Intelligent solar lamp and method for controlling its operation

Abstract

An intelligent solar lamp and method for controlling its operation are provided. The intelligent solar lamp includes an LED component, a solar panel component, a battery component, a converter operably connected to the LED component, the solar panel component, and the battery component, and a microcontroller operably connected to the battery component and in electrical communication with the converter. The microcontroller includes a memory storing an executable software program configured to control the operation of the lamp. The intelligent solar lamp utilizes machine learning techniques to optimize operation and provide intelligent modes that maximize performance and user experience.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application having serial number 63 / 375,059, filed September 9, 2022, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to lamps. More particularly, the present invention relates to solar devices, lamps and systems thereof, and methods of operation thereof. [Background technology]

[0003] Conserving energy is crucial because it reduces dependence on fossil fuels, minimizes environmental impact, and helps promote sustainable development for the future. Solar devices utilize renewable solar energy and have become one of the ideal solutions for efficient lighting. However, solar lamps have faced serious problems and drawbacks. For example, their performance is highly dependent on the availability of sunlight, making them unreliable in areas with limited sunlight or on cloudy days. For example, the autonomy of night lighting directly depends on the battery's charge capacity from the previous day, which causes large variations in the length of night lighting from day to day. For example, due to the complexity of their construction, solar lamps require much higher manufacturing costs and labor-intensive labor than conventional lamps, which may hinder their widespread adoption. Therefore, improvements in solar lamps, systems, and methods for controlling their operation are urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above background, it is an object of some embodiments to provide an intelligent solar lamp, a system thereof, and a method for controlling the operation thereof.

[0005] Thus, in one aspect, there is provided an intelligent solar lamp comprising an LED component, a solar panel component, a battery component, a converter operably connected to the LED component, the solar panel component and the battery component, and a microcontroller operably connected to the battery component and in electrical communication with the converter, wherein said microcontroller comprises a memory having stored thereon an executable software program configured to control operation of the lamp.

[0006] In another aspect, a method for controlling operation of an intelligent solar lamp is provided, the method comprising the steps of: (1) determining whether a current voltage at a solar panel member is lower than a predefined low voltage; (2) if lower than the predefined low voltage, determining whether a current time has reached a first predetermined time slot before a stored night start time; (3) if the first predetermined time slot has reached, (3.1) storing the current time as a current night start time and storing the current battery level as a current battery start level; (3.2) calculating an expected battery usage according to one or more parameters of the current battery start level, the stored battery end level, the stored battery usage, and / or the target battery end level; (3.3) calculating an expected average LED lumen level according to the expected night length, the expected efficiency, and / or the expected battery usage parameters from (3.2) calculated based on the current night start time and the stored night end time; and (4) calculating an expected average LED lumen level according to the expected average LED lumen level. (7.2) estimating a new expected night length by calculating and filtering a current efficiency based on the current battery usage calculated from the current battery start level, the current battery end level, and the current night length; and (8) turning off the LED element and continuing with step (1).

[0007] Other exemplary embodiments are described below.

[0008] advantage

[0009] The present disclosure has many advantages. In some embodiments, the provided devices and systems are integrated and compact in design. In some embodiments, the provided devices and systems have an angle locking mechanism for an anti-droop feature. In some embodiments, the provided devices and systems have an ergonomic, multi-terrain anchor base design that facilitates mounting and repositioning of the lamp. In some embodiments, the provided devices and systems utilize a filter mount to allow for changing the lighting atmosphere to many different colors.

[0010] In some embodiments, the provided devices, systems, and methods have an intelligent mode that utilizes machine learning techniques to optimize operation and maximize performance and user experience.

[0011] In some embodiments, the provided devices, systems, and methods ensure uninterrupted lighting throughout the night with effectiveness comparable to wired outdoor lighting.

[0012] In some embodiments, the provided devices, systems, and methods automatically and intelligently adjust and optimize lumen output. In some embodiments, the provided devices, systems, and methods include all necessary settings without the need for manual management.

[0013] In some embodiments, the provided devices and methods include a complex algorithm in intelligent mode that considers multiple factors, including, but not limited to, a) the current battery charge remaining, b) the device's average long-term charge memory, c) past charge data collected from similar devices in different locations and simulations of this data set, and d) the current wear of the lamp's battery and converter, updated daily by self-evaluation. In some embodiments, the lumen level and lumen output distribution are automatically determined in intelligent mode by making an estimate based on how much battery capacity can be used for at least that night.

[0014] In some embodiments, the provided devices, systems and methods include lifetime average charge storage that allows for predicting the time the sun will rise the next morning, thereby determining the duration of the next night.

[0015] In some embodiments, the provided devices, systems, and methods calculate the number of hours that need to be illuminated during the next night and set their lumen output to this nighttime duration on any given date.

[0016] In some embodiments, provided devices, systems, and methods calculate the night duration of the upcoming night and set their average lumen output for the night. For example, the lumen output can be set to 10 lumens, 20 lumens, 30 lumens, 40 lumens, 50 lumens, 100 lumens, 200 lumens, 300 lumens, 400 lumens, 500 lumens, 600 lumens, 700 lumens, or 800 lumens, or more.

[0017] In some embodiments, provided devices, systems, and methods automatically allocate battery usage based on a programming formula to adjust the lumen output distribution during the night, so that the lumen output distribution coincides with the times when people have the highest demand for light.

[0018] In some embodiments, the provided devices, systems, and methods minimize night-to-night variations in lumen output by saving additional energy during periods of higher than average energy production for later use during periods of lower than average energy production, allowing for illumination throughout the night even during multiple consecutive days of inclement weather, and more generally achieving more desirable and stable performance.

[0019] In some embodiments, the provided devices, systems, and methods store at least one or more of the relevant data and settings referenced above in non-volatile memory so that the lighting can return to a stable lumen output more quickly, even if the user manually turns off the device and / or system.

[0020] In some embodiments, the provided devices and systems include features that prevent overheating and potential accidental fire, extending and optimizing battery life.

[0021] In some embodiments, the provided devices, systems, and methods include a "max charge" system that uses a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) program to maximize solar panel energy collection and battery life, thereby maximizing solar panel energy collected by the solar panel components.

[0022] In some embodiments, devices, systems, and methods are provided that include a step-down converter for optimizing solar panel and battery voltage matching.

[0023] In some embodiments, provided devices, systems, and methods include a microcontroller unit (MCU) that concentrates three functions of battery management, LED driving, and solar panel into one single integrated unit, thus making the device and / or system more cost-effective and space-efficient since it has fewer associated parts and moving parts. In some embodiments, the MCU concentrates four functions: battery management, LED driving, solar panel, and / or USB charging.

[0024] In some embodiments, the provided devices, systems, and methods maximize lumen output and direct maximum energy to the LEDs while minimizing energy loss due to heat dissipation (reaching, at best, at least 600 lumens, 700 lumens, or 800 lumens, or more).

[0025] In some embodiments, the provided devices, systems, and methods include a novel "3-in-1 Multiplex Converter" that is a single integrated converter element for turning on an LED, recharging a battery using a solar panel, and / or recharging a battery utilizing a USB charger.

[0026] In some embodiments, provided devices and methods include an MCU-driven user interface that allows a user to monitor and / or control mode selection, innovative light intensity selection with continuous dimming, and / or a battery fuel gauge indicator. In some embodiments, the battery fuel gauge indicator provides the user with battery power status when charging via a solar panel or USB charger, eliminating the need to rely on a single dedicated battery status integrated circuit (IC). In some embodiments, the indicator illuminates to provide a low battery indication to the user when the battery level reaches 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or more of battery capacity.

[0027] In some embodiments, the provided devices and methods include a tamper-proof mode that allows a user to "lock" a selected mode, such as an intelligent mode. The tamper-proof mode allows the device to be set once and remain in a preset mode, meeting a strong need for users in hotels, restaurants, resorts, and the like. This prevents unauthorized individuals (e.g., customers, children, curious individuals) from tampering with the lamp system settings, thereby saving a great deal of time by eliminating the need for staff to reset all lamps if they are tampered with.

[0028] In some embodiments, provided devices and methods can provide 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, 11 hours, 12 hours, 13 hours, 14 hours, 15 hours, 16 hours, 17 hours, 18 hours, 19 hours, 20 hours or more of lighting, and the method is self-configuring for the upcoming night based on the current battery level to ensure optimal full lighting intensity and automatically adjust the brightness.

[0029] In some embodiments, the provided apparatus and methods determine the current season. In some embodiments, the provided apparatus and methods store prior life charging history in memory. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary intelligent high brightness solar lamp with an angle locking mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a first diagram illustrating a base design of an exemplary intelligent high-brightness solar lamp according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a second diagram illustrating the base design of an exemplary intelligent high-brightness solar lamp according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a base design of an exemplary intelligent high brightness solar lamp according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a first diagram illustrating a front cap replacement means and filter mount of an exemplary intelligent solar lamp according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating a front cap replacement means and filter mount of an exemplary intelligent solar lamp according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 10 is a third diagram illustrating a front cap replacement means and filter mount of an exemplary intelligent solar lamp according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a first diagram illustrating another exemplary intelligent solar lamp having a filter mount according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating another exemplary intelligent solar lamp having a filter mount according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5C] FIG. 10 is a third diagram illustrating another exemplary intelligent solar lamp having a filter mount according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a solar lamp according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a solar lamp according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a battery fuel gauge indicator system according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a converter according to an example embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a converter according to another example embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a battery charging program according to an example embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a tamper-proof program according to an example embodiment. [Figure 13] 9 is a flowchart illustrating an intelligent mode 9000 according to an example embodiment. [Figure 14]9 is a flow chart illustrating steps 9400 of an intelligent mode according to an example embodiment. [Figure 15] 1 is a first flowchart illustrating steps of adding an intelligent mode according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a second flowchart illustrating additional steps of an intelligent mode according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 17A] FIG. 9 is a first exploded view of a flowchart illustrating steps 9400 of an intelligent mode together according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 17B] FIG. 9B is a second exploded view of a flowchart illustrating steps 9400 of an intelligent mode together according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 17C] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a third flowchart showing steps 9400 of an intelligent mode according to another exemplary embodiment. Examples for carrying out the invention

[0031] definition

[0032] As used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprise," (or any related form such as "comprises" and "comprises"), "comprising," (or any related form such as "comprises" or "comprising"), "containing," (or any related form such as "containing" or "containing"), mean the inclusion of the following elements, but not the exclusion of other elements. For each embodiment in which the terms "comprise," (or any related form such as "comprises" and "comprises"), "comprising," (or any related form such as "comprising" or "comprising"), "containing," (or any related form such as "comprising" or "containing") are used, it should be understood that the present disclosure / application also includes alternative embodiments in which the terms "comprising," "comprehensive," or "containing" are replaced with "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of." These alternative embodiments using "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of" are understood to be narrower embodiments of the "comprising," "comprising," or "containing" embodiment.

