and/or said first processed data.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate presently preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of luminaire drivers and systems of the present invention. The above and other advantages of the features and objects of the invention will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system;

[0026] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a more detailed exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system; and

[0027] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire driver for driving both at least one light source as well as a peripheral interface device of the luminaire.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0028] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system comprising a light module 200 with at least one light source 210, a first peripheral interface device 100a, a second peripheral interface device 100b, a first interface 310a, a second interface 310b, a transfer module 350 and a control means 320.

[0029] The luminaire system may comprise a luminaire head 1000 with a luminaire housing 400 and a luminaire pole (not shown). The luminaire head 1000 may be connected in any manner known to the skilled person to the luminaire pole. Typical examples of such systems are street lights. In other non-illustrated embodiments, a luminaire head 1000 may be connected to a wall or a surface, e.g. for illuminating buildings or tunnels. The light module 200 is arranged in the luminaire housing 400. Typically, the light module 200 comprises a plurality of light sources 210, e.g. a plurality of light emitting diodes, preferably mounted on a carrier such as a PCB.

[0030] The first interface 310a is configured to receive first signals from the first peripheral interface device 100a using a first protocol. The second interface 310b is configured to send second signals to the second peripheral interface device 100b using a second protocol. It is assumed here that the first protocol and the second protocol are different.

[0031] The transfer module 350 is configured to transfer first data content included in a first input signal received at the first interface 310a and/or first processed data based on said first data content, to the second interface 310b. The control means 320 is configured to control the signaling between the first interface 310a, the transfer module 350 and the second interface 310b such that, when said first input signal is received, a second output signal according to the second protocol is generated at said second interface, said second output signal including said first data content and/or said first processed data. The transfer module 350 comprises a storage means 355 configured to store data content included in the first and/or second signals, or processed data content derived from said data content.

[0032] The first and second interface 310a, 310b, as well as the transfer module 350 and the control means 320 are arranged in the luminaire housing 400. The first and/or second peripheral interface device 100a, 100b may be arranged on the luminaire housing 400 or integrated in the luminaire housing 400. Also, the first and/or second peripheral interface device 100a, 100b may be mounted on or integrated in a luminaire pole, or may be provided on a bracket attached to the luminaire pole or to luminaire housing 400. More generally, the first and/or second peripheral interface device 100a, 100b may be provided anywhere in or near the luminaire head 1000 or luminaire pole. Preferably, the first and/or second peripheral interface device 100a, 100b are any one of the following: a sensor, a communication device. More in particular, the first and/or second peripheral interface device 100a, 100b may be any one of the following: [0033] a light sensor, a particle sensor, a microphone, a radar, a motion sensor, a sound sensor, a voice recorder, a detector of smoke, an image sensor, etc., and the associated circuitry; [0034] an antenna configured for receiving and emitting cellular data; [0035] a telecommunication device for wired or wireless communication, which can comprise at least one of: an optical fibre connection, a fibre to copper interface, a fibre patch panel, a modem, a router, a switch, a patch panel, a network video recorder (NVR), a computer; [0036] WiFi circuitry; [0037] charger circuitry, e.g. phone/computer/tablet charger circuitry or vehicle charger circuitry; or UAV charger circuitry (e.g. drone charger circuitry); [0038] any human interface device (HID) and the associated circuitry, e.g. a camera, a loudspeaker, a button, a display, etc. [0039] a signaling device, e.g. a light ring capable of performing signaling; [0040] a mechanical and/or electrical plug-in device, e.g. a universal plug-in module, e.g. a mechanical device to fix a flag, a waste bin, etc.; a socket plug-in device.

[0041] Preferably, the first protocol and the second protocol are any one of the following: Communication Area Network (CAN), Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI), Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (UART), 1-10V, I2C, RS485, USB, Ethernet, Local Interconnect Network (LIN), an analogue communication protocol such as an analog 4-20 mA current loop protocol used for electronic signaling.

[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a more detailed exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system with a luminaire head 1000 comprising a luminaire housing 400. The luminaire system comprises a light module 200 with at least one light source 210, a first peripheral interface device 100a, a second peripheral interface device 100b, a first interface 310a, a second interface 310b, a transfer module 350, and a control means 320a, 320b. The first interface 310a may be a first transceiver interface 310a configured to receive and send first signals from and to the first peripheral interface device 100a using the first protocol. The second interface 310b may be a second transceiver interface 310b configured to receive and send second signals from and to the second peripheral interface device 100b using the second protocol.

