Lighting management system

Abstract

A lighting management system is provided, comprising: a plurality of lighting devices; a control system; a user interface device; wherein each lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices comprises a respective driver module configured to determine values of operating parameters of a set of operating parameters, and communicate the determined values to the control system; wherein the control system is configured for each respective driver module of the plurality of lighting devices: (i) to select at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, and (ii) to compute a first composite measure (C1) based on the determined values of the selected at least two first operating parameters; (iii) to select at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, wherein the at least two second operating parameters are different from the at least two first operating parameters, and (iv) to compute a second composite measure (C2) based on the determined values of the selected at least two second operating parameters; wherein the user interface device is configured to: obtain from the control system signals indicative of the first composite measure (C1) and the second composite measure (C2); render a visual representation with a first composite measure axis and a second composite measure axis, and for each respective driver module of the plurality of lighting devices, plot a point within the visual representation corresponding to the first composite measure and the second composite measure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lighting management system. It also relates to corresponding methods and computer program products. Furthermore, it relates to a control system for such a lighting management system. Finally, it relates to a user interface. And finally, it relates to a lighting device arranged for operation within such a lighting management system. Background Technology

[0002] LED-based lighting equipment has revolutionized the global lighting market. Driven by LED drivers, these devices are becoming increasingly intelligent in today's digitally connected world. These LED drivers are also known as LED driver modules. For example, modern LED driver modules with digital interfaces collect a wealth of data on various operating parameters. These parameters can include, for example, input (mains) voltage, surge voltage or current events, undervoltage, cold start events, lightning strikes, driver module temperature, and / or LED board temperature.

[0003] Therefore, due to the availability of various data, health and reliability monitoring of multiple LED-based lighting devices (such as street light clusters) has become easier and more common. The simplest option for representing the health and / or reliability of LED drivers would be to provide a single number for each driver module, such as the calculated remaining lifespan of the LED driver module. "Your drive module has 2.5 years of remaining service life before potential failure." ).

[0004] However, the applicant has found that single numbers are too simplistic to truly capture and transmit the complex health status of modern LED driver modules, while large numbers become too complex for human interpretation, such as for responsible maintenance experts. It has also been found that such telemetry data communication to the backend is not cost-free.

[0005] Therefore, there is a clear need for tools that increase the interpretability of driver module reliability-related data, while (A) preserving the maximum amount of information (or operational metrics) of the LED driver module, (B) enabling dynamic and human-interpretable visualization of the information, and (C) preferably reducing the cost of the aforementioned communication. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of this invention is to provide an improved lighting management system that at least mitigates the aforementioned problems and disadvantages. Therefore, this invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention provides a lighting management system comprising: a plurality of lighting devices; a control system; and a user interface device; wherein each of the plurality of lighting devices includes a corresponding driver module configured to determine the values ​​of operating parameters of a set of operating parameters and to transmit the determined values ​​to the control system; wherein the control system is configured for each corresponding driver module of the plurality of lighting devices to: (i) select at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, and (ii) calculate a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two first operating parameters; (iii) select at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, wherein the at least two second operating parameters are different from the at least two first operating parameters, and (iv) calculate a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two second operating parameters; wherein the user interface device is configured to: obtain signals from the control system indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2); present a visual representation having a first composite metric axis and a second composite metric axis, and for each corresponding driver module of the plurality of lighting devices, draw points within the visual representation corresponding to the first composite metric and the second composite metric.

[0008] Therefore, the lighting management system according to the present invention enables the control system to obtain determined values ​​of operating parameters from a set of operating parameters for each corresponding driver module in a plurality of lighting devices. These determined values ​​may be telemetry data from the corresponding driver modules in the plurality of lighting devices.

[0009] Therefore, each driver module can be configured to acquire telemetry data and determine the values ​​of the operating parameters in the set of operating parameters. Throughout the application, the term "determine" can be alternatively phrased as acquiring, measuring, or calculating. For example, each of a plurality of lighting devices includes a corresponding driver module configured to measure the values ​​of the operating parameters in the set of operating parameters.

[0010] For each corresponding driver module among the multiple lighting devices, the control system then selects at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters and calculates a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two first operating parameters. Similarly, the control system also selects at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, wherein the at least two second operating parameters are different from the at least two first operating parameters, and (iv) calculates a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two second operating parameters. Thus, the control system is configured to calculate (at each time) the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the corresponding operating parameters obtained from each driver module.

[0011] Therefore, the lighting management system according to the invention advantageously creates a first composite metric (C1) and a second composite metric (C2) from at least two different selected operating parameters. This compresses the obtained determined values, and thus compresses information related to the health of each driver module.

[0012] Subsequently, the user interface device according to the invention advantageously presents a visual representation having a first composite metric axis and a second composite metric axis, and for each corresponding driver module among a plurality of lighting devices, points within the visual representation corresponding to the first composite metric and the second composite metric are plotted. This ensures that the determined values ​​compressed in the first (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) respectively for each driver module (at each time) are visualized in an ergonomic and human-interpretable manner.

[0013] Therefore, in embodiments, the visual representation can be, in particular, a two-dimensional visual representation, such as, for example, a scatter plot having an X-axis representing the range of a first composite metric (C1) and a Y-axis representing the range of a second composite metric (C2).

[0014] Therefore, each point entry in the visual representation represents the health status of a specific LED driver module, and the resulting point cloud as a whole represents the health of multiple lighting devices at the cluster level. Since the points are presented relative to each other in the same visual representation, the resulting point cloud provides the context of each specific LED driver module and how its health relates to the cluster (or the rest of the group). For example, outliers in the point cloud can be easily detected, indicating that the health development of a particular LED driver module does not align with the health development of the remaining LED driver modules in the cluster (or the rest of the group).

[0015] This invention is particularly beneficial to maintenance experts who view the same visual representation over time, and it can track each point (i.e., the health of the driver module) to identify anomalies in the dynamic development of the points drawn within the visual representation. Therefore, the lighting management system according to the invention and its user interface device for presenting the visual representation are useful technical tools for facilitating health and reliability monitoring of multiple LED-based lighting devices. Thus, the visual representation can represent a "health fingerprint" of multiple lighting devices, as well as a "view" of the progress of LED driver module health at the group or cluster level of lighting devices.

[0016] Therefore, the user interface device presents a healthy (single) visual representation of multiple lighting devices at the cluster level, where the multidimensional hyperdata of the LED driver modules is purposefully transformed (by selecting appropriate composite features) into points in the visual representation, where each point represents a corresponding driver module among the multiple lighting devices.

[0017] In summary, this invention provides a lighting management system in which the maximum amount of information (operational metrics) related to the LED driver module is preserved, while enabling dynamic and human-interpretable visualization of said information. Therefore, the lighting management system according to this invention meets the needs of the field of lighting system health monitoring.

[0018] The term "multiple lighting devices" can be alternatively used to describe a cluster of lighting devices or a group of lighting devices. The lighting devices may be, for example, streetlights. The term "point" can be used to describe a data point. The term "visual representation" can be used to describe a graph. The term "LED driver module" can be alternatively used to describe an LED driver. The driver module may include a driver or a power supply. The term "control system" can be alternatively used to describe a controller. The term "lighting device" can be alternatively used to describe a luminaire.

[0019] Alternatively, the driver module according to the invention may include a light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED) or a laser light source. Therefore, the driver module may be a module that includes power delivery or power electronic devices and an illumination module arranged to provide illumination.

[0020] In other words, each of the multiple lighting devices includes a corresponding driver module, which is configured to measure the value of an operating parameter of a set of operating parameters and transmit the measured value to a control system, wherein the first composite metric is calculated based on the measured values ​​of at least two selected first operating parameters; and wherein the second composite metric is calculated based on the measured values ​​of at least two selected second operating parameters.

[0021] As described above, each of the multiple lighting devices includes a corresponding driver module configured to determine the values ​​of the operating parameters of the set of operating parameters and to transmit the determined values ​​to the control system.

[0022] The driver module can be alternatively termed an LED driver. It is known in the art that driver modules, such as modern LED driver modules, can collect a large amount of data about various operating parameters. Therefore, the driver module according to the invention is configured to acquire (driver) telemetry data. The driver module can use the telemetry data to acquire (or: calculate, or: determine) a set of operating parameters. Therefore, the driver module according to the invention is thus configured to determine and / or measure the values ​​of the operating parameters in the set of operating parameters.

[0023] The driver module according to the invention may include an internal sensing device for sensing at least a portion of a set of operating parameters, and / or communicate with an external sensing device for sensing at least a portion of the set of operating parameters and obtaining (i.e., receiving or retrieving) the at least a portion of the set of operating parameters from the external sensing device. For example, a lighting device including the driver module may also include the external sensing device.

[0024] In this embodiment, the set of operating parameters may include at least three operating parameters. Therefore, the set of operating parameters includes enough operating parameters to ensure that at least two first operating parameters and at least two second operating parameters are different, although it is possible for one operating parameter to overlap. In this example, the set of operating parameters includes at least four operating parameters.

[0025] In embodiments, not limited to this, the set of operating parameters may include at least three of the following: (i) overvoltage stress level of the driver module input; (ii) undervoltage stress level of the driver module input; (iii) lightning surge level of the driver module; (iv) overtemperature of the driver module; (v) cold start stress of the driver module; (vi) vibration level; (vii) lightning surge frequency / lightning frequency; (viii) bus voltage; (ix) ambient temperature level; (x) water ingress level; (xi) mains voltage transient; (xii) power level; (xiii) operating state of the LED light source associated with the driver module (e.g., standby or fully on).

[0026] It may be advantageous that, when selecting the first and second composite features, the second composite feature (C2) contains as little information as possible that is already included in the first composite feature (C1). Simultaneously, it may be advantageous to maximize the remaining information captured by the first composite feature (C1) and orthogonal to it in the second composite feature (C2).

[0027] Therefore, in the embodiments, at least two second operating parameters are orthogonal to at least two first operating parameters. Thus, the first composite feature can be substantially orthogonal to the second composite feature.

[0028] The control system can therefore be configured to determine at least two second operating parameters orthogonal to at least two first operating parameters from a set of operating parameters, and then select the at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, and select the at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters. The control system can utilize physical information AI to perform the determination of which operating parameters are orthogonal.

[0029] For example, one degradation mechanism or failure mode associated with an LED driver module is cold-start stress, in which components on the PCB of the LED driver module are subjected to stress, deformation, or even detachment during the cold start of the corresponding lighting device. As will be described in more detail in this application, the operating parameters of the driver module's cold-start stress will, for example, be orthogonal (i.e., largely unrelated) to the failure modes associated with the electronics described in this application.

[0030] As described above, each of the plurality of lighting devices includes a corresponding driver module configured to determine the values ​​of operating parameters of a set of operating parameters and to transmit the determined values ​​to the control system. The control system is configured to obtain the determined values ​​from each corresponding driver module of the plurality of lighting devices.

[0031] In an embodiment, each corresponding driver module may be configured to continuously and / or periodically determine the values ​​of the operating parameters of the operating parameter set and transmit the determined values ​​to the control system.

[0032] In an embodiment, each corresponding driver module may be configured to, for example, incidentally determine the value of the operating parameter set based on a trigger event, and communicate the determined value to the control system.

[0033] In an embodiment, the control system may be configured to obtain, receive, or retrieve determined values ​​from a respective driver module of each of a plurality of lighting devices for a plurality of time instances.

[0034] The control system can communicate with multiple lighting devices via wired means, and / or wirelessly with multiple lighting devices, or both. This communication can be, for example, via DALI, Ethernet, Lo-Ra, PoE, radio frequency, LTE, 4G, 5G, other cellular or optical communication modes, etc.

[0035] In one embodiment, each of the respective driver modules in the plurality of lighting devices may include a wireless communication unit configured to transmit the determined value to the control system via wireless communication.

[0036] In an embodiment, each of the respective driver modules in the plurality of lighting devices may include a wireless communication unit configured to communicate a first composite metric (C1) and a second composite metric (C2) to the control system via wireless communication.

[0037] In one embodiment, the control system can be configured to poll each corresponding driver module among a plurality of lighting devices to obtain the determined value. Therefore, the control system can be configured to retrieve the determined value from each corresponding driver module among the plurality of lighting devices. The polling can be performed continuously and / or periodically.

[0038] As described above, each corresponding driver module transmits the determined value to the control system. The control system can process the determined value centrally or locally as indicated in steps (i) to (iv) above.

[0039] The control system may be, for example, remote and separate from multiple lighting devices. The control system may be, for example, part of one of the multiple lighting devices, thus acting as a master node for the remaining lighting devices.

[0040] Centralized processing can be advantageous because all processing is performed in a single location. Therefore, in one embodiment, the control system is a central controller configured to obtain determined values ​​from each corresponding driver module among a plurality of lighting devices, and wherein the central controller is configured to (v) convey signals indicating a first composite metric (C1) and a second composite metric (C2) to a user interface device. Such an embodiment can be advantageous because the central controller obtains all determined values ​​and centrally calculates the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) for all driver modules. The central controller may, for example, be a (back-end) server.