[0033] For clarity, "comprises," "comprises," "contains," and "having," and any related forms, are open terms permitting additional elements or features other than the required elements specified, whereas "consisting of..." is a closed term limited to the elements recited in a claim and does not include any elements, steps, or ingredients not specified in any claim.

[0034] For clarity, the use of "features" or "featuring" (and their related forms described above) does not limit or modify the open or closed nature of the list of terms that follows. For example, in a claim involving "an apparatus comprising A, B, C and characterized by D, E, and F," elements D, E, and F are still open terms, and the claim is intended to include other elements because of the use of the term "comprising" before the claim.

[0035] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "said" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Where ranges are stated in the specification, they are understood to include each discrete point within the range. For example, 1 to 7 means 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

[0036] As used herein, the term "about" is understood to be within the normal tolerance range of the art and not exceeding ±10% of the stated value. By way of example only, about 50 means 45 to 55, including all values ​​therebetween. As used herein, the phrase "about" a particular value also includes that particular value, for example, about 50 includes 50.

[0037] As used in this specification and claims, the terms "roughly" or "nearly" or "substantially" or "substantially" mean that the recited feature, angle, shape, state, structure, or value need not be precisely realized, but deviations or variations (including, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, limitations in measurement accuracy, and other factors known to those skilled in the art) may occur in amounts that do not preclude the feature from providing the expected effect. For example, an object having a "roughly" cylindrical shape means that the object has an exact cylindrical shape or a nearly exact cylindrical shape. In another example, an object that is "substantially" perpendicular to a surface means that the object is exactly perpendicular to the surface or nearly exactly perpendicular to the surface, with a deviation of, for example, 5%.

[0038] It should be understood that terms such as "top," "bottom," "middle," "side," "length," "inner," "outer," "internal," "external," "outside," "vertical," "horizontal," etc., that may be used herein are intended to describe points of reference only and do not limit the invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., are intended to identify one of multiple portions, members, and / or points of reference disclosed herein and similarly do not limit the invention to any particular configuration or orientation.

[0039] As used in this specification and claims, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. may be used herein to describe various limits, elements, members, regions, layers, and / or sections, but these limits, elements, members, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one limit, element, member, region, layer, and / or section from another limit, element, member, region, layer, or segment. Thus, without departing from the teachings of the present application, a first limit, element, member, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as a second limit, element, member, region, layer, or segment.

[0040] As used herein, the term "lamp" refers to a device, apparatus, or lighting system capable of emitting light. As used herein, the term "solar lamp" refers to a lamp that uses solar energy to generate electricity and emit light (e.g., using a photovoltaic panel or a solar panel and a rechargeable battery). For clarity, the lamp may also emit light using other energy(ies) (e.g., an external power source provided by a USB interface, etc.).

[0041] As used herein, the term "light emitting diode (LED)" refers to a semiconductor element, component, or device that emits light when an electric current is passed through it. An LED component can include one or more LEDs.

[0042] As used herein, the term "solar panel" is an element, component, or device that converts sunlight into electrical power using photovoltaic (PV) battery cells.

[0043] As used herein, the term "battery" refers to a power source that includes one or more electrochemical battery cells, said battery having external connections for use in powering an electrical device, such as an LED component. In some embodiments, the battery used is a rechargeable battery.

[0044] As used herein, the term "converter" refers to an element or component configured to switch a power path between different operably connected elements or components. For example, a converter can connect energy (e.g., from a solar panel or other external power source) to a battery for energy storage, or switch energy to draw power from a battery (or other external power source) for powering an LED component.

[0045] As used herein, the term "MOSFET half-bridge based converter" is a converter that uses metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) configured in a half-bridge.

[0046] As used herein, the term "microcontroller" refers to an integrated circuit device that includes a microprocessor and other components such as memory (e.g., a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium) that stores program software or firmware for controlling and managing other electronic components, devices, systems and devices.

[0047] As used herein, the term "MPPT" means maximum power point tracking, which is an algorithm or software program for maximizing the energy collected by a solar panel by continuously monitoring and adjusting voltage and current to find the optimum power point for battery charging.

[0048] As used herein, the term "solar panel mode" refers to the mode when the solar panel outputs power to charge the battery. When the solar panel voltage is higher than the battery voltage, the system switches into solar panel mode, and when the system loses power from the solar panel, the system switches out of solar panel mode. When the system is not in solar panel mode, the system tracks the open circuit voltage of the solar panel.

[0049] As used herein, the terms "operably connected to" or "operably connected" indicate that two or more elements are functionally connected so that they work together or interact with each other. Such connections may be direct or indirect, and may or may not be physical and / or electrical connections.

[0050] As used herein, the terms "electrical communication" or "electrically connected" refer to the transmission of information or signals by electrical means. Electrical communication may take various forms, such as a wired connection (e.g., cable) or wireless transmission (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).

[0051] As used herein, the phrases "electrical connection" or "electrically connected to" refer to an electrical link between two or more electrical elements, members, or devices.

[0052] As used herein, the term "filtering," when used in the context of "filtering" a particular value, refers to the process of examining a dataset according to particular criteria or conditions to remove, rearrange, or assign data to improve the quality or relevance of the dataset. In some examples, filtering relates to pre-processing and manipulating data to improve model performance and accuracy. For example, when new data is "filtered" into a dataset, the new data is processed along with the data stored in the dataset to find patterns and extend the patterns to future predictions.

[0053] As used herein, a stored value (e.g., stored battery start level, stored battery end level, stored battery usage, stored night end time, stored LED lumen level, etc.) may be a preset, predefined, or pre-stored initial value(s), one or more values ​​obtained or calculated from previous or historical daytime / nighttimes, and / or an average value over a limited time of values ​​obtained or calculated from previous (unfiltered) consecutive daytime / nighttimes. The previous or historical data may be filtered or selected before being stored.

[0054] As used herein, a current value (e.g., current night start time, current battery start level, current night end time, current night length, current efficiency, current voltage, current time, etc.) is a current or real-time value obtained at the current time. A saved value is saved and can become the saved value for the next day / night.

[0055] As used herein, a predicted value (e.g., predicted battery usage, predicted night length, etc.) is a calculated value that is determined by extrapolating over a limited time period based on current values ​​and / or stored values ​​obtained or calculated from previous consecutive days / nights. The calculated value may or may not be stored for future use.

[0056] As used herein, a target value (e.g., a target battery end level) is a predefined desired or ideal target value. For example, the target value may be 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more.

[0057] For clarity, the values ​​mentioned above may be any parameters such as voltage, current, power, day / night start / end time, duration, day / night start / end battery level, efficiency, etc.

[0058] For clarity, the night length for a given night is calculated as the time difference between the night end time and the night start time for the same night.

[0059] For clarity, battery usage for a given night is calculated by subtracting the ending battery level from the beginning battery level for that same night. In some examples, battery usage is expressed as a percentage of the full battery level.

[0060] Embodiments of the methods disclosed herein may be performed in operation on such a computing device. The order of the blocks presented in the above examples may be changed, e.g., the blocks may be reordered, combined, and / or decomposed into sub-blocks. Certain blocks or processes may be performed in parallel.

[0061] As used herein, "suitable for" or "configured to" means open and inclusive language that does not exclude apparatus suitable or configured to perform additional tasks or steps. Additionally, the use of "based on" means open and inclusive because a process, step, calculation, or other operation "based on" one or more enumerated conditions or values ​​may in fact be based on additional conditions or values ​​other than the enumerated conditions or values.

[0062] In some embodiments, an intelligent solar lamp is provided, comprising an LED component, a solar panel component, a battery component, a converter operably connected to the LED component, the solar panel component, and the battery component, and a microcontroller operably connected to the battery component and in electrical communication with the converter, wherein the microcontroller comprises a memory having stored thereon an executable software program configured to control operation of the lamp.

[0063] In some embodiments, the converter is a MOSFET half-bridge based converter.

[0064] In some embodiments, the microcontroller further includes a battery management system (BMS) configured to control the battery component, an LED driver system configured to control the LED component, and a solar panel driver system configured to control the solar panel component.

[0065] In some embodiments, the microcontroller further includes a temperature sensor for measuring a battery temperature of the battery component, and the BMS is configured to control charging of the battery component in response to the battery temperature.

[0066] In some embodiments, the software program further includes a battery fuel gauge indicator system configured to indicate a battery charge state of the battery component, and / or a dimming unit system configured to control the lighting lumen output of the LED component.

[0067] In some embodiments, the lamp further includes a housing that houses or supports the LED component, the solar panel component, the battery component, the converter, and the microcontroller, a base, and a neck portion extending away from the base, wherein the neck portion includes a plurality of interlocking teeth, and the housing includes a grooved wheel having a plurality of grooves formed therein that are adapted to interact with the plurality of interlocking teeth, such that when the housing is connected to the neck portion, each interlocking tooth fits into a corresponding groove, thereby fixing the position of the housing relative to the base.

[0068] In some embodiments, the housing further includes a front cap opening, and the intelligent solar lamp further includes a filter mount attachable to the front cap opening, wherein the filter mount includes a slot for accommodating at least one filter.

[0069] In some embodiments, the software program further includes a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) system configured to maximize solar panel energy collected by the solar panel components.

[0070] In some embodiments, the MPPT system performs the steps of: (a) determining whether sunlight is detected by the solar panel; (b) if sunlight is detected, reducing the operating voltage of the solar panel component; (c) determining whether charging power of the battery component has increased; (d) if charging power has increased, continuing with step (b); otherwise, continuing with step (e); (e) determining whether sunlight is still detected by the solar panel; (f) if sunlight is detected, increasing the operating voltage; otherwise, stopping charging the battery; (g) determining whether charging power has increased; (h) if increased, continuing with step (f); otherwise, continuing with step (i); (i) determining whether sunlight is still detected; and (j) if sunlight is detected, continuing with step (b); otherwise, stopping charging the battery so as to maximize the energy collected by the solar panel.

[0071] In some embodiments, the lamp further includes a button operably connected to the microcontroller, wherein the software program is further configured to enable the lamp to switch between an intelligent mode that optimizes LED lumen levels in response to at least battery usage, a preset use mode that allows a user to manually control operation or customize parameters of the lamp, and a tamper-proof mode that prevents a user from changing the lamp's current settings.

[0072] In some embodiments, the software program further performs the steps of: (i) continuing in the intelligent mode and determining whether the button was briefly pressed or pressed and released; (ii) if briefly pressed, continuing in the preset use mode; and if pressed and released, continuing in the tamper-proof mode; (iii) determining whether the button was further pressed and released; and (iv) if pressed and released, continuing in step (i).

[0073] In some embodiments, the software program further comprises the step of rapidly flashing the operation indicator if pressed and held until released in step (ii) and / or step (iv).