[0043] The transfer module 350 is configured to transfer first data content included in a first input signal received at the first interface 310a and/or first processed data based on said first data content, to the second interface 310b. The control means 320 is configured to control the signaling between the first interface 310a, the transfer module 350 and the second interface 310b such that, when said first input signal is received, a second output signal according to the second protocol is generated at said second interface 310b, said second output signal including said first data content and/or said first processed data. The transfer module 350 comprises a storage means 355 configured to store data content included in the first and/or second signals, or processed data content derived from said data content. Further, the transfer module 350 is configured to transfer second data content included in a second input signal received at the second interface 310b and/or second processed data based on said second data content, to the first interface 310a, and the control means 320 is configured to control the signaling between the second interface 310b, the transfer module 350 and the first interface 310a, such that, when the second input signal is received, a first output signal according to the first protocol is generated at said first interface 310a, said first output signal including said second data content and/or said second processed data.

[0044] The first peripheral interface device 100a may be e.g. a wireless communication device configured to communicate wirelessly (e.g. through 4G) with a remote device, and to communicate using the first protocol (e.g. DALI) with the first interface 310a. The second peripheral interface device 100b may be e.g. a sensor device configured to communicate using the second protocol, e.g. CAN, with the second interface 310b.

[0045] Further, a luminaire driver 300 for driving the light module 200 is provided. The luminaire driver 300 is shown to be arranged in the luminaire housing 400. However, in other embodiments the luminaire driver 300 may be arranged on the luminaire housing 400, on or in the luminaire pole, or in any other location near the luminaire. The luminaire driver 300 comprises a driver housing 370 with input connector elements 371, 372 for connection to a power supply P and output connector elements 373, 374 for connection to the at least one light source 210; and driver circuitry 360 arranged in said driver housing 370 and adapted to perform a driving functionality of the at least one light source 210. The first and the second interface 310a, 310b may be provided in or on the driver housing 370. The driver circuitry 360 may comprise converter circuitry, e.g. voltage-to-current regulating circuitry for providing a drive current to the at least one light source 210. Further the driver circuitry 360 may be configured to provide power to the first and/or second peripheral interface device 100a, 100b, and/or the first and/or second interface 310a, 310b, and/or the transfer module 350 and/or the control means 320a, 320b (not illustrated).

[0046] Optionally, the driver housing 370 is provided with a receiving means (not shown) configured for receiving at least one pluggable module, such that the at least one pluggable module can be received from outside of the driver housing 370. The at least one pluggable module may comprise at least a portion of the first and/or second interface 310a, 310b and/or of the transfer module 350 and/or of the control means 320a, 320b. To that end, the driver housing 370 may be provided with at least one recess for receiving the at least one pluggable module.

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system with a luminaire driver 300 arranged in a luminaire housing 400. The luminaire system further comprises a light module 200 with at least one light source 210, a first peripheral interface device 100a, a second peripheral interface device 100b, a first interface 310a, a second interface 310b, a transfer module 350, and a control means 320. The first and/or second peripheral interface device 100a, 100b may be arranged on the luminaire housing 400 or integrated in the luminaire housing 400. More generally, the first and/or second peripheral interface device 100a, 100b may be provided anywhere in or near the luminaire head or luminaire pole. Preferably, the first and/or second peripheral interface device 100a, 100b are any one of the following: a sensor, a communication device.

[0048] The luminaire driver 300 comprises a driver housing 370 with input connector elements 371, 372 for connection to a power supply P, output connector elements 373, 374 for connection to the at least one light source 210, output connector elements 373, 374 for connection to the first peripheral interface device 100a, output connector elements 373, 374 for connection to the second peripheral interface device 100b, and with a first and second control connector elements 376, 376, 377, 377. The input connector elements 371, 372 and/or the output connector elements 373, 374; 373, 374; 373, 374 and/or the first and second control connector elements 376, 376, 377, 377 may be any one of the following: a connection wire, a connector plug, a connector pin, a connector socket, a terminal block, or any combination thereof.

