STANDBY ENERGY SAVING MODE FOR LIGHT

Abstract

A luminaire (115) comprising a first power supply (320), a second power supply (315), a light source (325) designed to receive a certain amount of current from the first power supply (320), a circuit (310), and a controller (200). The controller (200) is connected to the first power supply (320), the second power supply (315), and the circuit (310).The controller (200) can control the circuit (310) to remove supply current from the first power supply (320), so that the second power supply (315) supplies current to the controller (200) in response to determining that the light (115) is operating in a standby mode, and to control the circuit (310) to supply supply current to the first power supply (320), so that the first power supply (320) supplies current to the controller (200) in response to receiving a command to operate the light (115) in a normal operating mode, the first power supply (320) being capable of outputting more current than the second power supply (315).A method for operating a lamp, comprising: supplying current via a first power supply (320) or a second power supply (315) to a controller (200); supplying (410) a control signal via the controller (200) to a circuit (310) indicating the operation of the lamp (115) in a standby mode or a normal operating mode; in response to determining (415-JA) that the lamp (115) is operating in the standby mode, controlling (425) the circuit (310) to supply current via the second power supply (315) to the controller (200); and in response to receiving a command (415-NO) to operate the light (115) in normal operating mode, control (425) of the circuit (310) to supply current to the controller (200) via the first power supply (320), the first power supply (320) being capable of outputting more current than the second power supply (315).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 333,855, filed April 22, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to luminaires and to systems for controlling a standby energy-saving mode of operation of a luminaire. US 2011 / 0279091 A1 discloses a method for reducing standby power and a wireless device using the same. US 2016 / 0359358 A1 discloses a circuit for saving standby power. EP 2 670 223 A2 discloses a lighting system with reduced standby power. CN 2678305 Y discloses a lighting device with an emergency lighting function. CN 203 446 078 U discloses a lighting lamp with an energy storage device. SUMMARY

[0003] While the invention is defined in the independent claims, further embodiments of the invention are defined in the subordinate claims, the figures, and the following description. The invention provides, in one aspect, a system for controlling a standby energy-saving mode of operation of an entertainment light. When the light is operated in a standby mode, the light is configured to limit power surge events from a main power supply and to sequentially turn on a plurality of lights via a controller. The light exhibits a reduction in power consumption when the light is in the standby mode compared to conventional switchgear-controlled light fixtures.

[0004] The invention, in another aspect, provides a luminaire comprising a first power supply, a second power supply, a light source configured to receive an amount of power from the first power supply, a switching circuit, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the first power supply, the second power supply, the light source, and the switching circuit. The controller is configured to control the switching circuit to remove a supply current from the first power supply such that the second power supply supplies power to at least a portion of the controller in response to determining that the luminaire is operating in a standby mode.The controller is further configured to control the circuit to supply the supply current to the first power supply such that the first power supply supplies current to the controller in response to receiving a command to operate the luminaire in a normal operating mode, wherein the first power supply is capable of outputting more current than the second power supply.

[0005] In some aspects, in response to receiving the command to operate the luminaire in a normal operating mode, the controller may provide a delay command to the circuit such that the circuit delays providing supply current to the first power supply for a period of time to limit an inrush current event.

[0006] In some aspects, in normal operating mode, the first power source supplies power to the light source and operates the light source at a variety of visual light intensities.

[0007] In some aspects, in normal operating mode, the first power supply supplies power to the light source and operates the light source at a variety of color light intensities. In some aspects, in standby operating mode, the circuit prevents the controller and the light source from receiving supply power from the first power supply, wherein preventing the controller and the light source from receiving supply power from the first power supply comprises only supplying supply power to the second power supply.

[0008] In some aspects, standby mode reduces the power consumption of the controller and the luminaire. In some aspects, power consumption in standby mode is less than 0.5 W.

[0009] In some aspects, the controller delivers full operating power to the luminaire in standby mode. In some aspects, the full operating power in normal operating mode is greater than the amount of power delivered in standby mode.

[0010] In some aspects, the controller receives user input indicating entry into a sleep mode. The controller enters the sleep mode in response to receiving the user input. The controller receives a wake-up signal and exits the sleep mode based on a wake-up time in response to the wake-up signal being shorter than a predetermined time.

[0011] In some aspects, the luminaire includes a base and a lamp assembly connected to the base. In some aspects, the light source is located within the lamp assembly.

[0012] In some aspects, the control is located within the lamp assembly.