[0074] In some embodiments, the operation module performs the steps of: (1) determining whether a current voltage at the solar panel element is lower than a predefined low voltage; (2) if lower than the predefined low voltage, determining whether the current time has reached a first predetermined time slot before the stored night start time; (3) if the first predetermined time slot has reached, (3.1) storing the current time as a current night start time and storing the current battery level as a current battery start level; (3.2) calculating an expected battery usage according to one or more parameters of the current battery start level, the stored battery end level, the stored battery usage, and / or the target battery end level; (3.3) calculating an expected average LED lumen level according to the expected night length calculated based on the current night end time and the stored night start time, the expected efficiency, and / or the expected battery usage parameter from (3.2); and (4) powering the LED element based on the expected average LED lumen level. (7.2) estimating a new expected night length by calculating and filtering a current efficiency based on the current battery usage calculated from the current battery start level, the current battery end level, and the current night length; and (8) turning off the LED member and continuing with step (1).

[0075] In some embodiments, step (4) further includes the steps of: (4.1) supplying a first power to the LED element at an enhanced LED lumen level from a night start time to a midnight time; (4.2) supplying a second power to the LED element at a reduced LED lumen level from a midnight time to a dawn time; and (4.3) supplying the first power to the LED element at an enhanced LED lumen level from a dawn time to a sunrise time.

[0076] In some embodiments, step (3) further includes, if the first predetermined time period has not been reached, (3.4) determining the sum of the day length and night length for the same date and determining whether said sum is greater than a predetermined time; and (3.5) if greater than the predetermined time, restarting the lamp and continuing with step (1); otherwise, continuing with step (4).

[0077] In some embodiments, step (7) further includes, if the second predetermined time period has not been reached, (7.7) determining the sum of the day length and night length for the same date and determining whether said sum is greater than a predetermined time; and (7.8) if greater than the predetermined time, restarting the lamp and continuing with step (1); otherwise, continuing with step (8).

[0078] Some embodiments provide a method for controlling operation of an intelligent solar lamp according to any of the previous embodiments, the method comprising the steps of: (1) determining whether a current voltage at a solar panel member is lower than a predefined low voltage; (2) if lower than the predefined low voltage, determining whether a current time has reached a first predetermined time slot before a stored night start time; and (3) if the first predetermined time slot has reached, (3.1) storing the current time as a current night start time and storing the current battery level as a current battery start level; (3.2) calculating an expected battery usage according to one or more parameters of the current battery start level, the stored battery end level, the stored battery usage, and / or the target battery end level; and (3.3) calculating an expected average LED lumen level according to the expected night length, the expected efficiency, and / or the expected battery usage parameter from (3.2) calculated based on the current night start time and the stored night end time. (4) powering the LED element based on the expected average LED lumen level; (5) determining whether the current voltage at the solar panel element is higher than a predefined high voltage; (6) if higher than the predefined high voltage, determining whether the current time has reached a second predetermined time slot before the saved night end time; (7) if the second predetermined time slot has been reached, (7.1) saving the current time from (6) as the current night end time and saving the current battery level as the current battery end level; (7.2) estimating a new expected night length by calculating and filtering the current night length based on the current night start time and the current night end time; (7.3) estimating a new expected efficiency by calculating and filtering the current efficiency based on the current battery usage calculated from the current battery start level, the current battery end level, and the current night length; and (8) turning off the LED element and continuing with step (1).

[0079] In some embodiments, a method is provided, wherein step (4) further includes: (4.1) supplying a first power to the LED element at an enhanced LED lumen level from a night start time to a midnight time; (4.2) supplying a second power to the LED element at a reduced LED lumen level from a midnight time to a dawn time; and (4.3) supplying the first power to the LED element at an enhanced LED lumen level from a dawn time to a sunrise time.

[0080] In some embodiments, a method is provided, wherein step (3) further includes, if the first predetermined time period has not been reached, (3.4) determining the sum of the day length and night length for the same date and determining whether the sum is greater than a predetermined time; and (3.5) if greater than the predetermined time, restarting the lamp and continuing with step (1); otherwise, continuing with step (4).

[0081] In some embodiments, a method is provided, wherein step (7) further includes, if the second predetermined time period has not been reached, (7.7) determining the sum of the day length and the night length for the same date and determining whether said sum is greater than a predetermined time; and (7.8) if greater than the predetermined time, restarting the lamp and continuing with step (1); otherwise, continuing with step (8).

[0082] Although the description has referred to particular embodiments, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0083] Numbered Examples

[0084] Example 1: An intelligent solar lamp, comprising: an LED component; a solar panel component; a battery component; a converter operably connected to the LED component, the solar panel component, and the battery component; and a microcontroller operably connected to the battery component and in electrical communication with the converter, wherein the microcontroller includes a memory storing an executable software program configured to control operation of the lamp.

[0085] Example 2. The lamp of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the converter is a MOSFET half-bridge based converter.

[0086] Example 3: The lamp of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the software program further includes a battery management system (BMS) configured to control the battery component, an LED driver system configured to control the LED component, and a solar panel driver system configured to control the solar panel component.

[0087] Example 4: A lamp according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the microcontroller further includes a temperature sensor for measuring a battery temperature of the battery component, and the BMS is configured to control charging of the battery component in response to the battery temperature.

[0088] Example 5: A lamp as described in any one of the preceding examples, wherein the software program further includes a battery fuel gauge indicator system configured to indicate a battery charge state of the battery component, and / or a dimming unit system configured to control the lighting lumen output of the LED component.

[0089] Example 6: A lamp as described in any one of the preceding examples, further comprising: a housing that houses or supports the LED component, the solar panel component, the battery component, the converter, and the microcontroller; a base; and a neck portion extending away from the base, wherein the neck portion includes a plurality of interlocking teeth; and the housing includes a grooved wheel, the grooved wheel including a plurality of grooves that are adapted to interact with the plurality of interlocking teeth, such that when the housing is connected to the neck portion, each interlocking tooth engages with a groove one by one to fix the position of the housing relative to the base.

[0090] Example 7. The lamp of any of the preceding examples, wherein the housing further includes a front cap opening, and the intelligent solar lamp further includes a filter mount attachable to the front cap opening, wherein the filter mount includes a slot for accommodating at least one filter.

[0091] Example 8. The lamp of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the software program further includes a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) system configured to maximize solar panel energy collected by the solar panel component.

[0092] Example 9: The lamp of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the MPPT system performs the steps of: (a) determining whether sunlight is detected by the solar panel; (b) if sunlight is detected, reducing the operating voltage of the solar panel component; (c) determining whether charging power of the battery component has increased; (d) if charging power has increased, continuing with step (b); otherwise, continuing with step (e); (e) determining whether sunlight is still detected by the solar panel; (f) if sunlight is detected, increasing the operating voltage; otherwise, stopping charging the battery; (g) determining whether the charging power has increased; (h) if increased, continuing with step (f); otherwise, continuing with step (i); (i) determining whether sunlight is still detected; and (j) if sunlight is detected, continuing with step (b); otherwise, stopping charging the battery so as to maximize energy collected by the solar panel.

[0093] Example 10: The lamp of any one of the preceding examples, further comprising a button operably connected to the microcontroller, wherein the software program is further configured to enable the lamp to switch between an intelligent mode that optimizes LED lumen levels in response to at least battery usage, a preset use mode that allows a user to manually control the operation or customize parameters of the lamp, and a tamper-proof mode that prevents a user from changing current settings of the lamp.

[0094] Example 11. The lamp of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the software program further performs the steps of: (i) continuing in an intelligent mode and determining whether the button was short pressed or long pressed and then released; (ii) if short pressed, continuing in the preset use mode, and if long pressed and then released, continuing in the tamper-proof mode; (iii) determining whether the button was further long pressed and then released; and (iv) if long pressed and then released, continuing in step (i).

[0095] Example 12. The lamp of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the software program further comprises the step of rapidly flashing the operation indicator if step (ii) and / or step (iv) is pressed and held until released.

[0096] Example 13. The lamp of any of the preceding examples, wherein the software program further comprises the steps of: (1) determining whether a current voltage at a solar panel element is lower than a predefined low voltage; (2) if lower than the predefined low voltage, determining whether a current time has reached a first predetermined time slot before a stored night start time; (3) if the first predetermined time slot has reached, (3.1) storing the current time as a current night start time and the current battery level as a current battery start level; (3.2) calculating an expected battery usage according to one or more parameters of the current battery start level, the stored battery end level, the stored battery usage, and / or the target battery end level; (3.3) calculating an expected average LED lumen level according to the expected night length, the expected efficiency, and / or the expected battery usage parameters from (3.2) calculated based on the current night start time and the stored night end time; and (4) adjusting the LED lumen level based on the expected average LED lumen level. (7.2) estimating a new expected night length by calculating and filtering a current efficiency based on a current battery start level, a current battery end level, and a current night length calculated from the current battery start level, the current battery end level, and the current night length; and (8) turning off the LED element and continuing with step (1).

[0097] Example 14. The lamp of any one of the preceding examples, wherein step (4) further comprises: (4.1) supplying a first power to the LED element at an enhanced LED lumen level from a night start time to a midnight time; (4.2) supplying a second power to the LED element at a reduced LED lumen level from a midnight time to a dawn time; and (4.3) supplying the first power to the LED element at an enhanced LED lumen level from a dawn time to a sunrise time.

[0098] Example 15: The lamp of any one of the preceding examples, wherein step (3) further includes the steps of: if the first predetermined time period has not been reached, (3.4) determining the sum of the day length and night length for the same date and determining whether the sum is greater than a predetermined time; and (3.5) if greater than the predetermined time, restarting the lamp and continuing with step (1); otherwise, continuing with step (4).

[0099] Example 16. The lamp of any one of the preceding examples, wherein step (7) further comprises: if a second predetermined time period has not been reached, (7.7) determining the sum of the day length and night length for the same date and determining whether the sum is greater than a predetermined time; and (7.8) if greater than the predetermined time, restarting the lamp and continuing with step (1); otherwise, continuing with step (8).

[0100] Example 17: A method for controlling the operation of an intelligent solar lamp according to any one of the preceding examples, the method comprising the steps of: (1) determining whether a current voltage at a solar panel member is lower than a predefined low voltage; (2) if lower than the predefined low voltage, determining whether a current time has reached a first predetermined time slot before a stored night start time; (3) if the first predetermined time slot has reached, (3.1) storing the current time as a current night start time and a current battery level as a current battery start level; (3.2) calculating an expected battery usage according to one or more parameters of the current battery start level, the stored battery end level, the stored battery usage, and / or a target battery end level; (3.3) calculating an expected night length, an expected efficiency, and / or an expected average LED lumen level according to a parameter of the expected battery usage from (3.2) calculated based on the current night start time and the stored night end time; and (4 (7.1) powering an LED element based on the predicted average LED lumen level; (5) determining whether a current voltage at the solar panel element is greater than a predefined high voltage; (6) if greater than the predefined high voltage, determining whether the current time has reached a second predetermined time slot before the saved night end time; (7.2) if the second predetermined time slot has been reached, (7.3) saving the current time from (6) as a current night end time and saving the current battery level as a current battery end level; (7.4) estimating a new predicted night length by calculating and filtering a current night length based on the current night start time and the current night end time; (7.5) estimating a new predicted efficiency by calculating and filtering a current efficiency based on a current battery start level, a current battery end level, and a current battery usage calculated from the current night length; and (8) turning off the LED element and continuing with step (1).