[0041] Therefore, in relevant embodiments, the central controller can be located separately (and / or remotely) from the multiple lighting devices. Alternatively, in relevant embodiments, the central controller can be located in a single master lighting device among the multiple lighting devices. Such a master lighting device can be a master node among the multiple lighting devices, which includes computing power to perform processing for the multiple lighting devices, such that only one of the multiple lighting devices (i.e., only the master lighting device) needs to be equipped with additional processing power, which can save costs.

[0042] Local processing can be advantageous because all processing is distributed among local processing nodes, thereby alleviating the need for a single location equipped with sufficient processing power. Therefore, in an embodiment, the control system includes a plurality of local controllers; wherein each of the plurality of local controllers is associated with a corresponding lighting device among a plurality of lighting devices; wherein each local controller is configured to obtain determined values ​​from a corresponding driver module of the corresponding lighting device associated with it; wherein each local controller is configured to, for the corresponding driver module associated with it: (i) select at least two first operating parameters from a set of operating parameters, and (ii) calculate a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two first operating parameters; (iii) select at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, wherein the at least two second operating parameters are different from the at least two first operating parameters, and (iv) calculate a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two second operating parameters.

[0043] In the example, the control system may include a (local) controller mounted on or housed within the housing of the lighting equipment. This mounting may be via a NEMA or Zhaga socket. The local controller can therefore be an outdoor lighting controller.

[0044] In a related embodiment, the control system includes a central controller that communicates with a plurality of local controllers; wherein, for each corresponding driver module among a plurality of lighting devices, the central controller is configured to obtain a first composite metric (C1) and a second composite metric (C2) from the plurality of local controllers.

[0045] In an embodiment, the control system can be configured to poll each of a plurality of local controllers (and / or each corresponding driver module of a plurality of lighting devices) to obtain the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2). Therefore, the control system can be configured to retrieve the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) from each corresponding driver module of a plurality of lighting devices. The polling can be performed continuously and / or periodically.

[0046] Furthermore, in an embodiment, each local controller is configured to send the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) to the central controller and / or the user interface device based on the value of the first composite metric (C1) and / or the value of the second composite metric (C2). For example, only sending the first composite metric exceeding a first value threshold and / or the second composite metric having a value exceeding a second value threshold allows only the relevant composite metrics to be considered for presentation in the visual representation. Such an embodiment can advantageously limit communication costs with the backend while still maintaining data richness because telemetry data is transmitted in compressed composite metrics.

[0047] Alternatively, in an embodiment, if the value of the first composite metric (C1) and / or the value of the second composite metric (C2) exceeds a predetermined flag feature threshold, each local controller is configured to set a flag feature, wherein the central controller may be configured to poll each local controller among a plurality of lighting devices and obtain the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) from the local controllers that have already set the flag features.

[0048] As described above, the control system is configured to, for each corresponding driver module among a plurality of lighting devices: (i) select at least two first operating parameters from a set of operating parameters, and (iii) select at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, wherein the at least two second operating parameters are different from the at least two first operating parameters. The selection can be performed by the control system in a variety of ways.

[0049] In this embodiment, at least two first operating parameters and / or at least two second operating parameters may be pre-selected. For example, the control system may include predefined rules for selecting which parameters are the two first operating parameters and / or which parameters are the at least two second operating parameters. Such predefined rules may be stored (or provided, or installed, or networked during the installation and / or configuration of the lighting management system and the corresponding multiple lighting devices) in the control system.

[0050] In various embodiments, the control system may include a physical information artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm configured to select at least two first operating parameters from a set of operating parameters and / or at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters. For example, the physical information AI algorithm can determine which operating parameters can significantly affect the health of lighting equipment and / or driver modules. For example, the AI ​​algorithm can learn which operating parameters are gradually deteriorating (e.g., relative to other parameters) and can select said operating parameters with composite characteristics. The AI ​​algorithm can also determine which parameters are orthogonal to each other. The AI ​​algorithm can also determine which parameters are relevant and which data can indicate when, how, and why certain lighting equipment has failed based on analysis of historical or empirical data or real-time data related to health monitoring.

[0051] In various embodiments, the control system may be configured to determine the installation locations of multiple lighting devices, and wherein the control system is configured to select at least two first operating parameters from a set of operating parameters and / or at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters based on the determined installation locations. The installation locations may be applied as a whole to multiple lighting devices (e.g., as a cluster, as a project, or as a group). The installation locations may also be described as geographical locations or the same geographical location.

[0052] Such an embodiment can be advantageous because each installation location or each (same) geographical location can cope with different environmental conditions affecting the health and reliability of multiple lighting devices, and therefore each installation location or each (same) geographical location can require the selection of at least two different first operating parameters and at least two different second operating parameters from a set of operating parameters.

[0053] For example, considering that multiple lighting installations are located in metropolitan areas of a city, different cities can cope with different environmental conditions that affect the health and reliability of multiple lighting installations: for example, Miami, Florida, is affected by high humidity and a large number of lightning strikes; Phoenix, Arizona, is affected by excessively high ambient temperatures, dust intrusion and a low number of lightning strikes; and Anchorage, Alaska, is affected by excessively low ambient temperatures (sub-zero freezing temperatures) and many lighting hours during the winter.

[0054] Furthermore, the lightning characteristics experienced by street lighting projects in Florida—as represented by parameters such as average amplitude, number of strikes per pole per year, and average duration of lightning strikes—may differ significantly from those experienced by street lighting projects installed in Alaska. That is, the Arctic and Antarctic regions are known to experience fewer and less severe lightning strikes compared to tropical and inland regions. In the United States, the West Coast experiences the fewest lightning strikes, while Florida, due to its subtropical climate and proximity to the ocean, has the highest number of thunderstorms and lightning strikes.

[0055] Therefore, since the installation location is related to the health monitoring of multiple lighting devices, it may be advantageous for the control system to determine the installation locations of multiple lighting devices (the installation locations may be referred to as the same installation location, e.g., geographical area, region, or city), and then select at least two first operating parameters and / or at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters based on the determined installation locations.

[0056] For example, for Miami, Florida, at least two first operating parameters or at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters can be two of the following: experienced lightning strike frequency, water ingress level, and driver module lightning surge level. For example, for Anchorage, Alaska, at least two first operating parameters or at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters can be two of the following: driver module cold start stress, ambient temperature level, and vibration level. For example, for Phoenix, Arizona, at least two first operating parameters or at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters can be two of the following: driver module overheating, ambient temperature level, and power level.

[0057] In various embodiments, the control system may be configured to: receive a user input signal indicating at least two first operating parameters from a set of operating parameters and / or at least two second operating parameters from a set of operating parameters; wherein the control system is configured to select at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters and / or select at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters based on the user input signal.

[0058] In different embodiments, the control system may be configured to determine common characteristics of a plurality of lighting devices, and wherein the control system is configured to select at least two first operating parameters from a set of operating parameters and / or at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters based on the determined common characteristics of the plurality of lighting devices; wherein the common characteristics are at least one of the following: nominal input voltage of the plurality of lighting devices, type of the plurality of lighting devices, type of driver module of the plurality of lighting devices, average age of the plurality of lighting devices, stock units (SKU) of driver modules, weather conditions, current season, and lifespan of the plurality of lighting devices.

[0059] Referring again to the lighting management system according to the present invention. In an embodiment, the visual representation may be a scatter plot. In an example, the scatter plot may be a two-dimensional scatter plot.

[0060] However, in other examples, the scatter plot can be a three-dimensional scatter plot. For example, the user interface device can be a virtual reality, mixed reality, or augmented reality headset with spatial computing configured to present a three-dimensional scatter plot. In an alternative embodiment, the visual representation can be a pixel heatmap.

[0061] In one embodiment, the visual representation includes a first user interface element configured to outline areas indicating a risk or malfunction of the driver module. In another embodiment, the first user interface element is a highlighted area within the visual representation, an outline within the visual representation, and / or a line within the visual representation.

[0062] As mentioned in part, the control system is configured to calculate a first composite metric (C1) and a second composite metric (C2) at each point in time, based on determined values ​​of the corresponding operating parameters obtained from each driver module. Therefore, the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) can be time-dependent metrics (i.e., dynamically changing over time). This enables, for example, monitoring the health (and health development) of multiple lighting devices over time during their (product's) lifespan.

[0063] Therefore, in the embodiment, each corresponding driver module is configured to determine the values ​​of the operating parameters of the set of operating parameters at a first time (T1) and a second time (T2); wherein the control system (e.g., a central controller or multiple local controllers as described above) is configured for each corresponding driver module among the multiple lighting devices to: (ii) calculate a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of at least two selected first operating parameters at the first time (T1) and the second time (T2); and (iv) calculate a second composite metric (C2) based on the values ​​of at least two selected second operating parameters at the first time (T1) and the second time (T2); wherein the visual representation is a time-dependent visual representation, which includes a first visual representation indicating the first time and a second visual representation indicating the second time; wherein the user interface device is configured to: for each corresponding driver module among the multiple lighting devices, draw a first point within the first visual representation corresponding to the first composite metric and the second composite metric at the first time, and draw a second point within the second visual representation corresponding to the first composite metric and the second composite metric at the second time.

[0064] In an embodiment, the control system may be configured to: calculate a first composite metric (C1) using a fixed first composite metric formula which is a function of the determined values ​​of at least two selected first operating parameters; and calculate a second composite metric (C2) using a fixed second composite metric formula which is a function of the determined values ​​of at least two selected second operating parameters.

[0065] In one embodiment, the control system may calculate a first composite metric (C1) based on a weighted sum of determined values ​​of at least two selected first operating parameters; wherein the control system calculates a second composite metric (C2) based on a weighted sum of determined values ​​of at least two selected second operating parameters.

[0066] In one embodiment, the control system is configured to select a cold start stress level and a vibration level from a set of operating parameters, and is configured to calculate a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected cold start stress level and vibration level; wherein the control system is configured to select a lightning strike frequency and a driver module input undervoltage stress level from a set of operating parameters, and is configured to calculate a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the selected lightning strike frequency and the driver module input undervoltage stress level.

[0067] For example, LED driver modules may typically have a potting material. The potting material in an LED driver module has a glass transition temperature below which it becomes very rigid. The cured potting has a different coefficient of thermal expansion than the PCB and / or the electronic components on which they are located. Therefore, there is a thermal difference coefficient between the potting material and the electronic components and / or the PCB. When the LED driver module setup changes, for example, when it is turned on in a lighting fixture that initially had a very cold LED driver module (in winter), the mismatch in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the potting and the components and / or the PCB causes mechanical stress on the components and / or the PCB, which may force the components, solder joints, or even the PCB to fracture or crack. For example, the applicant has found that during cryogenic power-up in Alaska, MOSFET SMD components heat up faster than the surrounding crystallized potting, leading to mechanical stress on the MOSFET, and this damage can result in reduced lifespan and failure modes.

[0068] Similarly, even without powering on the driver module and the light source, the extreme low-temperature exposure of the LED driver module itself may have already caused various components to be stressed and potentially pulled out of the PCB, as the potting bitumen of the LED driver module crystallizes and solidifies at low temperatures, resulting in thermal stress on surrounding components in contact with it. The applicant has experienced this, for example, with SMD diodes and SMD capacitors.

[0069] Therefore, in order to calculate the cold start stress level, the control system can obtain deterministic values ​​related to the operating parameters of the cold start temperature (i.e., the temperature immediately after the driver module is powered on) to capture information or at least indicate the lowest temperature the LED driver module has reached in the off-mode. The control system can also obtain deterministic values ​​related to the operating parameters of the ambient temperature.

[0070] For example, another known mechanism of degradation of electronic components (and particularly LED driver module electronics) is vibration of the lighting equipment (or illuminator). Vibration can cause the PCB to bend within the LED driver module, or cause mechanical forces to loosen components, such as those present on the PCB within the LED driver module. Vibration can, for example, cause the pins of relatively heavy components (such as transformers) to break. Such vibration can be caused, for example, by traffic (e.g., heavy trucks) passing by the lighting equipment and associated LED driver module, or by heavy machinery near the lighting equipment and associated LED driver module, or by wind loads and / or other similar meteorological phenomena. Vibration can be measured, for example, by vibration sensors associated with the LED driver module.

[0071] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control system is configured to select a cold start stress level and a vibration level from the set of operating parameters, and is configured to calculate a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected cold start stress level and vibration level. Thus, the first composite metric (C1) is associated with the overall degradation mechanism of the loose electronic components.

[0072] In different embodiments, the control system is configured to select ambient temperature and power level from a set of operating parameters, and is configured to calculate a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected ambient temperature and power level; wherein the control system is configured to select a driver module input overvoltage stress level and a driver module input undervoltage stress level from the set of operating parameters, and is configured to calculate a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the selected driver module input overvoltage stress level and the driver module input undervoltage stress level.

[0073] In an embodiment, the control system is configured to select ambient temperature and LED current ripple from a set of operating parameters, and is configured to calculate a first composite metric (C1) or a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the selected ambient temperature and LED current ripple.

[0074] In an embodiment, the control system is configured to select the operating state of the LED light (e.g., standby and fully on) and the LED current ripple from a set of operating parameters, and is configured to calculate a first composite metric (C1) or a second composite metric (C2) based on the selected ambient temperature and the determined value of the LED current ripple.

[0075] In an embodiment, the control system is configured to select ambient temperature and inlet water level from a set of operating parameters, and is configured to calculate a first composite metric (C1) or a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the selected ambient temperature and inlet water level.