[0013] In some aspects, the control is located outside the lamp assembly.

[0014] In some aspects, the controller determines that a transition from standby mode to normal operating mode is necessary. The controller controls the circuit to apply the transition from standby mode to normal operating mode.

[0015] The invention, in another aspect, provides a method of operating a light fixture. The method comprises supplying power via a first power supply or a second power supply to a controller and supplying a control signal via the controller to a circuit indicative of operation of a light fixture in a standby mode or a normal operating mode. In response to determining that the light fixture is operating in the standby mode, the controller applies a control signal to the circuit to supply power via the second power supply to the controller. In response to receiving a command to operate the light fixture in the normal operating mode, the controller applies a control signal to the circuit to supply power via the first power supply to the controller.

[0016] In some aspects, the method comprises, in response to receiving the command to operate the luminaire in the normal operating mode, providing a delay command to the circuit such that the circuit delays providing the supply current to the first power supply for a period of time to limit an inrush current event.

[0017] In some aspects, the first power supply is capable of outputting more power than the second power supply.

[0018] In some aspects, the method includes determining that a transition from standby mode to normal operating mode is required and controlling the circuit to apply the transition from standby mode to normal operating mode.

[0019] In some aspects, the method comprises, in the normal operating mode, supplying power to the light source. The method comprises, in the normal operating mode, operating the light source at a plurality of visual light intensities.

[0020] In some aspects, the method comprises, in the normal operating mode, supplying power to the light source. The method comprises, in the normal operating mode, operating the light source at a plurality of colored light intensities.

[0021] In some aspects, standby mode reduces the power consumption of the controller and the luminaire. In some aspects, the power consumption in standby mode is less than 0.5 W.

[0022] In some aspects, the method comprises, in the normal operating mode, supplying full operating power to the luminaire, wherein the full operating power in the normal operating mode is greater than an amount of power supplied in the standby operating mode.

[0023] In some aspects, the method includes receiving user input indicating entry into a sleep mode. The method includes entering the sleep mode in response to receiving the user input. The method includes receiving a wake-up signal and exiting the sleep mode based on a wake-up time in response to the wake-up signal being shorter than a predetermined time.

[0024] In some aspects, the method includes leaving the light source off in response to the wake-up time being greater than the predetermined time, and in sleep mode, the light source of the lamp is off.

[0025] In some aspects, the method comprises transitioning from the sleep mode via the controller to a super power-saving sleep mode in response to not receiving the wake-up signal. In some aspects, the method comprises receiving user input from the control board and entering the super power-saving sleep mode in response to receiving the user input. In the super power-saving sleep mode, all non-essential functions of the luminaire are turned off, and the non-essential functions include at least one selected from the group consisting of display systems and menu systems.

[0026] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 illustrates a system with a luminaire at a venue according to an example. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic view of a control system for the lamp of Fig. 1 according to an example. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the lamp of Fig. 2 according to an example. Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a standby energy saving mode of operation of a luminaire according to an example. Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a luminaire according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components shown in the following description or in the accompanying drawings. The invention may have other embodiments and be practiced or embodied otherwise.

[0028] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrate a lighting system 100 that can illuminate portions of a stage 105 at a venue 110. The lighting system 100 includes a plurality of lights 115 and a control board 120 in communication with one or more of the lights 115 to control their operation. Each of the illustrated lights 115 includes a base 125 and a lamp assembly 130. The lamp assembly 130 includes a light source 325 (e.g., an incandescent lamp, LED, LED array, arc lamp, or any other suitable light source; described below with reference to Fig. 3). The lamp assembly 130 also includes one or more housings, lenses, filters, mirrors, and the like that enable the lamp assembly 130 to project light onto the stage 105. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the lights 115 is mounted to a support pole 135 suspended above the stage 105. In other embodiments, one or more of the lights 115 may be mounted to other suitable structures at any desired location on the venue 110. In alternative embodiments, the lamp assembly 130 is movable (e.g., pivotable and tiltable) relative to the base 125. In such embodiments, each of the illustrated lights 115 includes an electric motor in communication with the control board 120 so that the control board 120 can control the orientation of the lamp assembly 130 relative to the base 125.

[0029] With further reference to Fig. 1, the illustrated control board 120 is a lighting control board located at the venue 110. Alternatively, the control board 120 may be positioned elsewhere at the venue 110, remotely from the venue 110, or may be partially or fully integrated into one or more luminaires 115. In some embodiments, the control board 120 may be electrically and / or communicatively connected to a separate controller, as described below with reference to Fig. 2 further described.