[0101] Example 18. The method of any one of the preceding examples, wherein step (4) further comprises: (4.1) supplying a first power to the LED element at an enhanced LED lumen level from a night start time to a midnight time; (4.2) supplying a second power to the LED element at a reduced LED lumen level from a midnight time to a dawn time; and (4.3) supplying the first power to the LED element at an enhanced LED lumen level from a dawn time to a sunrise time.

[0102] Example 19: The method of any one of the preceding examples, wherein step (3) further includes the steps of: if the first predetermined time period has not been reached, (3.4) determining the sum of the day length and night length for the same date and determining whether the sum is greater than a predetermined time; and (3.5) if greater than the predetermined time, restarting the lamp and continuing with step (1); otherwise, continuing with step (4).

[0103] Example 20: The method of any one of the preceding examples, wherein step (7) further comprises: if a second predetermined time period has not been reached, (7.7) determining the sum of the day length and the night length for the same date and determining whether the sum is greater than a predetermined time; and (7.8) if greater than the predetermined time, restarting the lamp and continuing with step (1); otherwise, continuing with step (8). example

[0104] example This specification provides several example embodiments that describe the present disclosure in more detail. The examples provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. All references provided below and elsewhere in this application are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0105] Example 1 The present invention relates to a spotlight, and more particularly to an intelligent high brightness solar spotlight.

[0106] In some embodiments, the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight is suitable not only for homeowners, but also for professional gardeners, architects, resorts, hotels, etc.

[0107] In some embodiments, intelligent high-brightness solar spotlights are provided that outperform traditional wired spotlights without the need for cumbersome wiring or paying utility bills.

[0108] In some embodiments, the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight is compact in size yet capable of emitting a concentrated beam of light up to 600 lumens.

[0109] In some embodiments, the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight has an ergonomic and robust construction, simplifies installation, and improves production rates.

[0110] In some embodiments, the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight will offer "machine learning AI" making it the most sophisticated and user-friendly solar lamp ever invented.

[0111] Basic specifications

[0112] In some embodiments, the basic specifications of an exemplary intelligent high brightness solar spotlight are outlined below.

[0113] [Table 1]

[0114] Innovative mechanical aspects

[0115] 1. Unlike some compact solar spotlights available on the market (which use separate cable-type panels or very unsightly "umbrella-type" panel attachments), in some embodiments, the provided intelligent high brightness solar spotlights have an all-in-one, compact design.

[0116] 2. In some embodiments, the provided intelligent high-brightness solar spotlight includes an ETFE laminate to protect the solar battery cell from impact and oxidation. The microprism pattern of the ETFE laminate also maximizes optical reflection and capture of solar energy from direct sunlight.

[0117] 3. In some embodiments, the provided intelligent high brightness solar spotlight includes a waterproof IP66 structure, and the waterproof IP66 structure: a- Ultrasonically sealed UV-blocking acrylic front lens, and / or b-Includes gaskets installed between the optical lens and the flat front lens, between the front cap and the main housing, and / or around the battery box.

[0118] 4. In some embodiments, the provided intelligent high brightness solar spotlight has an overheating prevention design achieved by vents to maximize the operating performance of the lithium-ion battery. a - Front cap, and / or b-Can be installed on the battery door to prevent deformation due to temperature or pressure.

[0119] In some embodiments, the vents comprise a waterproof, breathable fabric adhesive that allows air to flow in and out while blocking water ingress, thereby maximizing operational efficiency while ensuring a waterproof construction (IP66 rating).

[0120] 5. In some embodiments, the provided intelligent high-brightness solar spotlight includes an anti-condensation drainage device to prevent internal oxidation and / or water accumulation. a - Front cap to prevent water from accumulating in the lens cabinet, and / or b-Can be installed behind the spotlight to prevent water from accumulating when the spotlight is at a certain angle.

[0121] 6. In some embodiments, the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight includes an "anti-droop" angle locking mechanism, which: a - A feature that allows the user to select the beam angle with great flexibility, b - a feature with seven steps of 15 degrees each, and / or c- Once locked into place, the "anti-sag" angle locking mechanism includes a feature that ensures the spotlight will not sag downward due to accidental impact or gravity over time (see Figure 1).

[0122] 7. In some embodiments, the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight includes an ergonomic multi-terrain anchor base design, which: a- A feature that allows the front and rear mounting nails to be driven vertically without interfering with / destroying or impacting the main housing (see Figures 2A-2B); b-Three anchor "claws" make installation easier and allow for a more secure attachment to the ground. c-Cut area around the entire rim c1 - Optimal adhesion to uneven ground and c2—Includes a feature that allows for easy removal of the spotlight base and insertion of a tool to reposition the light if necessary (see Figure 3).

[0123] 8. In some embodiments, the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight includes a universal front cap track groove that allows multiple mounting, and the universal front cap track groove: a-Atmosphere-enhancing light color filter attachment, allowing the user to easily slip the appropriate color lens onto the filter lens universal attachment to accommodate multiple different colors for each scene, changing the lighting atmosphere using the same LED power source (see Figures 4A to 4C, 5A); and / or b- Rotating shades prevent glare and further direct and focus the beam (see Figures 5B-5C).

[0124] Innovative Electronic Features

[0125] 1. In some embodiments, the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight includes a "max charge" system that uses MPPT (maximum power point tracking) to maximize the energy collected by the solar panel, something not previously used in other consumer lighting devices.

[0126] In some embodiments, the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight includes a "buck converter" that optimizes matching of panel and battery voltage.

[0127] 2. In some embodiments, the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight includes a unique battery management circuit system to maximize charging capacity, prevent overcharging and over-discharging, and maximize battery life.

[0128] 3. In some embodiments, the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight includes a "Max Lumen" system that maximizes lumen output and directs maximum energy to the LEDs while minimizing energy loss due to heat dissipation (up to 600 lumens).

[0129] In some embodiments, the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight includes a dedicated "boost converter" circuit system ready for use.

[0130] Innovative MCU-driven user interface

[0131] 4. In some embodiments, the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight includes an innovative mode selection with "positive" / intuitive feedback, which a-Single switch control feature; b-One short "click" sets Mode 1 = Intelligent Mode (see detailed explanation below) ---> One flashing feedback indicates Mode 1, c-Two short clicks set Mode 2 = Auto-on mode and light intensity selection ---> Two flashing feedbacks indicate Mode 2, d-3 short clicks to set mode 3 = "constant on mode" and select light intensity ---> 3 flashes to indicate mode 3, e-When in mode 1, short click will change to mode 2, when in mode 2, short click will change to mode 3, Finally, it includes a feature that will turn the unit off with a short click when in mode 3.

[0132] 5. In some embodiments, the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight includes an innovative light intensity selection with a continuous dimmer.

[0133] Unlike other solar lamps on the market, the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight is equipped with a linear continuous dimmer, allowing users to select their preferred light output according to their needs and occasions with a single switch operation.

[0134] In Mode 2 or Mode 3, by holding the On switch in the pressed position, the user can set the light output to any brightness selected between 10 lumens and 600 lumens.

[0135] 6. In some embodiments, the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight includes an innovative and intuitive digital battery fuel gauge indicator, and the digital battery fuel gauge indicator includes the following features:

[0136] If you charge your device by connecting it to an electrical outlet using the a-USB C port:

[0137] a1 - Flashes rapidly once to indicate that the battery level is less than 25% a2 - Flashes twice rapidly to indicate that the battery level is between 25% and 75%. a3 - Flashes rapidly 3 times to indicate the battery level is greater than 75%.

[0138] b- If the device charges using solar energy:

[0139] Three rapid flashes indicate the battery level is greater than 75%.

[0140] c-When in operation, a drop in lighting lumen output to 10 indicates less than 15% battery life remaining.

[0141] "Intelligent Mode" - Machine Learning AI to optimize operation and maximize performance and user experience

[0142] In some embodiments, the provided intelligent high brightness solar spotlight includes "machine learning AI" (i.e., "intelligent mode") to optimize operation and maximize performance and user experience.

[0143] The main problem with commercially available solar lamps is that their nighttime lighting autonomy directly depends on the battery charge from the previous day, which leads to large variations in lighting time from night to night.

[0144] The offered "Intelligent Mode" completely solves this problem by ensuring the light will stay on all night, similar to low-voltage cable-type outdoor lighting. Furthermore, Intelligent Mode automatically reduces lumen output when people need less, and increases lumen output when people demand it most.

[0145] 1. In some embodiments, an "intelligent mode" is provided: a - current battery level, and b - Based on a complex algorithm that takes into account the device's average long-term charge memory.

[0146] In some embodiments, a controller and one or more light sensors are operably connected to the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight.

[0147] In some embodiments, the provided intelligent high brightness solar spotlight can estimate itself how much capacity it can use that night.

[0148] 2. In some embodiments, the provided intelligent high-brightness solar spotlight can also determine the time of sun rise the next morning based on its lifetime average charge memory, and thereby determine the duration of the next night.

[0149] In some embodiments, after knowing the available capacity and the amount of time the light is needed for the next night, an intelligent high brightness solar spotlight is provided that sets its lumen output for a nighttime duration on any given date.

[0150] 3. In some embodiments, an intelligent high brightness solar spotlight is provided with available battery capacity and an upcoming nighttime duration, and the intelligent high brightness solar spotlight sets its average lumen output (e.g., 300 lumens) during the night.

[0151] 4. Next, in some embodiments, the provided intelligent high brightness solar spotlight automatically allocates available power intensity based on a programming formula to meet people's greatest lighting needs. In one example, if the average lumen output is determined to be 300 lumens, the programming formula is outlined as follows:

[0152] [Table 2]

[0153] 5. In some embodiments, this is an excellent feature as it can handle all settings, making the provided intelligent high brightness solar spotlight an "instant action" device with no manual management required.

[0154] Example 2 Example 2.1: Solar Lamp 100

[0155] Referring now to FIG. 1 , an exemplary intelligent high-intensity solar spotlight (also referred to as an “intelligent solar lamp, system, or apparatus”) including an “anti-sag” angle locking mechanism is shown. In this example, the intelligent solar lamp 100 includes a base 110, a neck portion 120, and a housing 130. The neck portion 120 is connected to the base 110 at one end or extends away from the base, and has a plurality of interlocking teeth 140 attached to an opposite end. The housing 130 houses or provides support for the lamp's main components and includes a grooved turntable 150 that further includes a plurality of grooves 151. The size and shape of the plurality of grooves 151 are determined to interact with the plurality of interlocking teeth 140 such that, when the housing 130 is connected to the neck portion 120, each of the interlocking teeth 140 mates with a respective one of the grooves 151 to secure the position of the housing 130 relative to the base 110.

