Lighting fixture with integrated input / output module

Abstract

A system includes a light fixture and an input / output device. The light fixture includes a housing and a light emitting element supported on the housing, and the light emitting element is in electrical communication with a power source. The input / output device is supported on the housing and is configured to detect activity in an area proximate to the light fixture. The input / output device includes a camera having a lens.

Description

[0001] Citation of relevant applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 852,864, filed May 24, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to lighting fixtures, and more particularly to lighting fixtures including cameras. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, a system includes a luminaire and an input / output device. The luminaire includes a housing and a light-emitting element supported on the housing, the light-emitting element being electrically connected to a power source. The input / output device is supported on the housing and configured to detect activity in an area near the luminaire. The input / output device includes a camera with a lens.

[0005] In some aspects, the luminaire includes a plurality of light-emitting elements, wherein the input / output device is supported on the housing at a position between at least two light-emitting elements.

[0006] In some aspects, the system further includes a controller in communication with the input / output device, the controller including an electronic processor and a memory, the controller being configured to initiate control operations based on information provided by the input / output device.

[0007] In some aspects, the input / output device detects the amount of interaction in the area near the luminaire, wherein the control operation includes initiating an antimicrobial action based on the interaction detected in the area near the luminaire.

[0008] In some aspects, the input / output device detects interaction quantities in the area near the luminaire, wherein the processor receives the information and generates a map of the area near the luminaire, wherein changes in the interaction quantities are represented by different colors.

[0009] In some aspects, the input / output device includes a light sensor.

[0010] In some aspects, the input / output device includes an infrared light emitter.

[0011] In some respects, the input / output device includes a microphone.

[0012] In some aspects, the input / output device includes a speaker.

[0013] In some respects, the luminaire is an embedded lighting fixture supported in the ceiling surface.

[0014] In some respects, the luminaire is a linear lighting fixture.

[0015] In another separate aspect, a lighting fixture assembly includes a housing, a light-emitting element supported on the housing, and an input / output device supported on the housing. The light-emitting element is electrically connected to a power source. The input / output device is configured to detect activity in an area near the lighting fixture, and includes a microphone and a camera with a lens.

[0016] In some aspects, the luminaire includes a plurality of light-emitting elements, wherein the input / output device is supported on the housing at a position between at least two light-emitting elements.

[0017] In some aspects, the input / output device is configured to send signals to a computer, including a processor, regarding activity detected in the area near the luminaire.

[0018] In some aspects, the input / output device includes a light sensor.

[0019] In some aspects, the input / output device includes an infrared light emitter.

[0020] In some aspects, the input / output device includes a speaker.

[0021] In some respects, the luminaire is an embedded lighting fixture supported in the ceiling surface.

[0022] In some respects, the luminaire is a linear lighting fixture.

[0023] Other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a plan view of the lighting fixture.

[0025] Figure 2 This is another plan view of the lighting fixture.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the input / output module.

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A side view of the camera's field of view for the input / output module.

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The bottom view of the camera's field of view in the input / output module.

[0029] Figure 6It includes controller and Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the system's input / output modules.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to another embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An enlarged perspective view of a portion of a lighting fixture. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Before detailing any embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited in application to the component configurations and construction details given in the following description or shown in the following drawings. This disclosure is capable of other embodiments and can be implemented or performed in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. The terms “comprising” and “including” and variations thereof, as used herein, are intended to cover all items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. The terms “consisting of” and variations thereof, as used herein, are intended to cover only the items listed thereafter and their equivalents. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “linked,” and variations thereof, are used extensively and cover both direct and indirect mounting, connection, support, and linking.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the lighting fixture 10 includes a frame or housing 14 and a lens or mirror portion 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 14 has a rectangular or square shape and is configured to be supported in a recessed position within a ceiling 22, with the lower surface of the housing 14 flush with the ceiling 22. The housing 14 includes light-emitting elements 20, which are connected to a power source (e.g., an LED driver, not shown). The light-emitting elements 20 may include, but are not limited to, incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, halogen lamps, metal halide lamps, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 14 further includes a pair of sides 26, a pair of ends 30, and a central portion 34 positioned between and parallel to the sides 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the central portion 34 is aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the lighting fixture 10. The central portion 34 is positioned between a pair of light-emitting elements 20, each of which is covered by a lens 18.