[0030] Fig. 2 illustrates a controller 200 for the luminaire 115. The controller 200 is contained within the luminaire 115. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 200 is disposed within the lamp assembly 130. The controller 200 is electrically and / or communicatively connected to a variety of modules or components of the luminaire 115. For example, the illustrated controller 200 may be connected to one or more indicators 202 (e.g., LEDs, a liquid crystal display ("LDC"), etc.), one or more internal sensors 203, and a user input or user interface 204. The controller 200 is also communicatively connected to the control board 120. In some embodiments, the illustrated control board 120 may be connected to a communications interface 206. The communications interface 206 is connected to a network 224 to enable the control board 120 to communicate with a server.In some embodiments, the controller 200 may communicate with the server to receive communications from the control board 120. The controller 200 includes combinations of hardware and software operable to, among other things, control the operation of the system 100, control the operation of the light 115, communicate over the network 224, communicate with the control board 120, receive input from a user via the user interface 204, provide information to a user via the indicators 202, etc. In the embodiment shown in FIG. Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, each light 115 includes a controller 200. In some embodiments, the indicators 202 and the user interface 204 are integrated together in the form of, for example, a touchscreen. In some embodiments, the one or more internal sensors 203 include a occupancy detector. The occupancy detector detects movement within a distance range of the light 115.

[0031] The controller 200 includes a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide power, operational control, and protection for the components and modules within the controller 200 and / or the light 115. For example, the controller 200 includes, among other things, a processing unit 208 (e.g., a microprocessor, microcontroller, or other suitable programmable device), a memory 210, input units 212, and output units 214. The processing unit 208 includes, among other things, a control unit 216, an arithmetic logic unit ("ALU") 218, and a plurality of directories 220 (as a group of directories in Fig. 2) and is implemented using a known computer architecture (e.g., a modified Harvard architecture, a Von Neumann architecture, etc.). The processing unit 208, the memory 210, the input units 212 and the output units 214, as well as the various modules or circuits connected to the controller 200, are connected by one or more control and / or data buses (e.g., command bus 222). The control and / or data buses are generally Fig. 2 for illustrative purposes. The use of one or more control and / or data buses for interconnection and communication among the various modules, circuits, and components would be known to those skilled in the art in view of the embodiments described herein. It is further understood that the specific modules, circuits, and components disclosed herein for controller 200 are exemplary and not required for any embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments, controller 200 is implemented partially or entirely on a semiconductor (e.g., a field-programmed gate array [“FPGA”] or an application-specific integrated circuit [“ASIC”] or other programmable semiconductor devices as appropriate for a given application).

[0032] The memory 210 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium and includes, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and the data storage area may include combinations of various types of memory, such as ROM, RAM (e.g., DRAM, SDRAM, etc.), EEPROM, flash memory, a hard disk, an SD card, or other suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic storage device. The processing unit 208 is connected to the memory 210 and executes software instructions, which may be stored in a RAM of the memory 210 (e.g., during execution), a ROM of the memory 210 (e.g., on a generally persistent basis), or another non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as another memory or disk.Software included in the implementation of the luminaire 115 and the controller 200 may be stored in the memory 210 of the controller 200. The software includes, for example, firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The controller 200 is configured to retrieve and execute instructions related to the control processes and methods described herein from the memory 210, among other things. In other embodiments, the controller 200 includes additional, fewer, or different components.

[0033] The user interface 204 may be included to provide user control of the system 100 and the light 115. The user interface 204 is operatively coupled to the controller 200, for example, to control control or drive signals provided to the light 115. The user interface 204 may include any combination of digital and analog input devices required to achieve a desired level of control for the system 100. For example, the user interface 204 may include a computer with a display and input devices, a touchscreen display, a plurality of knobs, dials, switches, buttons, controls, or the like. In the Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the user interface 204 is separate from the control board 120. In other embodiments, the user interface 204 is included in the control board 120.

[0034] The controller 200 is configured to operate in combination with the control board 120 to provide direct control or drive signals to the lights 115. As described above, in some embodiments, the controller 200 is configured to provide direct control or drive signals to the light 115 without separately interacting with the control board 120. The direct drive signals provided to the light 115 are provided, for example, based on user input received by the controller 200 from the user interface 204.