[0156] In some embodiments, the neck portion 120 is fitted with six interlocking teeth 140. The multiple interlocking teeth 140 and the grooves 151 of the grooved wheel 150 form an interlocking portion that allows the user great flexibility in adjusting the beam angle and locking the intelligent solar lamp 100 in place. Once locked in place, the "no sag" angle locking mechanism ensures that the spotlight will not sag downward due to accidental impact or gravity over time. In some embodiments, the interlocking portion allows the user to adjust the angle in seven 15-degree increments.

[0157] 2A-2B, an example of an intelligent high-brightness solar lamp 200 with an ergonomic, multi-terrain anchor base design is shown. In this embodiment, lamp 200 similarly includes a base 210, a neck portion (not explicitly shown), and a housing 220. As shown in FIG. 2A, base 210 further includes a plurality of fastening receiving portions 211. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2B, each fastening receiving portion 211 is configured to receive a fastening element 212 (e.g., a nail or pin) that allows for forward or backward installation without interfering with, destroying, or impacting main housing 220, thereby forming an anchor "claw" that can be more securely fastened to a surface. In some embodiments, fastening receiving portions 211 can facilitate installation by receiving fastening elements 212 (e.g., a nail or screw that can be installed by driving it vertically).

[0158] Referring now to FIG. 3 , another example of an intelligent solar lamp 300 is shown. In this embodiment, the intelligent solar lamp 300 includes a base 310, a neck portion 320, and a housing 330. The base 310 further includes multiple cutouts 311 around its rim to provide optimal adhesion to uneven ground and facilitate insertion of a tool 314 for removing the base 310 and repositioning the intelligent solar lamp 300 as needed. In this embodiment, the base 310 has a generally rounded rectangular shape and includes four cutouts 311 on the bottom side of the base, leaving four corners to form four "feet" for support. The four feet provide stability on uneven ground and allow for easy removal by placing a tool 314 underneath. In some examples, a solar panel component 331 is positioned on the top side of the lamp, and an LED component 332 is positioned on the front side of the lamp. Other components (e.g., a microcontroller, converter, and battery components) are housed in the housing 330.

[0159] Referring now to FIGS. 4A to 4C, another example of a front cap replacement mechanism for an intelligent solar lamp is shown. FIG. 4A shows a front cap portion 400 of an exemplary intelligent solar lamp. The front cap portion 400 includes a front cap opening 410 and a track groove 420 that is positioned around the front cap opening 410. The track groove 420 forms a recess that can accommodate a filter mount of a suitable size. As shown in FIG. 4B, the front cap opening 410 is configured to accommodate the filter mount 430 by mating and holding the filter mount 430 within the track groove 420. Referring now to FIG. 4C, the filter mount 430 further includes a slot 431 for accommodating at least one filter 432. In some embodiments, the filter 432 is an atmosphere-enhancing light color filter lens. The filter mount 430 allows the user to easily slide the appropriate color lens into the slot 432 to accommodate multiple different colors for each scene, changing the lighting atmosphere using the same LED power source. In some embodiments, the shade of filter 432 can be rotated to prevent glare.

[0160] 5A-5C, another example intelligent solar lamp 1000 with a filter mount is shown. In this embodiment, filter mount 1430 is attached to intelligent solar lamp 1000. As shown in FIG. 5A, filter mount 1430 includes slot 1431 for receiving at least one filter, such as filter 1432 or filter 1433. In some embodiments, filter mount 1430 is designed to have a circular shape. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5B, filter mount 1440 is designed to have protruding edges on two opposite sides. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5C, filter mount 1450 is designed to have a protruding edge on one side. In some embodiments, filter mounts 1440 and 1450 may be rotatable, allowing a user to redirect, adjust, and / or focus the beam.

[0161] Example 2.2: Solar Lamp 2000

[0162] 6, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a solar lamp 2000. In this example, the solar lamp 2000 is a lighting system that generally includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) 2100, a converter 2200, a battery 2300, a light emitting diode (LED) 2400, a solar panel 2500, and a power button 2600 operably connected to each other.

[0163] In this embodiment, the MCU 2100 is operably connected to the battery 2300, and the MCU 2100 is in electrical communication with the converter 2200. The MCU 2100 further includes a built-in thermometer 2160. The MCU 2100 includes a processor and a memory (not shown) that stores firmware 2110 (also referred to as a "software program" in some embodiments). The MCU 2100 includes an operation module configured to control other components of the solar lamp based on various pre-set programs stored in the firmware 2110. In this embodiment, the firmware 2110 includes a battery management system (BMS) 2111, a battery fuel gauge 2112, an LED driver 2113, a dimming unit 2114, and a solar panel driver 2115. In some embodiments, utilizing these pre-set or built-in programs in the firmware 2110 allows the MCU 2100 to concentrate at least the functions of battery management, LED driving, and solar panel charging into one single component. In some embodiments, the MCU 2100 is responsible for battery fuel gauge, battery safety, converter operation, ergonomic management (e.g., responding to pressing the power button 2600 to change modes, which is described in more detail below), and managing the preset use modes and intelligent modes of the solar lamp 2000. The battery management system 2111 is configured to control the charging and discharging of the rechargeable battery 2300 to maximize charge capacity and maintain the voltage, current, and temperature of the battery 2300 within safe operating ranges during the charging and discharging processes, thereby protecting the battery 2300 from overcharging and over-discharging and maximizing battery life. In this embodiment, the battery management system 2111 is operably connected to and works in conjunction with a thermometer 2160 that serves as a temperature sensor for the battery 2300. In some embodiments, the battery 2300 is a lithium-ion battery cell, and the thermometer 2160 is positioned below the battery cell of the lithium-ion battery to continuously monitor the temperature of the battery cell.This temperature monitoring feature can more safely prevent overheating and potential unexpected fire of the battery 2300, thereby extending and maximizing the battery life. For example, if the temperature is sensed to be too high (e.g., >50oC), the MCU 2100 sends a "cool down" signal to the BMS 2111 by gradually reducing the maximum charge level of the battery 2300. If the temperature is sensed to be even higher (e.g., >70oC), the MCU 2100 sends a "full shutdown" signal to the BMS 2111, stopping charging and discharging the battery.

[0164] Battery fuel gauge 2112 is configured to measure the battery voltage and current of battery 2300, thereby providing an accurate indication of the battery's state of charge (SoC). Details of battery fuel gauge 2112 and its operation are provided below.

[0165] The LED driver 2113 and the solar panel driver 2114 are configured to drive the LED 2400 and the solar panel 2500, respectively, under the control of the MCU 2100.

[0166] The dimming unit 2114 is configured to control the lighting lumen output of the LED 2400. In some embodiments, the dimming unit 2114 is a linear continuous dimmer, allowing a user to select their preferred lighting output for their needs and occasions with a single switch operation of the power button 2600. For example, by holding the power button 2600 in different depressions in different preset use modes, the user can set the light output to any brightness, such as from 10 lumens to 600 lumens.

[0167] The power button 2600 is configured to be touched (multiple times) by a user to turn the solar lamp 2000 on and off. In some embodiments, the power button 2600 is also configured to switch between different preset use modes (also referred to in some embodiments as "personalized modes or manual modes") or intelligent modes after being pressed by a user for a predetermined amount of time. For example, the power button 2600 may be programmed to trigger the following intelligent or preset use modes when pressed by a user:

[0168] (a) a single short press places the system in "intelligent mode" (in some embodiments, also called "smart mode," as described in more detail below) and causes LED 2400 (or another indicator) to generate a single flash of feedback to indicate that intelligent mode has been entered; (b) Two short presses will set the system to "Auto-On Mode," allow you to select the light intensity, and cause the LED2400 (or another indicator) to generate two flashes to indicate that Auto-On Mode has been entered. (c) Three short presses set the system to "Always On Mode," allowing you to select the light intensity, and the LED2400 (or another indicator) will generate three flashes to indicate that you have entered Always On Mode; (d) When in "Intelligent Mode", a short press will change the system to "Auto-On Mode", and when in "Auto-On Mode", a short press will change the system to "Always On Mode", (e) When in "Always On Mode", a short press will switch the system off.

[0169] In this embodiment, converter 2200 is electrically connected to battery 2300, LED 2400, and solar panel 2500, respectively, and allows for the selection of a power path between these units. In some embodiments, converter 2200 is a metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) half-bridge based converter. In some embodiments, converter 2200 is configured to receive signals from MCU 2100 to control and regulate the flow of power between battery 2300, LED 2400, and solar panel 2500. More details about the converters and their operation are provided below.

[0170] Example 2.3: Solar Lamp 3000

[0171] 7, another exemplary embodiment of a solar lamp 3000 is shown. Similar to the exemplary embodiment described in Example 2.2, the solar lamp 3000 includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) 3100, a converter 3200, a battery 3300, a light emitting diode (LED) 3400, a solar panel 3500, and a power button 3600, all operably connected to one another. In this exemplary embodiment, the solar lamp 3000 further includes a USB interface module 3700. In some embodiments, the USB interface module 3700 includes or is connected to a USB charger, which may serve as an additional charging method for the battery 3300 (e.g., by connecting the USB charger to an external power source) and / or to charge any external devices powered by the battery 3300 as needed.

[0172] In some embodiments, the converter 3200 is electrically connected to the battery 3300 and further electrically connected to the LED 3400, the solar panel 3500, and the USB interface module 3700, respectively, to enable switching and selection of power paths between at least these units. In some embodiments, the converter 3200 is a metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) half-bridge based converter. In some embodiments, the converter 3200 is configured to receive signals from the MCU 3100 to control and regulate the flow of power between the battery 3300, the LED 3400, the solar panel 3500, and the USB interface module 3700. This allows only one single integrated converter to be used to power the LED 3400 from the solar panel 3500 or the USB interface module for recharging the battery 3300 using the solar panel or the USB charger. In one example, the type of USB interface used is USB-C.

[0173] In this exemplary embodiment, the MCU 3100 is operably connected to the battery 3300 and is in electrical communication with the converter 3200. Similar to the MCU 2100 of Example 2, the MCU 3100 includes firmware 3110 and a thermometer 3160. The MCU 3100 is configured to control components of the solar lamp 3000 based on various pre-set programs stored in the firmware 3110. The components of the firmware 3110 may be similar to or the same as the firmware 2110 described in the previous example. For clarity, this specification will not repeat the components of the firmware 3110 and the functions of the MCU 3100.

[0174] Example 2.4: Battery Fuel Gauge Indicator System 4000

[0175] In some embodiments, the firmware of the solar lamp's MCU further includes a battery fuel gauge or battery fuel gauge software. In some embodiments, the battery fuel gauge is part of or includes a software program that provides the user with the battery's power status when charging via the solar panel, thereby eliminating the need to rely on a separate dedicated IC to display the battery status. The battery fuel gauge operates in conjunction with some component or system of the lamp to form a battery fuel gauge indicator system.

[0176] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a schematic circuit diagram illustrating an appearance of a solar lamp battery fuel gauge indicator system 4000 according to an example embodiment.