[0076] In an embodiment, the control system is configured to select the driver module input overpressure stress level and the driver module input underpressure stress level from a set of operating parameters, and is configured to calculate a first composite metric (C1) or a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the driver module input overpressure stress level and the driver module input underpressure stress level.

[0077] Referring again to the lighting management system according to the invention. In an embodiment, the control system according to the invention is configured for each corresponding driver module among a plurality of lighting devices to: select at least two third operating parameters from a set of operating parameters, wherein the at least two third operating parameters are different from at least two first operating parameters and at least two second operating parameters, and calculate a third composite metric (C3) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two third operating parameters.

[0078] In relevant embodiments, the user interface device is configured to: receive a signal indicating a third composite metric (C3) from the control system; and, for each corresponding driver module among a plurality of lighting devices, change the dimension of a point drawn within a visual representation corresponding to the first and second composite metrics. In one embodiment, the dimension may be a size; or in other words, the point size or the diameter of the point. The point according to the invention drawn within the visual representation corresponding to the first and second composite metrics may be a bubble. The dimension may then be the bubble size. In different embodiments, the dimension may be the color (of the point). In different embodiments, the dimension may be the outline shape. Such embodiments with a third composite metric may be advantageous because more information can be drawn within the visual representation, thereby also visualizing a third dimension of the data ergonomically. In embodiments including a third composite metric, the visual representation may be a three-dimensional visual representation, such as a three-dimensional scatter plot.

[0079] In each respect, the control system is configured to: (i) permanently select at least two first operating parameters from a set of operating parameters; and (ii) calculate a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two first operating parameters; (iii) permanently select at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, wherein the at least two second operating parameters are different from the at least two first operating parameters; and (iv) calculate a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two second operating parameters. Therefore, once the at least two first operating parameters and the at least two second operating parameters are permanently selected, the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) are always calculated identically for each corresponding driver module in the plurality of lighting devices. The formulas used to calculate the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) can be permanently frozen. Thus, the phrase "permanently" implies a fixed predetermined time period of at least 5 years.

[0080] This enables, for example, human maintenance experts responsible for street lighting infrastructure to learn and identify key failure characteristics of LED driver modules specific to their street lighting infrastructure (within their city). Artificial intelligence (AI) can then be used to first select which operating parameters will constitute the first and second composite features and their visualization in a visual representation, and then a user interface device assists the maintenance expert's human brain in viewing the time series of the visual representation (e.g., a time-dependent dynamic 2D scatter plot) to identify anomalous LED driver modules in the street lighting infrastructure. Experienced street lighting maintenance experts will examine the visual representation, such as a scatter plot of time-animated data, to identify clusters exhibiting similar behavior.

[0081] In various aspects, the calculation of the first composite metric and / or the second composite metric according to the invention may also be based on general parameters in addition to the operating parameters. For example, the general parameters may be sensor measurements associated with the surrounding environment and / or environment of the corresponding lighting device, but not necessarily sensor measurements of the corresponding lighting device itself. For example, such general parameters may be local wind speed, air quality (e.g., volatile organic compounds or dust), or the number of human interactions with the lighting device (e.g., malicious damage).

[0082] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method that at least mitigates the aforementioned problems and disadvantages. Therefore, the present invention provides a method for light management of multiple lighting devices, wherein each of the multiple lighting devices includes a corresponding driver module, wherein the method includes: each corresponding driver module determining the values ​​of operating parameters of a set of operating parameters and transmitting the determined values ​​to a control system; the control system obtaining the determined values ​​from each corresponding driver module of the multiple lighting devices; for each corresponding driver module of the multiple lighting devices, the control system (i) selecting at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, and (ii) calculating a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two first operating parameters; for each corresponding driver module of the multiple lighting devices, the control system (iii) selecting at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, wherein the at least two second operating parameters are different from the at least two first operating parameters, and (iv) calculating a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two second operating parameters; a user interface device obtaining signals indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2); the user interface device presenting a visual representation having a first composite metric axis and a second composite metric axis, and for each corresponding driver module of the multiple lighting devices, the user interface device drawing points within the visual representation corresponding to the first composite metric and the second composite metric. Therefore, the advantages and / or embodiments of the system according to the invention can be applied to the method according to the invention with necessary modifications.

[0083] The present invention also relates to a computer program product. Therefore, the present invention provides a computer program product comprising computer program code that executes the method according to the present invention when the computer program product is run on a processing unit of a control system.

[0084] Therefore, aspects of the present invention can be implemented in a computer program product, which may be a collection of computer program instructions stored on a computer-readable storage device executable by a computer or control system. The instructions of the present invention can be in any interpretable or executable code mechanism, including but not limited to scripts, interpretable programs, dynamic link libraries (DLLs), or Java classes. The instructions can be provided as a complete executable program, a partial executable program, a modification (e.g., an update) of an existing program, or an extension (e.g., a plugin) of an existing program. Furthermore, portions of the processing of the present invention can be distributed across multiple computers or processors.

[0085] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved controller that at least mitigates the aforementioned problems and disadvantages. Therefore, the present invention provides a controller for managing (or monitoring) multiple lighting devices, each lighting device including a corresponding driver module configured to determine the values ​​of operating parameters of a set of operating parameters, wherein the controller is configured for each corresponding driver module of the multiple lighting devices to: (i) select at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters; and (ii) calculate a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two first operating parameters; (iii) select at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, wherein the at least two second operating parameters are different from the at least two first operating parameters; and (iv) calculate a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two second operating parameters. Therefore, the advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the system according to the invention can be modified as necessary and applied to the controller according to the invention.

[0086] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved lighting device that at least mitigates the aforementioned problems and disadvantages. Therefore, the present invention provides a lighting device comprising a local controller and a driver module, wherein the driver module is configured to determine values ​​of operating parameters in a set of operating parameters and to transmit the determined values ​​to the local controller; wherein the local controller is configured to (i) select at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, and (ii) calculate a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two first operating parameters; (iii) select at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, wherein the at least two second operating parameters are different from the at least two first operating parameters, and (iv) calculate a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two second operating parameters. Therefore, the advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the system according to the invention can be modified as necessary and applied to the lighting device according to the invention. The lighting device may alternatively be referred to as a luminaire. Therefore, the lighting device may be a luminaire. The lighting device or luminaire may include a light source for illuminating an outdoor environment.

[0087] In an embodiment, the local controller is configured to convey signals indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2).

[0088] In an embodiment, the local controller is configured to send a signal indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) based on the value of the first composite metric and / or the second composite metric. For example, in an embodiment, if the value of the first composite metric and / or the second composite metric is within a predetermined threshold limit (e.g., exceeding a predetermined threshold, or falling below a predetermined threshold), the local controller is configured to send a signal indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2).

[0089] For example, sending only a first composite metric exceeding a first value threshold and / or a second composite metric having a value exceeding a second value threshold allows only the relevant composite metrics to be considered for presentation in the visual representation. Such an embodiment can advantageously limit communication costs with the backend while still maintaining data richness because the telemetry data is transmitted in compressed composite metrics.

[0090] For example, a lighting fixture might be installed in Anchorage, Alaska, in a location that receives direct sunlight during the afternoon. This prevents the fixture from experiencing cold-start stress when switched on at night, as its temperature is already relatively mild in sunlight compared to fixtures installed in the shade. However, at some point, for various reasons, the fixture might not receive direct sunlight during the afternoon, such as newly erected buildings casting shadows, growing trees casting shadows, or the sun's movement resulting in periods of direct sunlight with lower angles of incidence. Therefore, cold-start stress may manifest in such cases. The local controller can then select a cold-start stress level and a vibration level from this set of operating parameters and calculate a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected cold-start stress level and vibration level. The lighting fixture can then convey signals indicating the first composite metric (C1) and a second composite metric (C2) based on the value of the first composite metric. More specifically, if the first composite metric exceeds a threshold limit, i.e., exceeds a predetermined threshold, the local controller can send only the first and second composite metrics. Therefore, when the lighting equipment experiences the aforementioned conditions (which may cause cold-start stress), only the first composite metric (C1) is then communicated. This allows for limiting communication costs when such communication is most needed.

[0091] Alternatively, in an embodiment, if the value of the first composite metric (C1) and / or the value of the second composite metric (C2) exceeds a predetermined flag feature threshold, the local controller is configured to set a flag feature, wherein the local controller is configured to determine a condition for the third device to poll the local controller for the first composite metric (C1) and / or the second composite metric (C2); and wherein the local controller is configured to: if a flag feature exists and if the condition is determined, send (or: release) a signal indicating the first composite metric (C1) and / or the second composite metric (C2).

[0092] In an embodiment, the local controller may periodically communicate (e.g., transmit) signals indicating a first composite metric (C1) and a second composite metric (C2) at a first frequency, wherein the local controller is configured to determine (or set) the first frequency based on the values ​​(or alternatively, the history of values) of the first composite metric (C1) and / or the second composite metric (C2). For example, in an embodiment, if the values ​​of the first composite metric and / or the second composite metric are within a predetermined first threshold limit (e.g., exceeding a predetermined first threshold, or falling below a predetermined first threshold), the local controller is configured to transmit signals indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) at the first frequency, and if the values ​​of the first composite metric and / or the second composite metric are within a predetermined second threshold limit (e.g., exceeding a predetermined second threshold, or falling below a predetermined second threshold), then transmit signals indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) at a second frequency.

[0093] In one embodiment, the local controller can determine a total number of lighting hours of the lighting equipment, and wherein, if the value is lower than a predetermined threshold limit (e.g., 25,000 lighting hours), the local controller can periodically transmit (e.g., send) signals indicating a first composite metric (C1) and a second composite metric (C2) at a first frequency, and if the value is higher than the predetermined threshold limit (e.g., 25,000 lighting hours), the local controller can periodically transmit (e.g., send) signals indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) at a second frequency. In one embodiment, preferably, the second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and most preferably at least twice as high. Attached Figure Description

[0094] The invention will now be further illustrated by way of illustrative, non-limiting drawings: Figure 1 An embodiment of the lighting management system according to the present invention is illustrated schematically; Figure 2 It schematically depicts the composition of Figure 1The visual representation of the user interface device presented in the embodiments depicted herein; Figure 3 An embodiment of the lighting management system according to the present invention is illustrated schematically; Figure 4 An embodiment of the lighting management system according to the present invention is illustrated schematically; Figure 5 The method according to the invention is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0095] Lighting equipment can operate in a variety of environments and experience different conditions—such as input voltage, ambient temperature, humidity, airflow, vibration, lightning strikes, mechanical stress, etc. These conditions also determine the health and lifespan of the lighting equipment.

[0096] For example, the input voltage of the LED driver module of a lighting fixture can be overshooted whenever other electrical loads connected to the same branch circuit are switched on or off. Such overshoot can affect the health and lifespan of the lighting fixture. Similarly, switching a lighting fixture from the utility grid to a local power generator can cause voltage overshoot or undershoot, which can stress electronic components and affect the health and lifespan of the lighting fixture.

[0097] Similarly, lightning strikes can hit power lines near lighting equipment and generate high surge voltages at the input of the lighting equipment's driver, which can affect the health and lifespan of the lighting equipment.

[0098] For example, lighting equipment may also experience unpredictable high temperatures in the driver module, due to its location, placement, or environmental conditions (such as ambient temperature). Therefore, it is well known in the art that the predicted lifespan of a lighting device is typically halved for every 10-degree increase in the temperature of the driver module (i.e., relative to the nominal driver housing temperature of normal operation). Thus, operation at such high temperatures can limit lifespan.

[0099] Throughout this application, the housing temperature of the driver module can also be considered as the temperature of the driver module.

[0100] Furthermore, particularly for outdoor lighting, when an LED driver module is powered on at very cold ambient temperatures, its components may experience mechanical stress and failure, also known as cold-start stress. For example, when the LED driver module is initially cold, the potting compound can become crystallized, and when the LED driver module is powered on (and thus heated), the potting compound can exert mechanical stress on the components within the LED driver module upon power-up.

[0101] For example, when a circuit with multiple LED lighting devices and associated driver modules is heavily loaded, the driver modules at the end of a branch circuit may operate under undervoltage conditions. Since most LED lighting devices operate in a constant output power mode to maintain consistent light output, undervoltage conditions will inevitably cause the electronics of the corresponding driver modules to experience increased input current, leading to overcurrent in the driver modules. For a nominal input voltage range of 120-277V, typical LED driver modules are designed for input voltages from 108V to 305V to cover ±10% variation in mains voltage. Operation outside this range can cause significant stress to the electronics, affecting their health and reducing their lifespan.

[0102] All of the above conditions can apply electrical, thermal, and / or mechanical stress, which may result in (irreversible) damage and / or premature failure of the lighting equipment and its associated driver modules.

[0103] Therefore, the LED driver module is configured to collect a large amount of data on various operating parameters. Such operating parameters may include, for example, input (mains) voltage, surge voltage or current events, undervoltage, cold start events, lightning strikes, driver module temperature, LED board temperature, etc.

[0104] Therefore, due to the availability of various data, health and reliability monitoring of multiple LED-based lighting devices, such as clusters of streetlights, has become easier and more common. However, the applicant has found that individual figures are too simplistic to truly capture and convey the complex health status of modern LED driver modules, while large amounts of data become too complex for human interpretation. It has also been found that such communication of (driver) telemetry data to the backend is not without communication costs.