[0035] Fig. 3 illustrates the luminaire 115 with a main power source 305 in electronic communication with a switching circuit 310 and a standby power supply 315. In some embodiments, the main power supply 305 is an AC power supply such as a utility power supply or any other power supply capable of providing a suitable amount of output power. In some embodiments, the switching circuit 310 is located within the main power source 305. The switching circuit 310 may include various types of circuitry. For example, the switching circuit 310 may be a relay, a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), an ideal diode, a transistor (e.g., a MOSFET), or any other suitable type of circuitry. Although the standby power supply 315 is illustrated as being in electronic communication with the main power source 305, the standby power supply 315 may be completely separate from the main power source 305 (e.g.,in electronic communication with a separate power source). In further embodiments, the standby power supply 315 may be a battery. As described in more detail below, the circuit 310 is configured to control the power from the main power source 305 to a primary power supply 320. In some embodiments, the circuit 310, the standby power supply 315, and the primary power supply 320 are included in a single unit. In some embodiments, the circuit 310 controls the power from the main power source 305 to the primary power supply 320 based on a signal received from the one or more internal sensors 203. For example, the one or more internal sensors 203 detect motion within the range of the light fixture 115 (e.g., using the occupancy sensor) and send a signal indicating the motion to the controller 200.In response to receiving the signal indicating movement, the controller 200 sends a signal to turn on the main power source 305 to supply power to the primary power supply 320.

[0036] The standby power supply 315 is in electronic connection with the control 200 of the lamp 115. As in Fig. 3, the controller 200, the main power source 305, the switching circuit 310, the standby power supply 315 and the primary power supply 320 are located within the lamp assembly 130 of the luminaire 115. As shown in Fig. 3, the controller 200 is in electronic communication with the control board 120. In one embodiment, the controller 200 may communicate with the control board 120 via a communication link or circuit. In some examples, the controller 200 may communicate with the control board 120 using a wireless communication protocol such as Wi-Fi, cellular (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, CDMA, or the like), ZWave, Zigbee, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Max, Lo-Ra, NFC, and / or other wireless communication protocols as required for a given application. In other examples, the controller 200 may communicate with the external controller using a wired communication protocol such as Ethernet, RS-232, USB, USB 2.0, Firewire, DMX-512, RDM, ACN, CANBus, or other wired communication protocol as required for a given application.

[0037] As above related to Fig. 1, each luminaire 115 is a lighting device that includes the light source 325. As in Fig. 3, the light source 325 is located within the lamp assembly 130 of the light fixture 115. In some embodiments, the main power source 305 is in electronic communication with the light fixture 115. In some embodiments, the controller 200 is configured to supply power to the light source 325 of the light fixture 115. In some embodiments, the light source 325 of the light fixture 115 is configured to operate at a variety of visual light intensities and a variety of color light intensities. Further, the light source 325 can be controlled to be controlled in both color and intensity. The controller 200 is further configured to control the light source 325 of the light fixture 115 to produce a variety of lighting events and a variety of visual effects.

[0038] The control board 120 may be independent of the controller 200 and may include various types of communication circuits or components. For example, the communication circuit may be a digital multiplex controller (DMX-512) or any other suitable external control device. The control board 120 is configured to provide the controller 200 with a variety of control signals to control the lighting operations and visual effects of the LEDs 325.

[0039] The controller 200 is further configured to control the circuit 310 to operate in a primary operating or standby operating state. In the standby operating state, the circuit 310 is configured to prevent power from the main power source 305 from being applied to the primary power supply 320. Accordingly, the main power source 305 supplies power only to the standby power supply 315, which in turn is the sole provider of power to the controller 200. In some embodiments, the standby power supply 315 supplies 5V to the controller 200. In other embodiments, the standby power supply 315 is configured to supply the controller 200 with any suitable voltage for operating the controller 200. In some embodiments, the standby power supply 315 is a rechargeable battery source or the like.In such embodiments, the main power source 305 may receive a signal indicating the standby power supply 315 has a low battery capacity. For example, the main power source 305 receives the signal indicating the low battery capacity from the standby power supply 315. In other examples, the main power source 305 receives the signal indicating the low battery capacity from the controller 200, the circuit 310, or the control board 120. In response to receiving the signal indicating the low battery capacity, the main power source 305 turns on and supplies power to the standby power supply 315 to charge the standby power supply 315. The standby power supply 315 may be configured as a low-energy power supply. For example, the standby power supply 315 may only be capable of providing approximately 1W of output power.However, output power levels of greater than 1W or less than 1W are also contemplated, as required for a given application. In some embodiments, the standby power supply 315 is sized to allow the controller 200 and / or the light 115 to have sufficient power to perform various background operations or other functions while in standby mode. This allows the standby power supply 315 to provide efficient power to the controller 200, as losses across the smaller power supply will be lower than with a larger power supply, such as the primary power supply 30 described herein.