[0177] In this example, the battery fuel gauge indicator system 4000 includes several components as part of a solar lamp, similar to those described in other examples, including an MCU 2100′, a converter 2200′, a battery 2300′, and a thermometer 2160′, and further includes a filter voltage divider 4100, a shunt resistor 4200, a low-pass filter 4300, and a current amplifier 4400. The battery fuel gauge is embedded in the MCU 2100′ as part of firmware. These components are electrically connected to each other. In this example, the battery 2300′ provides power to the entire system, and the thermometer 2160′ is integrated into the MCU 2100′ and configured to measure the battery temperature. The converter 2200′ is configured to select a power path so that the system can power an LED (not shown) and draw power from a solar panel (not shown) or a USB module (not shown) to charge the battery 2300′. The filter voltage divider 4100 is operably connected to the converter 2200', the battery 2300', and the shunt resistor 4200, and the output of the filter voltage divider is routed to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) pin of the MCU 2100'.

[0178] The shunt resistor 4200 is configured to measure the battery current of the battery and send a signal to the system. In this embodiment, the shunt resistor 4200 is electrically connected to the battery 2300′, the converter 2200′, the filter voltage divider 4100, and the current amplifier 4400. In some embodiments, the shunt resistor 4200 is a low ohmic resistor to reduce losses, and the shunt resistor signal is amplified by the current amplifier 4400. The current amplifier 4400 is further electrically connected to the low pass filter 4300, which is further electrically connected to the ADS pin of the MCU 2100′ so that the amplified and filtered signal can be provided to the MCU 2100′ to calculate the battery state of charge of the battery 2300′.

[0179] The battery's state of charge (SoC) is calculated based on the voltage measured by the battery fuel gauge system 4000. In some embodiments, the battery fuel gauge indicator system is configured to perform accurate and / or less accurate SoC measurements. For example, accurate SoC measurements are performed during day / night and night / day transitions, when the battery current is very close to zero for extended periods of time. These accurate measurements may be used, for example, in an "intelligent mode." In some embodiments, less accurate SoC measurements are also performed during use by using the measured battery current and the measured battery voltage corrected for the expected battery internal resistance. This less accurate measurement may be used, for example, to indicate SoC during charging, to automatically shut down the device when the battery is depleted, or to reduce light output when the battery is nearing depletion.

[0180] In some embodiments, the battery fuel gauge indicator system is a digital battery fuel gauge indicator or algorithm that is part of firmware, which operates in conjunction with other physical components within the lamp. In some embodiments, the battery fuel gauge indicator system operates in conjunction with an LED component (or other indicator) to perform one or more of the following operations:

[0181] (a) If the battery is charging by connecting it to an external power source using the USB port: A1-LED (or other indicator) flashing once quickly indicates that the current battery level is low, e.g., less than 25%. A2-LED (or other indicator) flashing twice quickly indicates that the current battery level is medium, such as between 25% and 75%. a3-LED (or other indicator) flashes three times quickly indicates that the current battery level is high, such as 75% or more. (b) If the battery is charging using a solar panel: The b1-LED (or other indicator) flashes three times rapidly to indicate a high battery level, such as 75% or more.

[0182] (c) When the solar lamp is running, the LED lighting lumen output drops to 10, indicating that the battery level is very low, such as less than 15%.

[0183] Example 2.5: Converter 5000

[0184] Referring now to FIG. 9 , a schematic circuit diagram of a converter 5000 for a solar lighting system or lamp is shown, according to an example embodiment. In this embodiment, the converter 5000 is a bidirectional or multidirectional switching converter. The converter 5000 includes a first switch unit 5211, a second switch unit 5212, a third switch unit 5213, a fourth switch unit 5214, an inductor 5220, a first capacitor 5231, and a second capacitor 5232. The inductor 5220 is operably (electrically) connected to the system's battery 2300′. In some embodiments, the first switch unit 5211, the second switch unit 5212, the third switch unit 5213, and / or the fourth switch unit 5214 are MOSFETs, allowing for selection of one or more power paths. The first switch unit 5211 and the second switch unit 5212 are connected in series at a node 5215. The inductor 5220 has one terminal connected to the node 5215 and the other terminal connected to the battery 2300' of the solar lighting system. The third switch unit 5213 is connected in series with the LED connection portion 5240. The fourth switch unit 5214 is connected in series with the solar panel connection portion 5250. The LED connection portion 5240, the solar panel connection portion 5250, the capacitors 5231, 5232, and the first switch unit 5211 are connected in parallel. The LED connection portion 5240 is operably connected to an LED (not shown), and the solar panel connection portion 5250 is operably connected to the solar panel (not shown).

[0185] This configuration enables the converter 5000 to switch power paths so that during the day (when sunlight is available) power flows from the solar panel (via the solar panel connection 5250) to the battery 2300' to charge the battery, and at night it flows from the battery 2300' to the LEDs (via the LED connection 5240) to provide lighting.

[0186] Example 2.6: Converter 6000

[0187] Referring now to FIG. 10 , a circuit diagram of a converter 6000 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, converter 6000 is a bidirectional or multidirectional switching converter. Converter 6000 is similar to converter 5000 of the previous example, and includes a first switch unit 6211, a second switch unit 6212, a third switch unit 6213, a fourth switch unit 6214, an inductor 6220, a first capacitor 6231, a second capacitor 6232, an LED connection portion 6240, and a solar panel connection portion 6250. The connections of the aforementioned components of converter 6000 are similar or identical to those of converter 5000 described above. In this embodiment, converter 6000 further includes a fifth switch unit 6215 and a USB receptacle 6260. The fifth switch unit 6215 and the USB receptacle 6260 are connected in series. The USB receptacle 6260 is connected in parallel to the first switch unit 5211 , the capacitors 6231 and 6232 , the LED connection portion 6240 , and the fourth switch unit 6214 .

[0188] This configuration allows converter 6000 to switch power paths so that power flows from the solar panel (via solar panel connection 6250) or USB receptacle 6260 to the battery 3300′, or from the battery 3300′ to the LED (via LED connection 6240). This allows a single converter to be sufficient to power the LED, recharge the battery using the solar panel, and recharge the battery using the USB charger.

[0189] Example 2.7: MPPT 7000

[0190] In some embodiments, the firmware of the solar lamp's MCU further includes an MPPT (maximum power point tracking) software program for maximizing the solar panel's energy collected by the solar panel. In some embodiments, the MPPT program is used to initially decrease and then increase the operating voltage of the solar panel when sunlight is present, thereby finding the voltage with the maximum power from the solar panel.

[0191] 11 shows an example flowchart of steps performed in an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) program 7000 according to an example embodiment. In this example, the MPPT program 7000 performs the following steps: (a) Step 7100: Determine whether sunlight is detected by the solar panel; (b) Step 7200: If sunlight is detected, reduce the operating voltage of the solar panel component; (c) Step 7300: Determine whether the charging power of the battery component has increased; if so, continue with step 7200; otherwise, continue with step 7400; (d) Step 7400: Determining whether sunlight is still detected by the solar panel; (e) Step 7500: If sunlight is detected, increase the operating voltage; otherwise, continue at step 7550, i.e., stop charging the battery; (f) Step 7600: Determine whether charging power has increased; if so, continue with step 7500; otherwise, continue with step 7700; (g) Step 7700: Determine if sunlight is still detected, if sunlight is detected continue with step 7200, otherwise continue with step 7750, i.e. stop charging the battery.

[0192] In solar panel mode, the operating voltage is generated by the solar panel. When stationary, this voltage may be referred to as the "open circuit voltage." In some embodiments, the converter described in the previous example is responsible for setting the level within the range from 0V to the open circuit voltage.

[0193] In some embodiments, the change in operating voltage is measured, for example, every 1 millisecond (ms), and if the measured operating voltage is lower than a predefined low voltage, for example, 15 ms, the system determines that sunlight has disappeared.

[0194] In some embodiments, the system measures the battery voltage and current. These values ​​are multiplied to obtain the battery charging power, calculated, for example, every millisecond. In some embodiments, after each power calculation, the operating voltage is adjusted in 1 PWM (pulse width modulation) steps over a series of steps. In some embodiments, when the power decreases by 2% from peak, the step polarity is switched to filter out spurious readings.

[0195] Example 2.8: Tamper-proof mode 8000

[0196] In some embodiments, the firmware of the solar lamp's MCU further includes a tamper-proof mode or program that allows the system to remain in a selected mode and prevents any individual from inadvertently tampering with the lamp's system settings. Thus, if the lighting system or lamp settings are tampered with, the user will not need to reset the lighting system or lamp. In some embodiments, the firmware is configured to allow the lamp to be switched between an intelligent mode that optimizes LED lumen levels in response to at least battery usage, a preset use mode that allows the user to manually control operation or customize lamp parameters, and another tamper-proof mode that prevents the user from changing the lamp's current settings (e.g., the preset use mode or the intelligent mode). In one embodiment, the tamper-proof mode is an "intelligent mode with tamper protection" that prevents the user from changing the lamp's current settings in the intelligent mode.

[0197] 12 shows a flowchart of the steps performed by the tamper-proof program 8000 according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the tamper-proof program 8000 performs the following steps: (a) Step 8100: Continuing in intelligent mode, determine whether a button is pressed; (b) Step 8110: If pressed, determine whether the press is a predefined short press, in some embodiments a predefined short press is a press for a predefined time (e.g., 10 seconds) or less, in some embodiments the predefined time is 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, 11 seconds, 12 seconds, 13 seconds, 14 seconds, or 15 seconds or more.

[0198] (c) Step 8120: If the press is a short press, continue in a preset use mode (step 8121) that allows the user to manually control operation or customize the lamp parameters; otherwise, turn on the LED element using the current lumen parameters (step 8130) and continue with step 8140, where in some embodiments the preset use mode allows for the selection of light intensity. In embodiments, the preset use mode is the "auto-on mode" or "always on mode" described in previous embodiments.

[0199] (d) Step 8140: Determine whether the press is a predefined long press, which in some embodiments is a press that is longer than a predefined time (e.g., 10 seconds).

[0200] (e) Step 8150: If the press is a long press, the operation indicator flashes rapidly; otherwise, continue at step 8100.

[0201] (f) Step 8160: Determine whether the button has been released, if so continue with step 8170, otherwise the operation indicator will flash rapidly.

[0202] (g) Step 8170: Continuing in a tamper-proof mode that does not disable the user from manually controlling the operation of the lamp, and continuing with step 8180; (h) Step 8180: Determine whether a button is pressed; (i) Step 8190: If pressed, determine whether the press is a predefined short press (e.g., 10 seconds or less), if the press is a short press, continue with step 8170, otherwise continue with step 8200; (j) Step 8200: Determine whether the press is a long press (e.g., 10 seconds or more); (k) Step 8210: If the press is a long press, the operation indicator flashes rapidly; otherwise, continue with step 8170; and (l) Step 8220: Determine whether the button is released, if so, continue with step 8100, otherwise the operation indicator flashes rapidly.