[0105] Therefore, there is a clear need for tools to increase the interpretability of driver module reliability (and / or health) related data, while (A) preserving the maximum amount of information (or operational metrics) of the LED driver module, (B) enabling dynamic and human-interpretable visualization of said information, and (C) preferably reducing communication costs. This invention meets these needs.

[0106] Figure 1 An embodiment of the lighting management system 100 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically by way of non-limiting example. The lighting management system 100 includes a plurality of lighting devices 10, a control system 20, and a user interface device 30.

[0107] The plurality of lighting devices 10 may be illuminators or lamps, such as a cluster of street lighting equipment. Reference is still made here. Figure 1The embodiment depicted shows lighting equipment installed in a street lighting project in Anchorage, Alaska, where the ambient temperature is relatively low and environmental conditions are harsh.

[0108] For ease of explanation of the present invention, Figure 1 The embodiments depicted include three lighting devices 11, 12, and 13. Each lighting device 11, 12, and 13 includes a corresponding driver module 111, 121, and 131.

[0109] Alternatively, multiple lighting devices can be any other multiple number of lighting devices. Multiple lighting devices can also be described as multiple luminaires or multiple lighting fixtures. Multiple lighting devices can be, for example, a cluster of streetlights. The lighting devices can be LED lighting devices. Each of the multiple lighting devices includes a corresponding driver module. The driver module can also be described as an LED driver module or LED driver. Each lighting device may include one or more light engines configured to provide light and illuminate the environment.

[0110] Still referencing Figure 1 The corresponding driver modules 111, 121, and 131 are configured to acquire (e.g., collect, retrieve, or receive) telemetry data regarding the set of operating parameters 40. For example, the corresponding driver modules 111, 121, and 131 may also be configured to calculate the operating parameters based on the acquired various telemetry data. Each driver module may include a processor suitable for such calculations.

[0111] Furthermore, for example (not shown), each driver module may include an internal sensing device for sensing at least a portion of a set of operating parameters and / or communicating with an external sensing device, for sensing at least a portion of the set of operating parameters and obtaining (i.e., receiving or retrieving) at least a portion of the set of operating parameters from the external sensing device. The external sensing device may be part of a corresponding lighting device.

[0112] The operation parameter set 40 includes at least three operation parameters. (Still referencing...) Figure 1 To facilitate explanation of the present invention, the operating parameter set 40 includes four operating parameters. Specifically, the first parameter (P1) is the cold start stress, the second parameter (P2) is the vibration level, the third parameter (P3) is the undervoltage stress level of the driver module input, and the fourth parameter (P4) is the overvoltage stress level of the driver module.

[0113] Regarding the fourth parameter (P4), the input overvoltage stress level (or: the degree of input overvoltage health degradation), this parameter can be calculated by the driver module (based on the obtained telemetry data input). Therefore, it should be noted that the following calculation example is provided for a driver module with a nominal input voltage range of 120V-277V, where typical input voltages are between 108V-305V to cover variations of plus or minus 10%. Thus, this example is provided for driver modules with nominal input voltages between 108V-305V, but can be modified as necessary to apply to other input ranges, such as 374V or 480V drivers.

[0114] When the input voltage of the LED driver module exceeds 305 V, the stress level can be expressed by an equation. The stress level and its corresponding impact on the driver module's health are considered very high whenever the input voltage is 50% above the maximum nominal value for one cycle (0.0167 ms) or 10% above the maximum nominal value for 50,000 hours. To calculate the input overvoltage stress level, the driver module retrieves driver telemetry data for the input voltage and the logarithm of the voltage duration in seconds. In practice, the duration of an overvoltage event can range from 0.01667 ms to 50,000 hours (1.8 x 10^8 seconds). The fourth parameter (P4) of the driver module's overvoltage stress level (i.e., a characteristic indicating driver health degradation caused by overvoltage) can be expressed by the following equation: Therefore: I ov This refers to the overpressure stress level of the driver module. V in This is the input voltage as a percentage above the maximum nominal value. For example, considering a driver module with a maximum nominal input voltage of 277 V, a value of 10% means 305 V – which is 10% higher than the maximum nominal 277 V. The variable t is the overvoltage duration in seconds. The equation further includes constants a, b, and c. These constants can be predefined and / or pre-stored in the driver module. For example, a = -0.4878; b = 24.390, c = 0.97236 are chosen. Other values ​​for the constants can also be envisioned. The three constants can be determined by setting boundary conditions.

[0115] Similarly, regarding the third parameter (P3), at the input undervoltage stress level (or: input undervoltage health degradation), this parameter can be calculated by the driver module (based on the obtained telemetry data input). Undervoltage conditions often occur if the lighting fixture (e.g., a street light) is on a heavily loaded circuit and that particular lighting fixture is at the very end of its branch circuit. Therefore, it should be noted that the following calculation example is again provided for a driver module with a nominal input voltage range of 120V-277V, where typical input voltages are between 108V-305V to cover a variation of plus or minus 10%.

[0116] The third parameter (P3), used as the input underpressure stress level, can be calculated using the same formula as the input overpressure stress level, but with different boundary conditions and constants. That is: Therefore: I uv This is the undervoltage stress level of the driver module. V in This is the input voltage as a percentage higher than the maximum nominal value or lower than the minimum nominal value. For example, considering a driver module with a minimum nominal input voltage of 120 V, a value of -10% means 108 V – 10% lower than the minimum nominal 120 V. The variable t is the overvoltage duration in seconds. The equation further includes constants a, b, and c. These constants can be predefined and / or pre-stored in the driver module. For example, a = -1.5611; b = 33.333; c = 0.99667 are chosen. Other values ​​for the constants can also be envisioned. The three constants can be determined by setting boundary conditions.

[0117] Regarding the second parameter (P2), the vibration level, this parameter can be calculated by the actuator module based on the obtained telemetry data input. For example, the actuator module can obtain vibration measurements or vibration data from a sensing device such as a vibration sensor.

[0118] Regarding the first parameter (P1), the cold start stress, this parameter can be calculated by the driver module (based on the obtained telemetry data input). For example, the (LED) driver module retrieves telemetry data on the temperature of the (LED) driver exactly before a cold start, and the number of times the (LED) driver module is started at temperatures below a predetermined threshold (i.e., cold start). That is, a typical LED driver undergoes multiple starts at a specified minimum temperature, for example, 2000 starts at -40 degrees Celsius; however, it will only undergo a single start at the minimum temperature, for example, a single start at -55 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the first parameter (P1) of the cold start stress can be expressed by the following formula: Therefore: I CThe driver module cold start stress (level) is T. T is the startup temperature (i.e., energization) of the LED driver. N is the number of startups at said temperature T. The equation further includes constants a, b, and c. These constants can be predefined and / or pre-stored in the driver module. For example, a = 26.672; b = 0.667, c = 0.005 are chosen. Other values ​​for the constants are also conceivable. The three constants can be determined by setting boundary conditions and by electronics and / or lighting experts. Therefore, as mentioned, the operating parameter set 40 includes four operating parameters. That is, the first parameter (P1) is the cold start stress, the second parameter (P2) is the vibration level, the third parameter (P3) is the driver module input undervoltage stress level, and the fourth parameter (P4) is the driver module overvoltage stress level.

[0119] Alternatively, the set of operating parameters may include at least three of the following: (i) overvoltage stress level of the driver module input; (ii) undervoltage stress level of the driver module input; (iii) lightning surge level of the driver module; (iv) overtemperature of the driver module; (v) cold start stress of the driver module; (vi) vibration level; (vii) lightning surge frequency / lightning frequency; (viii) bus voltage; (ix) ambient temperature level; (x) water ingress level; (xi) mains voltage transient; (xii) power level; (xiii) operating state of the LED light source associated with the driver module (e.g., standby or fully on).

[0120] The following parameters: (iii) driver module lightning surge level, (iv) driver module over-temperature, (ix) ambient temperature, (x) water ingress level (or humidity level), and (xii) are power levels, which will be discussed below. Figure 2 The embodiments described herein are explained in more detail, but necessary modifications can be made to apply them to [other applications]. Figure 1 Alternative operating parameters for the embodiments described herein.

[0121] Alternatively, for example, it can be determined by other parameters that include ambient temperature. Figure 1The first composite metric of the embodiments described herein. That is, for example, the applicant has recognized that cold ambient temperatures cause abnormal waveforms in LED drivers, which degrades the health of electronic components. For example, as the electrolyte crystallizes and therefore the ESR value of the capacitor increases, the electrolytic capacitor at low temperatures will temporarily drop to a capacitance value close to zero. Therefore, at low temperatures, the LED driver will output large external ripple on the LED components (while LED drivers exposed to very low temperatures will suffer from high internal ripple). Large internal and external ripple will damage the semiconductor components of the LED driver module and the LED board. This can lead to visible failures in the lighting operation of the lighting equipment (the applicant has observed that at low temperatures, the output current of the LED driver can switch between on and off, resulting in visible light flickering from the lighting equipment. However, it should be noted that after startup, when the LED driver has been running for a period of time, the crystallized electrolyte will liquefy, and the capacitor will return to its nominal capacitance value).

[0122] Furthermore, the aforementioned electrolytic capacitors are used in many lighting fixture designs to clamp the DC bus voltage of the driver. If the ESR of the electrolytic capacitors in the LED driver is very high due to extremely low ambient temperatures, this voltage clamping is not very effective, and any voltage surges present on the main conductors (e.g., due to a utility company switching capacitor banks in the grid) may undesirably cause an increase in the bus voltage of the LED driver. Such a voltage increase can also affect the health of the LED driver and the lighting fixture itself.

[0123] Therefore, the operating parameters of ambient temperature can be correlated with the health monitoring of lighting equipment installed in Anchorage, Alaska, where the ambient temperature is low and the lighting equipment is experiencing a cold start.

[0124] The remaining operating parameters mentioned in this application can be similarly calculated by lighting experts and / or driver experts based on existing models used for lighting equipment reliability, lighting equipment lifespan, and driver module and / or lighting equipment health degradation.

[0125] Therefore, taking into account the above, the control system 60 is configured to calculate a first composite metric C1 using a fixed first composite metric formula that is a function of the determined values ​​of at least two selected first operating parameters; and to calculate a second composite metric C2 using a fixed second composite metric formula that is a function of the determined values ​​of at least two selected second operating parameters.

[0126] In the example, the control system calculates a first composite metric C1 based on a weighted sum of determined values ​​of at least two selected first operating parameters; wherein the control system calculates a second composite metric C2 based on a weighted sum of determined values ​​of at least two selected second operating parameters. For example: Therefore: C1 is the first composite feature. C2 is the second composite feature. P1, P2, P3, and P4 are the first, second, third, and fourth operating parameters, respectively. Factors w1, w2, w3, and w4 are the first, second, third, and fourth weighting factors, respectively. Other weighting factors and formulas for determining composite features can be similarly conceived.

[0127] In conclusion, it is still recommended to refer to Figure 1 The corresponding driver modules 111, 121, 131 are configured to determine—for example, measure or calculate—the value of the set 40 of the operating parameters P1, P2, P3, P4. Each corresponding driver module 111, 121, 131 is configured to communicate—for example, send, release, make available, or provide—the determined value to the control system 20. Thus, the control system 20 obtains (receives or retrieves) the determined value. Therefore, each corresponding driver module 111, 121, 131 of the plurality of lighting devices 11, 12, 13 may include a communication unit configured to communicate the determined value (or: such telemetry data) to the control system 20. The communication unit may communicate the determined value wirelessly or via a wired connection to the control system. In some examples, the control system may poll (e.g., periodically or incidentally) each corresponding driver module of the plurality of lighting devices to obtain the determined value.

[0128] Still referencing Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the control system 20 is arranged separately from the multiple lighting devices 11, 12, and 13. Here, the control system is a back-end controller communicatively coupled to the multiple lighting devices. The back-end controller can be communicatively coupled, for example, via a known radio frequency mode or via a known wired communication means. The communication can be, for example, via DALI, Ethernet, Lo-Ra, PoE, radio frequency, LTE, 4G, 5G, other cellular or optical communication modes, etc.

[0129] In an alternative example not shown, the control system 20 may also be embodied in a single master lighting device among multiple lighting devices, such that the central intelligence of the lighting management system resides within the master node, receiving data from the slave nodes. Alternatively, the control system may be at least partially located within the driver module itself.

[0130] Then, for each of the respective driver modules 111, 121, 131 among the multiple lighting devices 11, 12, 13, the control system 20 is configured to perform the following steps (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv).

[0131] That is, the control system 20 is configured to (i) select at least two first operating parameters 41 from the set of operating parameters. Here, the control system 20 (intentionally) selects a first operating parameter P1 and a second operating parameter P2—cold start stress and vibration level, respectively—as at least two first operating parameters. The control system 20 is then configured to (ii) calculate a first composite metric C1 based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two first operating parameters. That is, here, the control system 20 calculates the first composite metric C1 based on the determined values ​​of the selected cold start stress and vibration level.