[0040] The controller 200 may be configured to control the circuit 310 to operate in a standby mode in which the light source 325 is off in the standby mode and the controller 200 operates in a controller standby mode. In the controller standby mode, the controller 200 may be configured to perform only basic functions such as communicating with other devices such as the control board 120 or other background operations. For example, in the control standby mode, the controller 200 continues to receive and process data via the plurality of control signals from the control board 120. In some embodiments, the power consumption of the controller 200 and / or light 115 in the standby mode may be 0.5W or less and may include any losses associated with the standby power supply 315.

[0041] While the controller 200 is operating in the standby mode, the controller 200 may determine that a mode change to a normal operating mode is required. In the normal operating mode, the light source 325 of the light fixture 115 operates and generates light based on one or more control signals from the controller 200. In some examples, the control board 120 may provide an instruction to the controller 200 to switch to the normal operating mode. In some embodiments, the controller may include one or more instructions or commands to determine when the transition to the normal operating mode needs to occur. For example, in a programmed lighting routine, it may be known when a specific light fixture, such as light fixture 115, needs to be illuminated.Accordingly, the controller 200 may initiate the transition to the normal operating mode prior to the required transition time to prevent latency in operation due to switching between the standby operating mode and the normal operating mode. In some embodiments, the transition time to the normal operating mode from the standby operating mode may be kept short enough so that the latency is negligible. The controller 200 may initiate the transition to the normal operating mode sooner than in advance. For example, receiving a DMX-512 signal instructing the luminaire 115 to emit light may trigger the transition.

[0042] Upon determining that a transition to normal operating mode is necessary, the controller 200 may provide a control signal to the switching circuit 310 to switch to a normal operating state with the switch closed (e.g., power is supplied from the main power source 305 to the primary power supply 320). The primary power supply 320 may be sized to provide sufficient power for the controller 200 and the light 115 to operate according to their desired design. For example, the primary power supply 320 may be a 200W power supply. However, values ​​greater than 200W or less than 200W are also contemplated, as required for a given application. In some examples, the primary power supply may output a higher voltage to the controller 200 and / or light 115. For example, the primary power supply 320 may output 56V DC power.However, voltage outputs of greater than 56V DC or less than 56V DC are also contemplated. In the normal operating mode, the controller 200 controls the light source 325 to operate at a variety of visual light intensities and a variety of color light intensities via the plurality of control signals from the control board 120. The controller 200 is further configured to control the light source 325 of the luminaire 115 to produce a variety of lighting operations and a variety of visual effects via the plurality of control signals from the control board 120.

[0043] In some embodiments, controller 200 may be further configured to perform various operations to limit a power surge event associated with transitioning from standby operation mode to normal operation mode. For example, in a system having multiple controllers 200 and / or lights 115, a large power surge may occur when multiple controllers 200 and / or lights 115 transition from standby operation mode to normal operation mode. In some examples, this may occur due to multiple primary power supplies 320 being switched into the system (e.g., power provided by the main power source), resulting in a power surge. This may occur where primary power supplies 320 include different components, such as capacitors, which may cause short power surges when initially switched on.These surges, where sufficient current has been determined to be flowing, can cause system problems such as tripping the circuit breaker or blowing the fuses, requiring manual intervention to correct.

[0044] To reduce the effects of power surges from transitioning multiple controllers 200 and / or lights 115 from a standby operating mode to a normal operating mode, controller 200 may be configured to provide a command to switching circuit 310 to delay supplying power to primary power supply 320 for a period of time. In some embodiments, the period of time may be a random time interval. In other embodiments, the period of time is based on a serial number of light fixture 115 or another unique identifier of light fixture 115. For example, in a large system, controller 200 may delay controlling circuit 310 to supply power to primary power supply 320 based on the unique identifier, so that there is a sequential order in which the various primary power supplies 320 in the system are supplied with power from their respective circuit 310.In some embodiments, the period may be manually set by a user, for example, via the control board 120. In some examples, the period may be based on a general turn-on time for a specific primary power supply 320.

[0045] By delaying or staggering the delivery of power to the primary power supply 320 in a system, any power surges can be reduced. Spreading power surge events over time reduces the likelihood of generating a fault based on the current level exceeding a threshold. For example, by spreading the delivery of power to the primary power supplies 320, each light fixture 115 supplies power to each light source 325 at a different time to reduce power surges through a system.