[0049] A driver circuitry 360 is arranged in the driver housing 370 between said input connector elements 371, 372 and said output connector elements 373, 374; 373, 374; 373, 374, and adapted to perform a driving functionality of the at least one light source 210 and of the first and second peripheral interface device 100a, 100b. In other embodiments, the first and/or second peripheral interface device 100a, 100b may be provided with its own power supply. The first and the second interface 310a, 310b, the transfer module 350 and the control means 320 may be provided in or on the driver housing 370. The driver circuitry 360 may comprise voltage-to-current regulating circuitry. Looking in a downstream direction from the power supply input connector elements 371, 372 towards the output connector elements 373, 374; 373, 374; 373, 374, the driver circuitry 360 comprises a filtering circuitry 363, a rectifier circuitry 364 with optional smoothing and power factor correction circuitry, and a power switching converter circuitry 361. The filtering circuitry 363 may be designed to filter out high frequency noise generated by the power switching converter circuitry 361. It may also include one or more protective components such as a varistor to filter out electrical transients from the power supply P, typically an electrical grid. The rectifier circuitry 364 may include one or more components, such as diodes, transistors, capacitors, and/or resistors, arranged to rectify the voltage between the first and second power supply input connector elements 371, 372. The rectifier circuitry 364 may include e.g. a passive diode bridge rectifier. The rectifier circuitry 364 may further include one or more components arranged to smoothen and/or otherwise condition the rectified DC voltage, and/or a passive component, such as inductor and capacitor, to perform a power factor correction. The power switching converter circuitry 361 includes a transformer with at least one primary side winding and at least one secondary side winding, preferably with a galvanic insulation between the primary side and the secondary side. The power switching converter circuitry 361 may comprise e.g. a flyback converter, a buck converter, a boost converter, etc.

[0050] The driver circuitry 360 may also comprise control circuitry 362 configured for controlling the converter circuitry 361, and in particular a switching element 365 of the converter circuitry 361, in function of a signal received from the control means 320, which signal may be based on a data received through the first control connector elements 376, 376 and/or the second control connector elements 377, 377. It is noted that the control means 320 and the control circuitry 362 may be implemented in a single unit or module. The transfer module 350 comprises a storage means 355 configured to store data content included in the first and/or second signals received through the first control connector elements 376, 376 and/or the second control connector elements 377, 377, or processed data content derived from said data content. In addition or alternatively, such storage means may also be part of the control circuitry 362.

[0051] The converter circuitry 361 may comprise voltage-to-current converter circuitry configured for generating a drive current for the at least one light source 210, as well as other converter circuitry configured for generating a drive current or voltage suitable for driving the peripheral interface devices 100a, 100b, which may be any one of the devices listed above in connection with FIG. 1. Further the driver circuitry 360 may be configured to provide power to the first and/or second interface 310a, 310b, and/or to the transfer module 350 and/or to the control means 320, see the connections 331, 332, 333, 334. Those connections 331, 332, 333, 334 may each comprise a power line and/or a control data line.

[0052] Optionally, the driver housing 370 is provided with a receiving means (not shown) configured for receiving at least one pluggable module 340, such that the at least one pluggable module 340 can be received from outside of the driver housing 370. The at least one pluggable module 340 may comprise at least a portion of the first and/or second interface 310a, 310b and/or of the transfer module 350 and/or of the control means 320. The driver housing 370 may be provided with at least one recess for receiving the at least one pluggable module 340, said recess forming a portion of the receiving means. In other embodiments, the receiving means may be only partly situated in the driver housing 370, or may not be part of the driver housing 370. For example, the receiving means could also have a separate housing mounted on the driver housing 370. The receiving means is configured such that the pluggable module 340 can be received from outside of the driver housing 370. The receiving means may comprise a mechanical means comprising a biunique fitting mechanism configured to hold the pluggable module 340. In addition, the receiving means and the pluggable module 340 may be configured such that the pluggable module 340 is removable.

[0053] When the pluggable module 340 is plugged in the receiving means, the control means 320 may be connected to the driver circuitry 360. Also the first and/or second interface 310a, 310b and/or the transfer module 350 may be connected to the driver circuitry 360. The receiving means may be configured such that the first and/or second interface 310a, 310b and/or the transfer module 350 are directly or indirectly connected to the driver circuitry 360, e.g. via the control means 320, when the pluggable module 340 is plugged in the receiving means.

[0054] In addition, when the pluggable module 340 is plugged in the receiving means the first and second control connector elements 376, 376, 377, 377 are connected to the first and second interface 310a, 310b, respectively. The first and second control connector elements 376, 376, 377, 377 are arranged such that they are accessible by a user from outside of the driver housing 370. The number of first and second control connector elements may be chosen in function of the type of peripheral interface device. The luminaire driver 300 may further comprise internal circuitry (not shown) configured to recognize the presence and/or the type of the pluggable module 340 when the pluggable module 340 is plugged-in in the receiving means. In such case, the luminaire driver 300 may further comprise signal switching and/or signal adaption circuitry (not shown). The internal circuitry may be configured to set the signal switching and/or signal adaption circuitry in function of the recognized type of pluggable module 340.

[0055] Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.