[0132] Similarly, the control system 20 is configured to (iii) select at least two second operating parameters 42 from the set of operating parameters. Here, the control system 20 (intentionally) selects a third operating parameter P3 and a fourth operating parameter P4—the undervoltage stress level and the overvoltage stress level of the driver module input, respectively—as at least two second operating parameters 42. The control system 20 is then configured to (iv) calculate a second composite metric C2 based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two second operating parameters 42. That is, here, the control system 20 calculates the second composite metric C2 based on the determined value of the selected undervoltage stress level of the driver module input and the overvoltage stress level of the driver module input.

[0133] Therefore, at least two second operating parameters 42 differ from at least two first operating parameters 41, thereby making the first composite metric C1 and the second composite metric C2 distinct from each other. Here, the first composite metric C1 relates to mechanical degradation, failure, and health, while the second composite metric C2 relates to more electronic degradation, failure, and health. Thus, since the second composite feature C2 contains only a small amount of information already included in the first composite feature C1, the at least two second operating parameters are substantially orthogonal to the at least two first operating parameters. In this example, this advantageously allows for the maximum amount of information that can be captured by the first composite feature C1 and the remaining maximum amount of information orthogonal to the second composite feature C2.

[0134] Still referencing Figure 1In the embodiments depicted, more specifically, the at least two first operating parameters 41 and at least two second operating parameters are pre-selected or pre-configured and, for example, stored in the control system. This can be done, for example, by a lighting expert who knows that multiple lighting devices 11, 12, 13 are installed in Anchorage, Alaska. This can be done, for example, during the production of the lighting devices and / or driver modules and / or during commissioning / installation.

[0135] However, in alternative embodiments, the selection of at least two first operating parameters and at least two second operating parameters can be performed instead.

[0136] For example, the control system is configured to: receive a user input signal indicating at least two first operating parameters from a set of operating parameters and / or at least two second operating parameters from a set of operating parameters; wherein the control system is configured to select at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters and / or select at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters based on the user input signal.

[0137] For example, the control system is configured to determine the installation locations of multiple lighting fixtures. That is, in this example, the control system determines, for example, that multiple lighting fixtures are installed in Anchorage, Alaska, by obtaining their GPS locations or matching their unique identifiers with an installation list indicating which uniquely identified lighting fixtures are installed in different parts of the world. The control system is then configured to select at least two first operating parameters and / or at least two second operating parameters from a set of operating parameters based on the determined installation locations. For example, for multiple lighting fixtures installed in Anchorage, Alaska, the at least two first operating parameters and the at least two second operating parameters may be selected differently compared to multiple lighting fixtures installed in Miami, Florida, the latter perhaps placing greater emphasis on capturing more lightning-related degradation / failure modes with a second composite metric and moisture-related degradation / failure modes with a first composite metric.

[0138] For example, the control system may include a physical information artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm configured to select at least two first operating parameters from a set of operating parameters and / or select at least two second operating parameters from a set of operating parameters.

[0139] For example, the control system is configured to determine common characteristics of a plurality of lighting devices, and wherein the control system is configured to select at least two first operating parameters from a set of operating parameters and / or at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters based on the determined common characteristics of the plurality of lighting devices; wherein the common characteristics are at least one of the following: nominal input voltage of the plurality of lighting devices, type of the plurality of lighting devices, type of driver module of the plurality of lighting devices, average age of the plurality of lighting devices, stock units (SKU) of driver modules, weather conditions, current season, and lifespan of the plurality of lighting devices.

[0140] The latter example can be further elaborated. For instance, a common characteristic could be the stock-keeping unit (SKU) of the driver module. For example, the driver module could be a 110 V-277 V driver or a 277 V-248 V driver. Therefore, the input voltage operating range can differ. And these components can also inherently differ. For example, based on experience, it may be found that the capacitors in a batch of drivers from company "MU" can be weaker than those in a batch of drivers from company "IO". Therefore, driver modules with SKUs associated with components from company "MU" may require close monitoring and a purposefully selected set of operating parameters for monitoring. Similarly, a common characteristic could be the input voltage of the driver module. For example, the applicant supplies driver modules for the North American market with nominal inputs of 120 V, 208 V, 240 V, 277 V, 347 V, and 480 V. The most common nominal input voltage range for LED drivers is between 120 V and 277 V. The inventors have discovered that lightning strikes can affect 120-277 V driver modules differently than 277-480 V driver modules, with the latter appearing to be less susceptible to lightning-related damage. Therefore, when the control system selects at least two first operating parameters to construct a first composite feature and at least two second operating parameters to construct a second composite feature, the control system can select lightning-damage-related operating parameters for the 120-277 V driver module, while selecting other damage-related operating parameters, such as exceeding temperature, for the 277-480 V driver module.

[0141] Similarly, common characteristics can be the type of driver module that characterizes a particular LED driver design or architecture. For example, the selection of operating parameters for determining the first and / or second composite metric can be based on the driver module type or a specific LED driver type. For instance, a first LED driver design may use an MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor) surge suppression device, which the applicant has found to be generally sensitive to accumulated surge energy over time and can perform poorly at higher temperatures and / or higher trunk input voltages (further increasing the MOV temperature due to additional leakage current). Another type of driver module with a different LED driver design may use a TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) diode with a fault mechanism that is more temperature-dependent but not susceptible to repeated surge events. Therefore, based on the type of driver module, the control system according to the invention can advantageously select temperature-dependent and trunk input-dependent operating parameters to determine (e.g., calculate) the composite metric for the driver type using the MOV, or it can select only temperature-dependent operating parameters to determine (e.g., calculate) the composite metric for the driver type using the TVS. The type of driver module may alternatively be a driver identifier.

[0142] Furthermore, common characteristics can be the current season. Composite characteristics identified for summer may differ for winter. This allows maintenance personnel to better understand the seasonal effects on LED driver health. For example, in locations such as Florida, driver health deteriorates during the summer season due to lightning strikes, while during the winter season, changes in ambient temperature are the most prominent deterioration mechanism.

[0143] Furthermore, LED drivers typically have a lifespan of 50,000 hours. During the early portion of the installation lifespan, failure mechanisms associated with severe events such as lightning strikes, undervoltage, and cold starts are the most significant mechanisms for LED driver failure or degradation. Later in the installation lifespan, failure mechanisms associated with wear and tear become more dominant. Therefore, the control system can be configured to select at least two first operating parameters and / or at least two second operating parameters from a set of operating parameters based on the determined common characteristics (such as operating hours) of the lifespans of multiple lighting devices.

[0144] In short, still refer to Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment of the lighting management system 100 according to the invention advantageously creates a first composite metric C1 and a second composite metric C2 from at least two differently selected operating parameters 41, 42. This compresses the obtained determined values, and thus compresses information related to the health of each driver module 111, 121, 131.

[0145] The control system 100 is also configured to transmit a signal 29, indicating the first composite metric C1 and the second composite metric C2, to the user interface device 30. The user interface device 30 may be, for example, a computer, monitor, smartphone, console, tablet, smart glasses, VR headset, mixed reality headset, augmented reality device, etc. The signal may be, for example, a wired or wireless signal.

[0146] User interface device 30 receives signals 29 from control system 20 indicating the first composite metric C1 and the second composite metric C2. User interface device 30 then presents a visual representation 33. Here, visual representation 33 is a scatter plot. The scatter plot can preferably be two-dimensional. The visual representation—i.e., the scatter plot—includes a first composite metric axis 31 and a second composite metric axis 32. The first composite metric axis 31 is the X-axis of the scatter plot, where the range represents the value that the first composite feature C1 of each corresponding driver module can adopt. The second composite metric axis 32 is the Y-axis of the scatter plot, where the range represents the value that the second composite feature C2 of each corresponding driver module can adopt.

[0147] Still referencing Figure 1 The user interface device 30 is configured to draw points 331, 332, 333 corresponding to a first composite metric C1 and a second composite metric C2 of the respective driver modules 111, 121, 131 among the plurality of lighting devices 11, 12, 13 in a visual representation 33.

[0148] Furthermore, although optionally, as depicted in this embodiment, the user interface device 30 is configured to draw a first user interface element 34 in a visual representation 33. Thus, the visual representation 33 includes the first user interface element 34. The first user interface element 34 is configured to outline an area 35 indicating a risk or failure of the driver module. Here, the first user interface element 34 is a highlighted area 341 within the visual representation 33, and a line 342 within the visual representation 33, but alternatively, it may be an outline within the visual representation. Therefore, a point 333 located within said area 35 indicates that the corresponding and / or associated driver module 131 may have deteriorated and has a reduced lifespan, or in other words, is closer to (expected) failure.

[0149] Therefore, the user interface device 30 advantageously presents a visual representation 33 having a first composite metric axis 31 and a second composite metric axis 32, and for each corresponding driver module 111, 121, 131 among the plurality of lighting devices 11, 12, 13, plots points 331, 332, 333 within the visual representation 33 corresponding to the first composite metric C1 and the second composite metric C2. This ensures that the determined values ​​compressed in the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) for each driver module (at each time) are visualized in an ergonomic and human-interpretable manner.

[0150] According to the present invention, the first composite metric C1 and the second composite metric C2 of each respective driver module 111, 121, 131 can be time-dependent metrics (i.e., dynamically changing over time). This enables the monitoring of the health of multiple lighting devices over time.

[0151] Figure 2 A visual representation 33' of the user interface device 30 of the lighting management system 100 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically by way of non-limiting example, wherein the visual representation 33' is acquired at a second time T2, while Figure 1 The visual representation depicted in the image 33 is a cutoff at the first time T1 before the second time T2.

[0152] Therefore, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each corresponding driver module 111, 121, 131 is configured to determine the values ​​of the operating parameters of the set 40 of operating parameters at a first time (T1) and a second time (T2). The control system 20 is configured to, for each corresponding driver module 111, 121, 131 of the plurality of lighting devices 11, 12, 13, to: (ii) calculate a first composite metric C1 based on the determined values ​​of at least two first operating parameters selected at the first time T1, and calculate a first composite metric C1' based on the determined values ​​of at least two first operating parameters selected at the first time T2. Similarly, the control system 20 is configured to, for each corresponding driver module 111, 121, 131 of the plurality of lighting devices 11, 12, 13, to: (iv) calculate a second composite metric C2 based on the determined values ​​of at least two second operating parameters 42 selected at the first time T1, and calculate a second composite metric C2' based on the determined values ​​of at least two second operating parameters selected at the second time T2.

[0153] Still referencing Figure 2 Visual representation 33 is a time-dependent visual representation. It includes a first visual representation 33 indicating the first time point T1. This visual representation 33 is related to… Figure 1The visual representations shown are identical. The time-dependent visual representation also includes a second visual representation 33' indicating the second time point T2. Therefore, the user interface device 30 is configured to: for each of the respective driver modules 111, 121, 131 among the plurality of lighting devices 11, 12, 13, draw first points 331, 332, 333 corresponding to the first composite metric C1 and the second composite metric C2 at the first time point T1, and draw second points 331', 332', 333' corresponding to the first composite metric C1' and the second composite metric C2' at the second time point T2.

[0154] As previously stated, the first composite metric C1 is associated with mechanical degradation, failure, and health, while the second composite metric C2 is associated with more electronic degradation, failure, and health.

[0155] refer to Figure 2 The point 331, representing the first lighting device 11 and the first driver module 111, is depicted outside the region 35 outlined by the first user interface element 34 (i.e., the highlighted area 341 and line 342) at the first time T1. Further depicted, the point 331', representing the first lighting device 11 and the first driver module 111, is within the region 35 outlined by the first user interface element 34 (i.e., the highlighted area 341 and line 342) at the second time T2. Thus, point 331' is increased relative to point 331 on both the first composite metric axis 31 and the second composite metric axis 32. Therefore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the first lighting device 11 and the first driver module 111 exhibit significant degradation, more specifically, degradation related to mechanical degradation, failure and health, as well as degradation related to more electronic degradation, failure and health.

[0156] Similarly, refer to Figure 2 The diagram depicts a point 332 representing the second lighting device 12 and the second driver module 121 outside the region 35 outlined by the first user interface element 34 (i.e., the highlight area 341 and the line 342) at the first time T1. Further depicted, the point 332' representing the second lighting device 12 and the second driver module 121 is closer to, but still outside, the region 35 outlined by the first user interface element 34 (i.e., the highlight area 341 and the line 342) at the second time T2. Thus, point 332' substantially increases on the first composite metric axis 31 and decreases on the second composite metric axis 32 relative to point 332. Therefore, as... Figure 2As shown, the second lighting device 12 and the second driver module 121 exhibit degradation, more specifically, degradation related to mechanical degradation, failure, and health, but not (or less) related to more electronic degradation, failure, and health. Therefore, for the second lighting device 12, it can be concluded that the lighting device experiences cold-start stress and vibration, which reduces its lifespan, for example, because the second lighting device can be blocked from receiving incident sunlight and / or heavy traffic has increased between the measurements taken at the first time T1 and the second time T2.

[0157] Similarly, refer to Figure 2 The point 333 representing the third lighting device 13 and the third driver module 131 is depicted within the region 35 delineated by the first user interface element 34 (i.e., the highlighted area 341 and the line 342) at the first time T1. Therefore, its expected lifespan is significantly reduced compared to other lighting devices. Further depicted, the point 333' representing the third lighting device 13 and the third driver module 131 is still within the region 35 delineated by the first user interface element 34 (i.e., the highlighted area 341 and the line 342) at the second time T2, but this point 333' is reduced relative to point 333 on the second composite metric axis 32. Therefore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the third lighting device 13 and the third driver module 131 still exhibit poor health, but the expected lifespan is improved due to electronic degradation, for example, because the third lighting device receives a more stable input current due to the modification of the power grid.