[0046] In some embodiments, the circuit 310 of the various primary power supplies 320 is controlled via a command from one or more controllers 200. For example, while the controller 200 is Fig. 3 as controlling a single circuit 310 and a single light 115, it is contemplated that, in some examples, a single controller 200 may control multiple circuits 310 and / or light 115. In some examples, the control board 120 is in communication with multiple controllers 200 and is configured to control each controller 200 to control the circuit 310 to supply power to the respective primary power supply 320 using a sequence. The sequence may be based on a lighting requirement for a given application, to maximize efficiency, and / or based on other parameters. In some embodiments, the sequence is provided to the controller 200 using a remote device management (RDM) protocol.In some embodiments, the control board 120 provides commands to turn on the plurality of primary power supplies 320 (and thus the corresponding lights 115) in a specific sequence and is automatically controlled based on one or more factors such as an address of the controller 200, an identifier of the light 115, random time delay intervals, or manual user input to the controller 200. In some embodiments, the sequence is changed for each light 115 of the plurality of lights to accommodate different power surge times. For example, different groups of lights may be turned on at different times in a predefined light show or presentation.

[0047] In some embodiments, the primary power supply 320 may receive power from the main power source 305 even when the light 115 is not illuminated (e.g., in a standby mode). This may be appropriate where the light 115 is turned off for short periods of time. This may reduce the effects of unnecessary switching of the primary power supply 320 and extend the lifespan of various components typically used in power supplies such as the primary power supply 320, which would otherwise experience a reduction in lifespan due to excessive switching. Example components may include electrolytic capacitors. However, other components are also contemplated.

[0048] In some embodiments, the controller 200 and / or the luminaire 115 can be manually set to operate in a super-low-power sleep mode. In the super-low-power mode, the main power source 305 can be continuously powered. Continuous main power reduces the need for separate switching or relay switching outputs that control the main power source 305, such as remote-controlled relays or circuit breakers. When in a very low-power deep sleep mode, the system's power consumption can be comparable to or lower than the power consumption of external remote-controlled relays or circuit breakers, thus maintaining or reducing the quiescent current load of the entire system.

[0049] Fig. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a control method 400 for controlling a standby energy-saving mode of operation of a light fixture 115. The control method 400 begins in step 405, in which the main power source 305 is turned on and the controller 200 receives power from the main power source 305 via either the standby power supply 315 or the primary power supply 320, with the control method 400 then proceeding to step 410. In step 410, the circuit 310 receives a control signal from the controller 200 to operate in the standby mode or the normal mode, then the control method 400 proceeds to step 415. As described above, the controller 200 may determine whether to operate in the standby mode or the normal mode based on a command received from the control board 120.

[0050] At step 415, where the control signal indicates whether the circuit 310 will operate in the standby mode of operation, in response to the control signal indicating that the circuit 310 will operate in the standby mode of operation, the control method 400 proceeds to step 420. At step 420, the controller 200 operates in the standby mode of operation (e.g., instructs the switching arrangement to remove power from the primary power supply). At step 425, in response to the control signal indicating that the relay will operate in the normal mode of operation, the control method 400 proceeds to step 425. At step 425, the controller 200 controls the circuit 310 to supply power to the primary power supply 320, which then supplies a control voltage to the controller 200 to provide full operating power to the controller 200 and light 115. The light source 325 of the lamp 115 can then be controlled via a variety of control signals from the control board 120.In some examples, controller 200 may delay controlling circuit 310 to supply power to the primary power supply by a period of time to limit surge events and reduce power consumption of light fixture 115, as described above. The delay period of light fixture 115 may be selected to be different from the delay period of other lights, such that when a plurality of lights each receive simultaneous commands to return to normal operating mode, each light fixture 115 will preferentially delay its switching of its associated primary power supplies by different periods of time. The delay period may be a random delay or a delay preset during light fixture manufacturing or addressing, or any other method known in the art.