[0203] This allows the lamp to be switched between an intelligent mode, a preset use mode (personalized or manual), and a tamper-proof mode. In one embodiment, the lamp can be switched between (1) an intelligent mode (with or without tamper protection), (2) a personalized model, (3) a manual mode, and (4) an off mode (which turns the lamp off).

[0204] Example 2.9: Intelligent mode 9000

[0205] In some embodiments, the MCU firmware is configured to control operation of the solar lamp in an intelligent mode that optimizes lamp operation and maximizes performance and user experience. In some embodiments, the intelligent mode ensures continuous LED lighting throughout the night, automatically reducing LED lumen output when user demand is expected to be low and automatically increasing LED lumen output when user demand is highest.

[0206] Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown a flowchart 9000 illustrating steps performed during intelligent mode according to an exemplary embodiment in which the following steps are performed:

[0207] In step 9100 , the software determines whether the current voltage 9101 at the solar panel element is less than a predefined low voltage 9102 .

[0208] In step 9200, if the current voltage 9101 is less than the predefined low voltage, the software determines whether the current time 9201a has reached the first predetermined time period 9202 before the saved night start time 9203.

[0209] In step 9300, if the current time 9201a reaches the first predetermined time period 9202, the software performs the following operations: (1) save the current time 9201a as the current night start time 9301 and save the current battery level 9302 as the current battery start level 9303; and (2) a.Current battery start level 9303, b. Saved battery end level 9306 (i.e. last night's battery end level), c. Stored battery usage 9307 (i.e., last night's battery usage), and / or d. Calculating the projected battery usage 9304 according to one or more parameters of the target battery end level 9308; and

[0210] (3) a. The expected night length 9310, which can be a value stored from the previous night or a calculated value based on the current night start time 9301 and the stored night end time 9311; b. Expected Efficiency 9313, and / or c. Calculate the expected average LED lumen level 9309 according to the expected battery usage 9304 parameters from (2).

[0211] In step 9400, the software powers the LED elements based on the expected average LED lumen level 9309.

[0212] In step 9500 , the software determines whether the current voltage 9101 ′ at the solar panel element is higher than a predefined high voltage 9501 .

[0213] If at step 9600 the voltage is above the predefined high voltage, the software continues to determine whether the current time 9201b has reached a second predetermined time period 9601 before the saved night end time 9311.

[0214] In step 9700, if the current time 9201b reaches the second predetermined time period 9601, the software performs the following operations: (1) save the current time 9201b as the current night end time 9701 and save the current battery level 9702 as the current battery end level 9703; (2) estimating a new expected night length 9704 by calculating and filtering the current night length 9705 based on the current night start time 9301 and the current night end time 9701; (3) estimating a new expected efficiency 9706 by calculating and filtering a current efficiency 9707 based on a current battery usage 9708 calculated based on a current battery start level 9303, a current battery end level 9703, and a current night length 9705; In step 9800, the software turns off the LED elements and continues at step 9100.

[0215] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, step 9400 includes: (a) providing 9410 a first power 9411 to an LED element at an enhanced LED lumen level 9412 from a night start time to a midnight time; (b) providing 9420 a second power 9421 to the LED element at a reduced LED lumen level 9422 from midnight to dawn; (c) providing 9430 a first power to the LED element at an enhanced LED lumen level from dawn to sunrise.

[0216] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15, step 9200 includes: (a) if the current time 9201c has not reached the first predetermined time period 9202, the software continues to determine the sum of the day length and night length for the same date and determines whether said sum is greater than the predetermined time period 9220; (b) If the time is greater than the predetermined time, the software restarts the lamp and continues with step 9100; otherwise, the software continues with step 9400; and

[0217] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, step 9700 includes: (a) if the current time 9201d has not reached the second predetermined time period 9601, the software continues to determine the sum of the day length and night length for the same date and determines whether said sum is greater than the predetermined time period 9620; (b) If it is greater than the predetermined time, the software restarts the lamp and continues with step 9100; otherwise, the software continues with step 9800; and

[0218] Intelligent Mode 9000'

[0219] The examples provided below are used as illustrative or exemplary embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive.

[0220] 17A-17C, there is shown a flowchart 9000' illustrating the steps performed during intelligent mode according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the software performs the following steps:

[0221] In step 9100', the lamp is set to intelligent mode, the solar panel collects solar energy during the daytime to generate an open circuit voltage, and the software determines whether the current voltage at the solar panel component is lower than a predefined low voltage. For example, the predefined low voltage is the open circuit voltage of the solar panel measured at production time at 10 Lux illuminance, which illuminance is generated by an incandescent lamp on the surface of the solar panel.

[0222] If the voltage is below the predefined low voltage, the software continues with step 9200' to determine whether the current time has reached the first predetermined time period before the stored night start time. In this example, the first predetermined time period is set to 24±2 hours (i.e., 22 to 26 hours) from the previously stored night start time. In other words, this step 9200' is used to determine whether the current time is between 22 and 26 hours from the previously stored night start time.

[0223] If the current time has reached the first predetermined time period, the software continues to step 9300'. If the current time has not reached the first predetermined time period, the software continues to step 9220'.

[0224] In step 9300', the software performs the following operations:

[0225] (1) Save the current time as the current night start time and the current battery level as the current battery start level;

[0226] (2) Calculate the expected battery usage (i.e., the expected battery usage that will be consumed in the upcoming night) using one or more of the following parameters or values: (iv) said current battery starting level; (ii) a stored battery end level, in this example the stored battery end level is the previous night's battery end level; (iii) stored battery usage, in this example, the stored battery usage is the stored value of the previous night's battery usage; and / or (iv) Target Battery End Level: In this example, the target battery end level is a predefined desired or ideal target value for battery level at the end of the night. For example, the target battery end level may be 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more of full battery level. In one embodiment, the target value is approximately 35%.

[0227] (3) Calculate the expected average LED lumen level according to one or more of the following parameters: (i) The predicted night length calculated based on the current night start time and the stored (previous) night end time. In one example, the calculation is completed by extrapolating based on one or more previously stored data (historical data). In one example, if the lamp has not been used before and there is no historical data (first night), the calculated predicted night length is the predicted night length (for the upcoming night). Otherwise, the calculated predicted night length is filtered using a first-order low-pass infinite impulse response (IIR) filter, and the filtered value is used as the predicted night length for the next night.

[0228] (ii) Expected Efficiency. In one example, expected efficiency is calculated based on battery usage divided by the average lumen output of the previous night ("Average Lumen Output") multiplied by the length of last night ("Saved Night Length"). In some embodiments, the following formula is used to calculate expected efficiency: In one example, if the lamp has not been used before and there is no historical data (first night), the calculated efficiency is the predicted efficiency (for the upcoming night); otherwise, a first-order low-pass infinite impulse response (IIR) filter is used to filter the calculated result, and the filtered value is used as the efficiency for the next night; and / or (iii) The estimated battery usage calculated above.

[0229] In step 9400', the software powers the LED elements based on the predicted average LED lumen level calculated above. Using the predicted average LED lumen level (e.g., 300 lumens), the software is programmed to automatically allocate power to adjust the LED lumen level (the "current lumen setting") so that the lumen level matches the time of day when high illumination is required. In this example, in step 9410', the software first powers the LED elements at an enhanced LED lumen level (e.g., 400 lumens) from the current night start time until midnight. In some examples, midnight is predefined as a certain percentage (e.g., 40% to 60%) of the predicted night length has elapsed. In this example, midnight is 45% of the predicted night length. In some instances, if the calculated expected average LED lumen level is significantly higher than a predetermined value (e.g., a previous average lumen level of 300 lumens), the expected average LED lumen level may be further adjusted back to the previous average level (300 lumens) to save additional energy, thus achieving overnight illumination even during several consecutive days of bad weather, and more generally achieving more ideal and stable performance.

[0230] In step 9415', the software determines whether midnight has passed, for example, if more than 45% of the expected nighttime length has passed. If so, the software continues in step 9420', i.e., provides a second power to the LED elements at a reduced LED lumen level (e.g., 200 lumens) from midnight to dawn. In some embodiments, the reduced LED lumen level is calculated by multiplying the expected average LED lumen level by a factor (e.g., 1 / 8). In some embodiments, dawn is predefined as the time when a certain percentage of the expected nighttime length has passed. In this embodiment, dawn is the time when 90% of the expected nighttime length has passed.

[0231] In step 9425', the software determines whether dawn has passed, e.g., if more than 90% of the expected nighttime length has passed. If yes, the software continues in step 9430', i.e., first powering the LED elements at an enhanced LED lumen level (e.g., 400 lumens, the same as in step 9410') from dawn until sunrise.

[0232] In step 9500', the software determines whether the current voltage at the solar panel element is greater than a predefined high voltage.

[0233] If it is higher than the predefined high voltage, the software continues at step 9600', i.e., determines whether the current time has reached a second predetermined time period before the saved night end time, which in this example is set to two hours before the saved night end time.

[0234] If the current time has reached the second predetermined time period, the software continues to step 9700'. If the time has not been reached, the software continues to step 9620'.

[0235] In step 9700', the software performs the following operations:

[0236] (1) Save the current time as the current night end time and save the current battery level as the current battery end level. In some embodiments, the current night end time is stored in memory and used as the saved night end time for the next night.

[0237] (2) Estimate a new expected night length by calculating and filtering the length of the current night based on the current night start time and the current night end time. In some examples, after calculating the length of the current night, the calculated value is filtered using a first-order low-pass infinite impulse response (IIR) filter, and the filtered value is used for the upcoming night.

[0238] (3) Estimate a new predicted efficiency ("current efficiency") by calculating and filtering the current efficiency based on the current battery usage ("used energy") calculated from the current battery start level, the current battery end level, and the current night length ("night length"). In some examples, after calculating the current efficiency, the calculated value is filtered using a first-order low-pass infinite impulse response (IIR) filter, and the filtered value is used for the upcoming night (i.e., becomes the predicted efficiency for the next night). In some examples, the current efficiency is further calculated based on wear of components (e.g., the battery and converter).

[0239] In step 9800', the software turns off the LED elements and continues at step 9100' for another day / night cycle.

[0240] In this example, the software is configured to perform a reasonability check on unstable detection of night / day transitions due to artificial lighting (e.g., car headlights, flashlights, etc.), which may be falsely detected as a night / day transition and prevent reliable detection of the actual transition. In some examples, this is accomplished by one or more of the following steps:

[0241] As described above, in step 9200', if the current time has not reached the first predetermined time period, the software continues to step 9220'. In some embodiments, the predetermined time is set to 0.5 hours, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, or 5 hours from sunset. In this example, the predetermined time in step 9200' is set to 2 hours from sunset. In this case, significant deviations from previous data are not considered.

[0242] In step 9220', the software determines the total day length or duration (the sum of the day length and night length for the same date) and determines whether said sum is greater than a predetermined time (e.g., 48 hours). If said sum is greater than the predetermined time, then in step 9230' the software restarts the lamp and continues with step 9100'; otherwise, the software continues with step 9400'. In another example, the duration is calculated by the difference between the current night end time and the previous night end time. For clarity, "restarting" the lamp means resetting the lamp to its initial settings / parameters that are permanently stored in the MCU. In one embodiment, a power cycle of the MCU erases all volatile memory, effectively restoring all parameters to factory default values.