[0158] In short, still refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each point entry in visual representation 33 represents the health status of a specific LED driver module 111, 121, 131, and the resulting point cloud together represents the health status of multiple lighting devices 11, 12, 13 at the cluster level. Since points 331, 332, 333 and 331', 332', 333' are presented relative to each other in the same visual representation 33, the resulting point cloud of points 331, 332, 333 & 331', 332', 333' provides context for each specific LED driver module 111, 121, 131 and how its health relates to the cluster (or the rest of the group). For example, outliers in the point cloud can be easily detected—for example, in… Figure 1 The point depicted as reference number 333 can indicate that the healthy development of a particular LED driver module 131 does not conform to the healthy development of the remaining LED driver modules in the cluster (or the rest of the group).

[0159] This invention is particularly beneficial to maintenance experts who view the same visual representation 33 over time, and it can track each point (i.e., the health of the driver module) to identify anomalies in the dynamic development of points 331, 332, 333 and 331', 332', 333' drawn within the visual representation 33.

[0160] Therefore, the lighting management system 100 according to the present invention and its user interface device 30 for presenting a visual representation 33 are beneficial technical tools for facilitating health and reliability monitoring of multiple LED-based lighting devices 11, 12, 13. Thus, the visual representation 33 can represent the "health fingerprint" of multiple lighting devices 11, 12, 13, as well as a "scan view" of the health progress of LED driver modules at the group or cluster level of the lighting devices 11, 12, 13.

[0161] Therefore, the user interface device 30 presents a healthy (single) visual representation 33 reflecting multiple lighting devices 11, 12, 13 at the cluster level, wherein the multidimensional hyperdata of LED driver modules 111, 121, 131 is purposefully transformed (by selecting appropriate composite features) into points 331, 332, 333 and 331', 332', 333' in the visual representation, wherein each point 331, 332, 333 & 331', 332', 333' represents a corresponding driver module 111, 121, 131 among the multiple lighting devices 11, 12, 13.

[0162] In summary, the present invention provides a lighting management system 100 in which the maximum amount of information (operational metrics) related to LED driver modules 111, 121, and 131 is retained, while realizing dynamic and human-interpretable visualization of said information. Therefore, the lighting management system 100 according to the present invention meets the needs of the field of lighting system health monitoring.

[0163] Figure 3 A lighting management system 300 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically by way of non-limiting example. The lighting management system 300 includes a plurality of lighting devices 50, a control system 60, and a user interface device 70.

[0164] That is, for the purpose of explaining the present invention, Figure 3 A lighting management system 300 is depicted, comprising a first lighting device 51 according to the invention and an identical second lighting device 52 according to the invention. Each lighting device 51, 52 includes a corresponding driver module 511, 521. Thus, the first lighting device 51 includes a first driver module 511, and the second lighting device 52 includes a second driver module 521.

[0165] The plurality of lighting devices 10 may be illuminators or lamps, such as a cluster of street lighting equipment. Reference is still made here. Figure 1 The embodiment depicted describes streetlights installed in a street lighting project in Shanghai, China, where a humid subtropical climate exists, characterized by cold winters and hot, humid summers with frequent lightning strikes and tropical storms. Such harsh conditions can affect the health and predicted lifespan of multiple lighting fixtures.

[0166] Lighting Management System 300 is similar to Figure 1 The lighting management system described in the embodiment is a different system than the control system, which is located away from multiple lighting devices. Figure 3 The lighting management system 300 currently depicted is characterized by a distributed control system that performs local processing (at least in part).

[0167] Therefore, refer to Figure 3 The control system 60 includes multiple local controllers 61, 62. Each local controller 61, 62 is associated with a corresponding lighting device 51, 52 and its driver module 511, 521 of the multiple lighting devices 50.

[0168] More specifically, in this embodiment, the first lighting device 51 includes a first local controller 61 of the control system 60, and the second lighting device 52 includes a second local controller 62 of the control system 60. In this embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, the first local controller 61 is housed within the housing of the first lighting device 51 and communicates with the first driver module 511, and the second local controller 62 is housed within the housing of the second lighting device 52 and communicates with the second driver module 521.

[0169] However, the local controller according to the invention can alternatively be mounted on the housing of the corresponding lighting equipment. For example, the local controller can be connected to the corresponding lighting equipment via a Zhaga or NEMA interface and thereby connected to its driver module. Thus, the local controller can be an outdoor lighting controller (OLC). Alternatively, the local controller according to the invention can be housed within the driver module. Therefore, the driver module can include the local controller associated with it.

[0170] Still referencing Figure 3 Each corresponding driver module 511, 521 is configured to acquire (e.g., collect, retrieve, or receive) telemetry data on an operating parameter set. In other words, each of the driver modules 511, 521 is configured to determine (e.g., measure) the values ​​of operating parameters for the operating parameter set 80. The corresponding driver module can also be configured to calculate the operating parameters based on, for example, the various acquired telemetry data. Each driver module may include a processor suitable for such calculations.

[0171] Furthermore, for example, not shown, each driver module may include an internal sensing device for sensing at least a portion of a set of operating parameters and / or communicating with an external sensing device, for sensing at least a portion of the set of operating parameters and obtaining (i.e., receiving or retrieving) said at least a portion of the set of operating parameters from said external sensing device. The external sensing device may be part of a corresponding lighting device.

[0172] Each driver module 511, 521 is also configured to transmit the determined value to the control system 60, and more specifically, to its respective local controller. Thus, the first driver module 511 transmits the determined value to the first local controller 61, and the second driver module 521 transmits the determined value to the second local controller 62.

[0173] Still referencing Figure 3 The operation parameter set 80 includes at least three operation parameters. For ease of explanation, the operation parameter set 80 includes five operation parameters. These operation parameters can be abbreviated as "parameters".

[0174] That is, the first parameter (F1) is the driver module over-temperature, the second parameter (F2) is the water ingress level (or humidity level), the third parameter (F3) is the ambient temperature, the fourth parameter (F4) is the driver module lightning surge level, and the fifth parameter (F5) is the power level.

[0175] Considering the first parameter (F1), the driver module overheats, an operating parameter that can be calculated by the driver module based on telemetry data input obtained from the (LED) driver module. As mentioned, it is well known in the art that the predicted lifespan of a lighting device is typically halved for every 10 degrees Celsius increase in the driver module temperature (i.e., relative to the nominal driver housing temperature for normal operation). Therefore, operation at such high temperatures can limit lifespan. The nominal driver housing temperature could be, for example, 80 degrees Celsius.

[0176] The lifespan of a driver module can be expressed by the following equation: Therefore: L represents lifespan. T REF This is the (reference) housing temperature at which the driver module achieves predicted lifespan. For example, 80 degrees Celsius. T C This is, for example, the measured housing temperature of the drive module obtained from drive module telemetry data. L0 is the baseline (predicted) lifespan, for example, 50k hours (when corresponding to T). REF (When operating at the casing temperature).

[0177] This can be illustrated by the following test, in which an LED driver module designed to operate for 50,000 hours at a housing temperature of 80 degrees Celsius appears to withstand only 500 hours at a housing temperature of 100 degrees Celsius, which is just 20 degrees above specifications. On the other hand, when operating at a lower housing temperature (e.g., the predicted lifetime of the LED driver module), the health of the driver module (or driver) improves significantly, doubling for every 10 degrees Celsius reduction from its designed housing temperature of 80 degrees Celsius for 50,000 hours.

[0178] Based on this, the parameters of the driver module overheating (i.e., the characteristics indicating temperature-induced driver health degradation) can be expressed by the following equation: Therefore: it is due to overheating (stress level) of the driver module. C This is, for example, the measured housing temperature of the driver module obtained from driver module telemetry data. The variable t is the temperature T. C The operation time. T REF This is the (reference) housing temperature at which the drive module achieves its predicted lifespan. For example, 80 degrees Celsius. L0 is the baseline (predicted) lifespan, such as 50,000 hours (when corresponding to T). REF (When operating at the shell temperature). K is a constant equal to the slope of the line obtained from the model; and is retrieved based on empirical data.

[0179] For example, when T C Higher than T REF When, the constant K can be: Or, for example, when T C Below T REF When, the constant K can be: Other values ​​for the constant K can be similarly conceived.

[0180] Furthermore, water entering lighting equipment (or illuminators) is a significant mechanism for the health degradation of LED drivers. For example, water ingress can be caused by damaged mechanical seals and can lead to material degradation and / or electronic component failure.

[0181] Therefore, taking into account the second parameter (F2), the water inlet level (or humidity level), this parameter can be calculated by the driver module based on the obtained telemetry data input. For example, the driver module can obtain water inlet measurement data or humidity readings from a sensing device such as a moisture sensor or humidity sensor. Alternatively, moisture inlet and / or humidity can be detected using radio frequency-based sensing. Therefore, the lighting device according to the invention can include radio frequency-based sensing capabilities.

[0182] High humidity within lighting equipment, particularly in driver modules, can induce electromigration on the driver PCB, potentially leading to short circuits. The same applies to water ingress. This can negatively impact the health of the lighting equipment and reduce the predicted lifespan of the associated driver modules.

[0183] Furthermore, the applicant of this invention has recognized that water ingress leads to degradation of the capacitance value of membrane capacitors, which is commonly found in drive modules and / or lighting equipment. Similarly, transformers are also commonly found in drive modules and / or lighting equipment. Moisture ingress events can further cause transformers to exhibit enhanced corona discharge, while moisture present within the transformer windings induces significant leakage currents between the windings, which can lead to transformer overheating. For example, such overheating can also manifest as overtemperature of the drive module.

[0184] Since the third parameter (F3) is the ambient temperature, this parameter can be calculated by the driver module based on the acquired telemetry data input. For example, the driver module can obtain temperature measurement data from a sensing device such as a temperature sensor.

[0185] Similar to high humidity, high ambient temperatures are also known to degrade the insulation of electronic components such as film capacitors and transformers. Therefore, overheating of the driver module can affect not only the driver electronics but also the ingress protection devices that safeguard these components from undesirable ambient conditions. The same applies to extremely low ambient temperatures, which can harden seals and / or cause brittle fracture of the housing material.

[0186] Therefore, high temperatures and water ingress (or humidity) will cause electromigration problems on the PCB of the driver module. In certain regions, such as Shanghai, China, or Miami, Florida during the summer months, high ambient temperatures can combine with high humidity levels, resulting in an unhealthy combination of operating conditions that degrades lighting equipment and affects its expected lifespan.

[0187] Consider the fourth parameter (F4), the lightning surge level of the driver module. For example, this operating parameter can be calculated by the driver module based on the telemetry data input obtained from the (LED) driver module.

[0188] The parameters of lightning surge level can be expressed as a function of the percentage of surge energy exceeding specifications, and how many times the driver module has been hit by lightning surges.

[0189] That is, when exposed to multiple lightning strikes with a specified first surge energy (e.g., 40 lightning strikes with a predetermined first surge energy (e.g., 10% above the specification), the (LED) driver module may be severely damaged, but similarly, it may be severely damaged by a single lightning strike with a specified second surge energy, such as a single lightning strike with a predetermined second surge energy (greater than the first surge energy), for example, 50% above the specification.

[0190] Therefore, the operating parameters of the driver module's lightning surge level (or health degradation characteristics associated with lightning / surge) can be expressed by the following equation: Therefore: I S This represents the lightning surge level of the driver module. E is the surge energy of the lightning strike. The surge energy can be calculated, for example, based on telemetry data, such as by integrating current into an MOV (metal oxide varistor), which is typically present at the input of the driver module to manage voltage spikes caused by lightning strikes, and the current can be measured. N is the number of surges or lightning strikes. The equation further includes constants a, b, and c. These constants can be predefined and / or pre-stored in the driver module. For example, a = -0.256; b = 20, c = 0.25. Other values ​​for the constants can also be envisioned. The three constants can be determined by setting boundary conditions and by electronics and / or lighting experts.

[0191] Alternatively, the parameters for lightning surge level can be calculated differently by weighted summation of the following: (A) the integral lightning strike intensity experienced by the (LED) driver module (i.e., the amplitude and duration of all lightning-related input voltage surges measured by the driver module), (B) the lightning strike events that the (LED) driver module has experienced (i.e., lightning strike events that may occur whenever the MOV of the driver module has been clamped to suppress surges), and (C) the amplitude and duration of each individual lightning strike experienced by the driver module and the temperature of the driver module (electronics) just before each lightning strike occurred and before it experienced each lightning strike.

[0192] This includes the latter feature (i.e., the temperature of the driver module just before the lightning strike) because the inventors of this application have discovered that if a first (LED) driver module exposed to lightning is cooler before the strike compared to a second (LED) driver module that has experienced an equivalent (or similar) lightning strike, then a lightning strike of the same intensity will cause less damage to the first, cooler (LED) driver module compared to a second, warmer (LED) driver module. Therefore, it is beneficial for the lighting equipment and driver module to be healthy when subjected to lightning strikes at a lower driver (module) temperature.