[0051] In some embodiments, the achieved reduction in power consumption is sufficient to meet Energy Star requirements. In a specific example, the power consumption of the controller 200, light 115, and standby power supply 315 may be 0.265W in standby mode. The controller 200 further includes a sleep mode in which the LEDs are off. In some embodiments, the controller 200 receives user input from the control board 120 or from the user interface 204 indicating entry into sleep mode. In some embodiments, the controller 200 continues to receive and process data from the light 115 while in sleep mode. The control board 120 is further configured to provide a wake-up signal to the controller 200. In some embodiments, where a wake-up time of the controller 200 in response to the received wake-up signal is shorter than a predetermined time, the system 300 is considered a live system (e.g.,the controller 200 exits the sleep mode. Where the wake-up time is greater than a predetermined time, the light source 325 remains in the sleep mode until it receives a wake-up signal. In some embodiments, the sleep mode is extended to a super power saving sleep mode. In the super power saving mode, all nonessential functions of the light 115 are turned off (e.g., display systems and menu systems). The controller 200 awakens from the super power saving sleep mode based on a received input. For example, the input may include user input received by the control board 120, a control signal received by the control board 120, or valid data received by the controller 200. In some embodiments, in the super power saving sleep mode, the controller 200 automatically awakens after a predetermined period of time (e.g., every 30 seconds).When the controller 200 automatically wakes up, the controller 200 determines whether the light source 325 should be turned on. If the controller 200 determines that the light source 325 should be turned on, the controller 200 returns to normal operation and the light source 325 is turned on. If the controller 200 determines that the light source 325 should remain off, the controller 200 remains in the super power-saving sleep mode.

[0052] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the lamp 115 with the main power source 305 in electronic connection with the circuit 310 and the standby power supply 315. The Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 5 is an alternative embodiment to the embodiment of Fig. 3. The lamp 115 from Fig. 5 is operable to perform similar functions as other embodiments described herein. As in Fig.5, the light source 325 is located within the lamp assembly 130 of the luminaire 115. In such embodiments, the controller 200, the main power source 305, the switching circuit 310, the standby power supply 315, and the primary power supply 320 are located separately or externally of the lamp assembly 130 at a different location than the lamp assembly 130. For example, some or all of the controller 200, the main power source 305, the switching circuit 310, the standby power supply 315, and the primary power supply 320 may be adjacent to or within the control board 120. The controller 200 is further configured to control the switching circuit 310 to operate in a primary operating state or in a standby operating state, as described above. In some embodiments, the controller 200 is configured to supply power to the light source 325 of the luminaire 115, as described above.In other embodiments, the controller 200 may be contained within the control board 120, and the controller 200 may, for example, provide control signals directly to the light 115. In other embodiments, the controller 200 may be linked to the server and communicate via the network 224 to provide control signals to the control board 120 and the light 115. In some embodiments, the controller 200 is separate from the light 115.

[0053] Although the invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, there are variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.