[0034] Input / output (I / O) module 38 is supported on housing 14. In the illustrated embodiment, I / O module 38 is positioned on the middle portion 34 of lighting fixture 10 and has a rectangular housing or adapter 42 configured to fit within housing 14 of lighting fixture 10. Figure 3As shown, the I / O module 38 includes a camera 50 with a lens. In some embodiments, the camera 50 is oriented in a direction that is tilted or perpendicular to the plane of the lighting fixture 10. In some embodiments, the camera 50 is oriented at an angle relative to the surface of the lighting fixture 10 and / or relative to the ceiling. In other embodiments, the camera 50 may be oriented in different ways on the lighting fixture 10 (e.g., on the periphery and / or decoration of the lighting fixture 10). The I / O module 38 also includes an indicator light 54 for indicating the status of the camera (e.g., on, off, ready to connect, connected, etc.).

[0035] In some embodiments, camera 50 may be a high-resolution, high-definition camera, including a 2.8mm lens with a 140-degree field of view. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, camera 50 can cover an area 56 having a rectangular shape (sizes A and B). In some embodiments, when module 38 is supported at a height of 10 feet, area 56 has dimensions of 27.5 feet × 10.8 feet. In some embodiments, when module 38 is supported at a height of 12 feet, area 56 has dimensions of 33 feet × 13 feet. In some embodiments, when I / O module 38 is supported at a height of 14 feet, area 56 has dimensions of 38.5 feet × 15.2 feet. In other embodiments, the coverage area can have different shapes and / or sizes.

[0036] Refer again Figure 3 The I / O module 38 further includes a light sensor 58 and an infrared (IR) emitter 62 for low-light and no-light conditions. In the illustrated embodiment, module 38 also includes a microphone 66 and a speaker 70 supporting bidirectional audio communication. Module 38 supports wireless connectivity (e.g., WiFi) and data encryption (e.g., compliant with AES-256) and secure data transmission (e.g., using open TLS / SSL). In some embodiments, module 38 communicates with other cameras and / or other control systems. Module 38 is also compatible with mobile applications and web-based applications, as well as tiered cloud services.

[0037] In some embodiments, the I / O module 38 communicates with the computer 110 (e.g., wirelessly). Reference Figure 6In some embodiments, computer 110 includes controller 300, which is electrically and / or communicatively coupled to input / output (I / O) interface 305 and user interface 310. In some embodiments, controller 300 includes a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide power, operational control, and protection to components and modules within controller 300 and / or other components of the system. For example, controller 300 includes electronic processor 315 (e.g., microprocessor or other suitable programmable device) and memory 320. Memory 320 includes, for example, program storage areas and data storage areas. Program storage areas and data storage areas may include combinations of different types of memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM)). Various non-transitory computer-readable media may be used, such as magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory. Electronic processor 315 is communicatively coupled to memory 320 and executes software instructions stored in memory 320 or stored on another non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., another memory or disk). Software may include one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions.

[0038] I / O interface 305 can be configured to input and output data from computer 110 to external devices, for example, via network 325. Network 325 can be, for example, a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., a TCP / IP-based network, a cellular network, such as, for example, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, an Evolved Data Optimized (EV-DO) network, an Enhanced Data Rate GSM Evolution Technology (EDGE) network, a 3GSM network, a 4GSM network, a 5G network, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) network, a Digital AMPS (IS-136 / TDMA) network, or an Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN) network, etc.). In other embodiments, the network is, for example, a local area network (LAN), a neighborhood network (NAN), a home area network (HAN), or a personal area network (PAN), employing any of a variety of communication protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, etc.).

[0039] User interface 310 may be configured to output information to and / or receive information from a user. In some embodiments, user interface 310 includes a display (e.g., a main display, a secondary display, etc.), an indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED)), and / or an input device (e.g., a touchscreen display, a plurality of knobs, dials, switches, buttons, etc.). The display may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), a light-emitting diode (“LED”) display, an organic LED (“OLED”) display, an electroluminescent display (“ELD”), a surface-conducting electron emission display (“SED”), a field emission display (“FED”), a thin-film transistor (“TFT”) LCD, etc. Although illustrated as being included in or with host computer 105, in other embodiments, user interface 310 may be included in or as part of one or more devices 110.

[0040] In normal operation, computer 110 receives information from one or more modules 38 (e.g., via I / O interface 305 and network 325). In some embodiments, computer 110 receives image / video data via camera 50 and / or audio data via microphone 66. Computer 110 processes information and outputs information to a user via user interface 310. In some embodiments, computer 110 outputs information to other systems (e.g., other host computers, main servers, external computers, tablets, smartphones, etc.). In some embodiments, computer 110 outputs information via Short Message Service (SMS) and / or push notifications.

[0041] The integration of I / O module 38 with lighting fixtures provides a lighting-based wireless video security solution that can be implemented in a variety of locations, including but not limited to offices, corridors, stairwells, escalators, cafeterias, public areas, mechanical / electrical rooms, entrances / exits, loading / receiving docks, data centers, IT counters, bank counters, drive-through counters, classrooms, laboratories, parking lots, factory floors, warehouses, secure storage areas, and points of sale.