[0193] Considering the fourth parameter (F5), the power level, which can be obtained internally by the driver module as it controls the power level of the luminaire, the power level not only relates to the lighting hours of the luminaire and thus to its predicted lifespan, but also to the level of damage in the event of a lightning strike, as described above. That is, it has been found that if a first (LED) driver module exposed to a lightning strike is cooler before the strike compared to a second (LED) driver module experiencing an equivalent (or: similar) lightning strike, then a lightning strike of the same intensity will cause less damage to the first cooler (LED) driver module compared to a second, warmer (LED) driver module. Therefore, it is beneficial for the luminaire and driver module to be healthy under lightning strikes at lower driver (module) temperatures. Lower driver (module) temperatures can be achieved by operating the luminaire at lower power levels (e.g., 50% intensity, 10% intensity).

[0194] However, as mentioned above, extremely cold temperatures can cause output current ripple due to the deterioration of electrolytic capacitors in the LED driver. When the LED driver is also exposed to lightning strikes, the very same electrolytic capacitors cannot maintain the voltage of the lightning strike. Therefore, in this situation, the capacitors will allow high voltage to pass through—from the trunk cable, to the bus, and the rest of the driver electronics. These high voltages can cause damage to electronic components and damaged LEDs. Therefore, lightning strikes at extremely low temperatures are also detrimental to the health of the driver module and / or the lighting equipment. Thus, it is clear that the health of the lighting equipment and the associated driver module depends on the complex interaction of multiple conditions, and the present invention provides improved insights.

[0195] In short, still refer to Figure 3 The corresponding driver modules 511, 521 are configured to determine—for example, measure or calculate—the value of the set 80 of the operating parameters F1, F2, F3, F4, F5. Each corresponding driver module 511, 521 is configured to communicate—for example, send, release, make available, or provide—the determined value to its associated local controller 61, 62. Thus, the control system 60 and each corresponding local controller 61, 62 obtain (receive or retrieve) the determined value.

[0196] Each local controller 61, 62 is thus configured to perform the following steps (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) for the corresponding driver module 511, 521 associated therewith.

[0197] That is, each corresponding local controller 61, 62 is configured to (i) select at least two first operating parameters 81 from the set of operating parameters 80. Here, local controllers 61, 62 select a first operating parameter F1, a second operating parameter F2, and a third operating parameter F3 as at least two first operating parameters 81. In this case, the number of parameters in the first composite metric is three. Then, local controllers 61, 62 are configured, i.e., for the corresponding driver modules 511, 521, to (ii) calculate the first composite metric C1 based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two first operating parameters 81. That is, here, local controllers 61, 62 calculate the first composite metric C1 based on the determined values ​​of (F1) driver module over-temperature, (F2) inlet water level (or humidity level), and (F3) ambient temperature.

[0198] Similarly, local controllers 61 and 62 are configured to (iii) select at least two second operating parameters 82 from the set of operating parameters 80. Here, local controllers 61 and 62 select a fourth operating parameter F4 and a fifth operating parameter F5 as at least two second operating parameters 82. In this case, the number of parameters in the second composite metric is two. Then, local controllers 61 and 62 are configured to (iv) calculate the second composite metric C2 based on the values ​​of the selected at least two second operating parameters 82. That is, here, local controllers 61 and 62 calculate the second composite metric C2 based on the determined values ​​of the selected (F4) driver module lightning surge level and (F5) power level.

[0199] Therefore, at least two second operating parameters 82 differ from at least two first operating parameters 81, thereby making the first composite metric C1 and the second composite metric C2 distinct from each other. Here, the first composite metric C1 deals more with entry-related degradation, faults, and health, while the second composite metric C2 deals more with lightning-related degradation, faults, and health. Thus, since the second composite feature C2 contains only a small amount of information already included in the first composite feature C1, the at least two second operating parameters are substantially orthogonal to the at least two first operating parameters. In this example, this advantageously allows the maximum amount of information captured by the first composite feature C1 to be captured in the second composite feature C2, with the remaining maximum amount of information orthogonal to it.

[0200] Still referencing Figure 3In the embodiments depicted, more specifically, each local controller 61, 62 is configured to determine the installation location of its associated corresponding lighting device 51, 52. Specifically, the first local controller 61 determines the installation location of the first lighting device 51, and the second local controller 62 determines the installation location of the second lighting device 52. Here, each lighting device 51, 52 may include a GPS unit to determine its GPS location and transmit the GPS location to its associated corresponding local controller 61, 62. The corresponding local controller 61, 62 then determines the associated installation location of the lighting device 51, 52 based on the received or retrieved GPS location. Here, the installation location is the same location, such as a geographical region, i.e., the Shanghai area. A region can be defined as an administrative area of ​​a country, province, or municipality (such as a neighborhood). The installation location can also alternatively be a street.

[0201] The local controller can also determine the installation location of the corresponding lighting equipment via alternative means (such as receiving user input), or the installation location can be pre-stored in the lighting equipment, driver module, or the local controller itself.

[0202] In addition, still refer to Figure 3 In the embodiments depicted, each corresponding local controller 61, 62 is configured to select at least two first operating parameters 81 and at least two second operating parameters 82 from the set of operating parameters 80 based on the determined installation location - Shanghai, China.

[0203] Such embodiments are advantageous because the same lighting equipment and / or driver modules can be produced, but their behavior (such as the health monitoring described for the lighting management system according to the invention) can be configured to their actual installation location.

[0204] That is, the same at least two first operating parameters and at least two second operating parameters can be selected for the installation location, Miami, Florida, because Miami, Florida, can have a similar humid subtropical climate. However, if the local controller determines an installation location associated with a different climate, then at least two first operating parameters and / or at least two second operating parameters can be selected differently.

[0205] For example, Phoenix, Arizona has a dry desert climate, which may necessitate the selection of at least two primary operating parameters differently, as moisture-related degradation does not have a major impact on the health of lighting equipment in Phoenix, Arizona. Therefore, instead of using the (F1) driver module overheating operating parameter to constitute the primary composite metric, such as (F2) ingress water level and (F3) ambient temperature for Shanghai or Miami, the primary composite metric for the Phoenix, Arizona installation location could be selected as (A1) driver module overheating, (A2) ambient temperature, and (A3) power level. Thus, the primary composite metric for Phoenix, Arizona is more relevant to electrical degradation due to high temperatures. Since lightning strikes are also less common in Arizona, instead of using (F4) driver module lightning surge level and (F5) power level operating parameters to constitute the secondary composite metric, such as for Shanghai or Miami, the secondary composite metric for the Phoenix, Arizona installation location could be selected as (A4) driver module input overvoltage stress level and (A5) driver module input undervoltage stress level. Therefore, the first composite metric in Phoenix, Arizona, is more relevant to electrical degradation due to grid behavior and load.

[0206] For other locations in the world, we can similarly envision the selection of operating parameters and the determination of composite characteristics.

[0207] In an alternative embodiment, the selection of operating parameters and the determination of their association with composite features can be fixed, such as permanently fixed, i.e., fixed for each corresponding installation location.

[0208] In an alternative embodiment, at least two first operating parameters and / or at least two second operating parameters are pre-selected (by a corresponding local controller). In an alternative embodiment, the local controller includes a physical information artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm configured to select at least two first operating parameters and / or at least two second operating parameters from a set of operating parameters. In an alternative embodiment, the local controller can receive user input signals from the set of operating parameters indicating at least two first operating parameters and / or at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters; and select at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters and / or from the set of operating parameters based on the user input signals. In an alternative embodiment, the local controller can determine common characteristics of multiple lighting devices and select at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters and / or at least two second operating parameters based on the determined common characteristics of the multiple lighting devices. The common characteristics may be at least one of the following: nominal input voltage of the multiple lighting devices, type of the multiple lighting devices, driver module type of the multiple lighting devices, and average age of the multiple lighting devices.

[0209] In short, still refer to Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment of the lighting management system 300 according to the invention advantageously creates a first composite metric C1 and a second composite metric C2 from at least two differently selected operating parameters 81, 82. This compresses the obtained determined values, and thus compresses information related to the health of each driver module 51, 52.

[0210] Each local controller, which has been identified for its respective driver module, is also configured to convey signals 68, 69 indicating the first composite metric C1 and the second composite metric C2 to the user interface device 70.

[0211] Here, the signals 68 and 69 are transmitted wirelessly. Therefore, each lighting device may include a communication unit (not shown) to transmit the signals to a user interface device. The communication unit may communicate with a local controller and / or a portion of the local controller. Alternatively, the communication may be via a wired connection.

[0212] Here, the user interface device 70 is described as a laptop computer, but it can be any other user interface device suitable for conveying the first composite metric and the second composite metric to the user. Figure 3 The laptop computer is described by way of non-limiting example, featuring software associated with the Signify Interact City platform for monitoring street lighting projects in Shanghai, China.

[0213] User interface device 70 obtains each of signals 68 and 69 indicating the first composite metric C1 and the second composite metric C2 from each corresponding local controller 61, 62. User interface device 70 then presents a visual representation 73. Here, visual representation 73 is a scatter plot. The scatter plot may preferably be two-dimensional. Visual representation 73—i.e., the scatter plot—includes a first composite metric axis and a second composite metric axis. The first composite metric axis is the X-axis of the scatter plot, where the range represents the value that the first composite feature C1 of each corresponding driver module can adopt. The second composite metric axis is the Y-axis of the scatter plot, where the range represents the value that the second composite feature C2 of each corresponding driver module can adopt.

[0214] Still referencing Figure 3 The user interface device 70 is configured to draw, within the visual representation 73, corresponding points 731, 732 of the first composite metric C1 and the second composite metric C2 of the respective driver modules 511, 52 in each of the plurality of lighting devices 51, 52.

[0215] Figure 3 The first point 731 in the scatter plot 73 depicts the first composite metric C1 and the second composite metric C2 corresponding to the first lighting device 51 and the associated driver module 511, which are in the shape of a four-point star. Figure 3 The second point 732 in the scatter plot 73 corresponding to the first composite metric C1 and the second composite metric C2 of the second lighting device 52 and its associated driver module 521, which are shaped like a four-point star, is also depicted. However, since street lighting projects typically have dozens (possibly hundreds) of installed lighting devices, especially for cities like Shanghai, Figure 3 The points 733 of the street lighting project, which are the same as the points in scatter plot 73, are also depicted with necessary modifications.

[0216] Furthermore, although optionally, as depicted in this embodiment, the user interface device 70 is configured to draw a first user interface element 74 in a visual representation 74. Therefore, the visual representation 74 includes the first user interface element 74. The first user interface element 74 is configured to outline areas indicating driver module risks or malfunctions. Here, the first user interface element is a line within the visual representation, but alternatively, it may be a highlighted area or outline within the visual representation. The highlight may be a colored highlight.

[0217] Therefore, the user interface device 70 advantageously presents a visual representation 73 having a first composite metric axis and a second composite metric axis, and for each corresponding driver module 511, 521 of the plurality of lighting devices 51, 52, plots points 731, 732 within the visual representation 73 corresponding to the first composite metric C1 and the second composite metric C2. This ensures that the determined values ​​compressed in the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) for each driver module (at each time) are visualized in an ergonomic and human-interpretable manner.

[0218] Figure 4 An embodiment of the lighting management system 400 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically by way of non-limiting example. The lighting management system 400 includes a plurality of (identical) lighting devices 410, a control system 420, and a user interface device 430. The control system 420 includes a central controller 421 and a plurality of local controllers 412.

[0219] Each of the plurality of lighting devices includes a driver module 411 and a local controller 412 among the plurality of local controllers. Therefore, each lighting device 410 will have a driver module 411 and an associated local controller 412. Here, the local controller 412 is depicted inside the lighting device 410, but separately from the driver module 411; alternatively, the local controller may also be part of the driver module. The driver module 411 is configured to acquire telemetry data associated with the lighting device and / or the driver module. Therefore, each driver module 411 is configured to determine the values ​​of operating parameters in a set of operating parameters. The driver module 411 is also configured to communicate the determined values ​​to the local controller 412.

[0220] Each corresponding local controller 412 is configured to, for its associated corresponding driver module 411, (i) select at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, and (ii) calculate a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two first operating parameters.

[0221] Each corresponding local controller 412 is also configured to select at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters for its associated corresponding driver module 411, wherein the at least two second operating parameters are different from the at least two first operating parameters, and (iv) calculate a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two second operating parameters.

[0222] The set of operating parameters, the selection of the at least two first operating parameters, and the... Figure 4The selection of the at least two second operating parameters in the embodiments depicted can be similar to the set of operating parameters, the selection of the at least two first operating parameters, and the selection of the at least two first operating parameters. Figure 1 or Figure 3 The selection of at least two second operating parameters described in the embodiments is illustrated. Other examples, such as the operating parameters mentioned in this application, can be similarly envisioned.

[0223] Still referencing Figure 4 The central controller 421 communicates with a plurality of local controllers 412. This communication is wireless, but may alternatively be via a wired connection. Therefore, the lighting fixture 410 may also include (not shown) a communication unit for communicating with the central controller. The central controller 421 is configured to obtain a first composite metric (C1) and a second composite metric (C2) from the respective local controller 412 for each corresponding driver module 411 in the plurality of lighting fixtures 410.