[0243] Similarly, as described above, in step 9600', if the current time has not reached the second predetermined time period, the software continues to step 9620'. In some embodiments, the second predetermined time period is set to 0.5 hours, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, or 5 hours from sunrise. In this example, the predetermined time period is set to 2 hours from sunset.

[0244] In step 9620', the software determines the sum of the day length and night length for the same date and determines whether said sum is greater than a predetermined time (e.g., 48 hours). If said sum is greater than the predetermined time, then in step 9630' the software restarts the lamp and continues with step 9100'; otherwise, the software continues with step 9700'.

[0245] In some embodiments, the device provides a preset value to the device when freshened up or after a reset / restart. In some embodiments, the energy / battery usage for the first night is preset to half of the energy / battery available at the start of the first night. In some embodiments, the night duration for the first night is assumed or preset to be 12 hours (without calculations or filtering).

[0246] In some embodiments, the efficiency factor is assumed to be equal to the system's medium-term level. In some embodiments, the system requires 1-14 days to accumulate enough efficiency data for the value to stabilize after initial start-up, depending on the extent to which the default value deviates from actual current conditions (e.g., depending on weather, season, location, and / or equipment / component wear, such as the wear state of the battery and / or converter).

[0247] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are now fully described. While the description has referred to particular embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced with variations of these specific details. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0248] Apparatuses / systems / methods discussed in different figures may be in addition to or interchangeable with methods in other figures. Furthermore, specific data values ​​(e.g., specific quantities, numbers, categories, etc.) or other specific information should be construed as illustrative for discussing example embodiments. Such specific information is not provided to limit the example embodiments.

[0249] For example, in some embodiments, a solar lamp includes more than one LED element or other lighting element.

[0250] For example, an optional USB interface module is provided as an alternative means of charging the battery, but other modules such as Lightning and micro USB can also be used.

[0251] For example, in some embodiments, the MCU further includes a self-evaluation system operably connected to components (e.g., the battery component and the converter component) for evaluating and monitoring the current wear state of these components, which may be one of the additional parameters or values ​​for calculating and predicting lamp efficacy.

[0252] For example, a microcontroller may include a processing unit (e.g., a microprocessor, ASIC, FPGA, GPU, CPU, processing core, etc.), one or more input / output (I / O) devices, one or more communication interfaces (e.g., USB, IEEE802.3x, IEEE802.11x, IEEE802.16x, GSM, CDMA, TDMA, GPS, IR, Bluetooth, ZIGBEE, SPI, I2C, etc. types of interfaces), one or more programming (e.g., I / O) interfaces, and one or more communication buses for interconnecting these components with various other components. In some examples, the one or more communication buses include circuitry for controlling communication between the interconnected system components.

[0253] For example, the memory includes high-speed random access memory such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random access solid-state memory devices. In some examples, the memory includes non-volatile memory such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state storage devices. The memory optionally includes one or more storage devices located remotely from the one or more processing units. The memory includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. In some examples, the memory or the memory's non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores programs, modules, and data structures, or a subset thereof including a selectable operating system and one or more modules. The operating system includes programs for handling various basic system services and performing hardware-related tasks.

Claims

1. An intelligent solar lamp, comprising: An LED component; Solar panel components; A battery component; a converter operably connected to the LED component, the solar panel component, and the battery component; and a microcontroller operably connected to the battery member and in electrical communication with the converter, wherein the microcontroller includes a memory having stored thereon an executable software program configured to control operation of the lamp.

2. 10. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the converter is a MOSFET half-bridge based converter.

3. 3. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller further includes a battery management system (BMS) configured to control the battery component, an LED driver system configured to control the LED component, and a solar panel driver system configured to control the solar panel component.

4. The lamp of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the microcontroller further includes a temperature sensor for measuring a battery temperature of the battery component, and the BMS is configured to control charging of the battery component in response to the battery temperature.

5. The software program is a battery fuel gauge indicator system configured to indicate a battery state of charge of the battery component; and / or The lamp of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a dimming unit system configured to control the lighting lumen output of the LED element.

6. a housing that contains or supports the LED component, the solar panel component, the battery component, the converter, and the microcontroller; With the base, a neck portion extending away from the base; 6. A lamp as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the neck portion includes a plurality of interlocking teeth, and the housing includes a grooved wheel that includes a plurality of grooves adapted to interact with the plurality of interlocking teeth, so that when the housing is connected to the neck portion, each interlocking tooth fits into a groove one by one to fix the position of the housing relative to the base.

7. 7. The lamp of claim 6, wherein the housing further includes a front cap opening, and the intelligent solar lamp further includes a filter mount attachable to the front cap opening, wherein the filter mount includes a slot for accommodating at least one filter.

8. The lamp of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the software program further comprises a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) system configured to maximize solar panel energy collected by the solar panel member.

9. The MPPT system includes: (a) determining whether sunlight is detected by the solar panel; (b) reducing the operating voltage of the solar panel component if sunlight is detected; (c) determining whether the charging power of the battery element has increased; (d) if so, continuing with step (b); otherwise, continuing with step (e); (e) determining whether sunlight is still detected by the solar panel; (f) increasing the operating voltage if sunlight is detected, otherwise stopping charging the battery; (g) determining whether the charging power has increased; (h) if so, continuing with step (f); otherwise, continuing with step (i); (i) determining whether sunlight is still detected; 10. The lamp of claim 8, further comprising: (j) if sunlight is detected, continuing with step (b); otherwise, stopping charging the battery so as to maximize energy collected by the solar panel.

10. further comprising a button operably connected to said microcontroller; 10. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the software program is further configured to enable the lamp to switch between an intelligent mode that optimizes LED lumen levels in response to at least battery usage, a preset use mode that allows a user to manually control the operation or customize parameters of the lamp, and a tamper-proof mode that prevents a user from changing the current settings of the lamp.

11. The software program further comprises: (i) continuing in said intelligent mode and determining whether said button was short pressed or long pressed and then released; (ii) continuing in the preset use mode if pressed briefly, and continuing in the tamper-proof mode if pressed and released; (iii) determining whether the button is further pressed and released; 11. The lamp of claim 10, further comprising: (iv) continuing with step (i) if released after the long press.

12. 12. The lamp of claim 11, wherein the software program further comprises the step of rapidly flashing the operating indicator if step (ii) and / or step (iv) is pressed and held until released.

13. The operation module includes: (1) determining whether the current voltage at the solar panel element is lower than a predefined low voltage; (2) if the voltage is lower than the predefined low voltage, determining whether the current time has reached a first predetermined time period before the stored night start time; (3) if the first predetermined time period is reached, (3.1) save the current time as the current night start time and save the current battery level as the current battery start level; （３．２） the current battery starting level; Stored battery end level, Stored battery usage, and / or Calculating the expected battery usage according to one or more parameters of the target battery end level; （３．３） expected nighttime length, Expected efficiency, and / or Calculating an expected average LED lumen level according to parameters of the expected battery usage from (3.2); (4) powering the LED elements based on the predicted average LED lumen level; (5) determining whether the current voltage at the solar panel member is higher than a predefined high voltage; (6) if the voltage is higher than the predefined high voltage, determining whether the current time has reached a second predetermined time period before the stored night end time; (7) if a second predetermined time period is reached, (7.1) save the current time from (6) as the current night end time and save the current battery level as the current battery end level; (7.2) estimating a new expected night length by calculating and filtering the length of the current night based on the current night start time and the current night end time; (7.3) estimating a new expected efficiency by calculating and filtering the current efficiency based on the current battery usage calculated from the current battery start level, the current battery end level, and the length of the current night; (8) turning off the LED element and continuing with step (1).

14. Step (4) is (4.1) providing a first power to the LED element at an enhanced LED lumen level from a night start time to a midnight time; (4.2) providing a second power to the LED element at a reduced LED lumen level from midnight to dawn; 14. The lamp of claim 13, further comprising: (4.3) providing the first power to the LED element at an enhanced LED lumen level from dawn to sunrise.

15. Step (3) is If the first predetermined time period has not been reached, (3.4) determining the sum of the day length and night length for the same date and determining whether said sum is greater than a predetermined time period; 15. The lamp of claim 13 or 14, further comprising the step of: (3.5) restarting the lamp and continuing with step (1) if the predetermined time is greater than the predetermined time; otherwise, continuing with step (4).

16. Step (7) is If the second predetermined time period has not been reached, (7.7) determining the sum of the day length and night length for the same date and determining whether said sum is greater than a predetermined time period; (7.8) If the predetermined time is greater than the predetermined time, restart the lamp and continue with step (1), otherwise continue with step (8).

17. A method of controlling the operation of an intelligent solar lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising: (1) determining whether the current voltage at the solar panel element is lower than a predefined low voltage; (2) if the voltage is lower than the predefined low voltage, determining whether the current time has reached a first predetermined time period before the stored night start time; (3) if the first predetermined time period is reached, (3.1) save the current time as the current night start time and save the current battery level as the current battery start level; （３．２） the current battery starting level; Stored battery end level, Stored battery usage, and / or Calculating the expected battery usage according to one or more parameters of the target battery end level; （３．３） expected nighttime length, Expected efficiency, and / or Calculating an expected average LED lumen level according to parameters of the expected battery usage from (3.2); (4) powering the LED elements based on the predicted average LED lumen level; (5) determining whether the current voltage at the solar panel member is higher than a predefined high voltage; (6) if the voltage is higher than the predefined high voltage, determining whether the current time has reached a second predetermined time period before the stored night end time; (7) if a second predetermined time period is reached, (7.1) save the current time from (6) as the current night end time and save the current battery level as the current battery end level; (7.2) estimating a new expected night length by calculating and filtering the length of the current night based on the current night start time and the current night end time; (7.3) estimating a new expected efficiency by calculating and filtering the current efficiency based on the current battery usage calculated from the current battery start level, the current battery end level, and the length of the current night; (8) turning off the LED element and continuing with step (1).

18. Step (4) is (4.1) providing a first power to the LED element at an enhanced LED lumen level from a night start time to a midnight time; (4.2) providing a second power to the LED element at a reduced LED lumen level from midnight to dawn; 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: (4.3) providing the first power to the LED element at an enhanced LED lumen level from dawn to sunrise.

19. Step (3) is If the first predetermined time period has not been reached, (3.4) determining the sum of the day length and night length for the same date and determining whether said sum is greater than a predetermined time period; 19. The method of claim 17 or 18, further comprising the steps of: (3.5) restarting the lamp and continuing with step (1) if the predetermined time is greater; otherwise, continuing with step (4).

20. Step (7) is If the second predetermined time period has not been reached, (7.7) determining the sum of the day length and night length for the same date and determining whether said sum is greater than a predetermined time period; (7.8) If the predetermined time is greater than the predetermined time, restart the lamp and continue with step (1), otherwise continue with step (8).

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