Claims

[1] Lamp (115), comprising: a first power supply (320), a second power supply (315), a light source (325) configured to receive an amount of power from the first power source (320), a circuit (310) and a controller (200) in communication with the first power supply (320), the second power supply (315), the light source (325) and the circuit, the controller (200) being configured to: to control the circuit (310) to remove a supply current from the first power supply (320) so that the second power supply (315) supplies power to the controller in response to determining that the luminaire (115) is operating in a standby mode, and to control the circuit (310) to supply the supply current to the first power supply such that the first power supply (320) supplies current to the controller (200) in response to receiving a command to operate the luminaire (115) in a normal operating mode, wherein the first power supply (320) is capable of outputting more power than the second power supply (315). [2] The luminaire (115) of claim 1, wherein the controller (200) is further configured to provide a delay command to the switching circuit (310) such that the switching circuit (310) delays providing the supply current to the first power supply (320) for a period of time to limit an inrush current event in response to receiving the command to operate the luminaire in the normal operating mode. [3] The luminaire (115) of claim 1 or 2, wherein in the normal operating mode, the first power supply (320) supplies power to the light source (325) and the light source (325) is configured to operate at a plurality of visual light intensities. [4] The luminaire (115) of any preceding claim, wherein in normal operating mode, the first power supply supplies power to the light source (325) and the light source (325) is configured to operate at a plurality of color light intensities. [5] The luminaire (115) of any preceding claim, wherein in the standby mode of operation, the circuit (310) prevents the controller (200) from receiving supply power from the first power supply (320), and wherein preventing the controller (200) from receiving supply power from the first power supply (320) comprises supplying the supply power exclusively to the second power supply (315). [6] The luminaire (115) of claim 5, wherein the standby mode of operation reduces the power consumption of the controller and the luminaire (115), and wherein the power consumption during the standby mode of operation is less than 0.5W. [7] The luminaire (115) of claim 6, wherein in the normal operating mode, the controller (200) supplies full operating power to the luminaire (115), and wherein the full operating power during the normal operating mode is greater than an amount of power supplied in the standby operating mode. [8] Luminaire (115) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (200) is further configured to: receive user input indicating entry into a sleep mode; enter sleep mode in response to receiving user input; to receive an alarm signal; and Exit sleep mode based on an alarm time in response to the alarm signal being shorter than a predetermined time. [9] Luminaire (115) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a base; and a lamp assembly connected to the base, the light source (325) being located within the lamp assembly. [10] The luminaire (115) of claim 9, wherein the controller (200) is located within the lamp assembly. [11] The luminaire (115) of claim 9, wherein the controller (200) is located outside the lamp assembly. [12] Luminaire (115) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (200) is further configured to: to determine that a change from standby mode to normal operating mode is necessary; and to control the circuit (310) to apply the change from standby mode to normal operating mode. [13] A method for operating a luminaire, the method comprising: Supplying power via a first power supply (320) or a second power supply (315) to a controller (200), Providing (410) a control signal via the controller (200) to a circuit (310) indicating operation of the lamp (115) in a standby mode or a normal operating mode; in response to determining (415-YES) that the lamp (115) is operating in the standby mode, controlling (420) the circuit (310) to supply power to the controller (200) via the second power supply (315); and in response to receiving a command (415-NO) to operate the light (115) in the normal operating mode, controlling (425) the circuit (310) to supply power to the controller (200) via the first power supply (320), the first power supply (320) being capable of outputting more power than the second power supply (315). [14] The method of claim 13, wherein the method further comprises: In response to receiving the command to operate the luminaire (115) in a normal operating mode, providing a delay command to the circuit (310) such that the circuit (310) delays providing the supply current to the first power supply (320) by a period of time to limit an inrush current event. [15] A method according to any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein the method further comprises: Determining that a transition from standby mode to normal operating mode is required; and Controlling (425) the circuit (310) to apply the change from standby mode to normal operating mode. [16] A method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, the method further comprising: Supplying power to a light source (325) in normal operating mode; and Operating the light source (325), in normal operating mode, at a variety of visual light intensities. [17] A method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the method further comprises: Supplying power to a light source (325) in normal operating mode; and Operating (425) the light source (325), in normal operating mode, with a variety of color light intensities. [18] Method according to one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the standby operating mode reduces the power consumption of the controller and the lights (115) and wherein the power consumption in the standby operating mode is less than 0.5W. [19] The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises: Supplying full operating power to the luminaire (115) in normal operating mode, wherein the full operating power in normal operating mode is greater than an amount of power supplied in standby operating mode. [20] A method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, the method further comprising: Receiving user input indicating entry into a sleep mode; Entering sleep mode in response to receiving user input; Receiving a wake-up signal; and Exiting sleep mode based on an alarm time in response to the alarm signal being shorter than a predetermined time. [21] The method of claim 20, wherein the method further comprises: Leaving a light source (325) off in response to the wake-up time being greater than the predetermined time, wherein in sleep mode the light source of the lamp is off. [22] A method according to claim 20 or 21, the method further comprising: Switching from sleep mode to a super power saving sleep mode via the controller in response to not receiving the wake-up signal. [23] The method of claim 22, wherein the method further comprises: Receiving a user input from the control board (120); and Exiting super power saving sleep mode in response to receiving user input, wherein in the super energy saving sleep mode all non-essential functions of the luminaire are switched off, wherein the non-essential functions comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of display systems and menu systems. [24] The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the second power supply (315) is in electronic communication with a separate power source to the first power supply (320). [25] Luminaire according to claim 1, further comprising: a main power source (305) in electronic communication with the first power supply (320), the second power supply (315) and the circuit (310), and wherein the controller (200) is further configured to control the circuit (310) to operate in normal operation mode or in standby mode. [26] The luminaire of claim 25, wherein the main power source (305) supplies power to the second power supply (315). [27] The method of claim 13, wherein the second power supply (315) is in electronic communication with a separate power source to the first power supply (320). [28] A method according to claim 13, wherein the method comprises: Receiving power at the first power supply (320) from a main power source (305) via the circuit (310) in response to receiving the command to operate the light in the normal operating mode; and during the standby operating mode, the circuit (310) prevents the controller (200) from receiving supply power from the first power supply (320), wherein preventing the controller (200) from receiving supply power from the first power supply (320) comprises supplying the supply power exclusively to the second power supply (315).

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