[0224] Here, in this embodiment, the central controller polls each corresponding lighting device 410, and more specifically, polls each corresponding local controller 412, to obtain a first composite metric (C1) and a second composite metric (C2) determined by the corresponding local controller 412 for its associated driver module 411. Therefore, the central controller (actively) retrieves the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) from each corresponding local controller 412. Alternatively, each corresponding local controller may send the first composite metric and the second composite metric to the central controller.

[0225] Here, the polling is performed periodically. The polling period can be adapted to optimize communication costs. For example, the polling can be performed at a higher frequency at the end of the lifespan of multiple lighting devices, such as after 25,000 hours of operation. Therefore, the central controller 421 polls each local controller 412 of the multiple lighting devices 410 and obtains (or retrieves) the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2).

[0226] However, alternatively, each local controller may be configured to set a flag feature if the value of the first composite metric (C1) and / or the value of the second composite metric (C2) exceeds a predetermined flag feature threshold. The central controller then polls each local controller among the multiple lighting devices and obtains (or retrieves) the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) only from the local controllers that have already set the flag features.

[0227] In an alternative embodiment not shown, each local controller is configured to send the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) to the central controller based on the value of the first composite metric (C1) and / or the value of the second composite metric (C2). For example, only the first composite metric exceeding a first value threshold and / or the second composite metric having a value exceeding a second value threshold are sent, so that only the relevant composite metrics can be considered for presentation in the visual representation. In such embodiments (not depicted), where the local controller sends composite metrics, the local controller may periodically communicate (e.g., send) signals indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) at a first frequency, wherein the local controller is configured to determine (or set) the first frequency based on the values ​​of the first composite metric (C1) and / or the second composite metric (C2) (or alternatively: the history of values). For example, in an embodiment, if the value of the first composite metric and / or the second composite metric is within a predetermined first threshold limit (e.g., exceeding or falling below a predetermined first threshold), the local controller is configured to transmit signals indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) at a first frequency, and if the value of the first composite metric and / or the second composite metric is within a predetermined second threshold limit (e.g., exceeding or falling below a predetermined second threshold), then signals indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) are transmitted at a second frequency. For example, the local controller may determine the total number of lighting hours of the lighting equipment, and wherein if the value is below a predetermined threshold limit (e.g., 25,000 lighting hours), the local controller may periodically communicate (e.g., transmit) signals indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) at a first frequency, and if the value is above a predetermined threshold limit (e.g., 25,000 lighting hours), the local controller may periodically communicate (e.g., transmit) signals indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) at a second frequency.

[0228] In short, still refer to Figure 4 The central controller 421 obtains a first composite metric C1 and a second composite metric C2 from at least two different selected operating parameters. This compresses the obtained determined values, and thus compresses the information related to the health of each driver module 411.

[0229] The central controller also transmits a signal 422, indicating the first composite metric C1 and the second composite metric C2, to each local controller that has already obtained the composite metrics from the user interface device 430. The user interface device may be, for example, a smartphone.

[0230] User interface device 430 receives a signal 422 from the central controller indicating the first composite metric C1 and the second composite metric C2. User interface device 430 then presents a visual representation 433. Here, the visual representation 433 is a scatter plot. The scatter plot may preferably be two-dimensional. The visual representation—i.e., the scatter plot—includes a first composite metric axis 431 and a second composite metric axis 432.

[0231] Still referencing Figure 4 The user interface device 430 is configured to draw points within a visual representation 433 corresponding to a first composite metric C1 and a second composite metric C2 of the respective driver module 410 among a plurality of lighting devices 410. Thus, the visual representation presents a point cloud 434.

[0232] Although optionally, as depicted in this embodiment, the visual representation 433 also includes a first user interface element 435. Therefore, the user interface device 430 is configured to draw the first user interface element 435 in the visual representation 433. The first user interface element 435 is configured to outline areas indicating driver module risks or malfunctions. Here, the first user interface element is the outline 435 within the visual representation 433, but alternatively, it may be a highlighted area or line within the visual representation.

[0233] Furthermore, according to the present invention, as previously described, the first composite metric C1 and the second composite metric C2 of each respective driver module can be time-dependent metrics (i.e., dynamically changing over time). This enables the monitoring of the health of multiple lighting devices over time.

[0234] In short, still refer to Figure 4 Each point in the resulting point cloud 434 in the visual representation 433 represents the health status of a specific LED driver module 411 and its corresponding lighting device 410, and the resulting point cloud together represents the health of multiple lighting devices 410 at the cluster level. For example, outliers in the point cloud can be easily detected, which can indicate that the health development of a specific LED driver module does not conform to the health development of the remaining LED driver modules in the cluster (or the rest of the group).

[0235] This invention is particularly advantageous for maintenance experts who review the same visual representation 433 over time, and it can track each point (i.e., the health of the representation driver module) to identify anomalies in the dynamic development of the points drawn within the visual representation 433.

[0236] Therefore, the lighting management system 300 and the user interface device 430 that presents the visual representation 433 according to the present invention are useful technical tools for facilitating health monitoring and reliability monitoring of multiple LED-based lighting devices.

[0237] In summary, the present invention provides a lighting management system 400, for example, featuring local processing and purposeful data polling, wherein the maximum amount of information (operational metrics) related to the LED driver module is retained, while achieving dynamic and human-interpretable visualization of said information and optimization of communication costs. Therefore, the lighting management system 300 according to the present invention meets the needs of the field of lighting system health monitoring.

[0238] Figure 5 A method 500 for light management of a plurality of lighting devices according to the present invention is illustrated schematically by way of non-limiting example, wherein each of the plurality of lighting devices includes a corresponding driver module. Method 500 includes step 501: determining values ​​of operating parameters from a set of operating parameters according to each corresponding driver module of the present invention, and transmitting the determined values ​​to a control system. Method 500 includes step 502 of a control system according to the present invention, which obtains the determined values ​​from each corresponding driver module of the plurality of lighting devices. The method includes step 503 of the control system, for each corresponding driver module of the plurality of lighting devices, performing a sub-step 5031 of selecting at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, and a step 5032 of calculating a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two first operating parameters; and a step 5033 of selecting at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, wherein the at least two second operating parameters are different from the at least two first operating parameters, and a step 5034 of calculating a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two second operating parameters. Method 500 further includes step 504 of obtaining signals indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) by the user interface device according to the invention; step 505 of presenting a visual representation having the first composite metric axis and the second composite metric axis by the user interface device; and step 506 of the user interface device for each corresponding driver module in a plurality of lighting devices, drawing points within the visual representation corresponding to the first composite metric and the second composite metric.

Claims

1. A lighting management system (100), comprising: - Multiple lighting devices (10); -Control system (20); -User interface device (30); Each of the plurality of lighting devices (10) includes a corresponding driver module (111, 12, 131) configured to determine the value of the operating parameter of the set of operating parameters (40) and to transmit the determined value to the control system (20). Wherein, for each corresponding driver module (111, 121, 131) of the plurality of lighting devices (11, 12, 13), the control system (20) is configured as follows: (i) Select at least two first operation parameters (41) from the set of operation parameters (40), and (ii) Calculate a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two first operation parameters (41). (iii) Select at least two second operating parameters (42) from the set of operating parameters (40), wherein the at least two second operating parameters (42) are different from the at least two first operating parameters (41), and (iv) Calculate a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the at least two selected second operating parameters (42). The user interface device (30) is configured as follows: - Obtain signals (29) indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2) from the control system (20); - Presenting a visual representation (33) with a first composite metric axis (31) and a second composite metric axis (32), and For each corresponding driver module (111, 121, 131) in a plurality of lighting devices (11, 12, 13), points (331, 332, 333) are plotted in the visual representation (33) corresponding to the first composite metric and the second composite metric.

2. The lighting management system according to claim 1, wherein, The control system (20) is a central controller configured to obtain determined values ​​from each corresponding driver module (111, 121, 131) of the plurality of lighting devices (11, 12, 13), and The central controller is configured to (v) convey signals to the user interface device (30) indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2).

3. The lighting management system according to claim 1, wherein, The control system includes multiple local controllers; Each of the plurality of local controllers is associated with a corresponding lighting device among the plurality of lighting devices; Each local controller is configured to obtain a determined value from the driver module of the corresponding lighting device associated with it; Each local controller is configured for its associated corresponding driver module: (i) Select at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, and (ii) Calculate a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two first operating parameters. (iii) Select at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, wherein the at least two second operating parameters (42) are different from the at least two first operating parameters, and (iv) Calculate the second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the at least two selected second operating parameters.

4. The lighting management system according to claim 3, wherein, The control system includes a central controller that communicates with the plurality of local controllers; For each corresponding driver module in a plurality of lighting devices, the central controller is configured to obtain a first composite metric (C1) and a second composite metric (C2) from a plurality of local controllers.

5. The lighting management system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two first operating parameters and / or the at least two second operating parameters are preselected.

6. The lighting management system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The control system is configured to determine the installation locations of the plurality of lighting devices, and The control system is configured to select at least two first operating parameters from a set of operating parameters and / or at least two second operating parameters from a set of operating parameters based on the determined installation location.

7. The lighting management system according to any one of claims 1-4, The control system is configured to receive user input signals indicating at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters and / or at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters; The control system is configured to select at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters and / or select at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters based on the user input signal.

8. The lighting management system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the control system is configured to determine a common feature of the plurality of lighting devices, and wherein the control system is configured to select at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters and / or select at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters based on the determined common feature of the plurality of lighting devices.

9. The lighting management system according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of lighting devices includes a main lighting device, and wherein the central controller is disposed in the main lighting device.

10. The lighting management system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each respective driver module (111, 121, 131) is configured to determine the value of the operating parameter of the set of operating parameters at a first time (T1) and a second time (T2); in, For each corresponding driver module (111, 121, 131) among the multiple lighting devices (11, 12, 13), the control system (20) is configured as follows: (ii) Calculate the first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of at least two first operating parameters (41) selected at the first time point (T1) and the second time point (T2); and (iv) Calculate the second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of at least two selected second operating parameters (42) at the first time (T1) and the second time (T2). The visual representation (33) is a time-dependent visual representation, which includes a first visual representation (33) indicating a first time (T1) and a second visual representation (33') indicating a second time (T2). The user interface device (30) is configured as follows: For each of the multiple lighting devices (11, 12, 13), a first point (331) is drawn in a first visual representation (33) corresponding to a first composite metric and a second composite metric at a first time (T1), and a second point (331') is drawn in a second visual representation (33') corresponding to a first composite metric and a second composite metric at a second time (T2).

11. The lighting management system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the set of operating parameters includes at least three of the following: (i) The overpressure stress level at the input of the driver module; (ii) The undervoltage stress level input to the driver module; (iii) Lightning surge level of the driver module; (iv) Driver module overheating; (v) Cold start stress of the driver module; (vi) Vibration level; (vii) Lightning surge frequency / lightning frequency; (viii) Bus voltage; (ix) Ambient temperature level; (x) Inlet water level; (xi) Transient voltage of the power grid; (xii) Power level; (xiii) The operating status of the LED light source associated with the driver module.

12. The lighting management system according to any one of the preceding claims, The control system is configured to select a cold start stress level and a vibration level from the set of operating parameters, and is configured to calculate the first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected cold start stress level and the vibration level. The control system is configured to select a lightning strike frequency and an undervoltage stress level from the set of operating parameters, and is configured to calculate a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the selected lightning strike frequency and the undervoltage stress level input by the driver module.

13. The lighting management system according to any one of claims 1-11, The control system is configured to select ambient temperature and power level from the set of operating parameters, and is configured to calculate the first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected ambient temperature and the power level. The control system is configured to select an overvoltage stress level and an undervoltage stress level input to the driver module from the set of operating parameters, and is configured to calculate the second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the selected overvoltage stress level and undervoltage stress level input to the driver module.

14. A method for light management of a plurality of lighting devices, wherein each of the plurality of lighting devices includes a corresponding driver module, wherein the method comprises: - Each corresponding driver module determines the value of the operating parameter set and transmits the determined value to the control system; - The control system obtains the determined values ​​from each corresponding driver module in multiple lighting devices; - A control system for each respective driver module of the plurality of lighting devices, (i) selecting at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, and (ii) calculating a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the at least two selected first operating parameters. - A control system for each of the plurality of lighting devices, (iii) selecting at least two second operating parameters from a set of operating parameters, wherein the at least two second operating parameters are different from at least two first operating parameters, and (iv) calculating a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two second operating parameters. - The user interface device receives signals indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2); -The user interface device presents a visual representation with a first composite metric axis and a second composite metric axis, and - User interface device, for each corresponding driver module among the plurality of lighting devices, draws points within a visual representation corresponding to the first composite metric and the second composite metric.

15. A lighting device arranged for operation within a lighting management system according to claim 1, the lighting device comprising a local controller and a driver module. in, The driver module is configured to determine the values ​​of the operating parameters in the set of operating parameters and to transmit the determined values ​​to the local controller; The local controller is configured to (i) select at least two first operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, and (ii) calculate a first composite metric (C1) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two first operating parameters; (iii) select at least two second operating parameters from the set of operating parameters, wherein the at least two second operating parameters are different from the at least two first operating parameters; and (iv) calculate a second composite metric (C2) based on the determined values ​​of the selected at least two second operating parameters. The local controller is configured to convey signals indicating the first composite metric (C1) and the second composite metric (C2).

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