[0042] In addition, I / O modules 38 (or a network of I / O modules 38) provide illumination-based imaging to monitor the occurrence, frequency, and extent of interactions / contacts between people and various surfaces (e.g., tables, worktops, floor areas, doors / door handles, other equipment, etc.). This information can be used to determine which locations within the facility require disinfection and how frequently. Furthermore, I / O modules 38 (or a network of I / O modules 38) can be used to monitor utilization rates (e.g., pedestrian traffic within a space). Integrating I / O modules 38 into lighting fixtures (typically overhead) allows for large-area coverage.

[0043] Furthermore, when implemented within a network, one or more I / O modules 38 can be used to develop a combined top-down view of the space. An example of such a system is described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 857,861, filed April 24, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The information provided by module 38 can be used to generate a schematic of human use / interaction within covered area 56 by rendering the coverage of area 56 using a color-coded array of areas corresponding to the level of activity (similar to a heat map) over a predetermined time interval. Furthermore, controller 300 can perform control operations with antimicrobial components based on the information provided by module 38 regarding the amount of human interaction over the predetermined time interval. For example, controller 300 can send a report to the system manager to apply disinfectant to a specific area of ​​covered area 56. In another example, controller 300 can send a signal to operate a dispenser or cleaning device to apply disinfectant to a specific area of ​​covered area.

[0044] In other embodiments, the I / O module 38 can be integrated into different types of lighting fixtures. For example, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the lighting fixture may be a linear luminaire 410, which includes a light-emitting element 420, a lens 418, and an end cap 414 located at each end of the luminaire 410. An I / O module 38 may be positioned on one of the end caps 414.

[0045] Although several aspects have been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more individual aspects described. Various features and advantages are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A system of lighting fixtures comprising: a light fixture comprising a housing, and a light emitting element supported on the housing, the light emitting element in electrical communication with a power source; an input / output device supported on the housing and configured to detect activity in an area proximate to the light fixture, the input / output device comprising a camera having a lens, wherein the input / output device comprises a user interface configured to receive information from a user; and a controller in communication with the input / output device, the controller having a processor and a memory, wherein the input / output device detects an amount of interaction in an area proximate to the light fixture and the processor receives information and generates a map of the area proximate to the light fixture, wherein changes in the amount of interaction are represented by different colored areas.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, The light fixture comprises a plurality of light emitting elements, wherein the input / output device is supported on the housing in a position between at least two light emitting elements.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to initiate a control operation based on information provided by the input / output device.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein, The control operation comprises initiating an antimicrobial action based on the interaction detected in the area proximate to the light fixture.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein, Changes in the amount of interaction are represented by different colors in the different areas.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein, The input / output device comprises a light sensor.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein, The input / output device comprises an infrared light emitter.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein, The input / output device comprises a microphone.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein, The input / output device comprises a speaker.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein, The light fixture is a recessed lighting fixture supported in a ceiling surface.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein, The light fixture is a linear lighting fixture.

12. A lighting fixture assembly comprising: a light fixture comprising a housing; and a light emitting element supported on the housing, the light emitting element in electrical communication with a power source; an input / output device supported on the housing and configured to detect activity in an area proximate to the light fixture, the input / output device comprising a microphone and a camera having a lens and a user interface configured to receive information from a user; and a controller in communication with the input / output device, the controller having a processor and a memory, wherein the input / output device detects an amount of interaction in an area proximate to the light fixture and the processor receives information and generates a map of the area proximate to the light fixture, wherein changes in the amount of interaction are represented by different colored areas.

13. The luminaire assembly of claim 12, wherein, The light fixture comprises a plurality of light emitting elements, wherein the input / output device is supported on the housing in a position between at least two light emitting elements.

14. The luminaire assembly of claim 12, wherein, The input / output device is configured to send a signal regarding the activity detected in the area proximate to the light fixture over a wireless network.

15. The luminaire assembly of claim 12, wherein, The input / output device comprises a light sensor.

16. The luminaire assembly of claim 12, wherein, The input / output device comprises an infrared light emitter.

17. The luminaire assembly of claim 12, wherein, The input / output device comprises a speaker.

18. The luminaire assembly of claim 12, wherein, The light fixture is a recessed lighting fixture supported in a ceiling surface.

19. The luminaire assembly of claim 12, wherein, The light fixture is a linear lighting fixture.

20. The luminaire assembly of claim 12, wherein, Changes in the amount of interaction are represented by different colors in the different areas.

Images